United States Patent No. 7,430,077, issued today.

This device works in conjunction with a skylight.  With an array of mirrors, it seeks to direct sunlight through a skylight.  A solar tracking device adjusts the angular position of the mirrors to keep them facing the sun.  The motor itself is powered by a solar array so that no external power source is needed.

I like this idea - making a “passive” solar device such as a skylight more “active”.

Download U.S. Patent No. 7,430,077

United States Patent No. 7,429,805, issued today.

I think the technology area tackled by this patent is very important.  Most of the time, when we think of the importance of alternative energy sources, we are thinking about how to generate large amounts of power, so as to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, etc.

This patent deals with an important, yet not often talked about environmental impact - all of the batteries used in all of the remote sensors in all types of settings.  Whenever there is a sensor that is not connected by wires, you can bet that there is a battery involved.  Not only do these batteries need to be changed periodically, but they often result in the accumulation of hazardous materials in our landfills and in our ground water.

This patent takes on this problem by seeking to harness external energy to generate the minute amount of power necessary to operate the sensors, and fulfill on it’s task of transmitting data to its intended source.

Download U.S. Patent No. 7,429,805