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Energy collection deviceRelated Patent Categories: Stoves And Furnaces, Solar Heat Collector, With Means To Convey Fluent Medium Through Collector, Conduit Absorber Structure, Having Heat-absorbing Fin Or PlateEnergy collection device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070131222, Energy collection device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to energy collection devices, and more particularly to an energy collection device that can harness solar energy as heat or electricity. BACKGROUND [0002] Solar power involves methods of harnessing energy from sun light. It has become of increasing interest as environmental costs and limited supplies of other power sources, such as fossil fuels, are realized. Traditional methods of harnessing solar power involve great expensive and complicated solar cells such as photovoltaic semiconductor cells for producing electricity from solar energy. For most people, the solar cells are cost prohibitive and, therefore, impractical. Thus, there exists a need for a simple, efficient, and easy-to-use energy collection device that can be readily constructed and installed in residential or commercial settings. SUMMARY [0003] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is an energy collection device capable of absorbing thermal energy, the energy collection device comprising a housing; a passage within the housing having a first and a second end; said passage adapted to contain a fluid, having a first heat energy, wherein the passage accepts the fluid through a first end thereof such that the fluid may absorb thermal energy within the passage and directs the fluid, having a second heat energy, through the second end of the passage. In one embodiment the energy collection device may be elevated (e.g., over a roof) or in a second embodiment the energy collection device may act as the surface (e.g., the roof). [0004] The types of fluid that can be used include water and viscous fluids like oil, or antifreeze. As set forth in more detail below, the energy collection device can also be incorporated within an energy collection system. [0005] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an energy collection device elevated over a roof of a structure; [0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an energy collection device mounted to a wall of a structure; [0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an energy collection device functioning as a walkway cover; [0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of barrier devices for the energy collection devices of FIGS. 1-3; [0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an energy collection device in a home or building; and [0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a collection device positioned above a boiler situated in a laundromat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0012] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. [0013] Initial reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates a perspective view of an energy collection device 100 elevated over a roof 102. The energy collection device 100 incorporates a tube or pipe 104 having an inlet 106 and an outlet 108 for circulating fluids such as water through the housing. The pipe 104 can also circulate viscous fluids like oil, antifreeze, or other viscous fluids capable of absorbing and transferring heat. Alternatively, the pipe 104 can circulate gaseous fluids such as xenon and argon. Although only a single pipe 104 is illustrated, there can be multiple pipes 104 and/or loops or coils of pipes 104 having multiple inlets 106 and/or outlets 108 in a pre-established or arbitrary arrangement. The pipe 104 can be fabricated of clear plastic, copper, metallic alloy, or any appropriate material for optimal thermal absorption. The use of a black-colored pipe 104 or painted pipe 104 increases the rate of heat absorption and the ability of the fluid to retain solar heat generated by the sun 101. The housing 110 may be manufactured of wood, plastic, or other materials with a high specific heat like stone, concrete, or adobe. Optionally, fiberglass and other protective materials (not shown) can be used to insulate the pipe 104. Although the housing 110 of the energy collection device 100 is shown rectangular in shape, it can take any shape as necessary to collect radiant energy from the sun 101. [0014] As illustrated, the energy collection device 100 is elevated and maintained in position by support posts 112. The support posts 112 allow the device 100 to be positioned on a structure without having to remove roofing shingles or other composite roofing materials. The support posts 112 are metal or plastic with one end coupled to the housing 110 and the other end coupled to the roof 102. Screws and other fasteners can be used to connect the support posts 112 to the roof 102 and the housing 110. The gap or spacing created between the energy collection device 100 and the roof 102 allows the energy collection device 100 to first function as a shade or an awning for the roof 102. In other words, the energy collection device 100 not only reduces the amount of heat or sunlight exposure 101 at the rooftop surface 102, the spacing created by the support posts 112 also allows convection airflow over the roof 102 thereby dissipating heat near the rooftop surface 102. [0015] Alternatively, the energy collection device 100 or multiple such devices can be used as roofing materials in place of shingles and other composite roofing materials. In order to do so, the housing 110 of the energy collection device 100 must be constructed of a sturdy material, such as aluminum, copper, or other metallic alloy that is strong enough to support a person's weight such that people are able to walk on the housing(s) without damaging or collapsing the same. [0016] The basic operation of the energy collection device 100 is as follows. While elevated over the roof 102, the energy collection device 100 is exposed to the sun's energy in the form of visible and ultraviolet light. The energy collection device 100 also collects other forms of energy including but not limited to rising heat from inside the house, energy emanating from the earth's surface (not shown), and energy waves and radiant energy from celestial bodies and gravitational forces exerted thereon (not shown). The collective energy sources provide thermal energy to heat the fluid within the pipe 104. The heated fluid is circulated through the pipe 104 within the energy collection device 100. The heated fluid can then be distributed for domestic hot water use, for heating a building, or can be transferred or stored for other uses. The efficiency of the energy collection and absorption depends on various factors including the material used to fabricate the pipe 104 and housing 110, as well as any insulation that may surround the pipe 104. [0017] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which illustrates a perspective view of an energy collection device 100 mounted to a wall 114 on a side of a building (not shown). The energy collection device 100 can also be mounted to fences, floors, windows, awnings, patio covers, swimming pool covers, walkway covers, or any area where energy collection and/or shade is desirable. Additionally, the energy collection device 100 can be mounted to the different surfaces without support posts 112. As described above, the energy collection device 100 can be manipulated into any shape necessary to accomplish the objective of maximum energy collection and absorption, and can also be shaped (e.g., parabolic) to intentionally capture a certain spectrum of solar radiation. The energy collection device 100 can also be employed to minimize heat and energy loss by insulating buildings and vehicles, and are ideal for farms, ranches, laundromats, Indian reservations and military bases. [0018] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows a perspective view of a walkway cover 100' elevated over a ground surface 116 and constructed of an energy collection device 100. Similarly, the energy collection device 100 can serve as patio cover elevated over a backyard cement slab 116. As illustrated, the energy collection device 100 has a pipe 104 with an inlet 106 and an outlet 108 similar to that previously described. The energy collection device 100 is maintained by support posts 112 as described above, whereby the height and size of the support posts 112 can be adjusted accordingly. In this embodiment, the support posts 112 are at least seven foot tall to allow people to walk comfortably under the walkway cover 100. Like the housing 100 shown in FIGS. 1-2, the walkway cover housing 110 can be plastic, metallic, or comprise a single-pane or double-pane glass having high ultraviolet transmittance characteristics. For a single-pane glass housing 110, the glass can be tinted or painted on both sides to increase its heat absorption efficiency. For a double-pane glass housing 110, the glass can also be tinted or painted to increase heat transfer or light absorption. Furthermore, gaseous fluids (not shown) between the double-pane glass housing 110 may be maintained in an excited state to reduce nighttime heat loss. As described above, the walkway cover 100 collects heat and energy from the sun 101 and transfer it for immediate use at the point of collection with its pipe circulation system, while also shading and blocking the amount of radiation and exposure to sunlight 101 thereunder. [0019] FIG. 4 illustrates barrier devices 118 that can be placed at the edges of the energy collection devices 100 illustrated in previous figures. The barrier devices 118 can be made of glass, plastic, or acrylic, and function like panel sidings by insulating the areas shaded by the energy collection device 100. The barrier devices 118 can be sized to form walls for the energy collection device 100 such that the barrier devices 118 trap air and insulate the area between the energy collection device 100 and the respective roof 102, wall 114, or ground 116, thereby minimizing heat loss to the atmosphere. The subsequent increase in the roof 102 or wall 114 insulation translates into lower heating bills. Continue reading about Energy collection device... Full patent description for Energy collection device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Energy collection device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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