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Energy concentration and collection devicesRelated Patent Categories: Stoves And Furnaces, Solar Heat Collector, With Means To Convey Fluent Medium Through Collector, Conduit Absorber Structure, Absorber Having Extended Surface, Corrugated SurfaceEnergy concentration and collection devices description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070131223, Energy concentration and collection devices. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/302,475 filed on Dec. 13, 2005 entitled "Energy Collection Device," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to energy concentration and collection devices, and more particularly to an energy concentration and collection device that can harness solar energy as heat or electricity. BACKGROUND [0003] 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 [0004] 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). [0005] 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. [0006] In yet another embodiment, an energy concentration device includes a plurality of lenses and/or prisms about a housing for focusing the solar radiation generated during the day and at night. Ideally, the energy collection device and the energy concentration device can be used in combination. However, the devices can also be used independently. [0007] 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 [0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an energy collection device elevated over a roof of a structure; [0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an energy collection device mounted to a wall of a structure; [0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an energy collection device functioning as a walkway cover; [0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of barrier devices for the energy collection devices of FIGS. 1-3; [0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an energy collection device in a home or building; [0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a collection device positioned above a boiler situated in a laundromat; [0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an energy concentration device; and [0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an energy concentration device in a home or building. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] 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. [0017] 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. [0018] 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. 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