Importance

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Abstract

A heliostat for the collection of solar energy while resting on a surface is disclosed, comprising a rigid disk having an exposed surface, a back surface, and a circular peripheral edge connecting the exposed surface to the back surface. The peripheral edge includes a plurality of wheels each having a rotational axis substantially tangent to the circular peripheral edge of the disk. Each wheel is driven by an electric motor electrically connected to a power source. A hollow, substantially transparent spherical enclosure contains the rigid disk. Each wheel of the disk frictionally engages an inner surface of the enclosure such that rotation of the any of the wheels changes the orientation of the disk within the enclosure. A control circuit is electrically disposed between the power source and each motor. The control circuit includes a direction setting means for causing the motors to orient the exposed surface substantially facing a commanded direction. A rigid frame is included for supporting the enclosure and disk on the surface.

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First Claim