Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric – Photoelectric – Panel or array
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-05
2002-04-23
Diamond, Alan (Department: 1753)
Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric
Photoelectric
Panel or array
C136S291000, C136S293000, C136S245000, C307S064000, C307S150000, C307S151000, C320S101000, C323S906000, C323S221000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06376764
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The field of the present invention relates: generally to substitute electrical energy power packs; more particularly to substitute electrical power packs utilizing a solar energy source; and most specifically to substitute electrical power packs utilizing a solar energy source in replacement of conventional batteries as the energy source in electronic devices.
2. General Background
A wide range of electronic devices are typically powered by conventional batteries, i.e. ‘dry cells’ inclusive of disposable and rechargeable types, which are considered to be expensive in both economic and environmental terms as disposal, replacement, and the energy content required of manufacture and recharging is inevitable.
It is considered that avoidance of the expense in economic and environmental terms in disposal, replacement, and the energy content required of manufacture and/or recharging is desirable.
References Cited
Patent #
Inventor
Date
Title
DT 2 732 417
Krause
Feb 1979
Power Supply For
Electronic Apparatuses
US 4,434,395
Higuchi
Feb 1984
Solar Cell Power Supply
Circuit
US 4,634,953
Shoji et al.
Jan 1987
Electronic Equipment With
Solar Cell
US 5,793,184
O'Connor
Aug 1998
Solar Power Supply Unit
For Battery Operated
Devices
US 5,898,932
Zurlo et al.
Apr 1999
Portable Cellular Phone
With Integral Solar Panel
Ching-Hsing Luo
Solar Cell Battery Replacement
January 5, 2001
Unit
Discussion of the References Cited
Krause discloses a “power supply” “chiefly intended for . . . pocket calculators, measuring instruments, and clocks” (English Abstract) utilizing photovoltaic cells, “normally arranged in two banks of opposite polarity” connected to the first of two capacitors through a first switch, the connection between the two capacitors being through a “voltage sensitive switch” which closes after the first capacitor has attained a ‘set’, i.e. predetermined, voltage level. Similarly, when the second capacitor has attained a set voltage level a third switch connects the same to load. Use of two capacitors is considered to provide increased speed in obtaining sufficient charge for operation.
Higuchi discloses a ‘solar cell power supply circuit’ which utilizes a capacitor as a “back up”, i.e. reserve, to the photovoltaic cell(s) which supply of power to a large scale integrated circuit (LSI) such as found in a calculator. A voltage sensitive switch for the solar supply connects the capacitor to the load when required preferably with an associated alarm indicating this condition.
Shoji et al. disclose use of a voltage converter between a capacitor and load and, preferably, between the solar cell supply and the capacitor in which case the conversion is to a “predetermined voltage” while in the first it is to “a (first) voltage which is lower than the charged voltage of the capacitor and higher than a minimum operating voltage of the load” (Abstract). A “quick start means” (claim 1) divides solar cell output between the capacitor and the voltage converter between the capacitor and the load when the capacitance is below the first voltage.
O'Connor discloses use of a solar cell array connected to a “DC-DC converter” (Abstract), or voltage multiplier (Claim 1) for the supply of power to a rechargeable cell or cells at an appropriate voltage level which is considerably higher than that output by the solar cell array.
Zurlo discloses a ‘portable cellular phone with integral solar panel’ “coupled to the rear face” and “adapted to convert ambient light into electric power” (Abstract) which is supplied to at least one rechargeable battery which powers the phone. A recharging base with AC input is required and reverse current flow from the batteries, or recharging base, to the solar panel is “precluded” by “an array of diodes” (Claim 1).
Statement of Need
While the use of solar power supplied to a capacitor for powering a calculator or similar integrated circuit (IC) is known, and the use of solar power for recharging batteries in a electronic apparatus is also known in the prior art, there is no disclosure of a solar cell unit utilizing capacitance for storage which would operate in substitution or replacement of batteries. The prior art is cognizant of electronic apparatus with a solar cell and capacitance circuit connected to a particular IC load or use of solar cells as an auxiliary for recharging batteries but not as a unit generating electricity from photovoltaic cells and stored for discharge through the contacts intended for batteries which is necessary for replacement of conventional batteries by photovoltaic generation of electricity and for which a poignant need is hence discerned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Objects of the Invention
The encompassing object of the present invention is the provision of a substitute electrical power source for conventional, disposable and rechargeable, batteries, in electronic devices.
The primary auxiliary object of the present invention is the provision of a substitute electrical power source for conventional batteries which is practically inexhaustible.
The primary ancillary object of the present invention is the provision of a substitute electrical power source for conventional batteries which utilizes solar energy.
A secondary auxiliary objective of the present invention is the provision of a substitute electrical power source for conventional batteries which is less expensive economically than the utilization of conventional batteries inclusive of both disposable and rechargeable types.
A secondary ancillary object of the present invention is the provision of a substitute electrical power source for conventional batteries which does not require the repeated purchase of disposable batteries for operation of an electronic device over an extended period.
Another secondary ancillary object of the present invention is the provision of a substitute electrical power source for conventional batteries which requires neither the utilization of standard electrical power nor transformation of alternating to direct current for recharging rechargeable batteries for operation of an electronic device over an extended period.
Another secondary auxiliary objective of the present invention is the provision of a substitute electrical power source for conventional batteries which is environmentally benign in comparison with conventional batteries.
Other secondary ancillary objects of the present invention include the provision of a substitute electrical power source for conventional batteries which relies upon neither the repeated disposal of disposable batteries nor the utilization of standard electrical power for recharging rechargeable batteries for operation of an electronic device over an extended period.
Principles Relating to the Present Invention
In achievement of the above stated objectives it is considered that a solar panel be utilized to supply electrical current to a relatively large capacitor utilized to power an electronic device through electrical contacts possessed by said electronic device intended for transmitting current from at least one conventional battery. As these electrical contacts are invariably located inside a cavity intended to hold at least one battery a cartridge is suggested which contains the capacitor and other associated circuitry, dimensioned to fit inside this battery cavity, which possesses exterior electrical contacts dimensioned to make contact with the electrical contacts possessed by said electronic device, i.e. possessing a linear dimension therebetween substantially equivalent to the linear dimension between the contacts of the conventional battery or batteries replaced thereby.
It is further considered that the cartridge has one exposed exterior surface when fitted into the battery cavity and that this exposed surface may be utilized for the disposition of the solar panel. This exposed cartridge surface, however, is only substantially equivalent in area to the battery cavity cover invariably provided with an electronic device intended to operate upon the electricity su
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