Geometrical instruments – Straight-line light ray type – Celestial
Reexamination Certificate
2001-08-08
2003-02-25
Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Straight-line light ray type
Celestial
C033S0010DD
Reexamination Certificate
active
06523270
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus configured to simulate the directional and parallelity aspects of sunlight falling on a three dimensional model for any specified combination of latitude, time of day, and day of the year.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heliodons were originally configured to be operated indoors using an artificial light source to simulate the effect of sunlight falling on a model. Subsequent heliodon designs were developed that used the sun as the source of light. Heliodons of the second type enable the model to be positioned relative to the sun for a specified day, time, and latitude. The heliodon is operated by adjusting and holding the apparatus to the desired day and time as indicated on a shade dial. The shade dial is set to the desired latitude and mounted on the model. A similar method includes mounting a sundial onto the model and subsequently mounting the model onto a tripod. The mounted sundial is set to the desired latitude. The desired simulated day(s) and time(s) for casting sunlight onto the building model are obtained by manipulating and fixing the components of the tripod, such that sunlight falling onto the sundial indicates the desired day and time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides an apparatus for use with a source of light, the apparatus comprising a first orientation device including a latitude scale, a latitude pointer rotatable about a first axis relative to the latitude scale, and a platform configured to support an architectural model. The platform is mounted on the latitude pointer such that rotation of the pointer about the first axis produces a corresponding change in the position of the platform relative to the latitude scale.
The apparatus also includes a second orientation device that includes a time scale and a time pointer rotatable about a second axis relative to the time scale. The first orientation device is mounted on the time pointer such that rotation of the time pointer about the second axis produces a corresponding change in the position of the platform relative to the time scale without changing the position of the platform relative to the latitude scale.
The apparatus further includes a third orientation device that includes a day of the year scale, a gnomon operatively oriented relative to the day of the year scale, and a universal joint supporting the third orientation device for movement relative to a source of light.
The second orientation device is mounted on the third orientation device such that movement of the third orientation device on the universal joint produces a corresponding change in the position of the platform relative to the source of light without changing the position of the time pointer relative to the time scale or the position of the platform relative to the latitude scale.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2328456 (1943-08-01), Humphreys
patent: 3068574 (1962-12-01), Bieg
patent: 3090124 (1963-05-01), Fruhling
patent: 3568320 (1971-03-01), Potter
patent: 4103429 (1978-08-01), Wagoner
patent: 4237611 (1980-12-01), Wurch et al.
patent: D267837 (1983-02-01), Migani et al.
patent: D271824 (1983-12-01), Massaro
patent: 4457296 (1984-07-01), Klann
patent: 4470820 (1984-09-01), Mori
patent: 4645354 (1987-02-01), Mercer
patent: 4881899 (1989-11-01), Derome
patent: 4890269 (1989-12-01), Buckner et al.
Cheung, K. P et al., “A Light Duty Universal Direct Sunlight Heliodon”, Architectural Science Review, vol. 39, Dec. 1996, pp. 187-191.
Cheung, K P et al., “A 23-Lamp Heliodon”, Architectural Science Review, vol. 42, Mar. 1999, pp. 49-54.
Dufton, A.F. et al., Orientation of Buildings, Notes by the Science Standing Committee, “Sun Planning by Means of Models”, Journal of the Royal Institute Of British Architects, May 16, 1931, pp. 509-510.
Olgyay and Olgyay, “Solar Control & Shading Devices”, Princeton University Press, 1957, pp. 26-27; 42-43.
Robbins, C L, “Daylighting Design & Analysis”, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1986, pp. 227-228 and photos C-4, C-6, C-7, C-8.
Strahler, A N, “Physical Geography”, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 6th edition, 1975, pp. 83-85.
Fulton Christopher W.
Jones Day Reavis & Pogue
University of Hong Kong
LandOfFree
Universal heliodon-sundial does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Universal heliodon-sundial, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Universal heliodon-sundial will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3165072