The present invention relates to an optical system for concentrating incoming light comprising a plurality of concentrating optical elements (100) with a front surface (102) arranged to receive incoming light and a back surface (103) arranged to exit light, wherein the front surface is larger than the back surface. Adjacent concentrating optical elements are separated by gaps (101) and the refractive index of the material in a concentrating optical element is higher than the refractive index of the gap. The geometry of the concentrating optical elements is optimized to enhance the light concentration.

A transportation network for providing propellant in space can include optical mining vehicles that concentrate solar energy to spall captured asteroids, capture released volatiles, and store them in reservoirs as propellants. The network can also have orbital transfer vehicles that use solar thermal rocket modules that focus solar energy on heat exchangers to force propellant through nozzles, as well as separable aeromaneuvering tanker modules with reusable heatshields and storage tanks. The network can have propellant depots positioned between Earth and a transport destination. The depots can mechanically couple to accept propellant delivery and to supply it to visiting space vehicles.

Apparatus, methods and systems of wireless power distribution are disclosed. Embodiments involve the redirection of collimated energy to a converter, which stores or converts the energy into a more suitable form of energy for at least one specific point-of-use that is coupled to the converter.

A light guide apparatus that can redirect light impinging on the apparatus over a wide range of incident angles and can concentrate light without using a tracking system and methods for fabrication. This apparatus uses conditions of total internal reflection and refraction near the critical angle for total internal reflection (near TIR) in order to trap light within the apparatus.

An electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus is described herein. The electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus facilitates directing light from an exterior of a structure to an interior of a structure. The directed light is then distributed as necessary within the structure for heating, illumination, or is stored for use at a later time.

A transportation network for providing propellant in space can include optical mining vehicles that concentrate solar energy to spall captured asteroids, capture released volatiles, and store them in reservoirs as propellants. The network can also have orbital transfer vehicles that use solar thermal rocket modules that focus solar energy on heat exchangers to force propellant through nozzles, as well as separable aeromaneuvering tanker modules with reusable heatshields and storage tanks. The network can have propellant depots positioned between Earth and a transport destination. The depots can mechanically couple to accept propellant delivery and to supply it to visiting space vehicles.

An electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus is described herein. The electromagnetic radiation collecting and directing apparatus facilitates directing light from an exterior of a structure to an interior of a structure. The directed light is then distributed as necessary within the structure for heating, illumination, or is stored for use at a later time.

A device suitable for use as a scanning directional radio receiver or transmitter.

A solar concentrator utilizes an arrangement of an outer reflective ring around a centrally located inner reflective cone to concentrate light. The reflective surface of the outer reflective ring is substantially 45 degrees from a transmitted light source. Light from the light source is reflected off of the outer reflective ring to produce a reflected light having a light reflective axis. The reflected light is directed toward the inner reflective cone and is reflected off of the reflective surface of the inner reflective cone as transmitted light toward alight receiver. The reflective surface of the inner reflective cone is configured at 45 degrees from the light reflective axis. The light receiver may convert the transmitted light into electricity or heat a fluid or other article. A solar tracker may be used to keep the central axis of the solar concentrator aligned with the sun.

A solar panel assembly (10) having a stand (30), a solar panel platform (20, 120) and one or more directional mechanisms (40; 404, 414) connecting the stand (30) with the solar panel platform. One or more optical elements (50; 161, 162) are provided at all or portions of the edges (24) of the platform around the solar panel directing the light under the platform (20, 120) or towards its underside (22), and then to the ground (31) under or near the solar panel assembly. One or more of the optical elements (161, 162) are mounted on an inner side of a profile (160). The profile (160) is connected via a web (164) to the solar panel platform (120) and the web is connected with a drive within the platform. The connection of the web extends the profile from the platform creating a passage (124) between the profile and the platform.