A window blind is disclosed. The window blind includes a slat having a convex curved surface. The window blind also includes a solar cell module having solar cells and being attached to the convex curved surface of the slat. The carrier generating portions of the solar cells are made of a thin film group III-V compound semiconductor that can be bent, so that the solar cells can be attached to the convex curved surface. The length of the curved surface of the solar cell module in the longitudinal direction is at least half the length of the curved surface of the slat in the longitudinal direction. The solar cell module is disposed eccentrically to one side with respect to the transverse centerline of the slat.

In illustrative modes of practice, heliostat devices integrate light reflecting panels with a composite supporting structure that helps to provide the resultant assembly with structural integrity and stiffness. Light reflecting panels are coupled to the supporting, composite structure by a plurality of flexible connecting elements. Advantageously, the composite approach of the present invention effectively separates structural and thermal compensation functions. Specifically, the composite support structure helps to provide desired structural properties. In the meantime, the flexible connecting elements couple the top, light reflecting panel to the support structure in a manner that helps to isolate the top, light reflecting panel from thermal stresses that otherwise could cause undue slope errors.

A robotic actuator comprises a mass manufactured bellows, wherein the mass manufactured bellows allows a volume change by localized bending, and wherein the mass manufactured bellows is formed from a material that has a higher strength in at least two axes relative to at most one other axis, and an end effector, wherein the end effector is coupled to the manufactured bellows.

A module bracket includes first and second mounting clips (202, 204) that are spaced from each other along the pitch of a roofing surface. An inlet (212) to the first mounting clip (202) faces or projects in the general direction that the second mounting clip (204) is spaced from the first mounting clip (202). An inlet (212) to the second mounting clip (204) faces or projects in the general direction that the first mounting clip (202) is spaced from the second mounting clip (204). A second module flange (134) of a first photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the first mounting clip (202) of the module bracket. A first module flange (128) of a second photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the second mounting clip (204) of this same module bracket.

A system for collecting and storing solar energy as heat. In some embodiments, the system includes heat transfer passages for collecting and transferring heat, as well as ways of arranging passages to minimize thermal losses and redistribute heat. In some embodiments, the system includes an all-reflective solar collector with a largely clear aperture, using multiple light transfer conduits that rotate with the collector.

A robotic actuator comprises a mass manufactured bellows, wherein the mass manufactured bellows allows a volume change by localized bending, and wherein the mass manufactured bellows is formed from a material that has a higher strength in at least two axes relative to at most one other axis, and an end effector, wherein the end effector is coupled to the manufactured bellows.

A solar actuator comprises a top coupler, a bottom coupler, and a plurality of fluidic bellows actuators, wherein a fluidic bellows actuator of the plurality of fluidic bellows actuators moves the top coupler relative to the bottom coupler.

The present invention provides a solar heat collecting device having good heat collection efficiency. A uniaxial solar-tracking reflective mirror group is arranged such that each longitudinal axis thereof faces the same direction. A first biaxial solar-tracking reflective mirror group and a second biaxial solar-tracking reflective mirror group are arranged lined up in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of uniaxial solar-tracking reflective mirrors. The uniaxial solar-tracking reflective mirror group is arranged so as to be sandwiched on both sides by the first biaxial solar-tracking reflective mirror group and the second biaxial solar-tracking reflective mirror group. Each mirror group sends solar heat received during uniaxial or biaxial tracking in accordance with the position of the sun, to a heat collecting device.

A solar actuator comprises a top coupler, a bottom coupler, and a plurality of fluidic bellows actuators, wherein a fluidic bellows actuator of the plurality of fluidic bellows actuators moves the top coupler relative to the bottom coupler.

A module bracket includes first and second mounting clips (202, 204) that are spaced from each other along the pitch of a roofing surface. An inlet (212) to the first mounting clip (202) faces or projects in the general direction that the second mounting clip (204) is spaced from the first mounting clip (202). An inlet (212) to the second mounting clip (204) faces or projects in the general direction that the first mounting clip (202) is spaced from the second mounting clip (204). A second module flange (134) of a first photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the first mounting clip (202) of the module bracket. A first module flange (128) of a second photovoltaic module (120) is slid into the second mounting clip (204) of this same module bracket.