Systems and methods for harnessing resources

Abstract

The present invention relates to, among other items, a concentrating reflector comprising: a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having a radiant-energy-absorbing structure of one or more material-processing or food-processing devices positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone, for example, a beverage-brewing device such as for brewing coffee or tea; a kernel-popping device such as for popping popcorn, among others. The present invention further discloses collapsible, nesting reflector apparatus, whereby a plurality of the apparatus, when in a collapsed condition, are compactly stackable to facilitate portage and storage. The present invention also discloses improved methods for enabling solar energy to be used to prepare edible materials for human consumption.

1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and   (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector,   
       wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having a radiant-energy-absorbing structure of one or more material-processing devices positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one material-processing device is selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) a beverage-brewing device;   (b) a kernel-popping device;   (c) a steamer device;   (d) a grilling device;   (e) a griddle device;   (f) a multi-sided iron device;   (g) a baking device;   (h) a pasteurizing device;   (i) a coverable vessel;   (j) a vessel having an insulating transparent envelope covering at least a portion of the energy-absorbing structure; and   (k) a combination thereof.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the material-processing device is a beverage-brewing device comprising a pulse-type or drip-type coffee maker having a heating element with a radiant-energy-absorbing surface positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the material-processing device is a kernel-popping device comprising a vessel having a radiant-energy-absorbing surface positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone and a kernel stirring device. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the material-processing device is a kernel-popping device comprising an air-popper type popcorn popper, for which a radiant-energy-absorbing air-heating device is positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone of the reflector to provide a source of heated air, and a solar-powered fan device is configured to provide both a kernel stirring function and a popped-kernel extraction function. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one material-processing device is selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) a vessel or compartment having a radiant-energy-absorbing air-heating device;   (b) a vessel with a steam-activated signal device;   (c) a vessel with a temperature-activated signal device;   (d) a vessel with a pressure-activated signal device;   (e) a vessel with a temperature-activated control device;   (f) a pressurizable vessel with a temperature-activated control device;   (g) a pressurizable vessel with a pressure-activated control device;   (h) a pressurizable vessel with a pressure-relief valve;   (i) a vessel having an insulating transparent envelope covering at least a portion of the energy-absorbing structure;   (j) a vessel having a solar-powered stirring device;   (k) a vessel having a solar-powered fan device; and   (l) a combination thereof.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having an off-axis light attenuator device. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the structure comprising the safety member is configured to also provide the off-axis light attenuation. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus, comprising:
 (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy;   (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector; and   (c) a support structure for supporting and orienting the reflector,   
       wherein the apparatus is further characterized as being collapsible, and 
       wherein the apparatus, when in a collapsed condition, is stackable to facilitate portage and storage. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the reflector is rigid; wherein the safety member and support structure comprise one or more collapsible frameworks, and wherein, when in a collapsed state, a first incidence of the apparatus is nestably stackable in relation to a second incidence of the apparatus to enhance portage and storage. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the apparatus further includes a focal point support for supporting an item in proximity to the focal point or focal zone defined by the apparatus. 
     
     
         12 . A method of enabling solar energy to be used to prepare edible material for human consumption, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing or deploying, or providing and deploying, a container of pre-packaged edible material, the container having a radiant-energy-absorbing surface,   
       wherein, when the container is deployed by exposing the radiant-energy-absorbing surface to radiant solar energy, the edible material is prepared for consumption via heating as radiant solar energy striking the radiant-energy-absorbing surface warms the container and the edible material contained therein. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the method is characterized as having a providing step, and wherein the providing step further includes providing instructions for using radiant solar energy to prepare the pre-packaged edible material. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the method is characterized as having a providing step, and the provided container further comprises an insulating transparent envelope disposed over the radiant-energy-absorbing surface. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the radiant solar energy is concentrated radiant solar energy. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the pre-packaged edible material comprises un-popped kernels of corn, and wherein, when the container is exposed to concentrated radiant solar energy, the un-popped kernels of corn explode or pop to become popped corn suitable for human consumption. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the method is characterized as having a deploying step, wherein the container of pre-packaged edible material is deployed by exposing the radiant-energy-absorbing surface of the container to radiant solar energy. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the radiant solar energy is concentrated radiant solar energy. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the concentrated radiant solar energy is provided by a concentrating reflector apparatus. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the concentrating reflector apparatus has a detuned surface to limit the degree of concentration, to enhance uniformity of heating, or both. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the concentrated radiant solar energy is provided by a concentrating reflector apparatus comprising:
 (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and   (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector.   
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the pre-packaged edible material comprises un-popped kernels of corn, and wherein, when the container is exposed to concentrated solar radiation, the un-popped kernels of corn explode or pop to become popped corn suitable for human consumption.