Self-contained, electromagnetic radiation or solar driven tracking device and method utilizing thermal transpiration

Abstract

Various aspects of apparatus and methods are disclosed. The apparatus includes a carrier have first and second portions extending in opposite directions from a carrier axis. The apparatus further includes first and second objects, the first object being carried by the first portion of the carrier and the second object being carried by the second portion of the carrier, wherein each of the first and second objects are configured to cooperatively rotate the carrier about the carrier axis by thermal transpiration to track an electromagnetic radiation source.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a spindle having a plurality of weighted objects configured to rotate about a spindle axis and move in upward and outward directions in response to an electromagnetic radiation source; and   an impact absorbing object and a ratcheting device, wherein the impact absorbing object is coupled to the ratcheting device, and wherein the ratcheting device is configured to rotate about the spindle axis in response to contact between the weighted objects and the impact absorbing object.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of claim  27 , wherein the ratcheting device is further configured to incrementally rotate about the spindle axis. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of claim  27 , further comprising hinged members, wherein the plurality of weighted objects are each coupled to the spindle by the hinged members, and wherein the hinged members are configured to bend, causing the weighted objects to move in the outward and upward directions. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of claim  27 , further comprising an integrated mechanical thermostat device coupled to the spindle, wherein the spindle is configured to stop rotating when the integrated mechanical thermostat device faces the electromagnetic radiation source, and wherein the spindle is further configured to rotate so long as the integrated mechanical thermostat device does not face the electromagnetic radiation source. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of claim  30 , further comprising a plurality of secondary objects attached to the spindle, wherein each of the plurality of secondary objects comprises a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the first side is darker the second side, and wherein the first side of the plurality of secondary objects is configured to experience a repelling force in response to the electromagnetic radiation source.