US20110108019A1 - Heliostat joint - Google Patents
Heliostat joint Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110108019A1 US20110108019A1 US13/001,855 US200913001855A US2011108019A1 US 20110108019 A1 US20110108019 A1 US 20110108019A1 US 200913001855 A US200913001855 A US 200913001855A US 2011108019 A1 US2011108019 A1 US 2011108019A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- heliostat
- axis
- recited
- joint
- pedestal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
- F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
- F24S30/455—Horizontal primary axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2030/10—Special components
- F24S2030/13—Transmissions
- F24S2030/135—Transmissions in the form of threaded elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a heliostat, and more particularly to a joint therefor.
- Current heliostats may have a relatively limited range of motion both in azimuth as well as in elevation.
- the relatively limited range of motion may require configuration changes for best operation at different field positions and at different latitudes. This may result in the use of different heliostat configurations in different fields or even in different parts of the same field to focus the sun's energy on the receiver.
- the relatively limited range of motion may also require some heliostats to reposition themselves 180 degrees at specific times during the day to continue tracking the sun. This action typically requires approximately 15 minutes during which the sun's energy is not captured.
- a heliostat according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a joint with a range of motion in both elevation and azimuth of more than 90 degrees.
- a heliostat includes a pedestal which defines a longitudinal axis, the pedestal defines a first radius.
- a first link is movably mounted to the pedestal about a first axis.
- a second link movably mounted to the first link about a second axis, the second axis displaced from the longitudinal centerline by at least the first radius.
- a heliostat includes a joint having a first member and a second member, wherein the first member has an axis of rotation that is skew to an axis of rotation of the second member, wherein the axis of the first member is offset a first distance from the axis of the second member, and wherein the second member has a radial length about the second axis at least approximately 1 ⁇ 2 of the first distance.
- FIG. 1 is a general schematic view of a solar power tower system for use with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heliostat
- FIG. 3A is a side view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a first position
- FIG. 3B is a top view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a second position
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first link for a joint for the heliostat
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second link for a joint for the heliostat
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the first link for a joint for the heliostat
- FIG. 7A is a side view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in the first position illustrating a drive system
- FIG. 7B is a top view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a second position illustrating a drive system
- FIG. 8 is a top expanded view of the drive system.
- FIG. 9 is a side expanded view of the drive system.
- a solar power tower system 20 includes a high concentration central receiver system 22 having a receiver 24 coupled to a tower structure 25 at a predetermined height above ground to receive solar radiation S from a multiple of sun-tracking mirrors or heliostats 26 .
- Molten salt or other thermal transfer fluid is communicated from a cold storage tank system 28 through the central receiver system 22 and heated.
- the heated thermal transfer fluid is then communicated to a hot storage tank system 30 .
- the hot thermal transfer fluid is pumped to a steam generator system 32 that produces steam.
- the steam drives a steam turbine/generator system 34 that creates electricity for communication to a power grid.
- the thermal transfer fluid is returned to the cold storage tank system 28 for storage until reheated in the central receiver system 22 while the steam is recovered through a condenser system 36 .
- the heliostat 26 generally includes a pedestal 40 , a joint 42 , a frame assembly 44 , and a heliostat array 46 .
- the pedestal 40 supports the joint 42 to permit articulation of the frame assembly 44 and thus the heliostat array 46 to track the sun and focus the solar radiation S as required.
- the pedestal 40 may be a generally cylindrical column which defines a longitudinal centerline A and a radius r 1 ( FIG. 3B ).
- a semi-spherical cap 48 in the disclosed, non-limiting embodiment tops the pedestal 40 .
- the joint 42 generally includes a first link 50 and a second link 52 .
- the first link 50 includes a first arcuate arm 54 with end pivots 54 A, 54 B and a second arcuate arm 56 with end pivots 56 A, 56 B.
- the end pivots 54 A, 54 B as illustrated define an initial elevation axis B and the end pivots 56 A, 56 B defines an initial azimuthal axis C (also illustrated in FIG. 4 ).
- the end pivots 54 A, 54 B are oriented relative the end pivots 56 A, 56 B such that axis B is transverse to axis C. In one non-limiting embodiment axis B is perpendicular to axis C.
- the second link 52 includes an arcuate arm 58 with end pivots 58 A, 58 B ( FIG. 5 ) which engages the end pivots 56 A, 56 B of the first link 50 (along axis C).
- the first link 50 ′ includes a single end pivot 56 C ( FIG. 6 ).
- the first link 50 is movably mounted to the pedestal 40 about axis B.
- the second link 52 is movably mounted to the first link 50 about axis C. That is, axis C is offset by at least the column radius r 1 relative to the longitudinal centerline A by axis B to achieve a significant freedom of motion.
- the second link 52 positions the heliostat array 46 at least an additional radius r 1 from axis C to provide essentially unrestricted azimuth and elevation motion of the heliostat array 46 relative to the pedestal 40 .
- the joint 42 provides a significant range of motion in both elevation and azimuth. In one non-limiting embodiment, the range of motion is more than 90 degrees and typically approximately 180 degrees in both elevation and azimuth. It should be understood that the heliostat array 46 may be mounted asymmetrically as desired to optimize load and other operating characteristics and requirements.
- a drive system 70 attached between the pedestal 40 and the heliostat array 46 at two points e, f on the heliostat array 46 defines the orientation and position of the heliostat array 46 .
- the drive system 70 generally includes two drive rods 72 A, 72 B such as lead screws attached between the heliostat array 46 through mounts 74 A, 74 B and the pedestal 40 through offset aims 76 A, 76 B ( FIG. 7B ).
- the drive system 70 adjusts the heliostat array 46 relative to the pedestal 40 to provide articulation to utilize the range of motion provide by the joint 42 .
- the joint 42 essentially provides one point g in space for the heliostat array 46 .
- the mounts 74 A, 74 B By defining the two other points e, f as represented by the mounts 74 A, 74 B the definition and orientation of the heliostat array 46 plane is established. In this manner, there is no singularity point and no need to significantly realign the azimuth to continue tracking the sun. Instead, sun tracking is accomplished in a smooth and continuous manner.
- Each of the drive rod 72 A, 72 B are attached to the mounts 74 A, 74 B through joints 78 A, 78 B such as a ball-joint or U-joint to provide a universal connection therebetween.
- the mounts 74 A, 74 B support the respective joints 78 A, 78 B to permit rotation and articulation of the respective drive rod 72 A, 72 B to position the heliostat array 46 .
- each offset arm 76 A, 76 B generally includes a shoulder 80 , an arm 82 , a forearm 84 , a rotational bearing 86 , a wrist rotator 88 and a drive motor 90 .
- a pivot 92 between the shoulder 80 and the arm 82 permits movement of the arm 82 in a plane P transverse to the pedestal 40 and generally parallel to ground G ( FIG. 7A ). It should be understood the plane P may be alternatively oriented.
- the wrist rotator 88 is mounted to the forearm 84 through the rotational bearing 86 such that the wrist rotator 88 may rotate about the forearm 84 (illustrated schematically by axis F and arrow F).
- the rotational bearing 86 may essentially include a sleeve which permits rotation F.
- the wrist rotator 88 includes a turntable 96 which permits rotation (illustrated by arrow W) of the drive motor 90 and thus the drive rod 72 A about an axis W (also illustrated in FIG. 9 ). That is, the wrist rotator 88 supports the drive motor 90 through which the drive rod 72 may be extended and retracted along axis Y through, for example, a threaded engagement with the lead screw. It should be understood that other drive motors such as linear electric motors or other telescopic arrangements may alternatively or additionally be provided.
- the turntable 96 may include rotational couplings to communicate electrical power and controls signals to the respective drive motor 90 .
- the shoulder 80 , arm 82 and forearm 84 provide an offset to provide full motion and avoid overextension of the drive rod 72 A, 72 B.
- the arm 82 and forearm 84 may each be of a length which is at least equivalent to the radius r 1 .
- the arm 82 and forearm 84 may alternatively be of a longer or shorter length dependant in part on whether more or less than a 180 degree range of motion is to be provided.
- the drive rods 72 A, 72 B may be maintained in tension when extended and only experience compressive loading when at reduced extension.
- the joint 42 facilitates an extended operational range for the heliostat 26 with a robust drive system 70 for effective control and actuation of heliostat 26 .
- Unique maneuvers are avoided and relatively uncomplicated and reliable hardware supports the heliostat array 46 .
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Disclosure Ser. No. 61/089,843, filed Aug. 18, 2008.
- The present disclosure relates to a heliostat, and more particularly to a joint therefor. Current heliostats may have a relatively limited range of motion both in azimuth as well as in elevation. The relatively limited range of motion may require configuration changes for best operation at different field positions and at different latitudes. This may result in the use of different heliostat configurations in different fields or even in different parts of the same field to focus the sun's energy on the receiver.
- The relatively limited range of motion may also require some heliostats to reposition themselves 180 degrees at specific times during the day to continue tracking the sun. This action typically requires approximately 15 minutes during which the sun's energy is not captured.
- A heliostat according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a joint with a range of motion in both elevation and azimuth of more than 90 degrees.
- A heliostat according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a pedestal which defines a longitudinal axis, the pedestal defines a first radius. A first link is movably mounted to the pedestal about a first axis. A second link movably mounted to the first link about a second axis, the second axis displaced from the longitudinal centerline by at least the first radius.
- A heliostat according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a joint having a first member and a second member, wherein the first member has an axis of rotation that is skew to an axis of rotation of the second member, wherein the axis of the first member is offset a first distance from the axis of the second member, and wherein the second member has a radial length about the second axis at least approximately ½ of the first distance.
- Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosed non-limiting embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
-
FIG. 1 is a general schematic view of a solar power tower system for use with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heliostat; -
FIG. 3A is a side view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a first position; -
FIG. 3B is a top view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a second position; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first link for a joint for the heliostat; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second link for a joint for the heliostat; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the first link for a joint for the heliostat; -
FIG. 7A is a side view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in the first position illustrating a drive system; -
FIG. 7B is a top view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a second position illustrating a drive system; -
FIG. 8 is a top expanded view of the drive system; and -
FIG. 9 is a side expanded view of the drive system. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , a solarpower tower system 20 includes a high concentrationcentral receiver system 22 having areceiver 24 coupled to atower structure 25 at a predetermined height above ground to receive solar radiation S from a multiple of sun-tracking mirrors orheliostats 26. Molten salt or other thermal transfer fluid is communicated from a coldstorage tank system 28 through thecentral receiver system 22 and heated. The heated thermal transfer fluid is then communicated to a hotstorage tank system 30. When power is required, the hot thermal transfer fluid is pumped to asteam generator system 32 that produces steam. The steam drives a steam turbine/generator system 34 that creates electricity for communication to a power grid. From the steam generator, the thermal transfer fluid is returned to the coldstorage tank system 28 for storage until reheated in thecentral receiver system 22 while the steam is recovered through acondenser system 36. It should be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, any arrangement which makes use of heliostats will also benefit from the present disclosure. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , theheliostat 26 generally includes apedestal 40, ajoint 42, aframe assembly 44, and aheliostat array 46. Thepedestal 40 supports thejoint 42 to permit articulation of theframe assembly 44 and thus theheliostat array 46 to track the sun and focus the solar radiation S as required. - Referring to
FIG. 3A , thepedestal 40 may be a generally cylindrical column which defines a longitudinal centerline A and a radius r1 (FIG. 3B ). Asemi-spherical cap 48 in the disclosed, non-limiting embodiment tops thepedestal 40. - The joint 42 generally includes a
first link 50 and asecond link 52. Thefirst link 50 includes a firstarcuate arm 54 withend pivots arcuate arm 56 withend pivots end pivots end pivots FIG. 4 ). Theend pivots end pivots - The
second link 52 includes anarcuate arm 58 withend pivots FIG. 5 ) which engages theend pivots first link 50′ includes asingle end pivot 56C (FIG. 6 ). - The
first link 50 is movably mounted to thepedestal 40 about axis B. Thesecond link 52 is movably mounted to thefirst link 50 about axis C. That is, axis C is offset by at least the column radius r1 relative to the longitudinal centerline A by axis B to achieve a significant freedom of motion. Thesecond link 52 positions theheliostat array 46 at least an additional radius r1 from axis C to provide essentially unrestricted azimuth and elevation motion of theheliostat array 46 relative to thepedestal 40. By using the elevational axis B to achieve the offset, thejoint 42 provides a significant range of motion in both elevation and azimuth. In one non-limiting embodiment, the range of motion is more than 90 degrees and typically approximately 180 degrees in both elevation and azimuth. It should be understood that theheliostat array 46 may be mounted asymmetrically as desired to optimize load and other operating characteristics and requirements. - Through the unique combination of kinematics, a full range of smooth and continuous motion with no singularity conditions is achieved. The range of motion avoids any unique non-sun gathering maneuvers.
- Referring to
FIG. 7A , adrive system 70 attached between thepedestal 40 and theheliostat array 46 at two points e, f on theheliostat array 46 defines the orientation and position of theheliostat array 46. Thedrive system 70 generally includes twodrive rods heliostat array 46 throughmounts pedestal 40 throughoffset aims FIG. 7B ). - The
drive system 70 adjusts theheliostat array 46 relative to thepedestal 40 to provide articulation to utilize the range of motion provide by the joint 42. The joint 42 essentially provides one point g in space for theheliostat array 46. By defining the two other points e, f as represented by themounts heliostat array 46 plane is established. In this manner, there is no singularity point and no need to significantly realign the azimuth to continue tracking the sun. Instead, sun tracking is accomplished in a smooth and continuous manner. - Each of the
drive rod mounts joints mounts respective joints respective drive rod heliostat array 46. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , each offsetarm shoulder 80, anarm 82, a forearm 84, arotational bearing 86, awrist rotator 88 and adrive motor 90. Apivot 92 between theshoulder 80 and thearm 82 permits movement of thearm 82 in a plane P transverse to thepedestal 40 and generally parallel to ground G (FIG. 7A ). It should be understood the plane P may be alternatively oriented. - The
wrist rotator 88 is mounted to the forearm 84 through therotational bearing 86 such that thewrist rotator 88 may rotate about the forearm 84 (illustrated schematically by axis F and arrow F). Therotational bearing 86 may essentially include a sleeve which permits rotation F. - The
wrist rotator 88 includes aturntable 96 which permits rotation (illustrated by arrow W) of thedrive motor 90 and thus thedrive rod 72A about an axis W (also illustrated inFIG. 9 ). That is, thewrist rotator 88 supports thedrive motor 90 through which the drive rod 72 may be extended and retracted along axis Y through, for example, a threaded engagement with the lead screw. It should be understood that other drive motors such as linear electric motors or other telescopic arrangements may alternatively or additionally be provided. Theturntable 96 may include rotational couplings to communicate electrical power and controls signals to therespective drive motor 90. - The
shoulder 80,arm 82 and forearm 84 provide an offset to provide full motion and avoid overextension of thedrive rod arm 82 and forearm 84 may each be of a length which is at least equivalent to the radius r1. Thearm 82 and forearm 84 may alternatively be of a longer or shorter length dependant in part on whether more or less than a 180 degree range of motion is to be provided. Thedrive rods - The joint 42 facilitates an extended operational range for the
heliostat 26 with arobust drive system 70 for effective control and actuation ofheliostat 26. Unique maneuvers are avoided and relatively uncomplicated and reliable hardware supports theheliostat array 46. - It should be understood that like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings. It should also be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will benefit herefrom.
- Although particular step sequences are shown, described, and claimed, it should be understood that steps may be performed in any order, separated or combined unless otherwise indicated and will still benefit from the present disclosure.
- The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Various non-limiting embodiments are disclosed herein, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that various modifications and variations in light of the above teachings will fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described. For that reason the appended claims should be studied to determine true scope and content.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/001,855 US20110108019A1 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-08-18 | Heliostat joint |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US8984308P | 2008-08-18 | 2008-08-18 | |
PCT/US2009/054124 WO2010022027A2 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-08-18 | Heliostat joint |
US13/001,855 US20110108019A1 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-08-18 | Heliostat joint |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110108019A1 true US20110108019A1 (en) | 2011-05-12 |
Family
ID=41707625
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/001,855 Abandoned US20110108019A1 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-08-18 | Heliostat joint |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110108019A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102124284A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010022027A2 (en) |
Cited By (9)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US8168931B1 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2012-05-01 | Concrete Systems, Inc. | Solar tracking device |
US20130061845A1 (en) * | 2011-09-12 | 2013-03-14 | Zomeworks Corporation | Radiant energy driven orientation system |
CN103472851A (en) * | 2012-06-09 | 2013-12-25 | 张建民 | Practical and intelligent sun following system |
US20140230804A1 (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2014-08-21 | The University Of Western Ontario | Solar tracker |
US20150211768A1 (en) * | 2014-01-30 | 2015-07-30 | Jasem M K Th Sh Al-Enizi | Sun tracking solar energy collection system |
US20150292773A1 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2015-10-15 | Stellenbosch University | Support structure for multiple heliostats |
US9746207B1 (en) * | 2011-03-16 | 2017-08-29 | Solarreserve Technology, Llc | Tracking modules including tip/tilt adjustability and construction features |
US11251745B2 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2022-02-15 | Nevados Engineering, Inc. | Articulating joint solar panel array |
US11869487B1 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2024-01-09 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Allocation of local and remote resources for speech processing |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP3179177A1 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2017-06-14 | Marco Antonio Carrascosa Perez | Heliostat with an improved structure |
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Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8168931B1 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2012-05-01 | Concrete Systems, Inc. | Solar tracking device |
US9746207B1 (en) * | 2011-03-16 | 2017-08-29 | Solarreserve Technology, Llc | Tracking modules including tip/tilt adjustability and construction features |
US20130061845A1 (en) * | 2011-09-12 | 2013-03-14 | Zomeworks Corporation | Radiant energy driven orientation system |
US9945586B2 (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2018-04-17 | The University Of Western Ontario | Solar tracker |
US20140230804A1 (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2014-08-21 | The University Of Western Ontario | Solar tracker |
CN103472851A (en) * | 2012-06-09 | 2013-12-25 | 张建民 | Practical and intelligent sun following system |
US20150292773A1 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2015-10-15 | Stellenbosch University | Support structure for multiple heliostats |
US9759452B2 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2017-09-12 | Stellenbosch University | Support structure for multiple heliostats |
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US9255725B2 (en) * | 2014-01-30 | 2016-02-09 | Jasem M K Th Sh Al-Enizi | Sun tracking solar energy collection system |
US11251745B2 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2022-02-15 | Nevados Engineering, Inc. | Articulating joint solar panel array |
US11728761B2 (en) | 2014-12-12 | 2023-08-15 | Nevados Engineering, Inc. | Articulating joint solar panel array |
US11929705B2 (en) | 2014-12-12 | 2024-03-12 | Nevados Engineering, Inc. | Articulating joint solar panel array |
US11869487B1 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2024-01-09 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Allocation of local and remote resources for speech processing |
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WO2010022027A3 (en) | 2010-06-17 |
CN102124284A (en) | 2011-07-13 |
WO2010022027A2 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
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