Abstract: A method and apparatus for pumping deeper water from a large body of water to an upper portion thereof using wave energy, thereby increasing nutrients at said upper portion and thus the fish populations thereof.

Abstract: A point absorber wave energy apparatus is provided. The point absorber wave energy apparatus includes first and second devices. The first device being a surface float. The second device a submerged body. Linkages are provided between the first and second devices so that energy resulting from relative motion between the two devices is extracted. The apparatus may be tuned to the prevailing sea conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electricity using a hydro-hydraulic gravitational generator. In such a system, a main housing that is disposed in deep water may be exposed to deep water pressure. A piston disposed in the main housing may be raised as water enters the main housing. Water passing through water turbines generate electricity in this phase. After the piston is raised to its highest point within the main housing, the main housing may be exposed to atmospheric pressure such that the gravitational force on the piston expels the water that was just drawn in. The expelling water also may generate electricity by being passed though water turbines. The cycle may be repeated and electricity may be continuously generated.

Abstract: A tidal barrier is provided that may be selectively deployed in response to tidal changes. The tidal barrier includes a net having a tensile membrane with an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge has a plurality of anchor points for affixing the lower edge to a seabed below a body of water. The tidal barrier further includes a bladder affixed to the upper edge and having a valve for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder. The bladder has a sufficient volume to cause the upper edge of the membrane to rise to a surface of the body of water when the volume is inflated with a gas. A pump is disposed in proximity to the tensile membrane and is in fluid communication with the valve of the bladder. The pump has a controller for selectively prompting the pump to inflate and deflate the bladder with the gas.

Abstract: A wave energy converter for compressing air from the movement of waves of a body of water is provided. The wave energy converter includes a middle cylinder upon which an upper cylinder slides thereon and in which a lower cylinder slides therewithin. An upper and lower compression chamber disposed within the upper and lower cylinders allows air to be drawn therewithin and compressed when the upper and lower cylinders are moved relative to the middle cylinder as waves progress through their wavelength from crest to trough and vice versa.

Abstract: Systems, processes, and techniques for harnessing the dynamic energy of a fluid body may be used to generate electric power. In particular implementations, harnessing the dynamic energy of a fluid body may include the ability to follow movements of a fluid body and pressurize a volume of fluid due to following the movement. The pressurized volume of fluid may be used, at least in part, to drive an electrical power generator.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for harnessing ocean wave energy and for converting the harnessed energy to high pressure sea water, typically above 100 psi and preferably above 800 psi. The high pressure seawater generated by the apparatus (10) can be piped to shore for use in any appropriate purpose. The apparatus (10) comprises a float (12) buoyantly suspended within the body of seawater (1) and a pump (13) operatively connected to the float (12). The pump (13) comprises an intake chamber (47), a discharge chamber (49) and a piston (61) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) comprises a tube (63) having a flow passage (102) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) and discharge chamber (49) cooperate to define a pumping chamber (100) adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to reciprocatory motion of the piston. The piston (61) is operatively connected to the float (12) to be driven by upward movement of the float.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The pump includes an input port through which an operating fluid can enter the pump and an output port through which the operating fluid can exit the pump. A first outlet line and a second outlet line are fluidly coupled to the output port of the pump. A first reservoir is fluidly connected to the first outlet line, and a second reservoir is fluidly connected to the second outlet line, both reservoirs being selectively capable of receiving operating fluid driven through the output port.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a buoyancy pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The buoyancy pump includes a buoyancy block that reciprocally moves in response to wave motion to pump an operating fluid that is delivered to a turbine to produce electricity. The buoyancy block is preferably sized such that a diameter of the buoyancy block is no less than about one-sixth a wavelength and no greater than about one wavelength of an average wave for a region in which the buoyancy pump is operated.

Abstract: The high pressure fluid pump includes a driver defined by a float riding on the waves of a sea surface, a fluid pump housing, an impeller operatively attached to the driver and disposed within the fluid pump housing, a backflow check system connected to the fluid pump housing, and an outflow check system controlling the pressure, volume of fluid flow, and direction of fluid flow to various other systems. The pump may be used to pump fluids other than seawater and may include features multiplying pumping mechanical advantage for a given tidal range.

Abstract: A fluid pressurization unit compresses a fluid in response to natural wave action on a body of water such as an ocean. The unit comprises a floating component and a piston assembly. The floating component has sufficient buoyancy to float on water waves and has a compression chamber with an inlet valve biased to receive a fluid at an intake pressure. The piston assembly is slidable within the compression chamber and has a piston shaft and a hollow piston head attached to the piston shaft, which defines a piston reservoir therein with an inlet valve in communication with the compression chamber and biased to receive the fluid at an output pressure, and an outlet for discharging fluid pressurized to at least the output pressure from the pressurization unit. The piston assembly is fixable in place relative to the floating component such that relative movement between the floating component and piston assembly compresses fluid from the intake pressure to at least the output pressure.

Abstract: A Self Priming Gravity Wave Water Pump, Double Acting, vertically Self Adjusting incorporating a Submerged Column Platform as shown in FIG. 4A, the submerged column platform (22) can be tethered (28) or secured by a pivot to a weight (29) or fixed into the water bed (31). The column (22) can be incorporated into an additional submerged water filled column chamber (23), to operate as a hydraulic tidal adjustable column platform. The Gravity Wave Pump (9) is a wave energy converter using wave energy in the form of wave motion to displace a float (2), to lift the pumps reciprocating piston (12) and uses gravity, causing a weight (3) to push a piston down as the wave passes. The pump could pressurise piped water to a head of up to 100 metres or more and could pump pressures in excess of 150 pounds per square inch when adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A fluid pressurization unit compresses a fluid in response to natural wave action on a body of water such as an ocean. The unit comprises a floating component and a piston assembly. The floating component has sufficient buoyancy to float on water waves and has a compression chamber with an inlet valve biased to receive a fluid at an intake pressure. The piston assembly is slidable within the compression chamber and has a piston shaft and a hollow piston head attached to the piston shaft, which defines a piston reservoir therein with an inlet valve in communication with the compression chamber and biased to receive the fluid at an output pressure, and an outlet for discharging fluid pressurized to at least the output pressure from the pressurization unit. The piston assembly is fixable in place relative to the floating component such that relative movement between the floating component and piston assembly compresses fluid from the intake pressure to at least the output pressure.

Abstract: A system and method generating electricity includes converting wave motion into mechanical power. A fluid matter is driven as a function of the mechanical power to a reservoir. The fluid matter is flowed from the reservoir. At least a portion of a kinetic energy of the flowing fluid matter is converted into electrical energy. The fluid matter may be liquid or gas.

Abstract: A point absorber wave energy apparatus includes first and second devices, the first device being a surface float and the second a submerged body. Linkages are provided between the two devices so that energy resulting from relative motion between the two devices can be extracted. The apparatus may be tuned to the prevailing conditions by enabling the submerged body to trap volumes of the surrounding liquid.

Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a vessel comprising a main cover comprising at least a first outlet opening adapted for connection to a pipe, and a second opening surrounded by a flat region adapted for placement of a gasket; an access cover comprising a flat region adapted for mating with the flat region of the main cover; and provisions for the sealing of at least one cord passing between the main cover and the access cover. In other embodiments, the cover assembly is provided with an engagement feature adapted for engagement with a hook-shaped hanger rod. Sewage basin assemblies are also provided which incorporate these cover assemblies.

Abstract: A modular near-shore wave-powered energy collection system, which includes a plurality of connected modules, each module including at least one flotation device and at least one OWC, wherein each OWC is connected to a common pressure manifold and a common vacuum manifold and the common pressure manifold and the common vacuum manifold are connectable to a device.

Abstract: A device for capturing power in a wave of a body of water and converting it to useful form. The device includes a housing portion having an opening for receiving flow from a wave in a body of water, and an engine portion within said housing adapted to be acted upon by the flow from the wave, thereby producing electricity. The device also includes at least one float portion to position the device at a desired depth within a body of water.

Abstract: A cover assembly for covering a vessel comprising a main cover comprising at least a first outlet opening adapted for connection to a pipe, and a second opening surrounded by a flat region adapted for placement of a gasket; an access cover comprising a flat region adapted for mating with the flat region of the main cover; and provisions for the sealing of at least one cord passing between the main cover and the access cover. In other embodiments, the cover assembly is provided with an engagement feature adapted for engagement with a hook-shaped hanger rod. Sewage basin assemblies are also provided which incorporate these cover assemblies.

Abstract: A wave pump device (1) comprising a pump part (2) connected to a pontoon (4, 50), wherein the pump part (2) is further connected to at least one submerged water anchor (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the surface temperature of a large body of water by pumping deeper cooler water to an area near the surface. The deeper cooler water can be pumped using a self-deploying pump which is powered by waves which travel across the surface of the large body of water.

Abstract: A pressurization device is described mobilizing gravity to mobilize seawater and to employ a weight (56) for gravitionally applying a force to and thereby pressurizing an enclosed pocket (58) of seawater, resulting in low energy utilisation. Energy is further recovered from the flow of pressurized seawater that is supplied to the desalination system (20), resulting in a mechanically robust and energy efficient pressurization system.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping and compressing fluids using floats which ride on the tides, swells and waves of the sea lowering an impeller by gravity when the tide falls and discharging fluid through back flow prevention valves above impeller when sea level rises for any reason. Pump will deliver sea water at any selected pressure determined by buoyancy of floats. Increasing buoyancy increases discharge pressure or lift or volume. Sea water pump is open to sea on inlet side when pumping sea water. Sea water seeks its own level rising to sea surface through impeller and back flow prevention valve. When pumping other fluids, pump is not open to sea and connects to fluid sources of supply. The pump is modified to prevent leakage to sea when pumping all other fluids. Fluid volume lift is increased by adding tidal range multipliers to pump and increasing float buoyancy making it possible to deliver greater volumes of fluids each time tide rises.

Abstract: A buoyancy pump device for use in fluid. The buoyancy pump device includes a buoyancy block housing defining a buoyancy chamber therein through which the fluid may flow. A buoyancy block is disposed within the buoyancy chamber to move axially therein in a first direction responsive to rising of the fluid in the buoyancy chamber and a second direction responsive to lowering of the fluid in the buoyancy chamber. A piston cylinder is connected to the buoyancy block housing and has at least one valve disposed therein operating as an inlet in response to movement of the buoyancy block in the second direction and an outlet in response to movement of the buoyancy block in the first direction.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a buoyancy pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The buoyancy pump includes a buoyancy block that reciprocally moves in response to wave motion to pump an operating fluid that is delivered to a turbine to produce electricity. The buoyancy block is preferably sized such that a diameter of the buoyancy block is no less than about one-sixth a wavelength and no greater than about one wavelength of an average wave for a region in which the buoyancy pump is operated.

Abstract: A submersible power plant 10 comprises a submersible enclosure 12 having at least one intake valve 16 for admitting water at high pressure from the surrounding sea into and air space in the enclosure. An air shaft from the air space 96 is in communication with the atmosphere for maintaining the air space at approximately one atmosphere. A pump for evacuating water collected in the enclosure includes a buoy 62 responsive to ocean swells. A piston shaft 58 connected to the buoy reciprocates in the center bore 60 of a vertical column 52 extending upward from the bottom of the enclosure. As the piston shaft rises inflow valves 72 admit water in the enclosure into a valve housing 70 in communication with the center bore. As the piston shaft falls water is discharged from the valve housing into the sea through a discharge valve 80 in the bottom of the enclosure.

Abstract: A system and method generating electricity includes converting wave motion into mechanical power. A fluid matter is driven as a function of the mechanical power to a reservoir. The fluid matter is flowed from the reservoir. At least a portion of a kinetic energy of the flowing fluid matter is converted into electrical energy. The fluid matter may be liquid or gas.

Abstract: An omni-directional system configured to convert the kinetic and potential energy in ocean waves to electrical energy or in some special cases to other forms of energy such as heat, mechanical and pressure energy. The system employs a float moored by a single hydraulic cylinder anchored to the seabed. Wave energy is captured as the float is displaced vertically and horizontally in response to wave action extending the hydraulic cylinder that in turn forces fluid under high pressure to the float where appropriate valves, hydraulic accumulators, and variable displacement hydraulic motors are arranged to drive electric generators. A secondary benefit of the system is the reduction of near shore erosion.

Abstract: A gyro wave-activated power generator utilizing wave energy which has, as a component, a control moment gyro, and which comprises a floating body (1), a control moment gyro (5) supported by the floating body, and a power generator (10) connected to the gimbal shaft of the gyro through a gearing to increase speed(9), and is characterized by the gimbal (6) of the gyro being rotated by the movement of the floating body by wave energy to drive the power generator (10) for power generation.

Abstract: A buoyancy engine, including an upper casing, a lower casing, and a manifold separating the upper and lower casings. The manifold has internal and external control means, that control amounts of liquid entering and leaving the manifold and casings through a primary route and an alternate route. There is a variably ballasted power piston within the upper casing, into and out of which liquid ballast can be pumped to change its buoyancy. There is a liquid discharge piston within the lower casing, that can be coupled to the variably ballasted power piston to form a primary pump. There is also a backup pump that can be used when the primary pump fails. A mechanical slide valve controls the entrance and exit of liquid from the manifold through the primary route.

Abstract: A buoyancy pump device for use in fluid. The buoyancy pump device includes a buoyancy block housing defining a buoyancy chamber therein through which the fluid may flow. A buoyancy block is disposed within the buoyancy chamber to move axially therein in a first direction responsive to rising of the fluid in the buoyancy chamber and a second direction responsive to lowering of the fluid in the buoyancy chamber. A piston cylinder is connected to the buoyancy block housing and has at least one valve disposed therein operating as an inlet in response to movement of the buoyancy block in the second direction and an outlet in response to movement of the buoyancy block in the first direction.

Abstract: A tidal-powered desalinization system is mounted on a barge that oscillates about fixed pier structures, generating a two-way pumping action. The two-way pumping action is changed to a single direction flow of seawater. The sea water is directed into an on-board desalinization system. Fresh water is produced and collected in reservoirs, without an intervening generation of electricity.

Abstract: An improved wave energy converter for use in offshore and deep-sea locations. The wave energy converter is adapted for secure attachment to the bottom of a body of water (e.g., the ocean floor), preferably beyond the breaker zone. The wave energy converter is selectively adjustable in length. A hydraulic power generation system is used to convert the energy present in the waves into hydraulic power that can be use to generate electricity and for other purposes, such as desalinization. The system may include a hydraulic piston assembly, a floatation device that is connected to the piston assembly, high and low pressure hydraulic reservoirs, and a hydraulically driven power generator. The floatation device moves upward in response to rising waves, and downward under the force of gravity in response to falling waves. The system utilizes this downward gravitational force to discharge fluid from the piston assembly, which in turn, drives the power generator.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting energy contained in surface waves on a body of water to useful energy comprises a float from which is suspended a fully or effectively fully submerged inverted cup-shaped member having a closed top end and an open bottom end. Disposed within the top space is a compressible fluid separated by a flexible membrane from a column of water filling the bottom open end of the submerged member. Passing surface waves cause pressure variations at the bottom end of the member causing changes in the water column height and corresponding changes in the buoyancy of the member. The buoyancy changes induce vertical oscillations of the member relative to the float and known means are used for converting the relative movements of the float and submerged member to useful energy. Preferably, the float vertically oscillates in synchronization with the passing waves, and the vertical movements of the float increase the relative movements between the float and the submerged member.

Abstract: A known type of surface wave energy converter comprises a submerged elongated tube supported by, but being vertically movable relative to, an anchored float. The tube vertically reciprocates in response to overpassing surface waves and drives a transducer for generating useful energy. Improvements include: a motion translator between the tube and the transducer for reducing the stroke length of the transducer and magnifying the force transmitted to the transducer; an energy buffer system for limiting the travel of the tube in response to excessively large surface waves; a gravity anchor for the system for absorbing energy from even greater amplitude waves; means for adjusting buoyancy in response to changing conditions, and pressure relief valves for automatically reducing excessive tube driving pressures caused by excessively large overpassing waves. Energy present in tilting movements of the apparatus are optionally captured in horizontally disposed transducers.

Abstract: A buoyancy pump device for use in fluid. The buoyancy pump device includes a buoyancy block housing defining a buoyancy chamber therein through which the fluid may flow. A buoyancy block is disposed within the buoyancy chamber to move axially therein in a first direction responsive to rising of the fluid in the buoyancy chamber and a second direction responsive to lowering of the fluid in the buoyancy chamber. A piston cylinder is connected to the buoyancy block housing and has at least one valve disposed therein operating as an inlet in response to movement of the buoyancy block in the second direction and an outlet in response to movement of the buoyancy block in the first direction.

Abstract: A pumping mechanism that utilizes wave and tidal energy to operate. The mechanism relies on the depth of the fluid or ocean and the length of the pump cylinder to accommodate shifting wave and tide patterns. Alternatively, the mechanism is imbedded or placed in an excavation in the fluid or ocean bed of sufficient depth and width to accommodate the piston cylinder, its' casing and the shifting wave and tide conditions. The invention relies on a buoy or float for the lift of a weighted piston and the weighted piston, when descending, provides the means of creating pressure on the water entrapped in the cylinder, thus causing a pumping action. The pump may be used individually or in concert with other pumps. The pump is intended to move large or small volumes of water at high or low pressures, singularly or in concert with other pumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing energy, in such a way that the apparatus is based on weights (4) and floats (3), and in which the weights/floats are situated, for example, on arms set to rotate on bearings around a pivot point (1), so that at least one weight (4) can be moved in an essentially radial direction. The arm (2), to which the weight (4) is attached and locked in a position moved towards the axle (1), is moved from a position deviating from a vertical position, locked there, and the weight (4) is released, so that it carries out work, such as pumping the liquid. The arm (2) being released to return to its initial position, so that the means (5, 6) connected to the weight, returns the weight (4) by resting against a counter-surface (7) with a diminishing radius.

Abstract: An air compressor system utilized in a body of water that produces compressed air from water wave energy. The air compressor system includes floating structures in a body of water designed to receive ambient air and produce compressed air, utilizing a bellow assembly. The air compressor system converts water wave energy into storable and consumable energies, such as compressed air in a storage tank. The instant invention primarily comprises a low-wave air compressor, high-wave air compressor, and a stabilizing system.

Abstract: The maritime pump of present invention has a plurality of crutches and a floating block which keeps the maritime pump at the proper position in seawater. The crutches are set at the lateral sides of the pump body, which stabilize the pump body and make the pump body slide along with it. The density of the aforementioned floating block is lower than seawater and may be put on the top or the bottom of the pump body so that it keeps the pump body at the proper position of seawater. The pump body is a tube-shaped object and is attached with a hopper, to lead seawater into the pump body. The shape and size of the piston are the same as the area of the space of the tube-like pump body. The piston has guiding holes in the relative positions of the guiding sticks, so that the guiding sticks can penetrate the guiding holes and make the piston slide along with the guiding sticks to push seawater.

Abstract: A floating modular system for the protection of harbours and the transformation of energy, consisting of: a plurality of modules (1) made of metal and/or reinforced marine concrete box-structure, comprising internal air spaces (2) for determining the floating thereof and a lower flooded room (4) for the stabilization, under the impact of the sea waves against the level surfaces (6) for their reflection, for the protection of the opposed harbour environment (AP), provided with floating quays (7); a series of floats (8) applied to the wave front of the modules (1), operated by the wave motion for absorbing their energy by double effect pumps (9) with the successive transformation into electric energy; a self-levelling system for the anchorage of each of the modules (1), with self-distributed traction; a system for balancing the tide variations and for levelling the modules (1); a system of joints for coupling the modules (1) according to the extension.

Abstract: 11.

Abstract: A device for extracting energy from a water body (4) comprises a buoyant member of variable buoyancy (6) which is at least partially submerged in the body of water (4). The buoyant member of variable buoyancy (6) contains a fixed mass of gas (7), the volume of which changes as a result of the pressure changes exerted on the buoyant member (6) by waves (10,11) and/or other changes in the water level above. The buoyant member (6) is preferably constructed from a substantially air-tight, flexible or otherwise elastic material, whereby the volume of the buoyant member of variable buoyancy (6) may alter in response to changes in the volume of gas (7) contained therein. The pressure changes result in volume changes of the gas contained within the variably buoyancy, which causes fluctuations in volume of the variable buoyancy. As a result of changes in volume a change in buoyancy occurs.

Abstract: An automatic pumping apparatus utilizing wave motion comprises one or more than one sink-and-float members provided so as to move up and down in accordance with a wave motion, positioned below the respective sink-and-float members, connected to the respective sink-and-float members via a transmission mechanism and adapted to slidingly move in respective one-end-open fixed cylinders in accordance with the up and down movement of the sink-and-float members, the horizontal cross sectional area of each piston being made small relative to that of each sink-and-float member and inversely proportional to the pumping height, whereby water can be pumped to a reservoir tank through pumping pipes extending from the other ends of the cylinders to positions higher than the ranges of up and down movements of the sinkand-float members by the operations of pistons.

Abstract: A wave pump activated by a wave energy for conveying a water to a desired place. The wave pump includes a tiltable hollow piston tube having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is communicated with a submerged pipe and the upper portion extends vertically upward toward a water surface. A piston portion is formed at an outer periphery of the hollow piston tube, and a cylinder which defines a cylinder chamber above the piston portion is fitted over the piston portion such that the cylinder can slide up and down. The cylinder is equipped with a float for moving the cylinder up and down such that a flow of water is generated in the hollow piston tube and submerged pipe.

Abstract: A hydro-buoyant electrical power generating plant is provided which generates electricity from a source of hydraulic pressure. The energy that pressurizes the hydraulic fluid is derived from movements of a crane-like class II lever that has its fulcrum fixed to a stationary land mass so that the fulcrum's position is fixed relative to the lever's opposite "movable" end where the applied load is established. The movable end of the lever is attached to an "applied force vessel" that alternatively can be filled with water (or other liquid) so as to sink due to gravity, and then can be evacuated of water so as to rise due to buoyancy. When the applied force vessel is at its position of greatest elevation, the interior chamber of the vessel initially would be filled with air, typically at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A wave motion energy harvesting apparatus of the invention comprises a float portion detachably interfitted with and axially moveable with respect to a hydrodynamically resistive portion. The float portion of this apparatus is moored by means of a line attached adjacent its vertical axis, but the hydrodynamically resistive portion is neither anchored nor moored except by its being interfitted with the float portion. Both the float and the hydrodynamically resistive portions are separately configured to have their mass distributed evenly about a common vertical axis of the apparatus. The float portion of the apparatus is nearly neutrally buoyant and comprises an automatically filled water ballast tank.

Abstract: A device for buoy based wave power apparatus, where the buoy (30) coacts with a cylinder piston arrangement which is connected to the sea bed, and where the arrangement is provided with the valve means (34, 35) enabling fluid flow through a piston (32) and possibly a piston rod (33) in said arrangement, a pressure being formed in one chamber (37) of the arrangement during the upward movement of the buoy (30) and simultaneously a suction via a snorkel or via focusing conduits/means (30', 44, 47) into that part of the cylinder which is adjacent the top face of the piston and which forms a second chamber (36). The piston rod (33) has mounted thereon a submarine buoy (29) or a sink member (80) and is articulated or flexibly (46) connected to a sea bed base member (40, 81). The cylinder (31) may be fixedly or articulated (68) connected with the buoy (30, 55, 67).

Abstract: A wave activated power generation system comprises a pump to be located on the sea bottom. The piston of the pump is connected by a flexible connection to a float body to be located at the sea surface. The suction chamber of the pump is connected via a valve arrangement to a suction chamber which communicates with the surrounding sea through a water driven motor. In order to achieve a load equalization a gas reservoir with variable volume is provided in the suction chamber, the gas reservoir being separated from the surrounding sea.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting the motion of waves on a body of fluid into useable energy. The apparatus includes a floating or fixed rotatable support structure, a lever arm(s) pivotally supported from the support structure, and a wave follower fixed to one end of the lever arm(s) and positioned on the body of fluid. The lever arm is connected to an energy transfer device such as a piston rod which drives a load in response to the action of waves on the wave follower. The wave follower is designed such that the upper portion is constructed of a buoyant substance and the lower portion constructed in the form of a hollow chamber, open at the bottom, with the seaward face being angled so as to harness the energy of the lateral force of the wave. The open bottom of the wave follower allows the chamber to fill with fluid generally on the rise of a wave. When the fluid level drops, a suction is created in the chamber by the closing of a valve located in the upper portion.