Pivoted Patents (Class 417/332)
  • Patent number: 11131287
    Abstract: A device to stabilize, reduce, or control the wave or wind-induced heave (vertical), surge (lateral), or pitching (rolling) motion of a floating or semi-submerged buoyant base, raft, barge, buoy or other buoyant body such as the buoyant base of a wave energy converter or a floating wind turbine base. The device concurrently allows the floating base to self-orient or weathervane to substantially maintains its orientation with respect to the direction of oncoming waves, winds, or wind gusts. The device also facilitates maintaining the submerged depth or vertical orientation of the buoyant base relative to the still water line to compensate for tidal depth changes. The device utilizes a second substantially submerged buoyant body having a center of buoyancy and at least one tensioned seabed connection located substantially below and forward or up-sea or up-wind of the center of buoyancy of the buoyant base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: ROHRER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: John W. Rohrer
  • Patent number: 10941748
    Abstract: A sea wave energy harvesting system includes a sea wave energy harvesting vessel positioned in the sea. The sea wave energy harvesting system dynamically adapts the motion of the sea wave energy harvesting vessel responsive to the sensed sea wave conditions to more closely align a resonant frequency of the sea wave energy harvesting vessel with the current harmonic motion of the sea waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Alex Walter Hagmüller, Max Jacob Levites-Ginsburg
  • Patent number: 10132289
    Abstract: This invention relates to a surface level follow-up arrangement for a wave energy recovery unit where the wave energy recovery unit comprises at least a panel element hinged at its lower edge onto the base at the bottom of the sea with the help of one or more support structures and one or more support shafts to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents. The arrangement comprises at least a surface level follow-up means capable to change the vertical position of the upper edge of the reciprocating panel element along with the change of the vertical position of the surface level caused by a tidal fluctuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: AW-ENERGY OY
    Inventors: Rauno Koivusaari, Arvo Järvinen
  • Patent number: 10066596
    Abstract: A float-linkage device for wave-energy electricity generation includes a float coming with two moving braces attached to two sides thereof. The two moving braces are pivotally connected to corresponding ends of upper and lower links. The upper and lower links each have an opposite end thereof pivotally connected to a transmission link. The transmission link further has an opening for receiving a one-way bearing, thereby forming a float-link unit. A plurality of the float-link units are linked by each having a pivot hole at one end of the moving brace of the float engaged with a boom of a prop, and having a pivot hole of the one-way bearing engaged with a main boom of the prop. A gear is provided on the main boom of the prop and is engaged with a pinion provided on a power-generating device installed on the prop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Fang-Chun Yu
  • Patent number: 10024297
    Abstract: A reciprocating motion energy conversion apparatus is adapted to capture kinetic energy of wind, waves, or other reciprocating or turbulent motion in order to generate electricity. A rolling shaft rests on a shaft guide frame, with the rolling shaft being coupled to the input shaft of at least one electric generator. As the shaft guide frame tilts or rocks, the rolling shaft rolls on the shaft guide frame, turning the input shaft of the generator and producing electricity. In a Wave rocker embodiment, the shaft guide surface is secured within a buoyant, waterproof enclosure, which is placed in a body of water to convert energy from wave motions. In a Wind board embodiment, the shaft guide frame is suspended from two swing panels, which are put into swinging motion by turbulent winds, causing the rolling shaft to roll and turn the input shaft of each pair of electric generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Cyrus H Gerami
  • Patent number: 9631599
    Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement in a wave energy recovery system comprising at least a wing element hinged on its one edge to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents, a wave energy recovery means having a space alterable by its volume with the help of a connection rod making a reciprocating movement caused by the wing element At least the sealings and/or through holes between the space and the connection rod are protected against seawater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: AW-Energy Oy
    Inventors: Yrjö Tuokkola, Arvo Järvinen
  • Patent number: 9624899
    Abstract: A subsurface reaction body arranged for use in apparatus for converting wave motion in a body of water to useful energy is provided. The subsurface reaction body is arranged to be selectively filled with air to a maximum buoyancy configuration and to be filled with water to a minimum buoyancy configuration. The subsurface reaction body has an arrangement of chambers therein to inhibit free flow of water through the reaction body and to define at least one further preset buoyancy configuration between the respective maximum and minimum configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Marine Power Systems Limited
    Inventors: Graham Foster, Gareth Stockman, John Chapman
  • Patent number: 9523346
    Abstract: A wave energy transformation device including an array of members connected together to form a structure having a substantially hexagonal geometry, the array has link members, nodes and absorbers and the relative motion of at least some of the members of the array, as caused by the energy of wave motion in a medium to which the array is coupled is convertible to another form of energy. The device is suitable for generating electrical energy from sea waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: ALBATERN LIMITED
    Inventor: David John Findlay
  • Patent number: 9435317
    Abstract: Wave energy conversion to produce electricity uses wave-engaging articulated, forward and after barges connected to a center inertial barge. A damper plate attached to the central barge minimizes heaving to increase stability. The barges use composite materials, steel or other materials that can withstand the impact and wear caused by a corrosive weather environment. A movable ballast weight in each barge adjusts the mass moment of inertia, and changes the natural pitching frequency. Electrical energy is generated from the motions of the barges and the movement of the movable ballast weights being converted by linear induction motor/generators and/or Pelton Wheel hydraulic systems connected to electrical generators. A dynamic computer control system controls the energy generating system to keep the forward/after barges and the movable ballast moving in phase with the wave excitation force. During dangerous wave action, the system is submerged and then re-surfaced when the waves have subsided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Wave Energy Conversion Corporation of America
    Inventors: Brian T. Cunningham, Daniel C. Morley
  • Patent number: 9074577
    Abstract: The invention is a wave energy device which optimizes energy conversion from waves with a stable submerged platform coupled to compliant chain of floats (“pods”) which are connected to the platform by piston pumps. Wave action drives pumps to deliver pressurized water to a hydro turbine coupled to an electric generator for delivery of electric power to shore via a submarine cable. Alternatively, the pressurized water may be delivered to shore through pipes on the ocean floor, to generate electric power, also as input flow for reverse osmosis potable water production and for cooling applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dehlsen Associates, LLC
    Inventor: James G. P. Dehlsen
  • Patent number: 9017042
    Abstract: A multi-stage pump system for use in desalination systems including a first stage S1 providing low pressure for priming the system a second stage S2 that is in fluid communication with the first stage and is primed by the low pressure from the first stage. The second stage S2B includes at least one reciprocating piston 122, in an enclosing cylinder 121, 121A and is attached to the two second flexible inflatable bladders 123. The piston 122 will move up and down within the cylinder 121 121A relative to the movement of the two second stage flexible bladders 123 due to priming by the first stage affecting their buoyancy. The driving fluid then passes into a passage 130 and is expelled to an outlet and Stage three (S3) at higher pressure when the first reciprocating member 122 proceeds through a complete stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Rob Frazer
  • Patent number: 8974192
    Abstract: An apparatus utilizing wave energy to capture ocean water and send it to shore for hydroelectricity, hydrodynamic energy conversion or desalination. The submerged device is located offshore and is preferably oriented orthogonal to the shoreline or the incoming water surges. Responding to underwater wave surges, a deformable bladder filled with sea water is compressed and the seawater contained therein is expelled and sent to shore. A one-way valve responds to the differential in water pressure inside the empty bladder as compared to outside the bladder and permits seawater to enter and refill the bladder. The bladder may have any of several forms including that of a bellows. The present invention discusses several ways by which the bladder may be compressed and several ways by which it can sense and respond to underwater wave surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Ross
  • Patent number: 8668472
    Abstract: A pumping apparatus for harvesting the wave energy and converting such energy into hydraulic power which may be transmitted and used to generate electricity or to produce desalinated water. The pumping apparatus has a float, an accumulator pressurized above the ambient pressure of the pump, the accumulator is charged with fluid and the pump is full of fluid. A check valve is closed and a pumping chamber is pressurized. An additional pumping chamber is also equally pressurized. An axial force is generated on a first tube by the pressure difference between its ends. An opposite axial force is generated on a second tube by the pressure difference between its ends. The second tube is larger in diameter than the first tube and hence the magnitude of the force on the second tube is greater. The resultant of these forces is balanced by a portion of the buoyancy of float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Tillotson
  • Patent number: 8366410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a way to adapt a wave transducer to the actual amplitude of incident waves, so as to improve the efficiency of energy conversion. The adaptation includes a variable-energy piston assembly and a tapered float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sieber, Steve A. Sieber
  • Patent number: 7963111
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating energy from an undulating movement of a medium such as seawater, comprising of following the movement of the medium, wherein a direction of movement of the movement changes at a point in time, converting the followed movement into energy, interrupting the following of the movement for an interruption period close to the point in time, wherein conversion of energy comprises of pumping a fluid with the followed movement by feeding and discharging said fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Zakaria Khalil Doleh, Rany Zakaria Doleh, John Douglas Lock
  • Patent number: 7042112
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Seawood Designs Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Wood
  • Patent number: 6768217
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Donald Chalmers, Jason Robert Liddell, William Blaine Powers
  • Publication number: 20040013533
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jaakko Juhani Korhonen
  • Patent number: 6647716
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compound device (a “modular power-producing network”, or “power net”) for the purpose of transducing the energy in ocean waves into electrical energy. The invention first pressurizes ocean water (or a suitable alternative hydraulic fluid) into at least one storage chamber with a compressible air pocket, employing at least one float (responding to oscillatory wave motion) linked to at least one hydraulic ram (or alternative pressurizing device), the system being designed so that a multiplicity of these inventions may function concurrently in proximity to each other. The fluid in the chamber, when brought to a minimum threshold pressure by the float/ram mechanism, is released in a pressure-regulated stream that engages a hydraulically-operated turbine, which, because of the regulation, may directly produce properly governed alternating current suitable for release on standard power grids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Secil Boyd
  • Patent number: 6328539
    Abstract: A hydraulic device powered by a wave includes one or more posts secured on a sea floor, a float buoyant on the wave, a housing secured to the posts and having a slidable piston for separating the interior of the housing into two chambers. Four pipes are coupled to the chambers of the housing with four check valves, for allowing the fluid to be drawn into the chambers from two of the pipes and to be forced out of the chambers into the other pipes step by step in order to generate a hydraulic power or energy and for powering or actuating the other facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Sheng Hu Hung
  • Patent number: 6282908
    Abstract: A high efficiency compressor and heat exchange assembly adapted for utilization in air-conditioning/refrigeration systems. The assembly includes an electromechanical compressor instead of a traditional mechanical compressor, to effect compression and displacement of a working fluid in a thermodynamic cycle. The use of a electromechanical compressor permits employment of the Malone (liquid) thermodynamic cycle which has an intrinsically higher efficiency than the conventional Gifford-McMahon thermodynamic cycle. The assembly incorporates heat exchange disks which enclose a chamber for the working fluid. A densely perforated regenerator is centered in the chamber for absorbing and returning heat to the working fluid during the thermodynamic cycle. Ducts, in fluid communication with the heat exchange disks, define circuits for the flow of heat exchange fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Weldon
  • Patent number: 6045339
    Abstract: A wave energy harvesting apparatus of the type employing laterally spaced-apart floats arranged so that the up and down movements of the floats in response to the wave motion are out of phase with each other and can be used to drive one or more pumps is configured to maintain a fixed orientation with respect to the direction of wave motion and is adapted, on the basis of local wave characteristics, to maximize the average power output. This adaptation may be provided by means including initial selection of the overall size of the apparatus and subsequent adjustments made to the pumping mechanism. The preferred pumping arrangement employs three pumps, each having a piston with one end removably pivotally attached to a pumping arm near one of the floats. Each piston reciprocates, with a stroke much longer than its diameter, within a respective neutrally buoyant cylinder that is pivotally attached to a body float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: John L. Berg
  • Patent number: 5909060
    Abstract: An installation for extracting energy from a liquid in which swell occurs relative to a bottom. The installation includes a first and second container for placing at a determined horizontal first mutual distance at least partially under the surface of the liquid, each provided with a closed upper side directed toward the liquid surface, closed side walls and an open underside directed toward the bottom for enclosing a gas under the liquid surface. The gas is bounded to the underside of the container by a quantity of liquid entering via this underside, which quantity of liquid varies as a result of the swell. A transport conduit is provided for transporting gas from the first to the second container and vice versa. A generator responding to the variation in the quantity of liquid in at least one of the containers for generating energy from this variation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Teamwork Techniek B.V. I.O.
    Inventor: Fred Ernest Gardner
  • Patent number: 5710464
    Abstract: A power drive system which includes a water collecting barrel vertically fastened to the oceanic crust under the sea level and having a reduced top end connected to the power input port of a power generator; a plurality of water tubes radially connected to the water collecting barrel for guiding sea water to the power input port of the power generator to move it into operation; a plurality of rockers respectively pivoted to the water collecting barrel; a plurality of floating devices floating on the sea level; a plurality of connecting rods connected between the floating devices and the rocker; and water pump means driven by the rockers to pump water into the water tubes and the water collecting barrel to force the power generator into operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventors: I. Nan Kao, Yee Kon Kao, Yee Jane Kao, De Ching Lee
  • Patent number: 5664418
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine is supported by a frame held in place by an encircling series of crescent-shaped tubular deflector vanes. The vanes widen towards the turbine core, concentrating the wind. The wind is trapped momentarily on entering the turbine cavities. Air can be supplied to such cavities from a compressed air source driven by wave action on a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Victor Walters
  • Patent number: 5405250
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventors: Alan Vowles, Gerald J. Vowles, Bruce Vowles
  • Patent number: 5244359
    Abstract: A wave energy converter comprising an upright standard anchored to the bottom of a body of water. A vertical sleeve is supported for rotation on and relative to the standard about a common vertical axis. The sleeve contains at its upper end a double-acting pneumatic pumping chamber containing a vertically slidable piston and a piston rod that extends sealingly through a lower end of the pumping chamber. A generally horizontally extending arm is pivotally connected to the lower end of the piston rod and pivotally supported on the sleeve intermediate the length of the arm about a pivot fixed relative to the sleeve. A float is connected to the end of the arm remote from the sleeve. Conduits receive air expelled alternately through opposite ends of the pumping chamber and convey the air away from the converter. A swivel joint is disposed in one of the conduits for permitting rotation of an upstream portion of the conduit relative to a fixed downstream portion of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: David M. Slonim
  • Patent number: 5094595
    Abstract: What has been invented is a machine that is planted on the ocean floor or set out floating on the ocean to convert the energy of the surfs into storable and consumable energies, such as, compressed air, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Gaudencio A. Labrador
  • Patent number: 4851704
    Abstract: This invention discloses a wave action electricity generation system that includes a floating platform that supports the system components on the surface of a body of water, an anchor means for controlling movement of the platform to a desired water surface area of the body of water, a kinetic energy converter that converts wave motion energy into mechanical energy and an electricity generator that converts the mechanical power transfer strokes into electrical energy. The kinetic energy converter includes a cylinder containing a fluid, such as a lubricant, in opposed cylinder chamber portions, a first heavily weighted piston that is slidably and freely disposed within the body of the cylinder. The heavily weighted piston is slidably responsive to the wave motion energy of the body of water and is used to compress the fluid to produce respective compression power strokes in each of the cylinder chamber portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Ernest P. Rubi
  • Patent number: 4792290
    Abstract: Wave actuated pump apparatus providing paired pump and main floats positionable in horizontally spaced relation on a body by liquid and joined together by an elongated arm having an end rigidly secured to a smaller pump float and an opposite end pivotally attached to the larger main float so that the arm is subject to angular displacement relative to the main float as the floats are displaced vertically with respect to each other in response to wave action in the body of liquid upon which the apparatus floats. A linearly actuatable pump pivotally secured between the arm and the main float pumps a desired fluid in response to the angular displacement of the arm relative to the main float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Inventor: John L. Berg
  • Patent number: 4781023
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for the generation of useful energy from the power in ocean waves. The wave power generation system is an array of individual absorber units each consisting of a buoyant raft, connected to a stable mooring assembly by means of a yoke so as to allow relative motion between the buoyant raft and the mooring assembly in response to the motion of the waves. A linkage between the buoyant raft and the yoke allows conversion of the relative motion into mechanical, hydraulic and/or electrical power. The system is designed to be responsive to the broad spectrum of frequencies present in ocean waves. The response characteristics of the individual absorber units can be changed to match the conditions of the incident waves in order to provide maximum power conversion efficiency. Each unit of the array is tuned to a condition for maximum power absorption by control of the shape, mass, moments, and power extraction impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Sea Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Carroll K. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4754156
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus for a variable-speed hydraulic power generating system comprising a variable-speed a.c. electric generator connected to an a.c. electric power system and a hydraulic machine system including a water turbine for driving the generator and a guide vane for controlling an amount of water supplied to the water turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Junichi Shiozaki, Akira Bando, Takao Kuwabara, Eiji Haraguchi, Hiroto Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 4742241
    Abstract: An apparatus for capturing a portion of the wave energy on the surface of a body of water and converting the captured energy to a usable form of power incudes a large array of flotation devices, each connected to one of a plurality of energy conversion devices such as piston pumps. The conversion devices are all secured to a common frame structure which is supported by the buoyancy of the flotation devices. The apparatus floats with a draft which is a function of the average wave height in the area covered by the array. The lateral dimensions of the apparatus are greater than the expected wavelength to maintain a generally horizontal disposition. The apparatus may be moored at virtually any marine location, and the energy produced is transferred to storage facilities by a submerged conduit. The moorings may include winching means to submerge the apparatus during storms and high seas. A plurality of such apparatus may be disposed to form a breakwater to protect a harbor, beach, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Melvin
  • Patent number: 4686377
    Abstract: A float mechanism for generating energy from waves. Floats are coupled together such that they can pivot about a horizontal axis relative to one another. Hydraulic cylinders on either side of the attachment points compress and extend with the wave motion. Check valves control flow to and from the cylinders. The floats are pivotally tied to a floating structure such that they can pivot about the structure on the surface of the water as may be required for maximum efficiency. Water compressed from the cylinders feeds a turbine which in turn feeds a generator for the generation of electrical power. In the second embodiment, floats are coupled together by means of compound bell cranks and hydraulic cylinders are coupled between alternate bell cranks at the lateral arms thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Inventor: Gary Gargos
  • Patent number: 4586333
    Abstract: A water engine comprises a float arranged for reciprocal movement in a chamber under the action of a head of water. The chamber is filled with water from an upper level by means of a valve and is emptied to a lower level by means of a further valve. A cross-head is mounted atop the float and two pairs of hydraulic rams are pivotably connected to the crosshead. The pairs of rams are also pivotably connected to pairs of sliders which are adjustably mounted on stanchions. When the float is caused to rise, hydraulic fluid in the upper pair of rams is pressurized because of the shortening of the rams, while hydraulic fluid is drawn into the lower pair of rams by extension thereof. When the float is caused to fall, the opposite is true. Each pair of rams pivots as the float moves, the arrangement being such that for whichever pair of rams is on its working stroke there is progressively less shortening of that pair of rams per unit travel of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Aur Hydropower Limited
    Inventor: Alister U. Reid
  • Patent number: 4555307
    Abstract: A system for the distillation of sea water comprising a sea water input conduit, an evaporator, a work extractor, a float, a condenser, a distilled water output conduit, and a brine solution output conduit. The evaporator is connected to the input conduit. The work extractor comprises a cylinder, a piston slideably engaging the interior of the cylinder, and a piston rod extending from the piston. The piston rod is pivotally coupled to the float. The cylinder is pivotally attached to a second float. The second float is connected to the first float. A conduit connects the piston-and-cylinder arrangement with the condenser. The condenser communicates with the distilled water output conduit. The evaporator communicates with the brine solution output conduit. The energy for this system is provided by the wave motion of a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Williams, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Hagen
  • Patent number: 4552514
    Abstract: A work extracting device driven by the wave motion of a fluid comprising a first float, a cylinder, a piston slidably engaging the interior of the cylinder, a piston rod extending from the piston and pivotally coupled to the first float, and a second float connected to the first float. The first float has a density suitable for floating and moves in response to wave motion. The cylinder is pivotally mounted to the second float. The first and second floats are part of a Hagen array of floats. The first float has an arm extending a distance beyond the point of connection of the first and second floats. The piston rod is pivotally mounted generally about the end of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Williams, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Hagen
  • Patent number: 4514644
    Abstract: A pumping unit suitable for driving an electric generator and which is powered by ocean surf and waves. The unit includes a tower which is located on an ocean beach, and which includes a generally horizontal boom. The boom includes two forward sections disposed at right angles to one another. Two blades are mounted on the respective ends of the forward sections, and the forward sections are controlled so that the blades can be alternately dropped into the water to be driven toward the shore by the incoming surf and waves. As one blade is driven to the shore, it turns the boom in one direction about the vertical axis, causing the other blade to be moved out over the water. Then, the first blade can be lifted out of the water, and the second blade dropped into the water, so that the incoming surf will drive the second blade towards the shore turning the boom in the opposite direction about the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Inventor: Wayne A. Westling
  • Patent number: 4495424
    Abstract: A plant for the combined utilization of energy from both wind and waves includes a plurality of fluid flow engines for utilizing both energies, and generating power therefrom. Each engine includes blades for making use of the energy of the wind, and a float for making use of the energy of the waves. The engines operate a common turbogenerator, and a floating carrier receives the turbogenerator. A low-loss power transmission is provided for transmitting power generated by the engines to the turbogenerator; it includes a pressure vessel adapted to store water under pressure to drive the turbogenerator, a conduit to pass the water under pressure to the vessel, and a pump driven by the engines to draw in the water from a water source, and to deliver it through the conduit to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: Bernhard Jost
  • Patent number: 4490621
    Abstract: At least one caisson which is part or all of a breakwater forms a water chamber therein whose closure is a pendulum having a natural period in rocking or oscillating the same as a period of stationary wave surges caused in the water chamber by rocking movement of the pendulum owing to wave force impinging against the pendulum. At least one double-acting piston and cylinder assembly is connected to the pendulum, so that when a piston of the assembly is reciprocatively moved by the pendulum, pressure difference between cylinder chambers on both sides of the piston of the assembly controls a change-over valve which in turn controls hydraulic pressure discharged from the cylinder chambers to be supplied to a plurality of hydraulic motors respectively having accumulators of a type wherein accumulated pressure and volume of the hydraulic liquid are proportional to each other, whereby driving a common generator alternately by the hydraulic motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Muroran Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tomiji Watabe, Hideo Kondo, Toshihiko Matsuda, Kenji Yano, Yasuhiko Dote, Matao Takagi
  • Patent number: 4480966
    Abstract: Apparatus for converting wave motion at the surface of a supporting medium into usable power and including a buoyant main body 24 forming a housing for a plurality of pumps 30 and a float system 28 connected thereto such that wave induced relative motion between the body 24 and the component parts of the float system 28 causes actuation of the pumps 30. The pumps 30 intake water from the supporting medium and pumps it through an effluent conduit 12 to a remote location 16 where it is used to perform useful work. The apparatus can be scuttled during storms, with effective resurrection made possible by using the buoys of the float system to store air, or other fluid, under pressure until needed to purge the buoyant main body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Octopus Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4464578
    Abstract: A wave energy converter comprising a float group including at least two floats connected by elongated rigid links disposed at a right angle to the direction of incidence of waves, which floats are free from the coastal ground and sea bed and allowed to heave, to sway, and to roll. A dynamic system of the converter absorbs the wave energy through the relative movements between the floats and the links and between the adjacent links while the natural frequency of this system is approximately tuned to the frequency of the incident wave. In this way, the reflected waves and transmitted waves caused by this system are suppressed substantially since the energy of the incident wave is virtually absorbed. The wave energy converter may be provided with some air chambers and air turbines or one-directional rotating means actuated by this dynamic system so as to drive electric generators coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Osaka University
    Inventor: Masami Masubuchi
  • Patent number: 4462762
    Abstract: A wave powered machine comprising a plurality of cylindrical floats connected to triangular arms. A pump is connected to each arm so to be actuated by rocking motion of each arm when each float rises and falls due to wave action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Narayanaswami Palani
  • Patent number: 4453894
    Abstract: An installation for exploiting the energy of oceans, comprising at least one floating-member, or float, capable of moving along the surface of the sea under the action of waves, at least one reference-member deeply submerged, said reference-member being substantially unaffected by the waves and at least one variable-capacity hydraulic device, said device comprising a fixed member connected to said reference-member and a movable member, adapted to slide with respect to said fixed member, said movable member being connected to said float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Inventors: Gabriel Ferone, Ferdinand Ferone
  • Patent number: 4448020
    Abstract: A device for generating power from the energy of waves in a body of liquid employs a buoyant reaction element and at least one displacement element which can move back and forth to react against the reaction element. The movement of the displacement element which is caused by the cyclic application of wave forces is converted into a more readily usable form by a turbine driven by the flow of air or hydraulic fluid caused by the movement of the displacement element. Where the air or hydraulic flow is bidirectional, the turbine can be of the self-rectifying type so that it is driven unidirectionally. The turbine may, for example, drive a generator that produces electrical power. Where a plurality of displacement elements are employed, some of the displacement elements are arranged to be out of phase relative to others of the displacement elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Sea Energy Associates Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Wood, Norman W. Bellamy
  • Patent number: 4438343
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting the wave motion of a body of water to electrical energy includes a housing having a pair of opposed counter rotating shafts mounted to a common output shaft for driving the output shaft in a single direction and includes counterweights for restraining the shafts against rotation during oscillation of the housing about the axis of the shafts for thereby converting oscillating motion of the housing into intermittent unidirectional motion of the two counter rotating shafts and a substantially continuous motion of the output shaft which is connected to a generator unit for generating electrical energy. A torque storage spring is utilized to store the rotary energy and maintain a substantially constant speed output of the shaft to the electrical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Inventor: John P. Marken
  • Patent number: 4384456
    Abstract: A dynamic breakwater system includes at least one and preferably a plurality of dynamic breakwater assemblies, each of which includes a baffle wall member which is pivotally mounted in a body of water about an axis which extends substantially transverse to the direction of wave motion and so that a lower portion thereof is submerged below the water surface while an upper portion thereof extends above the water surface, each baffle wall member being biased such that it has a tendency to move in a direction opposite to the direction of wave motion and wherein apparatus for damping the movement of the baffle wall member when the same moves in the direction of wave motion under the force of waves impinging thereon are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Inventor: Ladislav J. Boros
  • Patent number: 4364715
    Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting wave energy by utilizing the movement of the waves has a support or foundation suitably anchored so as to be relatively stable to wave movement. Pivotally attaching to the support is a pontoon member. The pontoon is so pivoted on the support that it moves in respect to the support in response to wave movement. The interior of the pontoon is partitioned to include two chambers, one located at each end of the pontoon. Each of the chambers includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet which are equipped with one way valves which restrict gas flow into the chambers via the inlet and out of the chambers via the outlet. A gas collecting system is attached to the gas outlet. The two chambers are connected together near the bottom of the pontoon by a connecting member. A movable member within the interior of the pontoon which is operatively associated with the connection member moves in response to wave movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Inventor: Richard D. Bolding
  • Patent number: 4319454
    Abstract: A wave action power plant powered by the action of water waves has a drive shaft rotated by a plurality of drive units, each having a lever pivotally mounted on and extending from said shaft and carrying a weight, in the form of a float, which floats on the waves and rocks the lever up and down on the shaft. A ratchet mechanism causes said shaft to be rotated in one direction by the weight of said float after it has been raised by wave and the wave has passed, leaving said float free to move downwardly by gravity and apply its full weight to pull down on the lever and rotate the drive shaft. There being a large number of said drive units so that there are always some of the weights pulling down on their respective levers while other weights are being lifted by waves and thereby causing continuous rotation of the drive shaft in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Inventor: Louis V. Lucia
  • Patent number: 4316704
    Abstract: Floating-on-a-body-of-water compressed-air-generating assemblies and methods are disclosed which are utilized to drive electrical generators powered by compressed air. The integrated assembly utilizes windmills, reciprocating float-linkage means, collapsible paddle blades, and at least one member selected from the water-motion-actuated group consisting of slosh boxes, sliding masses, rack-and-pinions, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventor: Peter C. Heidt