Having Tide Responsive Working Member Positioning Means Patents (Class 60/498)
  • Patent number: 11939945
    Abstract: A wave energy capture system deployed in water converts mechanical motion induced by waves in the water to electrical energy. A controller of the wave energy capture system receives input regarding real-time wave conditions in a vicinity of the wave energy capture system. The controller applies a control model to the received input to select a value of a control parameter for the wave energy capture system, where the control model includes a model that has been trained using machine learning to take wave condition data as input and to output control parameter values selected based on the wave condition data in order to increase an amount of energy captured by the wave energy capture system. The controller implements the selected value of the control parameter on the wave energy capture system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: OCEAN MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander J. Orona, Boyang Pan, Leverett Bezanson, Paul Glick, Justin Walraven, Mark Huang, Nathaniel Bell
  • Patent number: 10247457
    Abstract: A non-condensable gas purge system is configured to be used in a chiller system that uses a low pressure refrigerant in a loop refrigeration circuit. The non-condensable gas purge system includes a purge tank and a purge heat exchanger coil arranged inside the purge tank. The purge tank has a tank inlet for receiving the low pressure refrigerant from a condenser of the refrigeration circuit, a tank outlet for returning the low pressure refrigerant to an evaporator of the refrigeration circuit, and a purge outlet for purging non-condensable gas from the purge tank to the ambient atmosphere. The purge heat exchanger coil is fluidly connected to the loop refrigeration circuit such that the low pressure refrigerant contained in the loop of the chiller system can pass through the purge heat exchanger coil. Refrigerant in the purge tank is condensed by the heat exchanger coil while non-condensable gases remain gaseous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: DAIKIN APPLIED AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Yian Gu, Fumiaki Onodera, Aaron Schoolcraft, Tsuyoshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 8959906
    Abstract: One or more examples of the gas boosters described herein aim to provide a light weight gas booster configured to produce high output pressure levels at high volumes. Generally described, one or more examples of the gas boosters reduce the dead volume in a piston assembly, thereby increasing the ratio of the output pressure to the input pressure. In that regard, several examples of the gas boosters disclosed herein have a first check valve as a disk-type check valve or the like and a second check valve as a ball-type check valve or the like. Furthermore, one or more examples include an inwardly acting cam configured to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion by an inner surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Haines, Richard Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 8925312
    Abstract: Propelling device or engine to transform potential energy into power, using the forces produced movement of a liquid surface or fluid or similar, more specifically, the device is made arranged means to exploit synergistic four forms of surface displacement of the fluid wave, objectively the upward, downward, forward wave toward the shore and pulling inward, in order to produce conventional and renewable energy more efficient than currently used systems with minimal mechanical efforts, whose employment is varied, for pumps, single or hydraulic; to generate electricity, to generate the movement of maritime vessels of any size or movement of vehicles or land machinery land, for hydropower generation, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Victor Hugo Rosales Ureta
  • Patent number: 8915077
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power plant, comprising at least one floating power plant body and means for converting movement of the floating power plant body into a rotary motion for power take off. The floating power plant body (1) is adapted to perform a gyrating motion in response to waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Wello Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Paakkinen
  • Patent number: 8887501
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power plant, comprising at least one float or pontoon (1) or a plurality of interconnected floats or pontoons (2). The float or pontoon (1) is shaped or the interconnected floats or pontoons (2) are disposed asymmetrically relative to the advancing direction of waves, such that the float or pontoon (1) or a member (3) linking the interconnected floats or pontoons is set in a gyrating motion in response to the buoyancy of a succession of waves advancing in said direction. The wave power plant includes elements (5, 6, 7; 9, 10) for converting the gyrating motion into a rotational motion for power take-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wello Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Paakkinen
  • Patent number: 8701403
    Abstract: A system and method for generating energy from the tuning masses relative to a ground plane and an external force. In some embodiments the external force is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The second mass can move relative to the first mass by various methods including rolling on a track or pendulum. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Gwave LLC
    Inventor: Glenn L. Beane
  • Patent number: 8671675
    Abstract: In a wave powered electric generator system, multiple floatation devices are interconnected by torque arms arranged to convert pivotal movement of the torque arms due to up and down movement of the floatation devices, into one-way rotational movement of electric generator shafts, the torque arms being configured to permit expansion and contraction of their lengths when exposed to sudden, severe axial forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Nguyen Huu Cuong
  • Patent number: 8667791
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a damper for damping the reactionary motion of a wave energy conversion device to wave motion, comprising a damping energy absorber (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, arranged to damp the reactionary motion of the WEC. According to a first aspect, there is provided a damping structure (2) for a wave energy conversion device (1). The structure comprises a fixed member (6), and a damping member (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response. The present invention also relates to a mooring component (2) for a mooring system (1) and to a method for manufacturing a mooring component (2). The component comprises a deformable element (6) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, wherein the response is a composite reversible non-linear stress-strain response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Technology From Ideas, Limited
    Inventors: Paul McEvoy, Robert Healy
  • Publication number: 20130233003
    Abstract: A cooling system, in particular for use on board an aircraft, includes a first cooling circuit allowing circulation of a two-phase refrigerant therethrough, a first evaporator disposed in the first cooling circuit, a first condenser disposed in the first cooling circuit, and a first heat sink adapted to provide cooling energy to the first condenser. The cooling system further includes a second cooling circuit allowing circulation of a two-phase refrigerant therethrough, a second evaporator disposed in the second cooling circuit, a second condenser disposed in the second cooling circuit, a second heat sink adapted to provide cooling energy to the second condenser, and a cooling energy transfer arrangement which is adapted to transfer cooling energy provided by the first heat sink and/or the first condenser to the second cooling circuit or to transfer cooling energy provided by the second heat sink and/or the second condenser to the first cooling circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Piesker, Martin Sieme, Ahmet Kayihan Kiryaman
  • Publication number: 20130181454
    Abstract: A wave power plant, comprising a floating body and a rotator capable of rotating in response to the body's floating motion, characterized in that two or more bodies are elastically moored at a distance varying from each other according to wave conditions, said distance in the traveling direction of waves being unequal to a half of the wave length or a multiple thereof, and that rotation of the rotators present in various bodies is synchronized so as to provide a desired phase shift between the rotational angles of rotators present in various bodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: WELLO OY
    Inventor: Heikki Paakkinen
  • Publication number: 20130104537
    Abstract: A mechanism for capturing wave energy includes a structure and a set of vertical buoys with support portions for supporting the structure. The structure is rectangular and includes rails that are oriented parallel to a direction of waves of water, and a movable bridge that runs along the rails perpendicularly to the direction of the waves. The movable bridge includes buoyancy tanks for flotation, with the buoyancy tanks having faces configured to maximize contact with the water. The buoyancy tanks are encased in a structural cage attached to the movable bridge. Wheels of the structural cage run along the movable bridge to keep a position of the buoyancy tanks fixed relative to a level of the water, allowing the buoyancy tanks to rise and fall with movement of the waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Ivan Dib Echeverria
  • Publication number: 20120317970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant for recovery and conversion of kinetic energy in bodies of water to mechanical or electrical energy. The plant comprises a float (3), a pump, a weight (10), one or more buoyancy regulators (11), an accumulator tank (14) and a turbine (15), where the pump is composed of a double-acting cylinder pump (6, 7), where a stationary outer sleeve (7) is connected with a water anchor (8), to which a water anchor (8) a weight (10) and the buoyancy regulator(s) (11) are connected, where a movable inner sleeve (6) is connected to the float (3), in order thereby to provide a relative movement between the stationary sleeve (7) and the movable inner sleeve (6) when the float (3) is moved in the bodies of water, where the float (3) is connected via mooring lines (4) with a moored surface buoy (2), so that the float (3) is arranged with a long side against incoming waves (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: INTENTIUM AS
    Inventor: Lars Edvardsen
  • Patent number: 8128318
    Abstract: Tide change apparatus and methodology for converting tidal energy into usable mechanical and electrical energy using wedge-hinge assemblies. Electricity is generated by transfer of mechanical energy from both incoming and outgoing tidewaters to an electrical generator. A pair of wedge-hinge assemblies mounted atop semi-submersible barges to enable water to alternately flow into and out of a retention pond relative to a corresponding main body of water in accordance with natural tidal flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Clifton Gerard Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7980832
    Abstract: A stationary structure is mounted on the floor of an ocean or other body of water subject to wave motion. The structure provides a floatation body that moves with the waves and is able to drive a sealing plate in a compression chamber. When the water level changes, or wave action magnitude changes, a second sealing plate is able to move automatically to maintain a constant size of the compression chamber. Air compressed in the chamber is let into a tank to maintain a constant elevated pressure in the tank and the air pressure is used to power a turbine to generate electricity. In an alternate embodiment, a mechanical linkage drives the turbine directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Ned M. Ahdoot
  • Patent number: 7975476
    Abstract: A power plant using sea waves comprising a float, a horizontal shaft. The float (1/1) of a spherical or cylindrical shape made with plastic or metal material, empty filled with ballast, floats half emerged and transfers the wave vertical motions to a vertical metal beam (1/2) which can be increased or decreased in order to deal with the tidal changes of the sea level. The vertical beam is attached with knuckle joins, at one end with the float and at the other with horizontal beam of rectangular metal triangle which transfers the vertical motions at the horizontally moving forwards and backwards saw (1/5) with the two chains (1/6) and (3/20) which rotate two pairs of gears each gear of a pair to the diametrically opposite side, so that with every movement one gear produces action while the other gear of the pair moves freely. The gears rotate the horizontal shaft which is fitted on them (3/8) and the shaft gives motion to the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Constantinos A. Hatzilakos
  • Patent number: 7956478
    Abstract: A wave power apparatus at least a part of which is permanently fixed to the sea floor or to ground, i.e. such as to a breakwater, a mole, a pier, a jetty, a cliff or an oil rig. The wave power apparatus (302) includes a plurality of rotationally supported arms (322), each of which carries a float (324) at its free end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm. The apparatus comprises power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, e.g. a hydraulic system, in which a hydraulic fluid is displaced by the movement of the arms (322) to drive one or more hydraulic motors. The plurality of apparatus is arranged in a row such that a wave passing the row of arms causes the arms to successively pivot with a mutual phase shift. Thereby, an even power output may be achieved, and the need for frequency converters may be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Wave Star Energy APS
    Inventor: Per Resen Steenstrup
  • Patent number: 7918625
    Abstract: A structure for supporting wave energy conversion mechanisms driven by—floats (24, 25) placed in the sea, said structure comprising: an open sided lattice framework (15); at least one leg (16) for supporting said open sided lattice framework; members (20) which are supported by said lattice framework (15) for providing a platform, in use, above sea level for said wave energy conversion mechanisms; and a plurality of discrete protective containers (21, 22) affixed to said members (20) and each for housing at least part of a wave energy conversion mechanism (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Trident Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Hugh-Peter Granville Kelly, Malcom Van Den Bergh
  • Patent number: 7908854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for recovering energy contained by waves. In the arrangement, a plurality of collecting devices (8) is coupled in series. Each collecting device comprises a float (7) coupled by means of a power transmission member (10, 11) to a motion converter (13). The coupling between the collecting devices may be mechanical, the motion converters being coupled up by means of an intermediate shaft (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: Finn Escone Oy, Oitsu Oy
    Inventors: Esko Raikamo, Markku Oikarainen
  • Publication number: 20110061376
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to conversion of renewable energy such as solar, wind, falling water, wave and biomass resources into energy forms for practical transport by existing electricity and natural gas transport systems and includes embodiments for cyclic conversion of rectilinear forces into electricity wherein charged particles force a separate population of charged particles to flow in a separate circuit to create an electric current. Forces exerted at a first frequency are converted into cyclic electrical current at a frequency that is a multiple of the frequency of the forces. Similar arrangements are provided for conversion of rotary forces into electricity. Components of the disclosure can be manufactured at a high rate from very low cost materials with minimum energy requirements for the purpose of generation of low-cost electricity from linear motion engines and renewable forces such as ocean waves and flowing fluids such as water or air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Patent number: 7891183
    Abstract: The wave-based power generation system has a buoy or float retained by a cable that enters an underwater power generating station. The cable enters the station housing through an inverted U-tube having upturned inlet and outlet ports, which prevent water from entering the housing. The buoy cable passes over an inlet pulley assembly disposed within the U-tube and has its free end secured to a take-up reel or sheave. A driver pulley is mounted on a shaft coaxial with the take-up reel shaft, and is constrained to unidirectional rotation. Rotation of the driver pulley is coupled to a mainspring pulley and a timing pulley through an idler pulley. A mainspring is compressed by rotation of the mainspring pulley until a cam wheel coaxial with the timing wheel releases a brake, causing the mainspring to expand and rotate a generator shaft to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Mustafa Ali Al-Huwaider
  • Publication number: 20110025072
    Abstract: A system for converting wave energy into rotary motion and for sea water desalination, including buoyancy means upon sea waves wherein the buoyancy means move according to the sea waves motion; a piston, containing fluid, wherein the piston is pivotally attached to the buoyancy means, thereby converting mechanical kinetic energy into hydraulic pressure of fluid. A hydraulic system that includes pipes and one or more one-directional valves for allowing pressure conservation in the hydraulic system even after releasing the piston. The fluid pressure is preferably stored in a pressure container. The system further includes a hydraulic motor that is operatively connected to the hydraulic system wherein the hydraulic pressure creates a flow of fluid that operatively rotates the hydraulic motor. The rotary motion can then be used for sea water desalination and for other uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Shmuel Ovadia
  • Patent number: 7877994
    Abstract: The stability and power conversion efficiency of a wave energy converter (WEC) which includes a float, a spar and a power taken device (PTO) connected between the spar and the float is increased by connecting a heave plate to the spar in a very secure manner and by carefully limiting the movement between the float and spar to one direction (i.e., up-down motion). Buoyancy chambers may be attached to the WEC to facilitate its transportation and deployment. The WEC may be formed in sections and assembled at, or close to, the point of deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Diana Bull, James Gerber, William Powers
  • Patent number: 7827788
    Abstract: A tidal power generator has a floating vessel hull that is subject to rising and falling water levels so that the hull moves vertically up and down. Linear-to-rotary converters are coupled between the vessel hull and a fixed object. The converters allow the hull to move vertically while constraining the horizontal movement of the hull. The converters convert the vertical movement of the hull into rotary movement, which is then used to drive an electrical generator. A harborage is provided to protect the hull and the converters and to regulate the water level for the vessel hull as well as become a fixed object relative to the vessel from which a change in relative position causes power to be developed. If the hull is subject to tidal variations, vertical movement of the hull can be desynchronized from the tidal variations so as to store energy during slack tides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Robert B. Lomerson, Sr., Robert B. Lomerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7726123
    Abstract: A wave energy device in the form of a self buoyant heave-resistant vessel (10) comprising two or more discrete flow paths into which water can be urged by wave action and a bi-directional energy extractor in fluid communication with said path(s) and atmosphere, arranged to extract energy from air movements in said path(s) caused by said wave action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Orecon Ltd.
    Inventor: Fraser Jon Edmund Johnson
  • Patent number: 7694513
    Abstract: A wave power apparatus includes a plurality of rotationally supported arms, each of which carries a float (124) at its free end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm. The apparatus comprises power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, e.g. a hydraulic system, in which a hydraulic fluid is displaced by the movement of the arms to drive one or more hydraulic motors. The plurality of are arranged in a row such that a wave passing the row of arms causes the arms to successively pivot with a mutual phase shift. Thereby, an even power output may be achieved, and the need for frequency converters may be reduced or eliminated. Preferably, each arm is connected to a hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic system, whereby a plurality of arms feed hydraulic medium into the hydraulic motor or motors through common hydraulic conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Wave Star Energy APS
    Inventors: Per Resen Steenstrup, Niels Arpe Hansen, Keld Hansen
  • Publication number: 20100043424
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and method for generation of electrical power from sea waves, with either simultaneous or no desalination of seawater. The device comprises a seaborne portion and a shore-side portion. The seaborne portion of the device comprises a float, an anchor and a pumping mechanism. Seawater and air are drawn in and pumped through pipes and respectively to a shore-side compressor system. The compressor system is adapted to provide pressurized water of constant pressure to the next stage, which is either the desalination assembly through which potable water is produced using the reverse-osmosis method or the water-motor, which drives a generator that provides electrical power or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: ECOCEAN RENEWABLES LIMITED
    Inventor: Christos F. Papadopoulos
  • Publication number: 20090211240
    Abstract: Three bodies interact to drive a transmission having a pair of one-way clutches coupling a single length of drive chain or other elongate flexible member to an intermeshed pair of counter rotatable gears so as to drive a primary shaft in a single rotational direction. The three bodies are a fixed body, a floating body, and a suspended and usually submerged weighted body. The three bodies are interconnected by the single length of the elongate flexible member and are spaced apart there along. The weighted body is mounted at one end of the elongate flexible member. The primary shaft is mounted above the surface of a moving fluid mass to either the fixed or floating body. The end of the flexible member opposite to the weight is mounted to the other of the fixed or floating body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Roland Wayne Patton
  • Patent number: 7579704
    Abstract: A wave power apparatus includes at least one rotationally supported arm (122) which carries a float (124) at its free end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm (122). The apparatus comprises power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, e.g. a hydraulic system, in which a hydraulic medium is displaced by the movement of the arm, the hydraulic system being coupled to an electric generator. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic lifting system for lifting the float out of the ocean and for locking the float in an upper position above the ocean surface, e.g. during extreme sea wave conditions, such as storm. The lifting system may comprise at least one pump for pumping hydraulic cylinders for lifting the arm out of the ocean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Wave Star Energy APS
    Inventors: Per Resen Steenstrup, Niels Arpe Hansen, Keld Hansen
  • Publication number: 20090165455
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an energy production system comprising a liquid reservoir in which a liquid periodically changes its level, at least one float at least partially immerged in liquid within said liquid reservoir, a lock system operable to maintain said float at a predetermined base level in said liquid, and a controller system comprising a floating trigger system operable to selectively trigger said lock system to release the float from the base level to wave crest thus enabling an outburst and creating high mechanical energy, thereby producing energy power from the liquid level difference within said liquid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Shlomo GILBOA
  • Patent number: 7456512
    Abstract: This portable sea-powered electrolysis generator is an apparatus that continually and conveniently harnesses the energy emanating from sea-wave motion in order to propagate hydrogen to be stored for use as a clean, practical and reusable energy source through the process of electrolysis. The motion of waves is used to power a generator that supplies power to water to, through electrolysis, produce hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Nadel
  • Patent number: 7448210
    Abstract: An apparatus powered by waves to generate hydraulic energy that includes a housing structure, an inlet portion, a central channel, an outlet portion and floater assemblies positioned within the channel. Within the housing structure the different components are installed. The inlet has an open end that is constrained at the point where it meets the central channel. Several floating assemblies are contiguously aligned and exposed to the movements caused by the waves running through the channel. The floaters include a hingedly mounted arm and a distal end. The arm is rotably mounted to a fixed point in the housing. The rotational movement is transmitted to a reciprocating piston of a hydraulic system that generates pressurized fluid fed to a hydraulic line. A number of hydraulic storage devices are provided to store the hydraulic energy. A manifold assembly is connected to these storage devices to provide the necessary energy for hydraulic turbine generators of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Roger R. Andalia
  • Patent number: 7444811
    Abstract: Wave-power device, with a plurality of floating bodies (12) arranged in at least two parallel rows for vertical movement caused by wave movements. Each floating body is connected to a generator (22) for the generating of electrical energy during the vertical movement. The floating bodies are jointed to a raft (11) which can be relocated on the water and can be moored at an arbitrary place of use. The floating bodies (12) are connected to vertical supporting bars (14), which are held between an upper lattice-like structure (15, 16) and a lower lattice-like structure (17, 18), and each of the vertical supporting bars (14) is connected to an electric generator (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: Asbjorn Skotte, Tov Westby
  • Patent number: 7444810
    Abstract: A device comprising a pivoting float and lever arm combination attached to a beam such that the float and lever arm can unfold and change orientation to the ocean surface. The float and lever arm pivot and the float can be rotated to a vertical position relative to the water surface. The lever arm can, for example, be attached to a suspended beam or to the ocean bottom. A method for moving a float and a lever arm in response to ocean wave action comprising pivotally attaching a first end of a lever arm to a float; attaching a second end of the lever arm to a connector component; and attaching an end of the connector component to the ocean floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Olson Enterprises, Inc
    Inventor: Chris Olson
  • Publication number: 20080190105
    Abstract: An apparatus for wave energy harnessing includes at least one slide shaft, a buoyant unit, an energy-transmitting unit, and a rotate unit. Said at least one slide shaft is firmly mounted on seabed. The buoyant unit is movably engaged with the slide shaft and has a reservoir and an adjusting board, so as to control the vertical position of the buoyant unit relative to sea level. The energy-transmitting unit is mounted on the buoyant unit. And the rotate unit rotatably engages with the energy-transmitting unit and connects with an energy-transforming unit through a transmission shaft. Thereby, the buoyant unit is driven by wave to vertically slide along the at least one slide shaft, the energy-transmitting unit rotates the transmission shaft of the rotate unit and thus the energy-transforming unit generates power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Chun-I Tai, Wen-Chung Huang, Cheng-Hsing Lai
  • Patent number: 7076949
    Abstract: System for multiple harnessing and complemented conversion of energy from sea waves. The system includes a structure of vertical guides along which the central floating body moves, a submerged captive-air tank, held up by the floating body, with the body and the tank so arranged that the movement of the submerged tank is contrary to that of the central floating body. The movement of the central floating body and of the submerged tank is transmitted to the means of conversion of the movement into pneumatic, electrical or hydraulic energy. The system shows high energy harnessing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Pipo Systems, S.L.
    Inventors: José Joaquín Fernández Gomez, Javier Fernández Gomez, Abel Cucurella Ripoll, Rafael Ibáñez Lostal, Alfons Guell Ferre
  • Patent number: 6863806
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Lunatech, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Stark, Brett Holton
  • Patent number: 6857266
    Abstract: A wave energy conversion apparatus is described. It comprises at least two devices (3, 4), each comprising a surface float (5, 6), at least one of the surface floats being rigidly attached to a submerged body (9, 10). The movement of the two devices in response to a passing wave may be used to effect an energy transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Wavebob Limited
    Inventor: William Dick
  • Patent number: 6644027
    Abstract: Apparatus for converting the motion of sea waves to electrical energy comprises at least one vertically oriented linear generator, relatively reciprocating motion of the armature and stator of which is driven by a float immersed in the sea directly below the motor armature. To protect the generator against unfavourable sea conditions, on the onset or occurrence of same, the float is moved to and held in a position in which it is clear of, or submerged, in the sea. This movement may be achieved in whole or in part by operating the linear generator as a linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Hugh-Peter Granville Kelly
  • Publication number: 20020078687
    Abstract: Apparatus converting ocean wave motion energy to electric power is comprised of a combination of prior art devices floating on catamaran-type pontoons (40) fastened by cables (44) to the floor of a body of water. An auger-type helical member (20) rotates around a horizontal shaft-pipe axle (70) at the water's surface by the force of incoming waves near shore. A multiple-blade impeller (30), with radial blades perpendicular to the shaft-pipe axle, is placed at various points on the same shaft-pipe axle simultaneously with the helical impeller. The blades of the multiple-blade impeller (32a & b) are shaped for maximum conversion of wave energy to boost the rotation of the shaft-pipe axle in high volume, low pressure waves. The common shaft-pipe axle is coupled to gear devices (50) to drive energy conversion devices (50) such as electrical generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Francis M. ?quot;Jim?quot; Donnelly
  • Patent number: 6389810
    Abstract: A device to convert vertical motion of waves in a body of water into useable work has hollow float (14) centrally mounted on vertical sleeve (16) sliding on fixed vertical shaft (10). Oscillations are converted into rotation via an opposing pair of pinion gears, transferring power from upstroke and downstroke respectively, by meshing with circular grooves (18) on sleeve (16). The device is protected from lateral and torsional forces of the waves by an encircling slotted wall (8). The float may be half filled with water to balance buoyancy and gravitational forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Nenad Nakomcic
  • Patent number: 6109029
    Abstract: An apparatus and method as seen in FIG. 2 for converting the motion of waves on a body of fluid 52 into useable energy. This apparatus employs a wave follower 20 to track the rising and falling waves. The reciprocating wave follower interacts with a driven device, such as a pump 202a or generator 202b through an optional lever arm 171 and also through a drive member such as a reciprocating shaft 26. Because the driven device is incorporated into an essentially immovable floating or fixed support member 17, work is accomplished. By increasing the work producing travel distance of the driving member, being the wave follower 20 beyond that of previous art and, in certain embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 2, and by more effectively capturing surge forces that has previous art, this apparatus is intended to produce significantly more work than other similar devices operating in the same waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Alan Keith Vowles, Gerald John Vowles
  • 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: 4675536
    Abstract: The invention describes an energy extractor for extracting energy from waves in the sea. A ring spine is disclosed and on the spine, spaced circumferentially thereof are flexible membranes which flex back and forth under the influence of the waves. The back and forth flexing deflects air back and forth and the air movement is used to drive air turbines and electrical generators. Arranging for the spine to be in a ring and spacing the membranes around the ring ensures efficient energy extraction regardless of wave direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: Sea Energy Associates Limited
    Inventor: Norman W. Bellamy
  • Patent number: 4603551
    Abstract: A relatively lightweight `motivator buoy` (15), constrained by guides (93) attached to a ballasted "floating platform" (1) of contrasting and static buoyancy characteristics, reciprocates vertically by wave action, lifting water via a piston (20) and cylinder (4) through automatic non-return valves (21,22) into a pressurized storage compartment (23) incorporating a compressible medium such as an airspace, then turning a water turbine (10) and electricity generator (11), or alternatively providing a hydraulic power source for other uses. Modules so constructed may be linked by an above-water framework to form continuous arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Inventor: Peter Wood
  • Patent number: 4469955
    Abstract: A float having depending fins and a curved surface on which waves impinge. The float provides an additional lift over and beyond its buoyancy. The float is coupled through a swivel to allow it to turn into the direction of waves. The float is additionally provided with an arrangement to compensate for variations in the mean water level due to tide action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: John A. Trepl, II
  • Patent number: 4434375
    Abstract: A power generation system for converting the motion of waves on a body of water such as a lake or sea to drive pumps, electrical generators or the like. A weighted float rides on the waves. A cable and pulley arrangement changes the direction, travel and force of the wave energy action imparted on the float and drives a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes an accumulator for temporary energy storage and release to assist in maintaining constant flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid to one or more hydraulic motors during each wave cycle. The hydraulic motor drives a load such as an electric generator. An automatically actuated device adjusts for high and low tides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Inventor: Robert N. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4379235
    Abstract: A wave motion motor is disclosed with an impeller moved by a float. The float is coupled to a swivel arrangement to turn in the direction of wave current and has an inclined underside. Also disclosed are means to adjust to tide level and triangular coupling means between the float and a flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Inventor: John A. Trepl, II
  • Patent number: 4302161
    Abstract: A wave pump apparatus includes a number of upstanding cylinders connected together by a subframe. Each cylinder mounts a float on the outside of the cylinder connected to a piston within the cylinder. The upstanding cylinders are spaced approximately a distance of half of an average wave length of a particular wave pattern such that as certain floats are moving upwardly, other floats are moving downwardly. Each cylinder is connected to a chamber at the bottom thereof with an inlet valve and an outlet valve, such that as the piston in the cylinder is moving upwardly, it will draw in water, and as the piston moves downwardly in the cylinder, it will pump the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Inventor: John L. Berg