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.

Abstract: A means for improving the motion stability of a floating, semi-submerged, or submerged body used in, multi-capture-mode wave energy converters (WECs) having two or more bodies, against wave-induced heave, surge, and pitching forces, while reducing the size, mass and cost of such bodies or bases, thus improving the relative motion and hence capture efficiency of such WECs over a broad spectrum of wave periods and wave heights. Stabilizing counter moments against wave-induced motion are substituted by strategic placement of drag plates or planes entraining seawater mass or water-filled cavities within, or attached to, the bases and/or at least one tensioned seabed-affixed cable. The base or reaction-body stabilizing means is disclosed in a two-body multi-capture-mode, deep-water, surface-deployed, wave-terminator-type WEC to concurrently increase wave energy capture efficiency and reduce the volume, mass, and capital cost of the WEC's stabilized reaction body or base.

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.

Abstract: A means for improving the motion stability of a floating, semi-submerged, or submerged body used in, multi-capture-mode wave energy converters (WECs) having two or more bodies, against wave-induced heave, surge, and pitching forces, while reducing the size, mass and cost of such bodies or bases, thus improving the relative motion and hence capture efficiency of such WECs over a broad spectrum of wave periods and wave heights. Stabilizing counter moments against wave-induced motion are substituted by strategic placement of drag plates or planes entraining seawater mass or water-filled cavities within, or attached to, the bases and/or at least one tensioned seabed-affixed cable. The base or reaction-body stabilizing means is disclosed in a two-body multi-capture-mode, deep-water, surface-deployed, wave-terminator-type WEC to concurrently increase wave energy capture efficiency and reduce the volume, mass, and capital cost of the WEC's stabilized reaction body or base.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter (WEC) using one or more elongated light-weight low-cost surface floats, oriented and self-orienting parallel to oncoming wave fronts are mechanically linked to a motion stabilized or fixed frame or base through one or more power take-offs in such manner that multi-directional rotational and translational wave-induced forces and relative motion between the float(s) and base are efficiently captured. Some embodiments have at least one forward positioned float that moves upward and rearward on wave crests and downward and forward on ensuing wave troughs to capture a majority of both heave and surge wave energy components. Other embodiments also provide apparatus and means to totally submerge the floats during severe seas or adjust submerged depth and float mass to optimize performance.

Abstract: A wave barrier or wave terminator type ocean wave energy converter (WEC) utilizing one or multiple adjacent floats together forming an elongated wave front parallel (EWFP) float rotatably connected by at least one swing or drive arm to a secondary floating or shore or seabed fixed body or frame, such that the at least one swing arm is rotating about a submerged pivot point or axle on such body or frame and constraining the motion of the float(s) relative to the body or frame when wave forces are applied against the float(s). Relative to the direction of oncoming wave fronts and relative to the still water line (SWL), the at least one EWFP float is substantially forward of, and above, the pivot point such that the float concurrently moves both upward and rearward on wave crests and returns both forward and downward on ensuing wave troughs.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter (WEC) using one or more elongated light-weight low-cost surface floats, oriented and self-orienting parallel to oncoming wave fronts are mechanically linked to a motion stabilized or fixed frame or base through one or more power take-offs in such manner that multi-directional rotational and translational wave-induced forces and relative motion between the float(s) and base are efficiently captured. Some embodiments have at least one forward positioned float that moves upward and rearward on wave crests and downward and forward on ensuing wave troughs to capture a majority of both heave and surge wave energy components. Other embodiments also provide apparatus and means to totally submerge the floats during severe seas or adjust submerged depth and float mass to optimize performance.

Abstract: A wave barrier or wave terminator type ocean wave energy converter (WEC) utilizing one or multiple adjacent floats together forming an elongated wave front parallel (EWFP) float rotatably connected by at least one swing or drive arm to a secondary floating or shore or seabed fixed body or frame, such that the at least one swing arm is rotating about a submerged pivot point or axle on such body or frame and constraining the motion of the float(s) relative to the body or frame when wave forces are applied against the float(s). Relative to the direction of oncoming wave fronts and relative to the still water line (SWL), the at least one EWFP float is substantially forward of, and above, the pivot point such that the float concurrently moves both upward and rearward on wave crests and returns both forward and downward on ensuing wave troughs.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter (WEC) uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) mechanically linked to a motion-stabilized frame by either swing or lever arms or down-sloping tracks that define the motion of the floats relative to the frame to capture both heave and surge wave energy forces. The submerged depth of the frame and attached float(s) is adjusted for optimal wave energy capture or submerged sufficiently to fully submerge the float(s) during severe sea conditions. The elongated float's total submergence during severe sea states and the WEC's self-orienting capability, parallel to oncoming wave fronts, allows the WEC to intercept and capture maximum wave energy per unit of WEC volume, weight and cost.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) self orienting toward oncoming wave fronts and movably affixed to a motion stabilized controlled buoyancy frame by down sloping tracks constraining the wave induced motion of the float(s) to an upward and rearward motion as oncoming wave crests impact and lift the barrier(s) and downward and forward as subsequent wave troughs return it. Motion between the barrier(s) and the frame is resisted and energy captured by a programmable electric or hydraulic power take off system. Capture efficiency is further enhanced by adjusting float mass and buoyancy by controlling water entering or exiting cavities in the float(s), use of wave shoaling and focusing means, and adjusting the submerged depth and slope angle of the device with adjustable frame air-water ballast tanks which also allow total float submergence during severe sea states.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter utilizes a substantially submerged elongated absorption barrier oriented parallel to oncoming wave fronts having one or more substantially submerged air or gas filled variable volume vessels located between a relatively fixed position rigid rearward surface and a moving rigid wave front facing surface. Said vessel(s) are compressed by oncoming overhead wave crests both by increased hydrostatic pressure and wave kinetic impact, thereby capturing both wave potential energy (hydrostatic or heave) and kinetic (impact or surge) energy. Vessel compression is resisted by hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or linear electric generation means. Vessel re-expansion, when wave troughs are overhead, utilize hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and/or mechanical (gravity mass or spring) means.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy device uses large gas filled and surface vented or partially evacuated flexible containers each having rigid movable ends and rigid fixed depth ends connected by flexible bellows, suitably reinforced against external hydrostatic pressure, submerged to a depth below anticipated wave troughs. One or more said containers compress and expand as waves and troughs, respectively, pass overhead driving hydraulic or pneumatic, pumping means producing pressurized fluid flow for a common sea bed motor-generator or for other uses or on-board direct drive generators. Mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic means re-expand said containers when a wave trough is overhead. Power output is augmented by mechanically connecting said rigid moving surfaces to surface floats, which may also provide said submerged container venting such that as waves lift and troughs lower said floats, said containers are further compressed and re-expanded, respectively.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy device uses large gas filled and surface vented or evacuated flexible containers having rigid movable ends and rigid fixed depth ends connected by flexible bellows, suitably reinforced against external hydrostatic pressure, submerged to a depth below anticipated wave troughs. One or more containers compress and expand as waves and troughs, respectively, pass overhead driving hydraulic or pneumatic, pumping means producing pressurized fluid flow for a common sea bed motor-generator or for other uses or on-board direct drive generators. Mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic means re-expand said containers when a wave trough is overhead. Power output is augmented by mechanically connecting said rigid moving surfaces to surface floats, which may also provide said surface vent such that as waves lift and troughs lower said floats, said containers are further compressed and re-expanded, respectively. Depth fixing and adjustment means for tides and sea-states are provided.

Abstract: A golf putterhead having a neck or hosel connecting said putterhead to a shaft. The hosel protrudes above and forward of the strike face on the vertical centerline plane of the putterhead and above the intended strikepoint also in said plane. Said hosel section in front of the strikeface being high enough so as not to interfere with a golf ball. Said hosel in one preferred embodiment extends forward of the strikeface approximately one half a golf ball diameter and has a user visible target oriented sight line on its' upper surface. Said sight line also extends substantially rearward of the strikeface, for most or all of said putterheads fore to aft depth on said vertical centerline plane, thereby creating an extended sight line for aiming said putter at a target. This forward hosel to shaft connection point concurrently increases putterhead static balance moment about said shaft and achieves face static balance thus improving dynamic stability during putterhead acceleration.

Abstract: A putter or other golf club grip has rigid vibration transmitting protrusions either attached to the club shaft or in intimate contact with both the shaft and the golfer's hands, areas between said protrusions optionally being filled with conventional grip materials. The grip may be placed over existing club shafts like conventional slip-on or wrap-on grips or become an extension thereof. The grips may be attached and weighted in such a manner to further enhance desirable impact vibrational feedback to a golfer's hands further improving a golfer's distance control while reducing off center hits and the resulting distance and directional loss.

Abstract: A golf putter in which most of the clubhead mass is distributed at three or more individual or one or more arcuate locations within a “Mass Ring” approximately equidistant from, and as remote as possible from, the clubhead planar center of mass with the clubshaft axis preferably forward of the clubhead center of mass thus maximizing both putter and clubhead planar moment of inertia for improved putter performance during mis-hits. Maximum remote mass is achieved by interconnecting the remote high mass areas (Mass Ring) with the putterface striking area and the putter shaft connection point with a light weight rigid open (see thru) truss system so arranged to enhance the visibility of the Sighting Field and/or aim or Sight Line on the putterhead while preventing undesirable vibration of individual clubhead members.

Abstract: A golf putter in which most of the clubhead mass is distributed at three or more prescribed locations within a “Mass Ring” approximately equidistant from, and as remote as possible from, the clubhead planar center of mass with the clubshaft axis preferably forward of the clubhead center of mass thus maximizing both putter and clubhead planar moment of inertia for improved putter performance during mis-hits. Maximum remote mass is achieved by interconnecting the remote high mass areas (Mass Ring) with the putterface striking area and the putter shaft connection point with a light weight rigid open (see thru) truss system so arranged to enhance the Sighting Field and/or sight or aim line on the putterhead while preventing undesirable vibration of individual clubhead members. Such Sighting Field and Sight Line can be further enhanced via use of one of several light weight replaceable and angular adjustable Sighting Fields and/or Sight Lines preferable to an individual golfer.

Abstract: A laser or other focused beam is mounted in a device with the appearance from above of a golf ball which device can either rest on the ground in contact with a putterface or be attached to a putterhead or other clubhead such that the focused beam is at a 90 degree angle to the putterface. After the device user is satisfied that the club is properly aimed or aligned at a target, the laser beam is activated via a wired foot, or finger, or wireless switch such that the actual aim can be compared on a visible or blind screen behind the target with the intended target. The device can be used with any putter for putter training, putter club fitting, and putter aim testing and selection.

Abstract: A putter or other golf club grip has rigid vibration transmitting protrusions either attached to the club shaft or in intimate contact with both the shaft and the golfer's hands, areas between said protrusions optionally being filled with conventional grip materials. The grip may be placed over existing club shafts like conventional slip-on or wrap-on grips or become an extension thereof. The grips may be attached and weighted in such a manner to further enhance desirable impact vibrational feedback to a golfer's hands further improving a golfer's distance control while reducing off center hits and the resulting distance and directional loss.

Abstract: A golf putter in which most of the clubhead mass is distributed at three or more prescribed locations within a “Mass Ring” approximately equidistant from, and as remote as possible from, the clubhead planar center of mass with the clubshaft axis preferably forward of the clubhead center of mass thus maximizing both putter and clubhead planar moment of inertia for improved putter performance during mis-hits. Maximum remote mass is achieved by interconnecting the remote high mass areas (Mass Ring) with the putterface striking area and the putter shaft connection point with a light weight rigid open (see thru) truss system so arranged to enhance the Sighting Field and/or sight or aim line on the putterhead while preventing undesirable vibration of individual clubhead members. Such Sighting Field and Sight Line can be further enhanced via use of one of several light weight replaceable and angular adjustable Sighting Fields and/or Sight Lines preferable to an individual golfer.