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.

Abstract: A wave energy conversion system is disclosed and comprises a spine and a plurality of wave driven pump units each comprising a pillow shaped flexible bag arranged with its length direction horizontal and mounted on the spine so that the water in which the system is located flows to both sides of the bag so that in use the bag is kept out of abrading contact with the spine. The lower edges of the bags are attached to the spine and the upper edge of each bag has a common outlet/inlet passage through which air is pumped back and forth by the bag collapsing and expanding under the influence of the waves. The common passage is at one top corner of the bag and at the other top corner is a dummy passage which enables the bag to be fabricated in such a manner that the corners are not stressed significantly in use. Also, a common pipe can be used to define the common passage of one bag and the dummy passage of the adjacent bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating power from the motion of waves on a body of water utilizes a spine formed by buoyant sections that are joined end to end and are ballasted to cause the sections to assume a predetermined position in calm water. Adjacent sections are joined in a manner enabling the sections to pivot more easily about at least one non-vertical axis when the sections are in the predetermined position. Consequently, when the apparatus is subjected to wave motion the surge component of the wave motion is converted to vertical motion of the spine. Mounted on the spine are a number of prime movers that rock relative to the spine under the heave component of wave motion and under the vertical motion of the spine. The rocking motion of the prime movers is utilized to produce energy.