Abstract: A wave energy converter comprising: a linear generator comprising an armature and a stator; a float connected by a linkage to the armature; wherein the weight of the armature and the linkage bear downwards upon the float and one of the armature and stator comprises electrical coils and the other of the armature and stator comprises a stack of permanent magnets, the arrangement being such that during the ascending portion of a passing wave, the buoyancy of the float causes the armature to rise, and as the wave falls away, the combined weight of the float, linkage and armature causes the armature to fall, electricity thereby being generated upon the upstroke and the downstroke, the stack of permanent magnets or electrical coils of the armature being sufficiently sized in terms of deadweight to procure that the combined weight of the armature, linkage and float and any other travelling components act sufficiently against the electromotive force being generated by the linear generator upon the downward stroke to

Abstract: A tubular linear generator comprises an elongate translator, containing a series of permanent magnets and one or more annular coils (not shown) contained within and affixed to a ferromagnetic sleeve. Relative movement between the translator and armature causes the generation of electricity in the coils. The sleeve is contoured in terms of permeability around its circumference at one or both its ends, as shown at, in order to reduce cogging forces between the sleeve and the permanent magnets along the translator.

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).