Abstract: An apparatus and process for capturing mechanical work from the kinetic energy of a moving vessel driven by buoyancy and gravitational forces. The apparatus comprises a moving vessel, gas compression means, force transfer means, a conduit, and a force recovery means. In use, the submerged moving vessel receives compressed gas, generating a buoyancy force in the moving vessel. As the moving vessel rises in water and approaches the top of its upstroke, the moving vessel releases the gas, causing the moving vessel to sink. A first component of the buoyancy force is transmitted from the moving vessel, through the force transfer means, to the gas compression means, where it compresses gas. The compressed gas is channeled through the conduit into the charging valve while the moving vessel sinks. The charging valve releases the compressed gas from the conduit into the moving vessel, and the moving vessel's vertical oscillation cycle repeats.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for capturing power or mechanical work from the kinetic energy of a moving vessel driven by buoyancy and gravitational forces. The apparatus is capable of bifurcating the buoyancy force into a first component used to compress the gas necessary to sustain the vertical oscillation cycle of a moving vessel, and a second component that drives a means for converting energy. The apparatus generally comprises a moving vessel, a gas compression means, a force transfer means, a conduit, and a force recovery means. In use, the submerged moving vessel receives compressed gas so that the moving vessel's buoyancy force becomes greater than its downward gravitational force, and the moving vessel begins to rise through the water. As the moving vessel reaches the top of its upstroke, the moving vessel releases the gas, thus causing the moving vessel to sink.