Abstract: The present patent introduces an alternative construction to my concept of an Ocean Thermal Gradient Hydraulic Power Plant (OTGHPP), U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,417 of Mar. 20, 2001, in the form of an intake pump furnishing sea water to the intake nozzle of the Steam Lift Pump (SLP) under sufficient volume and pressure to achieve an optimum flow and working head on the OTGHPP's hydraulic turbine without deep immersion of the nozzle, as normally would be useful for plants sited in deep water.

Abstract: The present patent incorporates major improvements and simplifications of 1976 U.S. Pat. No. 3,967,449 necessary to make the concept functional and useful on a large scale. The earlier patent listed many approaches to the several design problems believed to be necessary at the time of the earlier application, while this one reflects the extensive research and laboratory investigation to identify, validate and demonstrate the functionality of the various parts. In particular, the methods for producing the necessary nuclei for steam bubble production, the method of insuring bubble growth, the method of condensing the steam bubbles produced and methods for minimizing the release of air in large bubbles, and for dealing with those that are released are covered in detail. The first patent, with 50 claims listed many approaches to many problems, some of which were either misunderstood from an unsatisfactory literature or unnecessarily complicated.

Abstract: An ocean bottom surveying system comprising a recording mechanism mounted on the ocean floor. A stadia moved about the recording mechanism is connected thereto. Thus, by moving the stadia to various locations in the vicinity of the recording mechanism, a series of values indicating train and elevation relationships are obtained by the recording mechanism. The recorded data is later fed to a read-out system which plots a record showing bottom elevations at various points about the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A commutating or distributing valve for timing and distributing high prese seawater to a number of individual pistons in a multi-piston hydraulic motor using seawater under pressure as a motivating fluid.

Abstract: A system for controlling the movement in azimuth and elevation of a large mber of sun following solar energy collectors from a single central controller. The system utilizes servo signal generators, a modulator and a demodulator for transmitting the servo signals, and stepping motors for controlling remotely located solar collectors. The system allows precise tracking of the sun by a series of solar collectors without the necessity or expense of individualized solar trackers.

Abstract: An ocean thermal gradient power plant utilizing the concept of converting the potential and/or kinetic energy developed as a low pressure, high specific volume steam to a hydraulic or kinetic working head in seawater. The plant comprises a hull having a pair of air-evacuated, partially submerged compartments therein. Each compartment contains a static hydraulic head and is interconnected with the other compartment above the level of the static hydraulic heads. One compartment contains a steam-lift pump which, in addition to the static head therein, creates a hydraulic working head therein. The water from the hydraulic working head drives a turbine and then exits the compartment to an intermediate depth. Steam from the steam-lift pump is drawn into the other compartment where it is condensed by a barometric condenser. The water in this compartment exits via a pipe extending from the level of the static hydraulic head to an intermediate depth.