Abstract: A wave energy converter comprises an acceleration tube (14) attached to a buoyant body (11). An intermediate section of the acceleration tube defines a working cylinder (16), with openings in the acceleration tube above and below the working cylinder allowing unobstructed flow of water between the working cylinder and the body of water in which the acceleration tube is immersed. A working piston reciprocates in the working cylinder. A relief passage at each end of the working cylinder is controlled by the working piston to allow unrestricted flow pass the working piston when the piston moves past a predetermined position at the end of the working cylinder. An energy absorbing device (19, 20) is connected to the working piston. A restoring device (19C, 20C) is provided to apply a return force to the working piston towards the working cylinder, if and when the working piston moves past the predetermined position.

Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a buoyant body (11) and an acceleration tube (14) dependent from and attached to the buoyant body (11) and having an upper end near the buoyant body and a lower end remote from the buoyant body. A section of the acceleration tube intermediate the upper and lower ends of the acceleration tube defines a working cylinder (16) and openings in the acceleration tube (14) above and below the working cylinder (16) allow substantially unobstructed water flow between the working cylinder and a body of water in which the acceleration tube is immersed. A working piston (17) is reciprocable in the working cylinder. An energy-absorbing device (18, 19, S) includes paired resiliently extendable hose pumps (18, 19) operated by the working piston (17). One end of each hose pump within a pair is attached to the operating piston (17) on opposite sides thereof, and the other end is anchored to the unit which consists of the buoyant body (11) and the acceleration tube (14).