Patents by Inventor James R. Ekstrom

James R. Ekstrom has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4408965
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating power from wave action comprising a barge (12) and at least one float (14, 15) connected thereto by rigid members (16, 17, 18, 19) pivotally connected thereto by sockets (20). A watertight cylinder (37) including a piston (40) is attached to the barge. Cables (32, 34) connect with the piston and pass through pulleys to the barge. As the wave action rocks the float relative to the barge the piston is moved longitudinally in the cylinder to pump water used for driving a turbine (57) for generating electrical power. Wind vanes (24) and water vanes (27) are also included in the float to enhance the rocking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Inventor: James R. Ekstrom
  • Patent number: 4285196
    Abstract: Apparatus for deriving power output from wave energy is disclosed. A rotatable member is provided which is capable of rotating in only one direction. A float is provided which rises and falls in response to wave action, and thereby moves relative to the rotatable member. The float is coupled to the rotatable member so that the movement of the float rotates the rotatable member in its available direction to provide power output.In its preferred form, the present invention provides an elongate floating barge flanked by a pair of elongate floats. Transverse movement of the floats relative to the barge is limited. A rotatable power output shaft is mounted on the barge parallel to the elongate floats. A plurality of pulleys circumscribe the shaft and are spaced along its length. Tension members attached to the floats circumscribe the respective pulleys to rotate the pulleys and thereby the shaft as the floats move relative to the barge to achieve power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Inventors: James R. Ekstrom, Howard B. Ekstrom