Abstract: An apparatus for producing power from water waves. The apparatus comprises a main pipe having at least one inlet and an outlet. A pump has an inlet to admit ambient water and an outlet that communicates with the inlet of the pipe. A valve controls the inlet to the pump. Another valve controls the outlet to the pump. A buoyancy vessel is attached to the pump. The buoyancy vessel has a slightly positive buoyancy to follow the motion of the waves. Reciprocation of the buoyancy vessel permits water to enter the pump, through the inlet, and then forces water from the outlet into the pipe.

Abstract: A method of extracting oil from an underground bed of an oil-bearing mineral. The method comprises introducing a plurality of conduits into a first, lower part of the bed. Each conduit is spaced from its neighbors and includes a relatively coarse filter at its lower end and contains a relatively fine filter and a lift pump. A first conduit of the plurality of conduits extends to a depth less than the depth of its neighbors. The pressure in the first conduit is reduced. A solvent for the oil is introduced into those conduits at ambient pressure so that the solvent is drawn towards the first conduit and forms a flow path in the bed as it is drawn to the first conduit. The oil-solvent solution is pumped from the first conduit and the space left in the first area after extraction of the oil is filled with water.