Abstract: A buoyant actuator (19) for coupling wave motion to a device operable in response to wave motion in a body of water. The buoyant actuator (19) comprises a generally spherical body (20) defining an exterior surface and a hollow interior adapted to contain water received from the body of water. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of facets (101) which are tessellated. Typically, there are 36 facets (101), of which 12 comprise generally pentagonal facets (105) and 24 comprise generally hexagonal facets (107). The body (20) comprises a plurality of openings (143) for fluid flow between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water. A closure configured as a flap (145) is provided for each opening (143) to block or at least inhibit fluid flow therethrough, the closure being adapted to move away from the opening to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential imposed thereon between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water.

Abstract: A buoyant actuator (19) for coupling wave motion to a device operable in response to wave motion in a body of water. The buoyant actuator (19) comprises a generally spherical body (20) defining an exterior surface and a hollow interior adapted to contain water received from the body of water. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of facets (101) which are tessellated. Typically, there are 36 facets (101), of which 12 comprise generally pentagonal facets (105) and 24 comprise generally hexagonal facets (107). The body (20) comprises a plurality of openings (143) for fluid flow between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water. A closure configured as a flap (145) is provided for each opening (143) to block or at least inhibit fluid flow therethrough, the closure being adapted to move away from the opening to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential imposed thereon between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water.

Abstract: A wheel (11) having a wheel rim (13) and a centre portion configured as a central disc (15). A tyre (17) is mounted on the rim (13). The wheel rim (13) comprises a generally annular body (21) incorporating a rim well (25). The rim well (25) defines a radially inner portion (27) which presents a radially inner face (29). The radially inner face (29) is of an annular configuration centred about the axis of rotation of the wheel. The centre disc (15) comprises a generally circular plate (31) having an outer periphery (35). The plate (31) incorporates a centre hole (37) and circumferentially spaced mounting holes (39) for receiving wheel studs. The outer periphery (35) is of a diameter which allows the plate (31) to be snugly received within the confines of the annular face (29) of the rim (13).The annular inner face (29) of the rim (13) has an axial extent (in the direction of rotation of the wheel) which is significantly greater than the thickness of the plate (31).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for capturing wave energy in a body of water such as the sea. The apparatus (10) rests on the seabed and comprises a body structure (11) having a portion such as a flexible diaphragm (19) adapted to deflect in response to wave action. Pumps (51), each defining a pumping chamber (55), are adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to deflection of the portion of the body structure. Each pumping chamber (55) has an inlet (61) communicating with the seawater and an outlet (62), whereby seawater is drawn into the pumping chamber upon volume expansion thereof from the pumping chamber and is discharged through the outlet upon volume reduction thereof through the outlet. The diaphragm (19) typically comprises a substantially rigid portion (21) and a flexible portion (23), with the pumps (51) operably connected to the rigid portion. There may be a plurality of said rigid portions (21) adapted for articulation one with respect to another to define an articulated structure.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for capturing wave energy in a body of water such as the sea. The apparatus (10) rests on the seabed and comprises a body structure (11) having a portion such as a flexible diaphragm (19) adapted to deflect in response to wave action. Pumps (51), each defining a pumping chamber (55), are adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to deflection of the portion of the body structure. Each pumping chamber (55) has an inlet (61) communicating with the seawater and an outlet (62), whereby seawater is drawn into the pumping chamber upon volume expansion thereof from the pumping chamber and is discharged through the outlet upon volume reduction thereof through the outlet. The diaphragm (19) typically comprises a substantially rigid portion (21) and a flexible portion (23), with the pumps (51) operably connected to the rigid portion. There may be a plurality of said rigid portions (21) adapted for articulation one with respect to another to define an articulated structure.