Tide And Wave Motors Patents (Class 290/53)
  • Patent number: 8348636
    Abstract: A wave energy converter for compressing air from the movement of waves of a body of water is provided. The wave energy converter includes a middle cylinder upon which an upper cylinder slides thereon and in which a lower cylinder slides therewithin. An upper and lower compression chamber disposed within the upper and lower cylinders allows air to be drawn therewithin and compressed when the upper and lower cylinders are moved relative to the middle cylinder as waves progress through their wavelength from crest to trough and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Terry L. Spidell
  • Patent number: 8350401
    Abstract: Sea wave energy is converted into electrical or mechanical energy. When a sea wave is pushing up a float, a transporter arm is pushed up inside a sealed box. This pushing up motion converts linear motion of the transporter arm into kinetic energy for a chain belt and an upper sprocket which are moving in a rotational path. When the float is moving down because the sea wave is receding, the transporter arm also comes down. This downward motion converts the linear motion of the transporter arm into rotational motion for the same chain belt and a lower sprocket which are moving in the same direction as the chain belt moves with the upper sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Alaa Eldeen Hassan Elfekky
  • Patent number: 8350400
    Abstract: The ribbon drive generation apparatus is comprised of a ribbon-like curved shape, composed either of metal or other suitable material, attached to a containment tube, peripheral rings, shaft, or porous central tube, with the complete apparatus being contained in a tube having a constant diameter for the length of the tube. The ribbon can be peripherally mounted to the containment tube and optionally to a central porous tube. In this form the containment tube rotates and can form part of a rotor for a generator apparatus. The optional central porous tube can also be used as a bearing surface or, if attached to the inside edge of the ribbon, a power take-off shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: HydroCoil Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan B. Rosefsky
  • Patent number: 8341957
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a portable wave-swash & coastal-wind energy harvester, placed on a sea coast in swash zone captures energy contained in coastal waves and in coastal-wind through the utilization of wave turbines, wind turbines, and wave floats. Wave-float levers carrying wave floats and wave turbines, swing and maintain lower halves of wave turbines below water always. A gear system with one-way clutches transmits torque to an alternator to generate electricity. Flywheels maintain steady rotation of alternator shaft. A buoyancy chamber at the bottom produces reduction of weight of the unit when buoyancy chamber is emptied of water, and thereby enhances maneuverability of unit in water. Stabilization tanks at the top when filled with water provide extra weight and stability of the unit in its operating location. Units linked together in an energy farm combine their energy while forming a seawall-like barrier offering protection against coastal erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Erat S. Joseph
  • Patent number: 8344540
    Abstract: A wind and water power generator ship. A waterpower generation unit generates electricity using a difference between the ebb and the flow of the tides, and is provided with a buoyant body that produces buoyancy, which enables the waterpower generation unit to float on water. A center shaft is mounted on a base on an upper end of the waterpower generation unit, and is rotatably supported by a bearing. A wind power generation unit generates electricity using wind power, is provided on an upper end of the center shaft, and is rotatable depending on a direction of wind. The distance from a front end of the wind power generation unit to the center shaft is shorter than the distance from the center shaft to a rear end of the wind power generation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: INJE Univ. Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Yeong-Saeng Kim, Dae-Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20120329345
    Abstract: An autonomous submersible vessel employs ambient wave energy to both propel itself and to generate required onboard electrical power. The vessel combines a ballast stabilized stator portion and a wave orbit driven rotor portion. Controlled resistance to their relative rotation occurs only when the horizontal component of wave orbit motion coincides with the desired direction of navigation, so increased hydrodynamic drag at that time acts to pull the vessel forward. The vessel incorporates a means to collect and preserve plankton samples. The vessel design enables alternate operation as an oceanographic glider to also navigate in deep water and in calm seas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: John Hincks Duke
  • Patent number: 8338972
    Abstract: The invention as disclosed is an underwater based electric energy production method. A cable having a piezoelectric core is attached on one end thereof to a floating buoy and on the other end thereof to an anchor. The system is deployed in the water such that the cable extends vertically through a water column. Movement of the cable due to water current generates electric power that can be harvested and stored. The floating buoy can be at or near the water's surface and the anchor can but need not rest on the sea floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United State of America as represented by the Secretary of Navy
    Inventor: Derke R. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20120319406
    Abstract: A method for operating a wave energy converter for converting energy from a wave movement of a fluid into a different form of energy. The wave energy converter including at least one rotor and at least one energy converter coupled to the at least one rotor. A first torque acting on the at least one rotor is generated by the movement of the waves and a second torque acting on the at least one rotor is generated by the at least one energy converter. A desired effective force acting perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the at least one rotor is set by setting the first and/or second torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Hoffmann, Jasper Behrendt, Nicolas Houis, Nik Scharmann, Bejamin Hagemann, Markus Perschall, Alexander Poddey, Daniel Thull, Michael Hilsch
  • Patent number: 8334611
    Abstract: A floatable surface vessel comprises a vessel hull having a circular sector-shaped cross-section and a ballast filling with a controllable position of a centre of mass disposed remote from the circular centre and adapted to come into resonance with rocking action of water waves being induced a rocking motion of the hull about the circular centre and a frame being supported on the hull for rotation about the circular centre to be isolated from the rocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
  • Patent number: 8334605
    Abstract: The invention refers to a floating mechanical structure suitable for realizing a mega-plant for generating electrical energy, by exploiting the relative motion of a large number of electromagnets mounted on a floating structure, with respect to a multiple number of permanent magnets incorporated in a pendulum suspended from the top of a trestle acting by magnetic induction on the electromagnets; the swings are provoked by wave action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Vito Antonio Catinella
  • Patent number: 8330287
    Abstract: A device (1) making it possible to convert the undulation and/or the oscillations of a liquid in which it is at least partially immersed into usable energy. The device (1) includes a float (3) guided by a guide device (2) anchored in the sea bed, with the aid of guide element (12) and including conversion element making it possible to convert the relative movements between the float (3) and the guide device (2) into usable energy such as electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Bruno Larivain, Alexandre Larivain, Olivier Larivain
  • Patent number: 8330286
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Huntington Ingalls, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Laz, Todd L. Sedler, Mohamed Belkhayat
  • Publication number: 20120306210
    Abstract: A matrix sea wave power generating device includes a plurality of power generating units positioned to form a matrix, wherein each of the power generating units includes a floating member, a driving shaft provided on the floating member, a ratchet having a plurality of ratchet teeth, a pulling member, a speed adjustment device, a power generator, and a driving device, wherein the driving shaft is rotatably mounted on the floating member through a shaft bearing, and is operatively connected to the power generator through the speed adjustment device, the ratchet teeth is extended in a clockwise direction, wherein the ratchet is provided on the driving shaft, wherein the pulling member has plurality of engaging teeth engaged with the ratchet teeth of the ratchet, wherein the pulling member has a plurality of pulling strings, wherein a winding direction of the pulling strings is opposite to that of the corresponding ratchet teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GUIYANG QIANXING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Huian Wen
  • Publication number: 20120306209
    Abstract: A generator which extracts operating energy from waves of a body of water. A plurality of floats may be suspended beside a rotary power collector. The rotary power collector is arranged to turn unidirectionally as the floats rise and fall vertically on the waves. Rotation of the rotary power collector is transmitted to a rotary generator. The floats may comprise rigid rods each having a finger which engages and rotates the rotary power collector. Alternatively, the floats may be suspended from ropes or the like which are wound around a reel, with the reel driving the rotary power collector in a manner controlled by ratchet action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: John Omer
  • Patent number: 8324752
    Abstract: A water wave power plant system includes a first guide rail, a first clockwise freewheel, a first counterclockwise freewheel, a first buoy queued through the through-hole by the first guide rail, first right and left roller, a first chain belt having engaging the first clockwise freewheel, the first counterclockwise freewheel, the first right roller, and the first left roller on the first plane, and corresponding second set of equivalent elements to tap the water wave energy in an opposite direction. The first buoy and the second buoy are disposed on the first chain belt and the second chain belt, such that the first and the second buoy move oppositely from each other by a water wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Kye Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20120299303
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (10) for extracting energy from waves in a body of liquid. The converter (10) comprises an inflatable sleeve (12) having an air inlet (14) at or towards one end and an air outlet (18) at or towards its other end. A flexible diaphragm (22) is located within the sleeve (12) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The diaphragm (22) is sealingly engaged with the sleeve (12) along opposed, elongate edges (22a,22b) thereof. A flexible spine (24) is retained within the diaphragm (22) so as to extend lengthwise thereof. The spine (24) is fixed with the diaphragm (22), relative to the sleeve (12), at or towards each end of the sleeve (12). The converter (10) also comprises a loading device operable to apply an axial compressive force to the spine (24) relative to the sleeve (12) such that, on operation of the loading device, the spine (24) and the diaphragm (22) are buckled into a waveform (26) constrained within the sleeve (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Norman West Bellamy, Neil Michael Bellamy, Robert Ian Smith
  • Patent number: 8319366
    Abstract: A system for converting marine surface wave energy into electric energy includes a barrier disposed generally vertically and having at least a portion thereof disposed above a surface of a body of water. The portion has a substantially planar surface disposed generally transverse to direction of marine surface waves. Bottom edge of the barrier is pivotally connected to one of a floor bed, a rigid formation and a rigid structure. At least one linear electric generator is coupled to storage of electric energy and is operable by a pivotal movement of the barrier. One type of electric generator is disposed external to the barrier while another type is mounted within a barrier chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Juan Andujar
  • Patent number: 8319359
    Abstract: A device for a wave-powered generator which is provided with at least one energy generator and lines for transferring energy to a consumer, the wave-powered generator comprising a main module provided with a running rod which is substantially vertical in its longitudinal extent, several supporting devices arranged around a portion of the running rod and arranged for sliding or rolling movement on surface portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the running rod, at least one sheave which is arranged to roll on the running rod, and transmission means which are arranged to translate the rotating motion of the at least one sheave into rotation of the drive shaft of the at least one generator; and a first float which is floatingly disposed in an area affected by waves and which is connected to the running rod by a primary driving line substantially of tensile strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Craft Services AS
    Inventor: Olaf Akervoll
  • Patent number: 8319360
    Abstract: A generator which extracts operating energy from waves of a body of water. A plurality of floats may be suspended beside a rotary power collector. The rotary power collector is arranged to turn unidirectionally as the floats rise and fall vertically on the waves. Rotation of the rotary power collector is transmitted to a rotary generator. The floats may comprise rigid rods each having a finger which engages and rotates the rotary power collector. Alternatively, the floats may be suspended from ropes or the like which are wound around a reel, with the reel driving the rotary power collector in a manner controlled by ratchet action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: John Omer
  • Publication number: 20120292910
    Abstract: A wave energy converting apparatus and tension mooring system are described. The apparatus comprises an elongate support structure designed to extend above a mean water level in the ocean. The support structure has a submerged member below the mean water level. A float member of positive buoyancy is slidably mounted on the support structure so as to be movable in a vertical direction. The apparatus also comprises a linear electric generator having a stator provided in connection with the support structure and a translator integrated into the body of the float member. Differential motion of the float member relative to the support structure results in the generation of electrical power by the electric generator. The mooring system comprises a cable extending from a ballast to a counterbalancer suspended from the submerged member via a pulley mechanism. The mooring system allows the apparatus to be “tuned” to prevailing ocean conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: PROTEAN ENERGY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Sean Derek MOORE
  • Patent number: 8314506
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting wave energy using the relative rotational movement between two interconnected float assemblies and the relative rotational movement between each of the float assemblies and a spar which extends from a connection with the float assemblies at the water surface into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Columbia Power Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Rhinefrank, Bradford Storrs Lamb, Joseph Horan Prudell, Alphonse Aloysius Schacher
  • Patent number: 8310078
    Abstract: A tangential turbine is adapted for receiving kinetic energy from a flowing fluid and comprises a supporting shroud, a rotating runner having a hub and a plurality of radial blades spaced apart on the hub, and a means for controlling the receiving. In first embodiment the controlling means comprises a plurality of springs each connected with its ends turningly about a connecting axis being between and within the hub and the blade and between limit stops to the hub and fixedly to the blade turnable about the axis to a non-working tangential position. In second embodiment the controlling means comprises the shroud shaped into a caisson and provided with turnable aprons and capable of accommodating the runner in the air and controlling the insertion of the blades into the flow below the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
  • Publication number: 20120280505
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) which comprises a stationary member (14), comprising a stabilisation means (20) relative to the bottom of the expanse of water, a member (16) movable relative to the stationary member (14), comprising at least one floating element (40) intended for remaining on the surface (12) of the expanse of water, such that the swell drives the movement of said movable member (16), a guiding means (17, 18) substantially vertical to the movement of the movable member (16) relative to the stationary member (14), and a generation means (32) for electric power, arranged between the stationary member (14) and the movable member (16), intended for converting into electric power the mechanical energy from the vertical motion of the movable member (16) relative to the stationary member (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicants: D2M Consultants, Compagnie Engrenages Et Reducteurs-Messian-Durand
    Inventors: Pierre Armand Thomas, Fabrice Lessard
  • Publication number: 20120280506
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydroelectric turbine system comprising an array of turbines in series and a cabling system for use in connecting together adjacent turbines in the array, the cabling system being designed to allow the majority of the cabling connecting adjacent turbines to be laid substantially in line with the direction of tidal flow in order to reduce stress the cabling system when the turbines are deployed on the seabed at sites of high tidal flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: OPENHYDRO IP LIMITED
    Inventors: James Ives, Paul Dunne, Nick Murphy
  • Publication number: 20120280504
    Abstract: A system for optimizing wave energy for renewable energy generation in onshore and offshore platforms is disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments, wave energy from waves in an onshore platform enters or exits an air-tight chamber causing the air within the chamber to vent in or out via air-vents, and through the unidirectional turbine blades. The turbine rotates in a single direction causing an attached low speed axle to rotate as well. The low speed axle couples to a high speed axle via a step-up gearbox increasing the angular velocity of the axle. The high speed axle couples to a pump for suction of momentum transfer fluid from a tank and distribution of the fluid to a series of parallel evenly spaced, horizontal generator turbines, each with a differential pressure valve for differential inlet. The generator turbines connect to an AC or DC generator for power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Nanda Gopal Kumjula Reddy
  • Patent number: 8304925
    Abstract: Disclosed is a movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus which further accelerates vibration of floating bodies according to vibration of waves to maximize electric power generation efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corporation
    Inventors: Dong-soon Yang, Byung-hak Cho, Yong-kwan Lee
  • Publication number: 20120274073
    Abstract: An assembly for generating energy from sea currents is described, comprising a main floating body to be oriented across the direction of the sea current, a rotor assembly depending from said main floating body, at least one stabilising member extending substantially sideways from the main floating body and mooring lines for anchoring the assembly. Each stabilising member is attached to the main floating body at a position substantially corresponding with the position of attachment of a mooring line. Further an assembly for generating energy from sea currents is described, comprising a main floating body to be oriented in parallel to the direction of the sea current, at least two outriggers extending substantially sideways in opposite directions from the main floating body, a rotor assembly depending from said outrigger means and mooring lines for anchoring the assembly. Said mooring lines are attached to the main floating body at or near the opposite frontal ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Bluewater Energy Services B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Sievert Ganzinga, Robert Kamp, Anne Lourens Sijtstra
  • Publication number: 20120267949
    Abstract: A system employs wave energy harvesting apparatus and a water vessel (e.g., a ship) carrying an energy storage apparatus (e.g., array of batteries). The energy harvesting apparatus is preferably also carried by the water vessel, but may be fixed or carried by a separate water vessel. The water vessel is operated in an energy storing mode at an energy harvesting location subject to wave activity, during which the energy storage apparatus stores energy from the wave activity as harvested by the energy harvesting apparatus. The water vessel is operated in an energy transporting mode to transport the stored energy from the energy harvesting location to an energy releasing location (preferably onshore, but may be offshore) having a connection to an electrical power grid. The water vessel is operated at the energy releasing location in an energy releasing mode in which the stored energy is transformed into appropriate AC electricity supplied to the electrical power grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Fraunhofer USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Sharon, Holger Wirz, John C. Briggs, William Hartman, Fritz Klocke
  • Publication number: 20120261923
    Abstract: A power plant device for the production of energy in the waves by the use of float devices, the motion of which is used to power generator to produce energy, and means of conveyance of energy to further use, the device having a rig that is directed to float in the sea by means of a float supporting construction with the floats in the water line so that these may be affected by wave motion in the sea, and where the floats are arranged in a ring shape around the rig's circumference with spacing between the floats, which floats independently of each other are oriented to engage their respective generators via a transmission system, and the rig is anchored to the seabed via a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Nader Hassavari
  • Patent number: 8288881
    Abstract: A wave power unit including a buoy, adapted to float on a water surface (2), and a electric generator is connected to the buoy through connection means (4, 12, 13). The buoy when floating on a water surface (2) and when seen in a direction perpendicular to the water surface has the shape of a closed loop enclosing a inner opening substantially free of elements related to the wave power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Seabased AB
    Inventors: Mats Leijon, Erland Strömstedt
  • Patent number: 8288882
    Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
    Inventor: William D. Bolin
  • Publication number: 20120248774
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) buoy includes at least one pitch-driven WEC (“PDWEC”) device. Each PDWEC device includes two reaction masses which are placed at diametrically opposite ends of a container designed to float along the surface of a body of water and to move in response to the pitching motion of the waves. The reaction masses are interconnected so that when one reaction mass moves up, the diametrically opposed reaction mass moves down, and vice-versa. The movement of the reaction masses drives power take off (PTO) devices to produce useful energy. The reaction masses may be interconnected by any suitable linking system. One or more PDWEC device may be combined with a heave responsive device to produce a WEC buoy which can produce a power output in response to pitch or heave motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: DAVID B. STEWART
  • Publication number: 20120248775
    Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) system includes WEC devices which can function to produce useful energy (power) efficiently in response to heave motion and/or pitch motion and/or roll motion. Pitch responsive devices are deployed around the outer periphery of a container and one (or more) heave responsive device is located about the center of the container. The pitch responsive devices may be of the type defined as PDWECs which include two reaction masses which are primarily operable in response to pitching motion or they may be of the type which includes one reaction mass operable in response to pitch and/or heave motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: DAVID B. STEWART, James E. Eder
  • Publication number: 20120248776
    Abstract: An offshore platform includes a support structure for supporting a workstation in a body of water at an offshore location. The support structure has a mounting formation and at least one duct is mounted to the mounting formation. The duct is configured to receive an oscillating water column from the body of water wherein oscillations of the oscillating water column generate a fluid flow for driving an energy extraction module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: OCEANLINX LTD.
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Baghaei Nanehkaran, Tom Deniss
  • Patent number: 8276377
    Abstract: Three bodies interact to drive a transmission having a pair of one-way clutches coupling a single length of drive chain or other elongate flexible member to an intermeshed pair of counter rotatable gears so as to drive a primary shaft in a single rotational direction. The three bodies are a fixed body, a floating body, and a suspended and usually submerged weighted body. The three bodies are interconnected by the single length of the elongate flexible member and are spaced apart there along. The weighted body is mounted at one end of the elongate flexible member. The primary shaft is mounted above the surface of a moving fluid mass to either the fixed or floating body. The end of the flexible member opposite to the weight is mounted to the other of the fixed or floating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Roland Wayne Patton
  • Patent number: 8277146
    Abstract: An improved wave energy collecting apparatus comprising a frame (1) including at least one hinged (2) vertically tilting or rotating surface (3), such as a barrier in the form of a panel or a sail, for collecting energy from passing wave pressure fronts via a tilting or rotating motion within the frame (1), wherein the hinge (2) is positioned below the surface of the fluid at the trough of the passing waves, said barrier (3) being connected to a device capable of transforming the tilting or rotating motion into different types of energy, wherein the apparatus is located at a depth such that the tilting or rotating barrier (3) breaks the surface of passing waves at the crest of the waves. Such an apparatus may also include vertically positioned side walls (4) for directing the pressure fronts from passing waves towards the tilting barrier (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Langlee Wave Power AS
    Inventor: Julius Espedal
  • Patent number: 8272831
    Abstract: A power generating apparatus suitable for use in extracting energy from the movement of water, in particular tidal movement, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate, generally circular in cross section, buoyancy vessel (1), having depending from its underside on a mounting means, rotatable rotor blades (2). The rotor blades are connected to a power generating means whereby in use of the apparatus movement of water across the rotor blasé, drives them so as to generate power in the power generating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Scotrenewables (Marine Power) Ltd.
    Inventor: Barry Johnston
  • Patent number: 8274167
    Abstract: The invention as disclosed is an underwater based electric energy production system. A cable having a piezoelectric core is attached on one end thereof to a floating buoy and on the other end thereof to an anchor. The system is deployed in the water such that the cable extends vertically through a water column. Movement of the cable due to water current generates electric power that can be harvested and stored. The floating buoy can be at or near the water's surface and the anchor can but need not rest on the sea floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Derke R. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20120235414
    Abstract: An apparatus for the conversion of the energy of sea or ocean swells. The apparatus comprises: a frame including a vertical post and horizontal beam; a first generator slidably connected to the vertical post; a second generator slidably connected to the horizontal beam; a first pinion connected to the first generator; a second pinion connected to the second generator; a float; a connection mechanism for connecting the float to the generators; a horizontal first rack connected to the float for engaging the first pinion; a vertical second rack connected to the one float for engaging the second pinion, wherein all components connected to the float are disposed at or above sea level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Yossef Levy
  • Publication number: 20120235413
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for generating power, in particular electric energy, from wave motion in water basins. It comprises at least an operating unit, including gearing provided for unidirectional rotation and to continuously operate at least one power generator in response to the movements of a control element susceptible to alternating linear movements deriving from the wave motion. Each operating unit comprises at least a main or driving shaft (11, 12; 11b) so lidly carrying a driving wheel (13, 14; 13b) engaged and placed in rotation by said linear control element (15, 15b) and at least two driven shafts (21, 22; 21b, 22b) operated by the main shaft through a unidirectional drive mechanism (20, 20b) and each connectable to at least a power generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Giuseppe Raoul Piccinini
  • Patent number: 8269364
    Abstract: The tidal power generator includes a hollow container, an impeller designed for unidirectional rotation, an electric generator fixed in the container, and a chargeable power source. A first opening and an opposite second opening are defined in the container. The impeller is positioned at the second opening and configured for unidirectionally rotating pushed by air flow. The electric generator includes a stator and a rotor extending from the stator. The rotor is fixedly connected to the impeller. The rotor rotates with rotation of the impeller so that the stator outputs electrical energy. The power source is configured for storing the output electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Shi Lai
  • Patent number: 8269365
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for converting wave energy into electric power, comprising a closed floating element (1) and a mass forming element (2), the mass forming element (2) being arranged inside the floating element (1) and mounted mobile relative to the floating element (1), the mass forming element (2) being adapted to be set in relative motion with respect to the floating element (1) under the action of the waves on the floating element (1). The invention is characterized in that it also comprises locking means (13) adapted to lock the movement of the mass forming element (2) and control means adapted to control the locking means (13) for selectively locking or releasing the mass element (2) so as to amplify the movement of the mass forming element (2) by constant adaptation to the dynamics of the apparatus to successive waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
    Inventors: Alain Clement, Aurélien Babarit, Gaëlle Duclos
  • Patent number: 8264093
    Abstract: A wave energy converting apparatus 44 and its associated tension mooring system 50 is described. The wave energy converting apparatus 44 comprises an elongate support structure 45 designed to extend above a mean water level in the ocean. The support structure 45 has a submerged member 46 provided in connection therewith below the mean water level. A float member 48 of positive buoyancy is slidably mounted on the support structure 45 so as to be movable in a vertical direction. The apparatus 44 also comprises a linear electric generator 49 having a stator provided in connection with the support structure 45 and a translator integrated into the body of the float member 48. Differential motion of the float member 48 relative to the support structure 45 results in the generation of electrical power by the linear electric generator 49.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Protean Energy Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Sean Derek Moore
  • Patent number: 8264095
    Abstract: A machine which capitalizes on the descent of water which has been elevated by making use of the random use of waves and or the velocity of the waters. A device which determines the true surface level in spite of random motions of the waters such as waves, surges and etc. by establishing the theory that water seeks its own level. A device which capitalizes on the velocity and weight of water, such as is present in waves and river waters, wherein the current has sufficient velocity to depress a ramp and produce useful energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: William Robert Camp
  • Patent number: 8264096
    Abstract: The present invention includes a drive system for use in a flowing fluid, the drive system preferably having a first turbine connected to a shaft, a first gear connected to the shaft, a second turbine rotatably mounted on a pipe, a second gear rotatably mounted on the pipe and connected to the second turbine, and two or more satellite gears in fixed locations relative to the pipe and rotatably engaged, directly or indirectly, with the first gear and the second gear. The drive system may be used, for example, in a wind generator to generate electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Tarfin Micu
  • Patent number: 8260476
    Abstract: A Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system guides navigation of a vessel enabled to extract energy from wind and/or water currents primarily in offshore marine environments. An exemplary SCADA system could embody server and client software applications running on microprocessor systems at a remote control central service logging and energy distribution facility, and the vessel itself. The remote control service facility runs Human Machine Interface (HMI) software in the form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing choices to maximize system performance. The central server accesses information to control vessel position based on transmitted Global Position Satellite (GPS) data from the vessel, and weather information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) provided by multiple spatial temporal data sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Integrated Power Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Roman Gizara, Michael Dominic Cicali
  • Patent number: 8253263
    Abstract: A wave energy conversion system or device includes a float and base on top of which there is a power take-off system. The float, its base and the machine room are inserted in a main column supported by legs and corresponding leg supports on the bottom floor in shallow waters (seas or lakes). In deeper waters, the main column may be supported by column supports attached to an underwater float. The machine room is separated of the float frame through a rotary joint which allows the float and base to rotate in any horizontal direction while maintaining the machine room fixed in the same horizontal direction. The rotary joint separating the float frame and the machine room also allows for the vertical up and down movement when interacting with incoming waves. The distance between the machine room and the float frame is always the same. The device includes flaps or blades for the absorption of kinetic energy derived from the back and forth movement of water generated by waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Alvaro Atilano, Carlos Zarate, Jaime Zarate, Mario Favaretto, Felix Tovar, Rafael Uzcategui
  • Publication number: 20120211987
    Abstract: A marine energy hybrid includes a support structure locatable at or near the surface of a body of water and at least two of (a) a hubless upper carriage movable along an upper track of the support structure with at least one wind vane mounted at the upper carriage to induce motion of the upper carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the wind stream, (b) a hubless lower carriage movable along a lower track of the support structure with at least one water vane mounted at the lower carriage to induce motion of the lower carriage relative to the support structure by reaction with the water current, and (c) at least one wave energy conversion device integral with the support structure and operable to generate electrical or mechanical power in response to wave motion of the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Justin C. Roe, Michael H. Yount
  • Patent number: 8242621
    Abstract: An energy-harvesting, self-propelled buoy includes a housing, an inertial power pump for converting wave motion to electrical energy, an electrical energy storage pod operably associated with the inertial power pump, and a propulsion unit for propelling the buoy. The inertial power pump is extensible from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph E. Tate, Toby D. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120200156
    Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for generating electrical power for a port. The system includes a power generator, where the power generator is configured to convert energy within a body of water to electrical power. The system also includes a power storage, where the power storage is configured to receive the electrical power and store the electrical power for future use. The system further includes a power transfer, where the power transfer is configured to direct the electrical power to the location of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Chuck Weller