With Wave-making Means Patents (Class 4/491)
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Patent number: 9506259Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves and a second wave dampening portion having a raised perforated floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor is preferably extended substantially horizontally at a predetermined depth in the water or at a slight incline, and wherein the raised floor preferably has a predetermined porosity (?) within the range of 0<??0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
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Patent number: 9457290Abstract: Examples of a wave simulator for board sports and other uses are disclosed. An example wave simulator includes means for forming a wave, the means having at least one inclined side wall and a bottom corresponding to a desired wave shape. The wave simulator includes means for flowing water along at least partially along the inclined side wall and bottom of the flume to form a simulated wave. The wave simulator includes means for restraining a board rider in the means for forming a wave. Streamlines of the simulated wave are substantially parallel to a crest line of the simulated wave, and an inclined water flow ends in a downward arc.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Kenneth Douglas Hill
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Patent number: 9394711Abstract: A cleaning system comprising a cleaner body configured to travel through a water pool powered by a positive pressure water flow supplied via a flexible hose. The system is characterized by: (1) a water distribution subsystem carried by the cleaner body including a state valve selectively operable in a forward or redirect state and a mode valve selectively operable in a top or bottom mode; and/or (2) a wall fitting including an outlet section extending downward at an oblique angle between 15° and 75° to reduce the likelihood of hose restraint.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Henkin-Laby, LLCInventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 9279263Abstract: A wave generating apparatus and method is provided in which a controller actuates a plurality of wave generating chambers in sequence using a delay between actuation of each chamber to produce a rideable wave in a pool. The actuation delay period may be a predetermined proportion of the chamber period. The sequence creates a surging motion in the pool that changes the characteristics of the waves to create a considerably hollow barreling wave. The flow of water created by a sequence may resemble a diamond pattern and additional patterns may resemble diamonds linked at the vertices. This pattern effectively reduces the depth of the water between successive waves, which causes them to pitch away from the chambers and create a considerably hollow barrel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventor: Bruce McFarland
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Publication number: 20150107013Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves and a second wave dampening portion having a raised perforated floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor is preferably extended substantially horizontally at a predetermined depth in the water or at a slight incline, and wherein the raised floor preferably has a predetermined porosity (?) within the range of 0<??0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
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Publication number: 20150089731Abstract: A wave pool having multiple wave breaking zones extending across the pool floor, wherein different wave breaking formations with different wave characteristics can be generated within each zone, using the same wave energy derived from the same original wave, wherein surfers with different abilities can surf in different locations within the same pool. Specific features are provided that enable breaker waves to be properly managed and controlled such that intermediate/advanced surfers can surf in one zone and beginner surfers can surf in another zone. Included are special dividers to prevent surfers from crossing from one zone to the next, while at the same time, allowing wave energy to pass through. An attenuating means is provided to help reduce the choppiness of the waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
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Publication number: 20150040306Abstract: A wave-making apparatus for use in a swimming pool comprises a motor that may be powered at least in part by the flow of water from a swimming pool pump. When water from the pump flows through an inlet in the motor housing, it rotates a turbine within the housing, which in turn rotates a cantilever arm about a central axis of the turbine. A distal end of the cantilever arm is attached, e.g., by a tether or other device, to a buoy or float at the surface of the water such that rotation of the cantilever arm pulls the float down periodically, creating perpetual swimming pool waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventor: John Distinti
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Publication number: 20150033465Abstract: A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section and a second wave dampening portion having a raised floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor preferably has multiple openings thereon and a predetermined porosity (?) within the range of 0<??0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves, and wherein the raised floor preferably comprises a padded grate drainage system consisting of multiple elongated members formed by rigid bars with foam adhered on one side thereof, which are encapsulated by a water impervious layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
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Patent number: 8907514Abstract: A wave-driven power generation system that uses a motor reducer to turn a rocker bar in moving wave-making barrels alternatively up and down, causing creation of water waves in a water reservoir so that a float board in the water reservoir is moved by created water waves to rotate transmission mechanisms that are coupled to respective power generators through inertia wheel sets, and thus, the power generators are driven to generate electricity.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventors: Sheng-Po Peng, Sheng-Da Peng, Kevin Peng
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Publication number: 20140304905Abstract: A 3D artificial hyperbolic reef system for producing plunging or barreling waves for surfing in a body of water propagates waves over a 3d hyperbolic reef which forms a wave breaking surface which has a slope sufficient to cause the waves to break in a plunging and barreling way as the waves traverse the 3d hyperbolic reef. The waves are artificial generated by a wave generating machine or device with a slope sufficient to break in a plunging and barreling way. Multiple waves are generated in a set frequency from the wave generator along the wave generator house (berm) side of the 3d artificial hyperbolic reef to produce a wave that peels laterally along the reef to produce a wave suitable for tube riding. Aspects of the invention provide a wave surf pool including at least one 3D hyperbolic artificial reef. The 3D artificial reef can include an inclined slope traversing the reef from the tip of the 3D hyperbolic reef to the open end, or the back side of the 3D hyperbolic reef.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Walter Judson Bennett, David Evans
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Publication number: 20140250579Abstract: A wave park for an open or large body of water is disclosed. The wave park includes a body of water, and a track positioned in or proximate the body of water. The wave park further includes at least one foil coupled to move along the track, the at least one foil being at least partially submerged in the body of water. The at least one foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that includes a leading surface that is concave about a vertical axis to provide drag to generate a primary wave laterally in water of the body of water that contacts the leading surface of the foil, and a trailing surface that narrows from a maximum width of the foil adjacent the leading surface to a point at an end of the foil, the trailing surface to decrease the drag of the foil and to minimize oscillatory waves that trail the primary wave from the water moving past the leading surface of the foil.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: KELLY SLATER, Adam Fincham
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Patent number: 8776830Abstract: An invention for transporting material is described. The material, which may be or include a liquid or particles, be transported floats on and flows on a more dense fluid. Standing waves may be induced in the more dense fluid, and devices are provided to either force the transported fluid in a direction, or to prevent the transported fluid from flowing in a direction counter to the flow direction. The inventive apparatus and method have the ability to transport fluids long distances with much less frictional losses than convention technology.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: Walter Chen, C. K. Hari Dharan
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Publication number: 20140189948Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a wave pool having a deep end and a shallow end, wherein a plurality of wave generators is provided for producing wave segments in the wave pool. The wave generators are preferably extended substantially along the deep end in a substantially staggered manner relative to the travel direction of the wave segments. A pair of dividing walls is preferably provided in front of each wave generator, wherein the dividing walls are extended substantially forward in the travel direction and substantially parallel to each other or with a fade angle of no more than about 20 to 30 degrees relative to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2011Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Stagger Reef Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Dirk Bastenhof
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Publication number: 20140115769Abstract: A wave pool configured to generate waves from a center portion of the wave pool towards the outer perimeter of the wave pool. A motor is positioned substantially at a center of the wave pool and is connected to a foil via an arm extending outwardly from the motor. The motor causes rotation of the arm and the foil for generating waves that travel away from the motor and towards an outer edge of the pool. The foil may be formed in the shape of a scoop and configured to adjust its angle relative to the arm via one or more angular adjustment connections with the arm. Multiple arms and/or foils may be used to generate waves in the wave pool. The wave pool has a deeper body of water located adjacent to the motor and a shallower body of water adjacent to the outer perimeter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventor: Douglas Murphy
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Publication number: 20140115770Abstract: A wave generating apparatus mobile application controller and method is provided in which a mobile controller actuates a plurality of wave generating chambers in sequence using a delay between actuation of each chamber to produce a rideable wave in a pool. The mobile application controller allows the user to select the exact type of wave to be produced by the wave generator apparatus by selecting size, shape, and pattern of the wave. The application also allows the user to use a camera to photograph or record herself or someone else, even while riding a wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: AMERICAN WAVE MACHINES, INC.Inventor: Bruce McFarland
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Publication number: 20140105685Abstract: A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water with an inlet end connected to a water supply, a floor, and spaced side walls, a first bed form or weir at the inlet end of the channel, and a second bed form in the channel downstream of the first bed form. Also disclosed is a wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a floor, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member adjustably mounted in the floor of the channel. The foils, weirs or bed form, form a standing wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: American Wave Machines, Inc.Inventor: Bruce McFarland
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Publication number: 20140059758Abstract: A surface gravity wave generator and wave pool is disclosed. A wave pool is formed of opposing side walls and a center channel of water. The channel includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side wall, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Kelly Slater Wave Company, LLCInventors: Kelly Slater, Adam Fincham
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Publication number: 20140000020Abstract: Provided is a system for generating circular steady water waves for sport activities. The system comprises a ring-shaped water pool having inner and exterior rings and a floor inclined from the outer ring to the center of the water pool. The system comprises channels located under the floor of the water pool for recirculating water. At least one water propeller turbine is installed inside the channels and configured to recirculate water from the water pool through the channels and back to the water pool. The system comprises guiding plates installed on the floor. Waves of different shapes including breaking waves are generated by varying velocities of different water current and controlling guiding plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Max von Groll, Mirek Goebel
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Patent number: 8602684Abstract: The arrangement for producing linear standing waves includes: a transverse structure arranged at least substantially perpendicularly to the flow direction, the structure designed such that the outflow is converted from a streaming flowing movement into a shooting flowing movement; a ramp connected downstream to the transverse structure and arranged at least substantially perpendicularly to the flow direction; a counter-ramp arranged at least substantially in the flow direction at the downstream end of the ramp and the average inclination in the flow direction forms an angle to the horizontal in the flow direction, and which has a flow-promoting transition to the ramp at its upstream end; a base arranged downstream of the ramp and the counter-ramp and whose bottom is arranged lower by a height dimension than the downstream end of the ramp and/or the upstream end of the counter-ramp.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Inventors: Markus Aufleger, Ulrich Hautzel, Derek O'neill, Roland Hoepffner
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Patent number: 8573887Abstract: A surface gravity wave generator and wave pool is disclosed. A wave pool is formed of opposing side walls and a center channel of water. The channel includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side wall, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Kelly Slater Wave Company, LLCInventors: Kelly Slater, Adam Fincham
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Patent number: 8561221Abstract: A wave pool for producing periodic waves preferably having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves, and a second wave dampening portion having a relatively deep solid chamber floor and a raised perforated floor above it for dampening the waves. The wave dampening portion preferably dissipates the waves, which in turn, reduces wave reflections and rip currents that can otherwise interfere with the oncoming waves.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
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Publication number: 20130227777Abstract: A wave generating apparatus and method is provided in which a controller actuates a plurality of wave generating chambers in sequence using a delay between actuation of each chamber to produce a rideable wave in a pool. The actuation delay period may be a predetermined proportion of the chamber period. The sequence creates a surging motion in the pool that changes the characteristics of the waves to create a considerably hollow barreling wave. The flow of water created by a sequence may resemble a diamond pattern and additional patterns may resemble diamonds linked at the vertices. This pattern effectively reduces the depth of the water between successive waves, which causes them to pitch away from the chambers and create a considerably hollow barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventor: Bruce McFarland
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Patent number: 8516624Abstract: An artificial surfing facility for producing a standing wave, with an inclined ramp, to the upper end of which water is conveyed by at least one pump and at the lower end of which the water discharges into a wave pool. A standing wave is easily attained by there being an adjustable guide device in the wave pool at a distance from the bottom end of the ramp in the flow direction as a wave initiator. The wave pool, during operation of at least one pump, has a liquid level which is located above the liquid level of a main pool which surrounds the wave pool and the amount of water in the wave pool offers a defined resistance to the water flowing down the ramp so that the formation and height of the standing wave are influenced by the change of the flow velocity.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Action Team Veranstaltungs GmbHInventor: Rainer Klimaschewski
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Patent number: 8496403Abstract: The invention relates to a wave pool with a beach having a body of water and a wave generator that travels along a relatively shallow channel across from the beach. The wave generator is adapted to travel through the channel and displace the water in the channel to create primary waves on which surfing maneuvers can be performed. The primary waves in turn enter into the body of water to produce secondary waves that can be acted upon by the inclined pool floor so that they eventually break and spill onto the beach. The water in the channel is preferably provided with a reverse current to enable the absolute speed of the wave generator to be reduced, which allows the channel to be shorter in length without significantly impacting the wave effects that are created, which helps reduce the cost of construction.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Charles E. Sauerbier
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Patent number: 8434966Abstract: A wave generating apparatus and method is provided in which a controller actuates a plurality of wave generating chambers in sequence using a delay between actuation of each chamber to produce a rideable wave in a pool. The actuation delay period may be a predetermined proportion of the chamber period. The amount of delay in the sequence can determine the direction that the peak of the wave travels and the amplitude of the peak. Through the sequencing, the peak of the wave produced can travel in a direction not substantially perpendicular to the wave generating chambers.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Inventor: Bruce McFarland
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Publication number: 20130074254Abstract: An island wave pool for a water amusement park is presented. A wave generation apparatus is positioned on an island, the island located within a water-filled swimming pool. The water-filled swimming pool is suitable for water recreation activities, including wading, swimming, and wave riding. A beach recreation area bounds the outer perimeter of the pool. The wave generation apparatus on the central island generates single or multiple continuous waves in the water-filled swimming pool. Wave generation apparatuses are presented, including an island-based caisson wave generator and an island-based plow, channel, and reef wave generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Steven Payne, Silvia Payne, David John Henderson, Dawn Rene Streety
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Publication number: 20130061382Abstract: A wave pool for generating surfable waves is disclosed. The wave pool includes a pool for containing water. The pool defines a channel having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom with a contour that slopes upward from a deep area proximate the first side wall toward a sill defined by the second side wall. The wave pool further includes at least one foil at least partially submerged in the water near the side wall, and being adapted for movement by a moving mechanism in a direction along the side wall for generating a wave in the channel that forms a breaking wave on the sill. The wave pool further includes one or more passive flow control mechanisms to mitigate a mean flow of the water induced by the movement of the at least one foil in the direction along the side wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: KELLY SLATER WAVE COMPANY, LLCInventor: KELLY SLATER WAVE COMPANY, LLC
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Patent number: 8375477Abstract: The present invention relates to wave pools and diversion channels that capture high kinetic energy portions of a wave generated within the wave pool, and redirects the captured wave portions to the vicinity of wave formation, preferably timed so as reinforce a subsequently generated wave. The high kinetic energy within the diversion channel creates an additional feature in the form of an action river for riders of a wave pool to enjoy. At the same time, capturing of portions of the wave reduces the backwash of the wave and stabilizes the level of water within the wave pool, especially for embodiments with wave generators and pools capable of high volume waves. Riders may enter the diversion channel and ride from the distal, beach end of the wave pool to the proximal, wave generating end.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: Garrett Tyler Johnson
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Publication number: 20130036545Abstract: A surface gravity wave generator and wave pool is disclosed. A wave pool is formed of opposing side walls and a center channel of water. The channel includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side wall, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: Kelly Slater, Adam Fincham
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Patent number: 8366347Abstract: Wave-generating apparatus (1) that is installed in an aquatic environment (3) and which comprises, as its main elements, at least one elongated profile (5) that moves tangentially in relation in relation to a uniformly-deep floor (4) by the action of a drive mechanism (6). As a result, a wave (2) forms on the profile (5) and moves along with the profile (2). The profile (5) is disposed to form an angle (8) other than 90° with the direction of displacement (7), the purpose being to generate a wave (2) with an escape area and which can therefore be surfed. Some parameters of the apparatus (1) may be adjusted for the purpose of changing the degree of difficulty of the wave (2) that is generated.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Instant Sport, S.L.Inventor: Jose Manuel Odriozola Sagastume
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Publication number: 20120255112Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a system and method for generating waves in multiple directions. Present embodiments may include a wave generation mechanism configured to be positioned centrally within a container filled with water that is sufficiently sized to facilitate recreational activities for patrons within the container. The wave generation mechanism may include at least one actuator configured to activate at least one water-displacement medium to displace the water such that waves are propagated through the water, and a directional feature configured to direct the waves away from the wave generation mechanism after activation of the actuator such that the waves are propagated outward from the wave generation mechanism in multiple directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Ross Alan Osterman, Justin Michael Schwartz
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Patent number: 8267047Abstract: In order to generate waves in a volume of water of an aquarium, it is proposed that a storage container which extends beyond the surface of the volume of water should be provided in the aquarium. Using a pump, water is periodically pumped from the water container into the storage container and returned from the storage container into the aquarium. The energy delivered to the water during this leads to fluctuations in the position of the free surface of the volume of water and in-phase operation of the pump provides stronger surface displacements in the aquarium, which are comparable with a wave in open water and which expose the plants and living beings in the aquarium to an alternating mechanical load.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Tunze Aquarientechnik GmbHInventor: Axel Tunze
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Publication number: 20120228398Abstract: A hydraulic jump (1) is created at the free surface (2) of a liquid subjected to a flow over a surface (23) which declines towards a liquid outlet region, and where the supply is made by the overflow of a supply system (3), and where an element (24) rises above the flow surface (23) to form a retention volume (27) of the liquid before it is drained. The liquid may be recycled. The jump (1) may or may not be stable. The invention may be applied to the creation of artificial waves for simulation devices, ornamental fountains or swimming pools.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Comm. a l' ener. atom. et aux energies alter.Inventor: Thierry FOGLIZZO
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Patent number: 8262316Abstract: A surface gravity wave generator and wave pool is disclosed. A wave pool is formed of opposing side walls and a center channel of water. The channel includes a bottom contour with a depth that runs from a deep end to a shoal or beach. One or more three-dimensional foils are vertically arranged along at least one side wall, and moved against the water in the channel. Each foil has a curvilinear cross-sectional geometry that defines a leading surface that is adapted to generate a wave in water moving past the leading surface, and a trailing surface configured for flow recovery to avoid separation of the flow of water in the wave and to mitigate drag from the foil from the water moving past the leading surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Kelly Slater Wave Company, LLCInventors: Kelly Slater, Adam Fincham
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Publication number: 20120192345Abstract: A wakeboarding system and pool are provided. The wakeboarding system includes a deck, a pool of water adjacent the deck, a pad having a top surface and a bottom surface, the pad being fixedly coupled to the deck and protruding therefrom over a portion of the pool of water, the bottom surface of the pad being in contact with the pool of water and the pad being configured to float, and a flow of water over the top surface of the pad. The pad has an outer edge that opposes the deck, the outer edge being configured in a semi-circle. The pad further includes protrusions on the pad, the protrusions being configured on the top surface of the pad to allow a wake boarder to engage the protrusions. The apparatus further includes a towing mechanism and a tow device coupled thereto for towing the wake boarder.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventor: Mark Randall Cozens
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Patent number: 8166582Abstract: An alternative propulsion or motive force for the riders of water features based on generated waves. A wave generator may be used to propel individuals or vessels within a chute for recreation or transportation. In one form, a pool or container having a body of water is configured to support an artificial wave generator which uses compressed gas to discharge water and generate a wave-like motion within a body of water. A source of make-up fluid is configured to mitigate internal low pressure conditions caused by the water discharge to enable effective wave generation with reduced quantities of compressed air. Portions of the waves generated in a pool may be captured in a variety of ways by chutes for stand-alone rides or for portions of chutes in water slides.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Inventor: Garrett T. Johnson
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Patent number: 8042200Abstract: The wave-generating apparatus in accordance with the invention has a pool (11) having a deeper area (12) surrounding a substantially central area (13); a pool edge (15) bounding the pool; a body (16) having a wave-generating shaped surface (22) located within the pool adjacent the pool edge and moveable along the pool edge relative thereto to generate a wave (17) in the water in the pool, and impeller means (18) generating a current in the water in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the body.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Liquid Time Pty, Ltd.Inventor: Gregory Mark Webber
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Publication number: 20110209280Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for improving the creation of plunging and peeling waves in a pool or body of water. The improvement is accomplished by orientating one or more wave making devices at an acute angle to one another and then placing these angled wave making devices adjacent to an array of wave making devices. The angled wave making devices are arranged and orientated such that when they generate a wave, the generated wave converges with the waves generated from the array of wave making devices. This convergence of waves constitutes a wave-wave interaction. This wave-wave interaction replicates the physical process of wave focusing and favors the creation of a plunging and peeling wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Justin Enjo
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Patent number: 7950875Abstract: A device for generating and maintaining a standing wave face capable of being ridden by an individual. The device includes a container having a base wall and a sidewall and containing a fluid, at least one inlet into the container, and means for imparting a combination of rotational vertical and horizontal velocity to a fluid with-in the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventor: Roger A. Benham
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Publication number: 20110099707Abstract: An artificial surfing facility for producing a standing wave, with an inclined ramp, to the upper end of which water is conveyed by at least one pump and at the lower end of which the water discharges into a wave pool. A standing wave is easily attained by there being an adjustable guide device in the wave pool at a distance from the bottom end of the ramp in the flow direction as a wave initiator. The wave pool, during operation of at least one pump, has a liquid level which is located above the liquid level of a main pool which surrounds the wave pool and the amount of water in the wave pool offers a defined resistance to the water flowing down the ramp so that the formation and height of the standing wave are influenced by the change of the flow velocity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: ACTION TEAM VERANSTALTUNGS GMBHInventor: Rainer Klimaschewski
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Patent number: 7930774Abstract: System for creating a liquid motion in a pool comprising: a means for introducing intermittently a gas into the liquid a gas flow means adapted for increasing the pressure of the gas, said increase resulting in gas flow and a control means for controlling the flow of the gas at the end opening of the end piping assembly at least in function of the height of the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Wow Company S.A.Inventor: Joseph Demarteau
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Patent number: 7815396Abstract: A wave generating apparatus and method in which a chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a body of water in a pool and is connected to a gas supply for at least partially filling the chamber with gas, displacing water in the vicinity of the chamber. A vent valve is arranged to vent gas rapidly from the chamber so that the water level in the vicinity of the chamber falls, forming a wave trough. A wave reflecting wall is positioned in the pool adjacent the chamber and in the vicinity of the wave trough formation so as to reflect the wave away from the chamber and across the body of water. The chamber may have a flexible wall for displacing water or may be a rigid chamber communicating with the water through a submerged passageway. This apparatus forms a wave trough followed by a wave peak which travels across the pool.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: American Wave Machines, Inc.Inventors: Bruce C. McFarland, Steven M Harrington
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Patent number: 7743734Abstract: In order to generate waves in a volume of water (12) of an aquarium, it is proposed that a storage container (22) which extends beyond the surface of the volume of water (12) should be provided in the aquarium (10). Using a pump (32), water is periodically pumped from the water container (10) into the storage container (22) and returned from the storage container (23) into the aquarium (10). The energy delivered to the water during this leads to fluctuations in the position of the free surface (14) of the volume of water (12) and in-phase operation of the pump (32) provides stronger surface displacements in the aquarium (10), which are comparable with a wave in open water and which expose the plants and living beings in the aquarium to an alternating mechanical load.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Tunze Aquarientechnik GmbHInventor: Axel Tunze
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Publication number: 20100125943Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for dampening waves preferably comprising a wave pool having two portions, a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves that causes the waves to begin breaking, and a second wave dampening portion having a relatively deep solid chamber floor and a raised perforated floor above it for dampening the waves after they begin to break. The properties of the raised floor, including its porosity, its depth (relative to the chamber depth), and the characteristics of the waves to be dampened, including the wave height and shape, are taken into account in designing a dampening system that substantially dissipates the waves, which in turn, reduces wave reflections and rip currents that can interfere with the next oncoming waves, and thereby, help to maintain quality surfing waves at high frequencies without increasing pool size.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrick Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
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Patent number: 7722290Abstract: A transportable module for use in generating waves in a body of water, having a tubular chamber with a predetermined length and width equal to or less than the maximum length permitted for transportation on a predetermined type of road. The chamber includes a rear valve located at the rear end to permit flow into the chamber and substantially block flow out of the chamber and a gas port proximate to the rear end for the admission of compressed gas into the chamber. The module includes an anchoring system, such as an integrated ballast tank, a connecting system mounted on the outer surface of the module by which the module may be detachably connected in parallel with other such modules in a side to side manner to form a barge or scalable wave generator. Individually, the modules are is capable of being transported by road to a desired body of water for use.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Inventor: Garrett T. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100124460Abstract: A new use of existing dry material storage silos. The massive capacity, proportions of height to diameter, uniform lateral strength attributed to vertical cylindrical and elevated configuration, and very existence provides for a cost effective and efficient means of water storage and release of massive volumes of water for the purpose of creating wave energy in a pool for water surfing and other water recreational entertainment or sport activities.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventor: Phillip James Fricano
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Publication number: 20100088814Abstract: Disclosed is a wave pool for creating multiple surf-able waves when a wave generating device forces water into a first end of the wave pool. The wave pool includes a first deep area adjacent the end of the wave pool having the wave generating device. It is followed by a first artificial reef that creates a first shallow area that causes a swell created by the wave generating device to become a first surf-able wave. This is followed by a second deep area that causes the first surf-able wave to revert to a swell. A second artificial reef creates a second shallow area causing the swell to become a second surf-able wave. A basin and swash area follows the second artificial reef for dissipating the remaining energy of the second surf-able wave. Deep channels parallel to the pool sides substantially extending the length of the pool. An optional set of edge shallows can extend substantially the length of the wave pool to create a surf-able curling wave along each side of the wave pool.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Garrett T. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100017951Abstract: Wave-generating apparatus (1) that is installed in an aquatic environment (3) and which comprises, as its main elements, at least one elongated profile (5) that moves tangentially in relation in relation to a uniformly-deep floor (4) by the action of a drive mechanism (6). As a result, a wave (2) forms on the profile (5) and moves along with the profile (2). The profile (5) is disposed to form an angle (8) other than 90° with the direction of displacement (7), the purpose being to generate a wave (2) with an escape area and which can therefore be surfed. Some parameters of the apparatus (1) may be adjusted for the purpose of changing the degree of difficulty of the wave (2) that is generated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: INSTANT SPORT, S.L.Inventor: Jose Manuel Odriozola Sagastume
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Publication number: 20100011497Abstract: The present invention relates to wave pools and diversion channels that capture high kinetic energy portions of a wave generated within the wave pool, and redirects the captured wave portions to the vicinity of wave formation, preferably timed so as reinforce a subsequently generated wave. The high kinetic energy within the diversion channel creates an additional feature in the form of an action river for riders of a wave pool to enjoy. At the same time, capturing of portions of the wave reduces the backwash of the wave and stabilizes the level of water within the wave pool, especially for embodiments with wave generators and pools capable of high volume waves. Riders may enter the diversion channel and ride from the distal, beach end of the wave pool to the proximal, wave generating end.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: Garrett Tyler Johnson
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Publication number: 20100000014Abstract: The invention relates to a wave pool with a beach having a body of water and a wave generator that travels along a relatively shallow channel across from the beach. The wave generator is adapted to travel through the channel and displace the water in the channel to create primary waves on which surfing maneuvers can be performed. The primary waves in turn enter into the body of water to produce secondary waves that can be acted upon by the inclined pool floor so that they eventually break and spill onto the beach. The water in the channel is preferably provided with a reverse current to enable the absolute speed of the wave generator to be reduced, which allows the channel to be shorter in length without significantly impacting the wave effects that are created, which helps reduce the cost of construction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Charles E. Sauerbier