Abstract: An externally-adjustable module for a wave attenuation system formed by connecting a plurality of panels in a structure positioned in a body of water, causes the dissipation of wave energy. Different configurations of panel, having different flow characteristics, used in the structure, and different types of connector used to connect panels, create different patterns of water flow within the structure, and contribute to wave energy dissipation. Units deployed in harbors, rivers, marinas and the like, help to prevent beach erosion and can facilitate beach nourishment. Embodiments can be utilized as a security barrier, preventing intrusion by trespassers, divers or various sized boats. A variety of sensors can be mounted to the structures, enabling detection of movement, chemical and biological agents, explosives or radiation. A submersible gate, comprising panels and a buoyancy control mechanism, allows for passage of boats and can be controlled remotely.

Abstract: The invention, relates to means for absorbing, extracting or using for propulsion, wave energy occurring naturally in water. The invention overcomes existing breakwater devices of the type that were prone to puncture or were expensive to maintain, were inertial dependant or had mooring loads. One breakwater device comprises first and second structures, (100, 102) arranged substantially parallel one to another, said structures having neutral buoyancy and energy absorbers (111) mounted therebetween, whereby in use, the devices absorb energy from incident and waves as a result of relative motion between the structures. Preferably a third structure is positioned parallel to the second structure, there being a second energy absorber positioned between the second and third structures. Energy absorbers may be arranged to generate an electromotive force or pump a material or fluid. Advantageously a plurality of devices (206) can be interconnected, in the form of a chain or caterpillar to provide a breakwater system.

Abstract: A temporary platform or roadway is created using one or a plurality of optionally connected support components to form a top surface upon which panels are placed. The support components are comprised of gabion containers having one or a plurality of compartments into which a filler material is inserted. The filler material can optionally be composed of a buoyant material such as expanded polystyrene to enable flotation. A method for constructing the roadway or platform of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A load-carrying modular structure assembled from 3-D structural modules constituting parallelepipeds with rectangular faces, the 3-D modules adjoining each other along said faces. The modules comprise reinforcing diagonal beams (RDBs) disposed along diagonals that connect vertices of the parallelepipeds. The RDBs form a 3-D multi-tetrahedron lattice whereby said modular structure behaves under load as a multi-tetrahedron structure. A basic 3-D module for assembling the modular structure has six RDBs along facial diagonals forming a tetrahedron. The 3-D module may have RDBs also along the other six diagonals and along diagonals connecting centers of the box's faces. The 3-D modules may have cut-outs and passages for water currents. They may have internal hollow volumes and controlled buoyancy, and may be assembled from shell elements.

Abstract: A portable breakwater system for use in a body of water includes first and second support members adapted to be positioned on the floor of the body of water and a curtain attached between the first and second support members. The first and second support members allow the curtain to freely rise in response to a wave in the body of water so as to attenuate the wave. Each support member includes a base plate and a frame assembly extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plates can be anchored to the water floor with one or more weights. The frame assemblies include pivoting or telescoping sections that permit the curtain to rise in response to a wave. Alternatively, the curtain can be attached to pre-existing underwater structure, such as the support members of a dock located in the body of water. In this case, the curtain is attached to the support members via attachment sleeves that are slidingly mounted on the support members.

Abstract: Provided are static and free-floating breakwater apparatuses that utilize a rocking panel (or beach) to dissipate wave energy. At the same time, such rocking motion can in certain embodiments be used to generate electrical power. Generally speaking, the breakwater apparatuses use a buoyant element, such as an open-bottomed hollow chamber and/or a ballast tank to resist the wave's force.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable breakwater is disclosed having a primary barrier containing liquid under pressure, and one or more overtopping barriers. The primary barrier floats at, and extends substantially below, the surface of the water, while the overtopping barriers are positioned on the primary barrier and extend substantially above the surface of the water, the combination being adapted to attenuate wave action in open water. The liquid in the primary barrier is pressurized to a level substantially greater than the pressure of the surrounding water, and such pressure may be maintained or varied during the period of deployment of the breakwater.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for dissipating water wave energy and for shoreline control including a module with a generally hollow body, a pair of opposed flanges attached to adjacent corners of the body, a pair of axially aligned mounting apertures in the flanges for connecting the body to similar bodies for forming a wave energy dissipation system, and a recess disposed between the flanges. Each recess contains a plurality of boundary layer interrupting projections for substantially disrupting any laminar flow of water past the surface and creating turbulent flow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel floating wave attenuator. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel design of floating wave attenuator which has a curved vertical wave alternating wall section, a bottom vertical motion braking flange, and an air chamber for adjusting buoyancy. A floating wave attenuator comprising: (a) a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface; (b) a flange associated with the wall and extending from at least one of the exterior surface and the interior surface of the wall; and (c) an air chamber in the interior of the wall, the air chamber being filled with air to adjust the buoyancy of the attenuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for dissipating water wave energy and for shoreline control including a module with a generally hollow body, a pair of opposed flanges attached to adjacent corners of the body, a pair of axially aligned mounting apertures in the flanges for connecting the body to similar bodies for forming a wave energy dissipation system, and a recess disposed between the flanges. Each recess contains a plurality of boundary layer interrupting projections for substantially disrupting any laminar flow of water past the surface and creating turbulent flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and system for dissipating water wave energy and for shoreline control including a module with a generally hollow body, a pair of opposed flanges attached to adjacent corners of the body, a pair of axially aligned mounting apertures in the flanges for connecting the body to similar bodies for forming a wave energy dissipation system, and a recess disposed between the flanges having a surface characterized by a plurality of boundary layer interrupting projections substantially disrupting any laminar flow of water past the surface and creating turbulent flow.

Abstract: A flexible structure assembled of impermeable modules surrounds a constant volume of liquid so as to control its quality. The modules may join together so that they can adjust to changing water levels. They may have a single layer or an impermeable membrane may sandwich a foamed core. Anchor sacks may hold the structure tightly to the sea bottom, or conventional anchors embedded in the sea bottom may anchor floating structures whose modules close their bottoms. Seals over joints reduce seepage so that conventional filters may clean and treat the liquid. The foamed core modules buoy the structures and insulate against heat transfer. A floating mat of modules comprising flexible transparent membranes may cover the enclosed liquid to prevent heat loss while achieving a solar energy gain. The structure may also be made in one piece from a flexible membrane.

Abstract: An adjustably compliant porous groin and method for use in restoring an eroding shoreline. The compliant porous groin has a barrier suspended by flotation support within a sediment laden eroding water flow of the shoreline with the water flow passing through at least a portion of the barrier, and the bottom edge of the barrier retained proximate to the seabed. The barrier is compliant such that the water flow impacting the barrier is slowed whereby suspended sediment in the water flow accretes to renourish the shoreline.

Abstract: A kit for connecting and sealing a manhole cover frame to the upper surface of a chimney and a method of using the kit. The kit contains a spacer which may be cut to the proper length and to make allowances for any grade in the surface, a top flange which holds the top of the spacer to the manhole cover frame, and a bottom flange which holds the spacer to the upper surface of the chimney. The surfaces of the flanges which contact the lower surface manhole cover frame and the upper surface of the chimney contain coaxial recesses for holding butyl rubber sealant material in rope form. Watertight seals may be made with the use of light pressure. Additionally, the lower flange may be connected to the chimney with bolts. The surfaces of the flanges contacting the spacer contain a plurality of coaxial protrusions. The ends of the spacer are fitted with gaskets and sealed into the spaces between the protrusions on the top and bottom flanges to form watertight seals.

Abstract: An erosion control mat comprising buoyant fronds is deployed in a body of water to enhance the accumulation of sediments. The mat includes a plurality of frond lines arranged in a fanfolded pattern. Each frond line includes a continuous elongate strip and a plurality of side-by-side buoyant fronds (strands). The frond lines are made of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) preferably LLDPE manufactured by a metallocene or other single site catalyzed process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial reef comprising a string of open bodies, a floatation device and an anchoring device.

Abstract: An artificial reef comprising a string of open bodies, a floatation device and an anchoring device.

Abstract: A ribbed module is provided having a ribbed exterior surface defining a plurality of grooves and channels along the surface for receiving water and directing the water in a direction different from that in which it is received to reduce wave energy. The module is formed as a single integral unit, or as a pair of halves having complementary mating locking elements which when engaged join the halves to form the ribbed module. A buoyancy system is also included to adjust the buoyancy of the module for positioning of same at a select position in the water. A plurality of modules are connected to provide breakwaters which reduce the effects of wave action on the shore.

Abstract: A floating modular system for the protection of harbours and the transformation of energy, consisting of: a plurality of modules (1) made of metal and/or reinforced marine concrete box-structure, comprising internal air spaces (2) for determining the floating thereof and a lower flooded room (4) for the stabilization, under the impact of the sea waves against the level surfaces (6) for their reflection, for the protection of the opposed harbour environment (AP), provided with floating quays (7); a series of floats (8) applied to the wave front of the modules (1), operated by the wave motion for absorbing their energy by double effect pumps (9) with the successive transformation into electric energy; a self-levelling system for the anchorage of each of the modules (1), with self-distributed traction; a system for balancing the tide variations and for levelling the modules (1); a system of joints for coupling the modules (1) according to the extension.

Abstract: A wave-resistant mega-float comprises a first flat plate provided on a front end portion of a large-sized floating body, penetrating a water surface, and extending downward below a bottom surface of the floating body, the front end portion of the floating body being located on an upstream side in a direction from which waves travel, and a second flat plate attached substantially perpendicularly to a lower end portion of the first flat plate such that the second flat plate extends toward the upstream side.

Abstract: A barrier dissipates energy from wakes from high speed vessels. Pilings embedded in the seabed slidably extend through openings in a flotation section below the surface of the water and through apertures in a gate section above the surface of the water. Struts on the flotation section extend through the surface of the water to hold the gate section a predetermined height above the surface. An inclined ramp extends from the flotation section below the surface and progressively reduces the depth of the water above the ramp portion as the distance to the flotation section becomes less. The progressively reduced depth builds-up the incoming wake, and the gate section cuts off the crest of the built-up wake to dissipate energy. Systems of barriers may be located in various patterns of spaced apart arrangements along waterways to intercept and reduce the effects of wakes produced by numerous high speed vessels.

Abstract: A break intercepts waves moving in an anticipated direction along a water surface. Modular elongated floats are aligned end-to-end and extend generally perpendicular to the anticipated direction of the waves. Modular elongated ballast containers aligned end-to-end depend from the floats. The float is wider than the waves. Ballast in the containers is coordinated with the buoyancy of the floats so that the floats extend higher above the water surface than the waves and the container depends below the water surface by a distance greater than the width of the waves. The lower portion of the ballast container face which intercepts the waves is disposed at an angle so as to downwardly deflect the waves. Thus, the float is wide enough to cut off the upper portion of the waves and the lower portion of the container is positioned to intercept and downwardly deflect the lower portion of the waves.

Abstract: A float unit includes a number of corrugated side surfaces and a number of holed ears each formed between each two adjacent side corrugated surfaces. One of the corrugated side surfaces of one float unit engages with that of another float unit to provide friction therebetween to thereby reliably prevent from disengagement between the float units.

Abstract: A fence-like habitat for sheltering and feeding fish, and practicing aquaculture. The fence serves as a shield for small and juvenile fish which seek protection from predators and water movement. The habitat offers substrates for use in the aquaculture of seaweed and shellfish. A complementary bottom habitat is formed by the detachment and drop of seaweed and shellfish to the bottom of the water.

Abstract: An energy dissipating assembly for flowing water is provided which consists of a plurality of modules, each one of the modules being a buoyant body consisting of a continuous envelope defining a hollow watertight chamber, the envelope having a plurality of intersecting planar surfaces and an attaching members connected to at least two spaced locations on the continuous envelope to attach the buoyant body in a three dimensional relationship. Parts are also provided to adjust the buoyancy and mass of the buoyant body so that the assembly can be tuned for the wave activity of the water in which the system is disposed. A method of disrupting the wave action is also provided.

Abstract: A wave suppression member for suppressing waves along a water surface includes a hollow cylinder having a top defining an opening and a sidewall extending from the top. The sidewall includes a plurality of perforations extending through the sidewall. A flotation member is coupled to the top of the barrel for buoyantly supporting the top of the barrel at the water surface.

Abstract: A manhole opening structure having a cover traveling rail on which at least one manhole cover can travel between a manhole opening and the ground and rail lifter serving to upwardly and downwardly move the cover traveling rail between a lower position where the manhole cover closes the manhole opening and an upper position where the manhole cover can move between the cover traveling rail and the ground.

Abstract: A floating wave attenuator constructed to float and provide a breakwater to attenuate waves or the like. The wave attenuator includes an elongated pipe closed at its ends and attached to large, heavy deflector plates that extend downwardly and connect at their bottom ends to form a V-shaped configuration. The deflector plates are open on their ends to allow water therebetween to act as ballast and assist in retarding up and down movement of the wave attenuator in response to wave action. A deck structure is mounted to the top of the closed pipe to provide a walkway over the wave attenuator.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a floating breakwater structure in the pe of a "V". This breakwater design allows for a wide range of wave periods, unlike previous floating breakwaters. The construction of the instant invention is that of a suspended curtain which deflects and redirects the waves that are incident thereto rather than absorb or reflect incoming wave energy. This design results in a substantially smaller structure with reduced mooring loads. Moreover, the floating breakwater of the instant invention allows for fast deployment that can be either shipped in sections and assembled on site or assembled in sheltered waters and towed to a site for deployment. The breakwater of the instant invention is intended for temporary coastal operations such as military force projection and sustainment, dredging, coastal civil construction and repair, oil spill recovery, and search/rescue relief missions.

Abstract: A dynamic reef is provided in accordance with the invention. The dynamic reef includes anchoring means for anchoring the reef in a substantially fixed position with respect to a shoreline, an elastic rubber tubing secured to the anchoring means, and at least one flotation collar positioned so as to be rotatable about the rubber tubing for the purpose of dissipating wave energy. A solar strobe unit may be positioned on the rubber tubing at the end opposite the anchoring means and functions as a warning device. A method for preventing shoreline erosion and a system for reducing the effects of waves on a shoreline are also provided in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A wave suppression device, for use in suppressing large waves formed by ships, tides and wind and for use in harbor and marina areas and the demarcation of swimming areas, comprised of a cylindrical core having a plurality of fins radially extending from its outer surface. The fins are positioned substantially coextensively along the length of the core. Two disc members are circumferentially positioned substantially perpendicular about and connected to each end of the core member and fins. An opening in the core provides a means for introducing water to the hollow interior area of the assembly to provide a desired buoyancy, which opening interacts with a plug top provide a water-tight seal. The flotation assembly includes a central axial opening for receiving a cable or like device for stringing a plurality of wave suppression devices together to form a lane demarcation.

Abstract: A floating breakwater structure that can be positioned adjacent to a boat dock or other area to be shielded from the effect of waves, the structure having a framework supported by floating members to maintain the framework above the water's surface and a plurality of adjacently positioned weighted rectangular concrete slabs pendulously supported into the water from the framework at least along one side of the structure, the concrete slabs being from about 8 to 12 feet in length, from 3 to 6 feet wide and 3 to 8 inches thick.

Abstract: A dynamic floating breakwater or dock device is disclosed which is generally T-shaped in cross-section, having a platform beam, a vertical beam and a keel member. The density of the device varies from top to bottom, such that the platform beam is the least dense and the keel member is the most dense, with the overall density of the device remaining less than that of water. The center of gravity of the device is located in or near the keel member, such that the device will pivot when encountering oncoming waves, the pivoting motion in conjunction with the vertical motion acting to create anti-waves which cancel or lessen the oncoming wave. The device is preferably constructed of a concrete having lightweight material such as polystyrene beads used for the aggregate.

Abstract: A floating wave absorber is composed of a main wave-absorber body formed by a construction body floating on the surface of water, wires of which each one end is connected to an end portion of the main wave-absorber body, a first traction member of which one end is connected to the other bound end portion of each wire and the other end is fixed to an anchor, and a second traction member of which one end is connected to the bottom of the main wave-absorber body and fixed to another anchor. The main wave-absorber body is floated on the water according to a so-called "kite flying" principle and absorbs waves. Thus, the wave absorber is more advantageous in economic performance and free from washing-away by abnormally high waves in a typhoon, etc., and can be installed quickly and absorb waves effectively.

Abstract: A floating breakwater device for attenuating waves includes an elongated frame extending vertically between an upper end and a lower end. A buoyant member is attached to the frame to support the top end of the frame above the water surface. A barrier is attached to the frame which extends downwardly from the top end of the frame and below the water surface to a position adjacent the bottom end of the frame. The barrier is adapted to intercept and reflect a portion of the kinetic energy of an attacking wave. A first platform and a second platform are attached to the bottom end of the frame on opposite sides. The platforms extend outwardly from the frame to provide stability and resistance to unwanted movement of the breakwater device.

Abstract: The improved hourglass worm gear which has been produced by grinding a blank for the worm gear by rotating a grinding wheel about a grinding wheel shaft A while turning the grinding wheel shaft A about a tool shaft A3 which extends in parallel with a wheel shaft A2 perpendicular to a worm shaft A1 is characterized in that a cross-sectional shape of the grinding wheel taken in a plane inclusive of the grinding wheel shaft A exhibits a circular arc.Since the cross-sectional shape of the grinding wheel for successively grinding a series of gear tooth surfaces on the hourglass worm gear is contoured in the form of a circular arc, the hourglass worm gear assures that a radius r of the circular arc has an increased degree of freedom and an ideal contact pattern can be obtained by properly adjusting the radius r.

Abstract: A floating structure suitable for use as a breakwater is composed of at least two displacing units have an elongated shape arranged in series. Each unit is a conventional box-like structure of reinforced concrete. The units are linked together by means of wires passing through channels provided at the top of the longitudinal sides of the units. Bodies of resilient material are fitted into recesses at the ends of the channels, and the wires also pass through these bodies. During erection of the structure the wires will be subjected to straining, and the length of the blocks and the resiliency of the material is selected so a margin will remain between meeting edges of two juxtaposed units.

Abstract: Stationary zigzag breakwater embedded into the sea bottom or floating breakwater. The determining factor for the wave-reflecting characteristics and the structural stability of the breakwater is the appropriate dimensioning of the zigzag elements. In stationary breakwaters embedded into the sea bottom, the length (l) of the zigzag elements is at least equal to or greater, preferably 5 to 8 times as great or greater, than the depth of water (d). The total height (h) of the wave-reflecting side walls is at least equal to or greater than the depth of water (d), preferably 2 to 2.5 times greater than the depth of water (d). In floating breakwaters, the length (l) of the zigzag elements is at least equal to or greater than half of the maximum foreseeable wave length. The total height (h) of the wave-reflecting side walls (11) is at least equal to or greater than 1 to 1.5 times the maximum foreseeable wave height. The zigzag elements (7, 8) are interconnected by means of oscillation-damping connecting members (9).

Abstract: Stationary zigzag breakwater embedded into the sea bottom or floating breakwater. The determining factor for the wave-reflecting characteristics and the structural stability of the breakwater is the appropriate dimensioning of the zigzag elements. In stationary breakwaters embedded into the sea bottom, the length (1) of the zigazg elements is at least equal to or greater, preferably 5 to 8 times as great or greater, than the depth of water (d). The total height (h) of the wave-reflecting side walls is at least equal to or greater than the depth of water (d), preferably 2 to 2.5 times greater than the depth of water (d). In floating breakwaters, the length (1) of the zigzag elements is at least equal to or greater than half of the maximum foreseeable wave length. The total height (h) of the wave-reflecting side walls (11) is at least equal to or greater than 1 to 1.5 times the maximim foreseeable wave height. The zigzag elements (7, 8) are interconnected by means of oscillation-damping connecting members (9).

Abstract: A portable floating wave dissipating device particularly useful when deployed to protect a beach area during storm periods. The device includes (a) a floating platform, (b) a pivotally connected exposed upper water breaking surface which dissipates the visible portions of oncoming waves, and (c) a pivotally connected submerged lower vane breaking the surface which dissipates the sub-surface portions of oncoming waves. The submerged water breaking surface may also include vanes for redirecting sea water flowing therethrough either upwardly or downwardly to enhance movement of subsurface sediment and sand toward the beach area.

Abstract: A floating structure to support maritime operations is constituted by a metallic platform, in the shape of an internally open square (10) floating in the ocean being moored to the bottom of the ocean by a cable system (C.sub.1, C.sub.2, C.sub.3 . . . C.sub.n) tied to a pile system (E.sub.1, E.sub.2, E.sub.3 . . . E.sub.n). It retains in its interior a portion of the sea which is communicated to the outside ocean through an opening (11) in the walls of the said metallic platform (10) in such a way that, in that confined part of the ocean, the support boats to the sea work, may be moored due to the fact the interior of the open square is calm in respect to the rough sea outside the structure (10).

Abstract: Process designed to produce attenuation of the effects of swell in view of protecting coastal or off-shore structures or installations, characterized in that it consists in creating, from the incident swell, an undulatory type phenomenon which is materialized in the form of a "oscillating wall of water" generating a system of radiation waves whose combination with the diffracted wave present downstream from said "oscillating wall of water", produces a non-existent or low amplitude resultant.

Abstract: Artificial substrates for use in open sea enhancing biomass and/or absorbing wave energy, improved by means of particular dispositions and devices concerning their number, mooring, flotation, and using buried anchors and inertia weights. The artificial substrates are associated with affixed sessile organisms such as algae and shellfish and implanted securely even in very rough seas. The fulfill economical requirements for the development of aquacultural farms, aquacultural breakwaters, algae fields and shellfish reefs.

Abstract: An artificial reef for marine life consisting of a system of flexible, buoyant geometric bodies. The bodies are each walled members formed of a plastics material and having a large plurality of holes or openings therein. Each of the bodies is buoyant and is anchored on the sea floor via respective variable length cable so that the bodies float within the water at various elevations. The bodies may be formed of the same size and shape or different sizes and shapes, with the openings therein also being of the same shape or different shapes and sizes. In certain embodiments the bodies are telescoped within each other, and in other embodiments the bodies are interconnected together in a manner such that their axes are in a nonparallel relationship to each other.

Abstract: A device for effecting local reduction of sea wave amplitude includes a grid plate adapted to be supported in the sea at a predetermined depth ensuring that the grid plate remains submerged below the trough of the highest wave expected to be encountered in use of the wave reduction device. The grid plate member includes a plurality of interconnected elongate supporting members hingedly supporting flapper valve plates which are operable between substantially opened and closed positions, each flapper walve in its opened position permitting sea water to flow substantially unimpeded through the flapper valve and in its closed position substantially blocking the flow of sea water through the flapper valve.

Abstract: A breakwater for attenuating the sea-swell effects of waves includes a bottom plate rigidly supporting and adapted to be immersed in a body of water. A generally upwardly extending solid front wall is formed at an upstream edge of the plate and an upper end of the front wall extends above the surface of the body of water. A generally upwardly extending rear wall is formed at a downstream edge of the bottom plate and has a plurality of regularly spaced orifices formed therein. A generally upwardly extending intermediate wall is formed between the front wall and the rear wall and also includes orifices, the front wall and the intermediate wall forming therebetween an energy dissipation basin. The front wall extends above the surface of the body of water so as to prevent the passage of a sea swell above the bottom plate as long as the amplitude of the swell is average.

Abstract: A beach erosion reversal system adapted to assist in reforming cresting destructive waves into substantially constructively beach-replenishing waves. The preferred system comprises a plurality of solid members deployable by offshore submersion along a beach, preferably along the line of wave crest formation. The composition of the solid members are such that wave action wears the structures away in a predetermined relatively short period of time. Another embodiment includes a plurality of buoys held in place along the wave crest line by submerged connected weights. The wave alteration into substantially constructive wave formations is similar. Variations of size, shape, lateral spacing and composition are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for dissipating surface waves to protect floating or fixed structures comprises a floatable carpet formed of floating motor vehicle tires which are horizontally disposed and arranged in rows. Flexible spacers interconnect the tires in such a manner that the floating carpet provides a structure that is stiff in the horizontal direction and flexible in the vertical direction. The individual tires assume zig-zag inclinations to the portions for interconnecting the tires in the upper and lower areas thereof, and inflatable supporting hoses extending between adjacent tires in the areas between the upper and lower spacers.

Abstract: A floating wave dissipation structure comprising tandem connected floating bodies separated by one or more rigid rods having a pivotally securing mechanism at the connection near the bottom of the body side wherein the structure is floated on the sea so that the tandem connected floating bodies are arranged along the direction of the waves. The length of the body in the direction of travel of the waves is selected so that the wavelength divided by the body length is between 2 and 10 with 2 to 7 providing transmission rates of 50% and below. Advantageously, the structure effectively dissipates waves of short, imtermediate and long wavelengths.

Abstract: A mobile, buoyant breakwater structure is disclosed having a plurality of wave reflecting surfaces alternatingly offset from each other by a distance approximating one-half the wave length of impinging waves to decrease the motion of the structure and the transmission of wave motion past the structure. An anchoring system is provided which is connected to the breakwater structure and adapted to act substantially through an action center of the structure, the location of which is defined by the intersection of the plane of action of the resultant buoyant force on the structure and the plane of action of the resultant horizontal force on the structure for a selected designed wave.