Having Tide Responsive Working Member Positioning Means Patents (Class 60/498)
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Patent number: 11939945Abstract: A wave energy capture system deployed in water converts mechanical motion induced by waves in the water to electrical energy. A controller of the wave energy capture system receives input regarding real-time wave conditions in a vicinity of the wave energy capture system. The controller applies a control model to the received input to select a value of a control parameter for the wave energy capture system, where the control model includes a model that has been trained using machine learning to take wave condition data as input and to output control parameter values selected based on the wave condition data in order to increase an amount of energy captured by the wave energy capture system. The controller implements the selected value of the control parameter on the wave energy capture system.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: OCEAN MOTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Alexander J. Orona, Boyang Pan, Leverett Bezanson, Paul Glick, Justin Walraven, Mark Huang, Nathaniel Bell
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Patent number: 10247457Abstract: A non-condensable gas purge system is configured to be used in a chiller system that uses a low pressure refrigerant in a loop refrigeration circuit. The non-condensable gas purge system includes a purge tank and a purge heat exchanger coil arranged inside the purge tank. The purge tank has a tank inlet for receiving the low pressure refrigerant from a condenser of the refrigeration circuit, a tank outlet for returning the low pressure refrigerant to an evaporator of the refrigeration circuit, and a purge outlet for purging non-condensable gas from the purge tank to the ambient atmosphere. The purge heat exchanger coil is fluidly connected to the loop refrigeration circuit such that the low pressure refrigerant contained in the loop of the chiller system can pass through the purge heat exchanger coil. Refrigerant in the purge tank is condensed by the heat exchanger coil while non-condensable gases remain gaseous.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: DAIKIN APPLIED AMERICAS INC.Inventors: Yian Gu, Fumiaki Onodera, Aaron Schoolcraft, Tsuyoshi Ueda
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Patent number: 8959906Abstract: One or more examples of the gas boosters described herein aim to provide a light weight gas booster configured to produce high output pressure levels at high volumes. Generally described, one or more examples of the gas boosters reduce the dead volume in a piston assembly, thereby increasing the ratio of the output pressure to the input pressure. In that regard, several examples of the gas boosters disclosed herein have a first check valve as a disk-type check valve or the like and a second check valve as a ball-type check valve or the like. Furthermore, one or more examples include an inwardly acting cam configured to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion by an inner surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Fluke CorporationInventors: Robert B. Haines, Richard Rosenthal
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Patent number: 8925312Abstract: Propelling device or engine to transform potential energy into power, using the forces produced movement of a liquid surface or fluid or similar, more specifically, the device is made arranged means to exploit synergistic four forms of surface displacement of the fluid wave, objectively the upward, downward, forward wave toward the shore and pulling inward, in order to produce conventional and renewable energy more efficient than currently used systems with minimal mechanical efforts, whose employment is varied, for pumps, single or hydraulic; to generate electricity, to generate the movement of maritime vessels of any size or movement of vehicles or land machinery land, for hydropower generation, etc.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Inventor: Victor Hugo Rosales Ureta
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Patent number: 8915077Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power plant, comprising at least one floating power plant body and means for converting movement of the floating power plant body into a rotary motion for power take off. The floating power plant body (1) is adapted to perform a gyrating motion in response to waves.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Wello OyInventor: Heikki Paakkinen
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Patent number: 8887501Abstract: The invention relates to a wave power plant, comprising at least one float or pontoon (1) or a plurality of interconnected floats or pontoons (2). The float or pontoon (1) is shaped or the interconnected floats or pontoons (2) are disposed asymmetrically relative to the advancing direction of waves, such that the float or pontoon (1) or a member (3) linking the interconnected floats or pontoons is set in a gyrating motion in response to the buoyancy of a succession of waves advancing in said direction. The wave power plant includes elements (5, 6, 7; 9, 10) for converting the gyrating motion into a rotational motion for power take-off.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Wello OyInventor: Heikki Paakkinen
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Patent number: 8701403Abstract: A system and method for generating energy from the tuning masses relative to a ground plane and an external force. In some embodiments the external force is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The second mass can move relative to the first mass by various methods including rolling on a track or pendulum. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Gwave LLCInventor: Glenn L. Beane
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Patent number: 8671675Abstract: In a wave powered electric generator system, multiple floatation devices are interconnected by torque arms arranged to convert pivotal movement of the torque arms due to up and down movement of the floatation devices, into one-way rotational movement of electric generator shafts, the torque arms being configured to permit expansion and contraction of their lengths when exposed to sudden, severe axial forces.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventor: Nguyen Huu Cuong
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Patent number: 8667791Abstract: The present invention relates to a damper for damping the reactionary motion of a wave energy conversion device to wave motion, comprising a damping energy absorber (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, arranged to damp the reactionary motion of the WEC. According to a first aspect, there is provided a damping structure (2) for a wave energy conversion device (1). The structure comprises a fixed member (6), and a damping member (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response. The present invention also relates to a mooring component (2) for a mooring system (1) and to a method for manufacturing a mooring component (2). The component comprises a deformable element (6) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, wherein the response is a composite reversible non-linear stress-strain response.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Technology From Ideas, LimitedInventors: Paul McEvoy, Robert Healy
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Publication number: 20130233003Abstract: A cooling system, in particular for use on board an aircraft, includes a first cooling circuit allowing circulation of a two-phase refrigerant therethrough, a first evaporator disposed in the first cooling circuit, a first condenser disposed in the first cooling circuit, and a first heat sink adapted to provide cooling energy to the first condenser. The cooling system further includes a second cooling circuit allowing circulation of a two-phase refrigerant therethrough, a second evaporator disposed in the second cooling circuit, a second condenser disposed in the second cooling circuit, a second heat sink adapted to provide cooling energy to the second condenser, and a cooling energy transfer arrangement which is adapted to transfer cooling energy provided by the first heat sink and/or the first condenser to the second cooling circuit or to transfer cooling energy provided by the second heat sink and/or the second condenser to the first cooling circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Markus Piesker, Martin Sieme, Ahmet Kayihan Kiryaman
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Publication number: 20130181454Abstract: A wave power plant, comprising a floating body and a rotator capable of rotating in response to the body's floating motion, characterized in that two or more bodies are elastically moored at a distance varying from each other according to wave conditions, said distance in the traveling direction of waves being unequal to a half of the wave length or a multiple thereof, and that rotation of the rotators present in various bodies is synchronized so as to provide a desired phase shift between the rotational angles of rotators present in various bodies.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: WELLO OYInventor: Heikki Paakkinen
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Publication number: 20130104537Abstract: A mechanism for capturing wave energy includes a structure and a set of vertical buoys with support portions for supporting the structure. The structure is rectangular and includes rails that are oriented parallel to a direction of waves of water, and a movable bridge that runs along the rails perpendicularly to the direction of the waves. The movable bridge includes buoyancy tanks for flotation, with the buoyancy tanks having faces configured to maximize contact with the water. The buoyancy tanks are encased in a structural cage attached to the movable bridge. Wheels of the structural cage run along the movable bridge to keep a position of the buoyancy tanks fixed relative to a level of the water, allowing the buoyancy tanks to rise and fall with movement of the waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Ivan Dib Echeverria
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Publication number: 20120317970Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant for recovery and conversion of kinetic energy in bodies of water to mechanical or electrical energy. The plant comprises a float (3), a pump, a weight (10), one or more buoyancy regulators (11), an accumulator tank (14) and a turbine (15), where the pump is composed of a double-acting cylinder pump (6, 7), where a stationary outer sleeve (7) is connected with a water anchor (8), to which a water anchor (8) a weight (10) and the buoyancy regulator(s) (11) are connected, where a movable inner sleeve (6) is connected to the float (3), in order thereby to provide a relative movement between the stationary sleeve (7) and the movable inner sleeve (6) when the float (3) is moved in the bodies of water, where the float (3) is connected via mooring lines (4) with a moored surface buoy (2), so that the float (3) is arranged with a long side against incoming waves (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2010Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: INTENTIUM ASInventor: Lars Edvardsen
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Patent number: 8128318Abstract: Tide change apparatus and methodology for converting tidal energy into usable mechanical and electrical energy using wedge-hinge assemblies. Electricity is generated by transfer of mechanical energy from both incoming and outgoing tidewaters to an electrical generator. A pair of wedge-hinge assemblies mounted atop semi-submersible barges to enable water to alternately flow into and out of a retention pond relative to a corresponding main body of water in accordance with natural tidal flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Clifton Gerard Anderson, Jr.
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Patent number: 7980832Abstract: A stationary structure is mounted on the floor of an ocean or other body of water subject to wave motion. The structure provides a floatation body that moves with the waves and is able to drive a sealing plate in a compression chamber. When the water level changes, or wave action magnitude changes, a second sealing plate is able to move automatically to maintain a constant size of the compression chamber. Air compressed in the chamber is let into a tank to maintain a constant elevated pressure in the tank and the air pressure is used to power a turbine to generate electricity. In an alternate embodiment, a mechanical linkage drives the turbine directly.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventor: Ned M. Ahdoot
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Patent number: 7975476Abstract: A power plant using sea waves comprising a float, a horizontal shaft. The float (1/1) of a spherical or cylindrical shape made with plastic or metal material, empty filled with ballast, floats half emerged and transfers the wave vertical motions to a vertical metal beam (1/2) which can be increased or decreased in order to deal with the tidal changes of the sea level. The vertical beam is attached with knuckle joins, at one end with the float and at the other with horizontal beam of rectangular metal triangle which transfers the vertical motions at the horizontally moving forwards and backwards saw (1/5) with the two chains (1/6) and (3/20) which rotate two pairs of gears each gear of a pair to the diametrically opposite side, so that with every movement one gear produces action while the other gear of the pair moves freely. The gears rotate the horizontal shaft which is fitted on them (3/8) and the shaft gives motion to the generator.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventor: Constantinos A. Hatzilakos
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Patent number: 7956478Abstract: A wave power apparatus at least a part of which is permanently fixed to the sea floor or to ground, i.e. such as to a breakwater, a mole, a pier, a jetty, a cliff or an oil rig. The wave power apparatus (302) includes a plurality of rotationally supported arms (322), each of which carries a float (324) at its free end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm. The apparatus comprises power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, e.g. a hydraulic system, in which a hydraulic fluid is displaced by the movement of the arms (322) to drive one or more hydraulic motors. The plurality of apparatus is arranged in a row such that a wave passing the row of arms causes the arms to successively pivot with a mutual phase shift. Thereby, an even power output may be achieved, and the need for frequency converters may be reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Wave Star Energy APSInventor: Per Resen Steenstrup
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Patent number: 7918625Abstract: A structure for supporting wave energy conversion mechanisms driven by—floats (24, 25) placed in the sea, said structure comprising: an open sided lattice framework (15); at least one leg (16) for supporting said open sided lattice framework; members (20) which are supported by said lattice framework (15) for providing a platform, in use, above sea level for said wave energy conversion mechanisms; and a plurality of discrete protective containers (21, 22) affixed to said members (20) and each for housing at least part of a wave energy conversion mechanism (23).Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Trident Energy Ltd.Inventors: Hugh-Peter Granville Kelly, Malcom Van Den Bergh
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Patent number: 7908854Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for recovering energy contained by waves. In the arrangement, a plurality of collecting devices (8) is coupled in series. Each collecting device comprises a float (7) coupled by means of a power transmission member (10, 11) to a motion converter (13). The coupling between the collecting devices may be mechanical, the motion converters being coupled up by means of an intermediate shaft (60).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignees: Finn Escone Oy, Oitsu OyInventors: Esko Raikamo, Markku Oikarainen
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Publication number: 20110061376Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to conversion of renewable energy such as solar, wind, falling water, wave and biomass resources into energy forms for practical transport by existing electricity and natural gas transport systems and includes embodiments for cyclic conversion of rectilinear forces into electricity wherein charged particles force a separate population of charged particles to flow in a separate circuit to create an electric current. Forces exerted at a first frequency are converted into cyclic electrical current at a frequency that is a multiple of the frequency of the forces. Similar arrangements are provided for conversion of rotary forces into electricity. Components of the disclosure can be manufactured at a high rate from very low cost materials with minimum energy requirements for the purpose of generation of low-cost electricity from linear motion engines and renewable forces such as ocean waves and flowing fluids such as water or air.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy E. McAlister
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Patent number: 7891183Abstract: The wave-based power generation system has a buoy or float retained by a cable that enters an underwater power generating station. The cable enters the station housing through an inverted U-tube having upturned inlet and outlet ports, which prevent water from entering the housing. The buoy cable passes over an inlet pulley assembly disposed within the U-tube and has its free end secured to a take-up reel or sheave. A driver pulley is mounted on a shaft coaxial with the take-up reel shaft, and is constrained to unidirectional rotation. Rotation of the driver pulley is coupled to a mainspring pulley and a timing pulley through an idler pulley. A mainspring is compressed by rotation of the mainspring pulley until a cam wheel coaxial with the timing wheel releases a brake, causing the mainspring to expand and rotate a generator shaft to produce electricity.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventor: Mustafa Ali Al-Huwaider
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Publication number: 20110025072Abstract: A system for converting wave energy into rotary motion and for sea water desalination, including buoyancy means upon sea waves wherein the buoyancy means move according to the sea waves motion; a piston, containing fluid, wherein the piston is pivotally attached to the buoyancy means, thereby converting mechanical kinetic energy into hydraulic pressure of fluid. A hydraulic system that includes pipes and one or more one-directional valves for allowing pressure conservation in the hydraulic system even after releasing the piston. The fluid pressure is preferably stored in a pressure container. The system further includes a hydraulic motor that is operatively connected to the hydraulic system wherein the hydraulic pressure creates a flow of fluid that operatively rotates the hydraulic motor. The rotary motion can then be used for sea water desalination and for other uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventor: Shmuel Ovadia
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Patent number: 7877994Abstract: The stability and power conversion efficiency of a wave energy converter (WEC) which includes a float, a spar and a power taken device (PTO) connected between the spar and the float is increased by connecting a heave plate to the spar in a very secure manner and by carefully limiting the movement between the float and spar to one direction (i.e., up-down motion). Buoyancy chambers may be attached to the WEC to facilitate its transportation and deployment. The WEC may be formed in sections and assembled at, or close to, the point of deployment.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Diana Bull, James Gerber, William Powers
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Patent number: 7827788Abstract: A tidal power generator has a floating vessel hull that is subject to rising and falling water levels so that the hull moves vertically up and down. Linear-to-rotary converters are coupled between the vessel hull and a fixed object. The converters allow the hull to move vertically while constraining the horizontal movement of the hull. The converters convert the vertical movement of the hull into rotary movement, which is then used to drive an electrical generator. A harborage is provided to protect the hull and the converters and to regulate the water level for the vessel hull as well as become a fixed object relative to the vessel from which a change in relative position causes power to be developed. If the hull is subject to tidal variations, vertical movement of the hull can be desynchronized from the tidal variations so as to store energy during slack tides.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Inventors: Robert B. Lomerson, Sr., Robert B. Lomerson, Jr.
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Patent number: 7726123Abstract: A wave energy device in the form of a self buoyant heave-resistant vessel (10) comprising two or more discrete flow paths into which water can be urged by wave action and a bi-directional energy extractor in fluid communication with said path(s) and atmosphere, arranged to extract energy from air movements in said path(s) caused by said wave action.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Orecon Ltd.Inventor: Fraser Jon Edmund Johnson
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Patent number: 7694513Abstract: A wave power apparatus includes a plurality of rotationally supported arms, each of which carries a float (124) at its free end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm. The apparatus comprises power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, e.g. a hydraulic system, in which a hydraulic fluid is displaced by the movement of the arms to drive one or more hydraulic motors. The plurality of are arranged in a row such that a wave passing the row of arms causes the arms to successively pivot with a mutual phase shift. Thereby, an even power output may be achieved, and the need for frequency converters may be reduced or eliminated. Preferably, each arm is connected to a hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic system, whereby a plurality of arms feed hydraulic medium into the hydraulic motor or motors through common hydraulic conduits.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Wave Star Energy APSInventors: Per Resen Steenstrup, Niels Arpe Hansen, Keld Hansen
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Publication number: 20100043424Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and method for generation of electrical power from sea waves, with either simultaneous or no desalination of seawater. The device comprises a seaborne portion and a shore-side portion. The seaborne portion of the device comprises a float, an anchor and a pumping mechanism. Seawater and air are drawn in and pumped through pipes and respectively to a shore-side compressor system. The compressor system is adapted to provide pressurized water of constant pressure to the next stage, which is either the desalination assembly through which potable water is produced using the reverse-osmosis method or the water-motor, which drives a generator that provides electrical power or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: ECOCEAN RENEWABLES LIMITEDInventor: Christos F. Papadopoulos
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Publication number: 20090211240Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Roland Wayne Patton
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Patent number: 7579704Abstract: A wave power apparatus includes at least one rotationally supported arm (122) which carries a float (124) at its free end, so that a translational movement of the float caused by a wave results in rotation of the arm (122). The apparatus comprises power conversion means for converting power transmitted from the wave to the arms into electric power, e.g. a hydraulic system, in which a hydraulic medium is displaced by the movement of the arm, the hydraulic system being coupled to an electric generator. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic lifting system for lifting the float out of the ocean and for locking the float in an upper position above the ocean surface, e.g. during extreme sea wave conditions, such as storm. The lifting system may comprise at least one pump for pumping hydraulic cylinders for lifting the arm out of the ocean.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Wave Star Energy APSInventors: Per Resen Steenstrup, Niels Arpe Hansen, Keld Hansen
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Publication number: 20090165455Abstract: The present invention discloses an energy production system comprising a liquid reservoir in which a liquid periodically changes its level, at least one float at least partially immerged in liquid within said liquid reservoir, a lock system operable to maintain said float at a predetermined base level in said liquid, and a controller system comprising a floating trigger system operable to selectively trigger said lock system to release the float from the base level to wave crest thus enabling an outburst and creating high mechanical energy, thereby producing energy power from the liquid level difference within said liquid reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: Shlomo GILBOA
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Patent number: 7456512Abstract: This portable sea-powered electrolysis generator is an apparatus that continually and conveniently harnesses the energy emanating from sea-wave motion in order to propagate hydrogen to be stored for use as a clean, practical and reusable energy source through the process of electrolysis. The motion of waves is used to power a generator that supplies power to water to, through electrolysis, produce hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Inventor: Bernard Nadel
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Patent number: 7448210Abstract: An apparatus powered by waves to generate hydraulic energy that includes a housing structure, an inlet portion, a central channel, an outlet portion and floater assemblies positioned within the channel. Within the housing structure the different components are installed. The inlet has an open end that is constrained at the point where it meets the central channel. Several floating assemblies are contiguously aligned and exposed to the movements caused by the waves running through the channel. The floaters include a hingedly mounted arm and a distal end. The arm is rotably mounted to a fixed point in the housing. The rotational movement is transmitted to a reciprocating piston of a hydraulic system that generates pressurized fluid fed to a hydraulic line. A number of hydraulic storage devices are provided to store the hydraulic energy. A manifold assembly is connected to these storage devices to provide the necessary energy for hydraulic turbine generators of electricity.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Inventor: Roger R. Andalia
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Patent number: 7444811Abstract: Wave-power device, with a plurality of floating bodies (12) arranged in at least two parallel rows for vertical movement caused by wave movements. Each floating body is connected to a generator (22) for the generating of electrical energy during the vertical movement. The floating bodies are jointed to a raft (11) which can be relocated on the water and can be moored at an arbitrary place of use. The floating bodies (12) are connected to vertical supporting bars (14), which are held between an upper lattice-like structure (15, 16) and a lower lattice-like structure (17, 18), and each of the vertical supporting bars (14) is connected to an electric generator (22).Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventors: Asbjorn Skotte, Tov Westby
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Patent number: 7444810Abstract: A device comprising a pivoting float and lever arm combination attached to a beam such that the float and lever arm can unfold and change orientation to the ocean surface. The float and lever arm pivot and the float can be rotated to a vertical position relative to the water surface. The lever arm can, for example, be attached to a suspended beam or to the ocean bottom. A method for moving a float and a lever arm in response to ocean wave action comprising pivotally attaching a first end of a lever arm to a float; attaching a second end of the lever arm to a connector component; and attaching an end of the connector component to the ocean floor.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Olson Enterprises, IncInventor: Chris Olson
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Publication number: 20080190105Abstract: An apparatus for wave energy harnessing includes at least one slide shaft, a buoyant unit, an energy-transmitting unit, and a rotate unit. Said at least one slide shaft is firmly mounted on seabed. The buoyant unit is movably engaged with the slide shaft and has a reservoir and an adjusting board, so as to control the vertical position of the buoyant unit relative to sea level. The energy-transmitting unit is mounted on the buoyant unit. And the rotate unit rotatably engages with the energy-transmitting unit and connects with an energy-transforming unit through a transmission shaft. Thereby, the buoyant unit is driven by wave to vertically slide along the at least one slide shaft, the energy-transmitting unit rotates the transmission shaft of the rotate unit and thus the energy-transforming unit generates power.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Chun-I Tai, Wen-Chung Huang, Cheng-Hsing Lai
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Patent number: 7076949Abstract: System for multiple harnessing and complemented conversion of energy from sea waves. The system includes a structure of vertical guides along which the central floating body moves, a submerged captive-air tank, held up by the floating body, with the body and the tank so arranged that the movement of the submerged tank is contrary to that of the central floating body. The movement of the central floating body and of the submerged tank is transmitted to the means of conversion of the movement into pneumatic, electrical or hydraulic energy. The system shows high energy harnessing efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Pipo Systems, S.L.Inventors: José JoaquÃn Fernández Gomez, Javier Fernández Gomez, Abel Cucurella Ripoll, Rafael Ibáñez Lostal, Alfons Guell Ferre
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Patent number: 6863806Abstract: A tidal-powered desalinization system is mounted on a barge that oscillates about fixed pier structures, generating a two-way pumping action. The two-way pumping action is changed to a single direction flow of seawater. The sea water is directed into an on-board desalinization system. Fresh water is produced and collected in reservoirs, without an intervening generation of electricity.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Lunatech, LLCInventors: Christian Stark, Brett Holton
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Patent number: 6857266Abstract: A wave energy conversion apparatus is described. It comprises at least two devices (3, 4), each comprising a surface float (5, 6), at least one of the surface floats being rigidly attached to a submerged body (9, 10). The movement of the two devices in response to a passing wave may be used to effect an energy transfer.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Wavebob LimitedInventor: William Dick
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Patent number: 6644027Abstract: Apparatus for converting the motion of sea waves to electrical energy comprises at least one vertically oriented linear generator, relatively reciprocating motion of the armature and stator of which is driven by a float immersed in the sea directly below the motor armature. To protect the generator against unfavourable sea conditions, on the onset or occurrence of same, the float is moved to and held in a position in which it is clear of, or submerged, in the sea. This movement may be achieved in whole or in part by operating the linear generator as a linear motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: Hugh-Peter Granville Kelly
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Publication number: 20020078687Abstract: Apparatus converting ocean wave motion energy to electric power is comprised of a combination of prior art devices floating on catamaran-type pontoons (40) fastened by cables (44) to the floor of a body of water. An auger-type helical member (20) rotates around a horizontal shaft-pipe axle (70) at the water's surface by the force of incoming waves near shore. A multiple-blade impeller (30), with radial blades perpendicular to the shaft-pipe axle, is placed at various points on the same shaft-pipe axle simultaneously with the helical impeller. The blades of the multiple-blade impeller (32a & b) are shaped for maximum conversion of wave energy to boost the rotation of the shaft-pipe axle in high volume, low pressure waves. The common shaft-pipe axle is coupled to gear devices (50) to drive energy conversion devices (50) such as electrical generators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Francis M. ?quot;Jim?quot; Donnelly
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Patent number: 6389810Abstract: A device to convert vertical motion of waves in a body of water into useable work has hollow float (14) centrally mounted on vertical sleeve (16) sliding on fixed vertical shaft (10). Oscillations are converted into rotation via an opposing pair of pinion gears, transferring power from upstroke and downstroke respectively, by meshing with circular grooves (18) on sleeve (16). The device is protected from lateral and torsional forces of the waves by an encircling slotted wall (8). The float may be half filled with water to balance buoyancy and gravitational forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventor: Nenad Nakomcic
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Patent number: 6109029Abstract: An apparatus and method as seen in FIG. 2 for converting the motion of waves on a body of fluid 52 into useable energy. This apparatus employs a wave follower 20 to track the rising and falling waves. The reciprocating wave follower interacts with a driven device, such as a pump 202a or generator 202b through an optional lever arm 171 and also through a drive member such as a reciprocating shaft 26. Because the driven device is incorporated into an essentially immovable floating or fixed support member 17, work is accomplished. By increasing the work producing travel distance of the driving member, being the wave follower 20 beyond that of previous art and, in certain embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 2, and by more effectively capturing surge forces that has previous art, this apparatus is intended to produce significantly more work than other similar devices operating in the same waves.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventors: Alan Keith Vowles, Gerald John Vowles
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Patent number: 5710464Abstract: A power drive system which includes a water collecting barrel vertically fastened to the oceanic crust under the sea level and having a reduced top end connected to the power input port of a power generator; a plurality of water tubes radially connected to the water collecting barrel for guiding sea water to the power input port of the power generator to move it into operation; a plurality of rockers respectively pivoted to the water collecting barrel; a plurality of floating devices floating on the sea level; a plurality of connecting rods connected between the floating devices and the rocker; and water pump means driven by the rockers to pump water into the water tubes and the water collecting barrel to force the power generator into operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Inventors: I. Nan Kao, Yee Kon Kao, Yee Jane Kao, De Ching Lee
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Patent number: 4675536Abstract: The invention describes an energy extractor for extracting energy from waves in the sea. A ring spine is disclosed and on the spine, spaced circumferentially thereof are flexible membranes which flex back and forth under the influence of the waves. The back and forth flexing deflects air back and forth and the air movement is used to drive air turbines and electrical generators. Arranging for the spine to be in a ring and spacing the membranes around the ring ensures efficient energy extraction regardless of wave direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1985Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: Sea Energy Associates LimitedInventor: Norman W. Bellamy
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Patent number: 4603551Abstract: A relatively lightweight `motivator buoy` (15), constrained by guides (93) attached to a ballasted "floating platform" (1) of contrasting and static buoyancy characteristics, reciprocates vertically by wave action, lifting water via a piston (20) and cylinder (4) through automatic non-return valves (21,22) into a pressurized storage compartment (23) incorporating a compressible medium such as an airspace, then turning a water turbine (10) and electricity generator (11), or alternatively providing a hydraulic power source for other uses. Modules so constructed may be linked by an above-water framework to form continuous arrays.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1984Date of Patent: August 5, 1986Inventor: Peter Wood
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Patent number: 4469955Abstract: A float having depending fins and a curved surface on which waves impinge. The float provides an additional lift over and beyond its buoyancy. The float is coupled through a swivel to allow it to turn into the direction of waves. The float is additionally provided with an arrangement to compensate for variations in the mean water level due to tide action.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1983Date of Patent: September 4, 1984Inventor: John A. Trepl, II
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Patent number: 4434375Abstract: A power generation system for converting the motion of waves on a body of water such as a lake or sea to drive pumps, electrical generators or the like. A weighted float rides on the waves. A cable and pulley arrangement changes the direction, travel and force of the wave energy action imparted on the float and drives a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes an accumulator for temporary energy storage and release to assist in maintaining constant flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid to one or more hydraulic motors during each wave cycle. The hydraulic motor drives a load such as an electric generator. An automatically actuated device adjusts for high and low tides.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1982Date of Patent: February 28, 1984Inventor: Robert N. Taylor
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Patent number: 4379235Abstract: A wave motion motor is disclosed with an impeller moved by a float. The float is coupled to a swivel arrangement to turn in the direction of wave current and has an inclined underside. Also disclosed are means to adjust to tide level and triangular coupling means between the float and a flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1981Date of Patent: April 5, 1983Inventor: John A. Trepl, II
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Patent number: 4302161Abstract: A wave pump apparatus includes a number of upstanding cylinders connected together by a subframe. Each cylinder mounts a float on the outside of the cylinder connected to a piston within the cylinder. The upstanding cylinders are spaced approximately a distance of half of an average wave length of a particular wave pattern such that as certain floats are moving upwardly, other floats are moving downwardly. Each cylinder is connected to a chamber at the bottom thereof with an inlet valve and an outlet valve, such that as the piston in the cylinder is moving upwardly, it will draw in water, and as the piston moves downwardly in the cylinder, it will pump the water.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1979Date of Patent: November 24, 1981Inventor: John L. Berg