Abstract: Disclosed are a wave power generation system for generating electrical energy by means of a hydraulic circuit, and a method for controlling same. The wave power generation system comprises a hydraulic motor for storing motion energy in a form of fluid pressure and volume if a plurality of tension transmission members, for transmitting motion energy by means of six-degrees-of-freedom motion of a movable object floating on the waves, move in one direction, and for maintaining the tension of the tension transmission members by means of the stored energy if the tension transmission members move in the other direction. Electric energy is alternately generated by means of the bidirectional motion of the plurality of tension transmission members.

Abstract: A closed dual-bladder wave energy system that is capable of capturing a continuous supply of energy derived from wave movements for nearshore implementations. Rather than employing an onshore bladder in communication with an offshore bladder, and rather than focusing on capturing more incremental potential energy derived from tidal movement, the system accomplishes continuous captures potential energy from waves via a dual-bladder system employed offshore. Fluid within the system translates between a first offshore bladder and a second offshore bladder based on a pressure differential between a crest and a trough of a wave external to the system. By utilizing compliant bladders, the system is capable of capturing energy even during inclement weather conditions without the risk of faults resulting from strong waves. As such, the system provides for the efficient and effective capture of potential energy from waves in any weather condition and in any water environment that experiences waves.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid flow energy harvester (10) comprising a crankshaft (12) and at least one vane (14) pivoted into a sail portion (18) and a crank portion (20) on respective sides of the pivot (16). Both portions (18) and (20) are operatively oscillatable about the pivot (16) when the crank portion (20) is operatively arranged facing into a fluid flow (22). The crank portion (20) is linked to the crankshaft (12) via a crank (24) so that operative oscillation of the vane (14) imparts rotational force to said crankshaft (12). The harvester (10) also includes a fin arrangement (26) which comprises a fin (28) arranged on, and configured to guide, the sail portion (18) of the vane (14) facing towards or in a direction of the fluid flow (22).

Abstract: An articulating wave energy conversion system (AWECS) formed of a forward barge hingedly-coupled to a two-part aft barge configuration for reducing the attenuation of available wave energy along the length of the AWECS. The two-part aft barge includes a buoyant section that is either rigidly-connected, or unitized with, a lever-arm barge. The lever-arm barge includes a draft that is much smaller than the drafts of the forward barge and buoyant section. In addition, the lever-arm barge includes a large waterplane area that results in large hydrostatic forces as the waves pass. One or more intermediate barges may be hingedly-coupled between the forward barge and the aft barge. Pumps can be positioned across every hinge to convert the barge articulations into mechanical energy for driving the pumps based on wave motion for a variety of functions, such as water desalination, electrical energy generation, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting energy from sea waves with the aid of a buoyancy body, from which cables (S) are guided in a splayed-out manner to mutually spaced, stationary reference points which are provided beneath the buoyancy body. At least one of the cables is provided as a guide cable for guiding the buoyancy body on a trajectory and at least one cable is provided as a working cable for transmitting the wave energy to at least one energy converter. In order to make a more efficient use of the wave energy possible, even with varying wave directions, and utilize synergy effects from the combination with offshore wind power plants, according to the invention the buoyancy body can be oriented freely in space in relation to the wave direction. Alternatively or in addition, the energy converter or converters and the devices for cable control and/or cable pull are arranged outside the buoyancy body in a stationary manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting wave energy into electrical energy comprising a first floating hull (201) interconnected to a second floating hull (202). A winch mechanism for use in raising a weight suspended on a cable (14). The winch mechanism is operated in response to movement of the first hull (201) relative to the second hull (202), and a generator driven by the downward movement of the weight. Moreover, a method for converting wave energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy converter (WEC) using one or more elongated light-weight low-cost surface floats, oriented and self-orienting parallel to oncoming wave fronts are mechanically linked to a motion stabilized or fixed frame or base through one or more power take-offs in such manner that multi-directional rotational and translational wave-induced forces and relative motion between the float(s) and base are efficiently captured. Some embodiments have at least one forward positioned float that moves upward and rearward on wave crests and downward and forward on ensuing wave troughs to capture a majority of both heave and surge wave energy components. Other embodiments also provide apparatus and means to totally submerge the floats during severe seas or adjust submerged depth and float mass to optimize performance.

Abstract: A system includes at least one body, a link for suspending the body for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position, and an electrical energy generator coupled with the body through the link to drive the generator to generate electricity upon movement of the body with gravity from the first to the second elevation position. The at least one body has a mass of at least approximately 100 tonnes; the first and the second elevation positions define a distance therebetween of at least approximately 200 meters; and/or the system further includes an operator configured to operate the link to controllably move the at least one body against gravity from the second to the first elevation position to increase a gravitational potential energy of the at least one body, and to maintain the gravitational potential energy of the at least one body.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A filter-anchor for placement on a sea floor is provided. It includes a filter housing for filtering sea water prior to entry into a water desalinization system. The filter housing has an exterior, an interior chamber, at least one inlet for providing the sea water to the interior chamber, and at least one outlet for enabling filtered water to be pumped from the interior chamber. A sand filter is disposed in the filter housing. The filter housing has at least one water conduction outlet conduit for filtered water to be pumped to the desalinization system. A wave energy conversion system utilizing the filter anchor is also provided to effect the pumping of the filtered water to the desalinization system. A method of anchoring a wave energy conversion system and providing filtered water to a desalinization system is also provided.

Abstract: A potable water producing system for disposition at a body of salt water and a method of producing potable water is provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS is in the form of a floating articulated barge housing a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the body of salt water and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water and to provide the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. The action of the waves on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. Moreover, the action of the waves on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning.

Abstract: A wave power generation system includes a power generation component and a hydraulic component. The hydraulic component includes a cylinder and a piston. The cylinder connects to the power generation component. The cylinder has an accommodation space and a vent located in the middle section of the accommodation space such that the vent runs outside from the accommodation space. The accommodation space is used for accommodating a fluid. The piston is disposed in the accommodation space and is used for being guided by the accommodation space and sliding relative to the cylinder. Thereby, this drives the power generation component to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, and to force the remaining air in the accommodation space and remaining air in the fluid to be discharged via the vent.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A wave energy collecting device comprises an array of modules, each including three pairs of buoyant members arranged in a circular configuration, a tubular shaft connector interconnecting each pair of buoyant members, and a trilateral radial plank member comprising three identical equidistantly spaced members located centrally within the circular configuration. Each of the three members of the plank member is linearly connected to a member of the plank member of an adjacent module through a spring assembly and perpendicularly connected with a pivotally hinged shaft of a corresponding tubular shaft connector. A working fluid medium flows within a pipe network lined along sequential members. An array of pumps mounted onto each buoyant member, another array of pumps mounted adjacently each spring assembly and another array of pumps mounted adjacently each shaft, impart wave induced pressure pulses into the working fluid medium, which is subsequently converted into energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for recovering the energy of sea waves comprised of a floating structure comprising:—a rigid structural element (1) maintained floating on the sea thanks to at least one buoy or floater referred to as structural (2, 2?), and—at least one mobile floater (3, 3?) with regards to the structural element and cooperating with a means of generating recoverable energy (4; 14, 15, 16) under the effect of the movement of the waves, said means (4; 14, 15, 16) being fixed to the structural element. According to the invention, at least one mobile floater (3, 3?) is connected to the structural element by at least one rigid arm (5, 5?) mounted rotatingly around an axis substantially parallel to the surface of the sea and said means of generating energy (4; 14, 15, 16) is directly or indirectly linked to said rigid arm.

Abstract: A system includes at least one body, a link for suspending the body for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position, and an electrical energy generator coupled with the body through the link to drive the generator to generate electricity upon movement of the body with gravity from the first to the second elevation position. The at least one body has a mass of at least approximately 100 tonnes; the first and the second elevation positions define a distance therebetween of at least approximately 200 meters; and/or the system further includes an operator configured to operate the link to controllably move the at least one body against gravity from the second to the first elevation position to increase a gravitational potential energy of the at least one body, and to maintain the gravitational potential energy of the at least one body.

Abstract: A tidal energy capture means connects a turbine to its anchor by telescopic members which pivot about the anchor as axis in the plane of the tidal flow and whose combined length depends upon the force of this flow. These members can be locked at prescribed lengths by a remote signal, to control the level of the turbine during this movement. The anchor consists of a plug and socket, with buoyancy means for positioning the plug in the socket, and the telescopic members can be a rotatable shaft which drives equipment in the plug.

Abstract: A wave energy transformation device including an array of members connected together to form a structure having a substantially hexagonal geometry, the array has link members, nodes and absorbers and the relative motion of at least some of the members of the array, as caused by the energy of wave motion in a medium to which the array is coupled is convertible to another form of energy. The device is suitable for generating electrical energy from sea waves.

Abstract: Wave energy conversion device (WEC) comprising a means for damping the reactionary motion of a wave energy conversion device to wave motion, which is a cylindrical bellowed elastomeric member that acts under axial compression.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: Wave energy collecting device comprising an array of modules (1), each module comprising three pairs of buoyant members (4) arranged in a circular configuration, a tubular shaft connecting means (5) interconnecting each pair of buoyant members (4), a trilateral radial plank member (3) comprising three identical equidistantly spaced members located centrally within the circular configuration of the three pairs of buoyant members (4), each one of the three members of plank member (3) linearly connected to a member of the plank member (3) of an adjacent module (1) through an elastically loaded spring assembly (8) and perpendicularly connected with a pivotally hinged shaft (6a) of a corresponding tubular shaft connecting means (5).

Abstract: Power generating apparatus includes a float mounted on a support pivotally mounted to a base and secured to a beam extending rearwardly of the base to a vertically extending elongated structure carrying a pair of vertically movable gear racks in guideways. Each rack is engaged by a gear wheel driven by movement of the racks and a one-way drive arrangement connects each gear wheel to an output shaft. Driving weights are secured to each rack to drive the racks in opposite directions under the action of gravity forces acting on the weights, thus causing the output shaft to rotate in a given direction. The free end of the beam is connected to a cross-arm vertically moveable on a guide on the elongate structure, the cross-arm having a motion transmitting arrangement to raise each weight during vertical movement of the cross-arm resulting from movement of the float.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (10) for extracting useful energy from wave motion. The converter (10) comprises an active float (12) that is arranged to float on the water, and being arranged to heave and surge in response to wave motion acting on the active float, and an elongate reactive body (14) that is arranged to be suspended in a substantially submerged state into the water and having sufficient surface area and length such that it pitches in response to wave motion-acting on the reactive body. The active float (12) and reactive body (14) are pivotably coupled for pivotable movement relative to each other about a single pivot axis (16) in response to heaving and surging of the active float and pitching of the reactive body. The converter also comprises a power output system that is driven by the pivotable movement about the pivot axis to capture the useful energy.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 hydralic fluid is displaced by the movement of the arms (322) to drive one or more hydralic 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The wave force machine as such is constructed in such a way that it is capable of utilizing the upward force from the waves with (FIG. 1) the force from float (1) and rocker arm (3) via rocker arm pipe (4), wherein 1 or more lock bearings are provided, which transfer the upward force causing the driving force shaft (8) to rotate in the same direction. On each driving force shaft (8) may be one after the other of mounted float, rocker arm and rocker arm pipe with lock bearings after the other, and several driving force shafts (FIG. 6) (6,7,8 and 9) may be interconnected both horizontally and vertically to toothed wheel (1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) shown here with 4 driving force shafts, but in principle any number of shafts may be interconnected. The total force from the driving force shafts may be brought to gearbox and electric generator and used in electricity production. 3 wave force machines may e.g. be interconnected to form e.g.

Abstract: A lawnmower including a frame, an engine having an electrical system and attached to the frame, the engine being started by a starter mechanism. A mower deck assembly having a rotating blade is connected to the frame with the blade being selectively engaged with the engine. A reversible transmission is driven by the engine and includes a shift mechanism having a forward, a neutral, and a reverse position, and at least one sensor for sensing the position of the shift mechanism. The sensor is capable of at least one of directing a signal to the mower deck assembly for operation and non-operation of the mower deck assembly and directing a signal to the starter circuit for prevention of start-up when the shift mechanism is not in the neutral position.

Abstract: A method of calibrating the control current startup threshold in a proportionally controlled drive system for a work vehicle is disclosed. To determine a current threshold value for use in the system a control current exhibiting a relatively low value is first applied to the system. Subsequently, the steps of repetitively increasing the control current to a control current start value at which system motion starts and decreasing the control current to a control current stop value at which system motion substantially stops are repetitively conducted. The resultant control current start values and control current stop values are stored in a memory. The stored control current start values and control current stop values are is then averaged to determine a control current threshold value for use in controlling the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting power from ocean waves comprises a number of buoyant cylindrical body members (2, 3, 4) connected together at their ends to form an articulated chain-like structure (1). Each pair of adjacent cylindrical members is connected to each other by a coupling member (5a, 5b) which permits relative rotational movement of the cylindrical members about at least one transverse axis (40). Adjacent coupling members may permit relative rotation about mutually orthogonal transverse axes (A, B). Each coupling member is provided with elements such as a set of hydraulic rams (33, 34, 35) which resist and extract power from the relative rotational movement of the body members, and which can provide applied constraints to rotation about one or both of the transverse axes. The transverse axes of rotation (A, B) are skewed from the horizontal axis (104) and vertical axis (100) by a roll bias angle (&psgr;), selected to optimize the dynamic response of the apparatus to incoming waves.

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 vertical axis wind turbine is supported by a frame held in place by an encircling series of crescent-shaped tubular deflector vanes. The vanes widen towards the turbine core, concentrating the wind. The wind is trapped momentarily on entering the turbine cavities. Air can be supplied to such cavities from a compressed air source driven by wave action on a body of water.

Abstract: A process and system for harvesting energy from wind action on the high seas ill all weather conditions, on a year-round basis. This process depends upon the use of seagoing platforms (FIG. 2+ FIG. 4) which themselves achieve stability in the presence of storms at sea, doing so through the selective extraction of wave energy. The selective wave energy extraction takes place in such a way that the prevailing ratio of sea height to swell height affecting a typical seagoing platform ((FIG. 2 or FIG. 4)) is reduced to a small fraction of the ratio of sea height to swell height which prevails at a distance from the platform. In short, this process and system stabilizes a plurality of seagoing platforms which support wind and wave energy conversion means, while simultaneously extracting and converting energy from the combined wind and wave action.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for generating energy from the motion of waves. Fluid is conveyed through a series of fluid pressurization units, each unit incrementally increasing the pressure of the fluid as the fluid passes under the force of differential pressure within that unit. The pressurized fluid from a preceding unit is outlet from that unit and input into the succeeding unit in series. Each unit includes a first member and an associated second member, the first member being immersed in or floating on the surface of a body of water, the first member rising and falling with the rise and fall of wave motion, and the second member being submerged and anchored. The fluid is pressurized as the result of the relative movement between the first and second members as the fluid passes through a unit. The pressurized fluid may then be used to drive turbines and electric generators or other energy conversion devices.

Abstract: This power plant utilizes a multi-cylinder hydraulic engine that has a plurality of pistons and cylinders arranged for reciprocal movement. Each piston is powered by a hydraulic fluid or air pressure. The fluid exhausted from one cylinder is sent to another cylinder to act as the inlet fluid to move that cylinder. The engine requires piston and cylinder arrangements in sets or multiples of four (such as 4, 8, 12, 16 and so forth) to provide a balanced system. The engine can be designed in many different arrangements such as four cylinder in line, four cylinder radial, eight cylinder radial, eight cylinder V-shaped, eight cylinder opposed and so forth. These cylinder arrangements can be linked together if desired to provide multiple engine power plants. The piston used in the present invention is a spool-type piston having distinct sections which create distinct upper and lower fluid areas in the cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus for a variable-speed hydraulic power generating system comprising a variable-speed a.c. electric generator connected to an a.c. electric power system and a hydraulic machine system including a water turbine for driving the generator and a guide vane for controlling an amount of water supplied to the water turbine.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for use in converting the energy of ocean waves to useful power form wherein two floats supporting a rigid structure are spaced apart to maximize the end movement of said rigid structure, and an energy extraction device preferably of the cylinder and piston type is operated by the movement of the end of said structure producing movements of four times the wave height when the two floats are spaced one-half the wave length of the wave and the energy conversion device is spaced further away from said floats by a similar amount.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting wave motion at the surface of a supporting medium into usable power and including a buoyant main body 24 forming a housing for a plurality of pumps 30 and a float system 28 connected thereto such that wave induced relative motion between the body 24 and the component parts of the float system 28 causes actuation of the pumps 30. The pumps 30 intake water from the supporting medium and pumps it through an effluent conduit 12 to a remote location 16 where it is used to perform useful work. The apparatus can be scuttled during storms, with effective resurrection made possible by using the buoys of the float system to store air, or other fluid, under pressure until needed to purge the buoyant main body of water.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention is a wave powered generator including a "Hagen" float array comprising a plurality of floats each of which is coupled to a subsea support structure through a nonlinear power extraction means. The array may be moved below the surface to avoid adverse sea states. Individual array elements are sized and positioned on the support structure to permit fluid coupling of reflected wave energy between the floats.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting energy from fluid motion, i.e. waves, comprising spacing a plurality of floating modules, which may be single floats or arrays, on the fluid's surface far enough apart to minimize apparatus cost and close enough together to utilize the vortex-like action of the waves to extract a maximum amount of wave energy. This spacing is preferably about half the wavelength of the incident waves. The energy extracted by the modules is converted to hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, or chemical energy.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for converting wave energy into useful work, and comprises a body adapted to be moved to and fro by waves on a liquid, and means such as a hydraulic piston in a cylinder for converting this movement of the body into a power output. The body may be disposed about a horizontal cable along which the to and fro movement of the body is arranged to occur, the cable being secured to the piston so that relative movement between the body and the cable results in displacement of the piston in the cylinder.A plurality of said cables may be threaded through the body, and some of these cables may be in mutually perpendicular relationship to each other to provide a device having an omnidirectional wave energy conversion capability.

Abstract: A wave action power plant powered by the action of water waves has a drive shaft rotated by a plurality of drive units, each having a lever pivotally mounted on and extending from said shaft and carrying a weight, in the form of a float, which floats on the waves and rocks the lever up and down on the shaft. A ratchet mechanism causes said shaft to be rotated in one direction by the weight of said float after it has been raised by wave and the wave has passed, leaving said float free to move downwardly by gravity and apply its full weight to pull down on the lever and rotate the drive shaft. There being a large number of said drive units so that there are always some of the weights pulling down on their respective levers while other weights are being lifted by waves and thereby causing continuous rotation of the drive shaft in one direction.

Abstract: Floating-on-a-body-of-water compressed-air-generating assemblies and methods are disclosed which are utilized to drive electrical generators powered by compressed air. The integrated assembly utilizes windmills, reciprocating float-linkage means, collapsible paddle blades, and at least one member selected from the water-motion-actuated group consisting of slosh boxes, sliding masses, rack-and-pinions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An articulated marine structure for an offshore body of water which is subject to wave movement. The structure includes at least two floating elements which are pivotally joined along a common edge to permit relative movement between the respective elements in response to wave action. An energy accumulator is operably connected to the respective floats, and is actuated by movement of either float whereby to initiate conversion of wave energy into an alternate, usable energy form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for extracting energy from waves and having a pump arranged to be operated by relative motion between members of the device in response to waves. The pump according to the invention has a pump body with a flexible portion extending between the members so as to define a pump chamber having a volume which varies as a result of the aforesaid relative motion. In one form of the invention the pump body is provided by a tubular bellows comprising elastomeric material. A plurality of such pumps may be disposed between the members, each pump being activated by said relative motion.

Abstract: Apparatus for deriving power output from wave energy is disclosed. A rotatable member is provided which is capable of rotating in only one direction. A float is provided which rises and falls in response to wave action, and thereby moves relative to the rotatable member. The float is coupled to the rotatable member so that the movement of the float rotates the rotatable member in its available direction to provide power output.In its preferred form, the present invention provides an elongate floating barge flanked by a pair of elongate floats. Transverse movement of the floats relative to the barge is limited. A rotatable power output shaft is mounted on the barge parallel to the elongate floats. A plurality of pulleys circumscribe the shaft and are spaced along its length. Tension members attached to the floats circumscribe the respective pulleys to rotate the pulleys and thereby the shaft as the floats move relative to the barge to achieve power output.

Abstract: A plurality of different sized floats are connected into an array through nonlinear interfaces so their relative motions drive hydraulic pumping means. Floats in the array are sized to present a "black body" to the ocean waves incident upon the array. Fluid moved by the pumping means is used to drive an electric turbogenerator.