Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a buoyant body (11) and an acceleration tube (14) dependent from and attached to the buoyant body (11) and having an upper end near the buoyant body and a lower end remote from the buoyant body. A section of the acceleration tube intermediate the upper and lower ends of the acceleration tube defines a working cylinder (16) and openings in the acceleration tube (14) above and below the working cylinder (16) allow substantially unobstructed water flow between the working cylinder and a body of water in which the acceleration tube is immersed. A working piston (17) is reciprocable in the working cylinder. An energy-absorbing device (18, 19, S) includes paired resiliently extendable hose pumps (18, 19) operated by the working piston (17). One end of each hose pump within a pair is attached to the operating piston (17) on opposite sides thereof, and the other end is anchored to the unit which consists of the buoyant body (11) and the acceleration tube (14).

Abstract: A multi-tiered support structure, with each of the tiers having a horizontally rotating pivoted arm having a float and paddle arrangement on one end and the opposite end is attached to an air compressor. As the waves hit the paddles the pivot arms will operate the compressors to store energy. This energy can then be used to produce electrical or other types of energy.

Abstract: A turbine comprising first and second stages, the first stage being a power stage and the second stage being an exhaust stage, a piston-cylinder assembly is connected between the stages, a shaft extending between the stages has at least one throw thereon in the piston-cylinder assembly and pressure conduit means extend from the first stage to the second stage and to the piston-cylinder assembly whereby the fluid pressure from the first stage drives the piston-cylinder assembly and acts on the second stage to cause the second stage to exhaust fluid from the turbine to a reservoir therefor. Fluid is supplied to the turbine from a pressure source and the turbine exhausts fluid to the reservoir, and further including means for transferring the fluid from the reservoir back to the pressure source.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for converting ocean wave motion to useable electrical energy. A float is mounted to a raft in a manner to permit movement of the float, relative to the raft, in response to ocean wave motion. An upward drive mechanism is responsive to upward motion of the float to rotate a shaft in a predetermined direction. A downward drive mechanism is responsive to downward motion of the float to rotate the shaft in the same predetermined direction. A conventional electrical generator is coupled to the shaft for converting the rotation of the shaft to electrical energy. In another embodiment the float is adapted to be dropped from an initial position above the surface of a body of water toward the water. A motor cooperates with a control assembly to lift the float from a pickup position to its initial position such that the float may again fall.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering kinetic energy bound in the movement of water waves. The apparatus comprises a bouyant unit (2) and an energy-absorbing device connected to the bouyant unit. The energy-absorbing device comprises an immersed rigid piston (6) which is slideably arranged in a substantially vertical, elongate accelerating tube (1) which is intended to be immersed in the water and which is open at both ends thereof. The accelerating tube is connected to the buoyant unit (2) so as to accompany movement of the unit imparted thereto by the wave movement of the water. The working stroke (1) of the piston in the accelerating tube is limited by means of movement-limit means (8,9) incorporated in the accelerating tube and arranged to abrogate the force acting on the piston. In accordance with one suitable embodiment, these movement-limiting means comprise openings (9) arranged in the accelerating tube and co-acting with corresponding openings (8) in the piston (6).

Abstract: A wave-activated power generating apparatus in the form of a buoy includes a floatable main body provided with a vertically extending central pipe having its bottom open end opened into the water and its top open end located above the water surface when the main body floats in the water surface, an air turbine disposed at the top open end of the central pipe, a generator operatively coupled to the air turbine, and a plate-shaped guide plate fixedly attached to the main body as located opposite to and separated away from the bottom open end of the central pipe. The provision of the bottom guide plate allows to define a laterally opened circular opening between the guide plate and the bottom of the main body, through which the water moves into and out of the central pipe. This structure allows to use the present apparatus even in shallow waters.

Abstract: A float mechanism for generating energy from waves. Floats are coupled together such that they can pivot about a horizontal axis relative to one another. Hydraulic cylinders on either side of the attachment points compress and extend with the wave motion. Check valves control flow to and from the cylinders. The floats are pivotally tied to a floating structure such that they can pivot about the structure on the surface of the water as may be required for maximum efficiency. Water compressed from the cylinders feeds a turbine which in turn feeds a generator for the generation of electrical power.

Abstract: A float for supporting a submerged wave energy harvesting device includes a conical member which is buoyant on the surface of the body of water with its base located upwardly above the surface of the body of water and its apex submerged just below the surface of the body of water. The wave energy harvesting device extends downwardly from the apex of the conical member and is connected to the conical member utilizing a connecting member which allows for pivoting of the conical member with respect to the wave energy harvesting device as the conical member rocks or otherwise moves in response to wave motion on the surface of the body of water. An electrical generator is located within the interior of the conical member and is connected to the wave energy harvesting device so as to be powered by the wave energy harvesting device.

Abstract: An off-shore platform is provided with a power grid comprised of a plurality of depending float members which are buoyant and weighted sufficiently to rise vertically in response to the buoyant energy of the wave action and to fall in response to gravity. A reciprocating piston member disposed in a cylinder is operatively connected to each float member to compress a fluid on the up stroke as the float member rises on a wave, and to extract fluid from a reservoir on the down stroke as the float member falls after the wave passes. The exhaust ports of the cylinders are commonly connected to accumulate fluid pressure in an exhaust reservoir sufficient to drive a turbine which powers an electric generator. The intake ports of the cylinders are commonly connected to an intake reservoir whereby the fluid extracted therefrom drives a second turbine and electric generator. The generating equipment disposed atop the platform sends the electricity to shore through subsea power lines.

Abstract: 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.

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: A wave energy converter comprising a float group including at least two floats connected by elongated rigid links disposed at a right angle to the direction of incidence of waves, which floats are free from the coastal ground and sea bed and allowed to heave, to sway, and to roll. A dynamic system of the converter absorbs the wave energy through the relative movements between the floats and the links and between the adjacent links while the natural frequency of this system is approximately tuned to the frequency of the incident wave. In this way, the reflected waves and transmitted waves caused by this system are suppressed substantially since the energy of the incident wave is virtually absorbed. The wave energy converter may be provided with some air chambers and air turbines or one-directional rotating means actuated by this dynamic system so as to drive electric generators coupled thereto.

Abstract: A wave energy harvesting apparatus includes a float which rises and falls with wave movements across the surface of a body of water. A hollow tube having a turbine located inside thereof is located vertically downward from the float and is connected to the float by connecting members. The hollow tube is positioned at a depth which is essentially displaced sufficient from the surface of the body of water so as not to be influenced by vertical water movement associated with the waves moving across the surface of the body of water. The tube, however, is moved upwardly and downwardly through the water at that depth in response to movement of the float by the waves on the surface of the water. Movement of the tube upwardly and downwardly at the depth causes rotation of the turbine located in the tube, with the turbine in turn rotating the connecting member to transfer the rotational motion to the surface, wherein this rotational motion is then utilized to drive a generator or the like.

Abstract: A device for generating power from the energy of waves in a body of liquid employs a buoyant reaction element and at least one displacement element which can move back and forth to react against the reaction element. The movement of the displacement element which is caused by the cyclic application of wave forces is converted into a more readily usable form by a turbine driven by the flow of air or hydraulic fluid caused by the movement of the displacement element. Where the air or hydraulic flow is bidirectional, the turbine can be of the self-rectifying type so that it is driven unidirectionally. The turbine may, for example, drive a generator that produces electrical power. Where a plurality of displacement elements are employed, some of the displacement elements are arranged to be out of phase relative to others of the displacement elements.

Abstract: A wave responsive generator comprises a buoyant float having an outer fixed shaft downwardly depending from the float with an inner rotatable drive shaft movably mounted within the outer shaft. At the lower most portion of the shaft opposite the float is a turbine affixed to the inner drive shaft opposite the float. A plurality of reversible vanes are movably mounted on the turbine for transmitting rotational energy to the inner drive shaft responsive to either upward or downward motion of the shaft responsive to wave action on the float. An electric generator or alternator is mounted on the float and cooperates with the inner rotatable shaft to produce an electric current responsive to the rotation of the inner shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating power from wave action comprising a barge (12) and at least one float (14, 15) connected thereto by rigid members (16, 17, 18, 19) pivotally connected thereto by sockets (20). A watertight cylinder (37) including a piston (40) is attached to the barge. Cables (32, 34) connect with the piston and pass through pulleys to the barge. As the wave action rocks the float relative to the barge the piston is moved longitudinally in the cylinder to pump water used for driving a turbine (57) for generating electrical power. Wind vanes (24) and water vanes (27) are also included in the float to enhance the rocking action.

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: Wave energy apparatus comprises a hollow buoy (2) for floating in water. The buoy has a turbine (5) which rotates in response to air flow into and out of the buoy (2) through a nozzle (4). The turbine (5) is designed to rotate in the same direction regardless of the axial direction of air flow. The air flow is caused by the change of level of water (W) within the buoy in response to wave motion.To enable rocking motion to be accommodated as well as vertical motion, the interior of the buoy is divided into a plurality of conduits (9), by means of partitions (6), the conduits directing air to different portions of the turbine (5). The conduits (9) preferably have lateral openings (10) and may be defined in part by upwardly inclined portions (11) of an inertial body (8).In an alternative embodiment the buoy has a closed bottom and liquid in the buoy is acted on by a centrally disposed air spring.

Abstract: A device for converting the energy of ocean waves into electricity, comprises a buoyant body that floats on the surface of the water and rises and falls with the waves. Fixedly secured to the buoyant body at a depth in the region of still water not affected by the waves, is a bucket wheel or bucket chain which will accordingly rise and fall with the buoyant body. But as the water surrounding the bucket wheel or chain is still, the wheel or chain will be caused to rotate or circulate, respectively. This movement of the wheel or chain is transmitted to a generator or other energy conversion device on the buoyant body, and thence to shore.

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: 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.

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: This invention relates to a method of and device for generating energy from waves in water. The device includes a cylindrical buoyant body which has a regular shape in cross-section and annular tracks on its end faces. Gears adapted to constrain the body for rotation about its axis in one direction only are engaged in axial alignment with the tracks on one side of the center of gravity of the body and movable and rotatable means such as a cam or the like is engaged with the track on the opposite side of the center of gravity of the body to inhibit buoyant upward movement of the body on that side of its center of gravity and encourage rotary movement of the other side of the body relatively to the constraining gears.

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: The invention relates to a device for extracting energy from waves, the device having a pump or a number of pumps arranged to be operated by relative motion between hingedly connected members of the device in response to waves so as to displace a fluid. The device according to the invention is provided with a vane pump having a pump chamber defined by one of the members and a vane extending from an adjacent member so as to be displaced in the pump chamber by the relative motion of the members to displace the fluid. The members may be hingedly connected together at a number of locations at which a respective bearing is supported by a resiliently flexible mounting.

Abstract: A plant for utilizing kinetic energy inherent in the wave movement of water or heaving of the sea. The plant comprises a float unit and energy absorption apparatus connected to the unit. The absorption apparatus comprises an immersed piston built into an elongate acceleration pipe, which is open at both ends and substantially vertical, this pipe being connected to the float unit and accompanying it in the wave motion of the water.The piston is connected to a hydraulic motor driving an electric generator.The piston is arranged in a portion with extended cross section upwards in the acceleration pipe.Coupled between the piston and hydraulic motor there is a hydraulic cylinder with a double-sided piston, and a rectifying hydraulic circuit for always supplying hydraulic pressure to the same side of the hydraulic motor.A flywheel can be connected between the hydraulic motor and generator for smoothing out the action of pressure variations on the generator.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating power from the motion of waves on a body of water utilizes a spine formed by buoyant sections that are joined end to end and are ballasted to cause the sections to assume a predetermined position in calm water. Adjacent sections are joined in a manner enabling the sections to pivot more easily about at least one non-vertical axis when the sections are in the predetermined position. Consequently, when the apparatus is subjected to wave motion the surge component of the wave motion is converted to vertical motion of the spine. Mounted on the spine are a number of prime movers that rock relative to the spine under the heave component of wave motion and under the vertical motion of the spine. The rocking motion of the prime movers is utilized to produce energy.

Abstract: A power unit comprises a resonator having a mouth located in the sea and containing a body of water and an air cushion above the body of water. This resonator can have a neck defining a relatively small flow area compared with the surface area of the body of water immediately below the cushion. The air cushion is controlled to cause the water to resonate in response to pressure fluctuations resulting from wave motions in the sea, thereby developing fluctuations of increased pressure. The unit is constructed so that the increased pressure fluctuations create a fluid flow, which is then utilized in a suitable manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining useful work from or with waves includes a buoyant body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a convex upper surface extending between the leading and trailing edges. The upper surface is configured with a gradually sloping shape from the leading edge toward the trailing edge and terminates at the trailing edge in a sharply oppositely sloping surface, whereby the circular or orbital motion of water particles in waves is converted by the upper surface to linear flow of the water particles, and waves traveling across the surface from the leading to the trailing edge are not damped or extinguished by backwash of waves from the trailing edge toward the leading edge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining useful work from or with waves includes a buoyant body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a convex upper surface extending between the leading and trailing edges. The upper surface is configured with a gradually sloping shape from the leading edge toward the trailing edge and terminates at the trailing edge in a sharply oppositely sloping surface, whereby the circular or orbital motion of water particles in waves is converted by the upper surface to linear flow of the water particles, and waves traveling across the surface from the leading to the trailing edge are not damped or extinguished by backwash of waves from the trailing edge toward the leading edge.

Abstract: Process for harnessing the energy of the natural movements of a heaving liquid mass including the following steps: providing a vessel floating on said liquid mass, the vessel having a compartment containing an auxiliary liquid; allowing the vessel to follow the natural movements of the heaving liquid mass thereby causing reciprocating motion of said auxiliary liquid; and translating the energy developed by the reciprocating motion of said auxiliary liquid into electrical energy. Apparatus for implementing the said process including a vessel suitable for floating on a heaving liquid mass, and having at least one compartment for receiving an auxiliary liquid; and means for translating into electrical energy the energy developed by reciprocating motion of said auxiliary liquid caused by the vessel following the natural movements of the heaving liquid mass.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring the kinetic energy of waves in a body of water into other, more useful forms of energy. A float which rides upon the surface of the waves is attached to a piston by means of ropes. The piston moves within a stationary cylinder forcing water through an opening at the top of the cylinder into a vertically extending pipe. A one-way valve in the pipe prohibits water from flowing back into the cylinder. As the water overflows from the top of the pipe, the kinetic energy developed as it falls can be used, for example, to power a turbine. The length of the ropes between the float and the piston are automatically controlled so that the range of motion of the piston does not change as the average level of water changes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining useful work from or with waves includes a buoyant body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a convex upper surface extending between the leading and trailing edges. The upper surface is configured with a gradually sloping shape from the leading edge toward the trailing edge and terminates at the trailing edge in a sharply oppositely sloping surface, whereby the circular or orbital motion of water particles in waves is converted by the upper surface to linear flow of the water particles, and waves traveling across the surface from the leading to the trailing edge are not damped or extinguished by backwash of waves from the trailing edge toward the leading edge.

Abstract: A power generation system for the generation of electrica power from wave motions of the sea comprising a spine on which a plurality of ducks are rockably mounted and for each duck a power generation assembly comprising a hydrostatic transmission having a pump operatively connected with a drive which is rotated back and forth by the rocking motion of the duck, caused by the wave motions of the sea and a variable displacement motor hydraulically coupled to the pump so as to be driven by the pump. The system further includes an electric generator operatively connected to the motor to be driven thereby so as to provide electrical power and a sensing means for sensing the force or velocity condition of the duck and for varying the motor displacement in accordance with such condition.

Abstract: A system for converting wave energy from the sea into electrical energy, comprises a floatable assembly which, in use, is moored at sea and which is capable of internal movement in response to the action of waves. The assembly includes a hollow body mounted on a shaft and reciprocable angularly about the axis of the shaft in response to said internal movement. The body and the shaft define respective parts of a pump which also comprises a pair of spaced, opposed annular cam tracks extending around the axis of the shaft and rigidly connected to one of the pump parts defined by the body and the shaft, and at least one piston and cylinder arrangement disposed between the cam tracks and rigidly secured to the other of the pump parts so as to extend substantially parallel with the shaft axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for extracting energy from movement of water, particularly sea waves, the apparatus comprising a plurality of buoyant members which are interconnected one with another so as to be movable relative to one another, each buoyant member being provided with a plate or plate-like member which is supported from the buoyant member and positioned so that in use of the apparatus it is submerged below the level of the water, and means are provided for converting the relative movement of the buoyant members into useful energy, such as electricity.

Abstract: A dynamic wave energy extraction system utilizing a suspended weight to extract energy from ocean waves. A spring-biased floating sheave is disposed to move with respect to a pair of guide posts attached to a ship. A cable having a submerged weight attached to one end thereof passes across the sheave and attaches at the other end to the ship. The spring, cable and weight are tuned to match the predominant heave frequency of the ship, thereby exciting the cable system producing maximum dynamic tension variations in the cable. The tension variations force the floating sheaves to move along the guide posts in an oscillatory or reciprocating manner, thus extracting the maximum amount of energy from the waves.

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.

Abstract: A shaft-driven power device, such as an electric generator or pump, is mounted on a base which is subjected to fluctuating movements, such as those of waves in a body of water or those of an automotive vehicle. An input shaft at the upper end of the power device is connected by a rigid arm to an off-center weight located just slightly above the base. The weight may be adjustable and replaceable. The power device may be spring-mounted on the base.

Abstract: A power generating system for the generation of energy from the wave motions of the sea is buoyantly supported by the sea. The system comprises spine elements defining a spine on which ducks are rockably mounted, the system further including tension cable means pressing the spine elements towards each other thereby to define a spine, and energy conversion means for converting the rocking motion into electrical power.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for the storage of energy generated by natural elements. Energy from natural elements such as from the sun, wind, tide, waves, and the like, is converted into potential energy in the form of air under pressure which is stored in a large, subterranean cell. Machines of known types such as windmills are driven by natural elements to operate air compressors. Air compressors pump the air under pressure to the storage cell. Air entering the storage cell displaces water from the cell which returns to a water reservoir as an ocean or a lake. Water locks the air in the storage cell. The stored compressed air is available upon demand to perform a work function as driving an air turbine to operate an electric generator.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated prime mover comprises a liquid reservoir having a relatively large surface area at an upper level and connected via a lock to a waste liquid area at a lower level, the lock containing a relatively closely fitting deep-draught buoyant float which extends above the flotation level by an amount at least equal to the draught and an energy transfer device which extracts the potential energy from the float over substantially the entire stroke when it rises and falls between its two buoyant positions in the lock corresponding to the upper and lower liquid levels.

Abstract: Method and apparatus wherein complex multiplanar surface motion of the sea or other fluid body is converted into usable energy. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a pair of flexible tubular pumping elements that pump a fluid, such as sea water, to load such as a storage means or an energy converter such as a turbine driven prime mover. The apparatus makes use of multiplanar waves and surface currents that axially flex the pumping elements to provide hydraulic or pneumatic pressure for pumping the water. Floats distributed along the pumping elements support the apparatus horizontally at the surface of the sea and act as a breakwater. Lever arm struts, attached to the floats, are coupled together with swivel connector linkage to form a flexible beam or truss structure that permits the pumping elements to flex axially as complex wave systems and currents apply natural multiplanar forces to the floats.

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.