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: 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 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.

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: A system and method for converting the energy of sea waves to useful power through the use of a buoyant float. This float is preloaded (i.e. submerged a predetermined distance beneath the level of a wave trough) and retained at that submerged elevation until such time as it is located beneath a wave crest. The float is then released from beneath the crest to rise through it and the flotational motion is converted to power. The system also provides for an upwardly directed preloading technique and combined systems wherein work is removed in both vertical movement of the float. Unusual gains in efficiency are achieved by this method and system.

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: 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: An apparatus for producing electrical energy from multidirectional water wave action including a central support for placement on the bottom of a body of water with the support extending vertically above the surface of the water. A multiplicity of shafts extend radially and horizontally from the central support. A multiplicity of floats are supplied for each shaft with an elongated member connected at the upper end to each float and in engagement with a weight connected to the lower end of each elongated member and extending below the shaft. A one way clutch is mounted on each of said shafts and associated with each of said elongated members intermediate the ends thereof adapted to rotate each shaft in one direction when the float raises on a wave and not affect the shafts when said floats lower in a trough between waves. Each of said shafts is connected to electrical generating means for actuation of the same.

Abstract: A device for extracting energy from sea waves by the motion of a submerged cylinder held normal to the direction of motion of the waves by tie members at each end of the cylinder. The tie members at their other respective ends are moored to the sea bed. Changes in the load on the tie members are arranged to turn in one direction a drum drivably connected to a vane pump. A spring, or a counterweight acting on a cam-shaped pulley, is arranged to apply a biasing load to the drum in the other direction so as to produce an oscillatory movement of the drum from changes in load on the tie members and drive the pump. A hydraulic motor connected to an electric generator is driven by the pump.The drum may be situated at the moorings on the sea bed, or at the cylinder.

Abstract: An elongated floatable hull is provided including bottom anchoring structure for anchoring the hull in position above a predetermined bottom portion against horizontal displacement from the aforementioned position, while allowing roll, pitch and heave movements of the hull in response to wave action thereon. Fluid motor and pump structures are supported from the hull and are driven in response to each of the roll, pitch and heave movements of the hull and also various combinations thereof.

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: A wave motor is described comprising a float, a displaceable member coupled to the float so as to be displaced by the ascent and descent of the float, a pair of shafts, and a transmission including a pair of one-way clutches coupling the displaceable member to the shafts to rotate one in one direction during the ascent of the float and to rotate the other in the opposite direction during the descent of the float. In one described embodiment, the displaceable member is a wheel which is partially rotated in opposite directions by the ascent and descent of the float; and in a second described embodiment, the displaceable member is a rack which is moved upwardly by the ascent of the float and downwardly by its descent.