Abstract: Apparatus for producing electrical energy from the rise and fall of waves on a body of water. A vertical column is anchored to the floor of the body of water. A buoyant, spherical float is telescopically mounted to the vertical column in a manner that allows it to rise and fall with the waves, guided by the vertical column. A drive shaft is mounted to the vertical column and above the float. A downstroke drive transfer mechanism is mounted to the drive shaft. A first cable is attached to the float and to the downstroke drive transfer mechanism. A second cable is attached to a counter-weight and to the downstroke drive transfer mechanism. As the float falls as a wave trough passes, the downward motion of the float is transferred to the downstroke drive transfer mechanism through the first cable, causing the drive shaft to rotate. The drive shaft does not rotate as the float rises. The drive shaft is connected to an electrical energy generating system.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating rotary motion from rise and fall motion of waves includes an outer hollow sleeve, a float sealably attached across the upper end of the outer sleeve to define an interior cavity, prevent entry of water into the cavity and provide the outer sleeve with sufficient buoyancy to floatably follow up and down motion of waves, an inner hollow sleeve fitted telescopically within the outer sleeve, and an anchoring arrangement attached to the inner sleeve for restraining it from following up and down motion of waves with the outer sleeve and float. The outer sleeve will slidably move up and down relative to the inner sleeve as the outer sleeve and float floatably follow up and down motion of waves and correspondingly will draw a flow of water upwardly and force a flow of water downwardly through the inner sleeve. The apparatus also includes a single rotary motion-producing mechanism mounted within the inner sleeve intersecting and engaging the flow of water through the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A shell having a closed upper end and an open lower end, and a weight in the form of a piston sealingly slidable in the shell. In one form partial vacuum is produced in the shell above the weight and atmospheric pressure consequently raises the weight. In another form, pressurized air lifts the weight, against the action of weight. The weight has driving connection with a load, such as a generator, and upon being permitted to drop, acting by its potential energy, drives the load. The partial vacuum is produced in one form, by heating and cooling units; and in another form, by natural heating and cooling. A plurality of power plants are utilized to drive a single load, so that one weight can be raised, and the power plant re-activated, while others continue to drive the load, thereby maintaining continuity of drive.

Abstract: A machine for converting ocean wave energy to electrical energy. A long rigid beam is supported intermediate the ends by a pivot which is supported from the earth by a platform. One end of the beam extends outwardly toward the ocean. A circular float is supported from the outer end of the beam by a universal joint. The inner end of the beam at the end opposite the float is a connection to hydraulic or fluid pumps which produces hydraulic fluid or fluids under pressure in response to the wave motion on the float. This power, hydraulic fluid or fluids drives an electrical generator.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor comprises at least two tanks each having an arrangement of upper and lower telescoped, relatively reciprocating tubular members. The lower tubular member extends from the bottom of the tank, the upper tubular member being guided during reciprocation. A liquid contained in the tanks is capable of floating each upper tubular member relative to the lower tubular member associated therewith. Each upper and lower tubular member arrangement forms a variable volume chamber containing a gaseous fluid. The variable volume chambers communicate with each other for equalizing the pressure therebetween. The tubular members of the respective chambers being alternately floated as the respective tanks are filled with and emptied of the liquid to cause commensurate, alternate reciprocation of the upper tubular members. A mechanical energy source is provided due to such a reciprocation.

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: The assembly comprises an elongated float member which floats on the surface of a body of water having waves moving therealong. A support arm freely pivotally connects to the float member for maintaining the float member parallel to the surface of the water. The support arm member is effective to maintain the float member with its longest dimension disposed in a direction parallel to the length of the waves moving along the surface of the body of water. A transmission assembly is responsive to the support arm member as the float member moves up and down with the movement of the waves to produce a rotational movement in a transmission shaft from which energy may be derived. Various features directed to the specific configuration of the float member, support arm member, transmission mechanism including the structure of a transmission shaft and a clutch mechanism are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wave powered engine including a float that rises and falls by wave action and which is guided by rails attached to the sea bed to restrict the motion of the float to vertical motion. The float having variable buoyancy and a depending skirt to increase the thrust of the float on upward and downward power strokes, and means on a framework fixed to the ocean bed that cooperates with means fixed to the movement of a shaft as a result of the reciprocating movement of the float.

Abstract: A device is constructed to convert wave energy to drive an output shaft in rotation. The output shaft can be connected to a nautical vehicle propulsion system or to a power generation system. A float rides upon the undulating surface of a body of water and is connected by a float lever arm which extends radially from a rocker shaft that is rotatably mounted in a frame located on a vessel or platform on a body of water. The rocker shaft undergoes reciprocating arcuate movement in response to movement of the float upon the undulating water surface. A pair of unidirectional clutch mechanisms are coupled to the rocker shaft and to a drive shaft which is also rotatably mounted on the frame. The unidirectional clutches are alternatively connected to turn the drive shaft in a single direction of rotation responsive to movement of the rocker shaft in both directions of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for deriving energy from the rise and fall of a body of liquid to drive a rotatable main shaft associated with a power generator comprising, in combination, float means adapted to move substantially in a vertical plane in response to the rise and fall of the body of liquid, means associated with the float means for converting the vertical movement into reciprocating rotational movement of a first shaft, a ratcheted differential adapted to convert the reciprocating rotational movement of the first shaft into rotational movement of a second shaft in a single direction, the ratcheted differential being associated with first gear train means for increasing the rate of rotational movement of the first or second shaft, connecting means for communicating the rotational movement of the second shaft to a first sprocketed sheave, and second gear train means connecting the rotatable main shaft to a second sprocketed sheave and adapted to cause a rate of rotation of the rotatable main shaft greater than the rat

Abstract: A water driven power system has a cylindrical body with valved water supply and drain ports in the bottom thereof, the valves including valve plates rotatable between valve open and valve closed positions. A float is freely movable up and down between an upper limit position and a lower limit position in the cylindrical body due to buoyancy during supply of water through the supply valve and due to gravity during drainage through the drain valve. The float movement during the time of water supply is converted to rotation and a one-way clutch mechanism supplies the motion to an output mechanism. A valve opening and closing mechanism closes the water supply valve and opens the drain valve at the upper limit position of the float and opens the water supply valve and closes the drain valve at the lower limit position of the float.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting the periodic undulations of a body of water into electrical energy includes a support structure adapted to be mounted in a substantially fixed position relative to the surface of the body of water and extending a substantial distance above the surface. The apparatus also includes a float member movable relative to the support structure in response to the undulations of the surface, an electrical generator mounted on the support structure for generating electricity, and a nut and lead screw assembly of the type comprising a threaded screw member, a threaded nut member, and bearings disposed therebetween whereby the screw and nut members are axially and rotatably movable relative to each other. The screw member is connected to the float member, and the nut member is operatively connected to the generator whereby movement of the screw member with the float member drives the nut member and generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting the wave motion of a body of water to electrical energy includes a housing having a pair of opposed counter rotating shafts mounted to a common output shaft for driving the output shaft in a single direction and includes counterweights for restraining the shafts against rotation during oscillation of the housing about the axis of the shafts for thereby converting oscillating motion of the housing into intermittent unidirectional motion of the two counter rotating shafts and a substantially continuous motion of the output shaft which is connected to a generator unit for generating electrical energy. A torque storage spring is utilized to store the rotary energy and maintain a substantially constant speed output of the shaft to the electrical generator.

Abstract: Electrical energy is generated from waves in a body of water employing a support member, buoyant vanes connected to a shaft and rotated by the waves, and a generator coupled to the shaft. Each vane has an elongated slot that the shaft extends through. Cooperating gear teeth around the periphery of the slots and on the shaft cause radial movement of the vanes relative to the shaft during the rotation of the vanes.

Abstract: This invention is an electric generator system which is wave and/or tidal driven and includes energy storage means to allow a constant electrical output to be realized. The above is accomplished through a counterbalanced walking beam which is wave driven. This beam is connected to one way ratchet drives and an interconnected spring system of varying torque capacities. A governor is connected to the spring system thereby allowing the generator to be driven at a constant speed.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in the economical generation of energy by providing a system for utilizing the wave action of bodies of water, such as ocean waves. The system consists of a pair of floating units, each separately connected to a shaft member by a connecting arm, a ratchet-like gear affixed to the shaft member is indexed forward alternately or concurrently by spring loaded pawls affixed to each of the connecting arms from the floating units to the shaft members. The wave action alternately raising and lowering the floating units concurrently turns the ratchet-like gear through the action of the pawls. Thus, the turning shaft, properly geared can turn an electric generator, air compressor, or other device of generating another form of energy which can be used or stored for future use.

Abstract: A wave-operated generator system utilizes flotation means for coupling the vertical movement of waves to an electrical generator using a rack and pinion assembly. Ratcheted pairs of gears convert the upward and the downward movement of the flotation means to unidirectional rotation. Supplemental generating systems which convert air and water current into electrical energy are used in conjunction with the wave-operated generator system.

Abstract: A water wave energy transducer comprises a boat having pivoted arms projecting out over the water, a float being mounted on the outboard end of each arm so that the arms are oscillated by wave action on the floats. Drive sprockets fixed on the arms coaxially with their pivots are connected by drive chains with two driven sprockets coaxial, respectively, with two gears which mesh with one another and one of which meshes with an output gear. The driven sprockets are coupled with the coaxial gears by one-way clutches which are oppositely arranged so that one drives when the sprockets turn in one direction and the other drives when the sprockets turn in the opposite direction. Hence, the output gear is driven in the same direction by both upward and downward movement of the floats. The output gear is connected by a speed increasing gear train with an electric generator which can supply current to a motor for propelling the boat, or through a cable to the shore when the boat is anchored.

Abstract: A device for extracting both kinetic and potential energy from the motion beneath waves over a considerable depth comprising a power member or sail guided to reciprocate with the movement of the water. The power sail is connected to and operates a power device such as an electric generator or pump. A second member, or sail, is located in geometric position relative to the power sail to reflect energy back to the power sail. Sensors, servo systems, and computers may be used to optimize power output. Multiple units can be arranged in "farms" to furnish megawatts of power.

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: A mechanism for generating power from wave motion on a body of water. The mechanism includes a buoyant body which is adapted to float on a body of water and to roll and pitch in response to the wave motion of the water. A gyro-wave energy transducer is mounted on the buoyant body for translating the pendulum-like motions of the buoyant body into rotational motion. The gyro-wave energy transducer includes a gimbal comprised of first and second frames, with the first frame being pivotally mounted to the second frame and the second frame being pivotally mounted to the buoyant body. A gyroscope is mounted to the first frame for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the first and second frames. A motor/generator is coupled to the gyroscope for maintaining a controlled rotational velocity for the gyroscope.

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: Power generating apparatus comprising a float mounted on a support which is pivotally mounted to a base the support being secured to a beam extending rearwardly of the base to a vertically extending elongated structure carrying a pair of vertically moveable gear racks in guideways. Each rack is engaged by a gear wheel driven by movement of the racks and one-way drive means 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, the driving motion 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 motion transmitting means to raise each of the weights during vertical movement of the cross-arm resulting from movement of the float.

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 water wave energy transducer for converting the motion of a water wave into a controlled mechanical movement such as rotational motion suitable for actuating an electrical generator. The transducer comprises a float member floatingly moored in a water body having waves and/or tidal movement, such as a seashore. A power gear is rotatably mounted in a swing block on the float with a power shaft extending from the power gear to laterally spaced drive bevel gears mounted for rotation with the power gear. These drive bevel gears are coupled to a transmission on the float comprising one-way drive clutches transmitting rotational energy to the drive shaft of a generator or the like to provide rotational energy on both up and down movement of the float. A rack is pivotally anchored in the water body, extends up through the float and is slideable with respect to the power gear of the swing block, so that movement of the float with respect to the rack will provide rotation of the power gear.

Abstract: An improved wave motor tank utilizes a tank having an open mouth portion disposed in a downwardmost position when residing in a body of water experiencing the effects of waves and tides. The tank is coupled to a mechanical apparatus, well known in the art, utilized in extracting energy due to the fall and rise of the tank. The interior of the tank is subjected to a negative pressure so as to tightly couple the tank to the water in which it is caused to reside. The tank is provided with a flotation chamber which contains a gas thereon, offsetting the weight of the tank and any ballast attached thereto, maintaining such tank at a near weightless condition yet effectively "clamped" to the surrounding water.

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.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a plurality of individual floats, each connected to an individual shaft. A pier is provided which supports the shafts in a substantially vertical direction. The shafts are free to move vertically as the floats rise and descend in accordance with the waves and tides at the ocean front. Each shaft is connected to a rotary hydraulic pump which is caused to rotate as the float ascends and descends. The pump in turn charges a tank with oil at high pressure, which in turn is fed to an engine. The engine drives an electric generator.

Abstract: Booms are pivotally anchored to the ocean floor and have their angularity adjusted so that float operated power generating mechanisms on the booms are positioned at all times at optimum attitudes in relation to waves and the incoming or outgoing tide. The reaction faces of floats are arranged so that the resultant forces of wave and tide component forces act on the floats in an optimum direction so that the maximum usable energy can be derived by the mechanisms from the waves and tidal flows. The float operated mechanisms convert linear movements of the floats into rotational movements of shafts which can be coupled to power generating devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating power includes providing at least one elongated chamber having a float reciprocatively mounted therewithin for axial and reciprocative movement and having at least one opening in the chamber, and disposing vertically the chamber in an intermediate portion of a constantly downwardly flowing body of water between an upper-elevational portion thereof and a lower-elevational portion thereof with the opening in the chamber communicating with the water. The flow of water is alternatingly interrupted and permitted to enter the chamber via its opening to cause the float to be carried by the water in the chamber reciprocatively upwardly and downwardly within the chamber, and the reciprocative movement of the float is utilized by, for example, converting the reciprocative motion to rotational motion for driving an electrical generator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device to convert water wave motion into useful energy which includes a shaft mounted to be rotatable and having fixed thereto a plurality of gears, a plurality of floats equal in number to the plurality of gears with each float connected by an arm, through a fulcrum, to a ratchet-like device on the other end of the arm from the float, which ratchet-like device drives one of the gears. The shaft drives a gear train which results in a rapidly rotating shaft which drives a pump which takes suction from a low pressure reservoir and discharges to drive a fluid-driven motor. Between the discharge side of the pump and the fluid-driven motor are a high pressure reservoir for the driving fluid, a regulating valve, and a pressure relief valve which discharges into the low pressure reservoir, whereby the action of waves in a body of water causes a continuous surge of fluid through the motor at a uniform pressure.

Abstract: A power generating machine which is actuated by the continuous swells occurring in the ocean. The machine is supported on a pair of spaced main floats, between which is a power float connected to a linkage which allows the power float to reciprocate vertically with the passing swells. A flywheel is driven through a one way clutch connected to the float linkage to drive an electrical generator, the linkage also being coupled to an air compressor. Sensing floats pivotally attached to the main float support structure detect the contour of the swells and, through associated drive means, cause the spacing of the main floats to be adjusted to the existing swells crest spacing for maximum efficiency.