Wave-Action Power Apparatus

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatically in elevation plan view, a plurality of floats arranged typically in accord with a preferred embodiment of the invention, together with a water body, and together with inter-connecting power-transmitting mechanisms and power converters and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates diagrammatically, in in-part view, and with the power converter(s) shown in phantom, a typical appearance in side perspective view of one of the float structure combinations of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates another diagrammatic elevation plan view analagous to that of FIG. 1, except better illustrating a preferred relative relationship of size of floats to one-another with regard to the degree of off-setting of the plurality thereof one relative to others preceding and/or following along a direction of movement of waves such as typically sea or ocean waves, for example, and better illustrating, in an enlarged view, the wave rings moving outwardly from the various ones of the floats.

Each of FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate alternate embodiments of more preferred float shapes for employment with the present invention, particularly the float of FIG. 4, shown each in elevation side view as suspended from an upright reciprocatable shaft each shaft shown in and in-part view.

For a large body of water 3 such as near a shore 4, but not necessarily near a shore, representatively waves are travelling in direction 5, and representatively current(s) are traveling in direction 6 which currents are typically deflected by deflector(s) 9 in direction 9a to thereby increase water pressure in these directions as best shown in FIG. 2 but also designated in the FIG. 1. Accordingly, the various floats 7 are responsive to these waves, currents, and water pressures. Additionally, however, as is typically represented for float 7a, as the float rises and falls with the waves and/or responsive to other water pressures, additional water turbulences are produced such as typically the radially outwardly moving concentric wave rings 8a, 8b, 8c and the like. In like manner, float 7b is represented as having produced the wave ring 8d which for example extends to an outer edge (as represented) of the central-most float of the plurality, as would also the wave rings of other equally distant floats from that central-most float, for example. As, for example, the wave ring 8d touches the central-most float, also the wave 5a' moving in direction 5a combines its pressure and influence therewith. Analagous to the wave ring 8c of float 7a, for other floats spaced-around the central-most float, there are wave rings 8e, 8f, and 8g. It is possible at intermittent times for two or more of the wave rings 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g and wave 5a' and increased water pressure from deflected current 9a to concurrently exert their effects against the central-most float (as well as against other floats). Concurrently and/or intermittently also additional water turbulences and resulting deflected water pressures occur as for example wave ring 8h (of the central-most float) intersects wave rings 8f and 8g as for example at point 11, and/or when any two or more wave rings intersect with each other or meet another float concurrently as is illustrated where wave rings 8f and 8g concurrent with wave 5b' (moving in direction 5b) all exert simultaneously their effects on a single float.

The result of these reflected and additional water turbulences as set forth typically above, is repeated use of residual energy of prior waves, currents, deflections, and the like, as well as continuing to add to this newly-occuring energy releases from new waves and/or currents. The overall effect is a much greater stroke length than could possibly be foreseen or otherwise possible from single-float independent isolated floats, for example, and an increased power potential making wave energy a practical competitive reality for the first time.

With reference to FIG. 3, shown in an in-part diagrammatic elevation plan view of floats 7' position with respective rows x, y, and z positioned substantially perpendicularly to the direction 6' of wave(s) movement(s), with the individual floats 7aa of row y off-set from each of the floats 7bb of row x and 7cc of row z, each of the floats 7' individually producing wave rings 8'.

FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred float 10 having a hemispherical upper portion 17 and a conical lower portion 19. Alternate embodiment FIG. 5 float 20 illustrates a conical top, a cylindrical mid-section which aids in gaining a predictable amplitude of wave-ring and stroke, and the lower conically-shaped bottom.

Symbolically and merely diagrammatically, the Figures also illustrate typically a driven gear 12 and inter-connecting shafts 12 driving power conversion mechanisms 13 -- typically including generators, etc., for example, and merely diagrammatically representative of such by a box shape, for an upwardly and downwardly reciprocatable float combination 14 with its rack 15 and its predetermined extra mass element 17, and support structure 16, and typical bearing guide structures 16a and 16b. Wave water level relative to the FIG. 2 float 7 is illustrated by phantom line 3a.

It is within the scope and spirit of the present invention to make such variations and modifications and substitution of equivalents as would be apparent to a person of ordinarly skill.