Wave and current operated power generating device

A wave and current power generating device, comprising:

• a. a pair of elongated hollow hulls connected together in laterally spaced, parallel relation, said hulls including compartments arranged to be filled with air to float the hulls and to be filled with water to submerge the hulls,
• b. pump means on one of the hulls communicating with the hull compartments for filling the latter selectively with air and with water,
• c. a floor extending between said hulls below the top thereof forming an open top water passageway therebetween having inlet and outlet ends,
• d. a water wheel cupported for rotation on said hulls with a portion of the water wheel projecting into said water passageway between said inlet and outlet ends, said water wheel comprising
• 1. a pair of upstanding circular wheel members spaced apart laterally and extending into said water passageway adjacent the inner sides of the hulls, and
• 2. vanes extending transversely between said wheel members for rotating the latter under the influence of water moving through said passageway,
• e. outwardly projecting gear teeth on the outer periphery of at least one of said circular wheel members,
• f. electric generator means mounted on the hull adjacent said peripheral gear teeth,
• g. gear means on said generator means meshing with the gear teeth on the periphery of said circular wheel member, and
• h. a plurality of vertically extensible legs on the hulls extending adjustably below the latter for support on a submerged surface, for adjusting the depth of the floor of the water passageway between the hulls relative to the water level.