Ocean wave energy converter
OwnerDavid M. Sloniminventor
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims4
An ocean wave energy converter, comprising a buoyant body, a framework fixedly secured to the buoyant body and extending to a depth substantially free from wave action, bucket means disposed in a series in a closed path and mounted on the lower portion of the framework for circulation in one direction, the bucket means offering greater resistance to the water upon movement through the water in one direction than in the other direction whereby the series of bucket means circulates in the same direction both when rising under the influence of wave action on the buoyant body and when falling under the influence of wave action on the buoyant body, and means to convert the kinetic energy of the circulation of the series of bucket means into another form of energy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.