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Wave motion apparatus

  • US 4,228,360 A
  • Filed: 06/08/1979
  • Issued: 10/14/1980
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1979
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for producing useful work from wave motion in a body of water comprising:

  • first transfer means for periodically transferring the energy in such wave motion to translational mechanical energy, said first transfer means comprising a cable and float means adapted to be anchored in the body of water, said float means connected to said cable for converting the wave motion into a reciprocating translational motion of said cable;

    storage means for periodically storing such translational mechanical energy as potential torsional energy, said storage means comprising cable drum means connected to said cable for coiling and uncoiling said cable on said drum, said drum arranged to rotate in a forward direction in response to uncoiling of said cable when said translational motion is away from said drum means, said drum means having a recoil spring arranged to rotate said drum in a reverse direction to rewind said cable on said drum means when said translational motion is toward said drum means, first ratchet gear means connected to said cable drum means and adapted to rotate only when said cable drum is rotated in a forward direction, second ratchet gear means operatively engaged with said first ratchet gear means, and energy storage spring means connected to said second ratchet gear means, said energy storage spring means being wound only in response to rotation of said second ratchet gear means when said first ratchet gear means is rotated, and to thereby periodically store torsional energy originating from wave motion of said float means in said energy storage spring means;

    second transfer means for transferring such potential torsional energy to continuous kinetic rotational energy available for producing useful work, said second transfer means comprising a shaft connected to said energy storage spring means and adapted to be rotated as said energy storage spring means unwinds, and an energy storage flywheel driven from said shaft for receiving the stored torsional energy from said energy storage spring means, said energy storage flywheel adapted to provide a continuous energy output; and

    means for producing useful work from such kinetic rotation energy.

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