Wave power
First Claim
1. A fin system comprising(1) a frame having a longitudinal axis,(2) a plurality of fins, each fin (i) being mounted to the frame, and (ii) being rotatable about an axis of rotation which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame, and(3) at least one elastically deformable component which (i) is not part of a fin, (ii) is linked to at least one fin and (iii) changes shape as the fin rotates about the axis of rotation and thus controls or helps to control the rotation of the fin.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.
33 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A fin system comprising
(1) a frame having a longitudinal axis, (2) a plurality of fins, each fin (i) being mounted to the frame, and (ii) being rotatable about an axis of rotation which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame, and (3) at least one elastically deformable component which (i) is not part of a fin, (ii) is linked to at least one fin and (iii) changes shape as the fin rotates about the axis of rotation and thus controls or helps to control the rotation of the fin.
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12. A fin system comprising
(1) a rigid bar having a longitudinal axis, (2) 3-10 fins, each fin (i) being generally laminar, (ii) being mounted to the rigid bar, (iii) being rotatable about an axis of rotation which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rigid bar, and (iv) extending transversely on both sides of the rigid bar, and (3) a plurality of elastically deformable components, each elastically deformable component (i) not being part of a fin, (ii) being linked to the bar and to a fin, and (iii) resisting rotation of the fin in either direction from a rest position.
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16. A wave-powered water vehicle which comprises (1) a float, (2) a swimmer, and (3) a tether connecting the float and the swimmer;
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the float, swimmer and tether being such that, when the vehicle is in still water, (i) the float is on or near the surface of the water, (ii) the swimmer is submerged below the float, and (iii) the tether is under tension; and the swimmer comprising (i) a swimmer body having a longitudinal axis, and (ii) a fin system which is secured to the swimmer body, wherein the fin system comprises (1) a frame having a longitudinal axis, (2) a plurality of fins, each fin (i) being mounted to the frame, and (ii) being rotatable about an axis of rotation which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame, and (3) at least one elastically deformable component which (i) is not part of a fin, (ii) is linked to at least one fin and (iii) changes shape as the fin rotates about the axis of rotation and thus controls or helps to control the rotation of the fin. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification