US3989951A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wave energy power generating breakwater
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1975-04-29
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Granted: 1976-11-02
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Expires: 1995-04-29
Abstract
Abstract A breakwater apparatus for generating electrical power by extracting energy from sea waves. A novel array of subsurface fixed-position flexible-walled pneumatic bags or cells, in a closed cycle system, react to surface-wave-correlated static pressure variations by expiring compressed gas into a supply header to a generator-driving pneumatic motor while simultaneously inspiring return gas in a return header from such motor. Alternate inspirational-expirational operation of individual cells involves use of a supply check valve at each cell, discharging into the supply header, and a return check valve at each cell, receiving from the return header.
Inventors
- 👤 Laban E. Lesster
- 👤 Robert Etkins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:42
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03B; F03B13/00; F03B13/12; F03B13/14; F03B13/148; F03B13/16; F03B13/18; F03B13/188; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
Apparatus utilizing energy of waves from a body of water comprising: a plurality of stationary contractible-expandible submerged pneumatic cells disposed beneath the surface of such body of water, supply conduit means, return conduit means, compressible fluid motor means having an inlet and an outlet open to said supply and return conduit means, respectively, a first plurality of one-way-flow means communicating said supply conduct means with said pneumatic cells, respectively, and a second plurality of one-way-flow means communicating said return conduit means with said pneumatic cells, respectively.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
Apparatus utilizing energy of waves from a body of water comprising: a plurality of stationary contractible-expandible submerged pneumatic cells disposed beneath the surface of such body of water, supply conduit means, return conduit means, compressible fluid motor means having an inlet and an outlet open to said supply and return conduit means, respectively, a first plurality of one-way-flow means communicating said supply conduct means with said pneumatic cells, respectively, and a second plurality of one-way-flow means communicating said return conduit means with said pneumatic cells, respectively.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said supply conduit means, return conduit means, and fluid motor means are also disposed beneath the surface of said body of water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said motor means is operatively associated with electric generator means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dimension of each of said cells in the direction of wave travel is less than one-half the wavelength of the more usual ones of the aforesaid waves.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-11-02 | 1980-05-03 | 1980-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-11-02 | 1984-05-03 | 1984-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-11-02 | 1988-05-03 | 1988-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |