US4036563A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wave motor comprised of a submerged floating network of chambers formed by walls permitting variable geometry
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-06-16
•
Granted: 1977-07-19
•
Expires: 1996-06-16
Abstract
Abstract A wave energy transformer for transformation of wave energy into pressure energy of water in a pipe system. The transformer consists of a submerged space network of chambers at least partially closed by walls pivoted to adjacent walls. The walls are deformable due to the action of the waves. At least two of said deformable walls in each chamber are connected to at least one pumping means for pumping water into said pipe system owing to the deformation of said walls.
Inventors
- 👤 Rolf E. A. Tornkvist
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 17:31
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04B; F04B9/00; F03; F03B; F03B13/00; F03B13/12; F03B13/14; F03B13/16; F03B13/18; F03B13/188; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A wave energy transformer for transforming wave energy in a body of water into pressure energy of a pipe system containing water obtained from the body comprising: means forming walls defining a plurality of mutually adjacent floating chambers which are submerged in and in communication with the body of water, said means including a plurality of buoyantly submerged panels pivotally interconnected so that water movement in and around the chambers due to wave action causes the chambers to deform by virtue of relative movement between panels; and pump means having relatively movable parts connected between at least two walls of each chamber, said pump means having an inlet in communication with the body of water and an outlet connected to the pipe system and being operable upon relative movement between its movable parts to draw in water from the body and discharge water to the pipe system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A wave energy transformer for transforming wave energy in a body of water into pressure energy of a pipe system containing water obtained from the body comprising: means forming walls defining a plurality of mutually adjacent floating chambers which are submerged in and in communication with the body of water, said means including a plurality of buoyantly submerged panels pivotally interconnected so that water movement in and around the chambers due to wave action causes the chambers to deform by virtue of relative movement between panels; and pump means having relatively movable parts connected between at least two walls of each chamber, said pump means having an inlet in communication with the body of water and an outlet connected to the pipe system and being operable upon relative movement between its movable parts to draw in water from the body and discharge water to the pipe system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
68 words
A transformer as in claim 1 wherein the wall-forming means includes substantially horizontal panels and substantially vertical panels pivotally connected to each other edge-to-edge to form a network of interconnected adjacent chambers, the network being connected to a generally vertical rigid support wall by means of articulated joints between the support wall and the edges of those substantially horizontal panels which are disposed at edge of the network.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
59 words
A transformer as in claim 1 wherein the wall-forming means includes substantially horizontal panels pivotally connected in end-to-end series and includes a rigid horizontal member vertically spaced from the panels, said pump means being connected between said member and the panels, and wherein the end panel of the series is pivotally connected to a generally vertical rigid support wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
A transformer as in claim 1 wherein the wall-forming means includes at least two series of vertical panels, the panels of each series being pivotally connected edge-to-edge and includes a rigid horizontal member, said pump means being connected between panels of different series.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A transformer as in claim 2 wherein at least some of said panels are each constructed of two over-lapping parallel rigid panel portions which are slidable relative to each other.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
A transformer as in claim 2 wherein at least some of said panels each include a plurality of coplanar rigid panel portions connected to each other by articulated joints in the form of folds.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A transformer as in claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of said chambers arranged in a group which has first and second end portions facing, respectively, toward and away from the waves, the second end portion being of greater vertical dimension than the first end portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A transformer as in claim 7 including a rigid support extending under said second end portion and connecting the same to a floating body.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-18 | 1981-01-17 | 1981-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-18 | 1985-01-17 | 1985-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-18 | 1989-01-17 | 1989-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |