Abstract:
A new use of existing dry material storage silos. The massive capacity, proportions of height to diameter, uniform lateral strength attributed to vertical cylindrical and elevated configuration, and very existence provides for a cost effective and efficient means of water storage and release of massive volumes of water for the purpose of creating wave energy in a pool for water surfing and other water recreational entertainment or sport activities.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The present invention relates to storage silos and, more particularly, to silos utilized for storage of grain or other dry materials such as portland cement. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Water recreation parks are becoming increasingly popular, in particular those water parks with wave generating pools that produce waves of substantial size for water surfing. Over the past several years, surfing pools have been constructed whereby a variety of means in producing waves have been utilized. Moving a massive volume of water to create sizable waves has been attempted by means of hydraulics, pneumatics, a combination thereof and other mechanical means. In all variations of man-made wave generation, the cost of producing the “perfect wave”, that is to say a wave that is substantial in size, speed, shape, frequency, and duration before decay becomes extremely cost prohibitive. The creation of a man-made wave meeting these criteria has been restricted because of available space for wave generation and propagation, construction costs exceeding return on investment, or simply cost prohibitive. 
         [0003]    Man-made wave generation has been attempted in a variety of inventions. Pneumatics and hydraulics can be utilized to mechanically drive pistons that push massive volumes of water quickly into a pool, thereby creating waves. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,476, issued to Edwards, a platform is supported beneath the surface of a body of water and is raised and lowered to a height causing waves passing thereover to break. Similar to Edwards is U.S. Pat. No. 3,562,823, issued to Koster whereby a swimming pool is equipped with an oscillating blade for actuating water in the pool. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,557,559, issued to Barr, a surge generating ram imparts motion to the water therein, with the breaking waves forming and propagating outwardly toward a beach. In another approach to wave generation, water is forced into motion by means of jets, as in United States Patent 4,662,781, issued to Tinkler for creating a jump in the water by means of water jets. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,535, issued to Bastenhof, waves are produced in a pool by an adjacent water-filled caisson which is coupled to a swimming pool at the base of the pool and caisson. High pressure air is vented into the caisson, forcing water through an opening the wall adjoining the pool from the chambers into the swimming pool. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,334, issued to Dexter, an open water reservoir is comprised of a rear wall, two side walls, a means of defining a passageway in a said front wall, and a deflector with a screen or shield to protect occupants. The water is elevated thereby relying on gravity to produce a predetermined head and subsequent releasing of the water, as in for producing translatory waves suitable for surfing are generated. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,332, issued to Forsman for wave generation, a plurality of a plow-like wave generator provides serial waves on opposite sides of a tunnel structure in a circular motion track. Yet another means of creating waves is accomplished by a plow-like device that is pushed or pulled along the length of the pool, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,928,670, issued to Lochtefeld, et al for a Moving reef wave generator. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,260, issued to Sauerbier, a generator hull partially submerged in the water is propelled through the water in the direction of motion thereby generating a sustainable wave. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,697, issued to LeMehaute for a wave generator, a water filled channel and a wave forming body is positioned in the channel so as to deflect the water by the upper surface of the body by means of a two-faced inclined plane, thereby simulating to a rider of a boat or surfboard, the thrill of the ride. The wave forming body is either movable or stationary. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,789,612, issued to Richard et al, a tapered enclosure for a body of water has a wave generator positioned in a relatively narrow and deeper end. The wave generator is a chamber comprised of a plunger. 
         [0004]    In relying on pneumatics, hydraulics or combination thereof to excite and force water into desired motion for the purpose of wave generation, the risks of human injury and costs become high. The concept of generating waves by means of elevating water, much like the flushing of a giant toilet is highly successful. However, the rectilinear configuration of the water storage container is limiting to wave generation and performance due to structural limitations and lack of conformity to fluid dynamics. Construction of a rectilinear water storage container of adequate height for the desired wave size and frequency in generation would be cost prohibitive and prove to be a poor return on investment. Furthermore, the recovery time required to cycle the necessary volumes of water for wave generation is excessive. Still another shortcoming of the rectilinear tank is the exposure to the atmosphere and ambient conditions. Exposure to weather conditions such as freezing cold temperatures greatly limit the operation of the pool to seasonal. Exposure to factors such as dust, and bird droppings affect the efficiency of the use of the pool as these foreign particulates increase costs for filtration and sanitation. The moving wave generator, “plow-like” device is limited to wave size because of the ideal speed of travel of the device, volume of water captured by the device, safety concerns, potential obstacles, and excessive recirculation time thereby greatly reducing the number of wave riders per unit time. In skimming the water, the “plow-like” device requires excessive speed to generate an adequately sized wave. The moving wave generator should not travel at a speed that would exceed that of the most “perfect wave” as found in nature as this would prove most dangerous and unsatisfying to the most skillful surfer due to insufficient reaction time and excessive force caused by the dynamics. Furthermore, the length of the pool required in providing a suitable time to “ride” the wave would be excessive and therefore cost prohibitive. Furthermore, the moving wave generator introduces a tremendous risk in bodily harm in the event of collision with the moving device. 
         [0005]    It is therefore an object of the invention to utilize existing dry material storage silos for water storage and release thereby supplying sufficient volumes water for surfing and other water recreational activities 
         [0006]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the enclosure of the existing silos for maintaining water sanitation 
         [0007]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the height of existing silos for obtaining the water pressure necessary to generate massive man-made waves 
         [0008]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the cylindrical shape of existing silos to sustain efficient fluid dynamics 
         [0009]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the enclosure of the existing silos for maintaining water temperature 
         [0010]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the elevated configuration of the existing silos for concentrically interconnecting effluence of water from beneath the silos for transmission by pipe to a water pool 
         [0011]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the enclosure of the existing silos for providing a means of water and air recirculation with the enclosed pool facility 
         [0012]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the plurality of the existing silos whereby the cycling in filling and expelling water within each silo can be synchronized to maintain adequate volumes of water, thereby greatly increasing wave generation frequency 
         [0013]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the plurality of the existing silos whereby the cycling in filling and expelling water within each silo can be synchronized to maintain adequate volumes of water, thereby maintaining a reserve of water at all times so as to avoid disruption of the operation of the invention 
         [0014]    It is another object of the invention to utilize the vertical integration of the plurality or matrix of the silos which substantially increases the structural integrity and stability of each said silo and matrix thereof 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a new use of existing dry material cylindrical storage silos. The massive capacity, proportions of height to diameter, uniform lateral strength due to vertical cylindrical and elevated configuration, plurality of chambers, and very existence provides for a cost effective and efficient means of water storage and release of water for the generation of wave energy for water surfing and other water recreational activities. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a plurality of a silo configured in a matrix of rows and columns with substantial capacity in supplying water by means of a manifold system to a water-pool for the purpose of a wave generation in said water-pool; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo communicating with a water-effluent-manifold thereto communicating with an inlet-port for the purpose of providing an introduced-water-volume into a water-pool showing the static mode of water prior to a wave generation; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo communicating with a water-effluent-manifold thereto communicating with an inlet-port for the purpose of providing an introduced-water-volume into a water-pool showing the dynamic mode of water to create a wave generation; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo communicating with a water-effluent-manifold thereto communicating with an inlet-port thereby providing an introduced-volume of water into a water-pool showing a wave generation and propagation to a beach; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective schematic view of a single silo showing interconnections of water and air cycling systems to a silo; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo interconnected and arranged in a matrix of rows and columns whereby the cross section is taken along plane  1  of  FIG. 1  showing an interface of the adjacent silo along vertical tangential lines of contact between said silo. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a plurality of a silo  10  arranged in a matrix of rows and columns with substantial capacity in supplying water to a water-pool  50  for the purpose of a wave  70  generation. The silo  10  height to diameter proportion is such that the considerable height provides a means of elevating the water supply within the silo  10  thereby creating tremendous force for the purpose of generating the wave  70  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) upon release of water from said silo  10  through a water-effluence-manifold  20  and into a water-pool  50 . The vertical cylindrical shape of the silo  10  enhances the hydrodynamic flow of water upon release from the silo  10 . The silo  10  is comprised of a cap  12  communicating with a cylinder-wall  14  thereto communicating with a conical-base  16  which is actually a frustrum of a cone. The terminus of the conical-base  16  is connected to a water-effluence-pipe  18  communicating with the water-effluence-manifold  20  thereto communicating with the water-pool  50 . Water flow from the silo  10  is controlled by means of a silo-flow-valve  24  before passing into the water-effluence-manifold  20 . In providing a plurality of the silo  10  for each in a plurality of water-effluence-manifold  20 , a complete control of flow rate, water replenishment and conservation can be attained to meet the demands in wave  70  frequency and size. These variations in wave  70  generation are necessary for meeting specific needs as determined by the population for water entertainment. A total-effluence-valve  26  located proximal the terminus of the water-effluence-manifold  20  is utilized to throttle, open and close providing for a predetermined water volume supplied from a predetermined number and selection from the silo  10  matrix. Water released through the total-effluence-valve  26  flows through an inlet-port  22  located on a pool wall  54  thereto transmitting the introduced-water-volume  66  into the water-pool  50 . The inlet-port  22  is positioned at a predetermined height from a bed  52  within the water-pool  50 . Furthermore, a predetermined spacing between each of the inlet-port  22  is provided to obtain optimum uniform flow of the introduced-water-volume  66 . It is essential to maintain an even flow of introduced-water-volume  66  thereby reducing as much as possible the chance for undesirable turbulence for uniform wave  70  generation. In providing a plurality of the water-effluence-manifold  20 , each said manifold  20  is comprised of a plurality of the silo  10  thereby providing for variation in control of an introduced-water-volume  66  to the water-pool  50 , and maintaining a reserve of water within the predetermined selection of the silo  10 . Therefore, when operating the invention, a reserve of introduced-water-volume  66  with be maintained by providing a reciprocation of replenishing and dispensing water volumes from the silo  10  system in a predetermined sequence thereby avoiding disruption in the frequency of wave  70  generation. Therefore, at any give time in the operation of the invention, there is at least one of the silo  10  full of water. wave  70  generation is enhanced by providing an elastomeric-reef  60  of predetermined shape and size and is generally positioned so as to span the width of the water-pool  50  at a predetermined distance from the inlet-port  22  end of the water-pool  50 . The elastomeric-reef  60  provides for variation in reef size and shape by virtue of the volume of water contained within said elastomeric-reef  60  so as to control the size, shape and direction of “peel” of the wave  70 . Hence, when the volume of water contained within the elastomeric-reef  60  is increased or decreased, the reef changes in size and configuration, thereby affecting the type, shape, and size of the wave  70  generated. Furthermore, the elastomeric-reef  60  provides a substantial reduction in risk of bodily harm in the event a swimmer or surfer impacts with said elastomeric-reef  60 . A basin  62  within the pool is established between the elastomeric-reef  60  and a wall  54  for the purpose of blending the introduced-water-volume  66  so as to perform as a uniform mass as said introduced-water-volume  66  enters the water-pool  50  through a plurality of the inlet-port  22 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo  10  configured with a water-effluence-manifold  20  communicating with an inlet-port  22  for the purpose of providing an introduced-water-volume  66  into a water-pool  50  showing a static mode of water containment prior to a wave  70  generation. The silo  10  is comprised of a water-supply-pipe  28  for providing treated, filtered and heated water to the silo  10 . The silo  10  is sealed from the environmental atmosphere to maintain water sanitation and for the purpose of maintaining a predetermined water temperature as desired for swimming or surfing. Furthermore, the silo  10  is sealed for the purpose of providing a means for regulating the flow of air into said silo  10  from a pool-enclosed-facility  78  (not shown) and conversely, from the pool-enclosed-facility  78  (not shown) to said silo  10 . Referring also for the moment to  FIG. 5 , stale air contained within the pool-enclosed-facility  78  (not shown) is transmitted by means of an air-return-duct  42  communicating with an air-return-check-valve  44  connected to the silo  10  at a predetermined elevation above a maximum-water-level  46 . When water is released from the silo  10 , a negative air pressure within the silo  10  occurs causing the air-return-check-valve  44  to open thereby allowing the stale air to displace water as the introduced-water-volume  66  is released. Fresh air is introduced into the pool-enclosed-facility  78  (not shown) by means of an air-supply-filtration-system  38 . The fresh air is transmitted to the air-supply-filtration-system  38  by means of an air-supply-duct  36  communicating with an air-supply-check-valve  40  interconnected to the silo  10  at a predetermined elevation above the maximum-water-level  46 . In the process of filling or replenishing the water contained within the silo  10 , air trapped within the silo  10  creates a positive pressure thereby forcing the air-supply-check-valve  40  to open, providing for air to pass through the air-supply-check-valve  40  through the air-supply-duct  36  into the air-supply-filtration-system  38  and subsequently into the pool-enclosed-facility  78  (not shown). The maximum-water-level  46  elevation provides for a maximum hydraulic force due to gravity thereby providing substantial energy for wave  70  generation. A minimum-water-level  48  is maintained at a predetermined elevation above the elevation and location of the silo  10  flow-valve so as to avoid cavitation or undesirable turbulence that could otherwise occur within the water-effluence-manifold  20  caused by the presence of air within said manifold  20 . A displacement  80  shown in  FIG. 3 ) between the maximum-water-level  46  and the minimum-water-level  48  establishes an introduced-water-volume  66  for the purpose of providing water mass for the wave  70 . When the total-effluence-valve  26  is closed, a static mode is maintained within the water-effluence-manifold  20  and never permitted to be void of water. In the event air is trapped within the water-effluence manifold  20 , cavitation or undesirable turbulence could occur when water is released from the silo  10 . The water level above a bed  52  is maintained at a predetermined level or depth corresponding to the predetermined height and volume of the elastomeric-reef  60  for the purpose of generating the desired size, type, and direction of peel of the wave  70 . The term “peel” refers to the direction of travel of the white-capping or breaking of the wave  70  along the length of the wave  70 , normal to the direction of motion of the wave  70 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo  10  configured in a matrix of rows and columns interconnected with a water-effluence-manifold  20  showing the release of water from the silo  10  for the purpose of a wave  70  generation. In this specific matrix model, two of the silo-flow-valve  24  are in the closed mode and one silo-flow-valve  24  is in the open mode. Sequential to the opening of the silo-flow-valve  24  is the opening of the total-effluence-valve  26 , thereby releasing and transmitting the introduced-water-volume  66  from the silo  10  along with the water volume contained within the water-effluent-manifold  20  through the inlet-port  22  and into the water-pool  50 . The introduced-water-volume  66  passes through the inlet-port  22  and into the water-pool  50  within the confines of the basin  62  bounded by the elastomeric-reef  60  and a wall  54 . The introduced-water-volume  66  is forced over the weir of the elastomeric-reef  60  thereby creating a swell  68  within the water-pool  50 . Configuration of the plurality of the silo-flow-valve  24  and the plurality of the total-effluence-valve  26  allows for optimal variations in operation of the invention, thereby providing variations in the wave  70  height, type, direction of “peel” and frequency. These variations are desirable in meeting expectations and skills of swimmers and surfers. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo  10  communicating with a water-effluence-manifold  20  thereto communicating with an inlet-port  22  thereto communicating a water-pool  50  for the purpose of providing an introduced-water-volume  66  to the water-pool  50  showing a wave  70  generation and propagation to a beach  58 . In this specific matrix model, two of the silo-flow-valve  24  are in the closed mode and one silo-flow-valve  24  is in the open mode. Sequential to the opening of the silo-flow-valve  24  is the opening of the total-effluence-valve  26 , thereby releasing the introduced-water-volume  66  from the silo  10  through the water-effluence-manifold  20  and through the inlet-port  22  and into the water-pool  50  within the confines of a basin  62  bounded by the elastomeric-reef  60  and the wall  54 . The introduced-water-volume  66  is forced over the weir of the elastomeric-reef  60  thereby creating a swell  68  within the water-pool  50 . The momentum and energy generated by the introduced-water-volume  66  passing over the elastomeric-reef  60  causes a static-water-level  64  to become overtaken by the introduced-water-volume  66 . An inclination  56  of the bed  52  causes the water depth to diminish to zero toward the approach to a beach  58 , thereby causing the water volume nearer in elevation to the inclined bed  52  to decelerate in velocity and the introduced-water-volume  66  nearer to the elevation of the surface to accelerate in velocity, thereby creating formation and generation of the wave  70 . The momentum of flow of introduced-water-volume  66  moving onto the beach  58  is captured within a catch-basin  72  located across the width of the beach  58  thereby creating a boundary  82  between the adjoining edges of the basin  62  and the static-water-level  64 . A grating  74  is provided across and along the length of the catch-basin  72  conforming to the surface elevation of the beach  58  so as to avoid large foreign objects and occupants from inadvertently falling into the catch-basin  72 . The water-supply-pipe  28  is interconnected between the catch-basin  72  and the silo  10  for the purpose of returning the introduced-water-volume  66  to the silo  10 , thereby returning and replenishing the introduced-water-volume  66  released from the silo  10  for the previous wave  70 , thereby providing for another of the wave  70  to be generated from said silo  10 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective schematic view of a single silo  10  showing interconnections of water and air cycling systems to the silo  10 . Subsequent to the propagation and decay of the wave  70  created by the introduced-water-volume  66 , the introduced-water-volume  66  is collected from the beach  58  end of the water-pool  50  within the confines of a catch-basin  72  and recirculated to the silo  10  by means of a water-supply-pipe  28 . The water-supply-pipe  28  is comprised of a water-filtration-system  30  communicating with a water-heating-system  32  thereto communicating with a water-pumping-system  34  for the purpose of providing and maintaining the introduced-water-volume  66 , keeping said water clean, and warm for storage and release within the silo  10  and correspondingly to the water-pool  50 . Water introduced into the water-supply-pipe  28  is purified by means of the water-filtration-system  30  and is subsequently heated to a predetermined temperature by means of the water-heating-system  32  thereby providing comfort to those participating the various water activities. The water is subsequently transmitted into the silo  10  for storage and release by means of the water-pumping-system  34 . Filling the silo  10  with water is performed within the predetermined minimum-water-level  48 . As the level of water rises within the silo  10  to the maximum-water-level  46 , water displaces the volume of air within the silo  10  which is sealed from the atmosphere thereby creating a positive air pressure within the silo  10 . The maximum volume of either air or water that is exchanged is shown as the displacement  80  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). A predetermined pressure forces the air-return-check-valve  44  to close, and forces the air-supply-check-valve  40  to open, thereby permitting air to pass within the air-supply-duct  36  and subsequently through the air-supply-filtration-system  38  for the purpose of providing fresh air into the pool-enclosed-facility  78  (not shown) containing the water-pool  50 . Conversely, when the introduced-water-volume  66  in the silo  10  is released, a negative air pressure is created within the silo  10 , forcing the air-supply-check-valve  40  to close, and the air-return-check-valve  44  to open, thereby permitting air to pass through the air-return-duct  42  into the silo  10  for the purpose of removing stale air contained within the pool-enclosed-facility  78  (not shown) containing the water-pool  50 . Therefore, in the cycle process of expelling and replenishing the introduced-water-volume  66 , the air is constantly being filtered. Furthermore, utilizing the sealed system for moving air by means of displacement  80  within the silo  10  provides for noise-free system without need for motor driven fans and the like. 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of a plurality of a silo  10  interconnected and arranged in a matrix of rows and columns whereby the cross section is taken along plane  1  of  FIG. 1  showing an interface  84  of the adjacent silo  10  along vertical tangential lines of contact between the silo  10 . The silo  10  provides for uniform resistance to internal lateral fluid forces imposed by water contents stored to the level as shown in  FIG. 4  by virtue of the circular cross sectional shape. Furthermore, the cylindrical geometry of the silo  10  greatly reduces the chance of turbulence and cavitation during water release from within the silo  10 , thereby enhancing the hydrodynamics of the invention. Likewise, the silo  10  has uniform resistance to external lateral forces such as wind and rain. Longitudinal interconnection of the adjacent silo  10  at the interface  84  significantly increases resistance to both internal and external lateral forces. Furthermore, as a means for maintaining water temperature within the silo  10 , and preventing possible seepage through existing or potential hair-line cracks within the cylinder-wall  14  and conical-base  16 , the thermal-foam-membrane  76  shown is applied onto the cap  12 , the cylinder-wall  14 , and the conical-base  16  interior surfaces. 
         [0030]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0031]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.