Abstract:
An air compressor system utilized in a body of water that produces compressed air from water wave energy. The air compressor system includes floating structures in a body of water designed to receive ambient air and produce compressed air, utilizing a bellow assembly. The air compressor system converts water wave energy into storable and consumable energies, such as compressed air in a storage tank. The instant invention primarily comprises a low-wave air compressor, high-wave air compressor, and a stabilizing system.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to air pumps, and more particularly, to an air compressor system utilized in a body of water, that produces compressed air from water wave energy. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many designs for air compressor systems have been designed in the past. None of them, however, include floating structures in a body of water designed to receive ambient air and produce compressed air, utilizing a bellow assembly. 
     Applicant believes that the closest reference corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,902 issued to Labrador. However, it differs from the present invention because Labrador teaches a water-wave-energy converter set out floating on the ocean to convert the energy of the water waves into storable and consumable energies which is a composition of several cylinders joint end. after end, decreasing in diameter by end after end, having a piston with one-way valves in each cylinder, having one-way valves on every partition wall between cylinders, a single long piston rod common to all cylinders that moves each of the piston synchronically to push the compressed air towards its smaller end. 
     Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,837 issued to Sieber also differs from the present invention. Sieber teaches a method and device provided for generating energy from the motion of waves, where fluid is conveyed through a series of fluid pressurization units, each unit incrementally increasing the pressure of the fluid as the fluid passes under the force of differential pressure within that unit. The pressurized fluid from a preceding unit is outlet from that unit and input into the succeeding unit in series. Each unit includes a first member and an associated second member, the first member being immersed in or floating on the surface of a body of water, the first member rising and falling with the rise and fall of wave motion, and the second member being submerged and anchored. The fluid is pressurized as the result of the relative movement between the first and second members as the fluid passes through a unit. The pressurized fluid may then be used to drive turbines and electric generators or other energy conversion devices. 
     Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention is an air compressor system, comprising a floating housing assembly anchored to a fixed point. It comprises at least one opening to allow liquid to enter and further includes bellow means housed within. The bellow means are slidably mounted therein for longitudinal movement between two extreme positions. The bellow means have an air intake and air outtake so that as a result of movement of said liquid through said opening, said bellow means expands and contracts, taking in air through said air intake and forcing said air through said air outtake. Additionally, the air compressor system further includes reservoir means from said outlet means. 
     More specifically, the air compressor system comprises a first housing assembly with first and second ends. The first housing assembly having a first air vent protruding from said first end and anchor means secured to said second end. The first housing assembly having at least one hole for a wave of water to enter and a platform with third and fourth ends. The third end having a first bellow assembly secured thereon, the fourth end having at least one cable connecting to a first spring, which is secured to said second end. The fourth end further has a first air line with fifth and sixth ends to deliver compressed air from said first bellow assembly. The first air line having a first one-way valve set at a first predetermined distance from said fifth end towards said sixth end without reaching said sixth end, to effect the axial flow of compressed air along the length of said first air line. The platform has first cycling means to compress air within said first bellow assembly when said wave of water enters said first housing assembly. The platform has at least one end-stop that limits the travel distance of said platform. 
     A second housing assembly has seventh and eighth ends. The second housing assembly having a second air vent protruding from said seventh end and anchor means secured to said eighth end. The second housing assembly having a float with ninth and tenth ends and further comprising a second bellow assembly. The float having first means to cooperate with said second bellow assembly and has at least one cable connecting to a second spring, which is secured to said eighth end. The eighth end has a second air line with ninth and tenth ends to deliver compressed air from said second bellow assembly. Additionally, the second air line has a second one-way valve set at a second predetermined distance from said ninth end towards said tenth end without reaching said tenth end, to effect the axial flow of compressed air along the length of said second air line. The float has second cycling means to compress air within said second bellow assembly when said wave of water contacts said float. The float has at least one stop-spring above and below said float. 
     A stabilizing system with means to stabilize said first and second housing assemblies is in a body of water, also comprising an air tank to receive said compressed air from said first and second air lines. The stabilizing system further comprises buoys at either side of said first and second housing assembly. The buoys are secured to said first and second housing assembly with a first cable having eleventh and twelfth ends. The eleventh and twelfth ends having first weights, said stabilizing system further comprising first and second pontoons at a first predetermined depth in said body of water. The pontoons with anchoring means and having a pulley connected to first and second springs to coact with said first cable. 
     The first cycling means for said platform further includes a flow of said wave of water in and out of said first housing assembly, causing the movement of said platform and said first bellow assembly, whereby ambient air enters said first bellow assembly through a third one-way valve within said first air vent upon a downward platform movement when said wave of water exits said first housing assembly, and compressed air escapes from said first bellow assembly through said first one-way valve within said first air line, upon an upward platform movement when said wave of water enters said first housing assembly. 
     The second cycling means further includes a flow of said wave of water onto said float, causing the movement of said float, said float cooperating with said second bellow assembly whereby ambient air enters said second bellow assembly through a fourth one-way valve within said second air vent upon a downward float movement when said wave of water exits said second housing assembly, and compressed air escapes from said second bellow assembly through said second one-way valve within said second air line, upon an upward float movement when said wave of water strikes said second housing assembly. 
     The first and second air vents includes an end-cap to prevent foreign matter from entering and the air tank has a pressure relief valve. 
     It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide an air compressor system to efficiently and safely produce compressed air. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an air compressor system that utilizes wave energy in an open water setting. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an air compressor system that requires low maintenance. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an air compressor system that prevents beach erosion. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide an air compressor system that is environmentally friendly. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an air compressor system that may be utilized in any body of water having waves. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. 
     Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of the air compressor system in a body of water. 
     FIG. 2 shows an elevational view of the instant invention including the stabilizing system. 
     FIG. 3 a  represents an isometric front side view of the low-wave air compressor. 
     FIG. 3 b  represents an isometric rear side view of the low-wave air compressor. 
     FIG. 3 c  represents an isometric side view of the low-wave air compressor. 
     FIG. 4 represents an isometric view of the high-wave air compressor. 
     FIG. 5 a  represents an isometric view of the low-wave air compressor bellow system. 
     FIG. 5 b  represents an isometric view of the high-wave air compressor bellow system. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral  10 , it can be observed that it basically includes high-wave pump assembly  20 , low-wave pump assembly  120 , and stabilizing assembly  220 . 
     As seen in FIG. 1, instant invention  10  operates in a body of water W. The body of water is one that has sufficient wave curl to operate high-wave pump assembly  20  and low-wave pump assembly  120 . 
     High-wave pump assembly  20  is designed to withstand waves over seven feet high and has a cylindrical housing  24  in the preferred embodiment. Secured around housing  24  is ring  26 , where a predetermined water line is established. Removably secured to housing  24  is hood  22 . Hood  22  is shaped with curvature to allow water W to easily flow over in the event of large waves. Perpendicularly protruding from hood  22  is tube  46 , for air to flow through, having end-cap  44 . Tube  46  is curved near the endpoint where end-cap  44  is, to prevent water W from entering, in the event a wave flows over tube  46 . Below ring  26 , housing  24  has at least two rings  28 , approximately 180 degrees from each other. Passing through ring  28  is cable  242  of stabilizing system  220 . 
     To stabilize high-wave pump assembly  20 , or a series of them connected, is stabilizing system  220 . Shown here, stabilizing system  220  has buoys  252  at the extreme ends of high-wave pump assemblies  20 . Buoys  252  float at the endpoints to stabilize high-wave pump assemblies  20 . Similar to high-wave pump assemblies  20 , buoys  252  have cylindrical housing  254  with hood  256  secured thereon. Secured to housing  254  is pulley  250 , where cable  242  coacts thereon. 
     Low-wave pump assembly  120  is designed to withstand waves below seven feet high and has housing  124  in the preferred embodiment. Low-wave pump assembly  120  is generally closer to land or beach B, as shown, and faces oncoming waves as depicted. Perpendicularly protruding from housing  124  is tube  146 , for air to flow through, having end cap  144 . Tube  146  is curved near the endpoint where end cap  144  is, to prevent water W from entering in the event a wave flows over tube  146 . Below a predetermined water line, housing  124  has ring  128 . Passing through ring  128  is another cable  242  of stabilizing system  220 . 
     To stabilize low-wave pump assembly  120 , or a series of them connected, is stabilizing system  220 . Shown here, stabilizing system  220  has buoys  252  at the extreme ends of low-wave pump assemblies  120 . Buoys  252  float at the endpoints to stabilize low-wave pump assemblies  120 . Similar to high-wave pump assemblies  20 , buoys  252  have cylindrical housing  254 , with hood  256  secured thereon. Secured to housing  254  is pulley  250 , where cable  242  coacts thereon. 
     As seen in FIG. 2, instant invention  10  is an air compressor system designed to produce and send pressurized air to compressed air tank assembly  222 . Stabilizing assembly  220  secures high-wave pump assemblies  20  and low-wave pump assemblies  120 , to ensure they remain securely fastened to one another and remain in optimal positions with regard to wave patterns. 
     As shown here, weights  260  are placed on floor F of body of water W. Weights  260  are used to anchor buoys  252  and high-wave pump assemblies  20 . In a low-wave body of water, stabilizing assembly  220  is also utilized. Compressed air tank  222 , of stabilizing assembly  220 , may be shared by high-wave pump assembly  20  and low-wave pump assemblies  120 , or each may have their own. Extending from weights  260  are cables  258  of a predetermined length to allow buoys  252  and high-wave pump assemblies  20 , as shown here, to float on the surface of water W. 
     Weights  232  at the extreme ends of instant invention  10 , provide additional stabilization. Weights  232  are also set on floor F of body of water W. Extending from weights  232  are cables  234 , which are secured to pontoons  236 . Pontoons  236  are set at a predetermined depth and are buoyant. Extending from pontoons  236  is connector  238  having pulley  240  thereon. 
     Weights  244  are of a predetermined mass to also stabilize instant invention  10 . Viewing FIG. 2 from left to right, cable  242  is secured from weight  244  at one end-point, over pulleys  240  and  250 , through rings  28 , over pulleys  250  and  240 , and onto weight  244  at the other end-point. In addition, spring  248  connects buoy  252  to pulley  240  and spring  246  connects pulley  240  to weight  244 . This portion of stabilizing system  220  compensates for the differences in wave length and wave height that are encountered by instant invention  10 , whereby a certain wave may affect one portion of the instant invention, and as the wave continues, it then affects a different section. The stabilizing system, as a whole, allows the high-wave pump assemblies  20  to ride the waves of water W and use the waves as energy to produce compressed air. Extending from high-wave pump assemblies  20  are compressed air lines  230 , which deliver compressed air to compressed air tank  222 . Emergency air release valve  228  prevents over pressurization in compressed air compressed air tank  222  in the event too much compressed air is introduced. Compressed air tank  222 , having foundations  226 , may be located on floor F of body of water W as shown, or may located above water such as on a bridge, pontoon, barge, dock, or any other surface. Line  224  extends from compressed air tank  222  to means for effectively utilizing the compressed air, not shown. 
     As shown in FIG. 3 a,  low-wave pump assembly  120  has housing  124 . Housing  124  is shaped to effectively receive waves from water W, whereby waves cooperate with float  174 . Float  174  travels vertically on at least one rod  180 . Springs  182  rest upon face  175  of float  174  and face  184  of housing  124  to cushion float  174  as a wave arrives and departs low-wave pump assembly  120 . As previously mentioned, cable  258  is fixedly secured to housing  124 . Within housing  124  is cylinder  134 , which is fixedly secured to a bottom section of housing  124 , but not attached to cable  258 . Cylinder  134  houses spring  136  within, which is secured to the same bottom section of housing  124 . Extending from spring  136  is cable  138  of a predetermined length, which trespasses through bearing  188  and secures to float  174 . Spring  136  pulls float  174  in a downward direction but allows float  174  to travel in an upward direction when met by a wave. Cable  242  trespasses housing  124  through cones  186 , which are secured to bearing  188 . Bearing  188  allows housing  124  to swivel in order to face waves from water W optimally. 
     As seen in FIG. 3 b,  bellow assembly  140  is located near the rear section of housing  124 . When float  174  receives a wave, it will travel in an upward direction. Through a series of connectors, best seen in FIG. 3 c,  bellow assembly  140  is activated to compress air received through tube  146 . Bellow assembly  140  has bellow  142 . Secured above bellow  142  is connector  198 . Connector  198  receives arm  196 , and rod  210 . Bellow  142  travels vertically, whereby couplings  212 , which are secured to rod  210 , slide upon rods  208  at either side of bellow assembly  140 . 
     As seen in FIG. 3 c,  shaft  192  acts like a fulcrum, whereby float  174  travels in an upward direction, causing bellow  142  to compress in a downward direction and vice-versa. Pin  202  connects connector  204  to the rear section of float  174 . Extending from connector  204  is arm  200 , which connects to connector  194  of connecting assembly  190 . Arm  196  extends from connector  194  to connector  198 . Extending from bellow assembly  140  is tube  146 , which protrudes from the top section o housing  124 . Additionally, outlet tube  169  extends from bellow assembly  140  through housing  124  to the bottom section and connecting to compressed air line  230 , which connects to compressed air tank  222 , seen in FIG.  4 . To reduce stress that may be caused with the movement of float  174 , face  176  of housing  124  is of a curvature shape to allow water to flow and disperse to the sides of housing  124 . Face  184  is shaped to cooperate with float  174  and provide optimal travel distance of float  174 . To properly float, housing  124  is a watertight structure with the exception of slot  206 , which allows for connecting assembly  190  to operate. Float  174  is also a watertight structure. As best seen here, bearing  188  allows for housing  124  to swivel in the event the direction of wave change from water W. 
     As seen in FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment, high-wave pump assembly  20  is cylindrically shaped, although it may be of a variety of shapes, including but not limited to, triangular, square, octagon, and hexagon. Secured to the top end of housing  24  is bellow assembly  40 . Protruding from bellow assembly  40  are residual tube  50  and inlet tube  48 , which merge to form tube  46 . Bellow assembly  40  has bellow  42  that is attached to platform  74 , which floats. Within housing  24  is cylinder  34 , which is fixedly secured to base  32  of housing  24 , but not attached to cable  258 . Cylinder  34  houses spring  36  within, which is secured to base  32  of housing  24 . Extending from spring  36  is cable  38  of a predetermined length, which secures to platform  74 . Spring  36  pulls platform  74  in a downward direction but allows platform  74  to travel in an upward direction when met by a wave. Below ring  26 , housing  24  has holes  23 . Holes  23  are sufficiently large to allow water W to enter when a wave approaches high-wave pump assembly  20 . Housing  24  acts as a cylinder assembly whereby platform  74  is raised and lowered by the buoyancy force from water waves when water W enters and exits housing  24  through holes  23 . Fixedly secured at various points to the inside face of housing  24  are end stops  75 . End stops  75  are designed to limit the downward travel of platform  74  when water W exits housing  24 . Wheels  78  are removably secured to connector  76 , seen in FIG. 5 b,  at predetermined positions to platform  74 . Wheels  78  allow platform  74  to ride on tracks  80  secured from base  32  of housing  24  to the top of housing  24 . Housing  24  also has cables  258 ′ for additional stability, which are secured to cable  258 . 
     In a body of water, as waves approach high-wave pump assembly  20 , water W enters holes  23  of housing  24 . This causes platform  74  to raise. As platform  74  is raised, bellow  42  compresses. As air compresses within bellow  42 , it is forced out through outlet tube  69 , through outlet valve  68 , seen in FIG. 5 b,  through compressed air line  230  and to compressed air tank  222 . 
     As seen in FIG. 5 a,  bellow assembly  140  has bellow  142  secured between base  166  and valve base  141 . Base  166  complements the height of bellow  142  in a collapsed mode, so that a maximum amount of air within bellow  142  is displaced from and to the adjacent valves. Base  166  has connector  198  attached thereon, with arm  196  secured to it. In addition, base  166  has tip  164  to coact with residual valve tip  162  when biased against it. Valve base  141  primarily includes inlet valve  152 , residual valve  158 , and outlet valve  168 . Extending from valve base  141 , inlet valve  152  has inlet spring  154 , which keeps inlet valve  152  biased against inlet protrusions  156  in the relaxed state. Extending from valve base  141 , residual valve  158  has residual spring  160 , which keeps residual valve  158  biased against residual protrusions  161  in the relaxed state. Extending from valve base  141 , outlet valve  168  has outlet spring  170 , which keeps outlet valve  168  biased against outlet protrusions  172  in the relaxed state. 
     When float  174 , seen in FIG. 3 c,  travels in a downward direction, bellow  142  expands. As bellow  142  expands, the force within overcomes the force of inlet spring  154 , opening inlet valve  152  and allowing air to flow from tube  146  through inlet tube  148 , and into bellow  142 . When float  174 , seen in FIG. 3 c,  travels in an upward direction, when met by a water wave, bellow  142  contracts. As bellow  142  contracts, the force of compressed air within overcomes the force of outlet spring  170 , opening outlet valve  168  and allowing compressed air to flow through outlet tube  169 , which connects to compressed air line  230 , seen in FIG. 3 c.  After bellow  142  is fully compressed there may remain some residual air. In that case, any remaining residual air will flow out through residual tube  150  when tip  164  makes contact with residual valve tip  162 . Contact by tip  164  forces residual valve  158  to lift off of residual protrusion  161 . 
     As seen in FIG. 5 b,  bellow assembly  40  has bellow  42  secured between platform  74  and valve base  41 . Secured onto platform  74  is base  66 . Base  66  complements the height of bellow  42  in a collapsed mode, so that a maximum amount of air within bellow  42  is displaced from and to the adjacent valves. Base  66  has tip  64  to coact with residual valve tip  62  when biased against it. Valve base  41  primarily includes inlet valve  52  and residual valve  58 . Extending from valve base  41 , inlet valve  52  has inlet spring  54 , which keeps inlet valve  52  biased against inlet protrusions  56  in the relaxed state. Extending from valve base  41 , residual valve  58  has residual spring  60 , which keeps residual valve  58  biased against residual protrusions  61  in the relaxed state. Extending from base  66 , outlet valve  68  has outlet spring  70 , which keeps outlet valve  68  biased against outlet protrusions  72  in the relaxed state. 
     When platform  74  travels in a downward direction, bellow  42  expands. As bellow  42  expands, the force within overcomes the force of inlet spring  54 , opening inlet valve  52  and allowing air to flow from tube  46  through inlet tube  48 , and into bellow  42 . When platform  74  travels in an upward direction, when met by a water wave, bellow  42  contracts. As bellow  42  contracts, the force of compressed air within overcomes the force of outlet spring  70 , opening outlet valve  68  and allowing compressed air to flow to compressed air line  230 . After bellow  42  is fully compressed there may remain some residual air. In that case, any remaining residual air will flow out through residual tube  50  when tip  64  makes contact with residual valve tip  62 . Contact by tip  64  forces residual valve  58  to lift off of residual protrusion  61 . 
     In an alternate configuration for the high-wave pump assembly  20 , three weights  232  form a triangle on floor F. Extending from weights  232  are cables  242 , which connect to pontoons  236  and buoys  252  respectively. Continuing from pontoons  236 , cables  242  extend to a plurality of high-wave pump assemblies  20  and finally to a buoy  252 , at the center of the triangle. Configuration of other shapes may also be designed utilizing the instant invention. 
     High-wave pump assembly  20  and low-wave pump assembly  120  are made of a material that floats and is resistant to corrosion. Additionally, all springs utilized in the instant invention have protective insulation to prevent corrosion. 
     A plurality of apparatus as the instant invention may form a group in a body of water to supply large quantities of compressed air and the body of water must be one that has sufficient waves to operate said air compressor system. Additionally, as a group in a body of water, the instant invention has characteristics to prevent beach erosion. This is achieved when the momentum of the water waves is obstructed initially with high-wave pump assembly  20 , and then low-wave pump assembly  120 . The reduction of wave force on a beach helps to reduce overall beach erosion. 
     The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.