Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-04-22)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1\. A wave power device that provides a user with a system for extracting power from water waves and converting it into electricity, the wave power device comprising: a set of wave collection tubes; a rectifier; a turbine; and a generator; wherein the set of wave collection tubes are placed in parallel to advancing wave front and adjacent to each other; wherein one of the set of wave collection tubes is closely adjacent a wave crest, while another of the set of wave collection tubes is closely adjacent a wave trough; wherein alternating pressure of water waves within the set of wave collection tubes, is converted into an alternating airflow; wherein rectifier turns the alternating airflow output of the set of wave collection tubes into linear flow; and further wherein airflow from the rectifier is fed to the turbine, which in turn, rotates the generator to produce electricity.
2\. The wave power device of claim 1, wherein the set of wave collection tubes comprises a first wave collection tube and a second wave collection tube.
3\. The wave power device of claim 2, wherein the set of wave collection tubes are tethered to an ocean bottom via a mooring means which includes an anchor and a tether chain.
4\. The wave power device of claim 3, wherein the set of wave collection tubes are anchored to the ocean bottom by a mooring means at each end of each wave collection tube, and each mooring means include a wench that can pull its tether chain in or let it out to move its end of each wave collection tube.
5\. The wave power device of claim 4, wherein the set of wave collection tubes are partially or totally immersed in water and are weighted and balanced to remain horizontal in the water.
6\. The wave power device of claim 5, wherein the set of wave collection tubes are completely immersed in water and are weighted and balanced to remain horizontal in the water.
7\. The wave power device of claim 6, wherein the set of wave collection tubes are typically cylindrical in shape, with an exterior surface closed front and rear ends, and an open interior accessed by holes along the bottom, which permits influx and egress of water.
8\. The wave power device of claim 7, wherein the set of wave collection tubes are offset by one half of a wavelength.
9\. The wave power device of claim 8, wherein each of the set of the wave collection tube’s diameter is matched to a maximum expected wave amplitude at its location.
10\. The wave power device of claim 9, wherein each of the set of the wave collection tube’s length is 100 meters or more.
11\. The wave power device of claim 10, wherein the rectifier comprises a plurality of check valves that turn the alternating airflow output of the set of wave collection tubes into linear flow.
12\. The wave power device of claim 11, wherein the turbine comprises a high-pressure inlet for accepting airflow from the rectifier and a low-pressure outlet for expelling the air back to the rectifier.
13\. The wave power device of claim 12, wherein linear output from the high-pressure side of the rectifier is piped to the high-pressure inlet of the turbine, and after passing through the turbine, the air will be piped to the low-pressure side of the rectifier.
14\. The wave power device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.
15\. A method of wave progression over first and second wave collection tubes, the method comprising the following steps: advancing a wave crest over the first wave collection tube; forcing air from the first wave collection tube into a rectifier; advancing a wave trough over the second wave collection tube; pulling the air from the rectifier into the second wave collection tube; converting sinusoidal motion (alternating current) of the wave into a rectified sine wave motion via the rectifier; refining that motion into linear motion (direct current); and passing the flow through a turbine to drive a turbine’s shaft, which in turn rotates a generator to produce electricity.
16\. The method of claim 15, wherein the wave’s crest is advancing over the second wave collection tube and the wave’s trough is advancing over the first wave collection tube.
17\. The method of claim 16 further comprising as wave crest is advancing over the second wave collection tube, forcing air from the second wave collection tube into the rectifier; and as wave trough is advancing over the first wave collection tube, pulling the air from the rectifier into the first wave collection tube.
18\. The method of claim 17, wherein as the wave progresses, its crest advances over the first wave collection tube, entering underside and forcing the air within it out an upper side, through a non-return valve, and to the turbine’s high-pressure inlet; and wherein at the same time, the wave’s trough advances over the second wave collection tube, withdrawing the water from underside and creating a suction that pulls air from the turbine’s low-pressure outlet, through a non-return valve, and into the air into an upper side.
19\. The method of claim 18, wherein as the wave continues to progress, the process reverses, with air being drawn into the first wave collection tube and being forced out of the second wave collection tube, creating an alternating current of airflow.
20\. A method of extracting power from water waves and converting it into clean renewable electricity, the method comprising the following steps: providing a set of wave collection tubes in communication with a rectifier, a turbine, and a generator; positioning the set of wave collection tubes in parallel to the advancing wave front and adjacent to each other and offset by one half of a wavelength; converting the alternating pressure of the waves into an alternating airflow; turning the alternating airflow output of the collection tubes into a linear flow; and feeding the airflow from the rectifier to the turbine, which in turn rotates the generator to produce electricity.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA  to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
Claim Objections
Claim 4 is objected to because “wench” in line 3 should be spelled as “winch”.  Appropriate correction is required.
Drawings
The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a).  The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims.  Therefore, Claim 3-4 as recited & the indicia recited in Claim 14 must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s).  No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 4-14, & 18-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Regarding Claim 4, the applicant recites “its” in two instances. As recited, it is unclear to what the “its” is referring to since many elements are recited in the claim. The examiner suggests to replace “its” with “the”.
Regarding Claim 9, the applicant recites “its location”. It is unclear to what location the applicant is referring to.
Claims 5-14 are rejected based on the dependency from Claim 4.
Claim 13 recites the limitation the high-pressure side & “the low-pressure side”.  There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim.
Regarding Claim 14, the applicant recites “plurality of indicia”. It is unclear what the applicant is referring to with “indicia”. Is it the meaning in the art or something else?
Regarding Claim 18, the applicant recites “discloses the method of claim 17, wherein as the wave progresses, (i) its crest advances over the first wave collection tube, entering underside and forcing the air within (ii) it out an upper side, through a non-return valve, and to the turbines high-pressure inlet; and wherein (iii) at the same time, the waves trough advances over the second wave collection tube, withdrawing the water from underside and creating a suction that pulls air from the turbine low-pressure outlet, through a non-return valve, and into the air into an upper side”.
It is unclear to what crest the applicant is referring to (refer to “i” above). It is also unclear to what forced air the applicant is referring to (refer to “ii” above). Finally, what time or other time would be referred to for then compared to “at the same time” (refer to “iii” above). Therefore, the claim is vague and indefinite.
Claim 19 are rejected based on the dependency from Claim 18.
Regarding Claim 20 (similarly in Claim 8), the applicant recites “positioning the set of wave collection tubes in parallel to the advancing wave front and adjacent to each other and offset by one half of a wavelength.” How are the wave collection tubes “positioned”? The applicant does not recite any element capable of “positioning” the tubes. Moreover, “wavelengths” is understood in the art in the context of frequency. Therefore, it is unclear how the applicant’s “wavelength” can be applied in the applicant’s “positioning”.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-2 & 15-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Little (US 2023/0417213).
Regarding Claim 1, Little discloses a wave power device that provides a user with a system for extracting power from water waves and converting it into electricity (Abstract), the wave power device comprising:
a set of wave collection tubes [surge vessels] (FIG. 1A-1B);
a rectifier [expansion chambers] (FIG. 1A-1B);
a turbine [which comprises a turbine operatively coupled between a surge vessel and the exhaust end] (unnumbered claim 11); and
a generator [which comprises an electric generator operatively coupled between the array and the exhaust end] (unnumbered claim 12);
wherein the set of wave collection tubes are placed in parallel to advancing wave front and adjacent to each other (FIG. 1A-1B shows “the set of wave collection tubes [surge vessel] are placed in parallel to advancing wave front and adjacent to each other”);
wherein one of the set of wave collection tubes is closely adjacent a wave crest [swell], while another of the set of wave collection tubes is closely adjacent a wave trough [wave action] (FIG. 1A-1B shows “the set of wave collection tubes [surge vessel] is closely adjacent a wave crest, while another of the set of wave collection tubes is closely adjacent a wave trough” & FIG. 3A-3B);
wherein alternating pressure of water waves within the set of wave collection tubes [surge vessel], is converted into an alternating airflow [by “a pneumatic head pressure as the wave passes across the vessels”] (¶ [0007]; Wave action generates a positive head pressure at the top of each swell. An inverted vessel that is partially or fully immersed in a wave, the vessel having an internal volume, such that the volume is open at the bottom and sealed at the top (so as to be partially water-filled), will realize a pneumatic head pressure as the wave passes across the vessel and transfer that head pressure to an expansion chamber via a pipe connection);
wherein rectifier turns the alternating airflow [internal pressure cycle] output of the set of wave collection tubes [vessels] into linear flow [water motion] (FIG. 3B); and
further wherein airflow from the rectifier is fed to the turbine, which in turn, rotates the generator to produce electricity (Claim 1; the wave energy rectifier stores and generates power on demand).
Regarding Claim 2, Little discloses the wave power device of claim 1, wherein the set of wave collection tubes comprises a first wave collection tube and a second wave collection tube (FIG. 1B, Surge vessels 1-5).
Regarding Claim 15, Little discloses a method of wave progression over first and second wave collection tubes [surge vessels 1-5] (FIG. 1A-1B), the method comprising the following steps:
advancing a wave crest over the first wave collection tube (water motion as shown in FIG. 3A);
forcing air from the first wave collection tube [surge vessel] into a rectifier [expansion chamber] (FIG. 1A-1B);
advancing a wave trough over the second wave collection tube (FIG. 4A-4B; water shown inside each of the surge vessels);
pulling the air from the rectifier into the second wave collection tube (¶ [0007]; Wave action generates a positive head pressure at the top of each swell. An inverted vessel that is partially or fully immersed in a wave, the vessel having an internal volume, such that the volume is open at the bottom and sealed at the top (so as to be partially water-filled), will realize a pneumatic head pressure as the wave passes across the vessel and transfer that head pressure to an expansion chamber via a pipe connection);
converting sinusoidal motion (alternating current) of the wave into a rectified sine wave motion via the rectifier (refer to rejected Claim 1, element “h”);
refining that motion into linear motion (direct current) (refer to rejected Claim 1, element “h”); and
passing the flow through a turbine to drive a turbines shaft [all turbines connected to a generator comprises “shafts”], which in turn rotates a generator to produce electricity (refer to rejected Claim 1, element “c-d”).
Regarding Claim 16, Little discloses the method of claim 15, wherein the waves crest is advancing over the second wave collection tube and the waves trough is advancing over the first wave collection tube (¶ [0007]; Wave action generates a positive head pressure at the top of each swell. An inverted vessel that is partially or fully immersed in a wave, the vessel having an internal volume, such that the volume is open at the bottom and sealed at the top (so as to be partially water-filled), will realize a pneumatic head pressure as the wave passes across the vessel and transfer that head pressure to an expansion chamber via a pipe connection).
Regarding Claim 17, Little discloses the method of claim 16 further comprising as wave crest is advancing over the second wave collection tube, forcing air from the second wave collection tube into the rectifier; and as wave trough is advancing over the first wave collection tube, pulling the air from the rectifier into the first wave collection tube (¶ [0007]; Wave action generates a positive head pressure at the top of each swell. An inverted vessel that is partially or fully immersed in a wave, the vessel having an internal volume, such that the volume is open at the bottom and sealed at the top (so as to be partially water-filled), will realize a pneumatic head pressure as the wave passes across the vessel and transfer that head pressure to an expansion chamber via a pipe connection).
Regarding Claim 18, Little discloses the method of claim 17, wherein as the wave progresses, its crest advances over the first wave collection tube, entering underside and forcing the air within it out an upper side, through a non-return valve [one of the check valves], and to the turbines high-pressure inlet [right side of the pneumatic energy convertor]; and wherein at the same time, the waves trough advances over the second wave collection tube, withdrawing the water from underside and creating a suction that pulls air from the turbine low-pressure outlet [left side of the pneumatic energy convertor], through a non-return valve [one of the check valves], and into the air into an upper side (¶ [0007]; Wave action generates a positive head pressure at the top of each swell. An inverted vessel that is partially or fully immersed in a wave, the vessel having an internal volume, such that the volume is open at the bottom and sealed at the top (so as to be partially water-filled), will realize a pneumatic head pressure as the wave passes across the vessel and transfer that head pressure to an expansion chamber via a pipe connection).
Regarding Claim 19, Little discloses the method of claim 18, wherein as the wave continues to progress, the process reverses, with air being drawn into the first wave collection tube and being forced out of the second wave collection tube, creating an alternating current of airflow (¶ [0007]; Wave action generates a positive head pressure at the top of each swell. An inverted vessel that is partially or fully immersed in a wave, the vessel having an internal volume, such that the volume is open at the bottom and sealed at the top (so as to be partially water-filled), will realize a pneumatic head pressure as the wave passes across the vessel and transfer that head pressure to an expansion chamber via a pipe connection).
Regarding Claim 20, Little discloses a method of extracting power from water waves and converting it into clean renewable electricity, the method comprising the following steps:
providing a set of wave collection tubes in communication with a rectifier, a turbine, and a generator (refer to rejected Claim 1, elements “b-d”);
positioning the set of wave collection tubes in parallel to the advancing wave front and adjacent to each other and offset by one half of a wavelength (refer to rejected Claim 1, element “e”);
converting the alternating pressure of the waves into an alternating airflow (refer to rejected Claim 1, element “g”);
turning the alternating airflow output of the collection tubes into a linear flow (refer to rejected Claim 1, element “h”); and
feeding the airflow from the rectifier to the turbine, which in turn rotates the generator to produce electricity (refer to rejected Claim 1, element “i”).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 3-12 & 14-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Little (US 2023/0417213) according to Claim 2 and in further view of Tsao (US 2018/0111665).
Regarding Claim 3, Little discloses the wave power device of claim 2.
Little disclose the set of wave collection tubes (refer to rejected Claim 1).
Little does not disclose wherein the set of wave collection tubes are tethered to an ocean bottom via a mooring means which includes an anchor and a tether chain.
Tsao teaches a “linear array” tethered to an ocean bottom via a mooring means which includes an anchor and a tether chain (¶ [0185]; A detachable mooring system can be achieved by deploying from the linear array a retractable mooring line with an anchor coupling mechanism at its tip down to the seafloor to hook onto a corresponding anchoring point pre-installed on the seafloor).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to incorporate Tsao teachings into Little’s wave power device. One would be motivated to do so to install or uninstall the wave power device for maintenance or adjustments.
Regarding Claim 4, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 3,
Tsao teaches wherein the set of wave collection tubes are anchored to the ocean bottom by a mooring means at each end of each wave collection tube, and each mooring means include a wench that can pull its tether chain in or let it out to move its end of each wave collection tube (¶ [0029]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to incorporate Tsao teachings into Little’s wave power device. One would be motivated to do so to install or uninstall the wave power device for maintenance or adjustments.
Regarding Claim 5, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 4,
Little discloses wherein the set of wave collection tubes are partially or totally immersed in water and are weighted and balanced to remain horizontal in the water (as shown in FIG. 1B).
Regarding Claim 6, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 5,
Little discloses wherein the set of wave collection tubes are completely immersed in water and are weighted and balanced to remain horizontal in the water (as shown in FIG. 1B).
Regarding Claim 7, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 6,
Little discloses wherein the set of wave collection tubes are typically cylindrical in shape, with an exterior surface closed front and rear ends, and an open interior accessed by holes along the bottom, which permits influx and egress of water (as shown in FIG. 3A).
Regarding Claim 8, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 7,
Little discloses wherein the set of wave collection tubes are offset by one half of a wavelength (as shown in FIG. 1B).
Regarding Claim 9, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 8,
Little discloses maximum expected wave amplitude at its location (as shown in FIG. 1B).
Regarding Claim 10, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 9,
Little discloses wherein each of the set of the wave collection tubes length is 100 meters or more (¶ [0072]; The inventions, examples, and embodiments described herein are not limited to particularly exemplified materials, methods, and/or structures and various changes may be made in the size, shape, type, number and arrangement of parts described herein).
Regarding Claim 11, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 10,
Little discloses wherein the rectifier comprises a plurality of check valves [check valves] that turn the alternating airflow output of the set of wave collection tubes into linear flow (FIG. 3B).
Regarding Claim 12, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 11,
Little discloses wherein the turbine comprises a high-pressure inlet [right side of the pneumatic energy convertor] for accepting airflow from the rectifier and a low-pressure outlet for expelling the air back to the rectifier.
Regarding Claim 14, Little in view of Tsao disclose the wave power device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia (as shown in the figures).
Conclusion


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-2, 5-11, 15-17 & 20 are allowed.
Examiner agrees with the applicant regarding remarks dated 07/22/2025.
Moreover, the prior art of record, alone or in combination, does not explicitly teach, suggest, or render obvious, at least to the skilled artisan, the wave power device system of Claim 1, specifically comprising:
“a set of wave collection tubes each comprising an impact absorber … wherein the turbine comprises a high-pressure inlet for accepting airflow from the rectifier and a low-pressure outlet for expelling the air back to the rectifier; and wherein a linear output from a high-pressure side of the rectifier is piped to the high- pressure inlet of the turbine, and after passing through the turbine, the air will be piped to a low-pressure side of the rectifier” in the context of the other components in claim 1.
Additionally, the prior art of record, alone or in combination, does not explicitly teach, suggest, or render obvious, at least to the skilled artisan, the method of wave progression over first and second wave collection tubes of Claim 15 specifically comprising:
“wherein the first and second wave collection tubes each comprise an impact absorber; wherein the turbine comprises a high-pressure inlet for accepting airflow from a rectifier and a low-pressure outlet for expelling the air back to the rectifier; and wherein a linear output from a high-pressure side of a rectifier is piped to the high- pressure inlet of the turbine, and after passing through the turbine, the air will be piped to a low-pressure side of the rectifier” as recited in the context of the other components in claim 15.
Finally, the prior art of record, alone or in combination, does not explicitly teach, suggest, or render obvious, at least to the skilled artisan, the method of extracting power from water waves of Claim 20 specifically comprising:
“wherein the set of wave collection tubes each comprise an impact absorber; wherein the turbine comprises ahigh-pressure inlet for accepting airflow from the rectifier and a low-pressure outlet for expelling the air back to the rectifier; and wherein a linear output from ahigh-pressure side of a rectifier is piped to the high- pressure inlet of the turbine, and after passing through the turbine, the air will be piped to a low-pressure side of the rectifier” as recited in the context of the other components in claim 20.
REASONS FOR ALLOWANCE
With respect to Claim 1 and claims dependent thereon, the prior arts when considered, either alone or in combination, fails to teach or suggests –
A wave power device that provides a user with a system for extracting power from water waves and converting it into electricity, the wave power device comprising:
a set of wave collection tubes each comprising an impact absorber;
a weight attachable to a lowest point of each of the wave collection tubes via a tether chain that is adjustable in depth via a winch;
a rectifier;
a turbine; and
a generator;
wherein the set of wave collection tubes are placed in parallel to advancing wave front and adjacent to each other;
wherein one of the set of wave collection tubes is closely adjacent a wave crest, while another of the set of wave collection tubes is closely adjacent a wave trough;
wherein alternating pressure of water waves within the set of wave collection tubes, is converted into an alternating airflow;
wherein rectifier turns the alternating airflow output of the set of wave collection tubes into linear flow; and
wherein airflow from the rectifier is fed to the turbine, which in turn, rotates the generator to produce electricity;
wherein the turbine comprises a high-pressure inlet for accepting airflow from the rectifier and a low-pressure outlet for expelling the air back to the rectifier; and
wherein a linear output from a high-pressure side of the rectifier is piped to the high- pressure inlet of the turbine, and after passing through the turbine, the air will be piped to a low-pressure side of the rectifier.
With respect to Claim 15 and claims dependent thereon, the prior arts when considered, either alone or in combination, fails to teach or suggests –
A method of wave progression over first and second wave collection tubes, the method comprising the following steps:
advancing a wave crest over the first wave collection tube;
forcing air from the first wave collection tube into a rectifier;
advancing a wave trough over the second wave collection tube;
pulling the air from the rectifier into the second wave collection tube;
converting sinusoidal motion (alternating current) of the wave into a rectified sine wave motion via the rectifier;
refining that motion into linear motion (direct current); and
passing the flow through a turbine to drive a turbine's shaft, which in turn rotates a generator to produce electricity; and
wherein the first and second wave collection tubes each comprise an impact absorber;
wherein the turbine comprises a high-pressure inlet for accepting airflow from a rectifier and a low-pressure outlet for expelling the air back to the rectifier; and
wherein a linear output from a high-pressure side of a rectifier is piped to the high- pressure inlet of the turbine, and after passing through the turbine, the air will be piped to a low-pressure side of the rectifier.
With respect to Claim 20 and claims dependent thereon, the prior arts when considered, either alone or in combination, fails to teach or suggests –
A method of extracting power from water waves and converting it into clean renewable electricity, the method comprising the following steps:
providing a set of wave collection tubes in communication with a rectifier, a turbine, and a generator;
converting the alternating pressure of the waves into an alternating airflow;
turning the alternating airflow output of the collection tubes into a linear flow; and
feeding the airflow from the rectifier to the turbine, which in turn rotates the generator to produce electricity; and
wherein the set of wave collection tubes each comprise an impact absorber;
wherein the turbine comprises ahigh-pressure inlet for accepting airflow from the rectifier and a low-pressure outlet for expelling the air back to the rectifier; and
wherein a linear output from ahigh-pressure side of a rectifier is piped to the high- pressure inlet of the turbine, and after passing through the turbine, the air will be piped to a low-pressure side of the rectifier.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20230417213A1: Claims:
A concentrative wave energy rectifier having a plurality of surge vessels and expansion chambers fluidly connected by a pneumatic manifold, the manifold having an intake end or ends and an exhaust end, the manifold includes a load or regulator valve at the exhaust end and check valves placed to direct flow of air from the intake end to the surge vessels and expansion chambers until released through the load or regulator valve, and when subject to wave action, the wave energy rectifier stores and generates power on demand. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , in which a cumulative head pressure that is accumulated in the surge vessels and expansion chambers defines a stored potential energy, and the potential energy is released to do work through the exhaust end. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a linear array of surge vessels connected by a linear pneumatic manifold in series or in parallel. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a curvilinear array of surge vessels connected by a linear pneumatic manifold in series or in parallel. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a branching array of surge vessels connected by a branched pneumatic manifold. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a regulator configured to bleed a compressed air supply to a load at a steady pressure. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a release valve configured to bleed air to a load as required per load demand. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a pneumatic power converter enabled to perform work by converting potential energy of the head pressure to mechanical, electrical or chemical work. The wave energy rectifier of claim 8 , wherein the pneumatic power converter defines a load or is coupled to a load. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , wherein the rectifier is configured to provide compressed air for energy conversion. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a turbine operatively coupled between a surge vessel and the exhaust end. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises an electric generator operatively coupled between the array and the exhaust end. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a plurality of check valves configured to direct air unidirectionally from a first expansion chamber to a last expansion chamber, wherein the last expansion chamber is reversibly connectable to a load. The wave energy rectifier as illustrated and described in this disclosure. A method of rectifying wave energy for storage and use, which comprises a step for operating an apparatus of this disclosure.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , in which a cumulative head pressure that is accumulated in the surge vessels and expansion chambers defines a stored potential energy, and the potential energy is released to do work through the exhaust end.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a linear array of surge vessels connected by a linear pneumatic manifold in series or in parallel.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a curvilinear array of surge vessels connected by a linear pneumatic manifold in series or in parallel.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a branching array of surge vessels connected by a branched pneumatic manifold.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a regulator configured to bleed a compressed air supply to a load at a steady pressure.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a release valve configured to bleed air to a load as required per load demand.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a pneumatic power converter enabled to perform work by converting potential energy of the head pressure to mechanical, electrical or chemical work.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 8 , wherein the pneumatic power converter defines a load or is coupled to a load.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , wherein the rectifier is configured to provide compressed air for energy conversion.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a turbine operatively coupled between a surge vessel and the exhaust end.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises an electric generator operatively coupled between the array and the exhaust end.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1 , which comprises a plurality of check valves configured to direct air unidirectionally from a first expansion chamber to a last expansion chamber, wherein the last expansion chamber is reversibly connectable to a load.
The wave energy rectifier as illustrated and described in this disclosure.
A method of rectifying wave energy for storage and use, which comprises a step for operating an apparatus of this disclosure.
Ref US20180111665A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20230417213: Claims:
1. A concentrative wave energy rectifier having a plurality of surge vessels and expansion chambers fluidly connected by a pneumatic manifold, the manifold having an intake end or ends and an exhaust end, the manifold includes a load or regulator valve at the exhaust end and check valves placed to direct flow of air from the intake end to the surge vessels and expansion chambers until released through the load or regulator valve, and when subject to wave action, the wave energy rectifier stores and generates power on demand.
The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, in which a cumulative head pressure that is accumulated in the surge vessels and expansion chambers defines a stored potential energy, and the potential energy is released to do work through the exhaust end. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a linear array of surge vessels connected by a linear pneumatic manifold in series or in parallel. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a curvilinear array of surge vessels connected by a linear pneumatic manifold in series or in parallel. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a branching array of surge vessels connected by a branched pneumatic manifold. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a regulator configured to bleed a compressed air supply to a load at a steady pressure. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a release valve configured to bleed air to a load as required per load demand. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a pneumatic power converter enabled to perform work by converting potential energy of the head pressure to mechanical, electrical or chemical work. The wave energy rectifier of claim 8, wherein the pneumatic power converter defines a load or is coupled to a load. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, wherein the rectifier is configured to provide compressed air for energy conversion. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a turbine operatively coupled between a surge vessel and the exhaust end. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises an electric generator operatively coupled between the array and the exhaust end. The wave energy rectifier of claim 1, which comprises a plurality of check valves configured to direct air unidirectionally from a first expansion chamber to a last expansion chamber, wherein the last expansion chamber is reversibly connectable to a load. The wave energy rectifier as illustrated and described in this disclosure. A method of rectifying wave energy for storage and use, which comprises a step for operating an apparatus of this disclosure.
Ref US20180111665: Claims:
1. A mooring system for deploying a payload in a fluid moving relative to the payload and placing the payload to a position across moving path of the fluid from an anchoring point, the mooring system comprises:
a main tether; an anchor means attached to a first end of the main tether and fixed to the anchoring point; and a main sail means attached to a second end of the main tether and immersed in the fluid; wherein the payload is attached to the second end of the main tether; and the fluid moving relative to the main sail means creates a fluid dynamic lift force on the main sail means and pulls the payload in a lateral direction with respect to the moving path of the fluid.
2. The mooring system of claim 1, wherein the main sail means further comprises a lift adjusting means capable of causing changes of magnitude and direction of the fluid dynamic lift force and thereby changing position of the payload laterally with respect to the anchoring point.
3. The mooring system of claim 2, further
comprising a number of adjustable ballast mechanisms on the main sail means, the adjustable ballast mechanism comprising a winch, a pulley and an endless rope attached with a ballast weight and a set of buoys.
4. The mooring system of claim 3, wherein the main sail means further comprises a rib system comprising an inner frame and a plurality of outer frames for carrying the shape of the main sail means.
5. The mooring system of claim 2, wherein
the payload comprises at least one power generating turbine for conversion of fluid kinetic power; the main sail means is attached to the main tether by a set of main sail tethers to keep the main sail means at a distance from the power generating turbines to minimize effect of flow wakes behind the sail means on the power generating turbines.
6. The mooring system of claim 2, wherein
the payload comprises an array tether and a plurality of payload units, each of the payload units attached to a different location on the array tether.
7. The mooring system of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of array sail means, each of the array sail means attached to a different location on the array tether, fluid dynamic lift force on the array sail means pulling the payload units in lateral directions with respect to the moving path of the fluid, thereby the main tether and the array tether can be deployed at different angles with respect to the path of the fluid by adjusting relative magnitudes of the fluid dynamic lift forces on the main sail means and the array sail means.
8. The mooring system of claim 7, wherein each of the payload units comprises at least a power generating turbine for conversion of fluid kinetic power.
9. The mooring system of claim 8, wherein
the main sail means is attached to the main tether by a set of main sail tethers; each of the array sail means is attached to the array tether by a set of array sail tethers, so that effect of flow wakes behind the main sail means and the array sail means on the payload is minimized; the main sail means further comprises multiple main sails connected in tandem by the main sail tethers or connected successively to the main tether by the main sail tethers; each of the array sail means comprises at least one array sail; each of the array sail means also comprises a lift adjusting means capable of causing changes of magnitude and direction of the fluid dynamic lift force created by the array sail means in the passing fluid; the lift adjusting means including a plurality of adjustable control surfaces.
10. The mooring system of claim 9, wherein
each of the main sail tethers and the array sail tethers further comprises a rigging system connected to multiple locations on each of the main sails and the array sails so that tension on each of the main sail tethers and the array sail tethers is distributed to different parts of the corresponding sail evenly.
11. The mooring system of claim 10, wherein
each of the main sails and the array sails comprises separate sail sections that can be assembled on location, each of the sail sections comprising a spar structure and a rib structure, the rib structure comprising an inner frame and outer frames carrying shape of sail profile, the sail sections containing the fluid in their interiors; each of the main sails and the array sails further comprises a center of mass adjusting means, the center of mass adjusting means comprising a number of adjustable ballast mechanisms, each of the adjustable ballast mechanism comprising a winch, a pulley and an endless rope attached with a ballast weight and a set of buoys.
12. The mooring system of claim 8, wherein
the anchoring point is on a slope facing the direction of flow of the fluid; the anchor means includes a deadweight anchor, the deadweight anchor comprising a plurality of anchor blocks that can be interlocked and stacked together to form a first group of large deadweight.
13. The mooring system of claim 12, wherein the deadweight anchor further comprises a second group of large deadweight comprising a plurality of interlocked anchor blocks, the second group of large deadweight being oriented with an angle with respect to the first group of large deadweight, the two groups of large deadweights jointly holding the main tether to accommodate variation of deployment angle of the main tether.
14. The mooring system of claim 8, wherein
the anchoring point is on a rock surface; the anchor means includes a first deadweight anchor and a first notch structure made to the rock surface, the first deadweight anchor having a shape with a protrusion designed to match the first notch structure.
15. The mooring system of claim 14, wherein the anchor means further comprises a second deadweight anchor and a second notch structure made to the rock surface and oriented with an angle with respect to the first deadweight anchor, the first and second deadweight anchors jointly holding the main tether to accommodate variation of deployment angle of the main tether.
16. The mooring system of claim 8, wherein
the anchoring point is on a rock surface with a natural step structure; the anchor means includes an anchor with a collapsible end for conforming to the natural step structure and maximizing contact area.
17. The mooring system of claim 8, further comprising an auxiliary anchor system for maintaining linear formation of the payload units and the array sail means attached on the array tether in situations of significant changes of flow direction, the auxiliary anchor system comprises a number of auxiliary mooring units distributed at different locations along the array tether, each of the auxiliary mooring units including
an auxiliary anchor line on an auxiliary anchor on solid bottom of the fluid; a retractable auxiliary mooring line on one of the different locations along the array tether; and a detachable coupling system connecting the auxiliary anchor line and the retractable auxiliary mooring line.
18. The mooring system of claim 8, wherein the anchor means includes
an anchor fixed to the anchoring point; an anchor line attached to the anchor; an anchor coupler mechanism with a first part and a second part that can be detached and reconnected, the first part being attached to the anchor line and the second part being attached to the first end of the main tether.
19. The mooring system of claim 8, further comprising a lifting buoy attached to the second end of the main tether to balance forces in the vertical direction, the lifting buoy further comprising a buoyancy adjustment means to accommodate variations of flow drags.
20. The mooring system of claim 2, wherein the anchor means includes
an anchor fixed to the anchoring point; an anchor line attached to the anchor; an anchor coupler mechanism with a first part and a second part that can be detached and reconnected, the first part being attached to the anchor line and the second part being attached to the first end of the main tether;
the mooring system further including a number of additional anchoring points distributed over a distance and a number of additional sets of the anchors with the anchor lines and the first part of the anchor coupler mechanism at the additional anchoring points, thereby extending allowable range of positioning of the payload.
21. The mooring system of claim 20, wherein the payload comprises a power generating means for conversion of fluid kinetic power.
22. The mooring system of claim 17, further comprising a number of retraining rigging systems along the mooring system to prevent the array sails and the main sails and the power generating turbines from over rotating during periods of undesirable flow pattern, the restraining rigging system comprising a winch and rigs attached to the corresponding array sails and main sails and power generating turbines.
23. A mooring method for deploying at least one payload in a flowing fluid moving toward the payload and placing the payload to a target position across moving path of the flowing fluid from a first anchoring point, the method including:
a step of attaching a first anchor to a first end of a main tether and fixing the first anchor to the first anchoring point; a step of attaching the payload to a second end of the main tether; a step of attaching a fluid dynamic lift generating means to the second end of the main tether; and a step of adjusting the fluid dynamic lift generating means to obtain a lift force from the flowing fluid and make the lift force act in a lateral direction with respect to the flowing path of the flowing fluid to pull the payload to the target position.
24. The mooring method of claim 23, wherein
the flowing fluid is a water current with a meandering velocity core; the payload includes a power generating means for converting fluid kinetic power; and the step of adjusting the fluid dynamic lift generating means further including the steps of
(i) setting the target position as a moving target position inside the meandering velocity core;
(ii) constantly adjusting the fluid dynamic lift generating means to reposition the payload to the moving target position so that the power generating means is positioned inside the velocity core most of the time.
25. The mooring method of claim 24, further including
a step of setting up a number of additional anchoring points distributed over a distance and fixing an additional anchor to each of the additional anchoring points; a step of transferring the main tether with the payload and the fluid dynamic lift generating means from the first anchoring point to one of the additional anchoring point by detaching the first end of the main tether from the first anchor and moving it to one of the additional anchoring points and attaching it to the additional anchor corresponding to the additional anchoring point;
thereby extending range of positioning of the payload.
26. The mooring method of claim 25, further including a step of towing and holding the payload and the fluid dynamic lift generating means at or near the second end of the main tether to relieve tension on the main tether using at least one power vessel and moving the first end of the main tether using a second power vessel during the step of transferring.
27. The mooring method of claim 25, the step of transferring the main tether with the payload and the fluid dynamic lift generating means further including a step of towing at or near the first end and the second end of the main tether using a group of power vessels for transferring over long distance.