Mechanical system for extracting energy from marine waves

A mechanical structure used for extracting energy from oscillating marine waves is submitted. The apparatus comprises a plurality of buoyant tanks connected by a plurality of horizontal outriggers through a hinge assembly to a vertical frame located between the buoyant tanks. Marine waves create a pitching motion in the tanks forcing the outriggers to ascend and descend causing the vertical frame to rotate perpendicularly along the horizontal axis of the hinge. The power extraction system is comprised of a plurality of hydraulic cylinders connected to the vertical frame and outriggers. The pitching motion of the buoyant tanks and outriggers produce a vertical rotation along the horizontal axis of the hinge in the vertical frame, which forces contraction and expansion of the hydraulic cylinder assembly, thus extracting power from the relative motion between the members.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of marine renewable energy. More specifically, it relates to the field of marine Wave Energy Converters being comprised mainly of buoyant tanks, flexible interlocking structures, hydraulic rams, hydraulic circuits, hydraulic turbines and generators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electricity, fuel and potable water production are becoming more expensive, less available and or contaminating. Of the renewable energies that exist on Earth, the most power intensive and consistent is marine wave energy owing to the density of the water and wave creation by local wind conditions or weather events hundreds or thousands of miles away. Ocean waves will raise and lower a buoyant object and this continuous difference in height is what this wave energy converter (WEC) exploits to extract energy for multiple uses.

Research, development and deployment of WEC technologies have been severely lagging when compared to weaker and less consistent solar and wind technologies but in the last decade more private companies and universities are researching, building and testing diverse WEC designs because of their greater potential to harness consistent and predictable large amounts of energy from marine waves. WECs can provide electricity either mechanically or through hydraulics. Hydraulics can be closed loop (pumping a fluid within a circulating loop) or open circulatory (pumping fluid from an external source and expelling it from the system).

WECs can also store hydraulic energy for future use in hydraulic pneumatic accumulators, water storage tanks, or in ponds or lakes elevated above sea level. Since WECs do not use fuel to generate energy, the electricity they produce is low cost and non-contaminating which can then produce inexpensive clean burning fuel for internal combustion engines in the form of hydrogen through the process of electrolysis.

WECs can pump seawater at high pressures to a desalination system, eliminating the costs and maintenance related to mechanical pumps and the high cost of electrical usage that the pumps consume. Wave energy converters can be the production centerpiece of low cost electricity, potable water and clean burning fuels. This design can also build artificial reefs or underwater structures through electrochemical accretion and act as fish accumulators by providing a floating structure for fish to congregate around.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure presents a mechanical structure used for extracting energy from oscillating marine waves is submitted. In accordance with the principles of the current disclosure the exemplary embodiment is different from current WECs that extract energy from a small segment of marine waves or from only one wave at a time and cannot adapt themselves to the changing frequencies and amplitudes of the waves that are affecting them or need more than two buoyancy tanks or a large structure to sustain themselves. In any of the other designs, the full energy potential is not used or more materials are needed, all of which raise initial costs and maintenance expenses.

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure the apparatus comprises a plurality of buoyant tanks connected by a plurality of horizontal outriggers through a hinge assembly to a vertical frame located between the buoyant tanks. Marine waves create a pitching motion in the tanks forcing the outriggers to ascend and descend causing the vertical frame to rotate perpendicularly along the horizontal axis of the hinge.

The exemplary embodiment includes a power extraction system comprising a plurality of hydraulic rams, mechanically coupled or connected to the vertical frame and outriggers. The pitching motion of the buoyant tanks and outriggers produce a vertical rotation along the horizontal axis of the hinge in the vertical frame which forces contraction and expansion of the hydraulic rams, thus extracting power from the relative motion between the members.

The exemplary embodiment presented is large, approximately 100 feet by 50 feet for uses above 5 megawatts. However, other sizes are also considered such as for homes near the beach, size approximately 4 feet by 8 feet or small businesses 12 feet by 24 feet as well as for use by the military, emergency situations or poor communities with metallic or inflatable floats in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Size is dependent on energy required.

A clear understanding of the disclosure summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings which illustrate the exemplary components, their spatial relationship to one another and their interaction, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the disclosure and therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Examples of some different embodiments in this exemplary embodiments are as follows; the numbers of outriggers in this exemplary embodiment are three forward and three rearward, the number and position of the outriggers can be changed and the exemplary embodiment will continue to work.

The outriggers are basically tubular but other shapes such as rectangular, oblong, trusses and other shapes can also be used. The vertical frame in this design is triangular but square, round, rectangular, oblong and other shapes or combined shapes can be used. The buoyancy tanks have rectangular and triangular forms in its overall design but other shapes which afford buoyancy can be used, as well as more than one tank can be used for the forward section as well as for the rear section. The hydraulic ram in this design is a piston/rod cylinder type but it may also be a multi stage hydraulic ram, double action hydraulic cylinder or any type of hydraulic pumping device which expands or contracts or mechanical device which lifts and lowers or spins to produce movement.

The front buoyancy tank contains a motorized rack and pinion system with two brakes so that the forward buoyancy tank can move forward or backwards but any linear actuator system or combination of different actuator systems can be used in lieu of the current one shown without affecting the systems performance. The transmission gears between the turbine shaft and the generator show a large gear on the turbine shaft and a small gear on the generator shaft which would produce high speeds on the turbine but the position of the gears can be reversed to produce higher torque on the generator. Any other combination of gears and pulleys can be used without changing the basic principal of transfer of energy including direct drive.

The disclosure as presented produces electricity on board but the exemplary embodiment can also produce high pressure water only which would be sent by pipes for production of electricity or potable water on shore or to other areas as required with only internal modifications.

The present disclosure may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above, the Description below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the disclosure includes possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or exemplary embodiment, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and exemplary embodiments, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, structures, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or van contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components or structures.

The term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means1and/or more than 1.

The term “mechanical features” or “mechanical coupled” is used herein to mean features of a component, mechanical or geometric, which have a functional purpose of attaching or linking that component to one or more other components with compatible or corresponding mechanical features. An example of a mechanical feature is a slot in a component, where said slot is designed to accept a tab from another component and the union of the slot and tab from the two components effectively links, attaches, fixes, and/or locks the components together. The term “mechanical features” refers to, but is not limited to: clips, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, slot and tabs, all male and female fasteners, screws, bolts, nuts, holes that have been tapped, latches, pins, etc.

While the specification will conclude defining the features of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the disclosure will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

FIG. 1illustrates a right side view of a marine wave apparatus1, floating on a body of water2, fixed to the seabed9, by way of rode3, to a length of chain7, to an anchor8. An armored electrical cable4, exits the marine wave apparatus1and connects to the rode3, by way of separating straps6, attached to a float5, which surrounds the armored electrical cable4. The float5, maintains a separation between the armored cable4, and the rode3, so as not to allow friction or contact between the two. From the anchor8another armored electrical cable10, exits and can lay below or above the seabed9, on its way to shore or where ever its needed. In this configuration the marine wave apparatus will be free to swing as the conditions of the waves influence its movement. The version of this marine wave apparatus1is a large version. Smaller versions may not or will not require certain components such as ladders, access hatches, communications equipment or sensors.

FIG. 2illustrates a bottom perspective right side view of a marine wave apparatus1, wherein the rode3, is connected to the left and right underside of the central vertical portion of the marine apparatus by way of a shackle11. This configuration allows the marine wave apparatus1to tack into the waves similar to how a triangular or diamond kite flies into the wind. Another important reason for this configuration is that when the waves lift and lower and push back on the marine wave apparatus1, it will force the central vertical portion down past its horizontal plane, when the wave goes past the marine wave apparatus1, the flotation capacity of the buoyancy tanks will lift forcefully the central vertical portion above its horizontal plane. This will cause a continuous up and down motion (seeFIG. 61andFIG. 63).FIG. 3illustrates a top right front perspective view of a marine wave apparatus1.FIG. 4illustrates a top left rear perspective view of a marine wave apparatus1.FIG. 5illustrates a right side view of the structural support assembly12, hydraulic assembly13, electrical assembly14and the tank float assembly15.FIG. 6illustrates a top right front perspective view of the structural support assembly12, hydraulic assembly13, electrical assembly14and the tank float assemblies15.FIG. 7illustrates a top right front perspective view of the rear tank float assembly16, the front tank float assembly17and the communications tower assembly18.FIG. 8illustrates a top left rear perspective view of the access ladder19and the vertical steel protective bumper20which also double as exterior structural supports.

FIG. 9illustrates a top right front perspective partially exploded view of the communications tower assembly18, exterior access ladder19which allows access to the rear buoyancy tank from a support ship, hydraulic pipe support cradle21, hydraulic pipe support base forward22, hydraulic pipe support base rear23, hinge pin24, large access hatch25used for removal or replacement of large internal components, small access hatch26used for human access to internal buoyancy tanks, output pipe brace assembly27.

FIG. 10illustrates a top right front perspective view of the internal support structure rear buoyancy tank28, internal support structure forward buoyancy tank29.FIG. 11illustrates a top right front perspective view of the rear buoyancy tank, internal access ladder30, turbine access hatch31, pillow bearing support structure32, heat transfer socket33which is exposed to the water and allows for the cooling of the heat sink cooling fins57inFIG. 21andFIG. 22to expel heat produced by mechanical and electrical processes within the rear buoyancy tanks.FIG. 12illustrates a top right front perspective view of the forward buoyancy tank, internal support structure forward buoyancy tank29internal access ladder30.

FIG. 13illustrates a bottom right front perspective view of the rear buoyancy tank, heat transfer socket33used for cooling, turbine water escape aperture34from which water is allowed to escape after being expelled from the penstock174FIG. 45and impacting the pelton turbine175FIG. 45as seen in252inFIG. 68.FIG. 14illustrates bottom view of marine wave apparatus1, bottom support structures rear buoyancy tank35, bottom support structures forward buoyancy tank36, anchor hard point234, anchor hard point235, ocean sensor array101would be used to measure different factors related to water data compilation but are not necessary for system operations.FIG. 15illustrates a bottom left front perspective close up view of the rear buoyancy tank16, output pipe brace assembly27FIG. 9, used to support the T pipe170inFIG. 45and the turbine water escape aperture34, lower output pipe support brace37, upper output pipe support brace38, horizontal support bar39, external hydraulic connector flange40which is used to connect to external hydraulic accumulators.

FIG. 16illustrates an exploded left side perspective view of the output pipe brace assembly27, lower output pipe support brace37, upper output pipe support brace38, horizontal support bar39.FIG. 17illustrates a front and rear perspective view of the communications tower assembly18, communications tower41, data antenna42, video camera43, ladder44, GPS antenna45, communications antenna46. The communications tower assembly18, is not necessary for the marine wave apparatus1to work but if used, it will aide in monitoring and controlling certain aspects of the system from remote locations.FIG. 18illustrates a top right front perspective forward view of the exterior electrical system mounted on the buoyancy tanks.FIG. 19illustrates a top right front perspective partially exploded forward view of the electrical system14. Communications tower electrical assembly47, electrical assembly exploded rear buoyancy tank left side48, electrical assembly rear buoyancy tank right side49, exploded electrical assembly forward buoyancy tank50, circular electrical transfer assembly51, rear electrical conduit78, exploded circular forward electrical conduit79, exploded linear electrical transfer assembly257.

FIG. 20illustrates a top right front perspective view of the rear buoyancy tank electrical assembly.FIG. 21illustrates a perspective top down internal view of the rear buoyancy tank16, with pillow bearings52, turbine shaft53, transmission assembly54, generator support arms55, electrical generator56, heat sink cooling fins57, high voltage transformer58, low voltage transformer59, programmable logic controller (PLC), communications control, camera control and GPS control cabinet60, internal access ladder30, hydraulic Pelton turbine175. The PLC will monitor generator speed and temperature and will expand and contract the spear control actuator176seeFIGS. 45 and 46which will open and close the spear180seeFIGS. 45 and 47thereby controlling the flow of water seeFIG. 68to the turbine175seeFIGS. 21, 22, 45 and 46which will lower or raise the generator rpms seeFIGS. 21 and 22as required. This process of controlling the flow of water by way of the actuators and spears will also be used to control the amount of flexibility of the marine wave apparatus1when very large wave events occur by closing off partially or entirely the water flow, this will cause the hydraulic assembly12seeFIGS. 5 and 6to stiffen because water cannot escape nor can it be compressed within the hydraulic assembly12which will limit the total movements, protecting it from damage by over extension of its moving parts.

FIG. 22illustrates a partially exploded perspective top right view of the rear electrical assembly47,48and49, armored electrical cable4, data antenna42, video camera43, GPS antenna45, communications antenna46, pillow bearing52, turbine shaft53, electrical generator56, heat sink cooling fins57, high voltage transformer58, low voltage transformer59, PLC, communications control, camera control, gyroscope and GPS control cabinet60, internal electrical junction box61, external electrical junction box62, transmission cover right63, transmission cover left64, large gear65, small gear66, high voltage conduit67, low voltage conduit68, hydraulic Pelton turbine175.FIG. 23illustrates a right rear perspective view of the rear buoyancy tank electrical assembly, armored electrical cable4, internal electrical junction box61, external electrical junction box62, high voltage electrical conduit67, low voltage electrical conduit68.FIG. 24illustrates a right perspective view of the circular electrical transfer assembly51, rear electrical conduit78, forward electrical conduit79, internal electrical junction box61, low voltage electrical conduit68, circular track base plate rear69, support brace70, rear track plate support71, front track plate support72, front bearing plate support73, rear bearing plate support74, circular electrical transfer track plate75, circular electrical transfer bearing plate76, circular track base plate front77, electrical conduit base connector95, electrical conduit socket connectors short96, electrical conduit rod lower97, electrical conduit rod upper98.

FIG. 25illustrates an exploded perspective view of the circular electrical transfer assembly51which allows electricity to flow between parts which are moving vertically without the electrical connections being continuous, welded, tied together or bolted together at the point where the moving parts come together. Circular track base plate rear69, support brace70, rear track plate support71, front track plate support72, front bearing plate support73, rear bearing plate support74, circular electrical transfer track plate75, circular electrical transfer bearing plate76, circular track base plate front77, rear electrical conduit78, forward electrical conduit79, electrical conduit adapter rear80, electrical conduit adapter front81, lock nut82, flat washer83, center post84, bearing plate vertical electrical connector85, bearing plate horizontal electrical connector86, cylindrical roller bearing and case87, bushing88, track plate upper electrical connector89, track plate lower electrical connector90, upper front electrical conduit connector91, lower front electrical conduit connector92, upper rear electrical conduit connector93, lower rear electrical conduit connector94.

FIG. 26illustrates a right side view of the range of movements of the circular electrical transfer assembly51, This allows for electricity to flow from the rear electrical conduit78to the circular electrical transfer assembly51and onwards to the electrical conduit79without interruption.FIG. 27illustrates a right front perspective view of the forward buoyancy tank electrical assembly50, electrical brake assembly99, electrical motor assembly100. The brake assembly99couples or decouples from the rack210on the outriggers195and197inFIG. 55. When coupled the outriggers remain stationary, when decoupled, the electrical motor assembly100will move the forward buoyancy tank17forward or rearward depending on the wave height and frequency.

Wave height and frequency are measured by the gyroscope and calculated by the PLC, both located in the PLC and gyroscope control cabinet60. The PLC based on the information provided by the gyroscope will send signals to the electrical brake assembly99to either couple or decouple from the rack210on the outriggers195and197seeFIG. 55and for the electrical motor assembly to move forward or rearward the forward buoyancy tank17seeFIG. 71.FIG. 28illustrates a right front exploded perspective view of the forward buoyancy tank electrical assembly50, PLC and gyroscope control cabinet60, internal junction box61, external junction box62, low voltage conduit68, marine sensor module101, the atmospheric sensor module102, water proof electrical cover103, brake box cover104, brake spring105, brake106, brake base107, motor cover108, pinion109, motor110, motor base111. The marine sensor module101will measure various parameters related to ocean water as well as the atmospheric sensor module102will do for the air, neither sensor systems are required for the marine apparatus1to function. The brake106will be pulled in by an electromagnet located in the brake base107and the motor110will move a pinion109which will move the forward buoyancy tank17either forward or backwards seeFIG. 71. When electricity is cut to the electromagnet in the brake base107the brake spring105will force the brake to extend from the brake base107and engage the rack210which will impede the movement of the forward buoyancy tank.

FIG. 29illustrates a right front perspective view of the linear electrical transfer assembly257, low voltage conduit68, forward electrical conduit79, water proof electrical cover103, linear track112, conduit female socket adapter113, conduit male socket adapter114, electrical tracks115, upper electrical track slide116, electrical conduit and electrical track slide connector117, lower electrical track slide118, lateral guidance roller bearing and case119.FIG. 30illustrates a right front exploded perspective view of the linear electrical transfer assembly257, cylindrical roller bearing and case87, linear electrical track112, electrical tracks115, upper electrical track slide116, electrical conduit and electrical track slide connector117, lower electrical track slide118, lateral guidance roller bearing and case119, bearing electrical conduit socket adapter front120, bearing electrical conduit socket adapter rear121, electrical male conduit extension upper122, electrical male conduit extension lower123, removal grips124.

FIG. 31illustrates a right front cutaway perspective view of the linear electrical transfer assembly257, and forward electrical conduit.FIG. 32illustrates a right front cutaway exploded perspective view of the linear electrical transfer assembly257, forward electrical conduit79, cylindrical roller bearing and case87, upper electrical track slide116, electrical conduit and electrical track slide connector117, bearing electrical conduit socket adapter front120, bearing electrical conduit socket adapter rear121, electrical male conduit extension upper122, electrical male conduit extension lower123, removal grips124, electrical conduit upper125, electrical conduit lower126, electrical conduit socket outer127, electrical conduit inner128.

FIG. 33illustrates a front view of the linear electrical transfer assembly257, cylindrical roller bearing and case87, linear track112, electrical tracks115, upper electrical track slide116, electrical conduit and electrical track slide connector117, lower electrical track slide118, lateral guidance roller bearing and case119.FIG. 34illustrates a side view of the rearward and forward movement of the linear electrical transfer assembly257. Based onFIGS. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34the following indicates the electrical flow through the linear electrical transfer assembly257between two parts that are moving horizontally in a linear fashion with respect to one another. In this case since the forward buoyancy tank17moves forward and backwards in relation to the rest of marine wave apparatus1seesFIG. 71, the electricity needed to supply the electrical assembly of the forward buoyancy tank50needs to come from the electrical assembly rear right buoyancy tank49but since these parts expand and contract in relation to each other, the linear electrical transfer assembly257allows for electrical flow from the forward electrical conduit79to the electrical conduit and electrical track slide connector117, through the upper electrical track slide116to the bearing electrical conduit socket adapters front120and rear121to the cylindrical roller bearing and case87which transfers the electricity from the metal bearings to the electrical tracks115which connect to the conduit female socket adapter113to the conduit male socket adapter114and from there on to the low voltage electrical conduit which supplies low voltage electricity to the electrical assembly of the forward buoyancy tank50.FIG. 35illustrates a right side view of the marine wave apparatus1, rear hydraulic piston assembly129, front hydraulic piston assembly130.

FIG. 36illustrates a left side view of the marine wave apparatus1, rear hydraulic piston assembly129, front hydraulic piston assembly130.FIG. 37illustrates a right front side perspective view of the hydraulic assembly.FIG. 38illustrates a left rear side perspective view of the hydraulic assembly.FIG. 39illustrates a right side view of the hydraulic assembly.FIG. 40illustrates a left side view of the hydraulic assembly.FIG. 41illustrates a left front side perspective view of the three main hydraulic assemblies, forward hydraulic assembly131, rear hydraulic assembly132and turbine assembly133.FIG. 42illustrates a right rear side perspective view of the three main hydraulic assemblies, forward hydraulic assembly131, rear hydraulic assembly132and turbine assembly133.FIG. 43illustrates a left front side perspective view of the forward hydraulic assembly131, rod hinge pin assembly134, rod135, piston136, cylinder head137, forward cylinder tube138, cylinder tube hinge pin assembly139, rotary joint140, which allows for movement between the parts, forward output elbow pipe141, forward output check valve142, forward horizontal output pipe143, forward vertical output pipe left144, forward vertical output pipe right145, forward output connector pipe146, forward intake check valve147, forward water strainer148, forward water strainer body149, forward intake connector pipe150, forward intake elbow pipe151, forward intake pipe152.FIG. 44illustrates a left rear side perspective view of the rear hydraulic assembly132, rotary joint140, rod hinge pin assembly153, rod154, piston155, cylinder head156, rearward cylinder tube157, cylinder tube hinge pin assembly158, rearward output elbow pipe159, rearward output check valve160, rearward horizontal output pipe161, rearward vertical output pipe162, rearward intake check valve163, rearward water strainer164, rearward water strainer body165, rearward intake connector pipe166, rearward intake elbow pipe167, rearward intake pipe168.

FIG. 45illustrates an exploded right rear side perspective view of the turbine assembly133, external connecting flange40, T pipe connector169, T pipe170, seal171, penstock base adapter172, penstock connector173, penstock174, Pelton turbine175, spear control actuator176, outlet control valve177, outlet adapter178, nozzle cap179, spear180.FIG. 46illustrates a right rear side perspective view of the turbine assembly133rear buoyancy tank assembly16, small access hatch26, lower main pipe support brace37, upper pipe support brace38, horizontal support bar39, turbine shaft53, penstock174, Pelton turbine175, spear control actuator176, outlet control valve177, nozzle cap179.FIG. 47illustrates a cutaway right rear side perspective view of the turbine assembly133, spear180.FIG. 48illustrates a right front side perspective view of the structural support assembly12.FIG. 49illustrates a left rear side perspective view of the structural support assembly12.

FIG. 50illustrates a partially exploded right front side perspective view of the5major components of the structural support assembly12, forward outrigger assemblies181, rear outrigger assemblies182, upper triangular frame assembly183, lower triangular frame assembly184, main hinge pin assembly185.FIG. 51illustrates a right front side perspective view of the structural support assembly12, right front outrigger assemblies186, center front outrigger assemblies187, left front outrigger assemblies188, right rear outrigger assemblies189, center rear outrigger assemblies190, left rear outrigger assemblies191electrical conduit support arms192.FIG. 52illustrates a right front bottom side perspective view of the structural support assembly12, outrigger slide assembly193, outrigger base194.

FIG. 53illustrates an exploded right front side perspective view of the forward outrigger assemblies181, front right outrigger195, front center outrigger196, front left outrigger197, outrigger support base198, bearing support case assembly199, bearing support case200, lower long needle bearing201, lateral bearing202, upper bearing203, inner bearing case small204, outer bearing case small205, inner half bearing206, forward hydraulic piston hard point lower207. The outrigger support base198is attached to the forward buoyancy tank17and the bearing support case assembly199is attached to the outrigger support base198. The bearing support case200contains the lower long needle bearing201, lateral bearing202, upper bearing203, which allow the base of the forward outriggers195,196and197to slide backwards and forwards in a horizontal linear manner seeFIG. 71. The inner half bearings206wrap around the large main hinge pin224seeFIG. 58and the inner bearing cases small204and outer bearing cases small205wrap around the inner half bearings206to hold them in place. The inner bearing cases small204are then connected to the rear of the outriggers196,196and197. This allows for the outriggers to rotate in an arc along the longitudinal axis of the large main hinge pin224. Views of these connections are seen clearly inFIGS. 49, 51, 52. Views of the rotational movements are seen inFIGS. 61 and 63.

FIG. 54illustrates an exploded right front side perspective view of the rear outrigger assemblies182, rear right outrigger189, rear center outrigger190, rear left outrigger191, outer bearing case small205, small outer half bearing206, twin inner bearing case208, rear hydraulic piston hard point lower209. The outrigger base194seeFIG. 52of the rear outriggers182seeFIG. 50are attached to the rear buoyancy tank16. The inner half bearings206wrap around the large main hinge pin224seeFIG. 58and the twin inner bearing case208and the outer bearing case small205, wrap around the inner half bearings206to hold them in place. The twin inner bearing case208are then connected to the rear of the outriggers189,190and191. This allows for the outriggers to rotate in an arc along the longitudinal axis of the large main hinge pin224. Views of these connections are seen clearly inFIGS. 49, 51, 52. Views of the rotational movements are seen inFIGS. 61 and 63.

Outrigger assemblies181and182tie into the large hinge pin224seeFIGS. 48, 49, 50 and 58thus creating a large hinge or fulcrum between the forward16and rear17buoyancy tanks seeFIGS. 2, 3, 7, 61 and 63. Since the forward buoyancy tank can extend or contract horizontally seeFIG. 71, it affects the forces needed to lift and lower the structural components12seeFIGS. 5 and 6along the horizontal axis of the large hinge pin224. This fulcrum effect causes small waves to lift and lower the structural components12easily when the forward buoyancy tank16is fully extended. When large waves occur with the forward buoyancy tank16fully contracted it will be harder to lift and lower the structural components12thus the system will act as an adjustable fulcrum lever system.FIG. 55illustrates a left front side perspective view of the front outrigger assemblies181, right front outrigger assemblies186, left front outrigger assemblies188, front right outrigger195, front left outrigger197, rack210. Rack210meshes with brake106seeFIG. 28. When brake106is extended it holds outriggers195and197in place. When brake106is contracted, outriggers195and197are allowed to move horizontally forward or backwards.FIG. 56illustrates a right front side perspective view of the outrigger assemblies181, front center outrigger assembly187, front center outrigger196, rack210. Rack210on front center outrigger196meshes with pinion109seeFIG. 28and rotates because of motor110. This rotation of pinion109, clockwise or counter clockwise allows for horizontal linear movement of the forward buoyancy tank17.

FIG. 57illustrates a right front side perspective view of the upper vertical triangular frame assembly183, hydraulic pipe support cradle21small inner half bearing206, upper hydraulic piston double hard point211, upper left oblique triangular support structure212, upper right oblique triangular support structure213, upper left vertical triangular support structure214, upper right vertical triangular support structure215, upper left bearing case connector pipe216, upper right bearing case connector pipe217, upper left bearing case small218, upper right bearing case small219, upper left bearing case large220, upper right bearing case large with hinge knuckle221, large half bearing222, hinge pin223.FIG. 58illustrates a right front side perspective view of the lower vertical triangular frame assembly183and the main hinge pin assembly185, small half bearing206, large main hinge pin224, left hinge pin cover225right hinge pin cover226, lower left bearing case small227, lower right bearing case small228, lower left bearing case large229lower right bearing case large230, lower left bearing case connector pipe231, lower right bearing case connector pipe232, lower triangular support structure233, anchor cable hard point left234, anchor cable hard point right235. Components of the upper triangular frame assembly183seeFIGS. 48, 49, 50, and 52connect to the components of the lower triangular frame184and both surround the large main hinge pin224, thus the stresses incurred from the pull of the rode during wave events seeFIGS. 1, 2, 61 and 63and from pulling and pushing from the upper hydraulic assemblies129and130seeFIGS. 36, 61, 62 and 63are distributed among the upper and lower components as well as around the main hinge pin and also allows for rotation along the axis of the main hinge pin.

FIG. 59illustrates a right side view of the range of movements of the hydraulic pipe support cradle21, supporting the forward horizontal output pipe143, on the support assembly12.FIG. 60illustrates a left side view of the range of movements of the hydraulic pipe support cradle21supporting the forward intake pipe152, rearward horizontal output pipe161, rearward intake pipes168, on the tank float assemblies15. The hydraulic pipe support cradles21with its hinge pins and bases allows for slight back and forth movement of the hydraulic pipes as well as movements in horizontal arcs seeFIGS. 59 and 60. These movements are needed because the design as a whole flexes and stretches to extract energy from marine waves.FIG. 61illustrates a left side view of the range of movements of the marine apparatus1, floating on a body of water2during a one marine wave event.FIG. 62illustrates a left side view of the range of movements of the hydraulic piston assemblies129and130and the upper and lower triangular frame assemblies184and185.

FIG. 63illustrates a left side view of the range of movements of the marine apparatus1, ocean flat236, ocean wave crest237, ocean wave trough238. These range of movements are due to the rotary joints140inFIGS. 43 and 44and the hydraulic hard points207,209and211inFIGS. 53, 54 and 57.FIG. 64illustrates a left side view of the water flow inside the hydraulic system13, during an intake of marine water of the marine apparatus1, body of water2, water being sucked in through the water strainer239, open input check valve allowing water flow240, water flowing through the water strainer body and intake pipes241, water is sucked into the hydraulic cylinder tube242, the piston and piston rod expands243, output check valve244, is closed impeding water in the output pipes to return to the hydraulic cylinder tube, no water movement in the output pipes245.FIG. 65illustrates a right side view of the water flow inside the hydraulic system13, during an intake of marine water of the marine apparatus1, body of water2, water being sucked in through the water strainer239, open input check valve allowing water flow240, water flowing through the water strainer body and intake pipes241, water is sucked into the hydraulic cylinder tube242, the piston and piston rod expands243, output check valve244, is closed impeding water in the output pipes to return to the hydraulic cylinder tube, no water movement in the output pipes245.FIG. 66illustrates a right side view of the water flow inside the hydraulic system13, during a compression of marine water inside of the marine apparatus1, body of water2closed input check valve246, impedes water flow from returning to the body of water2, water trapped in intake pipes, no movements247, the piston and piston rod248, contract compressing the water in the cylinder tube, output check valve is open249allowing compressed water to flow through the output pipes250, towards the turbine assembly133.

FIG. 67illustrates a left side view of the water flow inside the hydraulic system13, during a compression of marine water inside of the marine apparatus1, body of water2closed input check valve246, impedes water flow from returning to the body of water2, water trapped in intake pipes, no movements247, the piston and piston rod248, contract compressing the water in the cylinder tube, output check valve is open249allowing compressed water to flow through the output pipes250, towards the turbine assembly133.FIG. 68illustrates a left side cross section view of the water flow inside the hydraulic turbine assembly133, during a compression of marine water, body of water2, pressurized water from output pipes251, water impacting turbine causing turbine to spin252, water falling away from turbine253, water returning to the ocean254through the turbine water escape aperture34.FIG. 69illustrates a top view of the tank float assemblies15, fletchings255used to help center and face the marine apparatus1, into the incoming waves. The waves impact the fletchings which partially deflects the waves and moves the marine apparatus1in the opposite direction.FIG. 70illustrates a side view of the tank float assemblies15, the sloped bow256aids the marine apparatus1, to rise over incoming waves, minimizing push back during wave impacts and maximizing energy oscillation of the system.FIG. 71illustrates a side view of the marine apparatus1, where the forward buoyancy tank assembly17, moves forward and backwards by way of the electrical motor assembly100, which rotates gear109, which moves along rack210, that is welded to the front center outrigger196. When the front buoyancy tank assembly17, reaches its optimum position, the electrical brake assembly99, extends the break106, to lock in the position of the forward buoyancy tank assembly17, or contracts break106, to allow for movement. As in the use of a fulcrum and lever, the further out the forward buoyancy tank17is extended, the easier it is for any wave to lift and lower it. The further in the forward buoyancy tank17is contracted, the more resistance there is for any wave to lift and lower it. Because of these movements, the marine apparatus1is able to adjust its length to suit the types of wave conditions that it will encounter to provide the correct amount of movement between its parts which will influence the amount of water that will be drawn into the hydraulic assembly12and the amount of pressure sent to move the turbine175which will move the generators56. When the forward buoyancy tank assembly17, moves forward, the central section where the upper and lower triangular frame is located becomes easier to heave in any given wave event because more weight is being concentrated there. When higher waves occur, the forward buoyancy tank assembly17, moves rearward and the central section becomes harder to heave in any given wave event because more weight is being placed over the forward and rear buoyancy tanks. The more the marine apparatus1, heaves, the more water is sucked into the hydraulic system13, which also raises the water pressure impacting the turbine175, causing the turbine to spin faster. The faster the turbine175, spins the faster the generator56rotates. As the generator56, rotates faster, more electricity is produced. Less heaving produces less electricity.FIG. 72illustrates a right cutaway view of the rear buoyancy tank16, a pumping extraction pipe258, small generator259, small turbine blade260, DC electricity output262, outlet control valve177and low voltage electricity68. This configuration replaces turbine rotation and electricity production with a pumping configuration where high pressure water is sent to shore by external pipes for use in moving hydraulic turbines or hydraulic motors remotely or for pumping water to a desalination plant or for any other use where pressurized pumped water is needed. A small generator259and turbine blade260is mounted in the pumping extraction system258to produce electricity only for the onboard needs of the marine wave apparatus1.

FIG. 73illustrates a top front perspective view of the rear buoyancy tank16without its deck and supports, indicating a view of a pumping design, pumping extraction pipe258, industrial high amp batteries261, DC electricity output262, low voltage transformer59, PLC, communications control, camera control, gyroscope and GPS control cabinet60, low voltage electricity68. Large scale electricity production is replaced by electrical production only for on board needs and stored in battery banks.

The present disclosure presents a mechanical structure used for extracting energy from oscillating ocean waves capable of adapting to variations in wave frequency and amplitude as well as auto positioning the forward section towards the incoming waves for maximum efficiency. The apparatuses main components are comprised of: front and rear buoyant tanks connected by a plurality of horizontal outriggers by way of a hinge to a vertical frame structure. The pitching motion of the buoyant tanks and outriggers creates perpendicular rotation of the vertical frame by way of the hinge within the vertical frame. The power extraction system is made up of hydraulic rams. The upper section of the hydraulic rams are connected to the upper section of the vertical frame by way of a hard point which allows for pivotal movement. The lower hydraulic ram sections are connected by way of a hard points to an outrigger which lies above both buoyant tanks. The hard points allow for pivotal movement. The perpendicular rotation of the vertical frame and the pitching of the buoyancy tanks contract and expand the hydraulic rams. On the downward slope of the wave the buoyancy tanks pitch forward expanding the hydraulic rams creating a vacuum. The vacuum forces open a check causing water to flow into the hydraulic rams from an inlet pipe and filter. Check valves on the exit pipes close off so that neither water nor air are not sucked back towards the hydraulic rams. On the upward slope of the wave, water in the hydraulic ram's cavity is compressed, a check valve closes off on the inlet pipe and a check valve on the outlet pipe opens allowing for the compressed water to flow forwards. Hydraulic pressure in the system is equivalent to the displacement of the buoyant tanks minus the weight of the complete apparatus. Hydraulic pressure is used as the motive force to move a turbine or for pumping water.

In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized that embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized in numerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spirit of the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way, except as set forth in any future claim.