Patent Publication Number: US-7584609-B2

Title: Buoyancy pump power system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/684,065, filed Oct. 10, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,123, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/417,914, filed Oct. 10, 2002. Both of the above-listed applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates, in general, to a pumping device, and more particular but not by way of limitation, to a buoyancy pumping device in a buoyancy pump power system that utilizes a moving volume of water to move gas, liquid and combinations thereof from a first location to a second location. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     There have been many attempts to harness what is commonly referred as to wave phenomena and to translate energy observed in wave phenomena into usable, reliable energy sources. Wave phenomena involves the transmission of energy and momentum by means by vibratory impulses through various states of matter, and in the case of electromagnetic waves for example, through a vacuum. Theoretically, the medium itself does not move as the energy passes through. The particles that make up the medium simply move in a translational or angular (orbital) pattern transmitting energy from one to another. Waves, such as those on an ocean surface, have particle movements that are neither longitudinal nor transverse. Rather, movement of particles in the wave typically involve components of both longitudinal and transverse waves. Longitudinal waves typically involve particles moving back and forth in a direction of energy transmission. These waves transmit energy through all states of matter. Transverse waves typically involve particles moving back and forth at right angles to the direction of energy transmission. These waves transmit energy only through solids. In an orbital wave, particles move in an orbital path. These waves transmit energy along an interface between two fluids (liquids or gases). 
     Waves occurring for example on an ocean surface, typically involve components of both the longitudinal wave and the transverse wave, since the particles in the ocean wave move in circular orbits at an interface between the atmosphere and the ocean. Waves typically have several readily identifiable characteristics. Such characteristics include: the crest, which is the highest point of the wave; the trough, which is the lowest point of the wave; the height, which is the vertical distance between a crest and trough; the wave length, which is the horizontal distance between a crest and trough; the period, which is the time that elapses during the passing of one wave length; the frequency, which is the number of waves that passed at a fixed point per unit of time; and the amplitude, which is half the height distance and equal to the energy of the wave. 
     There have been many attempts to harness and utilize energy produced by wave phenomena going back to the turn of the last century, such as the system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 597,833, issued Jan. 25, 1898. These attempts have included erecting a sea wall to capture energy derived from the wave phenomena; utilizing track and rail systems involving complex machinations to harness energy from wave phenomena; development of pump systems that are adapted only for shallow water wave systems; and construction of towers and the like near the sea shore where the ebb and flow of the tide occurs. Still other attempts have been made as well which are not described in detail herein. 
     Each of these systems is replete with problems. For example, certain systems which are adapted for sea water use are subjected accordingly to the harsh environment. These systems involve numerous mechanical parts which require constant maintenance and replacement, and therefore make the system undesirable. Other systems are limited to construction only at sea shore or in shallow water, which limit placement of the systems and therefore make the systems undesirable. Finally, other systems fail to use the full energy provided by the wave phenomena, and therefore waste energy through collection, resulting in an inefficient system. 
     Depletions in traditional energy sources, such as oil, have required the need for an efficient alternate sources of energy. The greenhouse effect, which is believed to be causes for such phenomena as global warming and the like, further establish the need for an environment-friendly energy creating device. The decline in readily available traditional fuel sources has lead to an increase in the costs of energy, which is felt globally. This adds yet another need for the creation of an environment-friendly, high efficiency, low cost energy device. 
     The need for readily available, cheaper sources of energy are also keenly felt around the world. In places such as China for example, rivers are being dammed up to create a large energy supply for a fast and growing population. Such projects can take twenty or more years to finish. The availability of the energy created by such a damming project does not even begin until completion of the project. Accordingly, there is yet another need for an energy device which provides energy immediately upon construction and has a short construction period. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above identified problems and needs are solved by a system of buoyancy pump devices driven by waves or currents according to the principles of the present invention. The buoyancy pump devices include a buoyancy block housing defining a buoyancy chamber therein through which the fluid may flow. A buoyancy block is disposed within the buoyancy chamber to move axially therein in a first direction responsive to rising of the fluid in the buoyancy chamber and a second direction responsive to lowering of the fluid in the buoyancy chamber. 
     A piston cylinder is connected to the buoyancy block housing and has at least one valve disposed therein operating as an inlet in response to movement of the buoyancy block in the second direction and an outlet in response to movement of the buoyancy block in the first direction. A piston is slideably disposed within the piston cylinder and connected to the buoyancy block, the piston being moveable in the first and second directions and responsive to movement of the buoyancy block in the second direction to draw a fluid substance into the piston cylinder through the at least one valve, and responsive to movement of the buoyancy block in the first direction to output the fluid substance through the at least one valve. 
     If the buoyancy pump devices are configured to pump liquid, the buoyancy pump devices are connected to a common liquid storage facility. The stored liquid is then utilized to power a liquid turbine for generation of power. If gas is the media to be pumped, the buoyancy pump devices are connected to common gas storage facility. The stored gas is then utilized to power a gas turbine for generation of power. 
     One embodiment for generating electricity includes a system and method for converting wave motion into mechanical power. A fluid substance or matter is driven as a function of the mechanical power to a reservoir. The fluid matter is flowed from the reservoir. At least a portion of a kinetic energy of the flowing fluid matter is converted into electrical energy. The fluid matter may be liquid or gas. 
     In designing the buoyancy pump devices to be located at a location in a body of water, a system and method for designing a buoyancy pump device may be utilized. The system may include a computing system including a processor operable to execute software. The software receives input parameters containing historical wave data from an area of the body of water and calculates at least one dimension of a buoyancy device of the buoyancy pump device as a function of the input parameters. The dimension(s) of the buoyancy device are adapted to enable the buoyancy device to create lift pressure for a fluid matter being driven by the buoyancy pump device. 
     Another embodiment according to the principles of the present invention includes a system and method for generating electricity from a turbine as a function of wave energy from a body of water. The system includes buoyancy pump devices configured in the body of water at spacings to enable a wave (i) to substantially re-form after passing at least one first buoyancy pump device and (ii) to drive at least one second buoyancy pump device. The buoyancy pump devices are operable to displace a fluid matter to drive the turbine. 
     The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the method and apparatus of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description, with like reference numerals denoting like elements, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded side-elevational view of a buoyancy pump device in a first embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present invention for use in a buoyancy pump power system; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of the buoyancy pump device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-section of  FIG. 2A  taken along line  2 B- 2 B; 
         FIG. 2C  is a side plan of the assembled buoyancy pump device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are top plan, side, and isometric elevational views of an exemplary buoyancy block in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3D  is a partial cross-section of an exemplary buoyancy block having a telescoping portion; 
         FIGS. 3E-3F  are top plan views of an exemplary adjustable base portion of an exemplary buoyancy block in a contracted configuration and expanded configuration, respectively; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are side views of the buoyancy pump device of  FIG. 1  as a wave passes through the buoyancy pump device; 
         FIG. 4D  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary wave; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevated side view of an alternate embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump device for use in a buoyancy pump power system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevated side view of yet another embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump device for use in a buoyancy pump power system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevated side view of another embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump device for use in a buoyancy pump power system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevated side view of yet another embodiment of an exemplary wave-pump another alternate embodiment of an buoyancy pump device for use in a buoyancy pump power system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevated side view of another embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump device for use in a buoyancy pump power system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an elevated side view of yet another embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump device for use in a buoyancy pump power system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an elevated side view of a buoyancy pump device coupled to an exemplary aquiculture rig for use in a buoyancy pump power system according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12A  is an illustration of an exemplary buoyancy chamber ring that may be used as a structural component of another embodiment of a buoyancy pump device; 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective top view taken along a cross-section of the buoyancy chamber of  FIG. 1  that utilizes the buoyancy chamber ring shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12C  is another embodiment of the buoyancy chamber ring of  FIG. 12A  configured as a cap of a piston chamber; 
         FIG. 13  is a drawing of a system for dynamically determining and/or adjusting the size of a buoyancy block based on wave data, such system depicting an image of a schematic of an exemplary buoyancy block displayed on a monitor of a computing system; 
         FIG. 14  is an elevated of an exemplary buoyancy pump power system that utilizes a water tower according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is an elevated view of a buoyancy pump power system in an alternate embodiment according to the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an elevated view of yet another buoyancy pump power system in an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG. 17A  is an illustration of an exemplary pump field  1700  that includes of buoyancy pump devices configured to drive fluid to a reservoir in response to waves in an ocean; and 
         FIG. 17B  is an enlarged view of the configuration of the buoyancy pump devices, including specific buoyancy pump devices. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical, structural, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
     To solve the problems identified above, a buoyancy pump device is provided to convert the potential energy that exists in the natural movement of very large volumes of water found in the form of, but not limited to, oceans, lakes, and rivers in the form of swells and waves into mechanical energy at a relatively high efficiency. The buoyancy pump device is adaptable to pump both gas and liquid, or combinations of both. As such and as referred to herein, gas is defined as both fluid or gas, thereby including both air and water. The pumped gas or liquid, as a mechanical energy source, may then be utilized to power turbines, air tools, ventilation, or any other mechanical devices using this form of power. The mechanical energy source may also be used for the creation of electrical energy utilizing similar mechanical conversion devices. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 2C  in combination, a buoyancy pump device  100  is shown in various views according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The buoyancy pump device  100  includes a base  102 , a buoyancy cylinder  104  connected at one end to the base  102  and closed at the other end by a buoyancy cylinder cap  106 , and a piston cylinder  108  connected at one end to the buoyancy cylinder cap  106  and aligned generally coaxially with the buoyancy cylinder  104 . The other end of the piston cylinder  108  is closed by a piston cylinder cap  110 . The buoyancy cylinder  104  is closed at one end by the upper surface of the base  102  and at the other end by the buoyancy cylinder cap  106  to define a buoyancy chamber  112  therein. 
     A buoyancy block  114  generally cylindrical in shape is slideably positioned within the buoyancy chamber  112  to move axially therein. A piston shaft  116  connected to the upper end of the buoyancy block  114  extends generally axially therefrom through an opening  118  in the buoyancy cylinder cap  106 . A piston  120  generally cylindrical in shape is slideably positioned within the piston cylinder  108  and connected at the lower end to the other end of the piston shaft  116  to move generally axially therewith. The piston cylinder  108  is closed at one end by the upper surface of the piston  120  and at the other end by the piston cylinder cap  110  to define a piston chamber  122  therein. 
     An inlet valve  124  and an outlet valve  126  extend through the piston cylinder cap  110  in communication with the piston chamber  122  to allow gas or liquid to flow therethrough. An inlet line  128  and an outlet line  130  are connected to the inlet valve  124  and outlet valve  126 , respectively, and are adapted to receive and exhaust, respectively, gas or liquid from the other ends. 
     The base  102  may contain ballast for maintaining the buoyancy pump device  100  in a fixed position relative to the environment. The base  102  may also comprise a storage receptacle for the gas or liquid transferred therein which is connected to the outlet line  130  for receiving the air or liquid from the piston chamber  122 . If the base  102  is to be used as storage, a base outlet  132  may be connected thereto to allow flow of gas or liquid to a desired location from the base  102 . It is to be appreciated that the location of the base outlet  132  on the base  102  is adaptable such that the base outlet  132  may be placed anywhere on the base  102 . 
     The buoyancy cylinder  104 , which may also be a buoyancy block housing, may be connected to the upper surface of the base  102  by chains  134  that in turn are connected to the buoyancy cylinder  104 . In this manner, the chains  134  stabilize the buoyancy cylinder  104  on the base  102 . It is to be appreciated that guy wires or other connection means may be used to couple the buoyancy cylinder  104  to the base  102 , and the present invention is not limited by the chains  134  as the connection means. 
     The buoyancy cylinder  104  may also have a plurality of regularly spaced openings on its perimeter to allow liquid such as water to flow through the buoyancy cylinder  104  surrounding the buoyancy block  114 . To reduce turbulence associated with such flow, a plurality of turbulence openings  131  may be provided on the buoyancy cylinder  104 . As such, the buoyancy cylinder  104  may comprise a cage or the like to reduce friction associated with gas flowing through the buoyancy cylinder  104 . 
     The buoyancy cylinder  104  has a predetermined length. The length of the buoyancy cylinder  104  relates to movement of the buoyancy block  114  within different liquid environments. For example, when the buoyancy pump device  100  is placed in an ocean environment, the length of the buoyancy cylinder  104  needs to be adjustable to allow the buoyancy pump device  100  to perform with annual tide changes and wave heights. When the buoyancy pump device  100  is placed in a lake environment for example, the length of the buoyancy cylinder  104  would not require adjustment to wave height operational settings. 
     In another example, in a body of water having a 10 ft. water depth a buoyancy cylinder must be at least 10 ft., and have an additional 7 ft. operational height added to the 10 ft. to allow movement of the buoyancy block within the buoyancy chamber. Accordingly, the buoyancy cylinder would be 17 ft. tall and has a 7 ft. usable stroke. But if the body of water has tide changes, this example changes slightly. 
     In the changed example, with the buoyancy pump device in a 10 ft. sea with a 2 ft. tide change results in a 2 ft. loss of usable stroke. To account for this change, the difference between the annual low tide and high tide is added to the length of the buoyancy cylinder to be deployed. That is, in an environment where maximum wave height is 7 ft., low tide is 10 ft., and high tide is 14 ft., the difference between low tide and high tide would be 4 ft. This is added to the buoyancy cylinder length (7 ft. (for maximum wave height)+10 ft. (to allow the buoyancy pump device to operate in low tide conditions)+4 ft. (difference between low and high tides)) for a total buoyancy cylinder length of 21 ft. This allows a 7 ft. stroke on high tide days with complete use of the passing waves. 
     The buoyancy cylinder cap  106  is adapted to support the piston cylinder  108  thereon, and the opening  118  therein is adapted to prevent liquid flowing into the buoyancy chamber  112  from entering the piston cylinder  108  therethrough. The buoyancy cylinder cap  106  may be connected to the buoyancy cylinder  104  by welding or threads, or other suitable connection means adapted to resist environmental forces while supporting the loads created by the piston cylinder  108  and its structural components. Seals may be used in the opening  118  of the buoyancy cap  106  to prevent liquids or gases from entering into the piston cylinder  108  from the buoyancy chamber  112 . The piston cylinder  108  is adapted to seal the inside of the piston cylinder  108  from the environment. The piston cylinder  108  is constructed of material designed to limit the effects of the environment, including water in lakes, oceans, and rivers. 
     The buoyancy block  114  disposed within the buoyancy chamber  112  is generally cylindrical and has a tapered upper surface. The buoyancy block  114  has a predetermined buoyancy, such that the buoyancy block  114  moves in a cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water in which the buoyancy pump device  100  is positioned and the hydraulic or pneumatic system characteristics of the buoyancy pump device  100  itself. The buoyancy of the buoyancy block  114  may likewise be adjusted depending on the characteristics and fluid dynamics of the water and the system. Such adjustment may occur by (1) manually or remotely adjusting the buoyancy block  114  either axially or radially with respect to the buoyancy chamber  112  or in both directions; and (2) adjusting other characteristics of the buoyancy block  114  affecting its behavior in the water. An exemplary adjustment means is described in greater detail below. 
     The piston shaft  116  is coupled to the buoyancy block  114  and the piston  120  via respective connection joints  136 ,  138 . The connection joints  136 ,  138  may be designed to be movable or flexible in response to any radial motion of either the piston  120  or the buoyancy block  114  when the piston  120  and buoyancy block  114  are not axially aligned. Such movement or flexibility may be achieved through the use of a swivel-couple or other suitable coupling means. 
     The piston shaft  116  is designed to be lightweight and environmentally resistive, such that the piston shaft  116  continues to function after exposure to harsh environmental conditions. The piston shaft  116  is further designed to translate forces from the buoyancy block  114  to the piston  120  and from the piston  120  to the buoyancy block  114 . Finally, the piston shaft  116  may be telescopically adjustable, such that the length of the piston shaft  116  may be increased or decreased, depending on the requirements of the buoyancy pump device  100 . The adjustment of the piston shaft  116  may be needed when air is the pumping media, or the height of waves or swells are less than desirable. Such adjustment enables maximum utilization of the potential energy in the waves or swells. 
     In order to seal the piston chamber  122 , the piston  120 , which is slideably positioned inside the piston cylinder  108 , may include a seal therebetween extending around the perimeter of the piston  120 . The seal is adapted to prevent seepage of gas or liquid from the environment into the piston chamber  122 , or from the piston chamber  122  to the environment, while the piston  120  remains slidable within the piston chamber  122 . 
     The inlet and outlet valves  124 ,  126  are unidirectional flow devices which permit the flow of gas or liquid into and out of the piston chamber  122 , respectively. It is to be appreciated that the valves  124 ,  126  may be positioned at differing locations on the piston cylinder cap  110 , so long as a desired pressure is achievable within the piston chamber  122 . 
     Because movement of the buoyancy block  114  in the buoyancy cylinder  104  may be hampered by friction or other elements entering the buoyancy cylinder  104 , a plurality of shims  140  may be connected to the inner surface of the buoyancy cylinder  104 . The shims  140  axially extend along the perimeter of the buoyancy cylinder  104 , and further serve to stabilize the orientation of the buoyancy block  114  within the buoyancy cylinder. The shims  140  may be constructed of a suitable material, such that the coefficient of friction between the shims  140  and the buoyancy block  114  approaches zero. 
     To limit axial movement of the buoyancy block  114  within the buoyancy cylinder  104 , a plurality of stops  142  may be provided on the inner surface of the buoyancy cylinder  104  and disposed at a lower portion thereof. The positioning of the stops  142  may be adjusted to match a desired stroke length of the piston  120  within the piston cylinder  108 . 
     It is to be understood that axial movement of the buoyancy block  114  in the buoyancy cylinder  104  translates to axial movement of the piston  120  within the piston cylinder  108  via the piston shaft  116 . The piston shaft  116  and connection joints  136  further fix the position of the piston  120  with respect to the buoyancy block  114 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3C , an exemplary buoyancy block  300  is shown in top plan, side and isometric views, respectively. The buoyancy block  300  has an axial opening  302  adapted to receive the coupling joint  136  ( FIG. 2B ) and thereby couple to the piston shaft  116  ( FIG. 1 ). An upper portion  304  is tapered radially inward from the perimeter of the buoyancy block  300 , and terminates at the axial opening  302 . The tapers on the upper portion  304  assist axial movement of the buoyancy block  300 , especially when the buoyancy block  300  is submerged in water and is moving towards the surface of the water. Although the upper portion  304  is shown as separate from a lower portion  306  of the buoyancy block  300 , it is to be appreciated that the tapers may begin from any portion of the buoyancy block  300  and terminate at the axial opening  302  to facilitate axial movement of the buoyancy block  300  in water. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3D , a partial cross-section of an alternative, exemplary buoyancy block  350  is shown. The buoyancy block  350  has an upper portion  352  and a lower portion  354 . The upper portion  352  has a radially tapered portion  356  to facilitate axial movement of the buoyancy block  350  in water, and a non-tapered portion  358  connected to the tapered portion  356 . Formed on the inner perimeter of the upper portion  352  of the buoyancy block  350  are threads  360 . 
     The lower portion  354  of the buoyancy block is generally cylindrical, and has a plurality of threads  362  formed on the external perimeter of the lower portion  354 . The threads  362  of the lower portion  354  are adapted to mate with the threads  360  of the upper portion  352  and allow axial movement of the lower portion  354  with respect to the upper portion  352 . 
     Movement of the lower portion  354  with respect to the upper portion  352  is accomplished through the use of a motor  364 . The motor  364  is connected to the lower portion  354  on an upper surface  365  of the lower portion  354 . A drive shaft  366  couples the motor  364  to the upper surface  365  and rotates the lower portion  354  in a predetermined direction, thereby telescoping the buoyancy block  350 . The telescoping of the lower portion  354  increases or decreases the height of the buoyancy block  350 , thereby increasing or decreasing the buoyancy of the buoyancy block  350 . It is to be appreciated that the diameter of the buoyancy block  350  is likewise adjustable using similar methods. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3E and 3F  in combination, a top view of an exemplary adjustable buoyancy block base  370  is shown. The adjustable buoyancy block base  370  includes outer plates  372 , inner plates  374  connected to the outer plates  372 , an axially disposed motor  376  connected to a gear  378 , and a plurality of expansion bars  380  connected to the gear  378  and the outer plates  372 . The circumference of the buoyancy block base  370  is sealed by plastic, thermoplastic or other sealant material  382 , such as, for example, rubber. The sealant material  382  thus prevents environmental materials from entering into the buoyancy block base  370 . 
     The outer plates  372  connect to the inner plates  374  via rollers  384 . The rollers  384  allow movement of the outer plates  372  with respect to the inner plates  374 . Guides for the rollers  384  may be positioned on respective surfaces of the outer and inner plates  372 ,  374 . 
     The motor  376  is axially positioned within the buoyancy block base  370  and powered by a suitable power source. The motor  376  is connected to the gear  378 , such that upon actuation of the motor  376 , the gear  378  rotates in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. 
     The gear  378  is connected to the expansion bars  380 , such that rotation of the gear  378  in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction results in respective expansion or contraction of the diameter of the buoyancy block base  370  through the movement of the outer plates  372  with respect to the inner plates  374  via the rollers  384 . 
     For example,  FIG. 3E  shows the buoyancy block base  370  in a contracted position having a diameter delineated by D 1 . When the motor  376  is actuated to rotate the gear  378  in a clockwise direction, the expansion bars  380  correspondingly rotate to thereby expand the diameter of the buoyancy block base  380  as shown in  FIG. 3F  and delineated by D 2 . The thermoplastic material  382  likewise expands in relation to the expansion of the buoyancy block diameter. Accordingly, the buoyancy block base  370 , when used in a buoyancy pump device, may radially expand or contract to increase or decrease the diameter of the associated buoyancy block. It is to be appreciated that, although shown in a generally cylindrical configuration, the buoyancy block base  370  may be in other configurations depending on the design and requirements of the buoyancy pump device. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C, the buoyancy pump device  100  is shown in various positions as a wave (W) passes through the buoyancy chamber  112  ( FIG. 1 ). The waves (W) passing through the buoyancy pump device  100  have geometric characteristics including the following:
         Wave height (W H ) is the vertical distance between the crest (C) or high point of the wave and the trough (T) or low point of the wave;   Wave length (W L ) is the distance between equivalent points, e.g., crests or troughs, on the waves; and   Stillwater level (S WL ) is the surface of the water in the absence of any waves, generally the midpoint of the wave height (W H ).       

     In  FIG. 4A , the buoyancy block  114  is shown at its highest vertical position supported by the crest (C 1 ) of the wave (W) as fluid is output through the outlet valve  126 . As the wave (W) travels through the buoyancy chamber  112  by a distance of about one-half (½) the wave length (W L ) as shown in  FIG. 4B , the buoyancy block  114  falls to its lowest vertical position within the trough (T) of the wave (W) as fluid is drawn through the inlet valve  124 . In  FIG. 4C , the wave (W) has traveled the full wave length (W L ) so that the buoyancy block  114  has returned to the highest vertical position on the following crest (C 2 ) and fluid is again output through the outlet valve  126 . 
     The piston stroke (P s ) (not shown) of the buoyancy pump device  100  is defined as the distance the piston  120  is moved by the buoyancy block  114  as the wave (W) travels one wave length (W L ) through the buoyancy chamber  112 . As the wave (W) travels through the buoyancy chamber  112 , the buoyancy block  114  drops a distance (B D ) equal to the wave height from the crest (C 1 ) position in  FIG. 4A  to the trough (T) position in  FIG. 4B , and then rise the same distance (B R ) from the trough (T) position in  FIG. 4B  to the crest (C 2 ) position in  FIG. 4C . Hence, the piston stroke (P s ) equals twice the wave height (W H ):
 
 P   s   =B   D   +B   R =2 W   H 
 
     Thus, the piston  120  has a “half stroke” descending and a “half stroke” rising, also referred to as the “dropping stroke” and “lifting stroke”, respectively. 
     The wave has a given wave height W H  and period W P  as it passes through the buoyancy pump device  100 . The buoyancy pump device  100  has a piston stroke P S , which is defined by the piston moving across one full wave period W P . As can be seen in  FIG. 4A , as a wave moves across the buoyancy pump device  100 , the buoyancy block moves in direct association with the passing wave. 
     When the buoyancy pump device  100  is in a zero-pressure state, the buoyancy block  114  is able to travel the maximum distance resulting from the wave motion, i.e., P smax =2W L . This translates into a full half-stroke travel of the piston  120  in the piston cylinder  108 , which forces fluid out of the piston chamber through the valve. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1  and in operation, after the buoyancy pump device  100  has been placed initially in a body of water, such as an ocean, lake, river, or other wave- or swell-producing environment, the initial pressure in the outlet line  130 , outlet valve  126  and piston chamber  122  begins at a zero-pressure state. A wave, having recognized properties, arrives at the buoyancy pump device  100 . Water from the wave incrementally fills the buoyancy chamber  112 . As the water fills the buoyancy chamber  112 , the buoyancy block  114  begins to rise with the rising water in the buoyancy chamber  112 . 
     The buoyancy of the buoyancy block  114  is designed such that a majority of the buoyancy block  114  rides relatively high out of the water within the buoyancy chamber  112 , thereby allowing axial movement of the buoyancy block  114  within the buoyancy chamber  112 . As the wave departs, the buoyancy block  114  lowers with the settling water in the buoyancy chamber  112  and by gravity. The piston shaft  116  translates the movement of the buoyancy block  114  to the piston  120 . 
     At the other end of the spectrum, when the buoyancy pump device  100  starts with maximum pressure in the outlet line  130  and outlet valve  130 , a majority of the buoyancy block  114  will be virtually submerged within the water in which the buoyancy pump device  100  is placed. This results in a decreased stroke-length of the piston  120  through the piston chamber  122 . 
     Gravity powers the down stroke of the buoyancy block  114  and the piston  120  as a given wave or swell passes. With the rise of a given wave or swell, the buoyancy of the buoyancy block  114  provides the lift/power for the piston  120  via the piston shaft  116 . When piston  120  pressure from the outlet valve  126  is low, the buoyancy block  114  rides relatively high in the water within the buoyancy chamber, because the buoyancy lift required is only relative to the back pressure delivered into the piston chamber  122  via the outlet valve  126 . 
     When the piston pressure is high, the axial movement of the buoyancy block  114  within the buoyancy chamber is limited, resulting in the buoyancy block  114  riding lower in the water. In certain high pressure states in the piston chamber  122 , the buoyancy block  114  may be almost completely submerged and still axially move within the buoyancy chamber to pump the liquid or gas within the piston chamber  122 . Eventually, the pressure from the outlet valve  126  may become so great that the buoyancy of the buoyancy block  114 , even when completely submerged, can no longer provide enough lifting force to move the piston  120 . At this point, the buoyancy block  114  and piston  120  cease movement even as the wave or swell continues to rise with respect to the buoyancy pump device  100 . 
     For example, in a buoyancy pump device having a buoyancy block with a one foot height deployed in a maximum pressure situation, the buoyancy pump device will lose about one foot of pump stroke within the piston cylinder. Should a wave of only one foot be present, the buoyancy pump device will not pump. 
     Should this point not be reached, the buoyancy block  114  and piston  120  will continue to axially move with the rise of a given wave or swell until the wave or swell reaches its respective maximum height, allowing the piston  120  to move the liquid or gas in the piston chamber  122  through the outlet valve  126 . This process is maintained until the maximum compression point in the piston chamber  122  is reached but still allowing outward flow. 
     When the buoyancy block  114  is almost submerged or submerged yet still axially moving, this is termed the high waterline of the buoyancy pump device  100 . As the wave or swell passes, the lowest point of descent of the buoyancy block  114  is termed the low waterline of the buoyancy pump device  100 . The distance between the high waterline and low waterline determines the power stroke of the piston  120 . 
     For example, when gas is the media to be pumped, the inlet line  128 , which may be adjusted to connect to a gas source, is placed in a location that communicates with and receives gas from a gas environment such as ambient air. The outlet line  130  may be connected to the base  102  for storing the compressed gas. It is to be appreciated that the outlet line  130  may be connected to another location for storing the gas, such as a fixed storage tank that is located external the buoyancy pump device  100 . 
     In the gas example, when the piston  120  lowers with a settling wave, it creates a vacuum in the piston chamber  122 , and draws gas through the inlet line  128  and the inlet valve  124  into the piston chamber  122 . At the trough of the wave and after the water has evacuated the buoyancy chamber  112 , or when the buoyancy block  114  contacts the stops  142  which inhibits further downward movement of the buoyancy block  114  and piston  120 , the maximum amount of gas fills the piston chamber  122 . 
     As the wave begins to rise and water incrementally fills the buoyancy chamber  112 , the buoyancy block  114  is exposed to and contacted by the water. The buoyancy of the buoyancy block  114  results in a natural lift of the buoyancy block  114  in response to the rising water within the buoyancy chamber  112 . Due to the fixed position of the buoyancy block  114  with respect to the piston  120  as facilitated by the piston shaft  116 , the piston  120  rises in direct relation to the lifting of the buoyancy block  114 . 
     The gas that has been introduced into the piston chamber  122  compresses within the piston chamber  122  as the buoyancy block  114  rises, until the pressure of the compressed gas overcomes the line pressure in the outlet line  130 . At this point, the gas flows through the outlet valve  126  and the outlet line  130  and is transported to a desired location for use or storage. For example, the exemplary base  102  described above or other storage location may be used for storage of the compressed gas. It is further conceivable that the gas may be dispelled into the atmosphere should the situation require. 
     Upon the wave reaching its maximum height as it passes through the buoyancy pump device  100 , water begins to exit the buoyancy chamber  112 . Gravity urges the buoyancy block  114  downward with the wave, resulting in a downward movement of the piston  120 , which creates a vacuum in the piston chamber  122 . The vacuum again draws gas into the piston chamber  122  as described previously, thereby repeating the process with each successive wave, thereby driving the buoyancy pump device  100  to successively and cyclically draw gas into the piston chamber  122 , compress gas within the piston chamber  122 , and force gas from the piston chamber  122  into the base  102 . The piston  120  further compresses the gas stored in the base  102  with each cycle until the buoyancy block  114  can no longer overcome the pressure of the stored gas and in the outlet line  130 . At this point, the buoyancy block  114  no longer rises with respect to the waves. 
     In another example, when a liquid is the media to be pumped, the inlet line  128  is connected to a liquid environment, such as water. The outlet line  130  may be connected to a storage reservoir, including but not limited to a lake bed, water tower, or other water system. When incompressible liquids such as water are being pumped, the piston shaft  116  may not require adjustment because the buoyancy pump device  100  will pump once the piston chamber  122  is completely filled with the incompressible liquid. 
     In the liquid example, the lowering of the piston  120  correspondingly creates a vacuum in the piston chamber  122 , which draws water through the inlet line  128  and inlet valve  124  and into the piston chamber  122 . At the trough of the wave and when water evacuates the buoyancy chamber  112 , or when the buoyancy block  114  contacts the stops  142  that inhibit further downward movement of the buoyancy block  114 , the maximum amount of liquid fills the piston chamber  122 . 
     As the wave begins to rise and water incrementally fills the buoyancy chamber  112 , the buoyancy block  114  is exposed to and contacted by the water. The buoyancy of the buoyancy block  114  results in a natural lift of the buoyancy block  114  in response to the incrementally rising water within the buoyancy chamber  112 . Due to the fixed nature of the buoyancy block  114  with respect to the piston  120  as facilitated by the piston shaft  116 , the piston  120  incrementally rises in direct relation to the lifting of the buoyancy block  114 . In the case of water as the media, the rising incompressible water within the piston chamber  122  overcomes the line pressure in the outlet line  130 . At this point, the water flows through the outlet valve  126  and the outlet line  130 , and is transported to a desired location for use or storage. It is conceivable that the liquid and/or gas may be dispelled into the atmosphere should the situation require. 
     Upon the wave reaching its maximum height as it passes through the buoyancy pump device  100 , and departs, water begins to incrementally exit the buoyancy chamber  112 . Gravity urges the buoyancy block  114  downward, resulting in a downward movement of the piston  120  and a vacuum in the piston chamber  122 . The vacuum serves to draw liquid and/or gas into the piston chamber  122 . The process is repeated with each successive wave, thereby driving the buoyancy pump device  100  to successively and cyclically draw liquid and/or water into the piston chamber  122 , and pump the liquid and/or water from the piston chamber  122 . 
     It is to be appreciated in the liquid example that a loss of buoyancy lift must be factored due to the weight of the water/liquid present within the piston chamber  122 . However, in the gas example, because of the relatively lightweight properties of the gas vs. the liquid, this loss is virtually non-existent. The loss in the liquid example may be overcome through the adjustable properties of the buoyancy block  114 . 
     The operation of the buoyancy pump device  100  depends on the environment where it is to be used. For example, when the buoyancy pump device  100  is situated in an ocean having predetermined annualized wave averages, the buoyancy pump device  100  must be coupled to a structure relative to the waves, or positioned with ballast such that the buoyancy pump device maintains its relative position to the waves. Such structures could be fixed or substantially fixed, or could include a seaworthy vessel, a platform-type arrangement, or direct coupling of the buoyancy pump device  100  to the ocean floor. Such connections are common, especially within the oil and gas industry, and are contemplated to be used in conjunction with the novel buoyancy pump device  100  according to the principles of the present invention. 
     The buoyancy lift for driving the piston within the piston cylinder via the piston shaft is directly related to the buoyancy block&#39;s lift capability. Theoretically, for example, given a total displacement of the buoyancy block at 100 lbs., subtracting the buoyancy block weight (10 lbs.), piston shaft, connectors, other miscellaneous parts (5 lbs.), and the piston weight (2.5 lbs.) from the total displacement (100 lbs.) leaves a lift capability of 82.5 lbs. Empirical testing of the buoyancy pump device  100  operates about 96% efficient to this formula. 
     It is contemplated that the buoyancy pump device  100  may be used to self-calibrate its position with respect to the ocean floor and thereby maintain a generally stable position relative to the wave environment in which it is placed. For example, ballast tanks may be coupled to the buoyancy pump device  100  and filled with appropriate ballast. The buoyancy pump device  100  may pump gas or liquid into the ballast tanks and thereby adjust the position of the buoyancy pump device  100  relative to the wave environment. Such a configuration may be accomplished by coupling the outlet line  130  of the buoyancy pump device  100  to the ballast tank and providing a control system to adjust flow into and out of the ballast tank upon a predetermined condition. Both gas and liquid may be used depending on the desired location adjustment of the buoyancy pump device  100 . 
     It is also contemplated that the length and width (diameter) of the piston  120  may be adjusted to correspond to the pumping media or the properties of the piston  120 , the buoyancy chamber  112 , and the buoyancy block  114 . Likewise, the piston  120  may have a telescopic adjustment or the like thereon for adjusting the height or width of the piston  120  similar to the buoyancy block  300  (See  FIGS. 3A-3C ). 
     For example, flow rates and pressure settings within the buoyancy pump device  100  are related to the inside diameter and height of the piston cylinder  108 . The larger the piston cylinder  108  and the longer the piston stroke within the piston cylinder  108 , the greater amount of liquid or gas flow is accomplished with the least pressure present. The smaller the piston cylinder  108  and the shorter the piston stroke within the piston cylinder  108 , the greatest pressure is present to the liquid or gas flow and the least amount of liquid or gas flow is accomplished. 
     It is recognized that friction losses may occur, even though modest, as related to the lengths and dimensions of the inlet line  128  and outlet line  130  and other materials including the inlet and outlet valves  124 ,  126 . 
     The size of the buoyancy chamber  112  and buoyancy block  114  may also be adjusted to provide for maximum buoyancy pump device efficiency. Such adjustments may be made, for example, manually, by interchanging parts, automatically, by including telescoping portions on the respective component, or remotely, by configuring a control system to adjust the properties of the desired component. In this manner, the buoyancy pump device  100  may be calibrated to function on waves having varying properties, such that the buoyancy pump device  100  may take advantage of large waves, small waves, and waves having more moderate properties. 
     To take advantage of these waves, the buoyancy pump device  100  does not necessarily have to be secured to the base  102 . Rather, the buoyancy pump device may be, for example, mounted to the floor of the body of water, secured to a structure mounted on the floor of the body of water, secured to a rigid floating platform, secured to a sea wall, or other mounting locations that provide a stable platform or its equivalent. 
     The size of the buoyancy pump device  100  and the function of the buoyancy pump device  100  related to the amount of energy in the wave or swell may be determined by several factors. For example, these include: the annual high, low and average wave size; the annual high, low and average tide marks; the average period of the wave or swell; the depth of liquid at the location of the wave or swell; the distance from shore to the wave or swell; the geography of the near vicinity of the wave or swell location; and the structure of the buoyancy pump device  100 . It is contemplated that the buoyancy pump device  100  may be used in combination with other buoyancy pump devices in a grid fashion to pump larger volumes of gas or liquid through the pumps. 
     To determine the horsepower generated from a given wave height and velocity, the wave horsepower (potential energy) and the buoyancy block horsepower in falling and lifting configurations were calculated. From this data, the piston pumping horsepower was then calculated for both water and air pumping configurations. These calculations are described below according to an exemplary testing configuration. 
     EXAMPLE A 
     Low Wave Size 
     1. Wave Horsepower 
     Referring more specifically to  FIGS. 4A-4D , wave horsepower (Wave HP) is determined for a wave (W) traveling over a distance of one-half the wave length (½ W L ) as follows:
 
Wave  HP =[( W   V )( D )/( HP )]( W   S )
 
where
 
 W   V (Wave Volume)=( W   W )( W   D )( W   H )(gallons water/ft 3 )
 
 W   W =Wave Width (½ W   L )=17.5 feet
 
W D =Wave Depth=17.5 feet
 
W H =Wave Height=5 feet
 
and
 
 D =density of water (8.33 lbs/gal)
 
and
 
 HP =horse power unit (550)
 
and
 
 W   S =Wave Speed (½ W   L   /W   T )
 
and
 
 W   T =Wave time to travel ½ W   L  (7.953 sec).
 
     For example, the wave depth (W D ) is assumed to be equal to the wave width (W W ) so that the profile of the wave (W) will completely cover the buoyancy block  114 ′ which is cylindrical in shape. For the numbers indicated above which are exemplary, the calculations are as follows:
 
Wave  HP =[(11,453 gal)(8.33 lbs/gal)/(550)](2.2 ft/sec)=382
 
where
 
 W   V =(1,531 ft 3 )(7.481 gal/ft 3 )=11,453 gal; and
 
 W   S =(17.5 feet)/(7.953 sec)=2.2 ft/sec.
 
2. Buoyancy Block Dropping HP
 
     As the wave (W) travels through the buoyancy chamber  104  during the dropping stroke ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ), the buoyancy block  104  drops with gravity into the trough (T). The buoyancy block horsepower generated during the dropping stroke (BB D ) can be determined from the following equation:
 
 BB   D =[( BB   V )( D )( WR )/ HP ]( DS   S )( TR   D )
 
where
 
 BB   V (Buoyancy Block Volume)=( VB+VC )(7.48 gal/ft 3 )
 
VB=Volume of Base 114′ a =πr 1   2 h 1 
 
 VC =Volume of Cone 114′ b =(πh 2 /12)(d 1   2 +d 1 d 2 +d 2   2 )
 
and
 
( BB   V )( D )=the displacement weight of the buoyancy block 114′
 
where
 
 D =density of water (8.33 lbs/gal)
 
and
 
WR=Weight ratio of water to the buoyancy block 114′ material
 
and
 
 HP =horsepower unit (550)
 
and
 
 DS   S =Dropping Stroke Speed= B   D   /T   D 
 
where
 
B D =distance of stroke travel when dropping
 
T D =time to travel distance B D 
 
and
 
 TR   D =Time Ratio, i.e., the percentage of time buoyancy block drops during a wave period=50% (assuming symmetrical long waves).
 
     Continuing with the exemplary data set forth above for the Wave HP calculations, the calculations for BB D  are as follows:
 
 BB   D =[4,186 gal)(8.333 lbs/gal)(0.10)/550](0.25 ft/sec)(0.5)=0.79  HP 
         (i.e., the horsepower available from Dropping Stroke of Buoyancy Block)
 
where
 
 BB   V =( BV+VC )(7.48 gal/ft 3 )=π 1   2   h   1 +(π h   2 /12)( d   1   2   +d   1   d   2   +d   2   2 )(7.48 gal/ft 3 )
 
and where
 
d 1 =17.5 ft
 
r 1 =8.75 ft
 
d 2 =3.5 ft
 
h 1 =1.5 ft
 
h 2 =2.0 ft
 
so that
       

                     BB   V     =       ⁢     [           π   ⁡     (   8.75   )       2     ⁢     (   1.5   )       +     (       π   ⁡     (     2.0   /   12     )       ⁢     (       17.5   2     +                                   ⁢         (   17.5   )     ⁢     (   3.5   )       +     3.5   2       )     ]     ⁢     (     7.48   ⁢           ⁢   gal   ⁢     /     ⁢     ft   3       )                 =       ⁢       (       361   ⁢           ⁢     ft   3       +     199   ⁢           ⁢     ft   3         )     ⁢     (     7.48   ⁢           ⁢   gal   ⁢     /     ⁢     ft   3       )                   =       ⁢         (     560   ⁢           ⁢     ft   3       )     ⁢     (     7.48   ⁢           ⁢   gal   ⁢     /     ⁢     ft   3       )       =     4   ⁢     ,     ⁢   186   ⁢           ⁢   gal                   and   DS   S =(1.00 ft)/(3.976 sec)=0.25 ft/sec and ( BB   V )( D )=34,874 lbs (total displacement) and ( BB   V )( D )( WS )=3,487 (usable weight) 
2b. Buoyancy Block Lifting Horsepower
 
     As the wave (W) continues traveling through the buoyancy chamber  104  during the lift stroke ( FIGS. 4B and 4C ), the buoyancy block  104  rises with the wave until it peaks at the crest (C 2 ). The buoyancy block lifting horsepower generated during the lift stroke (BB L ) can be determined from the following equation:
 
 BB   L =[( BB   V )( D )(1− WR )/ HP ]( LS   S )( TR   R )
 
where
 
 LS   S =Lifting Stroke Speed= B   R   /T   R 
 
B R =distance of stroke travel when rising=1 ft.
 
T R =time to travel distance B R =4.0 sec
 
and
 
TR R =Time Ratio
         (i.e., percentage of time buoyancy block rises during a wave period)=50% assuming symmetrical long waves.
 
( BB   V )( D )(1 −WR )=Usable weight during lifting stroke( UW   L )=31,382 lbs
 
such that
 
 BB   L =[(31,382 lbs)/550] (1 ft/4.0 sec)(0.5)=7.13  HP 
 
2c. Total Input Horsepower
       

     Accordingly, the total amount of input horsepower withdrawn from the wave by the buoyancy block(BB T ) is as follows:
 
 BB   T   =BB   D   +BB   L 
 
     Using the above-exemplary numbers set forth above, the total input power for the buoyancy block  114 ′ is as follows:
 
 BB   T =0.79+7.13=7.92  HP. 
 
3. Piston Pumping Power (CFM/PSI)
 
     The piston pumps water at a given rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a given pressure in lbs. per square inch (PSI) for each half (½) stroke when the buoyancy pump device is configured to pump water according to the following formulae: 
     
       
         
           
             PF 
             = 
             
               
                 Piston 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 Water 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 flow 
               
               = 
               
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     S 
                     v 
                   
                   ) 
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   ( 
                   SPM 
                   ) 
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     BP 
                     eff 
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           where 
         
       
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     S 
                     v 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     Volume 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     per 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       1 
                       / 
                       2 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     stroke 
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                   
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         π 
                         / 
                         2 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           piston 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                               
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           radius 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       2 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         stroke 
                         ⁢ 
                         
                             
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         length 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                   
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         π 
                         / 
                         2 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           8.925 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                               
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           in 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       2 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           12 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                               
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           in 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       / 
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           1 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                             , 
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           728 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                               
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           
                             in 
                             3 
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           
                             / 
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           
                             ft 
                             3 
                           
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                   
                     1.74 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       ft 
                       3 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           and 
         
       
       
         
           
             SPM 
             = 
             
               
                 Strokes 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 per 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 minute 
               
               = 
               
                 7.54 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 strokes 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   / 
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 min 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           and 
         
       
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     BP 
                     eff 
                   
                   = 
                     
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     Empirical 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     Tested 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     Efficiency 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     of 
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                     
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     Exemplary 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     Buoyancy 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     Pump 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     Device 
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     83 
                     ⁢ 
                     % 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           
             so 
             ⁢ 
             
                 
             
             ⁢ 
             that 
           
         
       
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   PF 
                   = 
                   
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         1.74 
                         ⁢ 
                         
                             
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         
                           ft 
                           3 
                         
                       
                       ) 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       ( 
                       
                         7.54 
                         ⁢ 
                         
                             
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         strokes 
                         ⁢ 
                         
                           / 
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         min 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       ( 
                       .83 
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                   
                     10.88 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     CFM 
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                   
                     0.181 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       CFS 
                       . 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     The determination of the piston water pressure (PSI) for each half(½) stroke in the buoyancy pump device (PP) is made by the following equation: 
     
       
         
           
             PP 
             = 
             
               
                 { 
                 
                   
                     UW 
                     L 
                   
                   - 
                   
                     [ 
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           S 
                           v 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         ( 
                         D 
                         ) 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           7.48 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                               
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           gallons 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                               
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           water 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                             / 
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           
                             ft 
                             3 
                           
                         
                         ) 
                       
                     
                     ] 
                   
                 
                 } 
               
               / 
               
                 SA 
                 P 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           where 
         
       
       
         
           
             
               UW 
               L 
             
             = 
             
               
                 usable 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 weight 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 during 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 a 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 lift 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 stroke 
               
               = 
               
                 31 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   , 
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 386 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                     
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 lbs 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           
             
               S 
               v 
             
             = 
             
               1.74 
               ⁢ 
               
                   
               
               ⁢ 
               
                 ft 
                 3 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           
             D 
             = 
             
               density 
               ⁢ 
               
                   
               
               ⁢ 
               of 
               ⁢ 
               
                   
               
               ⁢ 
               
                 water 
                 ⁡ 
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     8.33 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     lbs 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       / 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     gal 
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
       
         
           and 
         
       
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     SA 
                     P 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     Surface 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     Area 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     of 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     the 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       Piston 
                       ( 
                       
                         in 
                         2 
                       
                       ) 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                   
                     π 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           8.925 
                           ⁢ 
                           
                               
                           
                           ⁢ 
                           in 
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       2 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                   
                     250 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       
                         in 
                         2 
                       
                       . 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Accordingly, for the above-exemplary numbers, the PSI/stroke for the exemplary buoyancy pump device is calculated as follows: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   PP 
                   = 
                     
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     
                       
                         [ 
                         
                           
                             31 
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               , 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             386 
                             ⁢ 
                             
                                 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             lbs 
                           
                           - 
                           
                             
                               ( 
                               
                                 1.74 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 
                                     
                                 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 
                                   ft 
                                   3 
                                 
                               
                               ) 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               ( 
                               
                                 8.33 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 
                                     
                                 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 lbs 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 
                                   / 
                                 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 gal 
                               
                               ) 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               ( 
                               
                                 7.48 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 
                                     
                                 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 gal 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 
                                   / 
                                 
                                 ⁢ 
                                 
                                   ft 
                                   3 
                                 
                               
                               ) 
                             
                           
                         
                         ] 
                       
                       / 
                       250 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       in 
                       2 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           
                             31 
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               , 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             386 
                             ⁢ 
                             
                                 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             lbs 
                           
                           - 
                           
                             108 
                             ⁢ 
                             
                                 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             lbs 
                           
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       / 
                       250 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       in 
                       2 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
             
               
                 
                   = 
                     
                   ⁢ 
                   
                     125 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     PSI 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       / 
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     
                       stroke 
                       . 
                     
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     When the buoyancy pump is configured to pump air, the surface area of the piston is increased to compensate for the compressibility of air in order to achieve similar results. If the radius of the piston is increased to 12.6 inches, the surface area of the piston (SA p ) increases to 498.76 square inches. Also, the added weight of the water above the piston [(SV)(D)(7.48 gal/ft 2 )=108 lbs] is removed and thus is not subtracted from the usable weight during the lift stroke (UW L ) when calculating the piston air pressure (PP a ). All other numbers remaining the same, the piston air flow (PF a ) and the piston air pressure (PP a ) would have the following values:
 
PF a =21.7 CFM
 
 PP   a =51.8  PSI /stroke.
 
     Because one skilled in the art would readily understand the difference between the use of a piston to pump water or air, the remaining examples will focus on pumping water. 
     4. Usable Generator Produced HP 
     When the exemplary buoyancy pump device in a water-pumping configuration is connected to an exemplary water storage tank for use in powering an exemplary water turbine, the following empirical formula is used to measure power produced by the buoyancy pump device:
 
 BP ={( PP )( BP   eff )(Head)−[(Loss)(Head)(Pipe Ft./Section)]}[( PF )( T   eff )( KW )/ HP] 
 
where
 
BP eff =Empirically tested buoyancy pump efficiency=88%
 
Head= PSI  to Head(ft) conversion factor=2.310
 
Loss=Pipe loss efficiency factor=0.068
 
Pipe Ft./Section=One pipe has a length of 100 ft., and 10 pipes=1 section of pipe
 
such that
 
1 mile of pipe=5.280 sections of pipe
 
T eff =Turbine efficiency based on existing water turbine=90%
 
 KW =Conversion factor for ft/sec to  KW= 11.8
 
HP=Conversion factor for KW to HP=0.746
 
     Accordingly, using the above-exemplary numbers in combination with the prior calculations, the Output BP for an exemplary power system utilizing the buoyancy pump device is as follows:
 
 BP ={[(125)(0.88)(2.310)]−[(0.068)(2.310)(10)(5.280)]}[(0.181)(0.9/11.8)/0.746]=0.4558(total Output HP available).
 
     When the buoyancy pump is configured to pump air, the output power (BP a ) for an exemplary system using the numbers above would be about 2.72 HP. Rather than using a water turbine to produce the output power, an air turbine would be used including, for example, the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,728, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     5. Input HP v. Output HP Efficiency 
     Accordingly, the conversion efficiency of input HP to output HP is determinable according to the following:
 
Conversion Efficiency= BP/BB   T =4.558/7.92=57%.
 
     Thus, using empirical and theoretical data, it is appreciated that the exemplary buoyancy pump device according to the principles of the present invention, when used in conjunction with an exemplary water turbine, has about a 57% conversion efficiency of the horsepower withdrawn from a passing wave (BB T ) to Output BP, which may then be used as a source of power. 
     EXAMPLE B 
     Average Wave Size 
     The above-exemplary calculations were made with an exemplary buoyancy block  114 ′ having a fixed diameter (d 1 ) depending on the geometry of the buoyancy block  114 ′ and height (h 1 +h 2 ). It is to be appreciated that the wave height (W H ) varies for different locations and for different times during the year at each location. Thus, it is desirable to reconfigure or adjust this buoyancy block based on the varying wave characteristics as described above. To ensure high efficiencies, the height and/or diameter of the buoyancy block  114 ′ can be adjusted. For example, the buoyancy block  114 ′ can be designed or adjusted to increase the height of its base  104 ′ a  (h 1 ) and related diameter to accommodate waves having a greater wave height (W H ) as will be described below. 
     Assuming that the wave height (W H ) increases from 5.0 ft. to 9.016 ft. (an average sized wave), the height of the buoyancy block base (h 1 ) is increased by 1.5 ft. (see  FIG. 4D ), i.e., the “warp” of the buoyancy block, to increase the overall performance of the buoyancy pump device in bodies of water with larger swells on the average of 9 ft. Correspondingly, the stroke length of the piston increases and the number of strokes decrease as follows:
 
Stokes=5.52
 
Piston stroke length=42.2 in
 
so that
 
 S   V (volume/stroke)=12.8 ft 3 
 
     Assuming that all other factors remain the same and applying the formulas above, we construct the following table, TABLE 1: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Values 
                   
                 5 ft Wave 
                 9.016 ft Wave 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 Wave Power 
                 382 
                 HP 
                 2,952 
                 HP 
               
               
                 2 
                 Buoyancy Block Power 
               
               
                   
                 BB D   
                 0.79 
                 HP 
                 2.05 
                 HP 
               
               
                   
                 BB L   
                 7.13 
                 HP 
                 31.67 
                 HP 
               
               
                   
                 BB T   
                 7.92 
                 HP 
                 33.72 
                 HP 
               
               
                 3 
                 Piston Pumping Power 
               
               
                   
                 PF 
                 10.88 
                 CFM 
                 27.98 
                 CFM 
               
               
                   
                 PP 
                 125 
                 PSI 
                 185 
                 PSI 
               
               
                 4 
                 Generator Power (BP) 
                 .4558 
                 HP 
                 20.32 
                 HP 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 5 
                 Pump Efficiency 
                 57% 
                 60% 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Accordingly, it can be seen that increasing the buoyancy pump height by 1.5 ft. results in larger horsepower in the lifting and dropping of the buoyancy block, and larger output horsepower in the exemplary system with improved overall efficiency. Fundamentally, the availability of larger waves at a site provides a source of wave power for buoyancy pumps having larger buoyancy blocks and pistons that generate larger flow rates (e.g., PF=27.98 CFM) and consequently more horsepower output (e.g., BP=20.32 HP) at a given location. 
     As noted above, the diameter (d 1 ) of the buoyancy block  114 ′ (see  FIG. 4D ) may also be adjusted to accommodate larger waves at a site. The following table, TABLE 2, illustrates the extent to which variations in the diameter of the buoyancy block affects the resulting horsepower (BB T ) as the wave speed (W S ) varies for a specific wave height (W H ) and as the wave height varies for a specific speed. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Buoyancy Block 
                 Buoyancy Block 
               
               
                 Wave 
                 Diameter (in) 
                 Horsepower (BB T ) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Height 
                 W S  = 3 mph 
                 W S  = 8 mph 
                 W S  = 3 mph 
                 W S  = 8 mph 
               
               
                 (W H ) 
                 Low Wave 
                 High Wave 
                 Low Wave 
                 High Wave 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 3 
                 12.6 
                 126 
                 0.9 
                 26.9 
               
               
                 4 
                 16.8 
                 168 
                 2.21 
                 64.76 
               
               
                 5 
                 21 
                 210 
                 4.39 
                 126.94 
               
               
                 6 
                 25.2 
                 252 
                 7.67 
                 219.88 
               
               
                 7 
                 29.4 
                 294 
                 12.28 
                 349.77 
               
               
                 8 
                 33.6 
                 336 
                 18.45 
                 522.78 
               
               
                 9 
                 37.8 
                 378 
                 26.39 
                 745.09 
               
               
                 10 
                 42 
                 420 
                 36.33 
                 1022.9 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The data for TABLE 2 was generated based on a wave having the indicated wave height and moving at 3 miles per hour for the low wave, and 8 miles per hour for the high wave. The equations set forth above were used to calculate the horsepower for the low and high wave settings. The diameter or width of the buoyancy block was adjusted to perform in larger wave environments as indicated and described above to maximize the efficiency of the buoyancy pump with respect to the varying wave heights and wave speeds. 
     The larger and faster the wave, swell or current, the greater the potential energy available for extraction through the buoyancy pump device. Likewise, the larger the buoyancy block, either in height or diameter, the greater the potential energy available for extraction from the water. The smaller and slower the wave, swell or current, the smaller the potential energy available for extraction from the water through the buoyancy pump device. Similarly, the smaller the buoyancy block, the smaller potential energy available for extraction from the water. To optimize the potential energy available from the buoyancy pump device  100 , the buoyancy block  114  should be fully submerged and should not exceed the width or height of the wave or swell arc. 
     All of the examples above assume that certain size waves are available at a specific site and on a regular daily basis for the buoyancy pump device to be operationally efficient. Fortunately, data regarding the wave heights at specific locations for each day of the year is available from several sources including the website at http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov which is incorporated herein by reference. The following table (TABLE 3) illustrates wave data for January 2001 and February 2001 taken from GRAYS HARBOR, Wash. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Annualized Wave Averages 
               
               
                 Grays Harbor, WA Buoy (water depth = 125.99 feet) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 January 2001 
                   
                 February 2001 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Wave Height 
                 Period 
                   
                 Wave Height 
                 Period 
               
               
                 Day 
                 (ft.) 
                 (sec) 
                 Day 
                 (ft.) 
                 (sec) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 1 
                 8.20 
                 11.020 
                 1 
                 8.00 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 2 
                 9.20 
                 11.020 
                 2 
                 16.20 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 3 
                 7.10 
                 11.020 
                 3 
                 16.50 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 4 
                 10.20 
                 11.020 
                 4 
                 7.50 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 5 
                 9.80 
                 11.020 
                 5 
                 11.80 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 6 
                 13.60 
                 11.020 
                 6 
                 6.40 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 7 
                 6.30 
                 11.020 
                 7 
                 7.80 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 8 
                 7.00 
                 11.020 
                 8 
                 5.50 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 9 
                 10.30 
                 11.020 
                 9 
                 9.40 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 10 
                 16.50 
                 11.020 
                 10 
                 9.40 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 11 
                 9.10 
                 11.020 
                 11 
                 6.90 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 12 
                 10.60 
                 11.020 
                 12 
                 6.60 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 13 
                 6.50 
                 11.020 
                 13 
                 5.20 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 14 
                 12.10 
                 11.020 
                 14 
                 4.10* 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 15 
                 8.80 
                 11.020 
                 15 
                 5.60 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 16 
                 5.30 
                 11.020 
                 16 
                 5.70 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 17 
                 8.40 
                 11.020 
                 17 
                 5.00 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 18 
                 9.30 
                 11.020 
                 18 
                 7.20 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 19 
                 14.40 
                 11.020 
                 19 
                 5.60 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 20 
                 9.70 
                 11.020 
                 20 
                 6.80 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 21 
                 17.20 
                 11.020 
                 21 
                 6.60 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 22 
                 7.10 
                 11.020 
                 22 
                 6.80 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 23 
                 8.40 
                 11.020 
                 23 
                 6.50 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 24 
                 9.00 
                 11.020 
                 24 
                 5.60 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 25 
                 9.10 
                 11.020 
                 25 
                 4.90* 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 26 
                 10.50 
                 11.020 
                 26 
                 6.70 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 27 
                 9.80 
                 11.020 
                 27 
                 5.60 
                 11.500 
               
               
                 28 
                 5.00 
                 11.020 
                 28 
                 6.70 
                 11.500 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 29 
                 19.00 
                 11.020 
                   
               
               
                 30 
                 9.40 
                 11.020 
               
               
                 31 
                 9.60 
                 11.020 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 AVG. 
                 9.89 
                 11.020 
                 AVG. 
                 7.38 
                 11.500 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Non-operational (less than 5 ft) 
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In Table 3, the wave heights were measured for each respective day of the month to achieve a daily average. Wave period was averaged for the entire month and the same wave period was used for each day of the month. For January 2001, there were 31 total operation days, given an exemplary buoyancy pump device having a minimum wave height operational requirement of 5 ft. For February 2001, because day  14  and day  25  had wave heights less than 5 ft., there were only 26 operation days for the exemplary buoyancy pump device. 
     Referring now to TABLE 4, the average wave height data is shown for January and February, and then for the entire year (the remaining data for March through December 2001 is available at the web site referred to above). 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 January 
                 February 
                 . . . 
                 Annual 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Average Wave Speed 
                 11.02 
                 11.50 
                   
                 9.922 
               
               
                 Average Wave Height 
                 9.89 
                 7.38 
                   
                 7.467 
               
               
                 Operational Days 
                 31 
                 26 
                   
                 — 
               
               
                 Cumulative 
                 31 
                 57 
                   
                 236 
               
               
                 Operational Days 
               
               
                 Average Weight Height - 
                 9.89 
                 7.60 
                   
                 — 
               
               
                 Operational 
               
               
                 Cumulative Average 
                 9.89 
                 8.75 
                   
                 8.54 
               
               
                 Wave Height 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The average of the wave heights for the operational days in January and February were thus determined to be 9.89 ft. and 7.60 ft., respectively. The annualized operational wave height for January and February 2001, would be averaged at 8.75 ft. of over a period of 57 days of operation. For calendar year 2001, the number of operational days was 236 with an average operational wave height of 8.54 ft. A user of a buoyancy pump device disclosed herein is able to obtain the publicly available data and determine effective annualized wave-heights and operation days for a given buoyancy pump device configuration. 
     The components of the buoyancy pump device  100  must be adapted to function in a saline environment, such as an ocean. Accordingly, the components of the buoyancy pump device  100  must have anti-oxidation properties and/or otherwise be corrosive-resistant. To provide for minimal environmental impact, the inlet  126  of the piston chamber  122 , which may be exposed to the surrounding environment, may have a filter placed thereon to filter out undesired components. In the case of seaweed or other decaying material, such as algae entering into the buoyancy chamber  112  or the buoyancy cylinder  104 , the seaweed will act as a natural lubricant between the moving components of the buoyancy pump device  100 . For example, if algae were to become lodged between the shims  140  and the buoyancy block  114 , the algae would reduce the friction between the shims  140  and the buoyancy block  114 , thereby increasing the buoyancy pump device efficiency. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an elevated side plan view of an alternate embodiment of a buoyancy pump device  500  is shown in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The buoyancy pump device  500  includes a base  502 , a buoyancy cylinder  504  connected at one end to the base  502  and enclosed at the other end by a buoyancy cylinder cap  506  and aligned generally coaxially with the buoyancy cylinder  504 . The other end of the buoyancy cylinder  504  is open and exposed to the environment. The buoyancy cylinder  504  and buoyancy cylinder cap  506  collectively define a buoyancy chamber  508  therein. 
     A buoyancy block  510  generally cylindrical in shape is slidably positioned with the buoyancy chamber  508  to move axially therein. It is to be appreciated that the buoyancy pump device  500  in this embodiment eliminates the need for a piston and piston shaft by combining the buoyancy block of  FIG. 1  and the buoyancy block and piston of  FIG. 1  into one equivalent buoyancy block  510 . 
     An inlet valve  512  and an outlet valve  514  extend through the buoyancy cylinder cap  506  in communication with the buoyancy chamber  508  to allow gas or liquid to flow therethrough. An inlet line  516  and an outlet line  518  are connected to the inlet valve  512  and outlet  514 , respectively, and are adapted to receive and exhaust, respectively, gas or liquid from the other ends. 
     The base  502  may have a plurality of legs  520  extending towards a floor  522  of the body of water  524 . A support base  526  is coupled through the legs  520  to secure the buoyancy pump device  500  on the floor  522 . The base  502  connects to ballast tanks  528  for maintaining the buoyancy pump device  500  in a fixed position relative to the environment. 
     Positioned axially above the buoyancy cylinder cap  506  is a ballast cap  530  which further serves to stabilize the buoyancy pump device  500 . The ballast cap  530  is adapted to allow the valves  512 ,  514  and lines  516 ,  518  to communicate therethrough. Instead of a storage tank, the outlet line  518  may be connected to a flow line  532  to move gas or liquids flowing through the flow line to a desired location (not shown). 
     The buoyancy block  510  disposed within the buoyancy chamber  508  has a predetermined buoyancy, such that the buoyancy block  510  moves in a cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water in which the buoyancy pump device  500  is positioned and the hydraulic or pneumatic system characteristics of the buoyancy pump device  500  itself. The buoyancy of the buoyancy block  510  may be adjusted in a manner as described above. Stops  534  are disposed on an inner perimeter at a lower end of the buoyancy cylinder  504  to prevent the buoyancy block  510  from withdrawing outside of the buoyancy cylinder  504 . The buoyancy block  510  has a seal formed about the perimeter of the buoyancy block  510  to prevent communication between the buoyancy chamber  508  and the water  524 . 
     The inlet and outlet valves  512 ,  514  are unidirectional flow devices which permit the flow of gas or liquid into and out of the buoyancy chamber  508 , respectively. It is to be appreciated that the valves  512 ,  514  may be positioned at differing locations, so long as a desired pressure is achievable within the buoyancy chamber  508 . 
     In operation, as waves pass the buoyancy pump device  500 , water contacts the buoyancy block  510  through the opening in the buoyancy cylinder  504  to raise the buoyancy block  510  in a cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water and the hydraulic or pneumatic system characteristics of the buoyancy pump device  500 . Gas or liquid in the buoyancy chamber  508  is expelled or exhausted through the outlet valve  514  and outlet line  518  into the flow line  532 . As the wave departs the buoyancy pump device  500 , the buoyancy block  510  incrementally descends as urged by gravity, creating a vacuum within the buoyancy chamber  508 . Accordingly, gas or liquid is entered in through the inlet line  516  and inlet valve  512  into the buoyancy chamber  508 . As the next successive wave approaches, gas or liquid that has been drawn into the buoyancy chamber  508  is again expelled through the outlet valve  512 , outline line  518  and flow line  532  in relation to the position of the buoyancy block as it rises with respect to the wave. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an elevated side view of yet another embodiment of a buoyancy pump device  600  is shown. The buoyancy pump device  600  includes a base  602 , a buoyancy housing  604  connected to the base  602 , a buoyancy housing cap  606  coupled to the buoyancy housing  604 , and a buoyancy housing base  608  coupled to the other end of the buoyancy housing  604 . Axially descending from the buoyancy housing cap  606  and connected thereto is a piston shaft  610  and a plurality of piston supports  612 . Connected to the other end of the piston shaft  610  and piston supports  612  is a piston  614 . Between the piston  614  and the buoyancy housing base  608  is positioned a buoyancy block  616  having buoyancy block walls  618  extending towards the buoyancy housing cap  606 . The buoyancy block  616 , buoyancy block walls  618 , and piston  614  form a piston chamber  620  therein. The buoyancy block walls  618  are adapted to slidably move between the piston  614  and the buoyancy housing  604 . The base  602  has a plurality of legs  622  descending towards a floor  624  of the body of water  626 . Base supports  628  are connected to the legs  622  and positioned on the floor  624  of the water  626 . The base supports  628  may be filled with a suitable ballast to maintain the position of the buoyancy pump device  600  in a position relative to the water  626 . 
     The buoyancy housing  604  comprises four vertically extending posts  630  coupled to and positioned between the buoyancy housing cap  606  and the buoyancy housing base  608 . A plurality of stops  632  are positioned on respective upper and lower portions of the posts  630  to maintain the buoyancy block  616  within the buoyancy housing  604  and limit axial movement thereof. At the top of the buoyancy housing  604  a ballast cap  634  is connected thereto to assist in maintaining the buoyancy pump device  600  in a fixed position relative to the water  626 . The buoyancy housing base  608  connects on one surface to an outlet valve  636  and at the other surface to an outlet line  638 . The buoyancy housing base  608  provides for communication between the outlet valve  636  and the outlet line  638 . The outlet line  638  is telescoping in nature, and slidably received through the buoyancy housing base  608  such that should the buoyancy block  616  move in relation to the buoyancy housing base  608 , constant communication is maintained between the outlet valve  636  and the outlet line  638 . The piston shaft  610  and the piston supports  612  are fixed relative to the buoyancy housing cap  606  and the piston  614  to maintain a fixed position of the piston  614  with respect to the buoyancy housing cap  606 . 
     The piston  614  connects to an inlet valve  640  to allow communication of the inlet valve  640  with the piston chamber  620 . The inlet valve  640  in turn is connected to an inlet line  642  to allow communication with the piston chamber  620  and the desired supply source. 
     The buoyancy block  616  and buoyancy block walls  618  are slidable with respect to the buoyancy housing  604  and buoyancy housing posts  630 , such that the buoyancy block  616  and buoyancy block walls  618  may move axially within the buoyancy housing  604 . The interface between the piston  614  and the buoyancy walls  618  is preferably sealed such that the piston chamber  620  may be under a fixed pressure with respect to axially movement of the buoyancy block  616  with respect to the piston  614 , thereby maintaining a pressure therein. 
     The inlet and outlet valves  640 ,  636  are unidirectional flow devices which permit the flow of gas or liquid into and out of the piston chamber  620 , respectively. It is to be appreciated that the valves  640 ,  636  may be positioned at differing locations on the buoyancy housing cap  606  and buoyancy housing base  608 , respectively, so long as a desired pressure is achievable within the piston chamber  620 . 
     In operation, as a wave having predetermined characteristics approaches and contacts the buoyancy block  616  and buoyancy block walls  618 , the buoyancy block  616  and buoyancy block walls  618  move axially upward relative to the cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water in which the buoyancy pump device  600  is positioned and the hydraulic or pneumatic system characteristics of the buoyancy pump device  600  itself. The buoyancy of the buoyancy block  616  may be adjusted in a manner described above. 
     The buoyancy block  616  pressurizes the gas or liquid in the piston chamber  620 , such that the gas or liquid within the piston chamber  620  is expelled through the outlet valve  636  and outlet line  638  to be transported to a desired location through a flow line  644  coupled to the outlet line  638 . As the wave departs the buoyancy pump device  600 , gravity urges the buoyancy block  616  and buoyancy block walls  618  downward, thereby creating a vacuum within the piston chamber  620 . Gas or liquid is then drawn through the inlet line  642  and inlet valve  640  into the piston chamber  620  until the buoyancy block either contacts the stops or reaches the trough of the wave. As the next wave cyclically approaches the buoyancy pump device  600 , the process is then repeated. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an elevated side view of yet another embodiment of a buoyancy pump device  700  is shown. The buoyancy pump device  700  includes a base  702 , a buoyancy housing  704 , a buoyancy housing cap  705  connected to the buoyancy housing, a piston housing  706  connected to the buoyancy housing cap  705 , a buoyancy housing base  708  connected to the other end of the buoyancy housing  704 , the piston housing cap  710  connected to the piston housing  706 , and a ballast cap  712  positioned above the piston housing cap  710  and coupled thereto. 
     A buoyancy block  714  is axially disposed within the buoyancy housing  704 . A piston shaft  716  connects to the upper surface of the buoyancy block  714  at one end and to a piston  718  axially disposed within the piston housing  706  at the other end. A piston chamber  719  is formed between the upper surface of the piston  718 , the lower surface of the piston housing cap  710  and the piston housing  706 . 
     An inlet valve  720  and an outlet valve  722  are connected to the piston chamber  719  through the piston housing cap  710 . The inlet valve  720  and outlet valve  722  extend through the ballast cap  712  and connect to an inlet line  724  and an outlet line  726 , respectively. 
     The base  702  has a plurality of support legs  728  which extend toward a support base  730 . The support base  730  preferably seats on a floor  732  of the body of water  734 . 
     The buoyancy housing  704  has a plurality of buoyancy housing legs  736  extending towards the buoyancy housing base  708  and connected thereto. The buoyancy housing legs  736  allow water  734  to pass therethrough. A plurality of buoyancy block stops  738  are disposed at upper and lower locations on an inner surface of the buoyancy housing legs  736  to limit axial movement of the buoyancy block  714  within the buoyancy housing  704 . 
     The buoyancy housing base  708  has a ballast tank  740  positioned thereon to maintain the position of the buoyancy pump device  700  relative to the body of water  734 . The buoyancy housing base  708  is further connected to a flow line  742  and allows the flow line  742  to flow through the buoyancy housing base  708 . 
     The piston housing  706  has a plurality of piston stops  744  disposed at a lower end of and inside of the piston housing  706  to limit axial movement of the piston  718  in the piston housing  706 . The piston housing  706  is further adapted to allow slidable axial movement of the piston  718  within the piston housing  706 . 
     The ballast cap  712  may be used to further stabilize the buoyancy pump device  700  with respect to the body of water  734  by having a predetermined ballast or a variable ballast within the ballast cap  712 . 
     The buoyancy block  714 , which may be adjustable in the manner described above, is adapted to slidably axially move within the buoyancy housing  704  as limited by a cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water  734  in which the buoyancy pump device  700  is positioned and the hydraulic or pneumatic system characteristics of the buoyancy pump device  700  itself. 
     The piston shaft  716  is preferably rigid and maintains a fixed relationship between the piston  718  and the buoyancy block  714 . The piston  718  is exposed to water on the lower end due to the opened end of the piston housing  706  disposed towards the buoyancy block  714 . The piston  718  preferably has a seal (not shown) disposed about the perimeter of the piston  718  that prevents leaking or seepage from the piston chamber  719  into the area beneath the piston. In such a manner, the piston chamber is therefore kept free from the external environment and provides an effective location for pumping gas or liquid therein in a pressure relationship. 
     The inlet and outlet valves  720 ,  722  are unidirectional flow devices permit the flow of gas or liquid into and out of the piston chamber  719 , respectively. It is to be appreciated that the valves  720 ,  722  may be positioned at different locations on the piston housing cap  710 , so long as a desired pressure is achievable within the piston chamber  719 . 
     The inlet line  724  is adapted to be connected into a desired gas or liquid, and therefore provide a desired source of gas or liquid to be pumped by the buoyancy pumping device  700 . The outlet line  726  is coupled to the flow line  742 , which in turn directs flow to a desired location. 
     In operation, as a wave approaches the buoyancy pump device  700 , the buoyancy block  714 , having a predetermined buoyancy, incrementally rises with respect to the wave. The piston  718  will move in direct relation to the buoyancy block  714 , thereby expelling gas or liquid from the piston chamber  719  through the outlet valve  722 , outlet line  726 , and flow line  742 . As the wave departs the buoyancy pump device  700 , the buoyancy block  714 , urged by gravity, descends with respect to the wave. The piston  718 , moving in direct relation to the descent of the buoyancy block  714 , likewise descends, thereby creating a vacuum within the piston chamber  719 . Gas or liquid is drawn through the inlet line  724  and inlet valve  720  into the piston chamber  719 , thereby filling the piston chamber  719 . The cycle continues to repeat in relation to the cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water and the hydraulic or pneumatic system characteristics of the buoyancy pump device  700  itself. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pumping device  800  is shown in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The buoyancy pump device  800  includes a base  802 , a housing  804  connected to the base  802 , a housing cap  806  connected to the housing  804 , and a housing base  808  connected to the other end of the housing  804 . A piston housing  810  is axially disposed in a lower portion of the housing  804 . The piston housing  810  includes a piston housing cap  812  and a piston housing base  814 . A piston housing ballast portion  816  is connected to the piston housing  810  at a lower portion thereof. 
     A buoyancy block  818  having a predetermined buoyancy, is disposed within the housing  804 . A piston shaft  820  is connected to a lower end of the buoyancy block  818  and extends axially therefrom. A piston  822  is connected to the other end of the piston shaft  820 . The piston  822  is adapted to axially move within the piston housing  810 . A piston chamber  824  is formed by a lower surface of the piston  822 , the piston housing base  814  and the piston housing  810 . 
     An inlet valve  826  is connected through the piston housing base  814  and in communication with the piston chamber  824 . Likewise, an outlet valve  828  is connected to the piston housing base  814  and in communication with the piston chamber  824 . An inlet line  830  and an outlet line  832  is connected to the other respective ends of the inlet valve  826  and outlet valve  828 . 
     The base  802  includes support legs  834  which extend and connect to a support base  836 . The support base  836  is adapted to rest against a floor  838  of the body of water  840 . Ballast tanks  842  are connected to an upper surface of the support base  836  and adapted to receive and/or expel ballast and thereby maintain the position of the buoyancy pump device  800  with respect to the body of water  840 . 
     The housing  804  comprises a plurality of housing legs  844  connected to the housing base  808  at one end and to the housing cap  806  at the other end. The housing legs  844  allow water to freely flow therebetween. 
     A flow tank  846  is connected to the inlet line  830  and outlet line  832 , and positioned on a surface of the housing base  808 . The flow tank  846  is further connected to a supply line  848  and a flow line  850 . The flow tank  846  may control flow to and from the piston chamber  824 , and direct outlet flow from the piston chamber  824  to a desired location through the flow line  850 . 
     The buoyancy of the buoyancy block  818  is adjustable in a manner described above. The buoyancy block  818  is adapted to slideably axially move within the housing  804  in a cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water  840  in which the buoyancy pump device  800  is positioned and the hydraulic or pneumatic system characteristics of the buoyancy pump device  800  itself. 
     The piston shaft  820  maintains the buoyancy block  818  and the piston  822  in a fixed relationship, such that movement of the buoyancy block  818  corresponds to movement of the piston  822 . 
     The housing  804  has a plurality of buoyancy block stops  852  positioned on an inside of the housing legs  844  to limit axial movement of the buoyancy block  818  therein. Likewise, the piston housing  810  has a plurality of piston stops  854  on an inner surface of the piston housing  810  adapted to limit the axial movement of the piston  822  therein. 
     The inlet valve  826  and outlet valve  828  are unidirectional flow devices which permit the flow of gas or liquid into and out of the piston chamber  824 , respectively. It is to be appreciated that the valves  826 ,  828  may be positioned at differing locations on the piston housing base  814 , so long as the desired pressure is achievable within the piston chamber  824 . 
     In operation, as a wave having predetermined characteristics arrives at the buoyancy pump device  800 , the buoyancy block  818  and piston  822  incrementally rise. A vacuum is created within the piston chamber  824 , thereby drawing gas or liquid, depending on the supply source connected to the supply line  848  is drawn into the piston chamber  824  through the inlet line  830  and inlet valve  826 . As the wave departs the buoyancy pump device  800 , gravity urges the buoyancy piston axially downward, thereby compressing the gas or liquid within the piston chamber  824  and exhausting or expelling the gas or liquid within the piston chamber  824  through the outlet valve  828 , outlet line  832 , flow tank  846  and flow line  850 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a side elevational view in an alternative embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump device  900  is shown. The buoyancy pump device  900  includes a base  902 , a housing  904  connected to a base  902 , a housing cap  906  and a housing base  908 . A housing ballast portion  909  is disposed axially above the housing cap  906 . 
     A metallized piston  910  is disposed within the housing  904  and is adapted to axially move within the housing  904 . Positioned outside of the housing  904  and adjacent to the ends of the piston  910  are a plurality of magnetized buoyancy blocks  912 , having predetermined buoyancy. The magnetized buoyancy blocks  912  are positioned next to the metallized piston  910 , such that movement of the magnetized buoyancy block  912  corresponds to movement of the metallized piston  910  within the housing  904 . A guide rail  911  is provided on the housing  904  to guide movement of the magnetized buoyancy block  912  in relation to the metallized piston  910 . Piston chambers  913   a ,  913   b  are defined on opposite sides of the piston  910 . A non-metallic seal  915  may be placed on and coupled to an outer surface of the metallized piston  910  between the metallized piston  910  and the housing  904  to prevent fluid or liquid flow between the piston chambers  913   a ,  913   b.    
     A first inlet valve  914  and a first outlet valve  916  are connected through the housing cap  906  with the piston chamber  913   a . The first inlet valve  914  and first outlet valve  916  are connected through the housing ballast portion  909  to a first inlet line  918  and a first outlet line  920 , respectively. 
     A second inlet valve  922  and a second outlet valve  924  are connected at one end through the housing base  908  with the piston chamber  913   b . The second inlet valve  922  and second outlet valve  924  are connected at other respective ends to the second inlet line  926  and second outlet line  928 . 
     The base  902  includes a plurality of support legs  930  coupled at one end to the housing  904  and at the other end to a support base  932 . The support base  932  is adapted to rest against a floor  934  of a body of water  936  in which the buoyancy pump device  900  is placed. 
     The housing  904  includes a plurality of stops  938  on an external surface, which are adapted to limit axial movement of the magnetized buoyancy blocks  912 . The outlet lines  920 ,  928  are connected to a flow line  940  for transmission of flow therein to a desired location. 
     The magnetized buoyancy blocks  912  move in a cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water in which the buoyancy pump device  900  is positioned and the hydraulic or pneumatic system characteristics of the buoyancy pump device  900  itself. The buoyancy of the magnetized buoyancy blocks  912  may be adjusted by flooding the magnetized buoyancy blocks  912  with a predetermined fluid or solid, or expelling from the magnetized buoyancy blocks  912  the predetermined fluid or solid. 
     The inlet valves  914 ,  922  and outlet valves  916 ,  924  are unidirectional flow devices which permit the flow of gas or liquid into and out of the piston chambers  913   a ,  913   b . For example, the first inlet valve  914  allows flow into piston chamber  913   a , and the first outlet valve  916  allows flow out of the piston chamber  913   a . The second inlet valve  922  and second outlet valve  924  allow flow into and out of the piston chamber  913   b . It is to be appreciated that the first inlet valve  914  and first outlet valve  916  may be positioned at differing locations on the housing cap  906 . Likewise, the second inlet valve  922  and second outlet valve  924  may be positioned at differing locations on the housing base  908 , so long as a desired pressure is achievable within the piston chambers  913   a ,  913   b.    
     In operation, as a wave from the body of water  946  departs the buoyancy pump device  900 , the magnetized buoyancy blocks  912  incrementally lower due to gravity, thereby magnetically lowering the metallized piston  910  to create a vacuum within the piston chamber  913   a . At the same time, the dropping of the magnetized buoyancy blocks  912  and metallized piston  910  compresses the gas or liquid within the piston chamber  913   b . The gas or liquid therein is exhausted or expelled through the second outlet valve  924 , second outlet line  928  and into the flow line  940 . In the piston chamber  913   a , the vacuum draws gas or liquid from the first inlet line  918  through the first inlet valve  914 , and into the piston chamber  913   a.    
     As the next wave approaches, the magnetized buoyancy blocks  912  and metallized piston  910  incrementally rise in a magnetic interrelationship with respect to the passing water  936 , thereby pressurizing the gas or liquid within the piston chamber  913   a  and expelling the gas or liquid through the first outlet valve  916  and first outlet line  920  into flow line  940 . The piston chamber  913   b  becomes a vacuum, thereby drawing gas or liquid through the second inlet line  926 , second inlet valve  922  and into the piston chamber  913   b . The process is cyclically repeated with each successive wave. 
     Should the pressure in either outlet valve  916 ,  924  inhibit movement of the metallized piston  910 , the magnetic buoyancy blocks  912  will separate from the metallized piston  910  to move with respect to the wave, and re-engage the metallized piston  910  in the next wave cycle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , yet another embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump device  1000  is shown in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Buoyancy pump device  1000  includes a base  1002 , a housing  1004  connected to the base  1002 , a housing cap  1006  connected to the housing  1004  and a housing base  1008 . A piston cylinder  1010  is disposed within the housing  1004  and includes a piston cylinder cap  1012 , and a piston cylinder ballast portion  1014  connected to the piston cylinder  1010  and disposed above the piston cylinder cap  1012 . A piston  1016  is adapted to axially move within the piston cylinder  1010 . A buoyancy block  1018  is axially positioned with the housing  1004  above the piston cylinder  1010  and is adapted to axially move within the housing  1004 . A plurality of piston shafts  1020  extend from a lower surface of the piston  1016  and connected to lateral surfaces of the buoyancy block  1018 . 
     An inlet valve  1022  and an outlet valve  1024  are connected through the piston cylinder cap  1012  to a piston chamber  1026  formed by the piston cylinder cap  1012 , piston cylinder  1010  and the upper surface of the piston  1016 . An inlet line  1028  and an outlet line  1030  are connected to the inlet valve  1022  and outlet valve  1024 , respectively. The inlet line  1028  and outlet line  1030  extend through the piston cylinder ballast portion  1014 . 
     The base  1002  includes support legs  1032  connected to a lower portion of the housing  1004  at one end and to a support base  1034  at the other end. The support base  1034  is adapted to rest against a floor  1036  of a body of water  1038 . A ballast tank  1040  is connected to an upper portion of the support base  1034  to maintain the buoyancy pump device  1000  in a fixed position relative to the body of water  1038 . 
     The housing  1004  includes a plurality of housing legs  1042  which are adapted to allow the water  1038  to flow therebetween. The housing legs  1042  connect to the housing base  1008 . The housing  1004  further includes a plurality of stops  1045  formed on an inner surface of the housing legs  1042  to limit axial movement of the buoyancy block  1018  therein. 
     Connected to the outlet line is a flow tank  1046 , which is connected to the housing base  1008 . The flow tank  1046  is adapted to direct flow received from the outlet line  1030  and supply the flow from the outlet line  1040  to a flow line  1048 . 
     The piston cylinder  1010  is open at the end opposing the piston cylinder cap  1012 , such that water may contact the bottom surface of the piston  1016 . A seal (not shown) is provided on the perimeter of the piston  1016  to prevent communication between the piston chamber  1026  and the body of water  1038 . 
     The piston  1016 , which is adjustable in a manner described above, is slidably axially movable within the piston cylinder  1010 . Because the piston  1016  and buoyancy block  1018  are connected via the piston shaft  1020 , movement of the buoyancy block  1018  corresponds in direct movement of the piston  1016 . 
     The buoyancy block  1018  has a predetermined buoyancy, such that the buoyancy block  1018  moves in a cycle conforming to the fluid dynamics of the water in which the buoyancy pump device  1000  is placed. The buoyancy of the buoyancy block  1018  may be adjusted in a manner described above, depending on the characteristics and fluid dynamics of the water and the system. 
     The inlet and outlet valves  1022 ,  1024  are unidirectional flow devices which permit the flow of gas or liquid into and out of the piston chamber  1026 , respectively. It is to be appreciated that the valves  1022 ,  1024  may be positioned at differing locations on the piston cylinder cap  1012 , so long as a desired pressure is achievable within the piston chamber  1026 . 
     In operation, after the buoyancy pump device  1000  has been initially placed in a body of water, such as ocean, lake, river or other wave producing environment, the initial pressure in the outlet line  1030 , valve  1024  and piston chamber  1026  begins at a zero-pressure state. The wave, having recognized properties, arrives at the buoyancy pump device  1000 . Water from the wave incrementally lifts the buoyancy block  1018 , thereby lifting both the buoyancy block  1018  and a piston  1016 . The gas or liquid that has been introduced into the piston chamber  1026  begins to pressurize until the pressure in the piston chamber  1026  overcomes the line pressure in the outlet line  1030 . At this point, the gas or liquid flows through the outlet valve  1024  and the outlet line  1030  and is transferred through the flow line  1048  to a desired location for use or storage. 
     As the wave departs the buoyancy pump device  1000 , gravity urges the buoyancy block  1018  down, thereby resulting in a corresponding downward axial movement of the piston  1016  within the piston cylinder  1010 . A vacuum is created within the piston chamber  1026 , thereby drawing gas or liquid through the inlet line  1028 , inlet valve  1022  and into the piston chamber  1026 . The cycle is cyclically repeated with each successive wave. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown exemplary side views of the buoyancy pump device  100  of  FIG. 1  as coupled to an exemplary aquiculture rig  1100 . In this configuration, the aquiculture rig  1100  includes a plurality of ballast tanks  1110  concentrically arranged about and connected to the buoyancy pump device  100 . The ballast tanks  1110  are further connected to adjacent ballast tanks  1110  by a plurality of guy wires  1120 . The plurality of ballast tanks  1110  may vary in length or width in order to stabilize the buoyancy pump device  100  with respect to oncoming waves from a body of water  1130  in which the buoyancy pump device  100  is positioned. 
     The buoyancy pump device may be a modular construction to allow the buoyancy pump device to be portable. A portable buoyancy pump device may be set up in one location, dismantled, and set up in another location. The portability of the buoyancy pump device may be distinguished from other hydroelectric generation systems that are not portable, such as a water flow turbine constructed permanently at one location. Moreover, a group or field of portable buoyancy pump devices may be moved to provide power to different land or sea-based applications (subject to the changing demand for power). For example, a group of one or more buoyancy pump devices may be deployed at a sea based location to support a military base deployed to a new region for an unknown period of time that is relocated to a different region thereafter. A group of buoyancy pump devices may be deployed substantially anywhere having sufficient sources of wave energy with waves that conform to the specifications of the buoyancy pump devices. 
       FIG. 12A  shows an exemplary buoyancy chamber ring  1200  that may be used as a structural component to construct an exemplary structure, as shown in  FIG. 12B  and formed of several buoyancy chamber rings  1200 , to function substantially similar to the buoyancy cylinder  104  (see  FIG. 1 ) of a buoyancy pump device. The buoyancy pump device utilizing the buoyancy chamber ring  1200  is modular in structure. The buoyancy chamber ring  1200  comprises an outer ring  1202  and an inner ring  1204 . The outer and inner rings  1202  and  1204  are concentric and may be coupled by a number of spacers forming spacer pairs  1206   a - 1206   d  (collectively  1206 ). The spacer pairs  1206  may be configured in parallel and be symmetrically positioned about axes x and y. The spacer pairs  1206  provide structural support for the outer and inner rings  1202  and  1204 . Other structural and/or geometric configurations of spacers may be utilized to provide structural support for the outer and inner rings  1202  and  1204 . For example, a truss configuration of spacers between the outer and inner rings  1202  and  1204  may be utilized. 
     Guide ring cylinders  1210  may be centrally located between the spacer pairs  1206  and coupled to each of the outer and inner rings  1202  and  1204 . The guide ring cylinders  1210  may be utilized to position and support the buoyancy chamber ring  1200  onto pilings  1216  (as discussed below with  FIG. 12B ). Each component of the buoyancy chamber ring  1200  may be composed of steel and/or materials, such as fiberglass or plastic, that are resistant to environmental conditions that are present in ocean or other environments. 
       FIG. 12B  is a perspective top view taken along a cross section of the buoyancy chamber  104  (see also  FIG. 1 ) for an exemplary buoyancy pump device  1212  that utilizes the buoyancy chamber ring  1200  shown in  FIG. 12A . The buoyancy chamber  104  is formed by engaging a plurality of buoyancy chamber rings  1200  axially along eight pilings or struts  1216  that may be mounted into a base (not shown) residing on and extending vertically from the floor of a body of water. Depending on the depth of the body of water, each of the pilings  1216  may be composed of multiple segments. As shown, the pilings  1216  may extend through the guide ring cylinders  1210  positioned radially about the buoyancy chamber ring  1200 . 
     Tubular shims  1218  extending vertically from the base of the buoyancy pump device  1212  may be coupled to the inner ring  1204  in alignment with each of the spacers of the spacer pairs  1206 . The tubular shims  1218  are utilized as guides for a buoyancy block  1220  (shown in part). The buoyancy block  1220  may include or be coupled to a buoyancy ring  1222 . The buoyancy ring  1222  may engage or be guided by the tubular shims  1218  to maintain alignment of the buoyancy block  1220  as it travels up and down within the buoyancy chamber  104 . Because of the modular design, the buoyancy pump device  1212  may be constructed and taken apart for relocation purposes. 
       FIG. 12C  is another embodiment of the buoyancy chamber ring  1200 ′ configured as a cap for the buoyancy chamber  104 . The buoyancy chamber ring  1200 ′ further may be configured to position a piston chamber  1224 . Positioning spacers  1226  may be substantially aligned with spacer pairs  1206  to form a rectangular region  1228  about a center point of the outer and inner rings  1202  and  1204 . A rectangular guide block  1230  may be positioned in the rectangular region  1228  and coupled to the positioning spacers  1226 . The rectangular guide block  1230  may include an opening  1232  sized to insert the piston chamber  1224  therethrough and maintain the piston chamber  1214  therein with connection members (not shown). It should be understood that the opening  1232  may be alternatively shaped and sized depending on the shape and size of the structural component (e.g., piston chamber  1224 ) being supported and aligned by the buoyancy chamber ring  1200 ′. 
       FIG. 13  is a drawing of a system  1300  for dynamically determining and/or adjusting the size of a buoyancy block based on wave data, such system depicting an image  1301  of a schematic of an exemplary buoyancy block  1302  displayed on a monitor  1303  of a computing system  1304 . The computing system  1304  includes a processor  1306  that is operable to execute software  1308 . The software  1308  is used to calculate dimensions and/or model operation of the buoyancy block  1302  based on historical wave data for a location in a body of water that a buoyancy pump device using the buoyancy block  1302  is to be positioned. The software  1308  may be formed of lines of code or formulas contained in a spreadsheet, for example. The software  1308  includes an algorithm that has input parameters for the historical wave data and outputs mechanical specification and system operational data. 
     The computing system  1304  further includes a memory  1310  coupled to the processor  1306 . The memory may be utilized to store the program  1308  and data produced thereby. An input/output (I/O) device  1312  is coupled to the processor  1306  and used to receive and transmit data internally to or externally from the computing system  1304 . A storage unit  1314  is in communication with the processor  1306  and is operable to store a database  1316 . The database  1316  may store the historical wave data and other data related to the configuration of one or more buoyancy pump devices for deployment. In one embodiment, the database  1316  is a datafile containing data associated with the buoyancy block  1302 . 
     The computing system  1304  may be in communication with a network  1318  via communication path  1320 . In one embodiment, the network  1318  is the Internet. Alternatively, the network  1318  may be a satellite communication system. The historical wave data server  1322  that maintains a database  1324  or other datafile containing wave data collected by buoys from various locations from bodies of water around the world as understood in the art. The wave data server  1322  is in communication with the network  1318  via communication path  1326  such that the computing system  1304  may access or look-up the wave data stored in the database  1324 . The wave data that is accessed and collected from the wave data server  1322  by the computing system  1304  may be manually, semi-automatically, or automatically included in the database  1316  and utilized by the software  1308  to generate dimensions and/or model operations of the buoyancy block  1302 . 
     The image  1301  of the buoyancy block  1302  may further include a variety of data fields to receive input parameters and/or display computed results in display fields for designing the buoyancy block  1302 . A designer of the buoyancy block  1302  may use the input parameters to enter information associated with specific or typical historical wave motions for certain periods of time. Alternatively, the input parameters may be read from a datafile stored in the storage unit  1314 , on the wave data server  1322 , or elsewhere, and displayed on the image  1301 . 
     In designing the buoyancy block  1302 , consideration of the installation location and duration of the installation is to be taken into account. For example, if a buoyancy pump device is to be installed in a particular location for a period of time, such as three months, then the designer may enter low, peak, and average historical wave motion for those particular months at the particular location in designing the buoyancy block  1302 . If the buoyancy pump is to be installed for a more permanent period of time, then the low, peak, and average historical wave motion may be entered over a longer period of time, such as five years, to determine the dimensions of the buoyancy block  1302 . 
     The image  1301  may include input and output fields, including tables, grids, graphical images, or other visual layout, to assist the designer of the buoyancy pump device. During the design phase of the buoyancy pump device, the designer may perform a design process, such as those discussed with regard to EXAMPLES A and B, TABLES 1-4, and  FIGS. 3A-3F  and  4 D. In performing the design process, EXAMPLE A (low wave size), EXAMPLE B (average wave size), and TABLE 1, provide examples for utilizing historical wave data in computing various component (e.g., buoyancy block) dimensions and system parameters (e.g., horsepower). Dimensions, such as the buoyancy block volume (BB V ), volume of cone (VC), volume of base (VB), and other dimensions, may be computed as a function of the historical wave data. TABLE 2, which describes buoyancy block diameter as a function of wave height (W H ), may be used to determine both dimensions and system parameters. The results shown on the image  1301  may be graphically displayed in conjunction with elements and dimensions shown on  FIGS. 3A-3F  and  4 D, for example. It should be understood that more simple or detailed graphical images of elements of the buoyancy pump device may be computed and shown on the image  1301 . Input data shown in TABLE 3 (Annualized Wave Averages) and TABLE 4 showing monthly average wave information may be input into the computing system  1300  in designing components for the buoyancy pump device based on the location and duration for deployment. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 13 , the display fields are used to show results from calculations produced by the software  1308  being executed by computing system  1304 . The results shown in the display fields may include a variety of mechanical specifications for the buoyancy block  1301 , including height (h 1 ) of the base (see  FIG. 4D ), diameter (d 1 ) of the base, height (h 2 ) of the cone, and other dimensions. Additionally, other dimensions of components of the buoyancy pump device may be computed, such as piston dimensions. The display fields may also include parameters that affect operational specifications, such as length of stroke available and lift travel time, and lift pressure, which is an amount of upward pressure developed by the buoyancy block  1301  as a function of the wave parameters (e.g., height and length). 
     The buoyancy pump devices are also scalable to serve the demand for a specific region. For example, a pre-determined number of buoyancy pump devices may be initially installed to service the demand for an existing region or part of a region, and then supplemented with additional buoyancy pump devices to serve the region as it expands or the remaining portion of the original region. The region may have only a small demand for energy requiring only 200 buoyancy pump devices, for example, or require a large demand for energy that would need several square miles of buoyancy pump devices comparable to that provided by a dam. Hence, the buoyancy pump devices are scalable and adaptable to whatever energy demands exist for a particular region being served. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an elevated view of an embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump power system  1400  that utilizes a water tower is shown. A group  1405  of one or more buoyancy devices  1410  is distributed along a floor  1415  of a body of water  1420  in a predetermined configuration. The group  1405  of buoyancy pump device(s)  1410  can be configured in a grid, array, or otherwise distributed in a manner to accommodate each buoyancy pump device  1410  in receiving wave motion with little or no effect due to other buoyancy pump devices  1410 . 
     Outlet lines  1425  from the buoyancy pump devices  1410  may extend along the floor  1415  toward a short  1430  that supports a water tower  1435 . The outlet lines  1425  operate as water feeds that deliver water at or near the top of the water tower  1435 . 
     The water tower  1435  operates as a reservoir for the pumped water to operate one or more turbines  1439  located in a turbine house  1440  at or near the bottom of the water tower  1435 . It should be understood that the turbine house  1440  may be included within, located adjacent, or closely located to the water tower  1435  so as to receive water stored in the water tower  1435  by a function of gravity to produce electric energy from the flow of water through the turbine(s)  1439 . Water that passes through the turbine(s)  1439  may be returned back to the body of water  1420  via a turbine discharge outlet  1440 . Alternatively, the water may be discharged for distribution for other uses, such as irrigation or desalinization to convert to drinking water, for example. 
     Power lines  1445  may be coupled to the turbine(s)  1439  for distribution of the electric power generated by the turbines onto a power grid  1450  to which the power lines  1445  are coupled. It is contemplated that pumps that are provided power by other techniques than by the use of buoyancy principles may be utilized to feed water to the water tower  1435  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For example, pumps that produce power by rotation means and/or wind power may be utilized to supply water to the water tower  1435 . 
       FIG. 15  is an elevated view of another embodiment of an exemplary buoyancy pump power system  1500 . The same or similar configuration of a group  1505  of one or more buoyancy pump devices  1510  along a floor  1515  of a body of water  1520  shown in  FIG. 14  may be established. The group  1505  of buoyancy pump devices  1510  may be configured in a grid, array, or otherwise distributed in a manner to accommodate each buoyancy pump device  1510  in receiving wave motion with little or no effect due to other buoyancy pump devices  1510 . 
     Outlet lines  1525  from the buoyancy pump devices  1510  may extend along the floor  1515  toward a cliff  1530  that supports one or more reservoirs  1535  on a cliff top  1540 . Alternatively, the reservoir(s)  1535  may be constructed into the cliff top  1540  as one or more in-ground pools or ponds. The outlet lines  1525  operate as water feeds that deliver water at or near the top of the reservoir  1535 . In one embodiment, the reservoir(s)  1535  may be formed to provide secondary uses. One such secondary use is a fish hatchery. The reservoir  1535  operates to store the water pumped from the buoyancy pump devices  1510  to operate one or more turbines  1540  located in a turbine house  1545  located at or near the bottom of cliff  1530  to provide for maximum water pressure to be applied to the turbine(s)  1540  as a function of gravity. Alternatively, the turbine house  1545  may be located in other locations so long as it is below the reservoir and capable of driving the turbine(s)  1540 . As understood in the art, different turbines operate on different water pressures so that the height of the cliff and/or the distance of the turbines below the reservoir  1535  may be based on the type of turbine being utilized. Electricity generated by the turbines  1540  may be conducted onto power lines  1550  for distribution onto a power grid  1555 . 
       FIG. 16  is an illustration of another exemplary configuration of buoyancy pump devices  1602  located in a body of water  1604  for converting wave energy into mechanical energy. The buoyancy pump devices  1602  are configured to drive a gas, such as air, through outlet lines  1606  in response to buoyancy blocks (not shown) of the buoyancy pump devices  1602  being moved by waves. A reservoir  1608  may be located on top of a shore  1610  or underground on the shore  1610  as the gas may be compressed and does not need to be elevated to drive a turbine  1612  contained in a turbine house  1614 . The turbine  1612  may be connected to the reservoir  1608  via input feed lines  1616  to receive the compressed gas to drive the turbine  1612 . The turbine is connected to power lines  1618  to distribute the electricity generated by the turbine  1612  to a power grid  1620  or other drain, such as a factory. 
       FIG. 17A  is an illustration of an exemplary pump field  1700  that includes of buoyancy pump devices  1702  configured to drive fluid to a reservoir  1704  in response to waves  1706  in an ocean  1708 . The pump field  1700  is configured as a grid of buoyancy pump devices  1702  including rows  1710  and columns  1712  of plots  1713  for the buoyancy pump devices  1702  to be located. An empty plot along a column separates or spaces two buoyancy pump devices  1702  along each row. Similarly, an empty plot along a row separates two buoyancy pump devices  1702  along each column. By separating or spacing the buoyancy pump devices  1702  as shown, a wave that passes across a first column c 1  and between two buoyancy pump devices  1714   a  and  1714   b  re-forms prior to a buoyancy pump device  1714   c  at a second column c 2  and along row r 14  perpendicularly located between rows r 13  and r 15  the two buoyancy pump devices  1714   a  and  1714   b , thereby allowing the buoyancy pump device  1714   c  in the second column c 2  to receive substantially the same wave energy that was received by the buoyancy pump devices  1714   a  and  1714   b  in the first column c 1 . The separation of the buoyancy pump devices  1702  further helps to minimize the amount of energy that is drained from each wave. By minimizing the amount of energy that is drained from the wave, each buoyancy pump device  1702  located in the pump field  1700  is powered substantially equally. It should be understood that other configurations of the buoyancy pump devices  1702  that provides the same or similar minimal alteration to the wave to provide maximum wave energy to each pump may be utilized. By using the configuration of the pump field  1700  of  FIG. 17 , the beach  1714  receives each wave substantially the same as would have been received had the pump field  1700  not been located in front of the beach  1714 . The configuration of the pump field  1700 , therefore, is an environmentally friendly solution in generating power from waves. 
       FIG. 17B  is an enlarged view of the configuration of the buoyancy pump devices  1702 , including specific buoyancy pump devices  1714   a - 1714   c . Outlet lines  1718   a  and  1718   b  of buoyancy pump devices  1714   a  and  1714   b , respectively, are configured to extend from each buoyancy pump device  1714   a  and  1714   b  along a first column c 1  toward row r 14  containing the buoyancy pump device  1714   c . The outlet lines  1718   a  and  1718   b  are coupled to another outlet line  1718   c  that extends along row r 14  toward the beach ( 1716 ). Accordingly, an outlet line (not shown) from the buoyancy pump  1714   c  may connect to the outlet line  1718   c . In addition, outlet lines from other buoyancy pumps  1702  located in rows r 13 -r 15  may connect to the outlet line  1718   c  to deliver fluid matter (i.e., liquid or gas) exhausted from the buoyancy pump devices  1702  to a reservoir (not shown) located on the land or otherwise. It should be understood that other configurations of the outlet lines may be utilized for the fluid matter to be delivered to the reservoir. The other configurations may be structurally or geometrically different. For example, rather than connecting the outlet lines  1718   a  and  1718   b  to a single outlet line  1718   c , each outlet line  1718   a  and  1718   b  may remain separate from each other. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 17B , exemplary configuration dimensions are shown for the pump grid. Each buoyancy pump device  1702  has a base dimension of 47.3 square feet. A separation distance of 15.8 feet between each row (e.g., rows r 1  and r 2 ) of the buoyancy pump devices  1702  is used. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 17A , the reservoir  1704  located on a cliff top  1718  receives water pumped from the buoyancy pump devices  1702  via outlet lines  1720 . The water may be stored in the reservoir  1704  and flowed through output feed lines  1722  to turbine(s) (not shown) located in a turbine building  1724 . The water may be discharged back into the ocean  1708  via discharge lines  1726 . In another embodiment, the reservoir may be located above a body of water, such as on a boat or an oil-drilling rig. 
     It is to be appreciated that the buoyancy pump system may be designed to completely absorb almost all potential energy from a passing wave and use that power in the manner described and shown herein. Alternatively, the buoyancy pump system may be designed to absorb a portion (e.g., 50 percent) of potential energy from a passing wave. These designs may utilize the grid or other arrangements for the pump field, but include buoyancy pump devices in some or all empty plots based on the arrangement. 
     The previous description is of preferred embodiments for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is instead defined by the following claims.