Improvements in Apparatus for Utilizing the force of Waves.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Mar., 1898-Accepted, 30th Apr.,
1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Utilizing the force of Waves.
We, JESSE HAMMOND BUNNELL, of No. 76 Cortlandt Street, and CHARLES JACOB
KINTNER, of No. 45 Broadway, both in New York, United States of America,
Electricians, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
The invention is directed to improvements in that type of wave motors in which
motive power is derived by the action of waves upon anchored floats or barges
actuated by the rise and fall of ocean waves, and its objects are:-
First, to combine with a float, mechanism which will utilize to the best effect
the stored up energy attributable to the pitching or rolling thereof as it, the float,
rides over the incoming waves; second, to adapt the same for use in connection
with any type of motive device whereby the stored up energy may be effectually
utilized; and third, to so arrange all of the apparatus that it will withstand the
destructive effects of variable winds and tides.
To this end it consists broadly in mechanism for utilizing the pitching or rolling
effects of waves upon a float or floats as they. pass under it or them, and in such
manner as to convert said effects into mechanical energy through the agency of
one or more pivoted levers carried by or constituting a part of said float or floats
and extending downward into the water beneath the same, as will be hereinafter
described.
:
For a full, clear, and exact understanding of the invention, such as will enable
others skilled in the art to construct and use the same, reference is had to the
accompanying drawings, in which,
Figure 1 illustrates in side elevation one form of the invention consisting of
a float, pumping mechanism and attachments, said float being shown as anchored.
Figure 2 is a plan view thereof, the pumping mechanism being illustrated in
horizontal section on the line 1, 1, of Fig. 1.
Figure 3 is a plan view of a modified form of the invention consisting of two
independent floats located some distance from each other and connected together
by a spar or timber, the improved mechanism being attached thereto.
Figure 4 is a side elevation; and
Figure 5 is a plan view of a still further modified form wherein two floats are
connected together, end to end, and provided with the improved apparatus.
Figure 6 is an end elevation of a modified form of the invention in which a
weight is utilized for maintaining the operating levers in a vertical position:
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, F represents a float which is constructed prefer-
ably in the nature of a flat scow or barge having its bottom curved upwards near
its centre for a purpose which will be hereinafter more particularly described:
G represents a skeg or centre-board for holding the float longitudinally in the
direction of the incoming waves. S, S, represent two anchor. ropes or chains
secured at points a a on opposite sides near the middle or centre of motion of the
float and running parallel with the sides thereof to a point some distance in advance
of the bow or front end, where they are secured to or passed through the opposite

page_text: ends of a stanchion c, passing thence downward where they are joined to an anchor
chain which in turn is attached to an anchor located at any convenient point as
shown, so that the float will ride freely or easily upon the waves W.
BB represent two upright levers pivotally secured upon trunnions E at or near
the centre of the float, the upper ends of said levers being pivotally connected to
a cross rod A which in turn is secured to a piston rod R connected with a piston
adapted to move freely back and forth in a pivoted pumping cylinder C of sufficient
length to admit of free movement of the piston head to the extreme stroke which
may be given to the short or upper arms of the lever B B. The lower or long
arms of the levers B B are broadened as shown at B₁ B¹ so as to constitute a
sufficient support for a base B2 and an upright paddle-like portion or surface D,
the function of which parts will be described in connection with the description
of the mode of operation, said parts B B, B¹ B¹, B2 and D constituting broadly
mechanism for transmitting motion to any motive device carried by the float F.
The cylinder. C is pivotally secured to strong metallic standards 66 which in
turn are attached to the front end of the float by bolts, as shown. P³ represents
an inlet pipe running from the bottom of the float upward to pivotally supported
branch inlet pipes P₁ P¹ running to opposite ends of the pumping cylinder C,
P2 P2 being corresponding pivoted branch inlet pipes running from the opposite
ends of said cylinder to a single main supply pipe P running forward down the
anchor rope and anchor chain to which it is secured in any preferred manner, and
to a point near the anchor so as to permit the float to swing freely about the point
of anchorage without danger of injuring the pipe, that portion of the pipe P con-
nected to the anchor rope and anchor chain being of course of a flexible nature.
No valves are shown in connection with the pumping cylinder C and its inlet and
outlet pipes, but it is to be understood that any well known form of valves used
in such pumps may be used, they having been omitted here for the purpose of
rendering the drawings more clear.
The modified form shown in Figure 3 illustrates means for utilizing the. rolling
effects of waves. Two floats F and F1 are secured side by side, but at some
distance from each other, through the agency of arms or trusses d d to a spar or
timber F3 of sufficient strength to withstand all strains that may be put upon it
by the pumping apparatus, there being in this instance two pumping cylinders C C
and two piston rods R R connected to the cross rod A which in turn is secured to
the tops of the fevers B B (not shown) by journal bearings e e, said levers B B
being in turn pivotally secured at a point beneath the spar or timber F³, so that
the extended parts B¹ B are located at right angles with relation to said timber,
the details of the pumping mechanism in this instance being substantially like
those shown in Figures 1 and 2.
In Figure 4 is shown a further modified form of the invention wherein two
floats F and F are secured together, end to end, by said timbers F F2, the details
of the pumping mechanism connected to the pumping cylinders C C being as
before substantially like the apparatus illustrated in connection with Figures 1
and 2.
It should be understood that this invention is directed broadly to mechanism
for utilizing the pitching or rolling effects of waves upon one or more anchored
floats of any form or construction when so arranged as to transmit through one
or more pivoted levers or equivalent mechanism, movement to a motive device,
such as a pump carried by the float or floats.
In the form of apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2, the float F is anchored, as
shown, and the incoming waves W are supposed to be moving from left to right
in the direction of the arrow. In the position indicated, the float is approximately
level, the opposite ends thereof resting for the time being upon two adjacent
waves. As the waves advance the front end of the float will descend into the
trough between the wave now under it and the next succeeding wave and the
rear end thereof will be elevated by the wave which is now under said front end.
Consequently, there will be a lifting effect upon the rear end of the float and a
*.

page_text: tendency to lift the levers B and their broadened supporting parts B₁ B¹ together
with the bottom B2 but this enlarged surface or bottom B2 will resist this fendency
owing to the body of water above it. Consequently the upper part of the lever will
tend to remain stationary, thus transmitting a movement to the piston rod R in
a direction toward the left. It will be seen that by reason of the curvilinear
portion of the float near its centre, there will be no lifting effect of the waves at
that point, the entire lifting effect being by reason of this fact always at the
opposite ends thereof. It will also be apparent that the enlarged paddle-like
surface D will tend to prevent any movement of the lever B in either direction.
The next succeeding wave, therefore, acts in a reverse manner and elevates the
front end of the float, thus imparting a motion to the piston rod R in a direction
to the right, 'there being substantially four complete effects for each wave, to wit;-
First, a lifting effect on the approach of the wave;
Second, a depressing effect on its departure from under the front end of the
float;
Third, a lifting effect upon the rear end of the float, and
Fourth, a depressing effect as it leaves said rear end.
The action of the pump will be readily understood inasmuch as it forces water
to a source of supply on shore, or the same may be utilized in any desired manner.
To illustrate, the pumping mechanism might be connected to a source of fresh
water supply located in a tank within the body of the float and so connected to a
compression chamber that the water might be stored in such compression chamber
under air pressure and utilized upon a Pelton water-wheel, which in turn might
drive a dynamo, the current therefrom being conveyed by insulated cables down
the anchor rope and thence to any desired point on shore, the water as it is utilized.
being again pumped back into the compression chamber, or any preferred means
of applying the lever or levers B B may be utilized, such matters being well within
the skill of those versed in the art of transmitting power.
In the modified form shown in Figure 3, the spar or timber F3 is of
such length as to enable the floats F and F¹ to be placed at distances substantially
equal to the wave lengths from crest to crest, so that the rocking or rolling motion
of succeeding waves is felt by the floats in succession, the operation of the pump-
ing apparatus being substantially like that already described.
The operation of the modified form shown in Figures 4 and 5 will be obvious, .
it being apparent that the same effects are had with the two floats F and F¹ as are
had with the opposite ends of the single float with the curvilinear bottom illus-
trated in Figure 1.
This invention is not limited to the special forms of apparatus herein shown
and described for transmitting power by waves, as it is believed to be broadly
new to utilize the power from one or more anchored floats when the same is
effected through the agency of one or more levers pivotally secured to the body
of such float or floats, and extending downward into the water beneath the same
with the upper end or ends thereof attached to a motive device, such as a pump,
whereby the pitching or rolling effects of waves is converted into mechanical
energy.
To make a single illustration, in place of the enlarged surface or bottom B³
and paddle or surface D, one may substitute a mass of material such as lead, iron,
or the like, so that the weight thereof will maintain the levers B in a vertical
position and enable the float to pitch or roll in the manner already described, so
that its pitching or rolling motion will impart the necessary reciprocating motion
to the piston rod R which may be utilized either in driving a pump, or a recipro-
cating or rotary motive device of any preferred form, my claims being directed.
generically to mechanism for utilizing the .motive force of waves in the manner
described.
Such a modified form of the invention is illustrated in Figure 6 in which the
float with its skeg G is shown in end elevational. view and the levers B B.
pivotally secured thereto upon trunnions Ẹ E as before, W being a cylinder of

page_text: iron, lead, or any other mass of material secured by a bolt b¹, or in any preferred:
manner to the lower ends of the levers B; the arrangement being such that this
mass of material will tend to hold the levers in their vertical positions, so that
as the float tosses or pitches in the manner already described, the pumping action
will be effected through the agency of the upper ends of the levers B, cross rod A,.
piston rod R and pumping cylinder C.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is:-
1. In a wave motor a float provided with means near its centre of motion for.
attaching one or more anchor ropes or chains thereto, in combination with one or.
more ropes or chains extending forward therefrom and downward to an anchor
rope, together with means pivotally secured to said float and connected to a motive
device adapted to utilize the force imparted to the float by the rise and fall of
waves, substantially as described.
2. In a wave motor a float provided with means for anchoring it, one or more
pivoted levers secured to said Hoat and provided with means for maintaining the
same in substantially a vertical position, in combination with a motive device as.
a pump operatively connected to said lever or levers, substantially as described.
3. A wave motor in the nature of a float provided with means for holding it at
a given point, in combination with one or more pivoted levers secured to said.
float and provided with means tending to hold said lever or levers in a given
position, said lever or levers being connected in turn to a motive device as a pump,
substantially as described.
4. A wave motor consisting of an anchored float having one or more levers
pivotally secured thereto, means attached to said lever or levers for resisting the
direct lifting effect and mechanical connections between the lever or levers and a
motive device, whereby the rolling motion of the float. or floats is converted into
useful energy, substantially as described.
5. A wave motor consisting of a float having a lever or levers pivotally secured
at or near its middle; said lever or levers being provided with means for maintain-
ing it or them in a substantial vertical position, in combination with a motive
device connected thereto and adapted to convert the motion imparted to the float
into mechanical energy, substantially as described.
6. A wave motor consisting of a float having a pivoted lever secured thereto,
one end of said lever being provided with means for maintaining it in a substan-
tially constant position and the other connected to a piston rod having a piston
head adapted to move within a pumping cylinder pivotally secured to the float
with a supply pipe P connecting the pump with a source of supply located at
any convenient point, substantially as described.
7. A wave motor consisting of a float and a pair of levers pivotally secured
thereto and supporting in turn a surface or bottom adapted to resist the direct lift-
ing effect of the float, said levers being connected to a motive device as a pump,
substantially as described.
8. A wave motor consisting of a float, a pair of levers pivotally secured thereto
and provided with a surface or bottom and a paddle for maintaining said levers
in a given position, said levers being in turn connected to a motive device for
transmitting power, substantially as described..
9. A wave motor consisting of a float provided with. means for anchoring it,
a pair of levers pivotally secured thereto and provided with a surface or bottom and
a paddle beneath the float for maintaining said levers in a given position, con-
nections between the upper ends of said levers and a pump, in combination with
a flexible supply pipe running from said pump to a source of supply located at
any convenient point, substantially as described.
10. A wave motor consisting of two floats rigidly connected together, one or
more levers pivotally secured between said floats and extending downward into

page_text: the water, the lower end or ends of said lever or levers being provided with means
for resisting the upward lifting effect of the float and additional means for main-
taining said levers in a substantially vertical position, in combination with means
for connecting the upper ends thereof with one or more motive devices carried
by said floats, substantiallly as described.
11. A wave motor consisting of a float and means for anchoring it, in com-
bination with means pivotally suspended from the float, but extending downward
into the water beneath the same and connected at the upper or free end thereof to
a motive device, all arranged so as to utilize the pitching or rolling effect of waves,
substantially as described.
more
12. A wave motor in the nature of a float pivotally secured by one or
anchor chains at a point or points near its centre of motion, said anchor chain
or chains extending forward and downward to one or more anchors located in
the bed of the ocean, in combination with one or more levers pivotally secured
to the body of the float and extending into the water beneath the same, the upper
or free end or ends thereof being attached to a motive device, the arrangement
being such as to utilize the pitching or rolling effects of the waves, substantially
as described.
13. A wave motor consisting of a float pivotally secured at one or more points
near its centre of motion, in combination with means carried by the float and
extending downward into the water, said means being connected with a motive
device as a pump, the entire arrangement being such that as the float rolls or
pitches about its centre of motion mechanical energy is imparted to the motive
device, substantially as described.
14. A wave motor consisting of a float provided with means for anchoring or
sustaining it at a point or points near its centre of motion, and means such as a
skeg for causing it to head toward incoming waves, in combination with a motive
device as a pump carried by the float and operatively connected therewith through
mechanism actuated by the rolling and pitching movement thereof, substantially,
as described.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicants.