IM- PROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING MOTIVE POWER
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Johann Maximilian Plessner, of 11, Golden Square, in the
County of Middlesex, late Captain, Prussian Army, for the Invention of "IM-
PROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING MOTIVE POWER."
ealed the 20th September 1878, and dated the 17th April 18'
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Johann Maximilian Plessner
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th April 1878.
JOHANN MAXIMILIAN PLESSNER, of 11, Golden Square, in the County of Middlesex,
late Captain, Prussian Army. "IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING
MOTIVE POWER."
The object of this Invention is the improving of existing apparatus and the
applying of new contrivances for producing mechanical labor by the application
of the gratuitous source of direct motive power extant on the surface of the ocean
or of inland seas and lakes when in motion.
The machines, hereafter to be described, are intended to be erected in numerous
localities along the coast of a country or on the shore of seas, where they may be
used with greatest advantage for raising sea or fresh water above its level, when it
may be used for driving machinery and for a great number of other purposes.
One of the most useful applications of these machines will be the gratuituous
irrigating of countries, which, like India, the Cape, or Egypt, suffer occasionally from
droughts, whilst the smallest fraction of the enormous faces of the contiguous ocean
would suffice to supply the mechanical power for raising such volumes of water for
irrigation as effectually to do away with the great calamities resulting from a
prolonged insufficiency of rain.
The apparatus is constructed for utilizing both the momentum of waves and the
power resulting from the changing level of the tide for producing mechanical labour.
If thus a certain analogy exists between these machines and the windmills, in so
far as both utilise a direct and gratuituous source of power, the great advantages of
the former are obvious, since they are set in motion by the forces of an unelastic body,
they dispense with the necessity for the prevailing of wind of the locality where

page_text: they are erected, and with the adjusting towards varying directions, whilst having
always water at disposal as a power-producing and conducting medium.
In order to carry out the object of this Invention a variety of mechanical arrange-
ments and contrivance have had to be devised, which may be divided into the
following five heads :-
1. Arrangements for Collecting and Accumulating as also for Conducting Waves
into a Desired Direction.-These arrangements consist in most cases in jetties
projecting from the shore or from a pier head into the sea, either parallel to each
other or in a diverging or converging direction, or partly in one and partly in another
of these directions.
In cases where the typographical configuration of the coast or other circumstances
cause waves to flow towards the machines in the desired direction and in ample
magnitude the providing of jetties may be dispensed with.
The construction which I consider the most useful is a combination of a dock
with parallel sides wherein the motions of the waves are communicated to a float
and jetties diverging towards the sea. This arrangement serves the double object
of concentrating the power of waves of considerable length into a smaller space,
whilst at the same time guiding them into the desired direction. The float is also
protected against lateral motions of the sea.
The inner or shore end of the dock may be permanently closed by a vertical or
inclined surface or wall, or may be so arranged as to be partly or entirely opened
for the free escape of the water. The same applies to one or to both of the parallel
or lateral sides of the dock. As to the outer or sea end of the dock it is of course kept
open for the free passage of the waves, but provisions are made for controlling the
power and direction of the waves by adjustable flood-gates or sluices, and by
parallel subdivisions, as will be shown later on.
Provisions are also made for the entire closing of the sea end of the dock should
this be required occasionally for the purpose of repairing or the like.
In localities where the water during the ebb may recede to such a distance as to
cover the bottom of the dock with only an insufficient depth of water, the inner
end of the dock must be excavated to such an extent as to always retain a sufficient
body of water for the floatation of certain parts of the machine.
2. The Float. For the purpose of embodying the inertia of waves and the power
resulting from the changing level of the water a floating body is placed between
the flood-gates and the shore end of the dock, and consists generally of a hollow
water-tight and ballasted tank of iron, wood, or other material, or of a series of
such tanks. This float may be in form of a cylindrical, rectangular, or ship-
like caisson or pontoon, or in a variety of other forms; it may also be solid instead
of hollow, providing it be floating. This float is ballasted in such a way that when
at rest the centres of gravity and buoyancy are both in the same perpendicular
line.
Any heavy material like concrete, metal, or even water, may be used for ballasting,
or a combination of a solid heavy substance and water. But unlike in ships,
the ballast may be placed above the centre of buoyancy, which would cause the
float to capsize in case it was not suspended, care being taken that the force of
gravitation, which tends to bring the centre of gravity vertically under the axis
of suspension, is greater than the force of the water acting on the float in the
directing of upsetting it when not in a vertical position.
The float when at rest will then be in a state of unstable equilibrium, and any
disturbance from this position will cause the centre of gravity to be displaced.
Since it is of advantage to prevent the float from coming too quickly to an
equilibrium, this may be partially effected by the oscillation of water ballast within
the float, in which case the centre of gravity of the float will continually change
until the water ballast comes to rest.
If water is used as ballast its volume ought to remain the same, and neither
diminish by evapcration nor increase by leakage or other reasons. This may easily
be effected by a small force pump actuated by the inertia of a heavy weight

page_text: hanging on an axis, and moving freely in bearings fixed to the float. The ends of
this axis, being provided each with a crank and connecting rod, may actuate two
plungers or pistons; one of these slightly larger than the other may keep the water
within the float at a constant level by pumping out any surplus, whilst the other,
somewhat smaller, may continually supply a certain quantity of water.
If no water ballast is used a single pump of the same description may be applied
for removing bilge water, and thus keeping the float dry.
In cases where it is desired to convert the power of a large surface of water into
mechanical labor it is of advantage to divide the inner space of the dock into a
number of smaller docks by partition walls parallel to the sides of the dock, and
instead of using one large float to provide a number of smaller floats independent of
each other, and each actuating its own machinery. By this means the straining of
the beams and suspension axis which would be caused by waves smaller in their
longitudinal dimension than the float, or acting in an oblique direction on a large
float, may be avoided. The same effect may be produced by allowing certain joints
on the two outer sides of the float, or the ends of the suspension axis, or both, to
touch the walls of the dock for the purpose of guiding, provisions being made to
avoid any great amount of friction.
The float must be of such dimensions and be placed in such a position within the
dock that it nearly fills out the inner open space of the dock, its length being only
a little shorter than the distance at which the parallel sides of the dock stand
apart. It is secured in this position in such a way that whilst free to lift and sink
or to oscillate in the direction of the centre line of the dock and jetties it cannot
come during any of these motions into contact with the walls of the dock itself
unless the ends of the float are from the beginning arranged for sliding along the
inner surfaces of the dock. The excluding of the lateral motions of the float by.
the protection afforded by the sides of the dock, and by the limiting of the flux
and reflux of the waves in the direction of the centre line of the dock affords tho
advantage of reducing the motions of the float within only four directions, 1, the
vertical lifting; 2, the vertical sinking; 3, the oscillating towards the shore end
of the dock; 4, the oscillating towards the sea end of the dock. The securing of
these motions within certain limits, so that no part of the dock can be touched by
the moving float, may be effected in various ways, of which however it suffices to
describe only the following few:-
One method consists in providing beams or girders moving on centres or pivots
connected with the dock or pier walls, which allow their upward and downward
motion.
The other extremities of beams are connected with the float in such a way that
the latter may oscillate through an arc of a circle around these ends or pivots.
In case these beams or girders project only from one end of the dock (the inner or
the outer), the axis on which the float is suspended will move through the arc of a
circle, of which these beams or girders are the radii. For causing this axis to move in a
straight line it suffices to provide two sets of beams or girders of equal length, one set
projecting from the shore end, the other from the sea end of the dock. By placing one
of these two sets higher than the other and connecting the inner extremities of the
corresponding beans by pivoted cross pieces, the centres of the latter will during
the alternate motions of limited length of the beams move in a straight line. The
axis of suspension of the float has thus to be fixed in the line of the centres of these
cross pieces. The length of such beams depends upon the dimensions of the cross
section of the float, and in tidal waters upon the distance between the high and low
water level. Supposing the latter to be 1, the length of the beams ought to be not
much less than about 1.5 to 2.
The cross piece between two corresponding beams ought to be in a vertical
position when the float is at rest in non-tidal waters, and its length sufficient to
reduce the angle through which it moves by the lifting or sinking of the beams
to about 5 degrees from and to both sides of the perpendicular.
In tidal waters the cross piece ought to stand in a vertical position when the

page_text: float is at rest, both at high and at low water, whilst both sets of beams ought to
stand horizontally when the float is at rest at half tide.
Another method for causing the axis of suspension to move in a straight vertical
line is by providing fixed guides, wherein certain points of this axis may move in
an upward or downward direction, whilst at the same time the float itself may
oscillate under (or above) these points.
The arrangements just described will already afford a means for transmitting some
part of the power of the moving float towards fixed points of the dock, pier, or
shore, where it may be transformed into mechanical labor. It would suffice, for
instance, to connect some plungers with these beams, girders, or guided points of
the float, when the lifting or sinking motion of the latter would produce an
analogous motion of these plungers, which thereby may cause water to be pumped
above its level; or in case the beams or girders are provided with a wheel, or the
segment of a wheel, having its fulcrum in the centre of the pivots of these beams,
and this wheel or segment is connected with another wheel, say, of smaller dimen-
sions, by means of teeth, or by a band or chain, a number of revolutions of this
smaller wheel may be effected in opposite directions by each of the up or downward
motions of the float.
The same effect may be produced in case the suspension axis of the float is guided
by connecting certain points of the guides with a rack or racks turning a pinion in
opposite directions with each lifting or sinking motion. These two motions can
however only convert that part of the force of the water into mechanical labor,
which causes the float to rise or sink in a vertical direction, and additional arrange-
ments must be provided for transforming the remaining large amount of power
which by the impact and momentum of the waves causes the float to oscillate. To
effect this I connect some other points of the float, at a certain distance from and
parallel to the axis of suspension, by means of levers or rods, either directly with
some plungers or pistons, or indirectly by means of some other beams, or I provide
a wheel or the segment of a wheel on the float with its centre in the axis of sus-
pension and connect this wheel or segment by means of a band or a chain with
another generally smaller wheel, having its fulcrum in the same line with the pivots
of one set of beams or girders projecting from the dock. Thus although during
certain oscillations of the float the axis of suspension may remain stationary, the
momentum of the waves will cause the float to oscillate around the axis of sus-
pension. This [power will actuate the above-mentioned plungers or pistons, and by
suspending the float in this way the whole power imparted to it by the various
motions of the water can be transformed into mechanical labor.
If the different motions of the float when secured within a dock in the way
before described be analyzed it will be found that they are caused by the following
corresponding motions of the water :-
a. The raising or lifting with the tide.
b. The sinking with the ebb.
c. The raising or lifting effected by a wave hill.
d. The sinking into a wave valley.
c. The swinging upward in either direction by the momentum of a wave, or by the
inertia when returning.
f. The swinging downward by gravitation alone or in combination with the motion
of the water.
The active motion of the float will however nearly always be a combination of
some or of all the above-mentioned motions, and if the necessary contrivances are
provided, any and every motion of the float may be transformed into mechanical
labor. These contrivances may be of very great simplicity, for it suffices, as already
mentioned, to connect the power-transmitting points of the float to both sides of the
axis of suspension by means of connecting rods with plungers or pistons, which thus
e. The swinging upward in either direction by the momentum of a wave, or by the
inertia when returning.
f. The swinging downward by gravitation alone or in combination with the motion
of the water.
The active motion of the float will however nearly always be a combination of
some or of all the above-mentioned motions, and if the necessary contrivances are
provided, any and every motion of the float may be transformed into mechanical
labor. These contrivances may be of very great simplicity, for it suffices, as already
mentioned, to connect the power-transmitting points of the float to both sides of the
axis of suspension by means of connecting rods with plungers or pistons, which thus
will be actuated by the motions of the float. If, for instance, the upper and lower
part of a plunger of sufficient vertical dimensions move by means of stuffing boxes
air and water tight in receptacles, of which each is provided with admission and

page_text: escape valves, water may be forced above its level by certain motions of the float
from one of these receptacles, whilst at the same time a vacuum may be produced
in the other, causing a similar quantity of water to enter this receptacle, and
vice versa, during opposite motions of the float. In case the upper receptacle is
placed higher than thirty-four feet above the level of water from which the lower
receptacle is supplied, a tank or reservoir placed at an adequate height above this
level must be provided, from which the upper receptacle takes its supply by
atmospheric pressure. Such tank or reservoir may be filled with water by a simple
lifting pump in connection with the lower plunger.
In case where a wheel is made to revolve through the motions of the float, as
before described, the axis of such wheel may bear a number of cranks, and when
revolving may produce mechanical labor by the strokes of pistons or plungers.
In localities where the force of waves is comparatively small it is of advantage to
connect the float in such a way with the plungers or pistons, that with the lifting
motions of the float, water may enter the plunger boxes or cylinders by atmospheric
pressure, whilst the pumping of this water to a higher level is effected only by the
gravitation of the float when sinking. By this arrangement the resistance offered
to the momentum of waves by the plungers may be (abstracted from friction)
altogether removed or reduced to a fraction of the pressure of one atmosphere,
according to the difference between the level of the water within and without the
receptacles.
It need only be mentioned that a rotary motion of a wheel may also be directly
produced from the alternate or vibrating motions of any of the above-mentioned
beams, such contrivance however not offering any novelty need not be described.
3. The Accumulators or Power Magazines.-Whilst the arrangements described
above suffice for transforming the forces of the moving float into mechanical labor
the amount of this labor is not uniform, and stands in direct proportion to the
varying forces acting on the float. This want of uniformity offers no disadvantages
in cases where water has only to be pumped to a certain height, but in all cases
where a machine or machines shall produce uniform rotary motion by the applica-
tion of the irregular forces of the prime mover is also in cases where it is desired
to stow away mechanical power additional contrivances have to be devised, for
which purposes I provide so-called power magazines or accumulators. These are
large receptacles, either opened or closed, connected with the prime movers by means
of conduit pipes or the like. They may be constructed in a variety of ways, of
which the following are the more usual and practicable:-
a. An open water basin or tower on an elevated situation, similar to those used
in connection with the waterworks for the supply of towns. The water is forced
into these receptacles by the motions of the float, and must be kept at a constant
level by providing an overflow, and securing a somewhat greater supply of water
from the prime mover than the volume withdrawn for the producing of the uniform
revolutions of an axis or fly.
b. A closed water basin or tower for reducing the height of a volume of water
without diminishing its power. This is effected by placing a cylinder on a closed
water receptacle, the piston of which is loaded with weights and thereby presses on
the water, similar to the pressure of a high column of water in an open water
receptacle.
c. Instead of loading a piston pressing on a water surface this pressure may also
be effected by a cushion of air, like in fire engines, the uniformity of pressure being
secured by a self-acting water escape valve.
d. A closed receptacle similar to large steam boilers for receiving compressed air,
the uniformity of pressure being effected by a self-acting safety or escape valve.
e. A reservoir for receiving compressed air, similar in its form to a gasometer.
This contrivance requires considerable vertical dimensions, since for the producing
5 of a pressure of a single atmosphere the water basin must already be more than
thirty feet deep.
4. Apparatus for Producing Uniform Rotary Motion by the Supply of Power
.1

page_text: from Magazines or Accumulators.-These comprise every class of hydraulic or steam
engines in which the water or steam power is applied for setting an axis in circular
motion. Great economies can be effected by driving existing steam engines by
compressed air supplied gratuitously by the wave motors, since the fires under the
boilers may only be lighted during such periods when the motions of the float are
insufficient for the producing of the necessary volumes of compressed air. The
same applies to turbine wheels or any other class of hydraulic engine producing
rotary motion by the pressure of a water column.
5. Apparatus for Regulating the Force of Waves and for Shutting the Dock.-
For protecting the float against too great a force of the water entering the dock, or
to secure it in a stationary position for the purpose of repairing, or the like, it
suffices to interpose between the sea and the inner end of the dock one or more
movable sluices, flood-gates, or doors. According to the adjusting of these gates
parts of the incoming waves may be excluded from the dock, and thereby the power
acting on the float regulated.
These sluices or gates may be counterbalanced, and the power for adjusting them
may be either taken directly from some movable part of the prime mover or
indirectly in form of a column of water, or of compressed air from a power magazine.
In order to obtain the greatest security against accidents in case of stones, etc., it
is desirable to make these sluices or gates self-adjusting, which may be effected by
the following simple arrangements :-
a. One (or some) of the beams on which the float is suspended is on its pivoted
extremity provided with an arm or toothed wheel, or with a segment of such wheel,
moving through the arc of a circle with each up or downward movement of the
beam.
b. This arm or segment communicates its motion to two guided racks, which
thus will move to and fro in a straight line of changeable length. These two racks
may be placed at a certain distance from and parallel to each other.
c. Each of these racks has hinged to it another rack with inclined teeth cut
in opposite directions to each other, which move two ratchet wheels fixed on one
and the same axle, and having their teeth also inclined in opposite directions. Each
of these wheels being provided with a catch allowing it to revolve only in one
direction, and both opposite to each other, it follows that with each upward motion
of the beam one of the wheels will revolve in one direction whilst the other is kept
stationary, and with the downward motion of the beam the other wheel will
revolve in an opposite direction whilst the before-mentioned wheel will stand still.
These two wheels may be called the calm and the storm wheels, the motions of the
former being intended to open the gates or sluices, the latter for closing them.
d. The shaft on which these two wheels are mounted is provided on its extremity
with a toothed crown or level wheel, which may gear with another similar and
larger wheel, the motions of which may cause the sluices or gates to be opened or
closed.
e. On the axle, and between the calm and storm wheel, a movable coupling is
placed, the inner faces of these two wheels being provided with angular teeth cut
in opposite directions, and corresponding to similar teeth of the coupling. As long
as none of the two wheels is in connection with this coupling they revolve freely
around their common shaft, but when the coupling is effected with one or the other
wheel the shaft is made to revolve in one or in the other direction, thus either
opening or closing the flood-gates.
f. The sliding of the coupling is effected by a ball regulator, or by any other
governor which may be actuated by the changing speed of the revolutions of a fly,
actuated by the prime mover itself. The power for driving this fly is taken either
directly from some movable part of the machine or indirectly by causing a plunger
or piston to force water or air through some apparatus producing rotary motion,
such as a turbine or reaction water wheel, or by means of a donkey steam engine, 5
driven by compressed air.
9. Arrangements are made that the sluices or flood-gates when opening to their

page_text: fullest extent may hook out that rack which turns the calm wheel, whilst when
closing to their fullest extent, hooking out the rack for stopping in the same way
the storm wheel. Both racks are allowed to fall into their respective wheels as
soon as the flood-gates commence moving again from their extreme positions.
It will be readily seen that by the combination of these contrivances a self-acting
or automatic adjusting of the flood-gates will be effected, for if the governor is
arranged to keep the sliding coupling free of both the calm and storm wheel as long
as the prime mover, and thus the fly actuating the governor moves with a mean
velocity, whilst coupling the storm wheel, when this speed increases and with the
calm wheel when this speed diminishes, it is evident that during the mean velocity.
of the prime mover the position of the flood-gates will remain stationary in their
latest position, whilst with an increase of speed a closing, and with the diminishing
of speed an opening of the flood-gates will be effected, until their position secures :
against a mean velocity of the prime mover.
Should, owing to the gradual calming of the sea, the opening of the flood-gates
produce no corresponding increase of speed of the prime mover this opening will;
continue until the gates have reached their extreme open position, when the rack,
actuating the calni wheel will be hooked out. Thus during the time that the prime:
mover acts with less than inean velocity, or stands altogether, still the coupling of
the calm wheel with its shaft will continue, but the latter will not revolve, whilst
the storm wheels turn all this time freely around this mutual shaft as long as the:
prime mover is in motion. As soon however as the float acts again with mean:
velocity the governor will move the coupling in the intermediate position, when.
none of the two wheels can turn the common shaft. If now the forces of the waves,
still increase, moving the machine with a higher than with a mean velocity, the
governor will effect the coupling of the storm wheel with the shaft, causing the:
gates to move in the direction for closing, whereby at the same time the rack.
moving the calm wheel is released, and the latter will resume its revolutions.
An analogous effect is produced when by the closing of the gates to their extreme.
limit the rack moving the storm wheel has been hooked out.
In order to keep the float in a stationary position arrangements must be provided
for entirely closing the flood-gates independently of the power of the prime mover
should the same be at rest.
Arrangements similar to those used in combination with dry docks will suffice for
this purpose, or an additional gate may be suspended for this purpose to be inter-
posed between the sea and the float by manual or other power if no power.
inagazines are provided.

page_text: the said Johann Maximilian Plessner in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
16th October 1878.
JOHANN MAXIMILIAN PLESSNER, of 11, Golden Square, in the County of Middlesex,
late Captain, Prussian Army. "IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING
MOTIVE POWER."
The object of this Invention is the application of the gratuitous source of direct
motive power extant on the surface of the ocean, or of inland seas and lakes, when
in motion for producing mechanical labor.
The machines which I have invented for this purpose, and which will be described
hereafter, are intended to be erected in numerous localities along the coast of a
country or on the sea shores, where they may be used with greatest advantage for
raising sea or fresh water for irrigation, driving machinery, and for a great number of
other purposes. If thus a certain analogy exists between these machines and wind-
mills, in so far as both utilize a direct and gratuitous source of power, the great
advantages of the former are obvions, since they are set in motion by the far greater
forces of an unelastic body, and they dispense with the adjustment required by the
latter towards varying directions to suit the wind, whilst they always have water
at disposal as a power-conducting medium.
In order to carry out the object of this Invention a variety of mechanical
arrangements and contrivances have had to be devised, which may be divided under
the following six heads :-
A. Arrangements for collecting and accumulating, as also for conducting waves in
a desired direction.
B. The oscillating body and the methods of its immersion.
C. The transforming of the motions of the oscillating body into mechanical labor.
D. The accumulators or power magazines.
E. The transforming of the motions of the oscillating body into uniform revo-
lutions of an axis or fly wheel.
F. Arrangements for regulating the force of waves, and for protecting the
oscillating body in case of storms.
A. Arrangements for Collecting and Accumulating, as also for Conducting Waves
in a Desired Direction.-The arrangements for accumulating and guiding waves
consist in most cases of jetties projecting from the shore or from a pier head, first in
a parallel, then in a diverging direction into the sea.
In cases where the topographical configuration of the coast or other circumstances
cause waves to flow towards the machines in the desired direction and in ample
magnitude the providing of jetties may be dispensed with.
The construction which I consider the most useful is a combination of a dock
with parallel sides, wherein the motions of the water are transformed into mechanical
labor, and jetties diverging towards the sea.
The inner or shore end of such dock is either permanently closed by a vertical,
inclined, or curved surface, or it may be arranged for being partly or entirely opened,
if desired, for the free passage of the water. One or both of the parallel sides of
the dock may also be arranged for being opened for allowing the entering or
removing of the oscillating body if in form of a float. As to the outer or sea end
of the dock it is of course kept open for the free entering of the waves; but
provisions may be made, by adjustable flood-gates or sluices, for partly or entirely
closing this end of the dock, as will be shown hereafter.
In some cases both ends of the dock are permanently open, the two parallel sides
may be connected by a roof, and moles constructed for guiding the waves towards

page_text: the oscillating body from whatever direction they may be moving. The dock must
be of sufficient depth to prevent the oscillating body, when in form of a float, from
touching the bottom during low water whilst rising and sinking with the waves.
Since there exist in most sea-coast towns piers, jetties, moles, or quays, they may
with advantage be utilized for forming one of the two sides, or the closed end of the
dock, or for guiding the waves.
B. The Oscillating Body and the Methods of its Immersion. For the purpose of
utilizing the power of a water surface when agitated its motions must first be
communicated to a solid body, for which purpose I place between the inner and the
outer end of the dock an oscillating body, either in form of a float or of a swinging
door hanging vertically on a horizontal axis in such a way that although nearly
filling out the space between the parallel sides it can during its oscillations neither
touch the sides, the ends, nor the bottom of the dock. The mooring or suspending
of this body within the dock can be effected in a variety of ways according to the
nature of the shore or of existing constructions, and the character of the water,
regarding its tidal conditions, depth, currents, or other features. It therefore suffices
to describe only a few of the typical methods of securing the oscillating body in a
proper position within the dock, when the selection of one, or the modification or
combination of several of these methods will depend upon local or other circum-
stances.
For the better understanding of the following description I refer to the Figures
1 to 6ª, Sheet 1, of the accompanying Drawings, in which D represents the dock,
and O the oscillating body.
Figure 1 represents the simplest and, in my opinion, the most practical method
of fixing and immersing an oscillating body, and is especially adapted for waters
with continuous and powerful motions.
The oscillating body, in form of a swinging door, is suspended from a horizontal
axis, the ends of which rest in bearings placed on the upper surface, or fixed to the
sides of the parallel walls or supports in form of girders. The door nearly descends
to the bottom of the dock, the closed end of which is curved in order to utilize the
inertia as well as the gravity of the water in its reflux towards the open end of the
dock. The sides of such door offering only a very narrow surface to the action of
the water, the straining of the axis of suspension by lateral motions of the water is
avoided, and thus the constructing of a dock with closed sides may be dispensed
with, to be substituted by a simple pier resting in girders or columns. Instead of
one such door of considerable width, it is of advantage to suspend a series of smaller
doors acting independently of each other, and which may be set in motion by waves
of small power and dimensions. Provision may be made for lifting the doors partly
or entirely out of the water in case of storms, as will be shown hereafter.
Figure 2a shows the oscillating body in form of a floating pontoon or caisson
fixed by means of pivots to the bottom of the dock or to an axis secured to the
walls underneath the water, and above which it may oscillato through the arc of a
circle, of which these pivots or this axis are the centre. Owing to the buoyancy of
the float the latter has a tendency to stand in a vertical position, and when inclined
by the impact of the waves embodies both the momentum and the gravity of the
water for transformation into mechanical labor. This method is well applicable for
non-tidal but deep waters.
Figure 3a represents a modification of the last-described method; the pontoon or
caisson is not permanently fixed to an axis or to pivots underneath, but may rise or
sink with the tide or waves by means of vertical tubes forming part of it sliding on
a series of rods secured to and swinging around the submerged pivots or axis.
Figure 4a shows a similar method, in which the float may rise or sink by being
attached to the lower ends of rods, the upper ends of which may pass through
openings in the suspension axis itself, placed as shown in Figure 18.
Figure 5a illustrates a method of allowing the oscillating body, in form of a float,
to rise or sink with the changing level of the water by means of guides fixed under

page_text: water to the bottom or sides of the dock. The ends of the axis, around which the
float oscillates, rest in cross heads moving in the before-mentioned guides.
or
Figure 6ª represents a method for mooring the oscillating body in form of a float,
by means of which the greatest per-centage of the forces of the water may be
utilized for being transformed into mechanical labor. A number of " "balanciers
distance pieces are fixed at one end by means of pivots to the inner (or outer) end
of the dock below the water surface. The other ends of these beams are connected
by an axis, to which the float is secured, and above and around which it may
oscillato.
This axis moves consequently through the arc of a circle; but should it
be desired to cause it to move in a vertical line this may be effected by attaching
beams from both ends of the dock in form of a parallel motion, as shown by the
dotted lines.
In all cases where it is desired to connect points of the float above the water
surface by means of beams attached to the dock, it is of advantage to counterbalance
the weight of these beams, and carefully to ballast the floats with some heavy
substance like cement. For the purpose of allowing the oscillating body to rise or
sink with the tide, but not with the differences of level caused by waves, this may
be effected by causing the cross heads sliding in guides (Figure 5a) to be moved by
screws, receiving their revolutions by transmission from the rising or sinking of a
separate float secured within a well, wherein the level of the water indicates only
the average level of the sea, the well being connected with the bottom of the sea by
means of a comparatively small pipe which prevents communicating the changing of
the level of the waves above the end of this pipe to the water within the well.
C. The Transforming of the Motions of the Oscillating Body into Mechanical
Labor. The transforming of the motions of the oscillating body into mechanical
labor can be effected in a variety of ways. It suffices for this purpose to connect
certain points of this body by means of connecting rods or their equivalents with
the plungers or pistons of ordinary pumps in such a way that with each oscillation
motion is imparted to them, and thus water is raised, or the pumps may compress
air, or perform other mechanical labour. If an axis of suspension above or below
water participates in the motions of the oscillating body, a lever, or lever, segments,
or wheels may be fixed to it for the purpose of actuating pumps. The segments
or wheels may also be connected with smaller wheels by means of spur gear, belts, or
chains, in such a way that the oscillations of the former may be transformed into
a number of revolutions of the smaller wheels. If the axis of the latter is provided
with cranks, each oscillation may be transformed into a number of strokes of a
plunger or piston moving to and fro in chambers or cylinders.
The description of the accompanying Drawings will serve more fully to illustrate
the simple and practical ways in which the oscillating body may be connected with
machinery for transforming the power of the water into mechanical labor.
D. The Accumulators or Power Magazines.-Whilst the various mechanical
arrangements described above can only serve generally for transforming the motions
of the oscillating body into labor, they do not suffice for producing an uniform
amount of mechanical labor, since this amount stands in direct proportion to the
varying forces of the motions of the water. This want of uniformity offers no dis-
advantages in cases where the labor to be effected consists simply in pumping water
to a certain height, but in all cases where a machine or machines shall produce an
uniform rotary motion, as also in all cases where it is desired to store up mechanical
power, additional contrivances have to be devised, which may be called accumulators
or power magazines. These are large receptacles, either closed or open at the top,
connected by means of conduit pipes, aqueducts, or the like, with the machinery
actuated by the oscillating body (a combination which henceforth I shall call
a "hydromotor"). They may be constructed in a variety of ways, of which
however it will suffice to mention only the following as the more usual and prac-
ticable:-
1. An open water basin or tower placed on an elevated situation similar to those

page_text: used in connection with the existing water works for the supply of towns. The
water is forced into these receptacles by the hydromotor, and must be kept at a
constant level by providing an overflow, and securing a somewhat greater supply of
water than the volume withdrawn, for the producing of uniform revolutions of an
axis or fly wheel.
2. A closed water basin or tower for. reducing the height of a column of water
without diminishing the power transmitted from the hydromotor. This can be
effected, as is well known, by connecting the lower end of a water tower in form
of a cylinder by means of conduct pipes with pumps, and loading a piston within
this cylinder with weights, which produce a pressure similarly to a high column of
water in an open receptacle.
3. A closed receptacle, in which the water is under pressure of compressed atmo-
spheric air. Instead of producing the necessary pressure by a loaded piston or a
high column of water, such pressure may also be produced by a cushion of air
within a vessel, as in fire engines, the uniformity of pressure being secured by a
self-acting water escape valve.
4. A closed receptacle similar to a large steam boiler for receiving compressed air,
the uniformity of pressure being effected by a self-acting safety or escape valve in.
connection with the usual throttle valves, the hydromotor actuating air instead of
water pumps.
5. A reservoir for receiving compressed air, similar in its form to a gasometer.
This contrivance requires considerable vertical dimensions, since for the producing
of the pressure of a single atmosphere the water basin must be more than ten metres
deep.
In certain cases, as, for instance, for irrigation, drainage, or the like, the providing
of a power magazine may be dispensed with, the water being pumped by the
hydromotor directly into an aqueduct, which conducts it towards some source of
fresh or river water, which may then be lifted by some hydraulic machinery
receiving its motion from the force of the escaping sea water.
E. The Transforming of the Motions of the Oscillating Body into Uniform
Revolutions of an Axis or Fly Wheel.-For the purpose of transforming the
irregular forces which actuate the hydromotor into regular revolutions of an axis
or fly wheel of some labor-producing machinery no new contrivances have to be
devised, for it suffices to employ any of the ordinary hydraulic or stationary steam
engines by connecting them with one or the other of the before-mentioned power
magazines. From this it becomes evident that very great economy may be effected
by driving existing steam engines by.compressed air supplied gratuitously by the
hydromotor, for the fires under the boilers will have to be lighted only in the rare
cases when, owing to the insufficient agitation of the surface of the sea, the hydro->
motor cannot produce the necessary volumes of compressed air for the substitution
of steam.
It is also evident that besides driving ordinary hydraulic and stationary engines,
the gratuitous motive power produced by the hydromotor in form of compressed
air may with great advantage be applied for driving tram cars or other locomotives,
as is already effected by means of moveable air-tight receptacles charged with air
compressed to a high pressure by steam power.
F. Arrangements for Regulating the Force of Waves, and for Protecting the
Oscillating Body in Case of Storms. For protecting the oscillating body against
too great a force of the waves in case of storms, or to secure it in a stationary
O position for the purpose of repairing, or the like, it suffices where docks are provided
to interpose between the sea and the oscillating body one or more sluices, flood-
gates, or doors, by the position of which the quantities of the entering water, and
thus their power, may be regulated. These sluices or doors may swing vertically
or horizontally on hinges or pivots, or they may be suspended by chains and
5 counterbalanced, and the power for adjusting them may be taken either directly
from some point of the oscillating body, or indirectly by a column of water, or in.

page_text: form of compressed air from a power magazine. Provisions have to be made to
effect the adjusting also by manual labor, in case the other sources of power should
fail.
In numerous cases, especially for inland seas and lakes, the providing of sluices
or flood-gates may be dispensed with, but it is advisable to provide simple couplings,
by means of which in case of storms the pumps or working machinery of the
hydromotor may be disconnected from the oscillating body. Should the latter be in
form of a swinging door, provisions can be made, as mentioned above, for lifting it
nearly or altogether out of the water, should the state of the sea make this
desirable. The shore end of the dock may also be opened to allow the waves freely
to escape.
Regarding the automatical adjusting of the sluices or gates, I am of opinion that
the devising of special contrivances for this purpose, whilst materially increasing
the expenses of a hydromotor, offers no adequate advantages, since the presence of
an attendant will always be required to take charge of the machinery, who could
be entrusted with the adjusting of the gates. But since the opinions on this point
differ, I will describe in the following an arrangement by means of which such self-
acting adjusting may be effected.
1. Supposing to one end of the axis on which the oscillating body is suspended,
as shown is Figure 1ª, a lever or segment is fixed. This lever or segment will move
through the arc of a circle with the oscillations of the swinging door.
2. Supposing this lever or segment to communicate its motions to two guided
rods, placed parallel to but separated from each other by a certain distance; these
rods will move in a straight line to and fro, of varying length.
3. Each of these two rods may have hinged to it a rack, the teeth of both being
cut in an inclined direction and opposite to each other, and which may turn two
ratchet wheels revolving freely around one and the same axis, and having their teeth
also inclined in opposite directions. Each of these wheels would have to be pro-
vided with a catch, allowing it to revolve only in one direction, and both opposite
to each other. Thus if the axis of suspensions is turned in one direction only one
of these two wheels would revolve, whilst the other would remain stationary, and
with the turning of the axis in the other direction the other wheel would revolve
in an opposite direction to the former, which would be stopped. These two wheels
may be called the calin and the storm wheel, since the motions of the former are
intended to open the gates or sluices, those of the latter for closing them.
4. The shaft on which these two wheels are mounted may on its extremity be
provided with a toothed crown or bevelled wheel, which may gear with another
similar but larger wheel, or with a screw, the motions of which may cause the
opening or closing of the sluices.
5. On the axle and between the calm and storm wheels a moveable coupling may 4
be placed, the inner faces of these two wheels being provided with angular teeth
cut in opposite directions, and corresponding with similar teeth of the coupling or
by means of friction cones. As long as neither of the two wheels is in connection
with this coupling they revolve freely around their common shaft, but when the
coupling is effected with one or the other wheel, the shaft is made to revolve in one 4
or the other direction, thus either opening or closing the flood-gates.
6. The sliding of the coupling is effected by a ball or other regulator actuated in
the usual way by a fly wheel, which receives its revolutions indirectly from the
oscillating body by means of a small turbine or a re-action water wheel, or from a
piston driven by compressed air.
5
7. By providing levers or catches, the flood-gates or sluice doors may, when
opened to their fullest extent, hook out the rack which moves the calm wheel,
whilst, when nearly closing, they may disconnect in the same way the rack which
turns the storm wheel. Both racks are allowed to fall again into their respective
wheels as soon as the flood-gates are moving from their extreme to an intermediate 5
position.

page_text: It will be readily seen that by the combination of these contrivances a self-acting
adjustment of the flood-gates will be effected, for if the regulator is so arranged as
to keep the sliding coupling free of both the calm and storm wheel as long as the
prime mover, and thus the fly actuating the governor acts with a mean velocity
whilst it effects the coupling with the storm wheel when the speed increases, and
with the calm wheel when the speed diminishes; it is evident that during the
nean velocity of the motions of the oscillating body, the flood-gates will remain
stationary in their latest position, whilst, with an increase of speed, the closing and
with the diminishing of speed, the opening of the flood-gates will be effected,
until their position secures again a meau velocity to the oscillating body.
Should the opening of the sluice doors produce no corresponding increase of speed,
owing to the gradual calming of the sea, this opening will continue until the gates
have reached their extreme open position, when the rack actuating the calm wheel
will be hooked out. Thus during the time that the prime mover acts with less
than mean velocity, or the oscillating body stands altogether still, the coupling of
the calm wheel with the shaft will continue, but the latter cannot revolve, whilst
the storm wheel turns all this time freely around its shaft as long as the oscillating
body has not ceased altogether to move.
As soon as the power of the waves increases sufficiently to cause the oscillating
body to move again with mean velocity, the increasing centrifugal power of the
governor will move the coupling in the intermediate position when neither of
the two wheels can turn the common shaft. If now the force of the waves still
increases, causing oscillations of a higher than a mean velocity, the governor will
couple the storm wheel with the shaft, when the gates will begin immediately their
motion towards closing, whereby at the same time the rack moving the calm
wheel will be released and the latter will resume its revolutions.
An analogous effect is produced when, by the closing of the gates to their extreme
position, the rack moving the storm wheel has been unhooked. The sluice doors
are then not quite closed to prevent the oscillating body from standing still. Should
this be desired, the entire closing of the dock has to be effected, as mentioned before,
independently of the power of the oscillating body.
Having thus fully described the various mechanical arrangements and contrivances
which I apply for the purpose of converting the power of a water surface in motion
into mechanical labor, it only needs to illustrate by some examples in what way
my Invention may practically be carried out, and for this purpose it will suffice to
explain by the help of the accompanying Drawings only a few of the typical con-
structions of a hydromotor.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, shows a section, and Figure 2, Sheet II., a plan of hydromotor,
by means of which the greatest amount of the forces of the water may be converted
into labor. A represents a floating body in form of a caisson or pontoon, oscillating
round a submerged axis B. B, l, is a heavy material for ballasting. The axis B
connects the exterior ends of a number of levers or beams F which are fixed by
means of hinges or pivots with their other ends to the shore end of the dock.
Two of these beams F1 are in form of "balanciers," their shore end passing through
openings in the end wall of the dock, and are joined at their inner extremities
to connecting rods D, the upper ends of which carry a cross head which actuates
the plunger of the pump E. This pump is thus set in motion by the vertical
oscillations of the float or pontoon A caused by the changing level of the water
within the dock. At the two sides of the float A moveable pivots P, v, are provided
for, being connected by means of the connecting rods F with similar pivots
moveable within the forked ends of bell-crank levers W which work the pumps E¹,
as shown in the Drawing. These pivots may be adjusted simultaneously from
above by some suitable gearing, and by their position the length of the stroke of
the plungers may be increased or diminished, according to the state of the sea.
The same object may also be obtained by mounting these bell-crank levers on
a common shaft, to or from which they may be joined or disconnected by means

page_text: of a moveable coupling, an arrangement which offers the advantage of working
only a few or all of the pumps. It is evident that the pumps E' are set in motion
chiefly through the horizontal oscillations of the float A. K is a heavy weight
hanging on a small crank shaft which turns freely in bearings fixed to the top
surface of the float. The crank is in connection with a small plunger or piston of a
pump fixed on or within the float, the strokes of which plunger are caused by
the oscillations of the float A, and are intended for removing bilge water from
its interior.
The Figures 1 and 2, just described, serve at the same time to illustrate the
method for opening or closing the sluice doors O when effected, by means of a small
water or air cylinder P. N are worm wheels fixed to the upper ends of vertical
shafts which carry a number of drums, around which chains are wound in such a
way that the four half doors O open or shut together simultaneously. It will be
seen that as soon as the doors 0 move from their extreme open position, shown in
the Figure, part of the incoming waves accumulated by the jetties Z, will be allowed
to escape through openings at the inner end of these jetties, whereby the force of
the water actuating the float A will be diminished. The arrows show the direction
in which the water enters the dock.
Figure 3, Sheet III., shows a hydromotor in side view, having as oscillating body
a float A in form of a pontoon fixed to a submerged axis B, over which it may
oscillate through the arc of a circle. To the ends of this axis which rests in
bearings fixed to the sides or bottom (or to both) of the dock, or in sliding blocks
moving in guides for lifting and sinking with the tide and the waves "balanciers" C
are fixed, which by means of the connecting rods D actuate the pumps E. These
pumps are fixed in recesses provided for this purpose on both parallel sides of the
dock, which secures them against the impact of the waves. A curved metal rail e
at each inner face of the parallel walls of the structure serves to guide the float by
means of rollers f, f, or contact pieces.
In case the submerged axis B moves vertically in guides, the curved rails e must
be permanently connected with the sliding blocks.
Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the pumps in plan.
Figure 5, Sheet III., represents, the side view of a hydromotor which recommends
itself by the simplicity and cheapness of its construction combined with effective-
ness. The oscillating body in form of a swinging door A or a small pontoon, as
represented by the dotted lines, is suspended from an axis B which rests in bearings
fixed to the top of the two parallel sides of the dock.
If a pontoon is applied, it may be subdivided into a number of compartments,
into which the water is allowed to enter through openings a on both small sides of
the pontoon. The various compartments communicate with each other through
other small openings in the bottom of each to allow the water within the pontoon
to sink or rise with the tide to the level of the sca. The providing of such com-
partments serves the object of increasing the weight of the pontoon by a certain
volume of water as soon as the impact of a wave moves the pontoon out of its
vertical position, when it will have a tendency to sink back into the perpendicular
position independently of the motion of the water. To both ends of the axis B, as
also between the bearings, levers H are fixed, which by means of moveable pivots
and connecting rods F move the bell-crank levers W, thereby actuating the plungers
of the pumps E; J are railings along the surface of the dock walls, and I staircases
or ladders leading to the bearings.
The Figures 6, 7, and 8, Sheet I., serve to illustrate the method in which the
axis B and the oscillating body A in form of a hanging door suspended from it may
be raised or lowered. Instead of permanent or fixed bearings, the latter are arranged
in blocks B, L, sliding in guides S, T, by means of screws S, C. These screws
receive their motion from another shaft S, H, and bevel wheels, which as mentioned
above may be actuated by a small float rising and sinking with the tide within a
well, or may be revolved by a small water or air cylinder P, as shown in Figure 1.

page_text: Figure 9, Sheet IIII., shows a hydromotor in side view with a floating oscillating
ody for shallow, but strongly agitated waters. Both ends of the dock are entirely
per for the free passing of the waves. The communication between the two sides
f the dock may be effected by means of a bridge, or the dock may be altogether
oofed over.
"
The oscillating body A is shown in form of a cylindrical caisson oscillating above
balanciers" or
he submerged pivot B. The latter is connected by means of
listance pieces F with an axis or pivot p fixed to the walls of the dock. To the
points e of the "balanciers" F plungers of pumps are attached, either directly or by
means of connecting rods, which are thus actuated by the rising or sinking of the
loạt A.
The adjustable pin w in the lower end of the T lever W is in connection with
the moveable pin P, v, at the side of the float A by means of the connecting rod F¹.
To the joints e¹ of the lever W plungers are attached, which thus are actuated by
the oscillations of A around the subinerged pivot or axis B. The pumps are fixed
in recesses within the sides of the dock like as in Figure 4, Sheet III.
Wooden contact pieces can be arranged along the inner surface of the sides of the
dock, and thus prevent lateral motions of the float A.
Figure 10, Sheet I., shows the plan of an open dock for admitting waves both
from the sea end and shore end; m, o, are moles for guiding the waves from what-
over direction they may be coming towards the centre line of the dock; p, r,
represents the pier leading to the shore; and a, r, an arch connecting the two
parallel sides of the dock.
Figure 11, Sheet I., represents parts of the automatic arrangement for moving
the flood-gates O (Figures 1 and 2); R is a ball regulator; Q and Q¹ show in
section the two racks which turn the two wheels S and S', mentioned as the calm
and the storm wheel; T is the moveable coupling sliding along the common axis U
by the revolutions of which the worm wheels N are turned, and the opening or
closing of the sluices is effected.
"
Figure 12, Sheet IIII., shows the oscillating body A in form of a door shown as
nearly lifted above the level of the sea, and so out of action by means of a screw
arrangement similar to that shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8. The pumps are attached
directly to "balanciers F¹ fixed to the axis B, and the plungers are of such length
as to allow of their being raised with the oscillating door A without their lower
ends getting free of the stuffing boxes of the pumps. The structure wherein the
float moves is open at both ends, and the sliding door g, which can be raised or
lowered by the spur and worm gearing h, serves to control the forces of the waves
when the oscillating body is in action.
Figure 13, Sheet IIII., represents an arrangement of a hydromotor for absorbing
the full power of the vertical oscillations of a water surface, and part of the force
of the impact of the waves in a horizontal direction. In this arrangement the
oscillating body A in form of a hollow cylinder is pivoted at B to the end of radius
levers F, and revolves around the central pivot or axis B, projecting at both its ends,
thereby diminishing the resistance offered to the passage of the waves.
hollow cylinder may be ballasted by water pumped into or removed from it by
means of a pipe passing along the lever F and through a perforation in the centre
of one of the centre pivots.
This
Figure 13 shows at the same time how the oscillations of the float A may, by
means of the segment i, which is attached to the end of the lever F and the small
wheel j, be converted into revolutions of a crank axis, and thus into the recipro-
cating of a piston in a cylinder for pumping purposes generally. In strongly
agitated waters this arrangement offers considerable advantages for avoiding the
risk of accidents to the machinery resulting from an excess in the force of the
The dotted circles h, w, and l, w, indicate the position of the float A at
high and at low water.
waves.
V

page_text: Figure 14, Sheet IIII., shows an oscillating floating body A in the form of a
hollow cylinder connected or suspended between the two parallel walls to an axis B,
around which it oscillates by the radial arms C, which allow it to lift and sink with
the differences of the level of the sea and waves; d is a kind of breast plate causing
the water to ascend and depress the float A by its weight. A curved metal rail e
at each inner face of the parallel walls of the structure serves to guide the float
by means of rollers f, f, or contact pieces. The connecting rod D attached at its
lower end to a joint at the side of the float moves by its upper end a guided cross
head to which the pump plunger E is attached, and by which it receives its up-and-
down motion. Instead of single levers the equivalent compound levers or a series
of levers may be employed.
It is evident that by a slight modification a "balancier" may be moved similarly
to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9. This arrangement of a hydromotor is useful in strongly
agitated waters with a surplus of power, and it is advisable to have both ends of
the structure open to prevent accidents by allowing the waves to pass through.
Figure 15, Sheet IIII., illustrates in perspective view a powerful hydromotor for
lighting a sea-coast town with electric light or the like, consisting of a series of
swinging doors, each actuating its own set of pumps, and all moving independently
of each other. In case of storms they may, however, simultaneously be lifted by
the common shaft, S, h, which receives its revolutions from a hydraulic motor
(turbine wheel) T, b. The water is forced by the pumps into a large conduit pipe
underneath the pier P, r, and is delivered into a large water reservoir excavated for
this purpose in some elevated position.
Although the annexed Figures are very limited and show only a few of the
numerous methods in which the oscillating body may be fixed or moved within the
dock, I trust they may suffice to illustrate the practical way in which the power of
water in motion may be utilized for being converted into mechanical labor; I also
can only indicate a few of the methods for transmitting the motions of the oscil-
lating body to some labor-producing machinery. The oscillations may, for instance,
be directly converted into revolutions of an axis turning in one direction by means
of ratchet wheels and catches, as may be seen from any manual of the elements of
mechanics. It would be impossible, without extending this description to an inor-
dinate length, to mention all the modifications dictated by local or other circum-
stances which are possible in the construction of a hydromotor. Quite as difficult
would it be to enumerate all the numerous functions and labors for which the hydro-
motor may with advantage be applied. Suffice it to mention that the hydromotor
may generate electric light or currents for galvano-plastic purposes by driving
dynamo-electric machines; or if applied for revolving heavy metal bodies pressing
on each other the power of the hydromotor may be transformed into heat by
friction, whilst by compressing air, sound may be produced by allowing the
air to escape through a suitable acoustic instrument, the hydromotor thus being
applicable for producing automatic storm signals.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim,―
First. The combinations of parts herein-before respectively described, and sub-
stantially as shown in the annexed Drawings, whereby (a) the power generated by
the change of position of the water surface may be made available for mechanical
labor by means of the raising or sinking of a floating body in the manner illus-
trated in Figures 13 and 14, or in any equivalent manner; or whereby (b) the
power generated by the motion of such water surface may be made available for
mechanical labor by utilizing the impact and momentum of waves when acting
upon a suspended or moored body; or whereby (c) the power generated by the
motion of such water surface is made available as a motive power by utilizing
partly and in varying proportions both the force of the water for bodily lifting a
Hoating body, and the force for inclining it from its perpendicular position.
Secondly. The combination of parts employed for automatically opening or
5

page_text: closing dock gates or sluices when used for the purpose of my Invention, as hereto-
fore described, and substantially as shown in the annexed Drawings, Figures 2
and 11.
In witness whereof, I, the said Johann Maximilian Plessner, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Second day of October, One thousand eight hundred
and seventy-eight.
J. M. PLESSNER. (L.S.)