Patent ID: 8476782

Claim:
A wave energy converter (WEC) comprising: a float for moving up and down in phase with the waves; a spar for guiding the up and down movement of the float; the spar having an upper portion and a lower portion with the float moving between the upper and lower portions in response to the waves; and a power take off (PTO) device coupled between the float and the spar responsive to the mechanical interaction of the float with the portion of the spar in proximity to the float for converting their relative motion into useful energy, wherein the PTO includes: (a) a rack extending vertically along an external portion of the spar; and (b) a linear to rotary converter, mounted within the float, including a toothed member for engaging the rack and causing rotation of the rotary converter as a function of the up and down motion of the float relative to the spar and wherein the linear to rotary converter includes: (i) at least two sprocket wheels disposed so as to define a plane generally parallel to the plane of the rack and in close proximity thereto; and (ii) a two sided toothed belt wrapped around the sprocket wheels for engaging the teeth of the rack and causing the sprocket wheels to rotate in response to the movement of the float relative to the rack and its spar.