Float for connection to a swimmer in a wave powered vehicle
US11027810B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/5236
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23). Wave-powered vehicles having a float (1), a submerged swimmer (3) and a tether (2) connecting the float and the swimmer, include a means for determining whether the tether is twisted; or a means (91) for untwisting the tether; or a pressure-sensitive connection (71, 72, 73) which can disconnect the tether when the vehicle is dragged downwards by entanglement with a whale; or a 2-axis universal joint securing the tether to the float or to the swimmer; or elastic elements which absorb snap loads created by the tether; or two or more of these.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.