Water alteration structure movement method and system

US8679331B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE INVENTION SCIENCE FUND I, LLC · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey A. Bowers · Bellevue, US
• Kenneth G. Caldeira · Redwood City, US
• Alistair K. Chan · Bainbridge Island, US
• William Gates · Redmond, US
• Roderick A. Hyde · Redmond, US
• Muriel Y. Ishikawa · Livermore, US
• Jordin T. Kare · Seattle, US
• John Latham · Boulder, US
• Nathan P. Myhrvold · Bellevue, US
• Stephen H. Salter · Edinburgh, GB
• Clarence T. Tegreene · Bellevue, US
• Lowell L. Wood, JR. · Bellevue, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2008
• Grant date: Mar 25, 2014
• Expiry date: Mar 29, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/30
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A structure described generally for altering one or more properties within a body of water includes a vessel configured to hold water. The vessel may have at least one wall. The at least one wall extends at least above a mean surface water level. At least one conduit extends downward from the holding vessel. The at least one conduit has a length that extends below the surface of the water. A propulsion system may be coupled to at least one of the vessel or the conduit and may be configured to provide forces to the vessel.