Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Hine Design Inc.

Other

Derek L Hine

Roger G Hine

William A Stutz

Kurt A F Kiesow, Iii

Joseph D Rizzi

Robert Burcham

Graham Hine

Michael Krolak

William Stutz

Roger Hine

Kenneth Lorell

Jeffrey Marical

Eric Selvik

Kurt A F Kiesow

Kurt AF Kiesow

Kurt A Kiesow

Kurt Af Kiesow

A float () suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float () includes an upper member () whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable () suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member () near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member () behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (). Wave-powered vehicles having a float (), a submerged swimmer () and a tether () connecting the float and the swimmer, include a means for determining whether the tether is twisted; or a means () for untwisting the tether; or a pressure-sensitive connection () 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.

Method and apparatus for untwisting a tether of a water powered vehicle

Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.

Water vehicles

This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.

Watercraft and electricity generator system for harvesting electrical power for wave motion

Float for connection to a swimmer in a wave powered vehicle

Watercraft equipped with a hybrid wave-powered electricity generating and propulsion system

Cable for connecting a float to a swimmer in a wave powered vehicle

A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Wave power

A wave-powered water vehicle includes a) a first component which is a float that travels on or near the water surface; b) a second component which is wave actuated and travels below the first component; and c) a means whereby the first component engages the second component and/or the second component engages the first component; wherein the engagement means provides lateral support of one component for the other, and thereby minimizes lateral movement of one against the other when the components are fitted together.

Wave-powered devices configured for nesting

Watercraft equipped with a wave-powered electricity generating system and a deployable tow buoy

Watercraft and electricity generator system for harvesting electrical power from wave motion

Growing community of inventors

Portola Valley, CA, United States of America

Derek L Hine