Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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This document represents a preliminary submission of a patent application for
the purpose of establishing a priority date.
Inventor
Gerald J. Vowles
57 Joyce Crescent,
Belleville, ON
Canada
K8N 1 Y6
Tel: 613-967-2600
Title
Wave-Powered, Reciprocating Hose Peristaltic Pump
Technical Field
This invention relates generally to devices designed to extract ener from the
undulating motion of swells and waves on a body of fluid and conv ing this
energy to a
useable form. More particularly, it relates to a wave driven, reciprocating
peristaltic pump capable of powering a variety of devices or processes such
as, but not
limited to brackish and sea water desalination, water purification,
electricity generation,
hydraulic power generation and hydrogen fuel production by electrolysis.
Background Information and Prior Art
Driven by a number of factors including increasing demand, dwindling, low-cost
reserves and increasing global conflict, energy costs have risen dramatically
in recent
years. Predictions are that these costs will continue to escalate over time
rather than
diminish. At the same time, broad-based concern is escalating into growing
alarm in
both the scientific community and the general population about the effects of
global
warming and its relationship to the burning of fossil fuels, our primary
source of energy.
As a result, there is now international consensus that the development and
widespread
deployment of clean, renewable and sustainable energy technologies must be
supported by industry and governments at all levels and that the transition to
these
technologies must occur with all expediency.
This shift is now well underway and is expected to gain momentum. This is
evidenced
by the continuing rapid growth of wind and photovoltaic installations in a
growing
number of countries worldwide. More recently, the focus has been expanded to
involve
new opportunities, with investment in research and development in ocean energy
conversion being particularly high. Beyond the obvious environmental benefits,
ocean
wave and swell energy is of great interest because of its much higher density
and
consistency than wind and solar energies and it is widely distributed.
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The impact of this transition has been accompanied by a high profile debate
that has
become increasingly geopolitical in nature as particularly evidenced by
ongoing and
evolving reaction to the Kyoto Accord. Currently, the greatest single issue
expressed by
the so-called holdout nations relates to a requirement for much greater use of
cleaner
and more efficient energy technologies by the underdeveloped and developing
nations,
many with huge and growing populations.
At the same time, there is growing recognition of the need for and use of what
has been
termed "appropriate technology" if these efforts are to be successful.
Usually, the term
has been described as synonymous with, simple, low-cost, easily taught and
serviced
and more often than not, small by developed nation standards; in effect, often
requiring
a paradigm shift in terms of thinking and design.
The demand for these new technologies is not limited to these markets however.
There
is also demand from a growing segment of the population in highly developed
nations
for cost effective alternative energy technologies that can be used to provide
for small
community, organizational and even individual needs in addition to the more
common,
centralized installations requiring a distribution grid infrastructure.
In terms of prior art however, now as in the past, most research and
development
continues to focus on very large utility scale apparatus, the smallest of
which can cost in '
the millions of dollars. Unfortunately, most of these designs do not scale
down well nor ~~
are they suitable for use in many regions where need is high but both wave
climates_ar,6%~ fY
budgets are modest.
Related costs also add tremendously to real versus acquisition cost for these
apparatus:
In particular, delivery and handling, installation and start-up and, where the
devices are
located offshore or are fully sub-surface, routine maintenance costs.
In addition, because these apparatus typically incorporate a significant
number of
custom and highly specialized components rather than readily available,
competitively
priced parts and service items, the cost benefits often associated with
economies of
scale and volume are limited.
To a lesser degree, smaller, more flexible prior art apparatus have also been
proposed.
Although these devices have made some progress towards overcoming the
deficiencies
outlined above, they too exhibit certain limitations. Several examples of
these are
summarized below.
Common prior art limitations include:
PCT Pat No. WO 00/70218 Wave Powered Pump, WIENAND, Henry Lemont. Priority
Date May 12, 1999.
An arcuate apparatus in that the floats are attached to a rotating arm such
that
the apparatus stroke, and therefore, output diminishes as the arm's rotation
evolves
from primarily vertical to primarily horizontal. There is also a limit to how
long the arm,
and, therefore, the stroke can be before its flexibility reduces the apparatus
efficiency.
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These limitations become particularly significant when the device is exposed
to tidal
variations in addition to the undulating waves. In addition, a pump housing
and a
mounting platform are incorporated into the apparatus, the latter adding non-
working
superstructure to the cost. These features expose a larger face area to
loading from
water movement such as turbulence, thereby increasing anchoring requirements
and
susceptibility to damage.
US Pat No. 6,392,314 B1 Wave Energy Converter, DICK, William. PCT Filed Dec.
3,
1998.
While there are limited similarities between this prior art and the present
invention it is useful in terms of comparing efficiency. In this case, a
submerged variable
buoyancy float operates a pump as its buoyancy changes in relation to wave
height.
The displacement of the variable buoyancy float is reduced as the water
pressure
increases around it as a wave crest passes over it causing the float to drop
lower. This
phenomenon is explained by Boyle's Law. The disadvantage associated with this
type
of apparatus is that when all other factors are equal, using the variation in
buoyancy of a
float to produce work is significantly less efficient than using the buoyancy
of that same
float when used as a wave follower operating in unison to the surface.
US Pat No. 4,754,157 Float Type Wave Energy Extraction Apparatus and Method,
WINDLE, Tom T. Filed Oct. 10, 1986:
Two surface floats ( ' ' e
work-around). Pump has a rod vs. rodless so has only 1/3 the travel range in a
given
anchoring config. length because the rod ends cannot turn about the pulleys so
pulley
gap needs to be min. 3 X cylinder length. Cylinder and rod alignment with the
pulleys is
critical to reduce side loads on the rod bearings (a common cause of premature
failure).
This would require fixed pulleys which is itself a problem as the floats swing
in all
directions to some degree. Refers to "conventional valving" and also to
"conventional
stuffing glands". Refers to pump being "on the bottom" in the brief desc. of
Fig. 5.
US Pat No. 3,918,260 Wave Powered Driving Apparatus, MAHNEKE, Klaus M. Filed
Dec. 30, 1974:
A good concept in that by converting the reciprocating cyl limits to rotary
the stroke is
not limited, however, this does add complexity and cost. High likelihood of
fouling in the
gears and linkage or at least more sub-surface maintenance is likely. It
describes the
need for a heavy anchoring/mounting platform making installation a challenge.
this is an
expired (1975) buoy/counter-buoy concept so can be used by anyone but also
prevents
the newer active ones from claiming the concept.
As will become apparent in the following description, the present invention
overcomes
these limitations.
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List of Figures
FIG. 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment the invention, that being a
vertically
oriented, single acting, wave powered peristaltic pump that can be deployed
from the
surface of a body of liquid, in this case being seawater.
FIG. 2 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged, more detailed view of
the
apparatus' flow control assembly is shown adjacent to FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a side view of a similar, second embodiment the invention which
makes
use of a reinforced peristaltic hose without the use of a flexible link.
FIG. 4 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged, more detailed view of
the
apparatus' backside strainer is shown alongside FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 To further facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged, more detailed
view of the
apparatus' integrated flow control assembly and sub-surface float base plate
is shown
alongside FIG. 3.
FIG's 6a through 6e show a partial range of block assemblies that may be used
with the
apparatus of the present invention.
FIG's 7a through 7f show a partial range of anchor means that may be used with
the
apparatus of the present invention. '
FIG. 8 shows a side view of a further embodiment the present invention(which
differs
from the embodiments shown in FIG's 1 & 3 in that a second peristaltic Itn#c-
assembly
and second compression roller block assembly are introduced to provide for two-
way
pumping in a horizontally oriented apparatus.
FIG. 9 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged, more detailed view of
the
apparatus' flow control assembly is shown alongside FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 shows a side view of a still further embodiment the invention similar
to that
shown in FIG.8 but wherein two separate peristaltic hose assemblies are routed
through
a common compression roller assembly in order that the two compression pulley
blocks
shown in Fig. 6 can be replaced by simple pulley blocks. In this embodiment,
back and
forth moveme~ of the peristaltic hoses along the seabed can be eliminated.
4 tl,,,~i
FIG. 11 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged, more detailed view
of the
apparatus' compression assembly is shown alongside FIG. 10. ;
FIG. 12 shows a partial view of how a plurality of apparatug m'ay be linked in
an array.
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Summary of the Invention
The apparatus described hereafter is intended for use in any body of fluid
upon which
surface waves may be propagated, usually by the movement of a secondary fluid
across the surface of the first or primary fluid. However, for this class of
apparatus, the
primary fluid is typically a body of water such as an ocean, sea or lake upon
which
waves are propagated when a secondary fluid which is typically wind blows
across it.
Therefore, for the sake of clarity, this description will use the term "water"
to represent
any primary fluid and the term "wind" to represent any secondary fluid in this
context.
More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the invention taught in the
following
description is an ocean wave powered pump capable of delivering a flow of
pressurized
seawater to power one or more driven devices such as but not limited to
desalinators,
electricity generators, hydraulic motors and hydrogen fuel generators.
The overall goal of this invention is to provide a practical, cost-effective
and generally
affordable apparatus with which global environmental, ecological and societal
crises
and issues can be mitigated. More specifically:
A first objective of this invention is to provide a wave energy conversion
apparatus that
requires neither externally generated power nor fuel of any kind in order to
operate
efficiently and effectively.
As such, a second objective of this invention, which is the ability to install
and use the
apparatus without penalty of higher cost or significant inconvenience, in
locations where
advanced infrastructure such as good roads and conventional power and fuel
sources
are not available or practical, can be achieved.
A third objective of this invention is to provide a wave energy conversion
apparatus that
can be transported and deployed rapidly, easily and without the need for heavy
or
specialized equipment during times of crisis and in response to natural
disasters when
the immediate need for safe freshwater is especially critical.
A fourth objective of this invention is to provide a wave energy conversion
apparatus
that can be built, transported and installed in a body of water, at a low
enough cost to be
considered expendable yet, at the same time, be capable of withstanding
aggressive
storm action.
Ocean-based, on-site maintenance and repair is typically expensive, difficult
and often
dangerous. Therefore, it is yet a further objective of this invention is to
provide an
apparatus that can be built from generally available, recyclable materials and
components of sufficiently low cost that it can be cost-effectively extracted
and replaced
as needed, ideally through a manufacturer's repair-rebuild-recycle exchange
program.
It is an established fact that extreme storms such as hurricanes and typhoons
are
capable of damaging or destroying virtually any ocean based apparatus in their
track.
With this in mind, it is yet another objective of this invention to provide
the option of
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installing all or most of the more sensitive, higher cost and routine service
components
on shore in order to minimize damage and costs in the event of such an event.
As a means of maximizing budget, site and output suitability, as well as
simplified scale-
up capability, a further objective of this invention to provide a modularized
apparatus
wherein any number of wave interface modules mounted in a body of water can be
linked to any number of shore or platform based processing modules; the latter
containing all or most routine service components and control means as well as
any
linked driven devices.
A still further objective of this invention is to provide a wave energy
conversion
apparatus that provides for maximum installation site flexibility in terms of
wave and
tidal range, anchoring, site accessibility, environmental impact including
visual and
weather conditions.
Yet another objective of this invention is to provide an apparatus that is
easily tuned and
adjusted for prevailing or anticipated or seasonal wave, wind and current
conditions.
Accordingly, the wave energy conversion apparatus described herein teaches a
preferred embodiment of the present invention best described as a wave
powered,
linear peristaltic pump utilizing pressurized seawater as its hydraulic fluid
and, in the
case of desalination, a feed water as well and potentially for other
applications and
processes.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring now to the drawings, Fig.1 represents a preferred embodiment of the
present
invention. It is comprised primarily of a peristaltic link assembly 1, a block
assembly 2, a
flow control assembly 3, a surface float 4, a sub-surface float assembly 5, an
anchor 6
and a delivery hose assembly 7. With the exception of the surface float 4, the
apparatus
is fully submerged between the surface 8 of a body of fluid, in this case
seawater, upon
which waves occur and the bottom 9, in this case being the seabed. The surface
float 4
generally protrudes in variable amounts above the surface 8. A peristaltic
hose 10 is
located within the peristaltic link assembly 1. The apparatus draws the water
that it
pumps from the body of water in which it is installed.
For greater clarity, attention is drawn here to the separate nature and
functions of the
peristaltic link assembly 1 and the peristaltic hose 10 found within it. In
this embodiment,
the primary function of the peristaltic link assembly 1 is to provide a
flexible, fixed link
between the surface float 4 and the sub-surface float assembly S. In this
embodiment,
the primary function of the peristaltic hose 10 is as a necessary component of
a
peristaltic pump. However, for efficiency of design as well as other benefits
that shall
become apparent, the present invention provides a novel means by which these
components can function in a complimentary and synergistic manner. Therefore,
for
ease of understanding, all references to the peristaltic link assembly 1 shall
be taken to
mean that the peristaltic hose 10 is found within. Specifically, the
peristaltic link
assembly 1 is comprised of a woven, tubular, flexible link 11, a hose fitting
12, a
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backside strainer 13, and first and second travel stops 14 and 15 as well as
the
separate functioning peristaltic hose 10 contained within it. It is noted,
however, that in
other embodiments of the present invention, the peristaltic hose 10 can indeed
serve in
the dual role of peristaltic hose and flexible link member.
A more detailed breakdown of the remaining assemblies and components, as well
as
other minor parts, is now provided in advance of describing their function and
interaction
within the apparatus as a whole.
The peristaltic hose 10 is circumferentially bonded to the flexible link 11 at
location 16,
in this case being in the vicinity of the mid-point of the peristaltic link
assembly 1. It is
noted that instead of being located within the flexible link 11, the backside
strainer 13
may also be installed such that it or the peristaltic hose 10 to which it is
attached,
protrude through the strands of the wall of the flexible link 11, particularly
if a
replaceable type strainer or filter is employed. It is further noted that the
flexible link 11
itself may also provide adequate filtering capability such that the apparatus
can function
without the need for the backside strainer 13.
The block assembly 2 is comprised of a body 17, a freely rotating pulley 18, a
freely
rotating compression roller 19 and a two-way joint 20 upon which the block
assembly 2
can pivot on both horizontal axes. The pulley 18 and compression roller 19
have mating
faces, whether flat or some other combination such as convex to concave.
The flow control assembly 3, as shown in Fig. 2 adjacent, is comprised of a
body 21, an
intake check valve 22, an outlet check valve 23 and an intake filter 24. The
check valves
22 and 23 are located within the tee shaped cavity 25 of the body 21, as
shown. The
intake filter 24 is mounted at the opening of the tee cavity branch, as shown.
The surface float 4 is, in this case, represented by a commercially available,
inflatable
mooring or net buoy incorporating a moulded-in eye 26. It may, however, take
many
forms, even including a boat for example, as long as it provides adequate
buoyancy and
wave following capability.
The sub-surface float assembly 5 is also represented here by a commercially
available,
inflatable mooring or net buoy but, in this case, one which incorporates a
different
connecting means. Rather than an eye, a centre tube 27 with openings on both
its top
and bottom is moulded in. A top plate 28, a hollow- bodied through tube 29 and
a base
plate 30 are fixedly attached, whether by cement or threads, such that the
through tube
29 passes through the centre tube 27.
The delivery hose assembly 7 in this case a common rubber hose 31 of
appropriate
pressure rating, is fitted at each end with standard hose fittings. The first
hose fitting 32
is shown here connected to the control assembly 3. The second one is not
visible but is
understood to be attached to the other end of the hose 31 and connected to
some
driven apparatus. It is noted that the delivery hose 31 may also be allowed to
float freely
in the body of water as long as the amount of slack does not allow for
entanglement
with the apparatus. However, if it does need to be held down, the apparatus
can still be
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installed from the surface 8 by clipping small weights intermittently along
the delivery
hose 31. It is further noted that by using small hook type anchors for this
purpose, it will
help prevent undesirable rotation of the apparatus on its vertical Z axis
during turbulent
conditions.
A gravity type anchor 6 of adequate mass to counteract the buoyant and other
forces
acting on the apparatus is employed in this case to provide the means by which
the
apparatus remains fixed to the bottom 9 in order to provide the reaction point
needed for
the apparatus to function. It is noted, however, that any other anchoring
means that
provides a reaction point capable of remaining fully or immovable in relation
to the
apparatus as a whole could be utilized.
Lastly, a flexible hoop 33 is fixedly attached at its one end to the block
assembly 2 and
at its other end to the base plate 30 such that it forms an arc as shown. The
peristaltic
hose 10, the flow control assembly 3 and the delivery hose assembly 7 are then
intermittently and fixedly attached to the hoop 33 by means of a plurality of
cable ties 34
as shown or by other suitable means.
Let us now look at how these various assemblies and components fit together.
In
general terms, the peristaltic link assembly 1 is attached at one end to the
surface float
4, routed freely through the centre tube 27 of the sub-surface float assembly
5, between
the pulley 18 and the compression roller 19 of the pulley block assembly 2 and
attached
at its other end to the bottom of the sub-surface float assembly 5.
More specifically, one end of the flexible link 11 is robustly attached to a
swivel type
snap shackle 35 which is connected through the eye 26 of the surface buoy 4.
The
swivel prevents unwanted twisting of the peristaltic link assembly 1 due to
the surface
float 4 rotating on its vertical axis in response to water or wind movement.
The use of a
snap shackle 35 also allows for quick connection and disconnection. The other
end of
the flexible link 11 is robustly attached with a retainer pin 36 or similar
means to the
base plate 30 of the sub-surface float assembly 5.
The peristaltic hose 10 exits through an opening between the strands in the
side wall of
the flexible link 11 between the travel stop 15 and the retainer pin 36. In
this way, the
flexible link 11 rather than the peristaltic hose 10 bears most of the tensile
load
experienced by the peristaltic link assembly 1 during operation of the
apparatus, an
important and novel feature of this embodiment of the present invention that
shall
become apparent. After exiting the flexible link 11, the peristaltic hose is
connected by a
fitting 12 to the flow control assembly 3 which is, in turn, connected to the
delivery hose
assembly 7, all of which will be further discussed.
As previously indicated, a flexible hoop 33 is fixedly attached at its one end
to the block
assembly 2 and at its other end to the base plate 30 of the sub-surface float
assembly 5
such that it forms an arc as shown. The peristaltic hose 10, the flow control
assembly 3
and the delivery hose assembly 7 are intermittently and fixedly attached to
the hoop 33
by means of a plurality of cable ties 34 as shown or by other suitable means.
In this
way, the hoop 33 provides a means by which these components can be held away,
and
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thus prevented from becoming entangled in adjacent parts of the peristaltic
link
assembly 1 during operation of the apparatus, especially during during periods
of
turbulence. In this embodiment, the hoop 33 is a highly flexible fibreglass or
carbon
composite rod cemented into holes drilled into the base plate 30 and block
housing 17.
The length and flexibility of the hoop 33 are sufficient that the apparatus
can reciprocate
fully within its design parameters without being either limited in travel or
suffering
significant loss of efficiency. It is noted that other means can also be used
for this
purpose. For example, a whip style flexible arm could be fixedly attached at
only one
point, such as to the base plate 30, from whence it would extend horizontally
outward.
Also, as previously indicated, the flow control assembly 3 is installed
between the
peristaltic hose 10 and the delivery hose assembly 7. The connection in this
case, is
accomplished by threading the peristaltic hose fitting 12 into the in-line
inlet port and the
delivery hose fitting 32 into the in-line outlet port of the flow control
assembly 3.
However, quick-coupler fittings or other appropriate means may also be used.
It is at
this point that the reciprocating or two-way flow of water within the
peristaltic hose 10 is
converted to one-way outflow and transmitted via the delivery hose assembly 7
to
power a nearby or remote linked driven device or apparatus. For greater
clarity, the flow
control assembly 3 is shown in greater detail in Fig. 2 adjacent, and will be
explained in
due course in the system function discussion.
To protect against binding or jamming of the peristaltic link assembly 1 in
either the
block assembly 2 or the sub-surface float assembly 5, travel stops 14 and 15
are fitted
over and securely bonded to the peristaltic link assembly 1 as shown. These
may be
commonly available rope stops used on sailboats, single-piece, moulded fishing
net
floats or some other suitable means such as a two piece assembly if removal
and
replacement is preferred. In any case, the outside diameter of these travel
stops must
be large enough to prevent their entry into the pulley block assembly 2 and/or
the centre
tube 27 opening of the sub-surface float assembly 5, through which the
peristaltic link
assembly 1 reciprocates.
In this embodiment of the present invention, the gravity anchor 6 is of
adequate mass to
counteract the buoyant and other forces acting on the apparatus. It provides
the means
by which the apparatus, via the pulley block assembly 2, is flexibly fixed to
the bottom 9.
In this case the bottom 9 is a seabed but any other reaction point deemed to
be
immovable in relation to the rest of the apparatus and the undulating surface
8, or out of
phase with the undulating surface 8 may also be appropriate; for example a
portion of a
fixed or floating drilling platform. In fact, the choice of anchoring means is
usually
dependent on a number of factors such as local conditions, convenience,
availability
and whether or not the installation is of a permanent or temporary nature.
Several
examples of alternative anchoring means will be presented later in this
description. As
previously indicated, the block assembly 2 incorporates a two-way joint 20
upon which it
can pivot on both its horizontal X and Y axes but cannot rotate on its
vertical Z axis
when attached to the anchor 6. In this configuration, it is advisable to align
the
apparatus such that an imaginary line drawn through the frontside 37 and the
backside
38 of the peristaltic link assembly 1 is perpendicular to the prevailing wave
fronts . This
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attachment means is employed to reduce the likelihood of the delivery hose 31
becoming wrapped around or entangled with the peristaltic link assembly 1
during
periods of turbulence when the apparatus would be more likely to rotate on its
vertical Z
axis if allowed to swivel freely.
It is noted that a key feature of this embodiment of the present invention
lies in the
combined use of a gravity type anchor 6 and the flexible hoop 33, which allows
the
apparatus to be rapidly and simply deployed by lowering it from a boat or raft
on the
surface; an especially important advantage in the case of emergencies,
disaster
response and/or lack of specialized installation equipment or scuba diving
capability.
Finally, an optional link extension 40 is shown here in Fig. 1. It's purpose
is to provide a
simple means by which final adjustments may be made for installation depth
such that
the peristaltic link assemblies can be pre-built in standard lengths. Any
number of
design variations are seen to be possible ranging from a simple piece of rope
or cable
fixedly attached to the peristaltic link assembly 1 at its one end and to the
snap shackle
35 at its other end as shown to, for example, a similarly attached site-
adjustable reel
assembly.
Assembled together, the components and assemblies discussed above form an
apparatus which may be generally described as follows: A wave-powered,
positive
displacement pump wherein a peristaltic link assembly is reciprocally drawn
through
one or more anchored compression pulley blocks by opposing buoyant members
reacting to undulating wave action, this for the purpose of producing a one-
way outflow
of pressurized water.
In general terms, the peristaltic link assembly 1 is drawn back and forth
through the
block assembly 2 due to the opposed, reciprocating action of a primary
buoyancy
member called the surface float 4 and a secondary buoyancy member called the
sub-
surface float assembly 5. The peristaltic hose 10 enclosed within the
peristaltic link
assembly 1 becomes fully occluded at the point where it passes through the
block
assembly 2, before returning to its normal, internally open shape, thereby
alternateiy
increasing and decreasing the internal volume of the peristaltic hose 10 on
each side of
the block assembly 2. When the internal volume of either side increases, water
is drawn
in and alternately, when the internal volume of either side decreases, water
is displaced
or pumped out. In this case, the water is drawn from the body of seawater in
which the
apparatus is installed. In practice, the peristaltic link assembly 1 functions
both as a
pump component as well as a flexible connecting member of fixed length.
In more specific terms, the buoyant surface float 4 functions as what is
commonly
referred to in this field of art as a wave follower in that it follows or
tracks the surface 8
of the body of water as it rises and falls with the waves. The less buoyant
sub-surface
float 5 remains submerged and, therefore, continuously strives to rise to the
surface 8.
The surface float 4 and the sub-surface float 5 operate in opposition to each
other
because the peristaltic link assembly 1 to which they are attached, turns a
nominal 180
degrees about the freely rotating pulley 18 such that the floats 4 and 5 both
pull in the
same direction, that being toward the surface 8. The peristaltic link assembly
1 remains
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taut as it reciprocates through the pulley block assembly 2 because, being
anchored to
the bottom 9, it functions as a fixed reaction point and also because the
peristaltic link
assembly 1 remains at a generally fixed length once under tension for reasons
that will
be made apparent. Because the surface float 4 is significantly more buoyant,
the sub-
surface float 5 always acts in response to the movement of the surface float
4.
Therefore, the sub-surface float assembly 5 is drawn down toward the bottom 9
each
time the surface float 4 moves upward with the rising waves and conversely,
the sub-
surface float assembly 5 rises up toward the surface 9 when the surface float
4
subsequently moves downward and thus the cycle continues.
This results in a cyclic shortening and lengthening of that section of the
peristaltic link
assembly 1 located between the pulley block 2 and the flow control assembly 3,
hereafter called its frontside 37 and, in reversed sequence, a cyclic
lengthening and
shortening of that section of the peristaltic link assembly 1 located between
the pulley
block 2 and and the snap shackle 35, hereafter called its backside 38. Because
the
peristaltic hose 10 becomes fully occluded at the point where it is
temporarily
compressed between the freely rotating pulley 18 and the freely rotating,
mating
compression roller 19 of the pulley block assembly 2, water is drawn in and
then
pumped out on both its frontside 37 and backside 38 as their internal volumes
alternately increase and decrease.
Each time that the frontside 37 of the peristaltic link assembly 1 lengthens
with the
failing wave, water is drawn into it through the flow control assembly 3 and
conversely,
each time the frontside 41 of the peristaltic link assembly 1 shortens, water
is forced out
of it and through the flow control assembly 3, from whence it is carried away
via the
delivery hose assembly 7 as shown at location 39 for the purpose of powering
and/or
feeding any number or combination of downstream driven devices or processes.
For greater clarity in this regard, we refer to Fig. 2, which shows the flow
controller 3 to
be comprised of a main body 21, an inner hydraulic circuit 25, which carries
the water
pumped from the peristaltic link assembly 1 through the flow controller 3, an
internal,
one-way intake check valve 22 terminated by an external intake filter 24 and
an internal,
one-way output check valve 23. Each time the frontside 37 of the peristaltic
link
assembly 1 shortens as the surface float 4 follows a rising wave, water is
forced under
pressure out of the peristaltic link assembly 1 and into the inner hydraulic
circuit 25 of
the flow control assembly 3 and pushes up against the two check valves 22 and
23
located therein. The pressurized water cannot flow through the inward opening,
one-
way intake check valve 22, however it can push open the outward opening, one-
way
outlet check valve 23 and, in so doing, continues to flow downstream through
the
delivery hose assembly 7 as long as the frontside 37 of the peristaltic link
assembly 1
continues to displace water as it shortens. Although not part of the flow
control
assembly 3, the peristaltic link assembly 1 and the delivery hose assembly 7
are also
shown to clarify how the three assemblies are interconnected. It is noted,
however, that
while mating, threaded fittings are used in this case, such connections may
vary. For
example, they might be cemented together, incorporate what are generally
referred to
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as quick-connect couplings for convenience and expediency of assembly and
servicing,
or be connected by still other appropriate means.
Conversely, each time the frontside 37 of the peristaltic link assembly 1
lengthens as
the surface float 4 follows a failing wave, water is drawn into the
peristaltic link assembly
1. This occurs due to the combination of two factors. Firstly, as indicated,
the frontside
37 of the peristaltic link assembly 1 lengthens, thereby increasing the
internal volume of
the peristaltic hose 10 within. Secondly, while the peristaltic hose remains
fully occluded
at the point of compression between the pulley 18 and compression roller 19,
it springs
back to its natural shape beyond that point with enough elastic force to draw
water back
in to replace that which had been displaced. More specifically, this
replacement water is
drawn into the flow control assembly 3 with minimal resistance through the
intake filter
24 and the inward opening, one-way intake check valve 22. Once in the inner
hydraulic
circuit 25, it is drawn freely into the frontside 37 of the peristaltic hose
10. At the same
time, water is prevented from being drawn back in from the delivery hose
assembly 7
because the still pressurized water held therein holds the check valve 23
closed with
greater force than the combined force required to open the check valve 22 and
draw
water through the intake filter 24.
Returning now to Fig. 1, it is noted that while the flow controller 3 is shown
here as
being in close proximity to the rest of the apparatus and before the
involvement of the
delivery hose assembly 7, it is understood that in other variations of the
apparatus, the
flow controller assembly 3 may be located at some distance away. For example,
it could
be incorporated downstream from the rest of the apparatus including being
located on
shore or at any other suitable location such as, but not limited to on a
breakwater or an
ocean based platform, as long as adequate pressure and flow can be delivered
and the
peristaltic hose 10 is still capable of exerting enough force in returning to
its natural
shape to draw in replacement water.
It is further noted, that while both the frontside 37 and backside 38 portions
of the
peristaltic link assembly 1 are capable of producing pressurized water flow,
the
embodiment taught here in Fig. 1 is such that only the frontside flow is
harvested in
order to maximize the simplicity of the apparatus. While the water on the
frontside 37
becomes pressurized due to downstream resistance, pressure is not developed on
the
backside 38 because the water therein flows freely in and out through the
backside
strainer 13 without significant resistance.
The backside strainer 13 is fixedly attached to the open end of backside 38 of
the
peristaltic hose 10 for the purpose of reducing fouling over time. This is
necessary to
prevent both pressure and suction from developing on the backside 38 in
opposition to
the pressurization and suction cycles on the frontside 37, a condition that
would greatly
reduce the efficiency of the apparatus. Being that it is a porous, woven
member
separating the open end of the peristaltic hose 10 and the body of water in
which the
apparatus is both installed a draws from, this straining function may be
provided by the
flexible link 11 itself in some instances.
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For greater clarity in terms their function, structure and interaction,
certain assemblies
and components will now be discussed beginning with the flexible link 11.
Under high tensile load conditions, conventional, fully bonded hose
reinforcements,
whether woven, spiral or otherwise and whether internally or externally
located, can tear
or shear away from those layers of the hose to which they are bonded, leading
to de-
lamination and, therefore, loss of resistance to further elongation as well as
potential
rupture and/or separation into parts. Being that most heavy duty peristaltic
hoses utilize
this means of reinforcing, they are also susceptible to this type of failure
under high
tensile load conditions.
The primary role of the flexible link 11 described herein is to provide an
improved means
by which longitudinal elongation of the peristaltic hose 10 can be limited or
even
eliminated, particularly in those cases where a conventional peristaltic
hose's structural
capabilities are not adequate to allow the apparatus of the present invention
to function
dependably without it. In other words, the primary role of the flexible link
11 is not to add
reinforcement to the peristaltic hose 10 but rather to eliminate the need for
it by
transferring the load bearing requirements of the apparatus to the flexible
link 11.
For greater clarity, a defining difference is that there can exist a
difference in the amount
of elongation occurring between the flexible link 11 and the peristaltic hose
10 such that
this unique capability is used to advantage, as shall become evident in the
description
that follows.
In this particular embodiment of the present invention then, the peristaltic
hose 10 is
enclosed within the flexible link 11, the latter being a flexible, braided
tube similar in
structure to the outer, hollow braid found on the double braided ropes
commonly used to
rig sailboats.
Depending on the openness of the weave as well as differences between the
outside
diameter of the peristaltic hose 10 and the inside diameter of the flexible
link 11 under
tension, the flexible link 11 functions - in varying degrees from negligible
to great - in
much the same way as what is commonly known as a "chinese finger trap". The
degree
of variation in the gripping or squeezing force is a design optimization
decision based on
many variables so not discussed here. For clarity, a "chinese finger trap" is
a loosely
woven tube that compensates for any increase in its length by reducing its
diameter.
Because a finger inserted into the trap has limited compressibility, those
forces
attempting to reduce the diameter are increasingly applied as a gripping or
squeezing
force, thereby preventing the sliding withdrawal of the inserted finger. The
greater the
effort to pull the finger out by pulling, the greater the gripping force
becomes.
In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the flexible link 11
exhibits a
relatively tight weave while its inside diameter under tension is only
modestly less than
the outside diameter of the peristaltic hose 10 within. In this fashion, the
initial stretching
of the flexible link 11 due to the pull of the floats 4 and 5 is quickly
arrested and
converted to a modest compressive or gripping force acting on the peristaltic
hose 10 as
soon as the flexible link 11 becomes snug.
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Because the flexible link 11 is, in this case, manufactured from a synthetic
fibre
exhibiting very low stretch characteristics, once locked down on the
peristaltic hose 10,
the peristaltic hose assembly 1, including the peristaltic hose 10 within,
does not
undergo any significant additional stretching. Also, because a relatively
tight weave has
been chosen in this case, a continued increase in the force attempting to
squeeze the
peristaltic hose 10 are arrested preventing the potential for crushing or
significant
occlusion of the peristaltic hose 10.
The result is that the flexible link 11 provides for greatly increased tensile
loading
capacity of the peristaltic link assembly 1 while also providing for minimal
elongation
and, therefore, damage to or failure of the peristaltic hose 10 itself as the
flexible link 11
rather than the peristaltic hose 10 bears most of the tensile loads
experienced during
operation of the apparatus. It is noted that in this way, the flexible link 11
clearly differs
in function from that of the woven reinforcements commonly incorporated into,
or
otherwise applied to various hose types, generally in order to increase their
pressure
handling capability and clearly differs as well from the sheaths used and
tough outer
skins applied to hoses from time to time in order to improve their abrasion
resistance.
As a means of preventing uneven, directional creeping of the peristaltic hose
10 within
the flexible link 11, at times when there may be no gripping force being
applied, it is
recommended that the flexible link 11 be bonded at some point or points to the
peristaltic hose 10 within. In this embodiment of the present invention, a
flexible, marine
grade silicon adhesive bond 16 is circumferentially applied between the
peristaltic hose
and the flexible link 11 at a location somewhere near the centre of the
peristaltic link
assembly 1. However, neither the bonding means nor the location, number or
extent of
these bonds are critical for the function of the apparatus and so, for
example, it may
also be with other embodiments, assuming the flexible link 11 to be pre-
stretched over
the peristaltic hose 10 to the degree that any significant further stretch is
arrested, a
plurality of bonds may be applied at other locations such as between the
peristaltic hose
10 and the flexible link 11 beneath the travel stops 14 and 15. In the case of
this
embodiment, however, the single, centrally located bond is such that the
peristaltic hose
10 elongation is not caused to, nor is it needed to match the flexible link 11
elongation,
especially as the flexible link 11 goes through its greatest degree of
elongation before
clamping down on the peristaltic hose 10.
It is noted that while the use of a flexible link 11 as described in Fig. 1 is
a novel feature
in their own right, its absence, whether in part or in full, does not prevent
the basic
function and operation of or detract from the novelty of other embodiments of
the
present invention. For example, rather than using one continuous flexible link
11 as
described, separate, shorter lengths can be installed at either end of the
peristaltic hose
10 in situations where the peristaltic hose 10 is capable of handling the
tensile loads
required of it without detrimental effects. In such cases, the separate
flexible links, while
functionally and structurally equivalent to that described, function as simple
and
convenient link means.
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Nonetheless, the use of a single, continuous flexible link 11 as described in
this
embodiment does provide for a number of important and novel advantages such
as: It
allows for the use of otherwise unsuitable and often more generally available
and less
costly hoses, even including some not normally rated for peristaltic
applications; in
allowing for the use of significantly thinner walled hoses compared to
typically very
heavy walled conventional peristaltic hoses, larger inside diameters can be
taken of
advantage of in order to increase volumetric output when maximum outside
diameters
are limited by such factors as the inside diameter of the centre tube 27 of
the
subsurface float assembly 5 and; it prevents a loss of seal and, therefore,
pumping
capability that could be caused by incomplete occlusion of the inside diameter
of the
peristaltic hose 10 at the compression point between the pulley 18 and
compression
roller 19, this due to excessive reduction of the wall thickness of the
peristaltic hose 10,
caused by stretching, especially when exposed to unusually high tensile loads
due to
storm activity and, It is noted that other anti-creep means such as a clamping
device
may be employed instead of an adhesive.
Besides wall thickness, the composition, design and pressure rating of the
peristaltic
hose 10 can also vary in response to operating conditions and requirements.
However,
by definition, it must be able to return promptly to its natural, internally
open state
following each occlusion or compression cycle in order to draw in the water
displaced
during the previous pumping cycle. By comparison, a flat hose such as a fire
hose
would not work for this application. For those embodiments of the present
invention
designed without a flexible link 11, the peristaltic hose 10 must be of
adequate tensile
strength and pressure rating in its own right, as well as being able to resist
linear
elongation under load to the extent that full occlusion between the pulley 18
and
compression roller 19 occurs and may be so designed when appropriate. It is
only when
the construction of the peristaltic hose 10 allows too much elongation under
tensile load,
such that it's wall thickness is reduced enough that the seal formed in the
peristaltic
hose's 10 inside diameter at the compression point between the pulley 18 and
roller 19
is no longer complete or effective, that the flexible link 11 becomes a
necessity in order
for the apparatus to function as intended. While it is understood and
envisioned that
such an undesirable condition could also be rectified by the use of additional
mechanisms to allow for some means of automatically adjusting the gap betweeri
the
pulley 18 compression roller 19, to compensate for varying degrees of stretch
in the
peristaltic hose 10, an objective of the present invention is to keep it
simple and
inexpensive to produce.
In this embodiment of the present invention, the travel stops 14 and 15, are
resilient,
spherical rubber mouldings similar in form to a sponge rubber ball with a
centre bore of
similar inside diameter to the outside diameter of the peristaltic link
assembly 1. Travel
stop 14 is threaded over and fixedly attached to peristaltic link assembly 1
between
block 2 and the location where the peristaltic hose 10 exits through the wall
of the
flexible link 11, immediately below the latter. Travel stop 15 is likewise
mounted to the
peristaltic link assembly 1 between where it exits through the top of the sub-
surface float
assembly 5 and the snap shackle 35, immediately below the point where the
backside
strainer 13 is located. 1. In this way, travel stops 14 and 15 function as
peristaltic link
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assembly 1 travel limiters, positioned to prevent those parts of the apparatus
outside of
the travel stops 14 and 15 from entering the block assembly 2 and/or the sub-
surface
float assembly 5, an undesirable condition that could cause jamming of and
potentially
damage to the apparatus.
As previously discussed, the design of the pulley block assembly 2 is such
that the
peristaltic hose 10 becomes fully occluded at the point where it is
temporarily
compressed between a freely rotating pulley 18 and a freely rotating, mating
compression roller 19. In this case, the mating surfaces of both the pulley 18
and the
compression roller 19 are flat, however, other profiles may be used as long as
the result
is full occlusion of the peristaltic hose 10 and the peristaltic link assembly
1 and
peristaltic hose 10 within are not damaged from uneven or excessive
compression. It is
noted that a plurality of compression rollers 19 may be incorporated into the
block
assembly 2 in order to increase the pressure handling capabilities of the
apparatus.
In this embodiment, the surface float 4 and the sub-surface float assembly 5
are both
single-piece, moulded, inflatable pneumatic buoys. The surface float 4
incorporates a
moulded in tethering eye whereas the sub-surface float assembly 5 incorporates
a
moulded in centre tube 27 with openings on both its top and bottom. Because
this
embodiment of the present invention provides for one-way only pressurized
pumping
with the rising waves, it requires only enough buoyant energy to keep the
peristaltic link
assembly 1 taut as the surface float 4 then drops with the falling wave.
Therefore, the
displacement of the sub-surface float assembly 5 need not be any greater than
what is
needed to ensure the return of the surface float to its initial position in
order to begin the
next pumping cycle, bearing in mind additional influences factors such as
prevailing or
anticipated wave, wind and current conditions as well as seasonal changes.
That said,
any excessive buoyancy of the sub-surface float assembly 5 has the negative
effect of
reducing the potential pumping capability of the apparatus by the same amount.
In this
embodiment, this fine tuning can be accomplished by the partial deflation or
further
inflation of either, or both of, the surface float 4 and the sub-surface float
5. However,
other appropriately buoyant means including those whose buoyancy is not
adjustable
could be used for the purpose taught herein, albeit with less flexibility.
It is noted that in other embodiments of the present invention that provide
for two-way
pressurized pumping, the displacement of the sub-surface float 5 is ideally
about one
half the displacement of surface float 4. However, once again, this ratio may
be modified
depending on prevailing or anticipated wave, wind and current conditions as
well as
seasonai changes.
Referring now to Fig. 3, the drawing represents a second embodiment of the
present
invention quite similar to that taught in Fig. 1. In this case, peristaltic
link assembly 1 of
Fig. 1. is replaced with a peristaltic hose assembly 41 comprised of a
reinforced
peristaltic hose 42 fitted on each of its ends with common, crimped-on or
similarly
attached hose fittings 43 and 44 and travel stops 14 and 15. This assembly is
capable
of handling the tensile load or stretching forces generated during normal
operation of
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the apparatus plus a safety factor. In effect, the peristaltic hose assembly
41 fulfills the
functions of both the peristaltic hose 10 and the flexible link 11 of Fig. 1.
The role of the hoop 33 of Fig. 1 is provided instead by a bungee cord 45 or
some other
similar means, the function of which is to hold the delivery hose 31 taut for
reasons
taught in Fig. 1. The bungee cord 45 is fixedly attached to the delivery hose
31 by hose
clamps 46 and 47 or some other appropriate means, such that a slack loop 48 is
created between these two attachment points.
By design, the stretch capability of the bungee cord 45 and the amount of
slack in the
loop 48 are adequate to allow the apparatus to reciprocate at its full
capability while the
resistance force of the bungee cord 45 combined with the lead angle of the
delivery
hose 31 are optimized to cause the least possible loss of efficiency while
still
contributing to the prevention of rotation of the apparatus on its vertical Z
axis. The
clamp 47 is also employed to fixedly attach the delivery hose 31 to an anchor
49.
Being that the bottom 9 is shown here to be a seabed of fissured rock, the
delivery hose
anchor 49, as well as the main apparatus anchor 50 are readily available
climbing
pitons, which are made in different sizes and are manually hammered into the
fissures.
It is noted that a variation to this embodiment incorporates a pre-tensioned,
flexible link
11 as taught in Fig. 1, mounted over the peristaltic hose 10 of Fig. 1 or the
peristaltic
hose 42 taught here and crimped or similarly combined into a heavier duty
peristaltic
hose assembly.
Referring now to Fig. 4, the backside strainer 13 of Fig. 1 is replaced by an
internally
bored, backside strainer assembly 51 that is threaded at its bottom end to
mate with the
hose fitting 44 of the peristaltic hose assembly 41 and incorporates at its
upper end, a
commonly available "quick link" 52 or other similar attachment means linked to
the snap
shackle 35. In this way, backside strainer assembly 51 functions as both a
backside
strainer and a link between the peristaltic hose assembly 41 and the snap
shackle 35.
Referring now to Fig. 5, this drawing details how the flow control assembly 3
and base
plate 30 of Fig. 2 have been integrated to form a flow control/base assembly
53, which
otherwise fulfills the same functions with the same components and is attached
in the
same ways as was taught in Fig. 1, which becomes apparent when comparing Fig's
2
and S. For greater clarity, the intake check valve 22 that would otherwise be
hidden
behind the intake filter 24 in this view, is shown here in exploded view with
its actual
location indicated by an arrow 54.
Referring now to Fig's 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e, each representing a variation of
the block
assembly 2 as taught in Fig. 1: For greater clarity, the drawings are shown
both with
and without the flexible link 11 component of the peristaltic link assembly 1
taught in
Fig. 1 in order to reinforce the understanding that the apparatus of the
present invention
can function in either configuration.
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Fig. 6a is a representation of the single compression, roller type, block
assembly 2
taught in Fig. 1 and redrawn here for easier reference and comparison to the
subsequent Fig. 6 Series drawings shown adjacent. It is comprised of a body
17, a
freely rotating pulley 18, a freely rotating compression roller 19 and a two-
way joint 20
upon which the block assembly 2 can pivot on both horizontal axes. The
peristaltic hose
and flexible link 11 components of the peristaltic link assembiy 1 are also
shown.
Fig. 6b shows a block assembly 55 incorporating two compression rollers 56 and
57
and a non-swiveling snap shackle 58 in place of a two-way joint 20 but
otherwise, is
similar to that shown in Fig. 6a. The purpose for using two or more
compression rollers
is to increase the pressure handling capability of the peristaltic hose 10, as
well as to
reduce the potential for pressure loss due to leakage should occlusion not be
complete
between the pulley 18 and either one of the compression rollers 56 or 57.
Fig. 6c represents a block assembly 58 wherein a compression roller is not
required to
occlude the peristaltic hose 10 due to the use of a much smaller diameter
pulley 59 than
that used in the block assembly shown in Fig. 6a. In effect, the load from two
equivalent
floats, is distributed over a much smaller area in the case of the block
assembly 58
resulting in a much higher pressure being applied to the peristaltic hose
assembly 1
where it is in contact with the smaller pulley 59 and thus, by design, causing
full
occlusion of the peristaltic hose 10 in the area at the bottom of the pulley
59.
Fig. 6d represents the upper portion of a block assembly 60 wherein a
compression
roller is not required to occlude the peristaltic hose 10. While a larger
diameter pulley 61
is used in this case, it's circumference is star shaped rather than round as
can be seen
here wherein a variable plurality of contact points is typified by point 62.
This has the
same effect as that taught in Fig. 6c in that the load is distributed over a
smaller total
area, being limited to those points where contact is made with the peristaltic
hose 10. In
this case, the load is progressively applied over these occlusion points with
the greatest
pressure being those closest to the bottom of the pulley 61, which in this
case, are
points 62 and 63. By design, the number and contact area of these evenly
spaced
contact points on the pulley 61 are such that full occlusion can occur
simultaneously at
more than one point, again as seen with points 62 and 63, thereby allowing for
those
same benefits as described for Fig. 6b. Also shown here represented by the
dashed
line 64 is the use of a convex rather than flat face on the circumference of
the pulley 61.
It is foreseen that among other potential benefits, this allows the occlusion
process to
occur more easily.
In Fig. 6e, the block assembly 65 is generally the same as that taught in Fig.
6d except
that the pulley 66 has less compression points and, in this case where three
are used,
simultaneous, full occlusion is not necessarily constant although possible
depending on
the peristaltic hose 10 characteristics. However, it is shown here in order to
reinforce the
understanding that other pulley shapes are foreseen for use within various
block
assembly configurations.
Fig's 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and 7f represent an incomplete sampling of various
anchoring
means that are foreseen. The main requirement of any anchor is that it
provides the
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means by which the apparatus is flexibly fixed to the bottom 9 or any other
reaction
point deemed to be immovable in relation to the rest of the apparatus and the
undulating surface 8. That said providing an anchoring means that is moveable
but out
of phase with the undulating surface 8 may also be appropriate. For example, a
sub-
surface portion of an off-shore drilling platform. Depending on whether it is
a fixed or
floating platform, it could be either immovable or or out of phase. Important
considerations in this case would be that there not be interference between
the
apparatus of the present invention and the apparatus to which it is anchored
and that
any apparatus such as the drilling platform to which apparatus of the present
invention
is anchored is capable of safely handling the modified load placed upon it. In
fact, the
choice of anchoring means is also dependent on a number of other factors as
well such
as local conditions, convenience, availability and whether or not the
installation is of a
permanent or temporary nature.
Fig. 7a shows a gravity anchor 6 as seen in Fig. 1, which is only one of many
possible
shapes and types possible. The primary requirements in this case are that it
is of
adequate mass to counteract the buoyant and other forces acting on the
apparatus and
that it resist movement along the bottom 9. Any appropriate means can be used
to
attach the anchor 6 to the apparatus of the present invention, which in this
case, is the
threaded holes 67 and 68 to which the block assembly 2 of Fig. 1 is attached.
The
apparatus of the present invention is then flexibly attached such that the
apparatus can
pivot on its horizontal X and Y axes but not rotate on its vertical Z axis.
The primary
benefit of this type of anchor is that it may be set from the surface.
Fig. 7b shows a common helical anchor 69, sometimes also called an earth
anchor.
These small but highly effective anchors are typically used where the bottom 9
is
comprised mainly of a softer, loose material such as gravel. They are turned
into the
bottom much as a screw is turned into wood. The apparatus of the present
invention is
then flexibly attached through the eye 70 such that the apparatus can pivot on
its
horizontal X and Y axes but not rotate on its vertical Z axis.
Fig. 7c shows a common rock anchor 69, also called a piton and widely used by
mountain and rock climbers. These anchors can be used where the bottom 9 is
comprised of solid, fissured rock and are highly effective when driven in by
hand held
hammer or other similarly acting impact device. It is best to set the rock
anchor 69 as
close as possible to perpendicular to the direction of pull by the apparatus
of the present
invention, which is flexibly attached through the eye 72 such that the
apparatus can
pivot on its horizontal X and Y axes but not rotate on its vertical Z axis.
Fig. 7d shows a common spike or pile anchor 73, the latter term being used for
larger
applications. These anchors can be used in a variety of bottom 9 conditions
such as
where the seabed is comprised of broken rock, gravel, sand or even compressed
mud
in some cases. There is much engineering information and data available with
regard to
the selection and setting pile anchors.
Fig. 7e shows what is commonly referred to as a snap shackle 75, of which
there are a
number of types. The term snap denotes that it is removable. The one used with
the
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apparatus of the present invention is of the non-swiveling type in order to
prevent
rotation of the apparatus on its vertical Z axis for reasons previously
discussed. As
shown here, the snap shackle 75 actually serves as an anchor linkage means in
that it
is clipped onto any appropriate anchoring means represented by the dashed line
76.
For greater clarity, it is also shown here attached at location 77 to the
block assembly 2
of the apparatus taught in Fig. 1.
Fig. 7f provides one example of any number of means by which the apparatus of
the
present invention can be raised up from the bottom 9. This may be necessary in
order
to raise the block assembly 2 above shifting sand levels, adjust for a
peristaltic link
assembly 1 that is found to be too short or for other unspecified reasons. A
primary
requirement in this case is to prevent or at least limit the degree to which
the apparatus
of the present invention can rotate on its vertical Z axis for reasons
previously
discussed. This is accomplished through the use of a raised anchor assembly 78
comprised of a stabilizer bar 79, a number of non-stretch cables or ropes as
represented here by the ropes 80, 81, 82 and 83 being fixedly attached on
their upper
ends to the stabilizer bar 79 and on their lower ends to their corresponding
rock anchors
84, 85, 86 and 87. The raised anchor assembly 78 is held above the bottom 9 by
the
upward pull of the buoyant apparatus of the present invention and is prevented
from
rotating to any significant degree by the combination of its length and the
locations at
which the anchor ropes 80 and 83 are attached to it. Movement is further
restricted by
ensuring that the anchor ropes 81 and 82 are effectively separate by knotting
them or
using rope stops 88 and 89 as shown here on either side of the stabilizer bar
79 if they
are comprised of a single length of rope. For greater clarity, any significant
degree of
rotation would require a similar, corresponding drop in height of the
stabilizer bar 79 in
the configuration as shown here, a situation that is largely prevented by the
constant,
upward pull of the apparatus of the present invention. The stabilizer bar 79
is designed
to be of a length needed to optimize this approach. A block assembly 2 of the
type
shown in the apparatus taught in Fig. 1 is also shown here attached by means
of' an
axle pin 90 to the stabilizer 79.
Fig. 8 represents a two-way acting, horizontally oriented embodiment of the
present
invention which, nonetheless, utilizes the same or similar components and
functions
according to the same operating principles as the vertically oriented
embodiment taught
in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. Specific variations include; the open centre-tube type
sub-surface
float 5 of Fig. 1 is replaced with an equivalent sized, bottom eye type sub-
surface float
91 being of the same type as the surface float 4; a second peristaltic hose 92
identical
to the existing peristaltic hose 10 is incorporated into a peristaitic link
assembly 93,
which is the functional equivalent of the peristaltic link assembly 1 taught
in Fig. 1; the
sub-surface buoy 91 is linked to the peristaltic link assembly 93 with a
second, swivel
type snap-shackle 94 identical to the existing snap-shackle 35; two block
assemblies
95 and 96 are functional equivalents to the block assembly 2 taught in Fig. 1
with the
exception that they do not incorporate a means of preventing rotation on any
axis, a
feature not needed in this embodiment of the present invention so instead the
block
assemblies 95 and 96 are flexibly attached to their respective anchor means 97
and 98
by rope loops 99 and 100 or some other appropriate, flexible attachment means
and;
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the flow control assembly 3 taught in Fig. 1 is replaced by the flow control
assembly 101
shown in greater detail in Fig. 9 adjacent, which will be further described in
due course.
The peristaltic hoses 10 and 92 as shown here lying generally in a loop 102 in
order to
provide the slack needed to allow unimpeded reciprocation of the peristaltic
link
assembly 93. Assuming that the peristaltic hoses 10 and 92 do not naturally
float
upward, no means is indicated to prevent their entanglement with either the
reciprocating peristaltic link assembly 93 or the block assemblies 95 and 96.
However,
such an intervention can be applied if necessary by using the same bungee cord
45
based means taught in Fig. 3 or by some other appropriate means. Also, for
greater
clarity in this regard but not shown here due to the two dimensional nature of
the
drawing, the peristaltic hoses 10 and 92 seen looped at location 102 are best
laid out
perpendicular to rather than parallel to the reciprocating peristaltic link
assembly 93.
As was indicated, this embodiment of the present invention functions in
similar fashion
and according to the same operating principles as the vertically oriented
embodiment
taught in Fig. 1. However, for greater clarity, the following details are
provided.
In this embodiment of the present invention, the peristaltic link assembly 93
is
comprised of a woven, tubular, flexible link 11, first and second backside
strainers 13
and 103, four travel stops 14, 15, 104 and 105, and first and second quick
couplers 106
and 107, as well as the separate functioning peristaltic hoses 10 and 92
contained
within it. It is again noted that in other embodiments of the present
invention, the
peristaltic hose 10, as well as peristaltic hose 92 introduced here, can serve
in the dual
role of peristaltic hose and flexible link. As was the case where the
peristaltic hose 10
exited through the side wall of the flexible link 11, both peristaltic hoses
10 and 92 exit
through the side wall of the flexible link 11 at locations 108 and 109 from
whence they
proceed in similar fashion to connect with the flow control assembly 101 as
seen in Fig.
9 adjacent.
Fig. 9 further details the construction of the flow control assembly 101 shown
in Fig. 8.
Although their function and operating principles are similar, a significant
difference
exists between the flow control assemblies taught in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 and the
one
taught herein. Specifically, the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 assemblies are designed to
handle the
alternating intake and output of a single acting apparatus of the type taught
in Fig. 1,
whereas the flow control assembly 101 taught here is designed to handle the
alternating
intake and output of a dual acting apparatus of the type described in Fig. 8.
In this case, the flow control assembly 101 is comprised of an enclosure 110
openable
for servicing, a hydraulic circuit 111 incorporating a primary loop 112 and
four branches
113, 114, 115 and 116 with flow directions shown by arrows three of which are
terminated as shown by appropriate hose connectors 117, 118, and 119 such as
quick-
couplers, fixedly mounted through the enclosure 110, four check valves 120,
121, 122
and 123 fixedly mounted within the primary loop 112 of the hydraulic circuit
111, and an
intake filter 124 that terminates the fourth branch of the hydraulic circuit
111 and is also
fixedly mounted through the enclosure 110.
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For greater clarity the peristaltic hoses 10 and 92 and their corresponding
quick-
couplers 106 and 107, as well as the delivery hose assembly 127 and its
corresponding
quick-connector 128 are shown here connected to the flow control assembly 101
but
seen in greater detail in Fig. 9 adjacent.
Referring once again to Fig. 8, it can be seen that the apparatus described
shares the
same operating principles and means and is comprised mainly of either like or
similar
assemblies and components with the apparatus' of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 8. In
terms of
operating principles for example, each apparatus has one or more pressurized
frontsides and one or more non-pressurized backside separated by a fully
occluding
block assemblies. In this regard, it is noted that the alternating cycle of
displacing or
pumping and then drawing in of replacement water by the first peristaltic hose
10 occurs
simultaneously but in reverse order with the second peristaltic hose 92.
As has become apparent, the only significant differences are those required to
convert
the apparatus from a single-acting peristaltic pump to a double-acting
peristaltic pump
and convert to arrangement from a vertically arranged to a horizontally
arranged
apparatus. In all cases, however, pressurized pumping is accomplished by
reciprocating
one or more peristaltic hoses through one or more block assemblies that
incorporate
both pulley and occlusion means.
It is noted variations of the embodiment of the present invention taught here
in Fig. 9
are foreseen including those in which the role of the flexible link 11 and
peristaltic hoses
and 92 are carried out by a suitable, heavy duty peristaltic hose of the type
taught in
Fig. 3. In such cases it would be practical to employ separate, short lengths
of flexible
link, not only to connect to the surface and sub-surface floats but also to
link the 1:wo
separate peristaltic hoses, such as the peristaltic hoses 10 and 92 taught
here where
this linkage would be attached between the travel stops 15 and 105.
Referring now to Fig. 10, a further embodiment of the present invention quite
similar to
that taught in Fig. 8 in that it is also a double acting, horizontally
oriented embodiment
of the present invention. It's two-way pumping capability is derived from the
reciprocating action of two peristaltic link assemblies 136 and 137 acting
simultaneously
but in reverse order in response to the opposed action of a surface float 4
that is flexibly
linked to a sub-surface float 91.
However, while the apparatus herein described again functions according to the
same
operating principles as previously described apparatus', there are notable
variations in
the design and interaction of two key components. More specifically,
previously taught
variations of the the block assembly incorporated both a pulley and a
compression
roller, thereby fulfilling a dual role; for example, the block assembly 2 as
taught in Fig.1
and the block assemblies 95 and 96 taught in Fig. 8. In this case, the roles
of the pulley
and of the peristaltic hose compression means handled by separate components.
More
specifically, the block assembly 132 shown here does not incorporate any
compression
rollers and so does not provide for the necessary occlusion of the hose within
the
peristaltic link assembly 136, which operates about its freely rotating pulley
134. In like
manner, the block assembly 133 does not incorporate any compression rollers
and so
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does not provide for the necessary occlusion of the hose within the
peristaltic link
assembly 137, which operates about its freely rotating pulley 135.
Furthermore, it is
noted that the pulleys 134 and 135 are grooved in this case. These concave
grooves
are cut to match the normally round shape and outer diameter of the
peristaltic link
assemblies 136 and 137 or, in the case of other embodiments of this design not
using
discrete flexible link assemblies, the outer diameter of the peristaltic hoses
themselves.
New to this embodiment of the present invention is a separate but shared
compression
assembly 131 that provides the necessary full occlusion points for the
reciprocating
peristaltic link assemblies 136 and 137.
For greater clarity, construction of the compression assembly 131 is further
detailed in
Fig. 11 adjacent. As shown, it is comprised of a main body 142 which houses a
first
freely rotating pulley 143, a second freely rotating pulley 144 and a common,
freely
rotating compression roller 144. Combined, these components interact with the
two
peristaltic link assemblies 136 and 137 in the same way to cause occlusion as
did the
pulley and compression roller combinations taught in previous embodiments.
Directional arrows are used to show that the the lower portion of the
peristaltic link
assembly 136 located between the anchor 138 and the compression assembly 131
and
the lower portion of the peristaltic link assembly 137 located between the
anchor 140
and the compression assembly 131 do not move to and fro as a result the
ongoing
reciprocation of the remaining, upper portion of the peristaltic link assembly
136 located
between the snap shackle 94 and the compression assembly 131 and the
remairiing,
upper portion of the peristaltic link assembly 137 located between the snap
shackle 35
and the compression assembly 131. Arrows are also applied to pulleys 143 and
144 and
the compression roller 144 to clarify their direction of rotation with respect
to the
reciprocating travel of the compression assembly 131. It is noted that the
arrows in the
Fig. 11 drawing show the movement of the various components during the rising
wave
phase as which time the surface float 4 moves upward and the sub-surface float
91
moves downward in response. During the return phase, that being with the
failing wave,
these directional movements are reversed.
A unique and novel feature of this particular embodiment of the present
invention is its
ability to use two different peristaltic hose diameters so that the apparatus
can be tuned
or optimized to react to uneven energy levels being harvestable from the
rising wave
fronts and falling wave backs. That said, this feature could be implemented in
other
embodiments including some or all of those previously taught but with less
ease. A
further feature of this particular embodiment of the present invention is that
those
portions of the peristaltic link assemblies 136 and 137 that are in contact
with the
bottom 11 as well the flow control assembly 101 and the delivery hose assembly
127,
that are also in contact with the bottom 11 in this case, do not move to and
fro with the
reciprocating action of those portions of the peristaltic link assemblies 136
and 137
operating between the floats 4 and 91 and the anchors 138 and 140 to which the
peristaltic link assemblies 136 and 137 are fixedly attached by any
appropriate means,
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shown here as woven flexible links 139 and 141, that do not arrest, restrict
or hinder the
flow of water through the peristaltic link assemblies 136 and 137.
Finally, it is noted that because of a change in mechanical advantage of the
apparatus
described herein, the displacement of the peristaltic link assemblies 136 and
137 would
need to be increased by the same ratio if the intent is to produce the same
output.
Fig. 12 shows one of various means by which different embodiments of the
present
invention can be linked in arrays. In this case, a series of surface floats
such as but not
limited to rigid type surface floats 146 and 147 are flexibly linked by any
appropriate
means at location 148 as shown or in some other similarly acting fashion. In
this case, a
peristaltic link assembly 149 is attached with a snap shackle 150 to a fixedly
attached
strap assembly 151 wrapped around the circumference of the surface float 146.
While
not shown here it is assumed that the corresponding sub-surface floats may or
may not
be similar in design and similarly attached in a series. It is noted, however,
that the
operating principles are again reflective of those previously taught in this
description.
The preceding represents a detailed description of an invention by Gerald J.
Vowles of
Belleville, ON Canada K8N 1 Y6. The purpose of this document is to establish a
priority
date with regard to a yet to be completed patent application for the present
invention.
The balance of the documents and materials required to complete the
application
process will be provided in due course in accordance with the instructions
provided by
the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).
