Wave power generator

Abstract

A wave power generator comprising a chain drive arrangement. The Wave power generator comprising a float connected to one end of a retractable chain and a retractable device connected to an opposite end of the retractable chain.

1 . A wave power generating device comprising:
 a support;   an electrical power generator mounted on or within the support, the electrical power generator comprising an input shaft;   a gear pulley connected to the input shaft of the electrical power generator;   a retractable chain cooperating with the gear pulley of the electrical power generator to drive the electrical power generator;   a float connected to one end of the retractable chain; and   a retractable device connected to an opposite end of the retractable chain, the retractable device configured for allowing the retractable chain to be pulled out of the retractable device under tension and retracting the retractable chain under tension, the retractable cord device comprising a frame fitted with at least one chain pulley to cooperate with the retractable chain, the retractable cord device comprising at least one vertically oriented frame member,   wherein the retractable cord is pulled out of the retractable device by an incoming wave lifting the float, and is retracted back into the retractable device by the retractable cord device when the wave is moving past the float, and   wherein the retractable chain drives the electrical power generator in at least one direction of movement of the retractable chain due to wave movement.   
     
     
         2 . A wave power generating device, comprising:
 a support;   an electrical power generator mounted on or within the support, the electrical power generator comprising an input shaft;   a gear pulley connected to input shaft of the electrical power generator;   a retractable chain cooperating with the gear pulley of the electrical power generator to drive the electrical power generating device;   a float connected to one end of the retractable chain; and   a retractable device connected to an opposite end of the retractable chain, the retractable device configured for allowing the retractable chain to be pulled out of the retractable device under tension and retracting the retractable chain under tension, the retractable device comprising a spring or weight for retracting the retractable chain under tension,   wherein the retract cord is pulled out of the retractable device by an incoming wave lifting the float, and is retracted back into the retractable device under tension by the retractable when the wave is moving past the float, and   wherein the retractable chain drives the electrical power generator in at least one direction of movement of the retractable chain due to wave movement.   
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a frame or tank structure and arrangement. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrical power generator is located on the support above an operating water level. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retractable device comprises at least one weight. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the weight is configured for maintaining tension on the retractable chain. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 6 , wherein the weight is configured for retracting the retractable chain into the retractable device. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retractable device comprises at least one spring. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the spring is configured for maintaining tension on the retractable chain. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 9 , wherein the spring is configured for retracting the retractable chain into the retractable device. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the retractable device comprises a retractable chain accumulator. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , wherein the accumulator comprises multiple chain pulleys for supporting the retractable chain under tension. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 13 , wherein the accumulator further comprises at least one weight configured for maintaining the retractable chain under tension. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 13 , wherein the accumulator further comprises at least one spring configured for maintaining the retractable chain under tension. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one frame comprises multiple frame members each fitted with the at least one chain pulley to cooperate with the retractable chain. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 16 , wherein the retractable device comprises two or more spaced apart vertically oriented frame members. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the support is configured to mount the retractable device, the support being configured so that the float is subject to wave action. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein the support is configured to mount the wave power generating device to a dock or pier or piling. 
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the the retractable device is configured to drive the electrical power generator in both directions of movement of the retractable chain. 
     
     
         21 . A wave power generating system; comprising:
 a wave power generator configured to be mounted on a stationary structure located in or adjacent to a body of water having wave action;   a retractable cord or chain configured to drive the wave power generator in at least one direction of movement of the retractable cord or chain;   a float connected to one end of the retractable cord or chain;   a retractable cord or chain device connected to an opposite end of the retractable cord or chain, the retractable cord or chain device comprising at least one vertical frame supporting at least one cord or chain pulley; and   a frame or support configured to support the wave power generator and retractable cord or chain device above an operating water level of the wave power generating system.