U.S. patent application number 12/736817 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-07 for wave-powered, reciprocating hose peristaltic pump.
Invention is credited to Gerald John Vowles.
Application Number | 20110081259 12/736817 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41297204 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110081259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vowles; Gerald John |
April 7, 2011 |
WAVE-POWERED, RECIPROCATING HOSE PERISTALTIC PUMP
Abstract
A wave-powered peristaltic hose pump, typically installed in a
body of fluid upon which waves occur. It is characterized by a
peristaltic hose which is reciprocally drawn through one or more
anchored compression pulley blocks by opposing buoyant members
reacting to undulating wave action. Occlusion of the hose by the
compression pulley block causes a reciprocating inflow and outflow
of water which is converted to a one-way outflow by a set of
valves. When tensile loads are beyond the capabilities of the the
peristaltic hose itself, it is installed within a low-stretch,
flexible support means linked to the opposing buoyant members in a
manner which minimizes tensile loading of the peristaltic hose. The
apparatus is employed to deliver a flow of pressurized seawater to
power driven devices or processes such as but not limited to
desalinators, electricity generators, hydraulic motors and hydrogen
fuel generators.
Inventors: |
Vowles; Gerald John;
(Belleville, CA) |
Family ID: |
41297204 |
Appl. No.: |
12/736817 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 13, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2009/000649 |
371 Date: |
November 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03B 13/1865 20130101;
F04B 43/12 20130101; F04B 17/00 20130101; Y02A 20/144 20180101;
F03B 13/187 20130101; F05B 2240/40 20130101; F04B 35/004 20130101;
Y02E 10/30 20130101; Y02E 10/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/331 |
International
Class: |
F04B 17/00 20060101
F04B017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 14, 2008 |
CA |
2631297 |
Claims
1. A wave powered peristaltic hose pump containing a reciprocating,
low-stretch peristaltic hose functioning both as a pump component
and a flexible, fixed length link; opposing first and second
buoyant members attached to each end of the peristaltic hose such
that the attachment means do not arrest or significantly restrict
fluid flow into and out of the peristaltic hose; a compression
block incorporating at least two freely rotating compression
rollers between which the peristaltic hose is drawn back and forth
by the opposing buoyant members such that the proximity of the
compression rollers adjacent cylindrical surfaces temporarily
occludes the peristaltic hose; an anchoring means to which the
block assembly is attached such that it provides a relatively
immovable reaction point in relation to the moving buoyant members
and; a flow control means which alternately allows fluid to be
forced out of and replenishment fluid to be drawn into the
peristaltic hose as it moves back and forth through the point of
occlusion.
2. A device as described in claim 1 wherein one of the compression
rollers also functions as a sheave or what is more commonly called
a pulley, about which the peristaltic hose rotates as it is drawn
back and forth.
3. A device as described in claims 1 and 2 wherein occlusion of the
peristaltic hose occurs solely as a result of the compressive force
being applied to that portion of the peristaltic hose wall drawn
against the face of a freely rotating pulley about which it
rotates, to the degree that a second or plurality of cooperating
compression rollers are not required to cause occlusion.
4. A device as described in claim 3 wherein occlusion of the
peristaltic hose is facilitated by the use of a polygon or rounded
polygon shaped pulley rather than a round pulley, such that the
compressive force being applied to that portion of the peristaltic
hose wall rotating about the pulley is distributed intermittently
or unevenly rather than continuously or evenly.
5. A device as described in claims 1 to 4 wherein the peristaltic
hose is supported by a flexible, low-stretch or fixed length link
such as an over-braided member, or an internally or externally
contiguous band or a cable; this flexible link rather than the
peristaltic hose being attached to each of the buoyant members such
that the tensile load caused by the opposing buoyant members is
carried wholly or in large part by the flexible link rather than by
the peristaltic hose.
6. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein the peristaltic hose and
flexible link are attached or bonded to each other at either a
single or intermittent points in order to prevent excessive,
uni-directional creep or extrusion of the peristaltic hose in
relation to the flexible link, but otherwise can move independently
of each other such that one will not tear or break away from the
other in the event that they undergo an uneven degree of
stretching, bending, twisting or excessive tensile loading, as can
be the case with conventionally reinforced hoses incorporating
continuously bonded or molded-in reinforcement.
7. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein the peristaltic hose and
flexible link may be continuously attached or bonded to each other
such that one will not tear or break away from the other in the
event that they undergo an uneven degree of stretching, bending,
twisting or excessive tensile loading, as can be the case with
conventionally reinforced hoses incorporating continuously bonded
or molded-in reinforcement.
8. A device as described in claims 5 to 7 wherein the flexible
link, by virtue of its high tensile strength, allows for the use of
otherwise unsuitable, less costly hoses including those
significantly thinner walled than conventional peristaltic hoses,
such that their larger inside diameters can be taken advantage of
in order to increase volumetric output when maximum outside
diameters may be limited by other factors.
9. A device as described in claims 5 to 8 wherein the flexible link
prevents a loss of seal and, therefore, a loss of pumping
capability caused by incomplete occlusion of the peristaltic hose
due to excessive reduction of the wall thickness of the peristaltic
hose resulting from excessive stretching.
10. A device as described in claims 1 to 9 wherein a second
peristaltic hose or peristaltic hose and flexible link assembly, a
second compression block and a second anchoring means are
incorporated into the apparatus between the buoyant members; the
peristaltic hoses are attached to one another at a point between
the buoyant members such that they reciprocate in tandem and; the
fluids flowing within the peristaltic hoses are not combined as a
result of this attachment; all with the result that the first
peristaltic hose is pumping out fluid while the second one is
drawing in fluid as the peristaltic hoses move in tandem in one
direction and conversely, the first peristaltic hose is drawing in
fluid while the second one is pumping out fluid as the peristaltic
hoses move in tandem in the opposite direction.
11. A device as described in claim 10 wherein the first and second
compression blocks are replaced by first and second pulley blocks
with occlusion of the peristaltic hoses being provided instead by
either a single shared or a plurality of hose compression means
such as compression blocks located between the pulley blocks.
12. A device as described in claims 10 and 11 wherein the inside
diameter of the two peristaltic hoses differs in order that the
device can be optimized to address uneven energy levels being
harvestable from the rising wave fronts and falling wave backs.
13. A device as described in claims 1 to 12 wherein extensions are
employed to add length to the peristaltic hose(s) or peristaltic
hose and flexible link assembly(s) in order to adjust for seasonal
changes and other varying conditions such as the depth and density
of the body of fluid in which the apparatus in installed, wave
height, tide range and current.
14. A device as described in claims 1 to 13 wherein the buoyant
members can be fully or partially inflated or deflated to allow for
in-situ system optimization and to facilitate installation, removal
and deployment.
15. A device as described in claims 1 to 14 wherein the peristaltic
hose(s) may be any hose or tube capable of returning to its
natural, internally open state following occlusion or compression
to the degree that it is capable of drawing fluid into itself.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates generally to devices designed to
extract energy from the undulating motion of swells and waves on a
body of fluid and converting this energy to a useable form. More
particularly, it relates to a wave driven, two-way 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
[0002] Driven by a number of factors including increasing demand,
the dwindling of 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 as
reserves are depleted. At the same time, there is 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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 expanding
populations.
[0006] At the same time, there is increasing 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 in size and capacity by
developed nation standards; in effect, often requiring a paradigm
shift in terms of thinking and design.
[0007] 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.
[0008] In terms of prior art however, 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 are budgets are modest.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] To a lesser degree, smaller, more flexible prior art
apparatus that can be deployed in arrays when higher output levels
are needed 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.
PCT Pat No. WO 00/70218 Wave Powered Pump, WIENAND, Henry Lemont.
Priority Date May 12, 1999.
[0012] 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. 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.
U.S. Pat No. 6,392,314 B1 Wave Energy Converter, DICK, William. PCT
Filed Dec. 3, 1998.
[0013] While there are limited similarities between the DICK prior
art and the present invention, it is useful in terms of comparing
efficiency and operating principal. In this case, a pump is driven
by a submerged variable buoyancy member which moves up and down as
its buoyancy changes in relation to variations in its depth below
the surface due to wave action. The displacement of the variable
buoyancy member is reduced as the water pressure increases when a
wave crest passes over, thus causing the variable buoyancy member
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, this approach is significantly less
efficient than using the buoyancy of an equal sized float following
the surface undulations of the same waves, as in the case of the
present invention. It is also noted that the buoyant, surface
following float of the present invention does not employ variable
buoyancy in order to operate.
U.S. Pat No. 4,754,157 Float Type Wave Energy Extraction Apparatus
and Method, WINDLE, Tom T. Filed Oct. 10, 1986:
[0014] All of the pumps described in the WINDLE prior art are
rod-type, reciprocating cylinder pumps, severely limiting the
apparatus' effective working range in larger waves and where tides
exist. While rod-less cylinder pumps could improve this capability
somewhat this limitation still exists. This prior art also refers
to "conventional stuffing glands," a wear item which is eliminated
in the present invention. Further, as shown in WINDLE, FIG. 5, the
device cannot effectively compensate for tidal variations because
both buoyant members are surface floats. Still further, because of
the fixed distance between the two floats, the apparatus must be
tuned to respond to a limited range of wave lengths with only one
wave length being optimal. While it is obvious that the present
invention could also embody two surface floats to drive its novel
pumping system, such an embodiment would be significantly less
efficient and less capable of tidal compensation.
U.S. Pat No. 3,918,260 Wave Powered Driving Apparatus, MAHNEKE,
Klaus M. Filed Dec. 30, 1974:
[0015] The MAHNEKE prior art offers an improvement over the DICK
and WINDLE prior art by linking a rotating means by a crank shaft
to a reciprocating cylinder pump. Thus the apparatus' operating
range is not limited by the length of the cylinder. However, this
adds even greater complexity and cost. There is also a high
likelihood of fouling of the gears and linkage requiring frequent
sub-surface maintenance unless still more complexity and cost are
added by mounting the apparatus in some form of sealed enclosure.
It describes the need for a heavy anchoring/mounting platform
making installation a challenge.
[0016] The present invention overcomes these various limitations
and disadvantages in a number of ways. Most noticeably, (a) the use
of the unique and novel reciprocating peristaltic hose overcomes
the stroke limitations associated with cylinder based pumps. This
greatly extends the working range and, therefore, the output
potential of the present invention over prior art of the same
general dimensions, (b) for the same reason, the present invention
is capable of uninterrupted and efficient operation within a broad
tidal range, (c) the use of opposing surface and sub-surface
buoyancy members rather than opposing surface and surface buoyancy
members is much more efficient, (d) the use of opposing surface and
sub-surface buoyancy members rather than opposing surface and
surface buoyancy members means the present invention does not need
to be tuned to respond to a limited range of wave lengths and does
not rapidly lose efficiency when operating outside of one optimal
wave length, (e) the elimination of most mechanical complexity such
as gears, cranks, arms and superstructure reduces the potential for
failure due to fouling or sediment buildup and for related
preventive maintenance. The benefits of these and other
improvements over the prior art will become more apparent in the
detailed description of the drawings that follows.
LIST OF FIGURES
[0017] 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.
[0018] FIG. 2 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged,
more detailed view of the flow control assembly shown in FIG. 1 is
described.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a similar, second embodiment of
the invention, which makes use of a reinforced peristaltic hose
without the use of a flexible link and incorporates the apparatus'
flow control assembly into a sub-surface float assembly.
[0020] FIG. 4 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged,
more detailed view of the backside strainer shown in FIG. 3 is
described.
[0021] FIG. 5 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged,
more detailed view of the integrated flow control assembly and
sub-surface float base plate shown in FIG. 3 is described.
[0022] FIGS. 6a through 6e show a partial range of block assemblies
that may be used with the apparatus of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 7a through 7f show a partial range of anchor means
that may be used with the apparatus of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a horizontally oriented
embodiment the present invention which differs from the vertically
oriented embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 & 3 in that a second
peristaltic link assembly and a second compression roller block
assembly are introduced to provide for two-way pumping.
[0025] FIG. 9 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged,
more detailed view of the apparatus' flow control assembly shown in
FIG. 8 is described.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the
invention similar to that shown in FIG. 8 but wherein two separate
peristaltic hose assemblies are routed through a shared compression
roller assembly in order that the two compression pulley blocks
shown in FIG. 8 can be replaced by simple pulley blocks. In this
embodiment, back and forth movement of the peristaltic hoses along
the seabed can be eliminated.
[0027] FIG. 11 To facilitate ease of understanding, an enlarged,
more detailed view of the compression roller assembly shown in FIG.
10 is described.
[0028] FIG. 12 shows a view of how a plurality of apparatus may be
linked in an array by flexibly linking their surface floats.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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 or processes such as but not limited to
desalinators, electricity generators, hydraulic motors and hydrogen
fuel generators.
[0031] 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:
[0032] 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.
[0033] As such, a second objective of this invention is to provide
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.
[0034] 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 such as in response to natural
disasters when the immediate need for safe freshwater is especially
critical.
[0035] Ocean-based, on-site maintenance and repair is typically
expensive, difficult and often dangerous. Therefore, a fourth
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 easily and cost-effectively
extracted and replaced as needed, ideally through a manufacturer's
repair-rebuild-recycle exchange program, rather than having to
undergo major repairs or overhaul in-situ.
[0036] It is an established fact that extreme weather events such
as hurricanes and typhoons are capable of damaging or destroying
virtually any ocean based apparatus in their track. With this in
mind, a fifth objective of this invention is to provide the option
of modularizing the apparatus and installing all or most of the
more sensitive, higher cost and routine service components on shore
or a safe platform in order to minimize damage, loss or servicing
costs in regions where extreme weather events are a threat.
[0037] In that same context, it is a sixth objective of this
invention to provide a wave energy conversion apparatus whose
installed cost is low enough that it can be considered expendable
yet, at the same time, be capable of withstanding aggressive storm
action.
[0038] As a means of system optimization and allowing for system
expansion, a seventh objective of this invention is to provide a
modularized apparatus wherein any number of these apparatus' can be
linked to any number of shore or platform based driven devices. For
further clarity, the term "system" refers here to a combination of
the apparatus of the present invention linked to and powering a
driven device.
[0039] An eighth 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,
accessibility and environmental considerations.
[0040] A ninth objective of this invention is to provide an
apparatus incorporating a simple and easy means of tuning or
adjusting for prevailing, seasonal or anticipated wave, wind and
current conditions.
[0041] Accordingly, the wave energy conversion apparatus described
herein provides the means by which these objectives may be
accomplished.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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 functions of the peristaltic link assembly 1 are first, to
provide a flexible, low-stretch link connecting the surface float 4
and the sub-surface float assembly 5, and secondly, to provide a
means to carry a peristaltic hose 10 within. 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, highly flexible link 11, a hose
fitting 12, a 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.
[0044] A more detailed breakdown and description of these
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.
[0045] 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 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, where the backside
strainer does not protrude, the flexible link 11 itself may provide
adequate filtering capability such that the apparatus can function
without the need for the backside strainer 13.
[0046] The block assembly 2 is comprised of a body 17, a freely
rotating pulley 18 also serving as a compression roller, a freely
rotating compression roller 19 and a two-way hinge 20 upon which
the block assembly 2 can swing on both horizontal axes. The pulley
18 and compression roller 19 have adjacent faces, whether flat or
some other combination such as such as but not limited to convex to
concave.
[0047] 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. The intake
filter 24 is mounted at the opening of the tee cavity branch.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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 hollow-bodied through tube 29 passes
through the centre tube 27. A top plate 28 and a base plate 30 are
then fixedly attached to the ends of the through tube 29 whether by
cement, threads or some other appropriate means.
[0050] The delivery hose assembly 7, in this case being 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 understood to be attached to the other end of the
delivery hose 31 and connected to some driven apparatus. It is
noted that the delivery hose 31 may be allowed to float freely in
the body of water as long as the amount of slack does not allow for
entanglement with or excessive rotation of the apparatus on its
vertical Z axis during turbulent conditions. However, if slack in
the delivery hose 31 does need to be controlled, the apparatus can
still be installed from the surface 8 by attaching one or more hook
type anchors intermittently along the delivery hose 31 before or
during installation. Other means may also be employed independently
or combined with the above to prevent excessive slack, as will
become evident in subsequent figures.
[0051] 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, thus establishing 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 relatively immovable in relation to the rest of the
apparatus may be utilized.
[0052] A flexible rod 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 flexible rod 33 by means
of a plurality of cable ties 34 or by other suitable means.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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 10 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.
[0057] A flexible rod 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 or half-hoop
as shown. The peristaltic hose 10, the flow control assembly 3 and
the delivery hose assembly 7 are intermittently and fixedly
attached to the flexible rod 33 by means of a plurality of cable
ties 34 as shown or by other suitable means. In this way, the
flexible rod 33 provides a means by which these components can be
held away from, and thus prevented from becoming entangled in other
parts the apparatus, especially during during periods of
turbulence. In this embodiment, the flexible rod 33 is a fibreglass
or carbon composite rod cemented into holes drilled into the base
plate 30 and block housing 17. The length of the flexible rod 33 is
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 rod could be fixedly attached at only one point, such as
to the base plate 30, from whence it would extend horizontally
outward.
[0058] 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 a first in-line port
of the flow control assembly 3 and threading the delivery hose
fitting 32 into a second in-line port of the flow control assembly
3. However, quick-coupler fittings or other appropriate means may
also be used in place of or in conjunction with the standard hose
fittings 12 and 32. 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
clarity, the flow control assembly 3 is shown in greater detail in
FIG. 2 adjacent, and will be taught in due course when FIG. 2 is
described in the system function discussion.
[0059] 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 upper opening of the centre tube 27 of the
sub-surface float assembly 5, through which the peristaltic link
assembly 1 reciprocates.
[0060] 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.
[0061] In this case the bottom 9 is a seabed but any other reaction
point deemed to be largely 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 hinge 20 upon which it can rotate 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 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 rotate freely.
[0062] 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 flexible rod 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.
[0063] Finally, an optional link extension 40 is shown 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. These
might range 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 in FIG. 1 to, for example, a
similarly attached site-adjustable reel assembly.
[0064] 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 link
assembly containing a peristaltic hose is reciprocally drawn
through one or more anchored compression pulley blocks by opposing
buoyant members reacting to undulating wave action; this causing a
reciprocating inflow and outflow of water which is converted to a
one-way outflow by a set of valves.
[0065] 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 alternately
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.
[0066] 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
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.
[0067] 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, adjacent 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.
[0068] Each time that the frontside 37 of the peristaltic link
assembly 1 lengthens with the falling 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.
These downstream apparatus' cause a pressure buildup in the
delivery hose 31 and the frontside 37 of the peristaltic link
assembly 1.
[0069] 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 as quick-connect
couplings for convenience and expediency of assembly and servicing,
or be connected by still other appropriate means.
[0070] Conversely, each time the frontside 37 of the peristaltic
link assembly 1 lengthens as the surface float 4 follows a falling
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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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. Therefore, 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] For greater clarity in terms their function, structure and
interaction, certain assemblies and components will now be
discussed beginning with the flexible link 11.
[0075] 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 of the
hose 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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,
preventing 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.
[0082] 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 10 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.
[0083] It is noted that while the use of a flexible link 11 as
described in FIG. 1 is a novel feature in its 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 previously
described, function as simple and convenient link means.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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 between the pulley 18
compression roller 19, to compensate for varying degrees of stretch
in the peristaltic hose 10, an objective of this embodiment is to
keep it simple and inexpensive to produce.
[0086] 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 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.
[0087] 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, adjacent
compression roller 19. In this case, the adjacent 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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 seasonal changes.
[0090] 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 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.
[0091] The role of the flexible rod 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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 as with the separate components and is attached
in the same ways as was taught in FIG. 1, which becomes apparent
when comparing FIGS. 2 and 5. 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.
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 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.
[0098] 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
hinge hinge 20 upon which the block assembly 2 can rotate on both
horizontal axes. The peristaltic hose 10 and flexible link 11
components of the peristaltic link assembly 1 are also shown.
[0099] 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 hinge 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] It is foreseen that among other potential benefits, this
allows the occlusion process to occur more easily.
[0103] 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.
[0104] FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e and if represent an incomplete
sampling of various anchoring means that are foreseen. The main
requirement of any anchor is that it provides the 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.
[0105] 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 rotate 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.
[0106] 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 rotate on its horizontal X and Y axes but
not rotate on its vertical Z axis.
[0107] 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 rotate on
its horizontal X and Y axes but not rotate on its vertical Z
axis.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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 peristaltic 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; 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
[0117] 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.
[0118] 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 front sides 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.
[0119] 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.
[0120] 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 10 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
two 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] 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 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.
[0123] 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.
[0124] 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.
[0125] 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 remaining, 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
falling wave, these directional movements are reversed.
[0126] 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, 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] It is noted at this time that a novel difference between the
pump variations described above and known peristaltic pumps is that
the peristaltic hose 10 is the powered, traveling component moving
through a fixed location occlusion means rather than as with the
various known arrangements where the powered, moving occlusion
means travel along a static peristaltic hose.
[0130] One intended application for the present invention is to
provide a low-cost apparatus that requires neither electric power
nor fuel to operate and, which can be deployed rapidly and without
heavy equipment in a broad range of coastal conditions, this for
the purpose of driving one or more linked brackish or seawater
desalinators or freshwater purifiers. This application has already
been carried out successfully. The goal is to provide a practical,
rapid-response means to address the extreme and immediate need for
safe freshwater usually associated with coastal natural
disasters.
* * * * *