CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/612,112, entitled“REMOVABLE REEF SYSTEM,” filed December 29, 2017.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a removable artificial reef system and appurtenances. In particular, the invention relates to an artificial reef system capable of mitigating detrimental wave and current energy and erosion problems, enhancing biological growth, improving marine aquaculture, increasing carbon sequestration, providing power generation, and enhancing favorable surf conditions for recreational use.

2. Discussion of Related Art

In many cases, continuous wave motion, water currents, and circulation patterns cause undesirable erosion and sand migration problems on beaches and coastal environments. There are many examples of erosion and wave energy dissipation designs employed to mitigate these damaging conditions. In some cases erosion or wave energy dissipation designs include barriers made of rock, or riprap, jetty type installations that can forcibly stop wave and current impact energy. In other designs erosion or wave energy is dissipated by means of a man-made installation that mimics a natural reef. These“artificial reefs” have been made of concrete, steel, used tires, waste construction materials, inflatable bladders, rock, or multitudes of other materials.

Besides the potentially high cost, one of the serious consequences of erosion and wave energy dissipation designs is the permanent nature of the installations, making them less acceptable due to both expert and public concerns and opinions. Because of the synergistic effects of a multitude of factors, in some cases it is very difficult to predict the long term results of an installation. In some cases there have been undesirable or unintended effects, such as an increase in erosion and sand migration, or, a negative impact on an environmentally sensitive area or a loss of a recreational asset associated with the coastal area.

In some applications an erosion or wave energy dissipation design can be intentionally built to enhance the recreational use of a coastal area. This can be the case where the design causes a larger and more user friendly beach area to form, that is made safer with a calm bay-like ingress and egress and less danger from waves breaking on the shore, or, in the ultimate sense of a recreational surfer, the transformation of a poor beach break into a reef like surfing experience where the waves peak at a more fixed and predictable point and peel left and right.

A particular benefit of erosion and wave energy dissipation designs, which in today’s world— wide focus upon environmental restoration and carbon sequestration, is the inherent opportunity for marine life enhancement that can accompany an artificial reef installation.

There are many efforts being taken to develop zero emission power generation, including machines to harness wave, tidal, and wind power. It is no coincidence that the effort to dissipate wave, tidal, and current energy for erosion control would lead to the opportunity to harness that energy to produce usable power.

There are various designs and methods for erosion or wave energy dissipation, artificial reef construction, and power generation. These designs all have their benefits and shortcomings. The present invention is designed to provide additional options for erosion control, wave energy dissipation, artificial reef construction, marine life and ecosystem restoration, power generation, and carbon sequestration, when compared to other presently available alternatives. In addition, the present invention is particularly important for the improvement in quality of life, benefits to the environment, and cost benefits to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved artificial reef device and power generation system which may at least partially overcome the disadvantages of existing systems, improve the environment, or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In a broad form, the invention resides in a continuous assemblage of elongated members semi-uniformly spaced, such as a coil shaped structure, that form a continuous structure to impede or harness wave, tidal, and water wave and current energy. The structure can be an assemblage or continually formed, reinforced, and secured in a manner to reside either on the floor of the a marine environment, suspended, or floated at any desirable depth from the surface, where the geometry of the coil is designed to cause destructive interference to the rotational or direct wave and current energy, thereby mitigating erosion or detrimental effects of the wave and current energy, or, configured to harness energy by producing a rotational force. The directional and site placement aspects of the implementation of this invention are such that the installed system provides enhanced marine and biological growth, and enhanced action-sport recreational use of coastal areas, or the optimal energy output. The fabrication method, cost benefits, and removability of this invention allows for either temporary, trial basis, or low cost removal of the system.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system including a wave and current energy dissipater having a plurality of spaced dissipater legs that are spaced at a distance to achieve wave and current energy dissipation. The wave and current energy dissipater is composed of strands of material spaced about a central axis so as to define the plurality of dissipater legs.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the wave and current energy dissipater is constructed in the form of a coil.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the dissipater legs are spaced from 10 centimeters to 3 meters from each other.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein dissipater legs are spaced 1.5 meters from each other and the wave and current energy dissipater has a diameter of 4 meters.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the wave and current energy dissipater is supported by a pontoon assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system including structural elements integrated in the wave and current energy dissipater.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the structural elements include rivets joining the dissipater legs.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the structural elements include welds joining the dissipater leg to a lateral structural stringer via additive manufacturing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the structural elements include a plug-weld joining the dissipater leg to a lateral structural stringer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the wave and current energy dissipater has a hydrofoil profile.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system including a plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters are concentrically oriented.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters are supported by a pontoon assembly.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters are of different sizes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system including a power generator connected to the wave and current energy dissipater.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the power generator is mounted on a generator mounting structure adapted for anchoring to a seafloor.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a removable artificial reef system wherein the power generator is connected to a pivot bearing allowing the power generator to pivot or rotate relative to the seafloor in order to align the wave and current energy dissipater to an optimum angle to harness power.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for wave and current energy dissipation including continuously forming at least one wave and current energy dissipater. The method also includes positioning the at least one wave and current energy dissipater within a marine environment at a position to achieve wave and current energy dissipation. The wave and current energy dissipater includes a plurality of spaced dissipater legs that are spaced at a distance to achieve wave and current energy dissipation, wherein the wave and current energy dissipater is composed of strands of material spaced about a central axis so as to define the plurality of dissipater legs.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for wave and current energy dissipation including the step of positioning a plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters within a water body at a position requiring wave and current energy dissipation.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for wave and current energy dissipation wherein the plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters are concentrically oriented.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for wave and current energy dissipation wherein the plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters are supported by a pontoon assembly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for wave and current energy dissipation wherein the plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters are of different sizes.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for wave and current energy dissipation wherein the step of positioning includes positioning the wave and current energy dissipaters within the water body for erosion control, to create an artificial reef for eco-system growth and enhancement, or to create enhanced and more desirable recreational effect.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for wave and current energy dissipation wherein the step of positioning includes resting the wave and current energy dissipater on the floor of the marine environment.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for wave and current energy dissipation wherein the step of positioning includes supporting the wave and current energy dissipater such that it sits near the upper water surface of the marine environment.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a rolling machine used in the fabrication of a wave and current energy dissipater. The rolling machine includes a rotating roller support upon which is mounted at least one roll forming assembly that rotates with the rotating roller support. The rolling machine also includes a rotating shaft upon which the rotating roll forming assembly is mounted and a drive motor acting upon the rotating shaft in a manner causing rotation of the rotating shaft. The rolling machine acts upon a metallic strip material to form the wave and current energy dissipater.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a rolling machine used in the fabrication of a wave and current energy dissipater wherein the at least one roll forming assembly includes an upper roller and a lower roller which shape the metallic strip material into a roll form shape.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rolling machine used in the fabrication of a wave and current energy dissipater wherein the upper roller has an external concave profile and the lower roller has an external convex profile.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a rolling machine used in the fabrication of a wave and current energy dissipater wherein the at least one roller former assembly includes a first roll forming assembly and a second roll forming assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a rolling machine used in the fabrication of a wave and current energy dissipater including a pedestal mount upon which is mounted the rotating shaft.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 shows a three-dimensional perspective view of the removable artificial reef system in one embodiment of a wave and current energy dissipation mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 2 illustrates a preferred implementation of the present removable artificial reef system used for manipulating detrimental wave and current erosion along with enhancement of an ordinary beach break into a world class point break configuration.

FIGURE 3 shows a preferred implementation of the present removable artificial reef system used for wave and current erosion, as well as marine life and ecosystem enhancement, in a floating configuration.

FIGURE 4 shows a cross sectional view of a preferred implementation of the present removable artificial reef system where multiple coils are joined together to form an artificial reef structure for marine and ecological enhancement, marine life and ecosystem restoration, and carbon sequestration.

FIGURE 5 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the present removable artificial reef system.

FIGURE 6 shows a cross sectional view of a preferred implementation of the present removable artificial reef system integrating a power generator for harnessing power from wave, tidal, or water current kinetic energy.

FIGURE 7 shows a top view of the removable artificial reef system with a power generator as similar shown in Figure 6.

FIGURE 8 is a top plan view demonstrating a joining method used to construct the wave energy dissipater into a semi-ridged structural assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/ or use the invention.

With reference to Figures 1 through 8, the removable artificial reef system 100, 100’, 100”, 100”’ and its preferred features and functions are illustrated. As will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, the present removable artificial reef system 100, 100’, 100”, 100”’ is structured to provide for erosion control in a marine environment, creation of an artificial reef for eco-system growth and enhancement, and enhanced and more desirable recreational effect. It should also be appreciated that various embodiments are disclosed herein, and similar reference numerals have been used for similar structural elements.

Figure 1 shows the preferred layout of an installed removable artificial reef system 100 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. As will be appreciated based upon the following disclosure, the removable artificial reef system 100 for the wave and current energy dissipation is implemented in the following manner. At least one wave and current energy dissipater 1 is positioned within a marine environment at a position requiring wave and current energy dissipation. The wave and current energy dissipater 1 including a plurality of spaced dissipater legs 2 that are spaced at a distance to achieve wave and current energy dissipation, wherein the wave and current energy dissipater 1 is composed of continuous strands of material continuously wrapped about a central axis so as to define the plurality of dissipater legs 2.

The first component in the removable artificial reef system shown in Figure 1 is the wave and current energy dissipater 1. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the wave and current energy dissipater 1 is in the form of a coil, that is, a length of material wound or arranged in a spiral configuration. It is, however, appreciated the wave and current energy dissipater 1 may be constructed in other forms of a mesh or grid-like structure in other shapes, such as circular, cone, square, triangular, or rectangular. In addition, it is appreciated the wave and current energy dissipater 1 can be made from either a continuous process or an assemblage of fabricated parts. The wave and current energy dissipater 1 is composed of a series of individual dissipater legs 2 that are spaced at a specified distance apart to achieve wave and current energy dissipation or other objectives. The dissipater legs 2 are defined by the individual circular elements making up the coil construction of the wave and current energy dissip ter 1.

The wave and current energy dissipater 1 is composed of strands of material spaced about a central axis 52 so as to define the plurality of dissipater legs 2. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the wave and current energy dissipater 1 is composed of continuous strands of material 50 continuously wrapped about a central axis 52 with a predefined radius of curvature so as to define the plurality of dissipater legs 2 making up the dissipater 1. The wave and current energy dissipater 1 is constructed to extend in a longitudinal direction from a first end 54 thereof to a second end 56 thereof. The wave and current energy dissipater 1 is also constructed with a predefined pitch between adjacent dissipater legs 2, and the various dissipater legs 2 making up the wave and current energy dissipater 1 are, therefore, preferably spaced evenly along the central axis 52 of the wave and current energy dissipater 1.

The spacing 58 of the dissipater legs 2 is defined as the distance between adjacent dissipater legs when measure along the central axis 52 of the wave and current energy dissipater 1. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the spacing of the dissipater legs 2 from each other preferably ranges from approximately 10 centimeters to 3 meters depending on the diameter of the coil defining the wave and current energy dissipater 1, wherein the diameter of the coil preferably ranges from approximately 26 centimeters to 8 meters. More preferably, the spacing of the dissipater legs 2 from each other is approximately 1.5 meters for a wave and current energy dissipater 1 having a coil diameter of 4 meter.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 the wave and current energy dissipater 1 is resting on the sea floor 3, where a portion of the dissipater legs 2 are buried within the sea floor 3 so as to define buried legs 4. It is noted that proper functioning of the dissipater 1 does not require buried legs 4 and the wave and current energy dissipater 1 could be installed on any type of sea floor of any characteristic, including rock formations or spanning chasms.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the wave and current energy dissipater 1 is shown completely submerged below the water surface 5 at a particular depth. The water surface 5 has a wave characteristic with a specific wave direction 6. Using the classic model of wave energy motion in water, the wave energy associated with the wave direction 6 is in the form of a circular wave particle motion 7. Part of the classic model of wave energy motion in water is that the energy of a wave is made up of the circular motion of individual wave particles 8.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 , the wave and current energy dissipater 1 disrupts wave and current energy by interfering with the circular wave particle motion 7, causing a scattering of the wave and current energy, resulting in a complex condition of destructive interference of wave particles 8. The result of the destructive interference results in the dissipation of wave and current energy not being solely absorbed, or caused, by impact energy on the dissipater legs 2. What energy is impacted upon the dissipater legs 2 is not solely from the direction, or in the direction, of the wave direction 6, due to the wave particle motion 7 occurring forwards and backwards relative to the dissipater legs 2. In other words, and depending upon the specific characteristics of the fluid flow, there is a force and counter-force acting upon each adjacent dissipater leg 2, and upon the whole wave and current energy dissipater 1 in general. A net result of the various forces and wave and current energy dissipation is a relative calm occurring within, downstream, and in the vicinity of the central treated zone 9 within the wave and current energy dissipater 1, with wave and current energy dissipation characteristics manneristic to that achieved by the use of a Faraday cage and the mechanisms of destructive wave interference used to shield electromagnetic waves.

Also shown in Figure 1 is the marine life 10 that would be attracted to live and grow in the artificial reef environment created by the wave and current energy dissipater 1 structure, especially the central treated zone 9. The material of construction of the wave and current energy dissipater 1, including the dissipater legs 2, could include the use of a bio-compatible and bio-enhancing material to accelerate marine growth. It is further contemplated the material of construction may be seeded with a live organism or embryonic state to enhance and foster growth.

Figure 2 shows a preferred implementation of the removable artificial reef system 100’, where two wave and current energy dissipaters 1 are installed at a predetermined distance off a beach 11 in a coastal area. As is typical of a beach environment, there is a component of wave energy 12 coming toward the beach 11, typically with a wave direction 6 directly toward the beach 11, as shown in Figure 2. The wave and current energy dissipaters 1 are installed to dissipate the wave energy 12 before it hits the beach, thereby mitigated erosion of die beach, creating and protecting valuable land assets, and other benefits.

As shown in Figure 2, the two wave and current energy dissipaters 1 are installed at an angle relative to the beach 11, in order to accomplish various desired effects. One desired effect is to disrupt the erosive action of a direction of a laterally flowing current 13 to a less erosive more non-lateral flowing current 14. Each particular beach environment will have a specifically preferred orientation of the dissipater to accomplish the desired effect regarding laterally flowing current 13 and non-laterally flowing current 14. The exact angular orientation of the wave and current energy dissipaters 1 relative to the beach 11 is determined based upon the specifics of the beach, the current flows, and prior installation experience

As shown in Figure 2, there is a space between the two wave and current energy dissipaters 1 where the wave energy 12 is not dissipated, creating peak waves 15. Peak waves 15 are a very desirable form of wave for surfing activities and other action-sports related activities. Another aspect of using the wave and current energy dissipaters 1 to create peak waves 15 is the directional characteristic of the peak waves 15 to break counter to the direction of the laterally flowing current 13, causing further disruption to the energy of the laterally flowing current 13, with resultant sand deposition at beach nodal zones 16 at the water land (beach) interface areas. As those skilled in the art appreciate, in many cases beach erosion is caused more by the flow of water current that occurs parallel to the beach than by the wave action striking the beach. The flow current parallel to the beach caries the sand many miles down the beach, creating large beaches at locations downstream, and minimal beaches upstream. The cause of the current flow parallel to the beach is usually the global ocean currents (Artie current on the West coast, Gulf current on the East coast). There are also currents caused by rivers, boat traffic, etc. These lateral currents are addressed by the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the removable artificial reef system 100”, where a wave and current energy dissipater assembly 101 is floated on our near the water surface 5 with a pontoon assembly 17. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the pontoon assembly 17 is constructed of pipe material, extruded material, sheet metal, etc. The entire assembly of the wave and current energy dissipater assembly 101 and pontoon assembly 17 is shown anchored to the seafloor 3 with a tether 18 attached to an anchor 19. It is appreciated the pontoon assembly 17 is only one option for suspending the wave and current energy dissipater assembly 101 at or near the water surface 5, and practical consideration would allow for the use other means of providing buoyant forces, including material selection, and hollow gas filled sections of the wave and current energy dissipater assembly 101 itself.

In accordance with this preferred embodiment, the wave and current energy dissipater assembly 101 is composed of a first wave and current energy dissipater l and a second wave and current energy dissipater lb, which are concentrically positioned. The first wave and current energy dissipater la and a second wave and current energy dissipater lb are mirror images of each other, and the coil of the first wave and current energy dissipater la defines a right hand coil while the second wave and current energy dissipater lb defines a left hand coil. As such, there are opposing coils of dissipater legs, that is, a right hand coil of dissipater legs 2a of the first wave and current energy dissipater la and a left hand coil of dissipater legs 2b of the second wave and current energy dissipater lb.

In the event there is a laterally flowing current 13, the cross section of the dissipater legs 2a, 2b can be shaped in the form of an air foil or baffle to produce either lift or drag in the desired directions, further contributing forces to what was earlier described as counter energy to produce the desired results of directional control of the wave and current energy dissipater 1 or dissipation of wave and current energy.

Also shown in Figure 3 is an illustration of marine life 10 that would be attracted to live and grow in the vicinity of the protection zone created by the dissipater 1 structure, especially the central treated zone 9.

Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a preferred implementation of the removable artificial reef system 100’”, where multiple wave and current energy dissipaters lc, Id, le (structured as described above with reference to Figure 1) are joined together to form an artificial reef structure for wave and current energy dissipation, with primary emphasis on marine and ecological enhancement, marine life and ecosystem restoration, and carbon sequestration. Figure 4 shows a larger wave and current energy dissipater 1 c attached to two smaller wave and current energy dissipaters Id, le that serve as structural supports to hold the larger wave and current energy dissipater lc in the upright positions more securely in surge conditions. In Figure 4 the assembly of wave and current energy dissipaters lc, Id, le, form a larger artificial reef structure that rests on the sea floor 3 at a desired depth below the water surface 5.

The design of an assembly of variously sized wave and current energy dissipaters lc, Id, le as shown in Figure 4, would include considerations of the flow and ebb of the water, including surges, waves, and currents, to produce forces and counter-forces 34 acting upon each dissipater leg 2 of the wave and current energy dissipater lc, Id, le, with the goal of maximizing wave and current energy dissipation and reducing the requirements for anchors and supports for the entire structure.

Also shown in Figure 4 is the illustration of marine life 10 that would be attracted to live and grow in the vicinity of the protection zone created by the dissipater structure lc, Id, le, especially the central treated zone 9. Further ecosystem enhancement, and carbon sequestration, would be achieved by the marine growth such as plants and invertebrates, such as coral, attaching and growing on the dissipater structure itself, on an otherwise barren seascape.

Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of the fabrication aspect of a wave and current energy dissipater 1 in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with this embodiment, the wave and current energy dissipater is constructed from metallic strip of material. In accordance with one embodiment, the wave and current energy dissipater is made from titanium. In particular, a material supplied in a rolled coil 21 of metallic strip material 22 is fed by an unrolling motion 23 into an upper roller 24 and lower roller 25 which shapes the metallic strip material 22 into the desired roll form shape 26. That is, the metallic strip material 22 has a roll form shape when viewed along a cross section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the metallic strip material 22. For example, if a hydrofoil shape is being rolled onto the metallic strip, the roll form shape 26 is considered to have a generally concave internal surface 26a when view from the central axis of the wave and current energy dissipater 1 and a generally convex external surface 26b when viewed outside of the radius defined by the dissipater legs 2

As briefly discussed above, the rolling machine 70 used in the fabrication of the wave and current energy dissipater 1 in accordance with the present invention includes the upper roller 24 and the lower roller 25 which shape the metallic strip material 22 into the desired roll form shape 26. The upper roller 24 and the lower roller 25 are opposed members between which the metallic strip material 22 moves, relative to the upper and lower rollers 24, 25, as it is formed in accordance with the present invention. The upper roller and lower roller 24, 25 form a roll forming assembly 71a, 71b that is mounted on the end of a rotating roller support 27 of the rolling machine 70. In fact, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the roller machine 70 includes a first roll forming assembly 71a and a second roll forming assembly 71b mounted to extend from the roller support 27. Mounting rods 72a, 72b extending from the rotating roller support 27 support the first roll forming assembly 71a and the second roll forming assembly 71b, respectively, relative to the rotating roller support 27 such that the first roll forming assembly 71a and a second roll forming assembly 71b rotating with the rotating roller support 27 as it is rotated in accordance with the present invention. The first roll forming assembly 71a and the second roll forming assembly 71b are mounted upon the roller support 27 so as to extend in opposite directions and such that they are linearly offset along the longitudinal length of the roller support 27 in a manner allowing the first forming assembly 71a and the second forming assembly 71b to simultaneous act upon different sections of the metallic strip material 22 while the coil of the wave and current energy dissipater 1 is being formed. While a first roll forming assembly 71a and a second roll forming assembly 71b are disclosed in conjunction with the embodiment present in Figure 5, it is appreciated various numbers of forming assemblies may be used in conjunction with the present invention.

As discussed above, the first roll forming assembly 71a and the second roll forming assembly 71b are used to create a hydrofoil shape onto the metallic strip. With this in mind, and in order to create the roll form shape 26 with a generally concave internal surface 26a when view from the central axis of the wave and current energy dissipater 1 and a generally convex external surface 26b when viewed outside of the radius defined by the dissipater legs 2, upper roller 24 is formed with a generally external concave profile and the lower roller 25 is formed with a generally external convex profile. The profiles of the upper roller and the lower roller are shaped so as to mate in a manner allowing for the desired roll form shape as described above.

The roller support 27 is mounted on a rotating shaft 28, on which numerous roll forming assemblies 71a, 71b are mounted to produce the desired roll form shape 26 into the dissipater legs 2 of the wave and current energy dissipater 1. The rotating shaft 28 is mounted to a pedestal mount 29 by means of a roller bearing 30 which allows the turning of the rotating shaft 28. Rotation of the rotating shaft 28 is provided by a drive motor 31 acting upon the rotating shaft 28. The effect of the rotation of the roller assemblies 24, 25 mounted to the rotating shaft 28 is to produce the desired roll form shape 26 and simultaneously eject the newly formed wave and current energy dissipater 1 in the lateral direction 32 along a defined path platform 33, where the formed wave and current energy dissipater 1 does not rotate as it is ejected. The present manufacturing technique may be implemented on board a water vessel such that the wave and current energy dissipater may be immediately distributed within the marine environment as they are produced.

In addition to the manufacturing process described above, it is contemplated the wave and current energy dissipater may be manufactured via various other techniques. For example, the wave and current energy dissipater may be manufactured or assembled using additive manufacturing techniques. Another example would include the use of bio-compatible non-metallics, including extruded or laid-up resin and fiber materials for manufacture.

Referring to Figure 8, it is contemplated that structural reinforcements 47, 48, 49 may be helpful in maintaining the structure of the wave and current energy dissipaters 1. Although not shown in Figure 5, such vertical or horizontal structural reinforcements 47, 48, 49 (as shown in Figure 8 and as discussed below) would be coupled to the wave and current energy dissipaters 1 using known structural engineering techniques to provide the desired structural integrity that may be required for various load conditions. The vertical to horizontal structural reinforcement can be attached to the formed wave and current energy dissipater 1 by means of various fastening methods, such as bolts, screws, rivets, welding, cable, clips, or additive manufacturing.

In particular, Figure 8 shows a view of various joining methods used to construct the wave and current energy dissipater 1 into a semi-ridging structural assembly. For example, and considering the embodiment disclosed with reference to Figure 3, the dissipater legs 2a & 2b can be joined together using a variety of methods, including rivets, welds, spot welding, adhesives, threaded fasteners, wire loops, piercing rivets, or any known and established method of joining two materials together. Figure 8 shows rivets 48 being used to join dissipater legs 2a & 2b where they cross. Figure 8 also shows welds 49 being used to join the dissipater leg 2a to a laterally structural stringer 47; in this case the weld metal is laid by an additive manufacturing type of metal deposition process. Figure 8 shows a plug-weld 50 being used to join the dissipater leg 2b to a laterally structural stringer 47; in this case the weld metal is laid by type of cold-gas dynamic spraying. It is appreciated that a variety of joining techniques may be used to ensure the structural stability of the wave and current energy dissipaters 1 of the present invention.

The fabrication aspect of the invention illustrated in Figure 5 is intended to accommodate a variety of raw material inputs, including metallic, non-metallic, and recycled materials, and would be accompanied by simultaneous operations such as the installation of ancillary reinforcement processes and components, including forming, welding, fastening, overlays, cladding, plating, and surface treatments.

The shape and/or construction of the roll form shape 26, that is, the cross sectional shape and/ or construction of the material from which the wave and current energy dissipater is made, shown in Figure 5, that makes up the dissipater leg 2 can be of a variety of configurations including perforated, corrugated, mesh, pre or post stamped, foiled, specifically shaped perforations to enhance energy dissipation, hollow cored, boxed, tubed, tapered, asymmetrical, and, said shapes and forms could be continuously or intermittendy oriented in any direction relative to flow of wave or current flow.

Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the invention used for harnessing power from wave, tidal, or water current kinetic energy, where the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb are floated near or partially above the water surface 5 with a buoyancy controlled center structure 35 extending through the center of the wave and current energy dissipater 1 and secured thereto. As will be appreciated this embodiment employs two wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb comprising a wave and current energy dissipater assembly in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, although it is appreciated a single wave and current energy dissipater or a plurality of wave and current energy dissipaters could be employed. In this embodiment, the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb are connected to a power generator 36, for example, an electrical generator, air compressor, or pump. The wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb is connected to the power generator 36 via a coupling arm 60 extending from first end 35a of the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 such that the wave and current energy dissipater 1 and the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 are able to rotate relative to the power generator 36 in a manner imparting rotary motion to the power generator 36 to harness energy from the kinetic energy of the water stream.

The power generator 36 is mounted on a power generator mounting structure 37 that is anchored to the seafloor 3. The power generator 36 is connected to the generator mounting structure in a manner allowing the power generator 36, and ultimately, the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb and the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 which are connected to the power generator, to pivot, or rotate, relative to the seafloor 3. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a pivot bearing 38 pivotally connects the power generator 36 to the generator mounting structure 37. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, the axis about which the power generator 36 pivots relative to the generator mounting structure 37 is perpendicular to the axis about which the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb rotate when imparting rotary energy to the power generator 36. By pivotally connecting the power generator 36 to the generator mounting structure 37, the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb may be aligned to the optimum angle to harness power, by the transference of rotational energy of the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb to the power generator 36, from the water flowing current 13 and forces and counter forces 34 (described in Figure 4) associated with wave and current energy dissipation.

The preferred construction of the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 shown in Figure 6 is a hollow tube 60 with caps 62 on each end to create a water tight buoyancy controlled center structure 35. The buoyancy, using liquid or solid material ballasts, of the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 is tailored to the desired level to maintain the entire wave and current energy dissipaters l , lb and buoyancy controlled center structure 35 at the desired level at our below the water surface 5. As such, the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb and the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 are capable of movement toward and away from the seafloor 3. In order to allow for this movement, and considering the fact the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb and the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 are connected to the power generator 36, the power generator is also structured to allow for movement toward and away from the seafloor 3. Such movement is achieved by providing the pivot bearing 38, which connects the power generator 36 to the generator mounting structure 37, with a bearing surface (not shown) that allows up and down movement of the pivot bearing 38 (and ultimately the power generator 36) relative to the generator mounting structure 37.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the buoyancy controlled center structure 35, is maintaining a portion of the dissipater legs 2 (or 2a & 2b depending upon the embodiment to which it is applied) out of the water to reduce drag in concert with the flow direction hydrodynamic forces acting on the submerged dissipater legs 2 (or 2a & 2b depending upon the embodiment to which it is applied) which cause the desired rotation. The buoyancy controlled center structure 35 could also be used to produce rotational torque on a fluid flow, similar to a stator on a turbine device, with the use of fins, troughs, or channels, and can be fixed, stationary, or rotating relative to the dissipater legs 2.

In Figure 6, the dissipater legs 2a, 2b are interconnected using conventional coupling techniques known to those skilled in the art (some of which are shown in Figure 8) to form a semi-ridged structure with structural bonding members 39 connecting the assembly of dissipater legs 2a, 2b to the buoyancy controlled center structure 35. To accommodate loading conditions, any number of bonding members 39 could be installed along the length of the buoyancy controlled center structure 35. The cross section, orientation, and configuration of the dissipater legs 2a, 2b are formed to optimize the desired effects of lift, tangential force, and wave and current dissipation as required for the specific application.

In Figure 6, at each of the first and second ends 35a, 35b of the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 is a universal connector 40, which allows for the joining together of multiple buoyancy controlled center structures 35 to create whatever length or combination of wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb and buoyancy controlled center structure 35 assemblies is desired. The universal connector 40 could be in the form of a ridged coupling or a hinged type of universal joint to prevent the transmission of bending moments along the long axis of multiple buoyancy controlled center structures 35.

The end of the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 opposite of the power generator 36 (which is in accordance with the disclosed embodiment is the second end 35b of the buoyancy controlled center structure 35), can be fixed at a desired angle relative to the laterally flowing current 13 using a tether 18 and anchor system 19 (see Figure 3, also). Figure 6 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention where the second end 35b of the buoyancy controlled center structure 35, which is opposite of the power generator 36, is connected to a horizontal stabilizer 41 and a vertical stabilizer 43. The horizontal stabilizer 41 rotates about a horizontal stabilizer axis pivot 42, and the vertical stabilizer 43 rotates about a vertical stabilizer axis pivot 44.

The purpose of the horizontal stabilizer 41 and vertical stabilizer 43, shown in Figure 6, is to stabilize and steer the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb and buoyancy controlled center structure 35 assemblies into the proper angle and pitch relative to the laterally flowing current 13, for optimum power generation. A top view of the horizontal stabilizer 41 and vertical stabilizer 43 is shown as Figure 7. Again, the desired angle relative to the laterally flowing current 13 could be achieved using the tether 18 and anchor system 19 (see Figure 3).

Where the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb are used in conjunction with an power generator 36, the construction of the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb with a hydrofoil profile as described above is especially important. The hydrofoil profile assists the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb in moving as it adjusts its position to optimize power generation as described above.

Control and monitoring equipment for the operation of the invention shown in Figure 6 is housed in equipment boxes 45, 46 installed above the power generator 36 and the vertical stabilizer axis pivot 44, respectively. This control and monitoring could include performance data, angle optimization data, velocity and power data, temperature, pressure, remote control and load data.

Figure 7 shows a top view of the invention shown in Figure 6, minus the equipment boxes, and with the substitution of a turbine-style power wheel 46, instead of the wave and current energy dissipaters la, lb (shown in Figure 6), to harness energy from kinetic energy of the moving water.

The turbine-style power wheel 46 in Figure 7 is shown attached to the buoyancy controlled center structure 35 and the horizontal stabilizer 41 and vertical stabilizer 43. The design of the turbine-style power wheel 46 can be a helical Darrius type (that is, of vertical axis wind turbine consisting of a number of curved aerofoil blades mounted on a vertical rotating shaft or framework, see U.S. Patent No. 1,835,018), a helical Savonius type (that is, a type of vertical-axis wind turbine consisting of a number of aerofoils), a Gorlov type (that is, a turbine having helical blades/foils), or one of many different designs that have been used for turbine-style power generation.

The top view shown in Figure 7 illustrates a preferred orientation of horizontal stabilizers 41 and vertical stabilizers 43, also shown in Figure 6, to steer the turbine- style water wheel 46 and buoyancy controlled center structure 35 into the proper angle and pitch relative to the laterally flowing current 13, for optimum power generation. A side view of the horizontal stabilizer 41 and vertical stabilizer 43 is shown in Figure 6.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the description and claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.