Wave power

Abstract

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

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wave-powered water vehicle which comprises:
 (1) a float,   (2) a swimmer, and   (3) a tether connecting the float and the swimmer;   the float, swimmer and tether being such that, when the vehicle is in still water,
 (i) the float is on or near the surface of the water, 
 (ii) the swimmer is submerged below the float, and 
 (iii) the tether is under tension; 
   the swimmer comprising
 (2a) a swimmer body having a longitudinal axis, and 
 (2b) a fin system which
 (a) is secured to the body, 
 (b) comprises a fin, and 
 (c) when the vehicle is in wave-bearing water,
 (i) has a configuration which changes as a result of the wave motion, and 
 (ii) interacts with the water to generate forces which tend to move the swimmer in a horizontal direction.