Abstract

An apparatus and method for obtaining useful work from or with waves includes a buoyant body having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and a convex upper surface extending between the leading and trailing edges. The upper surface is configured with a gradually sloping shape from the leading edge toward the trailing edge and terminates at the trailing edge in a sharply oppositely sloping surface, whereby the circular or orbital motion of water particles in waves is converted by the upper surface to linear flow of the water particles, and waves traveling across the surface from the leading to the trailing edge are not damped or extinguished by backwash of waves from the trailing edge toward the leading edge. Upstanding structures on the upper surface define open-ended venturi-shaped water flow channels across the upper surface which increase the velocity of the linear flow of water across the upper surface, and water-driven devices are disposed in the water flow channels to obtain work from the accelerated linear flow of water. The buoyant body floats at the surface of the body of water, with the upper surface of the buoyant body disposed beneath and substantially parallel to the surface of the water, and the configuration of the buoyant body is such that it undergoes both pitching and heaving motion as waves move therepast. Devices may be attached to the buoyant body and/or positioned therewithin to obtain work from the pitching and heaving motion of the buoyant body.