Abstract

A pumping unit suitable for driving an electric generator and which is powered by ocean surf and waves. The unit includes a tower which is located on an ocean beach, and which includes a generally horizontal boom. The boom includes two forward sections disposed at right angles to one another. Two blades are mounted on the respective ends of the forward sections, and the forward sections are controlled so that the blades can be alternately dropped into the water to be driven toward the shore by the incoming surf and waves. As one blade is driven to the shore, it turns the boom in one direction about the vertical axis, causing the other blade to be moved out over the water. Then, the first blade can be lifted out of the water, and the second blade dropped into the water, so that the incoming surf will drive the second blade towards the shore turning the boom in the opposite direction about the vertical axis. The cycle is then repeated, and the resulting action is for the boom to turn reciprocally about the vertical axis. The boom is coupled to a pump, and its reciprocal action causes the pump to perform a desired pumping action.