Floating Variable Leverage Pump

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for the operation and assembly of a floating variable leverage pump. The floating variable leverage pump includes a first floating vessel pivotally coupled to a second floating vessel along an axis. Both the first and second floating vessels are configured to swing about the axis. The floating variable leverage pump includes a pump including a first end pivotally coupled to a first fulcrum of the first floating vessel and a second end pivotally coupled to a second fulcrum of the second floating vessel. The pump is positioned (i) perpendicular to the axis and (ii) within an area between the first and second floating vessels. Displacement of at least one of the first or second floating vessels causes actuation of the pump.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 435,951, entitled "FLOATING VARIABLE LEVERAGE PUMP FOR WATER DESALINATION," filed December 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical field) The present disclosure relates generally to pump technology, and more particularly to floating wave-driven pumps configured for desalination. [Background technology]

[0003] In some cases, reverse osmosis processes can be used to remove salts and / or other impurities (e.g., lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), arsenic, bacteria, and viruses) from water to produce potable water that is safe for consumption. The removal of salts and / or other impurities from water may be referred to herein as "desalination." In some cases, water may be required to be pressurized to a threshold pressure level (e.g., at least 800 pounds per square inch (PSI)) in order for the water to diffuse through a reverse osmosis membrane. Conventional pump systems used to pressurize water for desalination purposes require power (e.g., provided by a motor and / or engine) to pressurize the water to the threshold pressure level, thereby increasing their environmental impact and associated operating costs. Furthermore, requirements regarding available power sources may limit the applications in which conventional pumps can operate. Thus, conventional pumps cannot desalinate water without the use of an active power source.

[0004] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations thereto are intended to be illustrative, not exclusive, and are not admissions of being "prior art." Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon perusal of the specification and examination of the drawings. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To address the aforementioned shortcomings, a floating variable leverage pump is provided. Additionally, systems and methods incorporating the floating variable leverage pump are provided. In one embodiment, the floating variable leverage pump can include a first floating vessel. The floating variable leverage pump also includes a second floating vessel, where the first floating vessel is pivotally coupled to the second floating vessel along an axis, and both the first and second floating vessels are configured to swing about the axis. The floating variable leverage pump also includes a pump including a first end pivotally coupled to a first fulcrum of the first floating vessel and a second end pivotally coupled to a second fulcrum of the second floating vessel. The pump can be positioned (i) perpendicular to the axis and (ii) within the area between the first and second floating vessels. The pump can be configured to demineralize water provided to the pump through operation of the pump.

[0006] The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which a first floating vessel is pivotally connected to a second floating vessel along an axis by one or more linkages. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel (i) comprise a buoyant material and (ii) are configured to float on a body of water. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which a first end of the pump includes a piston rod and a second end of the pump includes a pump housing including a first cavity configured to store a fluid (e.g., water), the piston rod being coupled to the pump housing. Oscillation of the first floating vessel and / or the second floating vessel about the axis may be configured to actuate the piston rod, thereby pressurizing the fluid. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the distance between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum is configured to vary (e.g., range) from a minimum distance to a maximum distance based on (i) the position of the first floating vessel about the axis and (ii) the position of the second floating vessel about the axis. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the first floating vessel includes a first void and the second floating vessel includes a second void, the first void and the second void forming an area. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the first floating vessel and / or the second floating vessel includes a control mechanism configured to control the period of oscillation of the floating vessel about the axis.

[0007] The floating variable leverage pump may also include a water intake fluidly connected to the first cavity and configured to (i) receive a fluid and (ii) provide a fluid to the first cavity based on actuation of the piston rod. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a membrane housing including (i) a second cavity fluidly connected to the first cavity by a fluid coupling mechanism and (ii) a reverse osmosis membrane, with the second cavity fluidly connected to a first side of the reverse osmosis membrane. The membrane housing may further include (i) a first output fluidly connected to the second cavity and (ii) a second output fluidly connected to a second side of the reverse osmosis membrane. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration configured such that actuation of the piston rod into the pump housing (i) causes a first portion of the fluid to permeate from the first side of the reverse osmosis membrane through the second side of the reverse osmosis membrane and (ii) causes a second portion of the fluid to exit through the first output. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the distance between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum is longest when the first and second floating vessels have a minimum displacement (e.g., displacement relative to a coplanar position). The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the distance between the first and second fulcrums is shortest when the first and second floating vessels have a maximum displacement (e.g., displacement relative to a coplanar position). The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the distance between the first and second fulcrums is shortest when the first and second floating vessels have a maximum displacement (e.g., displacement relative to a coplanar position).

[0008] The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the control mechanism includes one or more weights, one or more guides configured to hold the one or more weights, and one or more actuators coupled to the one or more weights and configured to control the height of the one or more weights relative to the upper surface of the floating vessel, and the oscillation period of the floating vessel is based on (e.g., controlled by) the height of the one or more weights. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a computing device. The computing device may include at least one processor configured to perform operations including measuring the wave period of a body of water (e.g., on which the floating variable leverage pump floats) over a period of time, comparing the wave period to the oscillation period, and causing adjustment to the height of the one or more weights via one or more actuators based on the comparison. The floating variable leverage pump may also include a configuration in which the control mechanism is (i) oriented parallel to the axis and (ii) positioned at a midpoint between a first side of the upper surface and a second side of the upper surface opposite the first side of the upper surface.

[0009] These and other preferred features, including various novel details of implementation and combinations of elements, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It is to be understood that the specific methods and apparatus are shown by way of example only, and not limitation. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the principles and features described herein may be employed in various and numerous embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] The disclosed embodiments have advantages and features that will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying figures (or drawings), a brief introduction of which is provided below.

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top view of an exemplary floating variable leverage pump according to some embodiments.

[0012] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary floating variable leverage pump according to some embodiments.

[0013] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary floating variable leverage pump having a maximum displacement position according to some embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exemplary desalination system contained within an exemplary floating variable leverage pump according to some embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an exemplary floating vessel of a floating vessel periodicity (FVP) control mechanism according to some embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example controller of an FVP control mechanism according to some embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The figures and the following description relate to several embodiments by way of example only. It should be noted from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as valid alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of the present disclosure.

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It should be noted that, wherever practicable, like or similar reference numerals may be used in the figures and may indicate like or similar functionality. The figures depict some embodiments of the disclosed structures or systems (or methods) for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. (Floating Variable Leverage Pump Embodiment)

[0020] As described herein, conventional pumps used for desalination may require connection to an active power source (e.g., a motor and / or engine) to desalinate water. Thus, these conventional pumps have higher operating costs and environmental impacts (e.g., emissions). Furthermore, these conventional pumps cannot be used in applications and environments where an active power source is not available, thereby limiting their usefulness for desalination of water from bodies of water.

[0021] The present disclosure addresses the aforementioned and other problems with existing pumps used for desalination by providing embodiments of a floating variable leverage pump. The floating variable leverage pump can pressurize water based on inertial forces applied to the pump, where (i) the body of water on which the pump floats can apply an inertial force and (ii) the water can originate from the body of water, thereby forming a passive desalination system. By way of example, inertial forces from waves, tides, and / or ocean currents can act on the floating variable leverage pump, causing it to pressurize water to a threshold pressure level (e.g., pressures greater than 800 PSI). As described herein, the reverse osmosis process can be used to desalinate and produce potable water through the use of a reverse osmosis membrane. Thus, the floating variable leverage pump can incorporate a reverse osmosis membrane for desalination purposes.

[0022] In some embodiments, a floating variable leverage pump may include one or more floating vessels configured to float on a body of water. For example, a floating variable leverage pump may include a pair of connected floating vessels. In some cases, the pair of floating vessels may be rotationally connected by one or more rotational linkages (e.g., hinges), which allow each of the floating vessels to move (e.g., rotate and / or oscillate) along an axis defined by the one or more linkages. Each of the floating vessels may independently oscillate about the axis in an arc based on forces acting on the floating vessels. In some cases, at least one piston pump (e.g., a single-acting piston pump) may be coupled to each of the floating vessels. The piston pump may be coupled to the floating vessel perpendicular to the axis defined by the one or more linkages, with the floating vessel configured to oscillate about the axis.

[0023] In some embodiments, a piston pump may include a piston rod and a pump housing, the piston rod coupled to the pump housing and configured to actuate in and out of the pump housing. Actuation of the piston rod into the pump housing may be configured to generate and increase pressure in a membrane housing containing a membrane (e.g., a reverse osmosis membrane). The membrane housing may be fluidly coupled to the pump housing such that the generation and increase of pressure in the pump housing may generate and increase a corresponding pressure in the membrane housing. A fulcrum of the piston rod (referred to as the "piston fulcrum") located at a first end of the piston pump may be rotationally coupled to a first floating vessel of the floating vessels, and a fulcrum of the pump housing (referred to as the "pump fulcrum") located at a second end of the piston pump may be rotationally coupled to a second floating vessel of the floating vessels. When the floating vessels are coplanar (e.g., whereby the upper surfaces of the floating vessels are coplanar with each other), the piston pump can be (i) parallel to the upper surfaces of the pair of floating vessels and (ii) parallel to the surface of the body of water in which the floating variable leverage pump floats.

[0024] Descriptions of floating vessels such as "horizontal," "horizontally positioned," and "coplanar" may refer to the upper surface (e.g., deck) of a first floating vessel being coplanar (e.g., in the same plane) with respect to the upper surface of a second floating vessel to which the first floating vessel is coupled. Descriptions of "displacement" and "deflection" of a first floating vessel and a second floating vessel may refer to the displacement of the floating vessels about a rocking axis (e.g., defined by a coupling mechanism), about which the floating vessels rock relative to a coplanar position. Thus, a floating vessel may have a minimum displacement when the floating vessel is coplanar (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B ) and a maximum displacement when the floating vessel is maximally displaced inward (e.g., toward the rocking axis) or outward (e.g., away from the rocking axis) relative to the coplanar position. The combination of the connected floating vessel, piston pump, and membrane housing may form a floating variable leverage pump, and the eccentric distance may refer to the distance between the axis of the linkage about which the floating vessel swings and each of the pump fulcrum and piston fulcrum. The eccentric distance between the axis of the linkage and each of the pump fulcrum and piston fulcrum may be measured perpendicular to the axis of the linkage. In some cases, the distance between the pump fulcrum and the piston fulcrum may vary based on the displacement of the floating vessel relative to a coplanar position. The variation in the distance between the pump fulcrum and the piston fulcrum may cause the pump housing of the piston pump to fill with water (e.g., via a water intake), pumping water (e.g., seawater) into the membrane housing and passing through a membrane (e.g., a reverse osmosis membrane) contained within the membrane housing, thereby filtering the water being pumped via reverse osmosis.

[0025] 1A and 1B, top and side views, respectively, of an exemplary floating variable leverage pump 100 are illustrated. While FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate example dimensions for the floating variable leverage pump 100, the example dimensions may not be drawn to scale, and alternative dimensions may be used for the floating variable leverage pump 100 based on the desired configuration of the floating variable leverage pump 100. As described herein, the floating variable leverage pump 100 may include a floating vessel 102, a linkage 104, a piston pump 105 including a pump housing 107 coupled to a piston rod 108, and a membrane housing 106. 1A-1B and 2, floating vessel 102a and floating vessel 102b (collectively referred to herein as floating vessels 102) may be floatable and configured to float on a body of water (e.g., an ocean, a lake, a river, etc.). Each floating vessel 102 may include a top surface 130 and a bottom surface 132 opposite the top surface 130. For example, floating vessel 102a may include a top surface 130a and a bottom surface 132a, and floating vessel 102b may include a top surface 130b and a bottom surface 132b. In some cases, when the floating vessels 102 are positioned on a body of water (e.g., floating), the top surface 130 of each floating vessel 102 may be positioned above the waterline of the body of water, while the bottom surface 132 may be positioned at least partially below the waterline of the body of water (e.g., submerged). The floating vessels 102 may include (and / or consist of) a buoyant material such as a fiberglass material (e.g., a low-mass fiberglass material). In some cases, as shown by the side view of the floating variable leverage pump 100 illustrated in FIG. 1B, each of the floating vessels 102 may have a "tippy-boat" cross-section. Any suitable shape may be used for the floating vessels 102. In some cases, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, each floating vessel 102 may have a width of approximately 8 feet, a length of approximately 5 feet, and a height of approximately 1 foot 9 inches. In some cases, each of the floating vessels 102 may have the same composition (eg, dimensions, materials, etc.).

[0026] In some embodiments, the floating vessels 102 may be pivotally connected by linkages 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d (collectively referred to herein as linkages 104). In some cases, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the linkages 104 may be hinges configured to provide a pivotal connection. While the floating variable leverage pump 100 is shown and described as including four linkages 104, any suitable number of linkages 104 may be used. Examples of other pivotal connection mechanisms 104 that may be used in the floating variable leverage pump may include rings, hooks, pins, and / or rods. Each of the linkages 104 may allow each of the floating vessels 102 to swing independently in an arc centered along an axis 150 corresponding to the rotation of the linkages 104, such that the floating vessels 102 may be displaced inward and outward relative to a coplanar position. By way of example, each linkage 104 may be a cutlass-type hinge including a 1.25 inch hinge pin. In some cases, each linkage 104 may be made of steel.

[0027] In some cases, the floating vessel 102 may include one or more mooring rings 112. For example, as shown in Figure 1A, the floating vessel 102b may include mooring rings 112a and 112b (collectively referred to herein as mooring rings 112). The mooring rings 112 may allow the floating variable leverage pump 100 to be moored to an anchor and / or any other stationary device to maintain the position of the floating variable leverage pump 100 on a body of water.

[0028] In some embodiments, the floating variable leverage pump 100 can include a desalination system including a piston pump 105 (e.g., including a pump housing 107 and a piston rod 108) and a membrane housing 106. The piston pump 105 can be coupled to each of the floating vessels 102 in the area between them, and the piston pump 105 can be coupled to the floating vessels 102 perpendicular to the axis 150 of the linkage 104. The area can be formed by a rectangular cavity contained within each floating vessel 102. In one case, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , each rectangular cavity of each floating vessel 102 in which the piston pump 105 is disposed can have a width of about 1 foot and a length of about 21 inches, such that the combination of the rectangular cavities of the pair of floating vessels 102 of the floating variable leverage pump 100 forms an area having a length of about 42 inches and a width of about 1 foot. The piston pumps 105 may be equally spaced between the floating reservoirs 102 .

[0029] In some embodiments, as described herein, piston pump 105 may include pump housing 107 and piston rod 108, which is configured to operate within and outside of pump housing 107. Pump housing 107 may include (and / or consist of) stainless steel and / or Monel alloy material. By way of example, piston pump 105 and its included pump housing 107 and piston rod 108 may be manufactured by Spectra Watermakers, Inc.

[0030] In some embodiments, a first end of pump housing 107 may be coupled (e.g., rotationally coupled) to floating reservoir 102b by a force connection, which may serve as a fulcrum (referred to as "pump fulcrum 110") for pump housing 107. A first end of piston rod 108 may be coupled (e.g., rotationally coupled) to floating reservoir 102a by a force connection, which may serve as a fulcrum (referred to as "piston fulcrum 109") for piston rod 108. Via the respective force connections, pump housing 107 may rotate about pump fulcrum 110, and piston rod 108 may rotate about piston fulcrum 109. In some cases, the force connections may be cutlass-type force connections. In some cases, based on the piston pumps 105 being equally spaced between the floating vessels 102, the midpoint between the piston fulcrum 109 and the pump fulcrum 110 may be equivalent to the midpoint of the piston pumps 105.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second end of the piston rod 108 may be coupled to the pump housing 107 and configured to actuate in and out of the pump housing 107 based on each displacement of the floating vessel 102, thereby generating pressure within the piston pump 105. In some cases, the piston pump 105 may be a single-acting piston pump such that the piston pump 105 can generate pressure within the pump housing 107 only when the piston rod 108 acts into the pump housing 107 (e.g., during displacement of the floating vessel 102 from a coplanar position). The pump housing 107 may be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to the membrane housing 106 by a fluid coupling 122 (e.g., a hose, a pipe, etc.). The membrane housing 106 may be configured to receive water pumped from the pump housing 107 by the piston rod 108. The membrane housing 106 may include a reverse osmosis membrane configured to filter the pressurized water as it permeates through the reverse osmosis membrane. An example of a reverse osmosis membrane for use with floating variable leverage pump 100 may be a model M-S2521A membrane manufactured by Applied Membranes, Inc. The reverse osmosis membrane may have a threshold pressure level at which water may permeate through the membrane, such that water may permeate through a first side of the membrane to a second side of the membrane only when the pressure of the water on the first side of the membrane meets or exceeds the threshold pressure level. By way of example, the threshold pressure level for the membrane may be 800 PSI, such that water may permeate through a first side of the membrane to a second side of the membrane when water is applied to the first side of the membrane at a minimum pressure of approximately 800 PSI.

[0032] In some embodiments, the pump housing 107 may include a cavity (e.g., a bladder) configured to be filled with and store water (e.g., water collected from the body of water in which the floating variable leverage pump 100 floats). As shown in FIG. 1B , the pump housing 107 may include (and / or be coupled to) a fluid intake 120 configured to receive water from the body of water in which the floating variable leverage pump 100 floats. The fluid intake 120 may be a tube or pipe extending downward from the pump housing 107 toward the body of water and may have a height equal to or greater than the height of the floating vessel 102. By way of example, the fluid intake 120 may have a height of 1 foot 9 inches. The cavity of the pump housing 107 may be fluidly coupled to the membrane housing 106 by a fluid coupling 122. Actuation of the piston rod 108 out of the pump housing 107 may cause the piston pump 105 to pump water into the cavity of the pump housing 107 via the fluid intake 120. Based on pumping water into the cavity of the pump housing 107, actuation of the piston rod 108 into the pump housing 107 may (i) pressurize water stored within the cavity of the pump housing 107 and (ii) pump water into the cavity (e.g., bladder) of the membrane housing 106 via the fluid coupling 122. Furthermore, actuation of the piston rod 108 into the pump housing 107 may cause the water pumped into the cavity of the membrane housing 106 to exceed a threshold pressure level and permeate through a first side of a reverse osmosis membrane contained within the membrane housing 106. The water may permeate through the first side of the reverse osmosis membrane and exit through a second side of the reverse osmosis membrane. In some cases, only a first portion of the water stored within the cavity of the membrane housing 106 may permeate through the reverse osmosis membrane, which may be referred to herein as "product water." A second portion of the water stored within the cavity of the membrane housing 106, which cannot permeate through the reverse osmosis membrane, may be referred to as "brine water."

[0033] In some embodiments, the cavity of the membrane housing 106 may be coupled to a first side of a reverse osmosis membrane contained within the membrane housing 106. The saltwater output 118 may be coupled to the cavity of the membrane housing 106. The product water output 116 may be coupled to a second side of the reverse osmosis membrane contained within the membrane housing 106, with product water permeating from the first side of the reverse osmosis membrane through the second side of the reverse osmosis membrane. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3, the saltwater output 118 may be configured to release saltwater from the cavity of the membrane housing 106 to areas in each of the linkages 104 (e.g., via a hose connected to the saltwater output 118). Alternative configurations of the saltwater output 118 may be used with the floating variable leverage pump 100. When the cavity of the pump housing 107 is empty and not filled with water, actuation of the piston rod 108 out of the pump housing 107 can cause the fluid intake 120 to receive water from the body of water and pump it into the pump housing 107 (e.g., via a difference in pressure). The pumped water can fill the cavity of the pump housing 107. Once the cavity of the pump housing 107 is at least partially filled with water, actuation of the piston rod 108 into the pump housing 107 (e.g., via displacement of the floating vessel 102 from a planar position) can (i) generate and apply pressure to the water contained within the cavity and (ii) pump the water into the cavity of the membrane housing 106. When a threshold amount of pressure (e.g., about 800 PSI) is applied to the water, the water can permeate through a first side of the reverse osmosis membrane of the membrane housing 106, thereby filtering the water, desalination it, and producing product water, as described herein.

[0034] In some embodiments, the threshold amount of pressure required to permeate water through the first side of the reverse osmosis membrane may be based on (e.g., dependent on) the type of reverse osmosis membrane used in the membrane housing 106. Product water may exit the second side of the reverse osmosis membrane through product water output 116. Product water output 116 may be coupled to a storage tank and / or any suitable container configured to receive the product water. Brine, including materials not permeable through the reverse osmosis membrane, may exit the cavity through brine output 118.

[0035] In some embodiments, when the floating variable leverage pump 100 is floating on a body of water, variable waves, tides, and / or ocean currents may act on the floating vessels 102, thereby changing the position of the floating vessels relative to the axis 150. The variable waves and associated wave motions may act on the floating vessels 102 through buoyancy and inertial forces. Uneven buoyancy between each of the floating vessels 102 may cause the floating vessels 102 to sway into a collapsed, displaced position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ) about the axis 150. The inertial forces of passing waves acting on the floating variable leverage pump 100 may cause further displacement of the floating vessels 102, thereby exerting a horizontal force on the piston rod 108 at the piston fulcrum 109 via the respective force connections, thereby actuating the piston rod 108 in and out of the pump housing 107. When the floating vessels 102 are coplanar with respect to each other, the mechanical advantage approaches infinity as the motion in the piston rod 108 approaches zero. As the floating vessels 102 are deflected from the coplanar position, the mechanical advantage becomes proportionately less and the motion in the piston rod 108 increases until the floating vessels 102 reach maximum deflection (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). In some cases, the distance between the piston fulcrum 109 and the pump fulcrum 110 may be longest when the floating vessels 102 are in the coplanar position. In some cases, the distance between the piston fulcrum 109 and the pump fulcrum 110 may be shortest when the floating vessels 102 reach maximum displacement from the coplanar position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). The distance between the piston fulcrum 109 and the pump fulcrum 110 can vary between a minimum distance and a maximum distance based on the sway of the floating vessel about the axis 150 (e.g., based on wave motion from the body of water on which the floating variable leverage pump 100 is positioned).

[0036] As described herein, variable waves can cause the floating vessel 102 to oscillate about axis 150 via linkage 104, thereby causing displacement of the floating vessel 102 away from and toward a coplanar position. Displacing the floating vessel 102 away from a coplanar position can cause actuation of the piston pump 105 such that the piston rod 108 acts in and out of the pump housing 107. In some cases, displacing the floating vessel 102 toward (e.g., closer to) a coplanar position can cause actuation of the piston pump 105 such that the piston rod 108 acts out of the pump housing 107. In some cases, displacing the floating vessel 102 away from a coplanar position can cause actuation of the piston pump 105 such that the piston rod 108 acts into the pump housing 107. Variable waves as described herein can refer to waves of varying amplitude and / or varying period. While forces from waves may act on the floating variable leverage pump 100 as described herein and displace the floating vessel 102, any particular force arising from the body of water in which the floating variable leverage pump 100 floats may act on the floating vessel and displace it. For example, forces from tides and / or ocean currents may act on the floating vessel 102.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary floating variable leverage pump 100 having a maximum outward displacement position from a coplanar position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1B ). While FIG. 2 illustrates the floating vessel 102 as having a maximum outward displacement position, the upper surface of the floating vessel 102 is oriented away from the axis 150, and the floating vessel 102 may be displaced inward from the coplanar position and have a maximum inward displacement position, with the upper surface of the floating vessel 102 oriented toward the axis 150. In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 2 , the geometric center of the floating vessel 102 may be referred to as the center of action 126 of the floating vessel 102. The floating vessels 102a and 102b may each have a respective center of action 126a and center of action 126b. As shown in FIG. 2 , the length between the axis 150 and the center of action 126 of the floating vessel 102 may be referred to as “L.” The length between axis 150 and the center of each of fulcrums 109 and 110 may be referred to as "L'" and the "eccentricity distance," as described herein. The vertical distance between axis 150 and the force connection corresponding to each of fulcrums 109 and 110 (e.g., the fulcrum offset) may be referred to as "T," and T may be a variable load arm that may act on floating vessel 102. In some cases, Equation 1 may define the variable load arm as follows: (1) T=cot(φ´)L´

[0038] In some cases, the piston pump 105 may have an axis 124 that corresponds to (e.g., is collinear with) the length of the piston pump 105, which is perpendicular to the axis 150. As shown in FIG. 2, the angle φ′ / 2 may be the angle between the axis 124 of the piston pump 105 and the upper surface (e.g., deck) of the floating vessel 102. The angle φ′ may be the sum of the angles between the axis 124, which corresponds to the length of the piston pump 105, and the upper surfaces (e.g., decks) of the floating vessels 102a and 102b. As an example, the angle φ′ may be (i) 0° when the floating vessels 102a and 102b are coplanar and the fulcrums 109 and 110 are at their maximum distance, or (ii) a maximum or minimum angle when the fulcrums 109 and 110 are at their minimum distance. As shown in FIG. 2, the angle φ / 2 may be the angle of deflection of the floating vessel 102 from the coplanar position. The angle φ may be the sum of the angles of deflection of the floating vessels 102a and 102b from a coplanar position. By way of example, the angle φ may be (i) 0° when the floating vessels 102a and 102b are coplanar and the fulcrums 109 and 110 are at their maximum distance, or (ii) a maximum or minimum angle when the fulcrums 109 and 110 are at their minimum distance. In some cases, the angles φ' / 2 and φ / 2 may assume that the floating vessels 102 each have the same angular displacement. The leverage at each of the force connections corresponding to the fulcrums 109 and 110 may be defined by Equation 2 as follows:

number

[0039] The leverage defined by Equation 2 may correspond to the leverage in the piston pump 105. In some embodiments, the greater the deflection of the floating vessel 102 from its coplanar position, the greater the force required to move the floating vessel 102 further away from its coplanar position. As an example, when the floating variable leverage pump 100 is positioned on a body of water, smaller, less forceful waves may actuate the piston rod 108 into the pump housing 107 with less deflection of the floating vessel 102 from its coplanar position, while larger, more forceful waves may actuate the piston rod 108 into the pump housing 107 with more deflection of the floating vessel 102 from its coplanar position. The waves may deflect the floating vessel 102 further away from the coplanar position until an equilibrium is reached between the force of the waves, gravity urging the floating vessel 102 to the coplanar position, and the resistance of the piston pump 105. The forces of the body of water (e.g., waves), gravity, and the resistance of the piston pump 105 may form a self-powered matching system. Based on the floating vessel 102 being deflected from the coplanar position, the buoyancy and gravity of the floating vessel 102 may move the floating vessel 102 back toward the coplanar position from the displaced position.

[0040] In some embodiments, the floating variable leverage pump 100 can include a desalination system as described herein. FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exemplary desalination system 300 included within the floating variable leverage pump 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the desalination system 300 can include a piston pump 105 including a pump housing 107 and a piston rod 108 as described herein. The pump housing 107 can be fluidly coupled to the membrane housing 106 by a fluid coupling 122. By way of example, the fluid coupling 122 can be a hose, pipe, or tube. The desalination system 300 can be rotationally coupled to the floating vessel 102 by respective force couplings at the piston fulcrum 109 and the pump fulcrum 110. In some cases, the force couplings can be hinges. A cavity in the pump housing 107 can be configured to receive water via a fluid intake 120. The product water output 116 may be coupled to a second side of the reverse osmosis membrane contained within the membrane housing 106. The brine output 118 may be coupled to a cavity of the membrane housing 106. Although the desalination system 300 and included components described above are described to desalinate water and produce product water and brine, the desalination system and / or floating variable leverage pump 100 may be modified to filter (e.g., desalinate) and / or pump any particular fluid.

[0041] In some embodiments, several floating variable leverage pumps 100 may be connected in a system. As an example, a system may include several floating variable leverage pumps 100 connected in series, whereby the system includes several floating variable leverage pumps 100, each having a respective shaft 150. As another example, a system may include several floating variable leverage pumps 100 connected in parallel, whereby the system includes several floating variable leverage pumps 100 that share a single shaft 150.

[0042] In some embodiments, the floating variable leverage pump 100 as described herein may be manufactured using connections, components, and / or dimensions as described herein. Additionally, in some cases, the floating variable leverage pump 100 may be manufactured, at least in part, using connections, components, and / or dimensions that differ from those described herein. (Control of oscillation period of floating variable leverage pump)

[0043] In some cases, the floating vessel 102 and / or the linkage 104 may include a control mechanism configured to enable adjustment of the period of oscillation of the floating vessel 102 of the floating variable leverage pump 100. Such a control mechanism may be referred to herein as a floating vessel period (FVP) control mechanism. FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an exemplary floating vessel 102 of a floating variable leverage pump (e.g., the floating variable leverage pump 100) including a floating vessel period (FVP) control mechanism 400. The FVP control mechanism 400 may be oriented parallel to the axis 150. The FVP control mechanism 400 may include one or more pendulum weights 402, one or more pendulum guides 404, and one or more hydraulic actuators 406. 4, the FVP control mechanism 400 includes one pendulum weight 402, a pair of pendulum guides 404a and 404b (collectively referred to herein as “pendulum guides 404”), and a pair of hydraulic actuators 406a and 406b (collectively referred to herein as “hydraulic actuators 406”), with the pendulum weight 402 positioned (i) parallel to the axis 150 and (ii) parallel to the width of the floating vessel 102 to evenly distribute the weight of the pendulum weight 402. The FVP control mechanism 400 may be coupled to extend upward from the upper surface 130 (also referred to as “deck 130”) of the floating vessel 102. In some cases, each of the floating vessels 102a and 102b of the floating variable leverage pump 100 may include an FVP control mechanism 400. A bottom surface of the floating vessel 102, positioned opposite the top surface 130, can be positioned above a body of water during operation of the floating vessel 102 and floating variable leverage pump.

[0044] In some embodiments, the period of oscillation of the floating vessel 102 (e.g., as included in the floating variable leverage pump 100) can be modified by adjusting the metacentric height of the floating vessel 102, and the height of a pendulum weight 402 included in the FVP control mechanism 400 can control the metacentric height of the floating vessel 102. The pendulum weight 402 can include one or more masses (e.g., cylindrical masses, spherical masses, rectangular masses, etc.) that can be raised and lowered relative to the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel 102 by a hydraulic actuator 406. In some cases, the period of oscillation of the floating vessel 102 can be based on (e.g., related to) the height of the pendulum weight 402. As an example, raising the pendulum weight 402 from a first height to a second height away from the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel 102 may increase the period of oscillation of the floating vessel 102, such that the floating vessel 102 may be displaced further inward or outward from its swinging, coplanar position. As another example, lowering the pendulum weight 402 from a second height to a first height closer to the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel 102 may decrease the period of oscillation of the floating vessel 102, such that the floating vessel 102 may be displaced further inward or outward from its swinging, coplanar position. The FVP control mechanism 400 and included pendulum weight 402 may be positioned parallel to the axis of oscillation of the floating vessel 102 (e.g., axis 150). 4, the FVP control mechanism 400 and included pendulum weight 402 may be positioned at the midpoint (e.g., midpoint between opposite sides) of the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel 102. In some cases, the FVP control mechanism 400 and included pendulum weight 402 may be positioned directly above the center of action 126 of the floating vessel 102 when the floating vessel 102 is in a coplanar (e.g., horizontal) position. In some cases, alternative positioning of the FVP control mechanism 400 and included pendulum weight 402 relative to the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel 102 may be used.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the pendulum guides 404 may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end, where the first end of the pendulum guide 404 is coupled to the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel 102. The pendulum guides 404 may be configured to guide and / or hold the pendulum weight 402 within the FVP control mechanism 400. The pendulum guides 404 may operate as a support structure to hold the pendulum weight 402 in place along the direction of actuation of the hydraulic actuators 406 (e.g., as shown by the directional indicators of the hydraulic actuators 406 in FIG. 4 ). In some cases, each of the hydraulic actuators 406 may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. In some cases, the first end of the hydraulic actuators 406 may be coupled to the pendulum weight 402. A second end of the hydraulic actuator 406 may be configured to be actuated in and out of the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel 102, thereby controlling the height of the pendulum weight 402 relative to the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel. The hydraulic actuator 406 may control the height of the pendulum weight 402 based on a control signal received from a controller (e.g., a computer processing device) communicatively connected to the hydraulic actuator 406. The height of the hydraulic actuator 406 and the corresponding height of the pendulum weight 402 may be adjusted automatically, as described further herein (e.g., with respect to FIG. 5).

[0046] In some embodiments, using automatic control techniques, the oscillation period of the floating vessels 102 can be automatically adjusted to correspond to (e.g., approximately match) the wave period of waves from the body of water in which the floating variable leverage pump 100 is located. The oscillation period of the floating vessels 102 can be automatically adjusted via a respective FVP control mechanism 400 contained within each of the floating vessels 102. The position of the pendulum weights 402 contained within each FVP control mechanism 400 can be automatically modified (e.g., raised or lowered) relative to the upper surface 130 of the floating vessel 102 to adjust the oscillation period of each of the floating vessels 102. A controller is coupled to each of the hydraulic actuators 406 and can automatically control and adjust or maintain the height of each pendulum weight 402 via operation of the hydraulic actuators 406. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example controller 500 for an FVP control mechanism. The floating variable leverage pump 100 and / or each floating vessel 102 may include a controller 500, which may control one or more FVP control mechanisms 400. In some cases, each controller 500 may independently control each FVP control mechanism 400 and the floating vessel 102 that includes the FVP control mechanism 400. The controller 500 may include a sensor 502, a codec module 504, a digital signal processor (DSP) module 506, and / or a hydraulic actuator controller 508. The controller 500 may be configured to control the position (e.g., height) of the pendulum weight 402 of the FVP control mechanism 400 based on the wave period in which the floating vessel 102 is positioned, thereby controlling the oscillation period of the floating vessel 102.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sensor 502 may be configured to operate based on the swaying of the floating vessel 102 (e.g., based on waves acting on the floating vessel 102) and measure the wave period of the waves acting on the floating vessel 102. The sensor 502 may be communicatively coupled to the codec module 504, which may be configured to measure an output signal (e.g., an analog electrical signal) of the sensor 502 and determine output signal data. As an example, the sensor 502 may be a potentiometer. In some cases, when the sensor 502 is a potentiometer, the resistance of the potentiometer may vary over time based on the wave period of the waves acting on the floating vessel 102. The codec module 504 may measure the resistance provided by the sensor 502 over time, and the resistance measured over time may indicate the wave period of the waves acting on the floating vessel 102 during which the resistance is being measured. The sensor 502 may provide an output signal (e.g., an analog electrical signal) to the codec module 504, which may measure the output signal received from the sensor 502 over time and determine output signal data. The output signal data may be indicative of a wave period, as described herein. The sensor 502 is shown as a potentiometer supplied with a voltage of 5 volts (V), although any suitable sensor and / or voltage may be used for the sensor 502 to measure the wave period of waves acting on the floating vessel and provide an output signal to the codec module 504.

[0048] In some embodiments, the codec module 504 may be communicatively coupled to both the DSP module 506 and the hydraulic actuator controller 508. The codec module 504 may be configured to convert electrical signals received as inputs and provide the converted electrical signals as outputs. In some cases, the codec module 504 may receive analog signals as inputs, measure and convert the analog signals into measured digital signal data over time, and provide the converted digital signal data as outputs. The codec module 504 may provide the converted digital signal data to the DSP module 506. The codec module 504 may continuously and / or periodically measure output signals provided by the sensors 502 and provide the converted digital signal data to the DSP module 506. In some cases, the codec module 504 may aggregate output signals provided by the sensors 502 over a period of time, convert the aggregated output signals, and provide the converted digital signal data to the DSP module 506.

[0049] In some embodiments, the DSP module 506 may receive digital signal data from the codec module 504. The digital signal data may be indicative of wave periods of waves acting on the floating vessel 102, as described herein. Based on the digital signal data, the DSP module 506 may determine wave amplitudes and wave periods for the waves acting on the floating vessel 102. In some cases, the DSP module 506 may determine a range of wave amplitudes and wave periods for the waves acting on the floating vessel 102. To determine the wave amplitudes and wave periods, the DSP module 506 may process the digital signal data using one or more operations. By way of example, the one or more operations may include applying a fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm to the digital signal data to identify the strongest (e.g., best-fitting) wave amplitude and / or wave period (e.g., a range of wave amplitudes and / or wave periods) from the digital signal data to determine a measured wave amplitude and / or wave period. Based on determining the measured wave amplitude and / or the measured wave period from the digital signal data, the DSP module 506 may provide a digital signal indicative of the measured wave amplitude and / or the wave period to the codec module 504.

[0050] In some embodiments, the codec module 504 may receive digital signals indicative of the measured wave amplitude and / or the measured wave period from the DSP module 506. Based on receiving the digital signals indicative of the measured wave amplitude and / or the measured wave period, the codec module 504 may convert the digital signals to analog signals and provide the analog signals to the hydraulic actuator controller 508.

[0051] In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may be configured to control the height of the pendulum weight 402 via controlling the height of the hydraulic actuator 406 relative to the upper surface of the floating vessel 102. The hydraulic actuator controller 508 may cause any hydraulic actuator 406 of the FVP control mechanism 400 included in the floating variable leverage pump 100 to remain in a current position, rise from a current position, and / or fall from a current position. The hydraulic actuator controller 508 may cause the position (e.g., height) adjustment of a first end of the hydraulic actuator 406. The hydraulic actuator controller 508 may control the hydraulic actuator 406 via a control signal sent by the hydraulic actuator controller 508 to the hydraulic actuator 406. The hydraulic actuator controller 508 may periodically or continuously determine to adjust or maintain the height of the hydraulic actuator 406 based on an analog signal received from the codec module 504.

[0052] In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may determine the period of oscillation of the floating variable leverage pump 100 based on the height of the hydraulic actuator 406. In some cases, the period of oscillation of the floating variable leverage pump 100 may be based on the size and weight of the floating variable leverage pump 100 and the configuration of the FVP control mechanism 400. In some cases, the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may access a memory device that stores several predetermined periods of oscillation of the floating variable leverage pump 100, each corresponding to a respective height of the hydraulic actuator 406. To determine the period of oscillation of the floating variable leverage pump 100, the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may identify a period of oscillation that falls within several predetermined periods of oscillation that correspond to known heights of the hydraulic actuator 406.

[0053] In some embodiments, the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may receive an analog signal from the codec module 504. The analog signal may indicate a measured wave amplitude and / or a measured wave period, as described herein. Based on the analog signal, the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may determine to maintain or adjust the position of the hydraulic actuator 406 based on comparing the measured wave amplitude and / or the measured wave period to the period of oscillation of the floating variable leverage pump 100. To maintain the position of the hydraulic actuator 406, the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may not send a control signal to the hydraulic actuator 406, or may maintain the control signal provided to the hydraulic actuator 406 such that the hydraulic actuator 406 remains in its current position. To adjust the position of the hydraulic actuator 406, the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may determine and provide a control signal to the hydraulic actuator 406, the control signal configured to cause the hydraulic actuator 406 to rise or fall to a specified height and / or by a specified amount (e.g., a step size). The control signal configured to maintain or adjust the position of the hydraulic actuator 406 may be determined by a control technique. An exemplary control technique used to determine the control signal provided to the hydraulic actuator 406 may include an iterative (e.g., closed-loop) control technique configured to minimize the difference between the sway period of the floating vessel 102 and the wave period of the waves acting on the floating vessel 102 via a comparison of the sway period to the wave period. The control signal determined and provided by the hydraulic actuator controller 508 may cause an automatic adjustment of the height of the pendulum weight 402 to adjust the sway period of the floating vessel 102 to resonate with the wave frequency of the waves acting on the floating variable leverage pump 100.

[0054] In some embodiments, the controller 500, any individual elements of the controller 500, and / or any combination of elements of the controller 500 may be implemented by a computing system as described herein (e.g., with respect to FIG. 6). Further Description of Some Embodiments

[0055] 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 600 that may be used in implementing the techniques described herein. A general-purpose computer, network appliance, mobile device, or other electronic system may include at least a portion of system 600. System 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620, a storage device 630, and an input / output device 640. Each of components 610, 620, 630, and 640 may be interconnected using, for example, a system bus 650. Processor 610 is capable of processing instructions for execution within system 600. In some implementations, processor 610 is a single-threaded processor. In some implementations, processor 610 is a multi-threaded processor. Processor 610 is capable of processing instructions stored in memory 620 or on storage device 630.

[0056] The memory 620 stores information within the system 600. In some implementations, the memory 620 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some implementations, the memory 620 is a volatile memory unit. In some implementations, the memory 620 is a non-volatile memory unit.

[0057] The storage device 630 is capable of providing mass storage for the system 600. In some implementations, the storage device 630 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In various different implementations, the storage device 630 may include, for example, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a solid-state drive, a flash drive, or some other mass storage device. For example, the storage device may store long-term data (e.g., database data, file system data, etc.). The input / output device 640 provides input / output operations for the system 600. In some implementations, the input / output device 640 may include one or more of a network interface device, e.g., an Ethernet card, a serial communication device, e.g., an RS-232 port, and / or a wireless interface device, e.g., an 802.11 card, a 3G wireless modem, or a 4G wireless modem. In some implementations, the input / output device may include a driver device configured to receive input data and send output data to other input / output devices, e.g., a keyboard, a printer, and a display device 660. In some examples, mobile computing devices, mobile communication devices, and other devices may be used.

[0058] In some implementations, at least a portion of the approaches described above may be realized by instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processing devices to perform the processes and functions described above. Such instructions may include, for example, interpreted instructions, such as script instructions, or executable code, or other instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The storage device 630 may be implemented in a distributed manner, for example, as a server farm or a widely distributed set of servers over a network, or may be implemented in a single computing device.

[0059] Although an exemplary processing system is illustrated in FIG. 6 , embodiments of the subject matter, functional operations, and processes described herein can be implemented in other types of digital electronic circuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, in computer hardware including the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents, or in a combination of one or more of these. Embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible, non-volatile program carried for execution by, or control of the operation of, a data processing apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal generated to encode information for transmission to an appropriate receiver device for execution by a data processing apparatus. The computer storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a combination of one or more of these.

[0060] The term "system" may encompass any type of apparatus, device, and machine for processing data, including, by way of example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. A processing system may include special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). In addition to hardware, a processing system may include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program, such as processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of these.

[0061] A computer program (which may also be referred to or described as a program, software, software application, module, software module, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored within a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), within a sequence dedicated to the program, or within multiple associated files (e.g., files storing one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers, located at a single site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communications network.

[0062] The processes and logic flows described herein may be implemented by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows may also be implemented by, and apparatus may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0063] A computer suitable for executing a computer program may include, by way of example, a general or special-purpose microprocessor, or both, or any other type of central processing unit. Typically, the central processing unit will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory, a random-access memory, or both. A computer typically includes a central processing unit for performing or executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, for storing data, for receiving data therefrom, for transmitting data thereto, or both. However, a computer need not have such devices. A computer can also be embedded within another device, e.g., a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a portable storage device (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive), to name just a few.

[0064] Suitable computer-readable media for storing computer program instructions and data include, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices, magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0065] To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to a user, and a keyboard and pointing device, e.g., a mouse or trackball, by which a user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide for interaction with a user; for example, feedback provided to a user can be, for example, visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and input from a user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user, e.g., by sending a web page to a web browser on the user's user device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0066] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented within a computing system that includes back-end components, e.g., data servers, or middleware components, e.g., application servers, or front-end components, front-end components having a graphical user interface or web browser, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user may interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein, or any combination of back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communications network. Examples of communications networks include local area networks (“LANs”) and wide area networks (“WANs”), e.g., the Internet.

[0067] A computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[0068] While the specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Also, while features may be described above as operative in a combination and may even be initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination, if any, can be deleted from that combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0069] Similarly, although operations are depicted in a particular order in the figures, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular or sequential order shown, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Also, it should be understood that the separation of various system components in the above-described embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and that the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0070] Specific embodiments of the present subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. By way of example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown or sequential order to achieve desirable results. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Other steps or stages may be provided or steps or stages may be eliminated from the described processes. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. (technical term)

[0071] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0072] Measurements, sizes, amounts, and the like may be presented herein in a range format. Descriptions in range format are provided merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as inflexible limitations on the scope of the invention. Thus, a description of a range should be considered to be specifically disclosed and include all possible subranges as well as individual numerical values ​​within that range. For example, a description of a range such as 1 to 20 meters should also be considered to include specifically disclosed subranges such as 1 meter, 2 meters, 1 to 2 meters, less than 2 meters, 10 to 11 meters, 10 to 12 meters, 10 to 13 meters, 10 to 14 meters, 11 to 12 meters, 11 to 13 meters, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, connections between components or systems within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, data or signals between these components may be modified, reformatted, or otherwise altered by intermediate components. Also, additional or fewer connections may be used. The terms "coupled," "connected," or "communicatively coupled" shall be understood to include direct connections, indirect connections through one or more intermediate devices, wireless connections, etc.

[0074] Reference herein to "one embodiment," "preferred embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," or "embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention and may be present in more than one embodiment. Also, appearances of the above phrases in various places herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments.

[0075] The use of certain terms in various places herein is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. A service, function, or resource is not limited to a single service, function, or resource; use of these terms may refer to a grouping of related services, functions, or resources, which may be distributed or aggregated.

[0076] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that (1) certain steps may be performed optionally, (2) steps may not be limited to the specific order described herein, (3) certain steps may be performed in a different order, and (4) certain steps may be performed simultaneously or in parallel.

[0077] As used in the specification and claims, the term "about," the phrase "approximately equal to," and other similar phrases (e.g., "X has a value of about 'Y' or 'X' is approximately equal to 'Y') should be understood to mean that one value (X) is within a given range of another value (Y). The given range may be + or - 20%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 1%, 0.1%, or less than 0.1%, unless otherwise indicated.

[0078] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, should be understood to mean "at least one" unless expressly indicated otherwise. The word "and / or," as used in the specification and claims, should be understood to mean "one or both" of the conjunctive elements, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising," can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0079] As used in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also more than one of several elements or a list of elements, optionally including additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or when used in the claims, "consisting of" will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of several elements or a list of elements. In general, the term "or," as used, when followed by terms of exclusivity, such as "any of," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of," shall be interpreted only as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other, but not both"). "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0080] As used in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of every element specifically listed within the list of elements, and does not exclude any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") can refer in one embodiment to at least one A (and optionally including elements other than B), where no B is present, optionally including more than one; in another embodiment to at least one B (and optionally including elements other than A), where no A is present, optionally including more than one; in yet another embodiment to at least one A, optionally including more than one, and at least one B, optionally including more than one (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0081] The use of "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and additional items.

[0082] The use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. in the claims to modify claim elements does not imply any priority, precedence, or ordering of one claim element relative to another, or the chronological order in which actions of a method are performed. Ordinal terms merely distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having the same name (absent the use of ordinal terms) and are used as labels to distinguish between claim elements.

[0083] Specific embodiments of the present subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. By way of example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown or sequential order to achieve desirable results. In some implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Other steps or stages may be provided or steps or stages may be eliminated from the described processes. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0084] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the preceding examples and embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. All permutations, enhancements, equivalents, combinations, and improvements thereto that become apparent to those skilled in the art upon perusal of the specification and study of the drawings are intended to be within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the elements of any claim may be arranged in different ways, including having multiple dependencies, configurations, and combinations.

[0085] Having thus described at least several aspects of one embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. A floating variable leverage pump, comprising: a first floating vessel; a second floating vessel, wherein the first floating vessel is pivotally coupled to the second floating vessel along an axis, and both the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel are configured to swing about the axis; and Pump and Equipped with The pump a first end pivotally connected to a first fulcrum of the first floating vessel; a second end pivotally connected to a second fulcrum of the second floating vessel; Equipped with The pump is a floating variable leverage pump positioned (i) perpendicular to the axis and (ii) within an area between the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel.

2. 2. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 1, wherein the first floating vessel is pivotally connected to the second floating vessel along the axis by one or more linkages.

3. 2. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 1, wherein the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel (i) comprise a buoyant material and (ii) are configured to float on a body of water.

4. the first end of the pump includes a piston rod; the second end of the pump comprises a pump housing including a first cavity configured to store a fluid, the piston rod being coupled to the pump housing; 2. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 1, wherein oscillation of at least one of the first floating vessel or the second floating vessel about the axis is configured to actuate the piston rod, thereby pressurizing the fluid.

5. 5. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 4, further comprising a water intake fluidly connected to the first cavity, the water intake configured to (i) receive the fluid and (ii) provide the fluid to the first cavity upon actuation of the piston rod.

6. 5. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 4, further comprising a membrane housing, the membrane housing comprising: (i) a second cavity fluidly connected to the first cavity by a fluid coupling; and (ii) a reverse osmosis membrane, the second cavity fluidly connected to a first side of the reverse osmosis membrane.

7. 7. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 6, wherein the membrane housing further comprises: (i) a first output fluidly coupled to the second cavity; and (ii) a second output fluidly coupled to a second side of the reverse osmosis membrane.

8. 8. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 7, wherein actuation of the piston rod into the pump housing is configured to (i) cause a first portion of the fluid to permeate from the first side of the reverse osmosis membrane through the second side of the reverse osmosis membrane, and (ii) cause a second portion of the fluid to exit through the first output.

9. 2. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 1, wherein the distance between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum is configured to vary from a minimum distance to a maximum distance based on (i) the position of the first floating vessel about the axis and (ii) the position of the second floating vessel about the axis.

10. 10. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 9, wherein the distance between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum is the longest distance when the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel have a minimum displacement.

11. 11. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 10, wherein the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel have the minimum displacement when the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel are oriented in the same plane.

12. 10. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 9, wherein the distance between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum is the shortest distance when the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel have a maximum displacement.

13. 2. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 1, wherein the first floating vessel comprises a first void and the second floating vessel comprises a second void, the first void and the second void forming the area.

14. 2. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first floating vessel or the second floating vessel includes a control mechanism configured to control a period of oscillation of the floating vessel about the axis.

15. The control mechanism one or more weights; one or more guides configured to hold the one or more weights; one or more actuators coupled to the one or more weights; Equipped with 15. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 14, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to control a height of the one or more weights relative to an upper surface of the floating vessel, and wherein the period of the oscillation of the floating vessel is based on the height of the one or more weights.

16. Further comprising a computing device, the computing device comprising: measuring the wave period of a body of water over a period of time; comparing the wave period to the period of the rocking motion; causing an adjustment to the height of the one or more weights via the one or more actuators based on the comparison; and 16. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 15 configured to perform operations including:

17. 16. The floating variable leverage pump of claim 15, wherein the control mechanism (i) is oriented parallel to the axis and (ii) is positioned at a midpoint between a first side of the upper surface and a second side of the upper surface opposite the first side of the upper surface.

18. 1. A method of assembling a floating variable leverage pump, said method comprising: pivotally coupling a first floating vessel to a second floating vessel along an axis, wherein both the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel are configured to swing about the axis; pivotally connecting a first end of a pump to a first fulcrum of the first floating vessel; pivotally connecting a second end of the pump to a second fulcrum of the second floating vessel; Including, The method, wherein the pump is positioned (i) perpendicular to the axis and (ii) within an area between the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first floating vessel is pivotally coupled to the second floating vessel along the axis by one or more coupling mechanisms.

20. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first floating vessel and the second floating vessel (i) comprise a buoyant material and (ii) are configured to float on a body of water.

Images