Clean energy powered surfboards

Abstract

Clean energy powered surfboard having various advantages that make for easy to learn, easy to use, safe, exciting, high performance, environmentally friendly surfing on any ocean wave in the world. The various embodiments include novel motor, turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprising hydrogen or electric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated and which drives jet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas, including air and hydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitors that are incorporated in the body of the surfboard. Energy can be generated by solar or water power while surfing or by passing waves, for example, while waiting for a big wave. An output jet provides thrust to catch a wave, to return to the wave breaks, or to avoid a hazard. A novel fin output jet increase stability and maximizes thrust. Self-contained, self-recharging embodiments are low cost, lightweight, safe, and good for the environment.

Claims

1. A clean energy powered surfboard for use by a surfer upon a body of water, comprising: a) a board surface, comprising a bottom and a top, b) a clean energy storage, enclosed within the board surface, c) a clean energy motor, enclosed within the board surface, d) at least one intake tube connected to the motor, enclosed within the board surface, e) at least one intake port position on the board surface for taking in water, connected to each intake tube, f) at least one output tube connected to the motor, enclosed within the board surface, g) at least one output jet, for driving exhaust water back into the body of water, connected to each output tube, h) a connection between the clean energy storage and the motor, i) a switch for activating the transfer of stored energy to the motor, and j) one or more fins, at least one fin comprising: i) a fin structure having substantially a convention size and shape, and ii) at least one fin output jet, configured to drive exhaust water back into the water, positioned on a trailing edge of the fin structure, wherein the fin output jet is lower in the water than the plane of the bottom of the board surface.

2. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1, wherein the surfboard is used for surfing waves.

3. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1, wherein the body of water is the ocean.

4. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1, wherein the clean energy storage comprises compressed gas storage.

5. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 4, wherein the compressed gas is air.

6. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 4, wherein the compressed gas is combined with the exhaust water in the motor.

7. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1, wherein the energy storage stores electricity, wherein the clean energy motor is an electric motor.

8. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 7, wherein the energy storage comprises one or more rechargeable batteries.

9. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1, further comprising a hydrogen fuel cell, connected to the clean energy motor, wherein the energy storage stores hydrogen, wherein the clean energy motor is an electric motor, and wherein the electric motor is powered by the hydrogen fuel cell.

10. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 1, wherein the energy storage is charged before the surfboard enters the ocean.

11. A clean energy powered surfboard for use by a surfer upon a body of water, comprising: a) a board surface, comprising a bottom and a top, b) a clean energy storage, enclosed within the board surface, c) a clean energy motor, enclosed within the board surface, d) at least one intake tube connected to the motor, enclosed within the board surface, e) at least one intake port position on the board surface for taking in water, connected to each intake tube, f) at least one output tube connected to the motor, enclosed within the board surface, g) at least one output jet, for driving exhaust water back into the body of water, connected to each output tube, h) a connection between the clean energy storage and the motor, i) a switch for activating the transfer of stored energy to the motor, and j) one or more charging channels, each charging channel comprising: i) a top opening on the top of the board surface, ii) a bottom opening on the bottom of the board surface, and iii) a turbine generator between the top opening and the bottom opening, wherein the energy storage stores electricity, wherein the clean energy motor is an electric motor, and wherein each turbine generator is configured to charge the energy storage.

12. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 11, wherein at least one of the charging channels is positioned near a rear of the surfboard.

13. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 12, comprising at least two charging channels, wherein at least one of the charging channels is positioned forward of the rear of the surfboard.

14. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 11, further comprising a solar cell panel forming a portion of the board surface.

15. A method of generating and storing electricity by surfing a wave on the clean energy surfboard of claim 11, comprising the steps of: a) positioning at least one of the charging channels near a rear of the clean energy surfboard, and b) generating electricity as the surfboard continuously falls through water on the face of the wave and some of the water passes through the at least one of the charging channels, wherein, while riding the wave, electrical energy is generated and stored in the energy storage.

16. A method of generating and storing electricity by surfing a wave on the clean energy surfboard of claim 11, comprising the steps of: a) providing one or more waterwheels on at least one side edge of the surface of the clean energy surfboard, each waterwheel have a plurality of vanes, and b) generating electricity as the surfboard continuously falls through water on the face of the wave and some of the water impulses the vanes of the water wheel, wherein, while riding the wave, electrical energy is generated and stored in the energy storage.

17. A method of generating and storing electricity in the clean energy surfboard of claim 13, comprising the steps of: a) positioning a first one of the charging channels near the rear of the clean energy surfboard, b) positioning a second one of the charging channels near a front of the clean energy surfboard, and c) generating electricity as the rear charging channel and the front charging channel of the surfboard continuously and inversely rise and fall relative to the water as one of group of: i) waves pass, and ii) the surfer shifts the weight of the surfer forward and backward, wherein electrical energy is generated and stored in the energy storage.

18. A clean energy powered surfboard for use by a surfer upon a body of water, comprising: a) a board surface, comprising a bottom and a top, b) a clean energy storage, enclosed within the board surface, c) a clean energy motor, enclosed within the board surface, d) at least one intake tube connected to the motor, enclosed within the board surface, e) at least one intake port position on the board surface for taking in water, connected to each intake tube, f) at least one output tube connected to the motor, enclosed within the board surface, g) at least one output jet, for driving exhaust water back into the body of water, connected to each output tube, h) a connection between the clean energy storage and the motor, and i) a switch for activating the transfer of stored energy to the motor, wherein the energy storage stores electricity, wherein the clean energy motor is an electric motor, wherein the energy storage comprise one or more capacitors, each capacitor formed of two substantially flat plates, and wherein at least one of substantially flat plates forms the structure of the board surface.

19. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 18, wherein the energy storage is charged before the surfboard enters the ocean.

20. The clean energy powered surfboard of claim 18, further comprising a solar cell panel forming a portion of the board surface.

Description

DRAWING FIGURES

(1) In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a powered surfboard.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a powered surfboard with energy storage.

(4) FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D illustrate block diagrams of various embodiments of electrical storage.

(5) FIG. 4A through FIG. 4E illustrate water-powered embodiments which use turbine generators and waterwheels.

(6) FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate water-powered embodiments with bi-directional channels.

(7) FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate embodiments with multiple input ports.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment having fin output jets.

(9) FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a block diagram of an embodiment having multiple features.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a circuit diagram.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

(11) TABLE-US-00001 100 (a-b) surfboard 102 (a-c) output tube 104 motor 106 (a-f) intake tube 108 switch 110 (a-f) intake port 112 output jet 200 energy storage 202 energy connection 300 (a-b) battery 302 capacitor 304 electric motor 306 (a-c) canister capacitor 314 electric motor generator 320 solar cell panel 322 (a-c) anode wire 324 (a-c) cathode wire 400 board surface 402 (a-b) foot 404 (a-b) channel input 406 (a-b) turbine generator 408 (a-b) channel output 410 (a-d) channel 412 wave face 418 (a-c) fin 420 (a-b) waterwheel 422 (a-b) edge-mounted waterwheel 424 (a-c) vane 426 axle 520 (a-b) wave 522 (a-b) surfer 700 (a-e) fin output jet 900 burst timer switch 908 wireless switch 910 low thrust switch 920 (a-b) rectifier 930 chassis ground 940 motor control

SPECIAL DEFINITIONS

(12) generatorone that generates, as a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

(13) motorany of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: as a small compact engine; internal combustion engine; especially: a gasoline engine or hydrogen engine; a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy

(14) enginea machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion; also a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source

(15) pumpa device that raises, transfers, delivers, or compresses fluids or that attenuates gases especially by suction or pressure or both

(16) turbinea rotary engine actuated by the reaction or impulse or both of a current of fluid (as water, steam, or air) subject to pressure and usually made with a series of curved vanes on a central rotating spindle

(17) impulsea force so communicated as to produce motion suddenly

(18) propellerone that propels; especially a device that consists of a central hub with radiating blades placed and twisted so that each forms part of a helical surface and that is used to propel a vehicle (as a ship or airplane)

(19) capacitora passive electronic component consisting of a pair of conductors separated by a non-conductive region.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(20) The present invention provides an improved powered surfboard having various advantages that make for easy to learn, easy to use, safe, exciting, high performance, environmentally friendly surfing on any ocean wave in the world. The various embodiments include novel motor, turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprising hydrogen or electric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated and which drives jet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas, including air and hydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitors that are incorporated in the body of the surfboard. Energy can be generated by solar or water power while surfing.

(21) Powered Surfboard

(22) FIG. 1 illustrates a general block diagram of a clean energy powered surfboard 100 comprising a motor 104 attached to an intake tube 106 and an output tube 102. An intake port 110 is positioned on the side or bottom of the surfboard 100 and attaches to the intake tube 106. At least one output jet 112 is located at the rear of the surfboard 100 and attached to an output tube 102. A switch 108 is mounted on the surfboard 100 and is depressed, rotated, slid, or signaled to activate the motor 104 when needed.

(23) A wireless switch 908 (see FIG. 9) may be signaled by using a hand held, wrist mounted, or swimsuit mounted wired or wireless transmitter.

(24) A motor 104 is preferred to an external propeller because of drag and safety. The motor 104 further comprises a propeller or turbine, forming a pump, and may be powered by hydrogen, electricity, or compressed air. Water enters the intake port 110 and is channeled through an intake tube 106 to the motor 104. The motor 104 drives the water via the output tube 102 to the output jet 112, allowing the water exhaust from the output jet 112 to propel the surfboard forward with a short burst of high thrust.

(25) When trying to catch a wave, in this first mode, the short burst of high thrust will allow the surfer to catch waves more effectively. With the powered surfboard 100 an expert can catch harder waves and a novice can enjoy surfing much more quickly and safely. The short burst of high thrust can also be used to avoid a hazard.

(26) When returning the surfboard to the wave breaks (starting point), returning to the shore when tired or injured, or to move away from a hazard, in a second mode, the motor is optionally configured to provide a steady, low thrust over an extended period of time. Unlike Jet Skis and Surfjet-like device, this second mode would not provide high speeds that may be dangerous for swimmers and other boarders (requiring regulation by government entities) but would only provide a low speed, which is less than the speed at which an average unassisted surfer could paddle. Thus, embodiments with both these modes would result in a clean energy powered surfboard that has no higher performance speed, or other behavior, than that of a board powered by a young healthy surfer without a handicap. Thus, such clean energy powered surfboards would arguably be exempt from many government regulations associated with personal watercraft and boats, in that they are equivalent to a non-powered surfboard in all of its intended operations and behaviors.

(27) Energy Storage

(28) FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the energy storage 200 capacities within the surfboard 100. The stored energy is communicated from energy storage 200 via energy connection 202.

(29) In one embodiment, energy storage 200 contains compressed gas that is released to turn the motor 104 and released with the water as exhaust via the jet 112.

(30) In another embodiment, energy storage 200 contains compressed gas that is released directly as exhaust via the jet 112, eliminating the motor.

(31) In another embodiment, energy storage 200 contains compressed hydrogen gas which is combusted to turn the motor 104 which draws in water from intake port 110 into intake tube 106 and propels it through output tube 102 to output jet 112

(32) In yet other embodiments, energy storage 200 stores electrical energy, such as those shown in FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D.

(33) Electrical Storage

(34) FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D illustrate block diagrams of various embodiments of electrical storage. Each instance illustrates a surfboard 100 comprising a motor 104 which creates thrust via the output jet 112. The motor 104 is attached to an intake tube 106 and an output tube 102. An intake port 110 is positioned on the side or bottom of the surfboard 100 and attaches to the intake tube 106. The output jet 112 is located at the rear of the surfboard 100 and attached to an output tube 102. A switch 108 is mounted on the surfboard 100 and is depressed, rotated, slid, or signaled to activate the motor 104 when needed.

(35) Battery

(36) FIG. 3A illustrates an electric powered embodiment where the energy storage is in the form of at least one battery 300. The battery 300 is connected to the motor 104 with an anode wire 322 and a cathode wire 324.

(37) The battery 300 may be charged by solar (see FIG. 3B) or water power (see FIGS. 4A through 4E and FIGS. 5A and 5B), or a conventional recharging system (not shown).

(38) When activated by the switch 108, the battery 300 provides energy to the electric motor 104 which creates thrust via the output jet 112.

(39) Solar

(40) FIG. 3B illustrates aspects of a solar powered embodiment where exemplary rechargeable batteries 300 are attached to a solar cell panel 320. The solar cell panel 320, comprising multiple solar cells, is mounted preferably on the top of the surfboard 100 and may cover the entire width of the surfboard for a predetermined length of the surfboard 100. The batteries 300 are positioned in the internal structure of the surfboard 100 and connect to the solar cell panel 320 by anode wires 322 and cathode wires 324.

(41) When activated by the switch 108, the batteries 300 provides electrical energy to the motor 104 which creates thrust via the output jet 112.

(42) Alternatively, the solar cell panel 320 could be connected to capacitors (such as 302 or 306), instead of batteries 300. The use of capacitors are explained below in reference to FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D.

(43) Capacitor Plates

(44) FIG. 3C illustrates an embodiment where electrical energy is stored in a capacitor 302 comprised of a positive plate and a negative plate separated by a small distance. In one novel embodiment the positive plate and the negative plate are almost as wide and almost as long as the main body of the surfboard 100. The capacitor 302 is embedded within the surfboard 100 during its construction and connects to the motor 104 by anode wires 322 and cathode wires 324. The capacitor 302 operates similar to the battery 300 in its ability to store a charge and to release the energy to the electric motor.

(45) In another novel embodiment (not shown), a plurality of plate capacitors 302 could be stacked inside the core of the surfboard 100.

(46) In yet another novel embodiment (not shown), at least one plate of a first capacitor 302 could form the structure of the upper surface of the surfboard 100, and at least one plate of a second capacitor 302 could form the structure of the upper surface of the surfboard 100. The outer plates could be grounded to each other and preferably also grounded to the water. Theses structural plates could be made of thicker than normal metal or carbon fibers. The corresponding nonstructural plates would be separated from the stronger structural plates by a dielectric layer, such as plastic. The other surfaces of the surfboard 100 could be formed of conventional materials, such as fiberglass and the core could then be filled with foam.

(47) When activated by the switch 108, the capacitor 302 provides electrical energy to the motor 104, which creates thrust via the output jet 112.

(48) Canister Capacitors

(49) FIG. 3D illustrate an embodiment where electrical energy is stored in one or more canister capacitors 306. Three canister capacitors 306 (a-c) are shown here for illustrative purposes. Each canister capacitor 306 is comprised of a positive plate and a negative plate separated by a small distance, rolled up and stored in a discrete canister. In practice, dozens of canister capacitors 306 could be embedded in the core of the surfboard 100 and wired together. The canister capacitors 306 connect to the motor 104 by anode wires 322 and cathode wires 324. The canister capacitors 306 operate similar to the battery 300 in their ability to store a charge and to release the electrical energy to the motor.

(50) When activated by the switch 108, the canisters capacitor 306 provides electrical energy to the motor 104, which creates thrust via the output jet 112.

(51) Water Channels for Turbine Generators

(52) FIG. 4A illustrates aspects of an exemplary water-powered embodiment comprising novel channels 410 (a-b) in the rear of the surfboard 100 near fins 418 (a-c). Each channel 410 is comprised of a channel input 404, positioned on the bottom of the surfboard 100, a channel output 408, positioned on the top of the surfboard 100, and a turbine generator 406 within the channel 410.

(53) As the surfboard 100 moves through the water while being driven by a wave 412, gravity and water apply strong forces to the surfboard 100. The water-powered embodiment takes advantage of the strong water forces to drive turbine generators 406 to charge the electrical forms of energy storage 200 (see FIG. 2), such as a battery 300 (e.g. see FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 8), capacitor 302 (e.g. see FIG. 3C), canister capacitor 306 (e.g. See FIG. 3D), or to create hydrogen from the water. As a surfer 52 (not shown) rides the surfboard 100 by placing the surfer's feet 402 on the board surface 400, the water flows through channels 410 to drive the turbine generators 406. The charging period while riding a wave is sufficient to store the energy needed to return to the next start, and some of the charge could be drawn off to return the surfboard to the wave breaks (starting point) or to provide thrust to catch the next wave, or wave set.

(54) Waterwheels

(55) FIG. 4B through FIG. 4D illustrate aspects of embodiments of water powered surfboards 100 having at least one waterwheel 420 exposed on the bottom board surface 400 of the surfboard 100.

(56) FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C illustrate details of aspects of one embodiment of the waterwheel 420 comprising multiple vanes 424. The waterwheel 420 is mounted inside the surfboard 100, but partially extends beyond the plain of the bottom board surface 400. The waterwheel 420 is mounted on an axle 426 that drives a generator (not shown). As the surfboard 100 moves through the water, the vanes 424 catch the water and drive the waterwheel 420 to generate electricity.

(57) The waterwheel 420 could be relative flat like a disc as shown here, or alternatively could be cylinder shaped as shown in FIG. 4D and FIG. 4E.

(58) FIG. 4D illustrates aspects of an embodiment having one or more waterwheels 420 (exemplarily shown here with two waterwheels 420a and 420b) exposed on the bottom board surface 400 of the surfboard 100. In this embodiment the waterwheels 420 are cylindrical and have long vanes 424 (a-c) which are perpendicular to the flow of the water under the surfboard 100. Multiple waterwheels 420 could be attached to a single axle and generator. Alternatively, each waterwheel 420 could have a small generator inside the body of the waterwheel 420.

(59) FIG. 4E illustrates aspects of a water powered surfboard 100 having one or more edge-mounted waterwheels 422 (exemplarily shown here with two edge-mounted waterwheels 422 (a-b)) positioned along the trailing edges of the surfboard 100. Similar to the operation of the surfboard 100 shown in FIG. 4A, as the surfboard 100 continuously falls through the wave, great forces are applied by the water passing around the sides of the surfboard 100. These water forces drive the edge-mounted waterwheels 422.

(60) Bi-Directional Channels

(61) FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate water-powered embodiments with bi-directional channels.

(62) FIG. 5A illustrates aspects of a surfboard 100 comprising multiple wave channels 410 and fins 418 (a-c). The channels 410 (a-d) are positioned at the front and rear of the board and are bi-directional such that the turbines 406 inside the channels 410 (see FIG. 4A) in the front and rear charge as water flows up and down through channels 410 relative to surfboard 100. This enables the energy storage 200 (see FIG. 2) to be recharged even when a surfer 522 is merely sitting on the surfboard 100 waiting to catch a wave, or waiting for the next set of waves. Forms of energy storage 200 (see FIG. 2) could be a battery 300 (e.g. see FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 8), capacitor 302 (e.g. see FIG. 3C), canister capacitor 306 (e.g. See FIG. 3D), or hydrogen split from water. Further, the rear channels 410 would work similar to those shown in FIG. 4A when riding a wave.

(63) FIG. 5B illustrates a method of recharging the battery using passing waves. Two surfers 522 (a-b) on two surfboards 100 (a-b), respectively, each surfboard 100 having multiple wave channels 410. As the wave moves past each surfboard 100, water flows up and down through the channels 410. Even if the waves die down, and the water is perfectly calm, surfers 522 could still shift their weight on the board to charge the electrical storage using this configuration.

(64) Multiple Input Ports

(65) FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B illustrate aspects of embodiments of surfboard 100 having a water-powered electric motor generator 314 and multiple intake ports 110, which are positioned along the side of the surfboard 100. In FIG. 6A multiple intake tubes 106 (a-f) attach to the intake ports 110 (a-f) respectively on the board surface 400 of the surfboard 100 and combine into a single intake tube 106, which attaches to the electric motor generator 314 internal to the surfboard 100. Similar to FIG. 1, the electric motor generator 314 drives the output jet 112 by means of an output tube 102.

(66) The same turbine 406 of the electric motor generator 314 is be used to drive the output jet 112 as well as to recharge the energy storage 200 (see FIG. 2). Forms of energy storage 200 (see FIG. 2) could be a battery 300 (e.g. see FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 8), capacitor 302 (e.g. see FIG. 3C), canister capacitor 306 (e.g. See FIG. 3D), or hydrogen split from water. An electric motor generator 314 such as in the FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 8 embodiments has dual functions, both as an embodiment of a turbine channel 410 (as in FIG. 4A) while riding a wave, and as a jet drive motor 104 (as in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 3D) while under electrical power. While riding a wave, water is forced up through one or more of the intake ports 110 (a-f) and forces the turbine 406 (internal to the electric motor generator 314) to turn the generator to generate electricity, which is then stored. When the switch 108 (not shown) is activated, the stored electrical energy is delivered to the electric motor generator 314, which drives to turbine 406 to pump water in the intake ports 110 and force it out through output jet 112, providing thrust.

(67) In FIG. 6B, multiple intake tubes 106 (a-c) attach to the intake ports 110 (a-c) respectively on the bottom of the board surface 400 of the surfboard 100 and connect separately to the electric motor generator 314 internal to the surfboard 100. This has the advantage of still powering the turbine 406 (internal to the electric motor generator 314) to turn the generator to generate electricity even when another intake port 110, such as 110c, is not having water forced into to it.

(68) While six intake ports 110 are shown in FIG. 6A and three intake ports 110 are shown in FIG. 6B, the number of location of the input ports 110 could vary.

(69) Fin Output Jets

(70) FIG. 7 illustrates an aspect of a powered surfboard 100 having the output jet 112 incorporated into the fins 418 with at least one fin output jet 700. The fins 418 are attached to the bottom board surface 400 of the surfboard 100. Output tubes 102 connect the fin output jets 700 to the motor 104, and allow the motor 104 to drive the fin output jets 700. Both a single and dual output jet embodiments are illustrated. In one embodiment, a single output jet is incorporated into fin 418b with only one fin output jet 700c, which is positioned at the bottom of the fin 418b. In another embodiment, dual output jets are incorporated into fins 418(a, c) containing fin output jets 700(a-b) and 700(d-e) respectively. The fin output jets 700a and 700d are positioned at the top of the fins 418a and 418c, respectively, while the fin output jets 700b and 700e are positioned at the bottom. The output tubes 102(a-c) are connected to fins 418(a-c) respectively. The novel fin output jet 700 offers added stability to the surfboard 100 and enables the output jet 700 to remain submerged in the water, where the exhaust will be more effective to thrust the surfboard 100 forward.

(71) Combined Elements

(72) The foregoing has disclosed various elements that may be combined to form any number of embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary powered surfboard combination that provides a surfer with multiple energy storage, charging and propulsion systems to better adjust to varying surfing conditions.

(73) This embodiment of a combined water and solar powered surfboard 100 comprises a solar cell panel 320, comprising multiple solar cells, mounted on the top of the surfboard 100 and extending the entire length of the surfboard 100. A battery 300 is positioned in the internal structure of the surfboard 100 and connects to the solar cell panel 320 by anode wires 322 and cathode wires 324. The stored energy of the battery 300 is communicated from energy storage 200 via energy connection 202. The switch 108 activates the energy transfer.

(74) The surfboard 100 also comprises an electric motor generator 314 attached to an intake tube 106 and an output tube 102. An intake port 110 is positioned on the side or bottom of the surfboard 100 and attaches to the intake tube 106. At least one output jet 112 is located at the rear of the surfboard 100 and attached to an output tube 102.

(75) A fin 418 is attached to the bottom board surface 400 of the surfboard 100. In one embodiment, a second output tube 102b connects the fin output jets 700 to the electric motor generator 314, and allow the electric motor generator 314 to drive the fin output jets 700.

(76) The surfboard 100 also comprises one or more channels 410 in the rear of the surfboard 100, such as those shown in FIG. 4A.

(77) Other combinations of elements are anticipated. For example, in a currently preferred embodiment, the battery 300 of FIG. 8 is replaced by capacitors (302 or 306) to avoid possible ocean contamination from rechargeable battery 300 leakage and the plurality of channels 410 are located in both the front and the back such as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B.

(78) In yet another embodiment, the electricity from solar or water power could be used to separate hydrogen and oxygen from salt water. The hydrogen could be stored in a bladder or tank inside the board (a form of energy storage 200) and then used to drive a clean burning combustion engine (having not carbon emissions).

(79) Exemplary Circuit Diagram

(80) FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram showing how various optional elements of various embodiments would be connected if they were used.

(81) The anode wires 322 and cathodes wire 324 form an energy connection 202 between energy storage 200 and the various motor options (e.g. motor 104, electric motor 304, or electric motor generator 314). In some embodiments, such as a surfboard with a board surface 400 comprised in part by metal, the cathodes wires are connected chassis ground 930.

(82) Energy storage 200 can be configured using one or more of batteries 300, capacitors 302 or canister capacitors 306.

(83) Self-recharging sources can be configured using one or more of solar cell panels 320, turbine generators 406, waterwheels 420, edge-mounted waterwheels 422, or electric motor generators 314. Turbine generators 406 which could produce alternating current should be isolated from the energy storage via a rectifier 920a. An electric motor generator 314, when a switch is operated, is driven by the energy storage, but generates and stores energy when being driven by a wave, thus a rectifier 920b is used to isolate the electric motor generator 314 when it is not charging. In one embodiment, the switch would disconnect the charging circuit when the switch is active.

(84) Switch options include one or more of a simple switch 108, a wireless switch 908, a burst timer switch 900, or a low thrust switch 910. When any switch is operated, energy it transferred to the cathodes wire 324 below the switches to operate the motors (104, 304, or 314) to create thrust. In the case of a non-electric motor 104 (such as a hydrogen burning or compressed air motor), any switch would activate a motor control 940, such as a throttle or valve, which would then control the non-electric motor 104.

(85) The burst timer switch 900, when depressed would activate a burst of high thrust for a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, the period of time could be adjusted by a switch or dial which is part of the burst timer switch 900.

(86) The wireless switch 908 is operated when a wireless receiver detects a wireless signal (as discussed above).

(87) The low thrust switch 910 would provide low thrust for an extended period of time while the low thrust switch 910 is being operated. The low thrust could be implemented as a series of intermittent pulses or by constraining the amount of energy delivered to the motor.

(88) Minimal Storage and Horsepower

(89) It will be understood from the foregoing that powered surfboards of the present invention can be made with smaller, lighter, less expensive components, than have been required by previous attempts at powered surfboards. For example, a water powered embodiment that uses a channel 410 (e.g. FIG. 4A), a waterwheel 420 or 422 (e.g. FIG. 4B through FIG. 4E), or an electric motor generator 314 (e.g. FIG. 6B) and capacitors (302 or 306) is self-contained and self-recharging. Thus, only enough energy for the next action, for example, to catch the next wave, is required to be stored at any time. The capacitors can be relatively small and lightweight compared to batteries or gasoline tanks. The motor does not have to produce high horse power or speed, but only a quick burst of thrust.

(90) Excess Power Generation

(91) In some embodiments, the solar powered and/or water powered surfboard can generate and store more energy than is needed for surfing. A waterproof socket can be provided for releasing the excess energy for other purposes while on shore such as provide LED light for camping, recharging a cell phone, iPod, or laptop computer, or recharging a car battery.

(92) An embodiment could be designed to generate and store a significant amount of electrical energy that could be resold, such that surfers would actually be earning money and saving the environment by surfing.

ADVANTAGES

Environmentally Friendly

(93) These powered surfboards use green power such as solar, wave power, and hydrogen. These clean, renewal types of power are environmentally friendly and consistent with traditional surfer values.

(94) Safe

(95) The powered surfboard can minimize the risk of accident or injury by enabling surfers to move away quicker in order to avoid collision with another surfer who is riding a wave, or to escape from a wave that is too powerful. It may also enable surfers to avoid shark attacks by escaping from a threatening predator. If a shark bites a board that contains a capacitor (such as 302 or 306) the shark would be repelled by the electrical shock. The powered board may also enable surfers to navigate to safety in case of injury or incapacitation.

(96) Unlike jet skis and Surfjet-like devices, these powered surfboard are not designed to independently move at high speeds, endangering swimmers and traditional surfer, and requiring safety cutoffs. Instead they are design to operate in the same mode and speeds as convention surfboards, albeit providing equalizing assistance for the novice, mature, or handicapped surfer.

(97) Rescue

(98) The powered surfboard enables surfers to navigate to safety in case of injury or allow other surfers to rescue in case of incapacitation.

(99) High Performance

(100) Powered surfboard can return a surfer to return to wave breaks faster or gain momentum in order to catch a wave.

(101) Easy to Learn

(102) Because the powered surfboard reduces the need for extensive swimming and makes it easier to catch a wave, surfing is accessible to less-experienced surfers.

(103) Easy to Use

(104) The switch is easy to activate.

(105) Thrust is automatically provided when needed to catch a wave.

(106) Embodiments that are self-contained, such as those recharged by solar or water power, do not require refueling or manual recharging.

(107) Solar cells positioned on the deck of the surfboard can provide increased traction for surfers to easily maintain balance and grip, thus reducing the need to wax the deck.

(108) Lightweight and Portable

(109) These powered surfboards are lighter weight than gasoline powered Surfjet like devices. They can be carried as a normal surfboard, rather than with a customized wheeled cart.

(110) Embodiments that are self contained, such as those recharged by solar or water power, only require enough stored energy for a single action, such as catching the next wave, and thus can be made with smaller, lighter components.

(111) Lower Cost to Make and Operate

(112) These powered surfboards are lower cost to make and to operate.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE

(113) Accordingly, the reader will see that the improved, high performance, environmentally friendly powered surfboards are easy to learn, easy to use, safe and exciting.

(114) While the above descriptions contain several specifics these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of some of the preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, different types of electrical storage can be substituted or used together, and component can be located in different locations. Further, the number of components can be reduced or increased. The switch could be connected to a timer such that a thrust burst of a predetermined time, such a 5 seconds, would be started every time the switch is activated. Further some of these novel concepts are not limited to surfboard but could be used for body boards, or other vessels. For example, larger boats could be solar powered or generate electricity while at anchor. The variations could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the novel features of the present invention.

(115) Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.