US Patent 7215036 
(Ocean Current Generator)

Offshore Islands Limited refers to this patent as the “Current Catcher”© Patent. The ocean currents are very powerful and are continuously moving in different directions. Some locations have higher currents than others. Some of the highest currents in the world are in locations where the current is forced to funnel between two land masses. Two such locations, are the bodies of water between the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba and between Cuba and Florida. There is enough current energy in these two locations to supply the continuous electric power needs of North, Central and South America. The “Current Catcher”© Patent uses cones to increase the current’s velocity and to direct the current to the location on the turbine blades where its force can provide the most power. These funnels allow areas of relatively low current to generate significant power from the ocean's currents. The “Current Catcher”© is turned by the current so it is always in line with and catching the current. The “Current Catcher”© uses conventional low cost steel tubular frames used for over 50 years for offshore platforms worldwide. These frames can support both ocean or tidal current power generators rigidly fixed to the seabed or moored to the seabed. The “Current Catchers”© transfer their generated electricity through electrical swivels which have been used reliably by the oil companies for over 20 years. “Current Catchers”© cause no pollution, visual or otherwise, and are located far enough below the water’s surface to cause no navigational hazards. “Current Catchers”© attract and support marine life like offshore platforms do and help build the fish population. Fish will swim in the current as they normally do and pass unharmed through the generators.  The power farms will be clearly marked on navigation charts. 

Ocean Current Generators can be installed and maintained using conventional techniques used by the oil industry for over 20 years. All of the required technology, generators and materials exist and the frames can be built and installed anywhere in the world. Please refer to the Joint Industry Project slide for a proposed project to move this technology forward for the benefit of the world community. Large governmental support has already been indicated as available.