Abstract: An aquaculture system (10) comprises one or more tanks (14) that are arranged to be disposed within a body of water such as a pond (12). A reticulation system (16) recirculates water from the pond (12) through the one or more tanks (14). Solid waste material including uneaten food is extracted from the tanks (14) and deposited at a location that is isolated from communication with the pond (16).

Abstract: An adjustable grading system 10 comprises a frame 12, a plurality of elongated bars 14 retained at opposite ends within the frame 12 and moveable along the frame, and a spreading device 16. The spreading device 16 is provided with a plurality of recesses 18 each for receiving a bar 14. Adjacent recesses 18 are spaced apart by a pre-determined spacing distance D and separated by a tooth 20. The spreading device 16 includes first and second combs 40 and 42 each of which are pivotally coupled to link bars 46 and 48. The pivot connection allows the spreading device 16 to be manipulated so that the distance between the combs 40 and 42 can be varied while maintaining them parallel to each other. A group of bars 14 can be spaced by the spacing distance D by orientating the device 16 so that the combs 40 and 42 extend diagonally across the group of bars 14 at an angle so that their respective teeth 20 are disposed between adjacent bars 14.

Abstract: A waste extraction system (10) for an aquaculture tank (12) includes a first conduit (18) having a first end (20) and a distant second end, with a second conduit (22) disposed within the conduit (18). The second conduit (22) has a first end (24) which is co-terminus with the end (20) of the first conduit (18). A plate (26) extends transversely across the ends (20, 24) and laterally of the first conduit (18). An axial hole (28) is formed in the plate (26) to provide fluid communication with the second conduit (22), but the plate (26) otherwise closes off or seals the end (20) of the first conduit (18). Legs (30) are formed on an underside of the plate (26) to space the plate (26) from a bottom wall (16) of the tank (12). Apertures (34) are formed in the conduit (18) near its first end (20) to allow water to flow into a flow chamber (36) created between an inner surface of the conduit (18) and an outer surface of the conduit (22).

Abstract: An aquaculture system (10) comprises one or more tanks (14) that are arranged to be disposed within a body of water such as a pond (12). A reticulation system (16) recirculates water from the pond (12) through the one or more tanks (14). Solid waste material including uneaten food is extracted from the tanks (14) and deposited at a location that is isolated from communication with the pond (16).

Abstract: A liquid handling system transfers liquid (e.g. water, bearing marine animals) between two tanks each having a respective liner which is movable between a lining position (when filled with liquid) and an inverted position (when its respective tank is emptied). In an initial state, liquid is held in a first tank. By supplying air to a space between the first tank and its liner, its liner is progressively lifted and liquid passes along a channel onto the initially inverted second liner (which acts as a baffle to slow the liquid flow). Air in a space between the second liner and the second tank is vented so transferred liquid sinks the second liner to fill the second tank. A ballast liquid may be used in the spaces. Initially held in the second tank, the ballast liquid flows via a passage into the first tank as transfer of liquid progresses.

Abstract: An adjustable grading system 10 comprises a frame 12, a plurality of elongated bars 14 retained at opposite ends within the frame 12 and moveable along the frame, and a spreading device 16. The spreading device 16 is provided with a plurality of recesses 18 each for receiving a bar 14. Adjacent recesses 18 are spaced apart by a pre-determined spacing distance D and separated by a tooth 20. The spreading device 16 includes first and second combs 40 and 42 each of which are pivotally coupled to link bars 46 and 48. The pivot connection allows the spreading device 16 to be manipulated so that the distance between the combs 40 and 42 can be varied while maintaining them parallel to each other. A group of bars 14 can be spaced by the spacing distance D by orientating the device 16 so that the combs 40 and 42 extend diagonally across the group of bars 14 at an angle so that their respective teeth 20 are disposed between adjacent bars 14.

Abstract: A grading system (10) for grading marine animals such as fish (12) by size includes a receptacle (14) for holding a volume of water (16) and the fish (12). The receptacle (14) includes a landing (18) through which fish can enter and exit the receptacle (14). A grader (20) is supported to rotate through the water (16) about a horizontal axle (22). The grader (20) includes a first panel (24a) which is provided with a plurality of openings (26a) in the form of gaps between parallel radially extending rods (28). The panel (24a) has an outer peripheral edge (30) constituted by two radial edges (32a) and a lateral outer edge (34a) extending between the radial edges (32a). The outer peripheral edge (30) contacts or is sufficiently close to an inside surface (36) of the receptacle (14) to prevent the passage of fish (12) between the edge (30) and an inside surface (36) of the receptacle (14).

Abstract: A waste extraction system (10) for an aquaculture tank (12) includes a first conduit (18) having a first end (20) and a distant second end, with a second conduit (22) disposed within the conduit (18). The second conduit (22) has a first end (24) which is co-terminus with the end (20) of the first conduit (18). A plate (26) extends transversely across the ends (20, 24) and laterally of the first conduit (18). An axial hole (28) is formed in the plate (26) to provide fluid communication with the second conduit (22), but the plate (26) otherwise closes off or seals the end (20) of the first conduit (18). Legs (30) are formed on an underside of the plate (26) to space the plate (26) from a bottom wall (16) of the tank (12). Apertures (34) are formed in the conduit (18) near its first end (20) to allow water to flow into a flow chamber (36) created between an inner surface of the conduit (18) and an outer surface of the conduit (22).

Abstract: Aquaculture pen 10 includes a frame 12 suspending a net 14. The frame 12 is sufficiently buoyant to suspend the net 14 without sinking below the level of the water in which it floats. The net 14 is formed with a cylindrical side wall 14 and a bottom submerged wall 18 that closes the side wall 16 at an end opposite the frame 12. The pen 10 includes a lifting system 20 for selectively reducing the volume of the pen 10. The lifting system 20 has an annular ring shaped body 22 with the profile of an inverted U located below the bottom wall 18 the body 22 and can be supplied with air via a hose 24 and manifold 26. When air is pumped into the body 22, it causes it to rise. As it rises, the body 22 lifts a part of the bottom wall 18 beneath which it is located to effectively reduce the volume of the pen 10. By centering the body 22 within the pen 10, a channel or race 42 is created between the frame 12 and the ring 22. This allows the efficient herding and/or capture of the marine animals.

Abstract: A system (10) for raising and lowering a swimming pool liner (12) includes a plate (22) used to define a spill way (24) for providing fluid communication between an outside surface of the liner and an inside surface (16) of the pool (14). The liner is detached from the surface of the pool in the region behind the plate and reattached along an upper edge (28) of the plate. Conduit (30), having length (30′), extends along back face (32) of plate (22) and below the upper edge (28). Holes (34) cut in the plate provide communication with length (30′). Conduit (36) extends across the back face (32) near its lower edge (38) to provide air to the spill way (24). The length (36′) of conduit (36) is provided with a number of holes (40) for admitting air into the spill way. In order to lift the liner, air is directed through conduit (30) to the outside surface (26) of the liner.

Abstract: Aquaculture system includes a plurality of tanks each capable of holding a volume of water and one or more marine animals. A separate liner is provided for each tank. Liners are attached along the upper peripheral edges to their respective tanks. Displacement system is used for selectively raising and lowering each liner by pumping air between outside surface of liners and inside surface of the tanks. As air is pumped in the liner it inflates and effectively balloons away from the inside surface of its tank. As this occurs, water within the tank is displaced and flows through a water transport conduit formed with each tank to beneath the liner. Accordingly, the liner is progressively raised from a lining position in which it sits inside its tank, to a lifted position in which it overlies the water with the tank. To return the liner to its lining position, the system is again operated this time to direct air into the conduit.