MARINE VESSEL LANDING SITE BARRIER

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a marine vessel landing site barrier is described. The apparatus includes a barrier adapted to at least partially surround a marine vessel and partition the water surrounding the marine vessel to prevent or minimize marine species from entering water intake systems located on the marine vessel. The barrier prevents ingress and egress of marine species from entering the water surrounding the marine vessel, which facilitates efficient operation of water intake and exchange systems on the vessel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/938,549, filed May 17, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to water collection systems for ballast water, cooling water, and auxiliary service water on marine or naval vessels. More particularly, this invention relates to a system and method for filtering water before reaching the vessel ballast, cooling, and auxiliary systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Marine vessels, such as cargo ships and cruise ships, have been used for years to transport cargo and/or people from port to port all over the world. The ports are typically located onshore near a body of water, and the ships are typically moored nearby to facilitate loading and unloading of the cargo or people. To provide for the operation of the vessel, there are provisions for the vessel to bring aboard surrounding water for the purposes of ballast, cooling, and other miscellaneous auxiliary services. Generally, surrounding water brought aboard a vessel falls into one of two categories, one being ballast water and the other being cooling or auxiliary service water.

Typically, marine vessels are configured to displace a specific amount of water in order to maintain stability and/or provide maneuverability in the water, among other factors, and ballast water may facilitate this displacement. Ballast water may be water which is gathered and retained aboard until discharged at, or enroute to, a different location or port. To facilitate displacement of the vessel, the vessel typically includes one or more integral ballast tanks configured to receive and store the water, and to expel the water when desired. The water used to fill the ballast tanks is typically gathered from the water around the vessel, and the ballast tanks may be filled or purged by an onboard system of pumps that are in communication with the ballast tanks on the vessel.

To provide for the operation of machinery and equipment on board the marine vessel, water is needed to perform any variety of duties. Cooling or auxiliary service water may be water brought aboard for the purposes of cooling equipment or machinery, or performing some other required duty aboard the vessel, and the water is generally discharged back into the surrounding water on completion of the duty. Typically, vessels will be provided propulsive and/or electrical power through diesel, steam, or gas turbine prime movers. In some cases, excess heat required to be removed from this equipment in the course of its operation is done through the transfer of heat to water that is taken from the surrounding area, put into the required service aboard the vessel, and thereupon returned by discharging the water back into the surrounding environment. In other cases, the water may be needed aboard the vessel to perform duties unrelated to power development. These activities could include providing sealing water for rotating equipment or other equipment, providing water for firefighting, supply water for reverse osmosis filtration or other types of distillation plants, and providing for sanitary water requirements, among other uses.

The water supplied for the purposes of use in ballast tanks, cooling water, and/or auxiliary services is typically gathered by inlet conduits or intakes, sometimes referred to as sea chest openings, that are integral to the vessel hull and in communication with the ballast tanks or other systems for which the water is required. While these inlet conduits may include a grating or mesh to filter large debris during operation, the gratings typically do not exclude smaller debris and/or marine life, such as aquatic species of plants and animals. The introduction of certain marine life into the vessel's water intake system, for example fish species inadvertently pulled into the inlet conduit, may injure or kill the fish irrespective of the duty the water will perform aboard the vessel. Moreover, in the case of water brought aboard for ballast service, any marine biota surviving transfer into a ballast tank will be locationally displaced. This injury, unintentional eradication, or locational displacement of the fish may negatively impact the ecological balance in the body of water in which the vessel is docked, and the possibility of negative environmental impact to fish may limit the docking or landing possibilities of the vessel. For example, estuaries, preserves, and other ecologically sensitive or protected marine areas may not be available as potential landing sites for the vessel. This limited docking potential may, in turn, prevent or minimize commercial ventures in certain areas, or may limit the availability of certain products in an area where the products may be used, thus requiring the products to be off-loaded at distant ports and transported to the area by alternate means.

As interest in ecologically sensitive areas grows, companies and other commercial interests desiring to create landing sites have become more cognizant of the fragile ecological balances in these areas. Some of these companies have made commitments to operating in these areas in a manner that not only maintains the ecological balance, but monitors and reacts to ecological shifts in these areas in an effort to enhance the ecosystem. Challenges exist for these companies as the typical vessel to be moored at the landing site may be an older vessel and/or is not equipped to limit impact to the area due to the age of the vessel, or the vessel is mechanically deficient of some apparatus that may limit environmental impact. For example, the companies that operate the landing sites often do not have a say in the age or manufacture of the vessel that is used to transport the cargo to the landing site. Thus, these companies have been challenged to make these vessels more ecologically friendly without major redesigns in the vessel itself.

Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a water intake filtering system that minimizes or eliminates intake of, and injury to, marine life while maintaining an acceptable flow of water to support vessel requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein generally provide a method and apparatus for a marine vessel landing site barrier. The apparatus includes a barrier adapted to at least partially surround a marine vessel and partition the water surrounding the marine vessel from a greater body of water. The barrier prevents marine species from entering the water surrounding the marine vessel and facilitates efficient operation of water intake and exchange systems on the vessel.

In one embodiment, a docking facility is described. The docking facility includes a bulkhead defining a slip having at least one opening through which a marine vessel may pass, a dock coupled to at least a portion of the bulkhead, and a water permeable barrier positioned to selectively occupy the opening, the barrier adapted to prevent ingress and egress of marine species through the opening.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a flexible barrier coupled to a support member, wherein the flexible barrier comprises a covering sized to prevent ingress of marine species while allowing water to flow therethrough, and a plurality of inflatable bladder devices coupled to one of the support member or an upper surface of the covering.

In another embodiment, a method for controlling the intake of marine species into water intake systems located on a marine vessel is described. The method includes securing the marine vessel to a docking facility, positioning a barrier around a perimeter of the vessel or adjacent the vessel as the marine vessel is secured, and removing the barrier prior to the marine vessel being unsecured from the docking facility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a port adjacent a body of water.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of a terminal adjacent a body of water.

FIG. 3 is an isometric cutaway view of a barrier positioned across the opening of a slip.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the barrier of FIG. 3 in a lowered position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a bladder device.

FIG. 6A is a schematic end view of one embodiment of a barrier system.

FIG. 6B is a schematic end view of the barrier shown in FIG. 6A in a raised position.

FIG. 6C is a top view of the barrier of FIG. 6B raised about the perimeter of a vessel.

FIG. 7A is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a barrier system.

FIG. 7B is a schematic end view of the barrier system shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a top view of the barrier shown in FIG. 7B positioned about a portion of the perimeter of a vessel.

FIG. 8A is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a barrier.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of the gate structures of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a barrier.

FIG. 8D is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a barrier.

FIG. 8E is a front view of the barrier shown in FIG. 8D.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is also contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated on other embodiments without further recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to a water filtration system for providing filtered intake water to marine vessels and may be exemplarily described for use on cargo ships, but embodiments described herein may be used on any vessel that requires intake water to perform required service or fulfill a need upon the vessel. Examples include cruise ships, submarines, personal watercraft, and any other marine vessel configured to gather, store, and expel ballast water, and/or gather, use, and discharge cooling and/or auxiliary service water. Although the invention is exemplarily described with respect to ballast, cooling, and auxiliary water systems aboard these vessels, embodiments described herein may also be adapted to provide filtered water used in other water intake systems aboard the vessels as well.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a port 100 adjacent a body of water 105A. The body of water 105A shown in this Figure is a channel 106, but the body of water 105A may be a bay, a lake, a river, and/or any body of water having a depth and width suitable for marine vessel traffic. The port 100 may include one or more terminals, depicted as terminals 110A-110C. The terminals 110A-110C may be a loading/unloading facility for larger marine vessels, such as cruise ships and/or cargo ships, and each terminal may include a landing site 115 that provides a berth for marine vessels 120A and 120B, which are exemplarily shown as cargo ships.

The terminals 110A-110C may be adjacent the body of water 105A as shown in reference to terminals 110A and 110C, or may include an inlet or slip 125 as shown adjacent terminal 110B. The terminals 110A-110C typically include a bulkhead 130 bounding the body of water 105A, 105B and the landing sites 115 may include a dock 118 that may be coupled thereto to facilitate mooring and loading or unloading of the vessels 120A, 120B. While the dock 118 is shown in close proximity to the terminals 110A-110C, the dock 118 may extend tens, hundreds, or thousands of feet into the water 105A and 105B from the respective terminal 110A-110C. One or more dockside cranes 135 may be adjacent the terminals, such as adjacent terminal 110A, to facilitate loading/unloading of the vessels, and perform other lifting and/or tensioning duties.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of terminal 110B. One embodiment of a barrier 200 is shown positioned across an opening 220 of the slip 125. The barrier 200 is coupled to the bulkhead 130 on opposing sides of the opening 220 to partition the body of water 105B in the slip 125 from the water 105A in the channel 106. The barrier 200 may include a covering 225 adapted as a filter, such as a net, screen, mesh, or sieve coupled to a support member 205 that may be a wire, a rope, a chain, cable, a hose, or other tubular member. The covering 225 is adapted to span the width of the opening 220 and be in contact with the bottom of the slip 125 and/or channel 106, and have a depth or height equal to or greater than the depth of the water 105B in the slip 125 and/or water 105A in the channel 106. The covering 225 is configured to have openings formed therein to allow water to flow therethrough while excluding the passage of aquatic life or marine species, such as fish. In this manner, any marine species not present in the water contained in the slip 125 will be barred entry into the slip 125.

When the barrier 200 is positioned across the opening 220, the vessel 120B may operate any water intake systems to provide water to the vessel for cooling, ballast, or auxiliary water systems while minimizing environmental impact to the marine species population. Also, any debris present in the channel 106 may be excluded from the slip 125, which may provide a greater efficiency in the water intake systems of the vessel 120B.

While the barrier 200 excludes marine life and debris from entering the slip 125, the barrier 200 may also serve to trap any marine species present in the water 105B in the slip 125 prior to partitioning the slip 125 from the channel 106. To the extent any marine species, such as fish, are trapped by the barrier 200 after deployment, any possible injury to, or decimation of, fish may be limited to the number of fish present in the slip 125. Methods to remove any marine species and/or debris present in the slip 125 are also contemplated. As an example, prior to positioning of the barrier 200 across the opening, a net, mesh, seine, or other removal device may be transported through the water 105B in an effort to remove any marine species that may be present in the water 105B. In another example, the barrier 200 may be adapted to sweep the water 105B in the slip 125 prior to coupling to the bulkhead 130. To facilitate moving the barrier 200 through the water 105B, a crane (not shown) coupled to the landing site 115 or the vessel may be used. For example, the barrier 200 may be coupled at one end to the bulkhead 130 and the opposite end of the barrier 200 may be attached to a crane. The end of the barrier 200 attached to the crane is then swept across the slip 125 in a direction toward the channel 106 in a pivotal or radial fashion.

Other devices may also be used to drive any marine species from the water 105B prior to erection of the barrier 200. The other devices may include strobe lights, high frequency sound emitters, or other devices that may repel marine species from the water 105B. Regardless of any marine species and/or debris that may be trapped by the barrier 200, the barrier 200 provides an exclusionary function to minimize marine species and/or debris from entering the slip 125, and only the marine species that may be trapped are at risk of injury. This barrier system and method greatly minimizes any significant reduction in the number of marine species that are present in the water 105A as the vessel's water intake systems are operating, which preserves the ecological balance in the area the vessel 120B is operating.

In operation, the ends of the support member 205 may be coupled to opposing sides of the opening 220 after the vessel 120B has been moored to the dock 118 and may be removed prior to the vessel 120B leaving the dock 118. In one embodiment, one end of the barrier 200 and/or support member 205 may be coupled to the one side of the opening 220 in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. In one example, the vessel 120B may enter the slip 125 and be moored to the dock 118. After the vessel 120B is secured, the loose end of the barrier 200 and/or support member 205 may be transferred to the opposing side of the opening 220. Transfer of the loose end may be accomplished by personnel either in the water 105A, 105B or along the bulkhead 130, by using ropes, winches, remotely operated vehicles (ROV's), smaller vessels, personal watercraft, or other devices that are adapted to manipulate and transport at least a portion of the barrier 200 and/or support member 205 across the opening 220.

Another example of a transport device is a crane (not shown) onboard the vessel 120B or adjacent the bulkhead 130 or dock 115. For example, the support member 205 may be towed, pulled, or otherwise carried from one side of the opening 220 to the opposing side of the opening 220, and coupled on opposing sides to the bulkhead 130. The support member 205 may further be tensioned using a tensioning device 210, which may be a come-along, a hoist, a load binder, a jack, a winch, among other tensioning devices.

In one embodiment, the barrier 200 is coupled across the opening 220 as described above, and removed from the opening 220 inversely by decoupling one end of the support member 205 and transporting the loose end to one side of the opening 220 to a position where the vessel 120B may move out of the slip 125 unobstructed. In another embodiment at least partially dependent on the depth of the water in the slip 125 and/or channel 106, the support member 205 may be de-tensioned in a manner that allows the support member 205 and the covering 225 to sink and rest on the bottom of the slip 125 and/or channel 106. As an example, one or both of the tensioning devices 210 may be operated to de-tension the support member 205, which may allow the support member 205 and the covering 225 to sink and rest on the bottom of the slip 125 and/or channel 106.

FIG. 3 is an isometric cutaway view of one embodiment of a barrier 200 positioned across the opening 220 of the slip 125. The barrier 200 may have a length equal to or greater than the width of the opening 220 of the slip 125, and a height from a bottom 310 of the channel 106 and/or slip 125 to a distance equal to or above a waterline 305. In one embodiment, the barrier 200 includes two opposing major sides corresponding generally with a length measurement and two opposing minor sides corresponding generally with a height measurement. In one embodiment, the covering 225 includes a height that extends from the bottom 310 to a position above the waterline 305 to account for wave action, tidal fluctuations, and other situations where marine species may breach the covering 225. Also, additional covering material may be added to the barrier 200 in order to ensure a sufficient height or depth of the barrier in order to counter any fluctuations in the topography of the bottom 310. One or both of the covering 225 and support member 205 are adapted to be exposed sufficiently to alert vessel operators of the barrier 200 in a raised/closed position. Flags, lighting devices, among other devices, may be attached to the barrier and/or the bulkhead 130. Other measures configured to alert vessel operators of the use of the barrier 200 may also be used.

In one embodiment, the barrier 200 includes a plurality of anchoring devices adapted to facilitate conformity and/or stabilization of the barrier 200 to the bottom 310 of the channel and/or slip 125 to prevent marine species from entering the slip 125. The anchoring devices in this embodiment are shown as weights 320, but other anchoring devices may be used, such as stakes, hooks, or other temporary or semi-permanent anchoring device. Guide devices 322 may also be added to the upper portion of the barrier 200 and/or support member 205. In one embodiment, the guide devices 322 may be weighted to facilitate lowering of the barrier 200. The guide devices 322 may also function as coupling devices to provide attachment between the covering 225 and support member 205 and/or facilitate movement of the covering 225 and/or support member 205. When the barrier 200 is to be towed, pulled, or otherwise carried from one side of the bulkhead 130 to the other and coupled on both sides of the opening 220 to the bulkhead 130 to close the opening 220, an operator may use a line 330 coupled to a lower portion of the barrier 200 to ensure stretching of the length of the lower portion of the barrier 200. When the lower portion of the barrier 200 is sufficiently across the opening 220, one or both of the lines 330 may be fastened to the bulkhead 130.

The covering 225 includes a plurality of openings 335 adapted to prevent marine species from entering the slip. The openings 335 may be any shape, such as circular, oval, rectangular, other polygonal shapes, and combinations thereof. The openings 335 may also be parallel slots disposed vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or other directional pattern on the barrier 200. In one embodiment, each of the openings 335 are substantially equal in size and include a dimension, which may be a diameter, width, or diagonal measurement, of about 0.1 inches or less. In another embodiment, each of the openings 335 includes a dimension, which may be a diameter, width, or diagonal measurement, of about 0.05 inches or less. In another embodiment, the plurality of openings 335 in the covering 225 provide an open area of about 25%.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the barrier 200 of FIG. 3 in a lowered position. In this view, the opening 220 of FIG. 3 is in an open or clear position to facilitate passage of the vessel 120B into and out of the slip 125. In this embodiment, the barrier 200 has been de-tensioned and has dropped to the bottom 310. Depending on the depth of the water at the opening 220, contours of the bottom 310 at the opening 220, and/or draft requirements of the vessel 120B, the barrier 200 may be attached to both sides of the opening 220 and raised or lowered, as needed, to close the opening 220. In this embodiment, the barrier 200 is adapted to rest on the bottom 310 when not in use, and raised from the bottom 310 when needed. For example, the covering 225 may comprise a flexible material to facilitate bending and/or folding of the covering 225. The barrier 200 and/or covering 225 may rest on the bottom 310 in a folded or an accordion-like fashion, and at least partially unfolds upon lifting or tensioning of the support member 205 when raised. When lowering the barrier 200, the support member 205 may be de-tensioned and the barrier 200 may again fall to the bottom 310 assisted by gravity. Weighted guide devices 322 may be added to the upper portion of the barrier 200 and/or support member 205 to facilitate lowering of the barrier 200. Guide bars 325 positioned along the ends of the barrier 200 may facilitate alignment and coupling of the ends of the barrier when placed across the opening 220, and may also facilitate folding and unfolding of the barrier 200 when the barrier 200 is raised and lowered.

In another embodiment, the barrier 200 includes a plurality of inflatable bladder devices 500 coupled to an upper portion of the covering 225 and/or support member 205. The inflatable bladder devices 500 may be floats or buoyancy devices that may also facilitate selective accumulation of sufficient mass to defeat buoyancy and/or assist gravitational forces to lower the barrier 200. Additionally, the bladder devices 500 may be coupled to a fluid source 530, such as air, that enhances buoyancy of the bladder devices 500. In this embodiment, fluid from the fluid source 530 may be flowed to one or more of the bladder devices to provide selective buoyancy and facilitate lifting of the barrier 200. For example, the fluid source 530 may be compressed air, helium, or other gas selected to facilitate buoyancy. The bladder devices 500 may also be adapted to take on water and/or other substances configured to minimize or eliminate buoyancy and facilitate lowering of the barrier 200. In this manner, the barrier 200 may be raised and lowered using buoyant and gravitational forces selectively.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a inflatable bladder device 500. The inflatable bladder device 500 includes a body 505 adapted to statically or movably couple to a portion of the barrier 200 (not shown in this view). In one embodiment, coupling to the barrier comprises coupling to the support member 205 by a through-hole 510 formed in the body 505. The body 505 also includes an interior volume 515 configured to receive and store fluids, such as gases or liquids. In one application, the body 505 includes an opening 520 that is in fluid communication with a fluid channel 522 integral to the support member 205. In this embodiment, a conduit 525 may be coupled to the support member 205 to facilitate transfer of fluids to the interior volume 515. The conduit 525 may be rigid or flexible and may also facilitate coupling of the bladder device 500 to the barrier 200. The bladder device 500 may also include a tracking device (not shown), such as a radio frequency (RF) tag, a global positioning system (GPS) device, and other types of devices to provide a positional metric of the bladder device 500. The tracking device may be used to determine depth of the bladder device 500 to ensure over-passage of a vessel, and may also provide positional information to indicate a drift of the barrier 200 from the intended placement.

A first valve 535 may also be integral to the bladder device 500 to facilitate fluid transfer to and from the interior volume 515. The first valve 535 may be coupled to an actuator (not shown) and a power source (not shown), such as a battery or remote power supply, to provide selective switching of the first valve between an open and closed position. The first valve 535 may also be configured as a relief valve to facilitate removal of any fluids within the interior volume 515 and/or relieve excess fluids provided by the fluid source 530, which is in communication with the fluid channel 522. For example, the first valve 535 may be adapted to open and close for filling of the interior volume 515, and may also be adapted to open to remove fluids stored in the interior volume 515. Additionally, a second valve 540 may be coupled to another portion of the body 505 to facilitate removal of fluids from the interior volume 515. The second valve 540 may also be configured to provide water to the interior volume 515 to facilitate filling of the interior volume 515 with water in order to minimize or eliminate buoyant forces. In the case where the bladder device 500 may not contact the water, the second valve 540 may be attached to a conduit 543, such as a hose, that is of a length to be at or below the waterline 305 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and provide water to the interior volume 515.

The fluid source 530 may be a gas cylinder, a pump, a compressor, and combinations thereof. The fluid source 530 may be positioned adjacent the barrier onshore or on the bulkhead 130 (not shown in this view) and coupled to each bladder device 500 disposed on the barrier. In one application, the fluid source 530 is an air compressor adapted to provide compressed air to the bladder devices 500. In another embodiment, the fluid source 530 is adapted to provide liquids or compressed gas, such as air, helium, and other gases that are lighter than air. In another embodiment, the fluid source 530 is adapted to provide fluids that may be heavier than air. In one embodiment, a pump 545 may be coupled to the bladder device 500, such as through fluid channel 522 and conduit 525, to provide negative pressure to the bladder devices 500 in order to facilitate removal of previously provided fluids and/or suction to facilitate water delivery to the interior volume 515 of the bladder devices 500.

FIG. 6A is a schematic end view of one embodiment of a barrier system 600 adapted to raise and lower about a perimeter of vessel 120A, or a portion of a perimeter of vessel 120A. The barrier system 600 includes a barrier 200 which includes a plurality of inflatable bladder devices 500 as described above, and is shown folded along the bottom 310. The barrier 200 also includes a support member 205 that may be coupled to a fluid source 530 and/or pump 545 to facilitate operation of the bladder devices 500 disposed on the barrier 200.

FIG. 6B is a schematic end view of the barrier 200 shown in FIG. 6A in a raised position. When the bladder devices 500 are filled with gas from the fluid source 530, the barrier 200 is raised about the perimeter of the vessel 120A as shown in FIG. 6C. To account for variations in the waterline 305, such as wave action and/or tidal fluctuations, the barrier 200 may be configured having extra yardage 620. As the bladder devices 500 provide buoyancy to the barrier 200, the barrier 200 is lifted from the bottom 310 and the covering 225 may serve to filter marine life and debris from the vessel 120A. When the barrier 200 is no longer needed, the bladder devices 500 may be filled with water 105A and/or a heavier fluid causing the barrier 200 to fall to the bottom 310.

FIG. 7A is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a barrier system 700 that employs dockside cranes, such as cranes 135 that may be used to transport a barrier to the port side of vessel 120A. In this embodiment, the cranes 135 may include or be coupled to drives 710 that are coupled to a shaft 702 having the barrier 200 wound thereon. When the barrier system 700 is not needed, the shaft 702 and barrier 200 wound thereon may be stored on the bulkhead 130. When the barrier system 700 is needed, the drives 710 and/or the shaft 702 may be attached to the cranes 135, and the barrier 200 may be transferred over the top of the vessel 120B as shown in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7B is a schematic end view of the barrier system 700 shown in FIG. 7A. When the shaft 702 and barrier 200 wound thereon has cleared the vessel 120A (port side in this view), the barrier may be lowered to a depth touching the bottom 310. The barrier may include a cable 705 that is configured to wind and unwind about the shaft 702 to lower or raise the barrier 200 as needed. Extra yardage 720 may be provided to account for variations in the waterline 305.

FIG. 7C is a top view of the barrier 200 shown in FIG. 7B positioned about a portion of the perimeter of the vessel 120A. The barrier 200 may also include additional yardage 730 at each end that may be attached between the bulkhead 130 and fastened thereto in order to provide a covering 225 in the area adjacent the bow and stern of the vessel 120A. In this manner, the vessel 120A may be partitioned from the channel 106 and the vessel's water intake systems may operate without significantly affecting marine life.

FIG. 8A is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a barrier 200 that may be used to partition the slip 125. In this embodiment, one or more gate structures 805A, 805B may be coupled to the bulkhead 130 in a hinged fashion. Each of the gate structures 805A, 805B may include a hinge portion 810 adapted to swing across the opening 220 of the slip 125. Actuators (not shown) powered hydraulically, electrically, pneumatically, mechanically, and combinations thereof, may be coupled to the respective gate structure 805A, 805B and the bulkhead 130 to facilitate opening and closing of the opening 220.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of the gate structures 805A, 805B of FIG. 8A. Each of the gate structures 805A, 805B may include a covering 225 coupled between a rectangular frame. An additional covering 825 having a plurality of weights 320 may be coupled to the lower portion of the gate structures 805A, 805B to cover the area between the frames and the bottom 310. The gate structures 805A, 805B having the coverings 225, 825 thereon are adapted to swing across the opening 220 of the slip 125 to separate the slip 125 from the channel 106. The gate structures 805A, 805B may be locked in position across the opening 220 and/or fastened together when in use. When not in use, the gate structures 805A, 805B may be swung open and adapted to rest along the side of the bulkhead 130.

FIG. 8C is a schematic top view of another embodiment of a barrier 200. In this embodiment, one or more gate structures 805A, 805B are adapted to open and close the opening 220 of the slip 125. Each gate structure 805A, 805B may include one or more panels 806 having coverings coupled thereto, that are hingedly coupled to each other at a plurality of pivot points 815. In this example, the panels are adapted to fold against one another when not in use as shown in reference to gate structure 805B, and fold away from each other when extended as shown in reference to gate structure 805A. The gate structures 805A, 805B may be locked in position across the opening 220 and/or fastened together when in use. When not in use, the gate structures 805A, 805B may be folded to an open position and adapted to rest along the side of the bulkhead 130.

FIG. 8D is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a barrier 200. In this embodiment, one or more gate structures 850A may be hingedly coupled to the bottom 310 by an anchoring structure 855. The anchoring structure 855 may be a steel structure, an aluminum structure, a concrete structure, and combinations thereof that may be at least partially disposed in and coupled to the bottom 310. The gate structure(s) 850A may be anchored to the bottom of the channel 106 and/or the bottom of the slip 125 and are coupled to the anchoring structure 855 by a pivoting member 865. The pivoting member 865 allows the gate structure(s) 850A to move from a raised position shown in phantom as gate structure 850_R, and a lowered position shown in phantom as gate structure 850_L.

FIG. 8E is a front view of the barrier 200 shown in FIG. 8D showing the gate structures 850A in a raised position. Each of the gate structures 850A may be raised and lowered together or separately by use of a crane, actuators, gears, and other devices adapted to lift or lower one or more of the gate structures 850A. In one embodiment, the gate structures 850A are adapted to be raised and lowered using a tubular member 870 that is configured similar to the inflatable bladder device 500 described above. In one embodiment, the tubular member 870 may function as a structural member as well as a bladder device. In another embodiment, the tubular member 870 may include an inflatable bladder device either coupled on or inside the tubular member 870. In this embodiment, the tubular member 870 is adapted to couple to a fluid source 530 that may supply gases, such as compressed air, helium, and combinations thereof, and may also be coupled to a pump 545 adapted to provide negative pressure. In this manner, the tubular member 870 provides lift or buoyancy when filled at least partially with gas, and facilitates lowering of the gate structures 850A when emptied and/or filled with water or a heavy fluid. In another embodiment, at least a portion of a frame 860 of each gate structure 850A may be made of a tubular material that is adapted to contain a fluid. In this embodiment, the fluid source 530 may supply a gas to the frame for lift or buoyancy, and the gas may be removed from the frame and/or filled with water or a heavy fluid for lowering. While a plurality of gate structures 850A are shown, the barrier 200 may comprise only one gate structure adapted to raise or lower to cover the opening 220.

The apparatus and method described herein are adapted to protect certain fish species and other marine life in areas that may be protected, and also maintains the status quo in areas that are not currently protected by minimizing or preventing accidental injury, eradication, and dislocation of these species. This provides less of an environmental impact in an area that may be protected and may open up the possibilities for landing sites for commercial ventures. Also, the apparatus and method provides a smaller ecological footprint in areas where the vessel is docked or moored as the marine population will not be significantly reduced or affected in the area around the docking facility.

The barrier 200, as described herein, is adapted to be placed at the opening of an inlet or slip 125 or placed around at least a portion of a vessel as described above. In the embodiments where the barrier at least partially surrounds the vessel, the barrier may be spaced away from the vessel up to about 10-12 feet, and/or the barrier may include portions that are in contact with the vessel. In all embodiments, the barrier 200 is adapted to facilitate suitable flow of water to the water intake systems of a vessel while decreasing the velocity of the water flow across the barrier to minimize injury to marine life. For example, the barrier is configured to increase the flow surface area by at least about 5 times, and decrease the velocity of the flow by about 5 times at the point of filtration. In one embodiment, the barrier 200 facilitates an approach velocity, which may be defined as the incoming water velocity perpendicular to and approximately three inches in front of the outer surface of the barrier that is between about 0.1 feet per second (fps) and about 1 fps. In one specific application, the barrier 200 may be configured to have an approach velocity of about 0.2 fps, or less. The increased surface area of the barrier allows a suitable and sufficient volume of water to the water intake systems of the vessel while minimizing the flow velocity and/or equalizing the velocity gradient across the face of the barrier.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A docking facility, comprising:

a bulkhead defining a slip having at least one opening through which a marine vessel may pass;

a dock coupled to at least a portion of the bulkhead; and

a water permeable barrier positioned to selectively occupy the opening, the barrier adapted to prevent ingress and egress of marine species through the opening.

2. The docking facility of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises a flexible covering adapted to extend and retract along a width and a depth of the opening.

3. The docking facility of claim 2, wherein the flexible covering is coupled to at least one tensioning member selected from the group of rope, wire, cable, and combinations thereof.

4. The docking facility of claim 3, wherein the tensioning member is coupled to a tensioning device mounted to the bulkhead near the opening.

5. The docking facility of claim 2, wherein the flexible covering comprises two major sides and two minor sides and a plurality of weights are coupled to at least one of the two major sides.

6. The docking facility of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises one or more laterally movable gates pivotally coupled to the bulkhead.

7. The docking facility of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises one or more vertically movable gates coupled to a structure near a lower surface of the slip.

8. An apparatus; comprising:

a flexible barrier coupled to a support member, wherein the flexible barrier comprises:

a covering sized to prevent ingress of marine species while allowing water to flow therethrough; and

a plurality of inflatable bladder devices coupled to one of the support member or an upper surface of the covering.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of inflatable bladder devices are coupled to a source of gas or compressed air.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of inflatable bladder devices are coupled to a water source.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of inflatable bladder devices are coupled to the support member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support member comprises a fluid channel disposed therein.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of inflatable bladder devices comprise at least one valve.

14. A method for controlling the intake of marine species into water intake systems located on a marine vessel, comprising:

securing the marine vessel to a docking facility;

positioning a barrier around a perimeter of the vessel or adjacent the vessel as the marine vessel is secured; and

removing the barrier prior to the marine vessel being unsecured from the docking facility.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the positioning comprises raising the barrier from a bottom of a body of water adjacent the docking facility.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the raising comprises lifting the barrier using one or more inflatable bladder devices coupled to the barrier.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the raising comprises lifting or pulling the barrier with a tensioning device coupled to the barrier.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the barrier is coupled to the docking facility and the positioning comprises pivoting the barrier in a lateral or a vertical direction.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein positioning the barrier comprises:

lowering the barrier about the perimeter of the marine vessel.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

providing water to the water intake systems after the barrier is positioned and before the barrier is removed.