Multicompartment Patents (Class 119/248)
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Patent number: 11864539Abstract: An aquaculture system can include stacked growth trays. Animals, such as shrimp, can be transferred between the growth trays for different stages of growth. Waste water can be removed from the growth trays and can be processed by a water treatment system. Treated water can be returned to the growth trays. A valve in a first configuration can permit water to circulate through the growth tray, while impeding the animals from exiting the growth tray. In a second configuration, the valve can permit the animals to exit the growth tray, such as for transition to a subsequent growth tray. A sweeper system can be used for cleaning and/or mixing the water in the growth tray, and/or for pushing the animals out of the growth tray during a transition.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Grand Shrimp, LLCInventors: Johan Perslow, Andrew Komor, Michael Morrow
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Patent number: 11140882Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a tank assembly with a main housing enclosing an inner volume, and an outlet section positioned extending from one end of the main housing that includes a front cavity with an outlet volume and an adjacent outlet channel. Some embodiments include at least one removable filter configured to be inserted at least partially into main housing forming at least a filtered volume and a fluidly coupled main volume. Some embodiments include a removable tank baffle including at least one central channel and a plurality of baffle apertures. In some embodiments, the central channel is configured to be fluidly coupled to the outlet channel when the removable tank baffle is positioned in the main housing. Further, the plurality of baffle apertures are configured to be fluidly coupled to the outlet volume when the removable tank baffle is positioned in the main housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: IWAKI AMERICA INCORPORATEDInventors: Jean Daher, Nobutoshi Sato, Christopher Collins, William Lane Peacock, Eric Moore, John Peter Miersma
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Patent number: 10506800Abstract: A device for reducing the number of exterior parasites on fish, comprising a hollow cylindrical filter member (3) having an inlet and an outlet, the circumference of the inlet and/or outlet being provided with a nozzle (1a, 1b), wherein the nozzle comprises a substantially annular slit along the circumference of the inlet and/or outlet for ejecting a fluid towards the interior of the cylindrical filter (3).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: SFI Systems IVSInventor: Eyobjorn Hansen
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Patent number: 10219454Abstract: In various example embodiments, a bio cell system is described comprising one or more bio cell units, each comprising a primary tank and one or more secondary tanks, which tanks each comprise side walls, a floor connected to the side walls, and a removable cover. The cover of the tank comprises a lighting system comprising variable output lights and a controller connected to the lighting system comprising code for varying a time period of light output of the lights of the secondary tanks to be out of phase with a time period of light output of the lights of the primary tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Hall Labs LLCInventors: David R. Hall, David Kelley, Seth Myer, Joe Fox
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Patent number: 9788533Abstract: An aquarium includes a first chamber arranged to contain a first volume of liquid, a dry chamber that is adjacent the first chamber and defines a second volume, and a removable element at least partially disposed within the dry chamber. The removable element is selectively removable from the dry chamber. The aquarium also includes a filter at least partially disposed within the removable element, and a pump including an intake and an outlet. The intake is arranged to draw a flow of liquid from the first volume of liquid during pump operation. The aquarium also includes a tube having a first end connected to the outlet and a second end movable between a first position in which the flow of liquid passes through the filter and is then discharged into the first volume and a second position in which the flow of liquid flows directly into the first volume.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: ELIVE LLCInventors: Matthew Allen, Thomas Lutz
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Patent number: 9642343Abstract: An aquarium includes an outer housing including a bottom wall and a side wall extending from the bottom wall, the outer housing defining a first interior tank volume to house water. The aquarium also includes a base disposed inside the first interior volume and coupled to the bottom wall, the base including an aperture. The aquarium also includes an inner housing coupled to the base, the inner housing defining a second interior tank volume to house water, wherein the aperture provides fluid communication between the first and second interior tank volumes.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: ELIVE LLCInventors: Thomas Lutz, Matthew Allen
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Patent number: 9445580Abstract: An aquarium water treatment device for treatment aquarium water includes a housing that has a top and a bottom. A partition is frictionally coupled to a wall of the housing proximate to the bottom, defining a lower chamber and an upper chamber. A plurality of penetrations is positioned in the partition. A pump that is submersible has an intake, positionable in an aquarium, and an outflow that is fluidically connected to the lower chamber. The pump is configured to transfer water requiring treatment from the aquarium to the lower chamber. A coagulation promoter and a flocculation promoter can be added as required to the housing such that solids in the water are induced to form a sludge bed above and below the partition. A nozzle is positioned proximate to the top and fluidically connected to the upper chamber so that clarified water flows back into the aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Inventor: Frderick Smith
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Patent number: 9392775Abstract: The fish culturing system includes a culture tank for raising fish, a multi-stage filter system to clean the water in the culture tank, and an air manifold supplying air to the whole system. A water return manifold substantially surrounds the upper portion of the culture tank and a waste output manifold substantially surrounds the lower portion of the culture tank. Water flowing through the water return manifold exits through a plurality of openings into the culture tank and an air diffuser assembly aerates and induces opposing flows in the water in the culture tank. Waste material in the culture tank is drawn through the waste output manifold and directed through the multi-stage filter system to remove solid waste and reduce toxic levels of ammonia. At least one clean-out port communicates with the water return manifold and the waste output manifold for respective cleaning. An adjustable overflow pipe regulates water levels.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Inventor: Richard L. Sheriff
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Publication number: 20150020744Abstract: The invention relates to an aquarium with a pressure-tight aquarium tank, which during operation is filled with a liquid, and with a pressure-resistant rising pipe, which opens out into the aquarium tank and is intended for producing an increased hydrostatic pressure in the aquarium tank by a liquid column located in the rising pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Günter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20150000607Abstract: Various embodiments of an aquarium and its method of use are disclosed. In some embodiments the aquarium includes a first container including a waste collection area, an outlet, and a conduit fluidly connecting the waste collection area and the outlet. Depending upon the particular embodiment, the aquarium may also include features such as a second container adapted and configured to mate with the first container and receive the outlet such that fluid flows from the waste collection area through the outlet and into the second container when fluid is added above a preselected fluid level. In other related embodiments, the conduit may be formed by first and second portions of the conduit formed in the first container and a separate component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Robert Reid, Marc Lafond
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Publication number: 20140245961Abstract: A vacuum induced aquatic environment comprising two or more compartments, each adapted to receive aquatic fluid; the two or more compartments disposed sufficiently proximal to each other to allow the aquatic fluid to partially or completely fill the two or more compartments; at least one of the two or more compartments operatively engaging one or more vacuum tubes; and the one or more vacuum tubes operatively engaging one or more motive means capable of creating a vacuum in the at least one of the two or more compartments. Alternatively, a vacuum induced aquatic environment further comprising one or more removable vacuum tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventor: Daniel Kent Stanley
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Publication number: 20140041594Abstract: An aquaponic system generally comprises an aquarium module, a garden module and a reservoir module. The aquarium module is generally configured to be installed on a supporting structure (e.g. a cabinet). The garden module is generally configured to be installed on the supporting structure near the aquarium module, in front, beside or even all around it. The garden module is generally configured to support terrestrial and/or semi-aquatic plants. The reservoir module is typically installed inside the supporting structure with the utilities (e.g. pumps). The system is generally designed such that the waste water from the aquarium module flows to the garden module where it irrigates the plants and where it is at least partially filtered by plants which consume at least some of the waste products contained in the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventor: Robin Plante
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Patent number: 8622025Abstract: An indoor fish tank has a of walls and bottoms interconnected to define distinct fish holding, sedimentation and bioreactor sections. Water flows out of the bioreactor section into the top of the fish holding section, and then from the bottom of the fish holding section into the sedimentation section. A frame structure with braces connected with the tank walls and bottoms supports the tank on a ground support, with at least the bottom of the fish holding section raised above the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Big Dutchman International GmbHInventors: Marco Böer, Torsten Gritzka
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Publication number: 20130206077Abstract: An apparatus for testing and researching aquatic species is provided. The apparatus includes a housing rack for housing a tank. The apparatus further includes one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank into one or more compartments. The apparatus further includes a collection channel and a downspout in each compartment for draining of water from each compartment. The apparatus further includes one or more lids for covering the one or more compartments.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: R&D Aquatics, LLCInventor: R&D Aquatics, LLC
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Publication number: 20130036984Abstract: An aquarium or aquatic system such as a fish tank for the safe and clean containment of a plurality of aquatic specimens such as fish, segregated from one another by a series of divider panels aligned within that tank. The divider panels are spaced from the walls and floor of that tank so as to permit a “bottom current” flow of water under those divider panels to sweep away the debris accumulating in each of those chambers, and then into a collection unit such as a series of filters, filtration system or water processors which thus treats and cleans the water and preferably reintroduces that water back into the upstream end of that water flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: Frank Kuhn, Kevin McCurley
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Publication number: 20120042832Abstract: An architecture is presented for a device that enables a user to accommodate a number of betta fish, or betta fish and other fish species, in a segregated manner in a single aquarium for a prolonged period of time. More specifically, the device, among other things, enables an aquarium owner or user to partition said aquarium in such a manner as to permit the water contained within the aquarium to pass freely through said partition, while at the same time prohibiting the fish within the aquarium from doing the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventor: Karen Trisel
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Publication number: 20110107977Abstract: A divider for fish aquariums, comprising a dividing wall that is specially designed for use in fish tanks to keep feeder fish and predatory fish in separate sections during non-feeding times, helping to better control the feeding habits of the latter is provided. Basically square in shape, the Control Feeder for Fish Tanks is offered in various sizes to accommodate virtually any aquarium. The present invention is made from durable, clear plexiglass material, and outlined with rubber sealant to keep the divider securely in place while in use. Outfitted with a series of small openings to facilitate water flow, the Control Feeder for Fish Tanks also contains three (3) larger, circular openings, which can be opened and closed via a sliding door mechanism to allow the feeder fish to pass into the predatory fish section of the aquarium.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventor: Alvin Smalls
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Patent number: 7934471Abstract: A vivarium and assembly for maintaining an aquatic area, wetlands, and dry land. The assembly is an enclosure for adhering to a transparent sidewall of an aquarium tank to provide sidewalls, a dry wall and a dividing wall positioned between the dry wall and the aquarium tank wall to define an aquatic area by the aquarium tank wall and a wetlands area by the dry wall. The enclosure can be surrounded by dry land area. A filtering system includes a water passage between the aquatic area and the wetland area; a water pump connected for pumping water out of the wetland area and back into the aquatic area; a particulate filter between the wetland area and the pump; and an organic filter in the wetland area, the organic filter being a living wetland plant rooted in a growing medium.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventor: Derek B. Ford
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Patent number: 7886696Abstract: Closed top home aquarium for setting up and maintaining a sea water aquatic environment in particular. The aquarium includes a transparent open topped box-like enclosure, a compartment integrally formed with and behind the box-like enclosure, and a hinged dual position fan cooled hood. The compartment includes a water circulation system and a multistage filtration system. The hood includes a lighting system for daytime and nighttime illumination, and a built-in 24 programmable timer. The aquarium includes a thermostat controlled water temperature system and a below water level splash proof power center for safely and aesthetically connecting all electrical aquarium components to a mains electricity outlet. Home aquariums can be provided with an integrally formed below water level splash proof power center for use with off-the-shelf electrical aquarium appliances.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Red Sea Fish Pharm Ltd.Inventors: Neil H. Marks, Eli Nissemberg, Sharon Ram
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Patent number: 7810452Abstract: A basin including: a front housing compartment (1) in which there is a lower point (3) for collecting the organic material to be removed; an equipment compartment (4) at the back of the basin, connected to the housing compartment; a drainage device, in the equipment compartment (4), which includes an “overflow” pipe (6) fixed to a siphon (7); the drainage device being capable of moving down in order to operate the siphon (7); and, a partition (8) between the housing compartment (1) and the equipment compartment (4), the partition being capable of keeping the animals inside the housing compartment and letting the water pass into the equipment compartment.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Tecniplast S.p.A.Inventors: Davide Pieretto, Marco Brocca
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Publication number: 20100218728Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the housing and maintenance of aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of these species and will find wide applicability in the aquaculture industry, aquarium and pet hobby, science instruction and education, environmental screening and toxicity testing, and the education-entertainment field.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: KENNETH D. HUGHES
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Publication number: 20100116216Abstract: The invention relates to an aquarium with a water tank (2), filled with water (3) when in operation and containing objects for investigation (4, 19), in particularly biological organisms, said water tank (2) being at least partly located below ground in the earth (5). According to the invention, the water tank (2) runs so deep into the earth (5) that, at least the bottom of the water tank (2) is at the pressure of the deep sea. The invention further relates to a corresponding method of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Gunter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20100105491Abstract: The observation apparatus provided with the observation wheel comprises a water tank housing fish and being arranged around the substantially lower half of a rotation locus of the observation wheel in which at least an inside face facing the observation wheel of the water tank is formed of a transparent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Norio Kojiro
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Publication number: 20100037829Abstract: An easy hatch aquarium, methods for using the same, and methods for distributing marine life eggs are disclosed. An easy hatch aquarium can be sold along with information allowing the purchaser to subsequently order delivery of marine life. An exemplary aquarium includes a main compartment, a hatching compartment for hatching marine life eggs, and a magnification element magnifying contents of the hatching compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Dennis E. Binkley
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Publication number: 20090199779Abstract: An aquarium includes a base, a tank on the base, a filter assembly in the tank, a bubble tube extending upward from the filter assembly, a light assembly under the tank and oriented to emit light upwardly through a bubble tube in the tank, a bubbler under the bubble tube, and a cover covering the tank including a window. The bubbler causes water to flow from the tank through the filter assembly and upward through the bubble tube back into the tank, with the light from the light assembly lighting bubbles floating upward through the bubble tube, a portion of the reflected light passing through the window. The light assembly includes multiple colored, light-emitting diodes and a controller for providing light patterns upward and also forward of the aquarium. The bubble tube acts as a light pipe and includes a front surface providing distinctive patterns of reflected light.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Jerry L. Parks
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Publication number: 20090159010Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aquaculturing marine life forms such as coral utilizing a rotating tray that exposes the marine life forms to variable water flow conditions during each revolution of the tray.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventor: Karen R. Spartz
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Publication number: 20090056638Abstract: An “aquarium apparatus” comprises an aquarium and a hood, wherein, a partition panel and an porous filter substrate separate the internal cavity of the aquarium into three partitions, namely first foreground compartment for aqua-cultivating zone, second background compartment for accommodating heating rod, filter device, biochemical ball, adjustment of the water quality and enhanced filtration vat as well as underwater aerating pump; third partition is formed beneath the porous filter substrate to include a water regulator, a filtering grille tray with plural ceramics rings and a set of IR LEDs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Shao-Chieh TING
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Publication number: 20080251028Abstract: An aquarium system for containing water and aquatic life therein is disclosed that includes a reservoir and an aquarium that is mounted generally above the reservoir. The aquarium has an outlet in liquid communication with the reservoir through an outlet conduit that includes a discharge means, preferably an inverted U-shaped siphon conduit, that periodically discharges a portion of the water from the aquarium to the reservoir therethrough once the water has reached a maximum water level. A pumping means pumps water from the reservoir up to the aquarium through an inlet conduit that is in fluid communication with the reservoir and an inlet of the aquarium. As such, when the water reaches the maximum level in the aquarium, the siphon conduit substantially fills with water which begins to flow out through the outlet conduit, drawing a portion of water from the aquarium rapidly through the outlet conduit until the water in the aquarium reaches the open bottom end of the siphon conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: Andrew Grad
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Publication number: 20080053376Abstract: An aquarium or tank that includes one or a plurality of indentations or holes which are sufficiently large to fit one or a plurality of separate and independent components or cartridges which introduce a new and separate visual element or environment into the aquarium or tank. Adjacent to the wall of the tank on which the indentations are located is a housing which encases and hides the base (or some other portion) of the separate cartridge, and which is accessible to the user, such that they can remove, replace, repair or modify the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventor: Jeffrey S. Marks
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Publication number: 20080011237Abstract: An aquarium includes a base tank, and a container having a lower open end portion disposed in a first accommodating space in the base tank and mounted on a container-mounting seat mounted fixedly on a bottom wall of the base tank. A second accommodating space in the container is in fluid communication with the first accommodating space in the base tank. The container has a top end higher than that of a surrounding wall of the base tank. When the first accommodating space in the base tank is filled with water, a part of water contained in the base tank flows into the second accommodating space in the container via the lower open end portion by extracting air outwardly of the second accommodating space in the container such that a level of the water contained in the base tank is lower than that of water contained in the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventor: Pang-Ting TIEN
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Patent number: 7311822Abstract: The present invention provides a compact design and provides an improved viewable area. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a container having a height, a depth and a width. The container comprises a main cavity, a lower cavity, at least one side cavity and a filtration system. The lower cavity is located below the main cavity and a first plate separates the lower cavity from the main cavity and allows limited fluid communication between the lower cavity and main cavity. The volume of the lower cavity is substantially less than the volume of the main cavity. The side cavity is located adjacent to the main cavity and a second plate separates the side cavity from the main cavity and allows limited fluid communication between the side cavity and main cavity. The side cavity has a volume less than the main cavity and more than the lower cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventors: Bradley Earl Hochgesang, Andrew Kent Hochgesang
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Patent number: 7243613Abstract: A multi-chamber selective-exposure aquarium apparatus including: a first portion forming a first aquarium chamber having a first transparent primary wall; a second portion forming a second aquarium chamber having a second transparent primary wall; and a visual barrier device for selective exposure/non-exposure of the first and second transparent primary walls, whereby fish in each of the first and second aquarium chambers are selectively visually exposed/non-exposed to each other's presence. Fish in separate aquarium chambers are preferably male betta fish.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventors: Debra A. Holms, Rory J. Holms
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Patent number: 7204203Abstract: An aquarium water changing and stabilization system consists of an initial tank designed to stabilize and condition water before it is entered into a subsequent tank that contains live aquatic animals such as fish. This system has a cabinet that is designed to aesthetically enclose, protect and support the components of the aquarium while providing access to the system. Water is introduced into the system from existing hot and cold water plumbing which is connected to this system. Water exits from this system into existing sewerage plumbing which is also connected to this system. Conditioned water from the conditioning tank enters the main fish tank via plumbing from one tank to the other. In case too much water is introduced to either tank, overflow drains in both tanks prevent water from overflowing over the top of either tank. Plumbing check valves and ball valves create safe and easy plumbing.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Vincent Riemma
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Patent number: 7174850Abstract: By directing the none-molting crustaceans to move into a predetermined area in a culture tank, the present invention discloses a multi-layered aquaculture system with shallow-water containers which is based upon the utilization of the methods and apparatus to eliminate their cannibalistic actions towards newly molted mates. This multi-layered aquaculture system for aquatic crustaceans comprises multi-layered containers for carrying the water body of culture and a means for generating an effect of bright and dark contrast at predetermined places within one or every afore-said containers. A means for arranging even water flow is further adapted to the containers with substantially no impact on the effect of the bright and dark contrast to take place at predetermined places.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventor: Shyh-Min Tom Hsiao
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Patent number: 6896799Abstract: An aquarium system comprising a water-tight fish tank and a screening means that divides the fish tank into an upper section and a lower section, one or more barriers that divide the lower section into two or more separate compartments, and two or more outlet orifices are located in the fish tank bottom. A gravel bed is supported on the screening means. A water pump circulates water from each of the outlet orifices, through a water filter, to the upper section of the fish tank. The velocity of the water circulated through the gravel bed by the water pump flushes any waste material from the gravel bed. A flushing velocity may be maintained because the gravel bed covering each separate compartment may be flushed separately.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: Garabet Nemer Ohanian
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Patent number: 6588371Abstract: A housing system for aquatic animals has a shelf-like rack holding tiers of individual tanks or aquariums (aquaria), each removably suspended from structural members that engage flanges of the tanks. The tanks are tilted inwardly of the rack and have covers with fittings on the higher or outer side, that intercept flow between a supply and a drain to inlet water when the tank is in the rack and to recycle the water at any tank position that is unoccupied. The inside bottom of each tank is contoured, for example with a longitudinal trough, so sediment collects at a low spot on the lower or inner side, where a drain inlet is placed to provide a drainage outlet that opens at a velocity increasing restriction at which sediment is entrained. The drain has a spring biased valve that opens the drain only when the tank is fully inserted in the rack.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Thoren Aquatic Systems, Inc.Inventors: William J. Hallock, William R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6543386Abstract: A substantially transparent separator for separating fish or other aquatic animals within a water-filled display tank is disclosed. The separator divides the tank into multiple, fully viewable regions in fluid communication with each other. The separator comprises at least one transparent, hollow transit chamber, which has opposing mouth openings cut through its surface. Affixed to each of the mouth openings are rigid, substantially vertical divider plates. Apertures through the divider plates adjoin the mouth openings of the transit chamber(s) to form a protected aquatic passageway through the interior of the tank. The separator thus allows groups of physically separated fish or other aquatic animals to swim above, beneath, and beside each other in a three-dimensional manner. Also, each group of aquatic animals has access to the water surface for feeding.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Inventor: George James Elwood Boggs
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Patent number: 6536374Abstract: A aquarium for containing Siamese fighting fish which includes a rectangular housing having a plurality of long, narrow width compartments oriented parallel to a front viewing wall for maintaining fish contained in the compartments in a swim direction parallel to the front viewing wall for enhanced viewing and for interaction with fish passing in adjacent compartments.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventors: Frank Suerth, Jerry Levin
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Patent number: 6474265Abstract: An adjustable aquarium divider for dividing an aquarium into separate sections while allowing water flow between the sections. The adjustable aquarium divider includes a first panel and a second panel. Each of the panels is rigid and has a first side and second side. Each of the panels has a generally rectangular shape. The panels each have a plurality of apertures therein extending through first and second sides. A fastening member removably fastens the first panel to the second panel such that the first and second panels are partially overlapping and a wall is defined. The first and second panels have aligned upper and lower edges. The wall has a pair of lateral side edges. The panels are positioned in an aquarium such that each of the lateral side edges is abutting one of a pair of opposite walls in the aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: William P. Powell
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Patent number: 6443099Abstract: A substantially transparent separator for separating fish or other aquatic animals within a water-filled display tank. The separator divides the tank into multiple, fully viewable regions in fluid communication with each other. The separator comprises at least one transparent, hollow transit chamber, which has opposing mouth openings cut through its surface. Affixed to each of the mouth openings are rigid, substantially vertical divider plates. Apertures through the divider plates adjoin the mouth openings of the transit chamber(s) to form a protected aquatic passageway through the interior of the tank. The separator thus allows groups of physically separated fish or other aquatic animals to swim above, beneath, and beside each other in a three-dimensional manner. Also, each group of aquatic animals has access to the water surface for feeding.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Inventor: George James Elwood Boggs
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Patent number: 6415739Abstract: A tank is combined with a picture frame. The tank has a housing with a recessed portion extending into the interior of the tank. The recessed portion is preferably unitarily formed in a front panel of the tank. The recessed portion is reinforced. The tank preferably has a flat bottom to be used on a table top, and has mounting brackets so it may be hung on a wall. The tank may serve as a fish tank, or other tank, and is preferably a clear plastic.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventors: James A. Orendorff, Cory L. Amos
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Publication number: 20020066414Abstract: A housing system for aquatic animals has a shelf-like rack holding tiers of individual tanks or aquariums (aquaria), each removably suspended from structural members that engage flanges of the tanks. The tanks are tilted inwardly of the rack and have covers with fittings on the higher or outer side, that intercept flow between a supply and a drain to inlet water when the tank is in the rack and to recycle the water at any tank position that is unoccupied. The inside bottom of each tank is contoured, for example with a longitudinal trough, so sediment collects at a low spot on the lower or inner side, where a drain inlet is placed to provide a drainage outlet that opens at a velocity increasing restriction at which sediment is entrained. The drain has a spring biased valve that opens the drain only when the tank is fully inserted in the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: William J. Hallock, William R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6397780Abstract: Novel strictures and methods are disclosed for creating and maintaining an underwater air chamber beneath a volume of water within a conventional aquarium for access by amphibious life within the aquarium to permit the amphibious life to selectively leave a water environment for a dry environment. In one embodiment, the underwater air chamber includes a hood secured to a base which defines a hollow chamber. After the apparatus is submerged in an aquarium, pressurized gas is introduced into the hollow chamber to create a dry environment within the hollow chamber. A gas effluent control is associated with the hood to selectively release the gas under pressure from within the chamber. An entryway into the chamber is also formed in the hood to permit amphibious life to selectively enter and exit the chamber, as well as to permit larger air bubbles to escape from within the air chamber. Another embodiment discloses an underwater air chamber formed integrally with an aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Inventor: James Scott Youngstrom
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Patent number: 6357392Abstract: A stable apparatus and method for raising fish and/or shellfish. An aquarium (12) contains pearl oysters and breeding water. A decomposition treating bath (19) is supplied with water from the breeding aquarium for decomposing excretion of the pearl oysters produced in the breeding aquarium. As a result, purified decomposition-treated water is produced in the decomposition treating bath. A feed culture bath (23) cultures a feed liquid for the pearl oysters. The feed culture bath is supplied with the decomposition-treated water. A fluorescent lamp (24) illuminates the feed culture bath.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Electron Property Research Institute Co., LTDInventor: Katsutomi Ido
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Patent number: 6352051Abstract: A fish egg-laying tank comprises a housing secured to a fish tank including a recess in the bottom having a plurality of openings on the top, an egg-laying container supported on the housing including an inverted cone-shaped member and a hole at the small end, an air chamber in the rear of housing in communication with the container, and a filter tank fitted in the recess. Water in the housing is flowed when air is pumped thereinto such that the solved feces of fishes are flowed onto the filter tank through the inverted cone-shaped member, the hole and the top openings of the recess and the eggs of fishes are dropped onto the bottom of the housing other than the filter tank through the inverted cone-shaped member and the hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Meiko Pet CorporationInventor: Chiao-Ming Wang
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Patent number: 6308659Abstract: A mobile aquarium includes a display tank mounted on a wheeled cart and a system for lowering the center of gravity of the aquarium. In one embodiment, the system for lowering the center of gravity uses a storage tank that is lower than the display tank. The system transfers water from the display tank to the storage tank for moving. The lower water level in the display tank is kept high enough to provide a livable habitat for fish in the display tank. A background lighting system for the aquarium includes a light source and a semi-opaque sheet with a first image on a first side and a second image on a second side. The light source illuminates the sheet so that the second image shows through the first side of the sheet and appears behind the first image. In one embodiment, the first image has a graduate color that is lighter at one end than the other.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventor: Jeffrey D. Boschert
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Patent number: 6305324Abstract: A housing system for aquatic animals has a shelf-like rack holding tiers of individual tanks or aquariums (aquaria), each removably suspended from structural members that engage flanges of the tanks. The tanks are tilted inwardly of the rack and have covers with fittings on the higher or outer side, that intercept flow between a supply and a drain to inlet water when the tank is in the rack and to recycle the water at any tank position that is unoccupied. The inside bottom of each tank is contoured, for example with a longitudinal trough, so sediment collects at a low spot on the lower or inner side, where a drain inlet is placed to provide a drainage outlet that opens at a velocity increasing restriction at which sediment is entrained. The drain has a spring biased valve that opens the drain only when the tank is fully inserted in the rack.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Thoren Caging Systems, Inc.Inventors: William J. Hallock, William R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6283061Abstract: A terrarium filtering device, apparatus, and method is disclosed which includes a base filtration plate, a barrier wall, and an environment separation cup. The present invention includes a terrarium filtering system for maintaining a wet environment, a moist environment, and a dry environment within an aquarium tank. The filtering system includes a terrarium filter plate with a barrier wall to separate the wet and moist areas, water flow holes and water movers connected to a bubbling system to provide aeration and create a water flow, and a passive waste neutralization system. The terrarium filter plate is covered with a filtering media and together they act as a filtering device. Waste materials in the water are moved by flowing water to be trapped in the filtering media, and a porous passive neutralization system is used to offset toxins in the water flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Inventor: Derlyn D. Dunn
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Patent number: 6276302Abstract: An aquarium comprises a container, a dividing plate and a filtration system. The container includes a main cavity for containing water and live underwater creatures, and a bottom cavity below the main cavity. The dividing plate separates the main cavity from the bottom cavity and provides a barrier against fluid communication between the main cavity and the bottom cavity along all but a small fraction of the length and depth of the container. The filtration system communicates by fluid with the bottom cavity for intake of polluted water and with the main cavity for outgo of purified water after the polluted water has been purified by the filtration system.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Steve Lee
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Patent number: 6244219Abstract: A saltwater aquarium environmental control system contains a salt mixing tank and has a specific gravity float switch to maintain proper salinity in the mixing tank so that a ready supply of fresh saltwater is available for replenishing water in the aquarium tank. The system may contain a second specific gravity float switch to monitor the saline concentration in the aquarium tank. The system provides for mixing replenishment saltwater, for automatically dispensing replenishment saltwater at timed intervals in predetermined volumes, and for monitoring and adjusting proper salinity in a saltwater aquarium. A routine exchange of saltwater into and out of the aquarium tank is maintained in order to maintain clean, fresh saltwater in the aquarium tank at all times.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: John S. Krum