Abstract: A netting conduit. The conduit defines a continuous channel extending between a first open end and a second open end. The conduit is fabricated from netting having a mesh size sufficient to prevent most fish from traversing through the netting material. The conduit tapers from the first open end to a midsection and enlarges from the midsection to the second open end. The longitudinal edges of the conduit can define a parabolic shape. The conduit further includes stakes that are usable to anchor the conduit to the bed of the waterway in which the conduit is in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for isolating farm cages for fish against undesirable organisms, which device is arranged enclosing the farm cage, where the device comprises a fine-meshed fluid-permeable net which is open upwardly and downwardly when arranged round the farm cage, where the fluid-permeable net will extend a distance down in the farm cage's depth direction, in order thereby to form a skirt round the farm cage.

Abstract: A snap ring having an easily replaceable support reliably supports a purse line and overcome frictional force between the purse line and the snap ring even without having a side roller requiring a complex structure on an end of a main roller. In the snap ring, in lieu of a side roller having a complex structure, the support having a simple structure is provided in at least one of the first and second side parts of a frame such that the support and the main roller can reliably support a purse line and overcome frictional force between the snap ring and the purse line. Furthermore, each of the support and the main roller is configured so as to be separately replaceable with a new one. Thus, even if the support or main roller becomes worn, it can be easily replaced with a new one.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a snap ring which is configured such that pressure which is applied from a purse line to the snap ring or multiple rollers is distributed to two rollers rather than being focused on one roller. A first side part and a second side part of a frame are formed diagonally such that the purse line that is disposed on the first side roller or the second side roller is easily moved towards an intermediate roller along the first side part or the second side part. Thereby, pressure which is applied from the purse line to the snap ring or the multiple rollers can be evenly distributed to the first side roller and the intermediate roller or to the second side roller and the intermediate roller rather than being focused on only one roller. As a result, the lifetime of the snap ring can be increased.

Abstract: A floatation device. The floatation device may comprise: at least two float portions and one or more fasteners. The two float portions may be opposing halves of a floatation float configured to form a float when combined. The one or more fasteners may be aligned and positioned on the outer side of the two float portions, such that, when the fasteners engage with each other, the two float portions form as a float. The fasteners may be strap fasteners. Accordingly, the float portions may fasten together on a fishing line after mating the fasteners. To increase the strength of the fastening the devices, an adhesive fastener may be included on the contact surfaces of the float portions. Each float portion may also comprise a recess and a projection for mating or engaging. The floatation device is particularly useful as a floating support for seines and commercial fishing nets.

Abstract: The present invention is floatation device for seines or fishing nets, which preferably includes: at least two cork portions and one or more pairs of fastener inserts. The two cork portions are preferably opposing halves of a floatation cork configured to form a cork when combined. The one or more pairs of fasteners are preferably aligned and embedded inside the two cork portions, such that, when the one or more pairs of fasteners engage, the two or more cork portions form as a cork. Accordingly, the cork portions preferably fasten together on a fishing line after mating the fastener inserts. To increase the strength of the fastening the devices, an adhesive fastener may be included on the contact surfaces of the cork portions. The floatation device is particularly useful as a floating support for seines and commercial fishing nets.

Abstract: A snap ring for coupling a purse line to a purse seine includes a frame, a plurality of rollers, a frame opening, and a locking unit. The frame is connected to the purse seine. The purse line passes through a second end of the frame. The rollers are rotatably provided in the frame at positions at which the purse line is brought into contact with the frame. The frame opening is formed in one side part of opposite side parts of the frame to open the frame. The locking unit is coupled to the frame to openably close the frame opening. The locking unit includes a first cylinder which is hinged at a first end thereof to the part of the frame which corresponds to a first end of the frame opening.

Abstract: A snap ring for fishing implements is provided. The snap ring includes a hook-like body having an opening on a portion thereof, a rotary shaft coupled on one side to a portion of the body such that the rotary shaft is rotatable around the opening, a hollow guide into which the rotary shaft is fitted and slides along, and a guide spring provided between the rotary shaft and the guide to elastically support the guide against the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a purse ring is disclosed. In the method, a heat-treated steel frame interrupted by a gap is fabricated to partially circumscribe a passageway. At the edges of the gap, the frame includes a pivot mount and a push button biased to extend from an aperture are separated by a gap distance. Also, a heat-treated steel pivot arm is connected to the pivot mount. Structurally, the arm forms a key guide that terminates at a stop. In the method, a heat-treated steel sleeve forms a channel to slidably receive the arm. Also, the sleeve includes a key that slides within the guide to limit movement between the sleeve and the arm. Further, the sleeve includes a lateral opening that receives the push button to limit the maximum distance between the pivot member and the lateral opening to be substantially equal to the gap distance.

Abstract: A purse ring for coupling a purse seine and a purse line to each other. The purse ring includes a frame, which is coupled at a first end thereof to the purse seine and passes the purse line through a second end thereof, and at least three rollers, which are rotatably provided in the frame at positions at which the purse line are brought into contact with the frame. The purse seine having the multiple rollers has a structure such that friction between the purse line and the purse ring is reduced, thus increasing the lifetime of the purse ring, thereby reducing costs of replacement of the purse ring.

Abstract: A purse ring for interconnecting a purse seine to a purse line is disclosed. Structurally, the purse ring includes a frame defining an aperture, with two rollers mounted across the aperture. As constructed, the rollers and the first and second sides of the frame between the rollers define a periphery around a passageway for receiving the purse line. Importantly, the portion of the first side of the frame adjacent the distal roller includes a hard facing in order to reduce wear. Also, the purse ring includes a cable release arm pivotally mounted as a portion of the second side of the frame, a sleeve for engaging the free end of the cable release arm to the frame, and a lock for holding the sleeve in place.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and related apparatus for tightening or loosening a belt. Some illustrative embodiments include a method and apparatus for tightening or loosening a belt used in, e.g., power-lifting, to provide adequate leverage in tightening or loosening the belt to prevent injury comprising using the apparatus (constructed with a rigid material) to attach to the belt and allowing for appropriate tension to be applied to fasten and unfasten the belt at the desired tightness.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily and practically confirm mites, which are allergenic sources in houses, by the naked eye. A see-through portion (4) is provided so that mites attracted to a mite attracting sheet (3) for attracting mites can be confirmed. The mite attracting sheet (3) desirably has an opposite color to a body color of mites, namely, black, brown, dark blue or the like so that attracted mites can be easily confirmed. Moreover, by disposing an insecticidal sheet on the sheet (3) for attracting vermin such as mites and insects harmful to fabric, attracted mites, etc., can be captured and destroyed.

Abstract: A cast net for trapping fish and other marine life which is modified by the addition of planar element(s) attached to the open peripheral end of a weighted cast net. The added planar elements assist in the planar spread of the cast net when it is thrown in the air. The planar elements also assist in the delayed submergence of the net in the water into which it is cast. In this manner, more marine life is allowed to be entrapped by the net.

Abstract: An ink jet printing method and apparatus using a color ink and a print performance improving ink which minimizes an image quality degradation due to blank lines formed by failed or faulty nozzles. This system enables the use of a print head even with failed or faulty nozzles by minimizing the image quality degradation and extends the life of the print head before replacement. The print performance improving ink is not ejected and landed near a blank line, thus allowing the color ink dots near the blank line to spread and thereby making the blank line undistinguishable.

Abstract: An automatically closing drop fishing net is provided for commercial fishing operations. The drop net assembly includes an upper float ring, a lower weight ring, and a net formed in a generally tubular configuration. The upper end of the net is attached to the float ring and the lower end of the net is attached to the weight ring. The drop net assembly has several torque lines that extend from locations on the float ring on the outside of the net to locations on the weight ring that are initially angularly offset at least one hundred eighty degrees relative to their points of attachment to the float ring. The torque lines are shorter than the vertical length that the net would assume in a stretched condition with the float ring buoyed upon the surface of a body of sea water and with the weight ring suspended therebeneath and held only by the structure of the net. As gravity pulls the weight ring downwardly from the float ring in the water, tension is exerted on the torque lines.

Abstract: A modified pair of needlenose pliers adapted for opening split rings and for forming spinner loops.

Abstract: An aquatic sampling device is provided, said aquatic sampling device comprising generally a plurality of two parallel vertical members, a plurality of two parallel horizontal members, a plurality of two support cross members, and a flexible net. Said plurality of two parallel vertical members being pivotally and slidably attached to said plurality of two parallel horizontal members by means of a plurality of two pins on said plurality of two parallel horizontal members extending through a plurality of two slots in said plurality of two vertical members. Said plurality of two parallel vertical members pivoting from resting horizontally against said plurality of two parallel horizontal members to 90 degrees or perpendicular to said plurality of two parallel horizontal members. Said plurality of two parallel vertical members being further attached to said plurality of two parallel vertical members by a plurality of two flexible cords.

Abstract: A purse seine link (10) having a roller head (30) attached to body (20) by head pivot (32). Latch mechanism (22) allows for one step release of roller head (30) to release cable (8).

Abstract: A seine for collecting bait from a body of water having a bed. The seine comprises a mesh receptacle having an intake portion and a collection portion. A frame is operably connected to the mesh receptacle and has a first portion for holding the intake portion of the mesh receptacle in a receiving state and a second portion for holding the collection portion of the mesh receptacle in a receiving state. An anchor is operably connected to the frame and has a prong capable of penetrating into the bed of the body of water thereby securing the seine to the bed. A handle is operably connected to the frame.

Abstract: An improved way of storing, accessing, and deploying a flyfishing seine net. A fine, lightweight seine net is transported in a compacted manner inside a small nylon pouch. This pouch compartment is attached to a circular-shape elasticized strap which slides up a landing net handle and is secured at the top, unused portion of the handle with a Hook & Loop fastening design. The seine net employs an elasticized band around a portion of its perimeter whereby it stretches, overlaps, and secures to the oval-shape frame of the landing net without tying.

Abstract: A purse ring for interconnecting a purse seine to a purse line has a frame with a first roller mounted across the frame, creating a purse line passageway. The first roller permits rolling engagement with the purse line as the purse line is retrieved during seiner operations. The frame of the roller is formed with a pivotable cable release arm to permit insertion or withdrawal of the purse line from the purse line passageway. A crossbar can also be attached across the frame which forms a bridle line passageway for connecting the purse ring to a bridle line or some other means of connection to the seine. A second roller can be mounted on the crossbar to permit rolling engagement with the purse line. The frame is formed with a pair of elbows in the frame next to the first roller, creating a widening of the frame around the purse line passageway near the first roller.

Abstract: A seine ring which is equipped with a replaceable wearing piece, where the wearing piece is affixable to the mount part of the seine ring adapted for this function by means of a nut and bolt connection which is fed through a hole in the mount part. The hole is formed such that, seen from either side and along the axis thereof, it tapers towards the axial center of the hole. The wearing piece is given a clearance in relation to the mount part to facilitate its ability to tilt in relation to the mount part.

Abstract: A purse ring for interconnecting a purse seine to a purse line has a frame with a roller mounted across the frame. The roller permits rolling engagement with the purse line as the purse line is retrieved during seiner operations. The frame of the roller is formed with a pivotable cable release arm to permit insertion or withdrawal of the purse line. A crossbar is also attached across the frame which forms an aperture for connecting the purse ring to a bridle line or some other means of connection to the seine.

Abstract: A net web is supported by upper and lower float and weight lines by a connecting structure which is connected to the respective line to resist movement along the line. Each connecting structure has an outer portion with a locking opening therein and cooperates with a cord loop. An inner loop end portion of the cord loop cooperates with the line and the connecting structure to resist movement along the line. An outer loop end portion passes through the selvage of the fish net web and cooperates with an adjacent connecting structure and its associated loop. The cord loop of one connecting structure passes through the locking opening in an adjacent connecting structure, and a cord loop of the said adjacent connecting structure passes through the cord loop of the said one structure to interfere therewith to prevent separation of the cord loop of the said one structure from the adjacent connecting structure.

Abstract: Separate anchor members (1, 1', 1", 1'", 40, 60, 70, 80, 80', 80") are secured at regularly spaced locations to a rope or line (L) to which a net (N) is to be coupled. The anchor members carry separate connectors (11, 11', 11", 11'", 50, 65, 65', 12'") which, in turn, are adapted to be connected to the net. The connectors can have closed loops (14, 15, 14', 15') to be threaded through a selvage portion of the net and interwoven with the loops of connectors of the adjacent anchor members.

Abstract: Separate anchor members (1, 1', 1", 1'", 40, 60, 70, 80, 80', 80") are secured at regularly spaced locations to a rope or line (L) to which a net (N) is to be coupled. The anchor members carry separate connectors (11, 11', 11", 11'", 50, 65, 65', 12'") which, in turn, are adapted to be connected to the net. The connectors can have closed loops (14, 15, 14', 15') to be threaded through a selvage portion of the net and interwoven with the loops of connectors of the adjacent anchor members.

Abstract: A pursing ring used by fishing boats and ships that purse fishing nets up to a mile in length. The purse ring has a roller that cuts down on friction and wear on the cable passing through the purse ring. The purse ring has structure which allows the cable to be laterally passed through one of the arms of the purse ring rather than threading it through its closed loop structure.

Abstract: A non-collapsible fish net apparatus (31) with capturing method, comprising an endless net (33) mounted on spaced rigid hoops (37, 38) preventing collapse, a skirt (39) below the lower hoop (38) foldable on itself, apparatus support lines (45) mounted to the upper hoop (37), control lines (51) folding and unfolding the skirt (39), a draw line (62) about the skirt (39), a closure weight (57) attached to the draw line (62), and a line (58) for dropping the weight (57) farther down to close off the skirt (39). Buoys (55) on the control lines (51) provide a signal for actuating the weight (57). Corks (44) on the upper hoop (37) float apparatus (31). A wave netting (70) at the upper hoop (37) prevents fish escape in a wave cascade over apparatus (31). A quick-disconnect assembly (65) on the draw line (62) distal to the closure weight (57) opens the skirt (39) in event of apparatus overload.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scoop net for catching fish, which includes a net coupled with a water-tight plastic fabric and connected to the scoop net frame. The plastic fabric is having one circular end adhered to the middle part of the net to define a scoop-like water chamber, and having the other elongated end fixedly connected to the curved side portion of the scoop net frame to define a water channel.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing debris from the floor surface of a swimming pool. Two long pole assemblies are extended downwardly into the swimming pool to support a transversely-extending strainer screen. The pole assemblies are moved along the length of the pool to enable the strainer screen to capture particulates on or near the floor surface of the pool.

Abstract: A fishing net includes a cord having a multiplicity of strands including an identification strand marked at spaced intervals with sequential numerical codes. The preselected strand is substantially inextricably incorporated in the cord so that the preselected strand extends along the length thereof. The cord is in turn incorporated in the net so that the cord extends substantially from one end of the net to an opposite thereof. The cord has ends located at readily accessible preselected points relative to the net so that a smallest numerical code and a largest numerical code on the cord are easily determinable upon visual inspection of the net.

Abstract: A connector (10) for detachably interconnecting the intermediate portion of a first, primary line (16) and the end portions of secondary lines (24) includes two separate, identical opposing members (30) having complementary, substantially planar mating faces (32). Grooves (34) extend centrally across the mating faces (32) of the connector members (30) to cooperatively define a primary passageway (36) extending through the connector member at the interface of the two connector members to snugly receive the primary line (16) therein. A hollow post (50) extends transversely from the mating face (32) of each connector member to engage within a close fitting, aligned socket (52) formed in the opposite connector member thereby to clamp the two connector members together. The two opposing connector members (30) also have portions cooperatively defining a pair of secondary passageways (40) extending through the connector (10) at the interface of the two connector members (30).

Abstract: A hanging cord is threaded through the top selvage of the net or web of a fishnet assembly and is secured at regularly spaced locations to separate anchor blocks which, in turn, are secured to the fishnet corkline. The anchor blocks have rigid bodies and swingable connectors with arms projecting from the block bodies for attachment of the hanging cord to the connector arms, such as by clips clamping the hanging cord and having lines fitted through eyes in the arms. The securing of the anchor blocks to the corkline can be by straps or staples threaded through the block bodies and tightenable to clamp the blocks to the corkline. The bottom selvage of the net can be connected to the lead line in the same manner by threading a separate hanging cord through the bottom selvage and securing it at regularly spaced intervals to corresponding anchor blocks clamped to the lead line.

Abstract: A minnow seine net having a collapsible tripod-like frame consisting of three poles joined by an adjustable connecting structure permitting the tripod to be folded into a handy, easy to carry form. A seine net is attached to and spread between the forward two legs of the tripod. This net has floats attached to the upper portion thereof and sinkers on the lower portion. The net is adapted to be placed in a stream or other body of water and is adapted to the catching of minnows, bait fish or other fish bait.

Abstract: A purse type seine readily operable by one person. Includes a woven purse seine, a rectangular support frame connected to the perimeter of the intake opening, and an elongated operating handle connected to the upper side of the frame at a selected angle permitting the person to manually operate the seine when walking behind the seine where the frame and purse opening remains ahead of the person with the bottom edge of the said frame extending slightly further ahead than the top edge of said frame. A flotation device is attached to the seine near the full depth of the purse and disposed to be on the top of the seine when the person is pushing the frame through water.

Abstract: A method of effectively connecting a fishing net without the necessity for tying each net mesh to the support rope prevents a tearing-off of the fishing net with consequent loss of the net. During the connecting operation, a number of pairs of depending ear portions are formed along the support rope, one after another, by inserting a first depending ear portion into the support rope to form a second ear portion. The net is hung from the depending ear portions. Each pair of depending ear portions are successively connected to one another, without tying the two together at any position on the support rope.

Abstract: A stopper for a braided line having a core and a braided cover is disclosed, the stopper having a post-like part with an enlarged central section which stopper is adapted to be placed within a braided line extending substantially diametral thereof, the enlarged portion enlarging the diameter of the line so that seizing may be placed on either side thereof, which seizing will not slip.

Abstract: A feed-holding member entices fish into a fish-trapping device which has an "exit only" closure for an outlet opening thereof. A "live net" is connected to that fish-trapping device adjacent that outlet opening, and, when the fish have satisfied their appetites, they will attempt to escape from the fish-trapping device. In doing so, the fish will open the "exit only" closure and pass through the outlet opening into the "live net"--which will hold the fish until they can be removed from that "live net".

Abstract: An oceanic fishing system on a ship having a main propulsion system and an auxiliary bow thrustor providing forward as well as lateral thrust. The ship was a stern working deck with a net deploying and retrieving drum disposed on the working deck and positioned to transfer a purse-seine net over the stern of the ship. Overhead booms attach and selectively move a free and of the purse-seine net relative to the stern. A brailing crane is disposed on the stern working deck with an extensible arm over the stern to brail fish from the net. And on-board fish handling system receives fish from the brailing crane and transports them for processing and on-board storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a means of reducing the hauling force of a bottom contacting fish net by enclosing or draping at least the leadline of the net with a flexible bearing means. This can conveniently be a tube of flexible polyethylene film or a strip of film which wraps under the leadline. The tube has access openings at regular intervals to permit tying the leadline to the net. These openings also permit free egress of air and ingress of water when the net is in use. The tube serves as a bearing for the leadline as it rests against the substrate. This reduces the tendency to dig into the substrate and, in turn, decreases the energy required to haul the net across the bottom.

Abstract: A seine ring for use, in plurality, on the lower edge of a purse seine net which is conventionally closed or pursed by a pursing cable threaded through the rings. The seine ring is adapted for quick, easy and positive attachment to the seine net, ordinarily by a ring tie of any suitable kind and generally with a bridle on the net, with the seine ring according to this invention capable of being oriented in a number of different positions to distribute the wear of the cable on the seine ring.

Abstract: This system is for offshore operations and includes a boat having a towing and an anchor handling winch are respectively disposed on the boat deck so as to rotate about horizontal axis. In connection with an offshore rig using chain or cable attached to the anchor, the anchor winch on the boat is used to spool the pendant cable which is attached to the anchor end of the chain until the underwater buoy is brought on the boat deck. The towing cable on the other towing winch is then attached to the buoy cable to suspend the chain and anchor in the water while the pendant cable is disconnected from the buoy cable. The disconnected end of the pendant cable is then connected to a vertical spool on the boat deck and spooled onto the vertical spool from the horizontal anchor handling winch while the chain or cable is being retrieved by an apparatus on the rig.

Abstract: A gate is provided in a seine fishing net to allow sea mammals entrapped with fist in the net to escape. The gate is selectively inflated or deflated so that it may be raised to the surface or lowered, and is disposed in position in place of floatation devices at the upper extremity of a section of the net. A ribbon net is connected to one side of the gate and is drawn between schools of sea mammals and entrapped fish to allow the sea mammals to escape through the gate while discouraging the fish from escaping the seine net once the seine net has been set.

Abstract: A commercial fishing net takes advantage of animal psychology to easily permit the escape of entrapped porpoises while preventing the escape of desired tuna and other edible fish, the net having at least a portion comprising a drop net which sinks beneath the water surface to a depth defined by tethered floats when a control bladder attached to the top of the drop net is deflated, there also being an optional stiffener hose extending along the top of the drop net and being filled with a releasable pressurized fluid to maintain the upper edge of the drop net aligned and prevent the bunching of this net portion.

Abstract: A purse seine hairpin retainer and purse ring handling method which simplifies and lessens the danger involved in collecting and securing the purse rings that are attached to the base of a fish net used in a seining operation for catching fish. The purse rings are threaded by a purse line which is hauled in toward the boat thereby gathering the purse rings together in a closely grouped arrangement and closing the bottom of the net. The purse rings are then threaded onto the lower leg of a hairpin member which is generally hauled up and temporarily suspended over the deck of the boat while upper end of the net is hauled in and the fish removed therefrom.

Abstract: A net jointing structure is provided for separably jointing or coupling a pair of nets together. The structure has a pair of elongate net strips each having first and second longitudinal opposite edges and having a mesh size progressively smaller toward the second edge, the first edge being formed integrally or adapted for connection with one end of each of the nets. A sliding clasp fastener includes a pair of stringers each having on and along one longitudinal edge a row of interlocking elements and secured at the other longitudinal edge to the second edge of the elongate net strip, and a slider slidably mounted on the rows of interlocking elements for coupling and uncoupling the pair of stringers.

Abstract: A tuna fishing purse seine and a method for its operation provide for protection and release of porpoise captured along with a school of tuna. The seine includes an inner, upper net in addition to the main net, positioned alongside the main net and connected to it in one area. The two nets, each having its own corkline, are set together but may be independently pursed. During setting and pursing, tuna generally sound a considerable distance below the surface, while porpoise tend to remain near the surface for air, so that the porpoise are separated from the tuna by the pursing of the inner, upper net. The pursing of the upper net sweeps it over to one area of the main net, where porpoise can be released by the opening of a release panel or gate in the main net in that area. The captured tuna may then be sacked up in the usual manner, but using the outside of the pursed inner net as a portion of the enclosure retaining the tuna.