Electric Type Patents (Class 119/220)
  • Patent number: 11700838
    Abstract: A device (10) for trapping and killing marine organisms (14) such as animal plankton, salmon lice and other parasites, comprises a body (12; 12?) configured for submersion in water (15). The body (12; 12?) comprises at least one light source (16) configured and controlled for attracting said marine organisms, and an internal cavity (20) having an opening (20?) for fluid communication with at least a portion of the water. The light sources (16) are arranged inside the cavity (20) and arranged and controlled to emit light waves through said opening and into at least a portion of the water. At least one positive electrode (24; 24?; 24?; 32) is arranged in the cavity and electrically connected to a low-voltage power source (26; 27; 30), and at least one negative electrode (15a) is arranged in the water and electrically connected to said power source (26; 27; 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Brage Innovation AS
    Inventor: Vidar Saue
  • Patent number: 11412729
    Abstract: An organism inducing device, installed on an installation surface, includes a tile-shaped body; a plurality of electrodes provided to a top surface of the body; and a processor configured to separately control power to be supplied to each of the electrodes, using power supplied from a predetermined power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Yosuke Furusawa
  • Patent number: 11384495
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for guiding aquatic organisms. The method includes disposing a plurality of electrode units at a distance from one another in water; and applying an electrical pulse to at least one electrode unit of the plurality of electrode units to generate an electric field and/or a magnetic field around the at least one electrode unit to guide the aquatic organisms by stimulating the aquatic organisms with the generated electric and/or magnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Yosuke Furusawa
  • Patent number: 11213021
    Abstract: Certain types of fish respond differently to certain stimuli than other types of fish. Particularly, predetermined sound or vibration can cause certain types of fish to move away or jump. These reactions by particular types of fish can be used to capture the fish or prevent then from accessing parts of water systems. An exemplary capture mechanism employs multiple receptacles adapted to catch jumping fish from the air. An exemplary barrier of directed sound can prevent fish migration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: X-Tirp, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip W. Doberenz
  • Patent number: 10883239
    Abstract: A shark barrier that comprises an anchoring assembly having a pair of anchors (9) with a flexible connecting element (11) extending between the anchors. The shark barriers also includes multiple spaced apart buoyant resiliently flexible elongate members (15) that are secured at one end along a length of the connecting element of the anchoring assembly to operatively extend generally upwardly from the connecting element. The buoyant members comprise an elongate flexible spine (32) that extends through a series of tubular members (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Stellenbosch University
    Inventors: Michael Rutzen, Sara Andreotti, Pierre Becker, Laurie Barwell
  • Patent number: 9963209
    Abstract: A shark barrier includes a plurality of resiliently flexible, elongate members that extend in a generally upright condition between a sea floor and a sea surface. The elongate members are arranged so as to have the appearance of a thicket, preferably a kelp forest, when viewed from within the water and include magnets to assist in deterring certain shark species. The elongate members may be secured to the sea floor by an anchoring base and are held in the generally upright condition by a buoy or buoyant material held within the elongate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Stellenbosch University
    Inventors: Craig Patrick O'Connell, Michael Rutzen, Sara Andreotti, Conrad Matthee
  • Patent number: 9677236
    Abstract: A mobile electric field monitor with a floatable housing, an electric field probe, and a computer processor to measure the electric field generated by an electrofisher while the electrofisher is being used in a body of water, this mobile electric field monitor is coupled to computing system to generate a three dimensional map of electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Smith-Root, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Curtis Edmondson
  • Patent number: 9648865
    Abstract: Described is a chondrichthyan repelling system comprising at least one fin comprising at least one electrically conductive electrode for connection to an electrical signal generator. In use, the electrical signal generator generates electrical signals to the at least one electrode to thereby radiate an electrical field which repels chondrichthyans. Also disclosed are various fin designs incorporating one or more electrodes, and a watercraft having one or more fins as described. Various means of connecting the electrodes to the electrical signal generator are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SEACHANGE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Lindsay Lyon
  • Patent number: 9554562
    Abstract: A method of experimenting on aquatic life in an indoor facility and a lighting assembly for accomplishing the same. The lighting assembly includes a lighting device that emits light at a predetermined wavelength that provides a minimum water penetration depth and is positioned in a manner to provide uniform lighting at the air and water interface within a containment unit housing the aquatic life. The on and off functions are also controlled by the lighting assembly to provide a gradual turn on and turn off to prevent interference of effects of lighting with experimental results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Zdenko Grajcar, Juliette Delabbio
  • Patent number: 9538729
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system, device and process for monitoring physical and physiological features of livestock through a unique monitoring system and device. Basic and Smart tags are placed on livestock to monitor, among other things, temperature, movement, location, posture, pulse rate, and other physical and physiological features. Information is relayed from Basic tags, in one embodiment, to Smart tags that requests the information and receives the information from the basic tags. Smart tags send information to a mobile unit controller and/or home base so that requested information is sent to an end user that monitors the livestock for signs of illness. Potentially ill animals are segregated from the herd for further evaluation and minimization of exposure risk to the rest of the herd. This early detection system saves livestock and ensures a healthier herd for livestock farmers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Medisim, LTD.
    Inventor: Moshe Yarden
  • Patent number: 9516865
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the production of aquatic organisms under cultivation, including the steps of exposing the aquatic organisms to a submerged illumination source inside water of a rearing unit; and maintaining illumination in the rearing unit for a rearing period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Juliette Delabbio
  • Patent number: 9345235
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the production of aquatic organisms under cultivation, including the steps of exposing the aquatic organisms to a submerged illumination source inside water of a rearing unit; and maintaining illumination in the rearing unit for a rearing period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Juliette Delabbio
  • Patent number: 9239214
    Abstract: A floating barrier which includes a number of buoyant bodies (12) which are fixed to an axle (36) from which extend a downwardly directed counterweight (124) and upwardly directed supports (130) to which transverse chains or cables are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: BIRMINGHAM BARBED TAPE LTD.
    Inventor: Ronald Smith
  • Patent number: 9185888
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for enhancing the growth of aquatic life in an ecosystem and method of enhancing the growth of aquatic life in such an ecosystem. The assembly includes a vessel submerged within water of the ecosystem. A substrate is disposed within and surrounded by the vessel and provides electronics to provide a conditioned current to a plurality of light emitting diodes also contained on the substrate. The light emitting diodes emit light within the water of the ecosystem that provides for growth, not only in a larger volume of the ecosystem, but in addition enhances the growth of the aquatic life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Zdenko Grajcar
  • Patent number: 8988226
    Abstract: A device operable as an electronic shark deterrent has a high-voltage pulse signal waveform generator for pulses to be applied to electrodes immersed in water to deter sharks and other aquatic creatures. A preferred output waveform has a train of pulse bursts of alternating-polarity pulses in a series. Preferably, the timing intervals between pulses are of irregular duration, the amplitudes of pulses are varied to be irregular, and the interval between pulse bursts is kept to less than about 5 seconds, in order to be more effective as a shark deterrent signal. The device has the signal waveform generator enclosed in a thin, planar case mounted to a belt connector and a fastener strap for attachment to a part of a user's body. It can include a water-detection probe for automatic activation when immersed in water, a status LED indicator, and electrodes embedded in a layer at opposite ends of the fastener strap with an insulative screen layer for reducing electrostatic effects on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventors: Wilson Vinano, Clifford Lau
  • Publication number: 20150034016
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding back, and diverting, fish in bodies of water by the arrangement of parallel cables (S) braced between two or more abutments (W), wherein the distance between the cables is small enough to prevent fish from swimming through the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Markus Aufleger
  • Patent number: 8925488
    Abstract: A system and method is described for a controlled electrified fish barrier that induces a potential field in a body of water with an electric field generator, a control system, and an object detection system, so that when the anode and cathode of the electric field generator are inserted in a body of water, and the object detection system detects an object, the object detection system electrically signals the control system; and in response the control system electrically adjusts the electric field generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Smith-Root, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Smith
  • Publication number: 20140254060
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods are described for an electrical fish barrier system that has more than one geographically separate pulsator that are connected to a common electrical grid and are synchronized to prevent the overlapping of electrical pulses to prevent line notching or local line electrical line noise that may interfere with railroad transmission lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH-ROOT, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas Malone
  • Publication number: 20140238307
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to methods of moving or herding fish, such that the fish are protected from being removed from their natural aquatic environments when water containing these fish is withdrawn and used for industrial purposes. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for shooing or driving fish out of a specific region using at least one screen, including applying current and/or voltage pulses to the screen in order to facilitate the moving of the fish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: IUS WEIBEL & NESS GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Weibel, Andreas Ness
  • Publication number: 20130139428
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for using materials with dissimilar galvanic potentials for altering the behavior of electro-sensitive organisms. This includes devices for mitigating elasmobranch bycatch in commercial and recreational fisheries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Kieran T. SMITH, Stephen M. KAJIURA
  • Patent number: 8456310
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for repelling aquatic creatures and finds particular application in the protection of surfers (or surfboards) and personal watercraft such as surf skis, paddle skis and the like from shark attack. The drawing illustrates the device 10 installed on the underside of a surfboard 100, the device 10 consisting of a pair of housings 102, 104 connected to one another by a cable tray 106. One of the housings 102, 104 houses the device circuitry and the other of the housings 102, 104 houses a rechargeable power source. The device circuitry comprises electrodes connected in a circuit and adapted for immersion in a body of water, such that the water, in use, completes the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Carl Marthinus Becker
  • Publication number: 20120244766
    Abstract: A life jacket for aquatic use with a back part 1a and plurality of front parts 1b, which can be connected with each other by means of a fastener, wherein the life jacket 1 is built of a plurality of layers, is intended to improve the survival potential of its carrier in an emergency situation specifically in cold waters. Therefore it is proposed according to the invention that at or near at the interior side a layer 16 is provided, which includes a latent-heat storage material, in which an exothermic reaction takes place upon activation by a provided activation unit 20,21. The layer 16 containing the latent-heat storage material is subdivided into a plurality of chambers 24 in the back part 1a and in the front parts 1b, which are connected directly with each other or are connected to one another via connecting channels. Further the life jacket 1 has short arms 22, which cover the shoulders and extend into the upper arm area. Layer 16 continues into the shoulder area and upper arm area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander Tsolkas
  • Publication number: 20120199079
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively affecting the behavior of elasmobranch fish such as rays, skates and sharks, with electromagnetic waves. The apparatus comprises a power source, an electrical circuit capable of generating a selected voltage, current, and alternating frequency, an antenna capable of receiving the converted power from the electrical current and transmitting the converted power as an electromagnetic field, and an optional control means disposed between the power source and the antenna. In operation, this apparatus generates and transmits electromagnetic waves whose effects are perceivable by certain aquatic elasmobranch fish, which can be adjusted to cause a selected behavior, such as attraction or repulsion. The characteristics of the emitted electromagnetic waves can be controlled and changed to fit the desired needs. The apparatus can be self-contained or part of a larger system, and can be incorporated into a variety of devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Jeremy CHERON, Soorena SADRI
  • Publication number: 20120031343
    Abstract: In abstract this invention is a pressure and water sealed unit small enough to be worn by a swimmer. It contains a rechargeable battery, control interface logic, digital signal generation, and amplification circuitry. It uses a ground balanced electrode system to produce electric fields in the very low impedance environment of water. These fields are organized into patterns called words. These words are presented in a hierarchal pseudo random manner to prevent target organisms from learning and adapting to them. The presentation of these words is controlled by upgradable programing stored within memory. The words evoke central nervous system (CNS) responses which result in sharks leaving the area of operation. These words represent stimuli of predators, navigation signals, noxious events, CNS interference patterns, and other sequences found to repel sharks from the protected area. Reprogrammability allows upgrades to newer sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: James Robert DeLuze
  • Publication number: 20110290190
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for repelling aquatic creatures and finds particular application in the protection of surfers (or surfboards) and personal watercraft such as surf skis, paddle skis and the like from shark attack. The drawing illustrates the device 10 installed on the underside of a surfboard 100, the device 10 consisting of a pair of housings 102, 104 connected to one another by a cable tray 106. One of the housings 102, 104 houses the device circuitry and the other of the housings 102, 104 houses a rechargeable power source. Each housing 102, 104 is supplied with a cover plate that doubles as an electrode plate 108, 109. A wiring harness located within the cable tray 106 connects the battery to the device circuitry, each constituted by a separate, removable waterproof module that can be inserted and locked into the housings 102, 104. When shark protection is not required, the modules can be substituted with lighter dummy modules that simply close up the housings 102, 104.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Carl Marthinus Becker
  • Publication number: 20110277693
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for the entrainment of fish from seachests having an anode, a cathode, a support structure for the anode and cathode proximate to the hull of a ship, such that when an electric current passes from the anode to the cathode, fish are entrained from entering a seachest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: John Parkin
  • Publication number: 20110174231
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter describes systems and methods for the remote placement of electrified fish barriers are illustrated and described herein. The inventive subject matter describes a floating electrical barrier that is responsive to the presence of detected fish. The inventive subject matter also describes a multiplicity of electrical barriers that are arranged to create an electrical field that entrains certain species of fish. The inventive subject matter also describes a movable barrier that is used to guide fish from location to location using electrical fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Curtis Edmondson, Lee Roy Carstensen, Michael Holliman
  • Publication number: 20110094451
    Abstract: Uses a specific magnetic field for shark deterrent. Over stimulates the electroreceptors in sharks and stingrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Lee Ward
  • Patent number: 7924165
    Abstract: An Electronic Shark Deterrent provides protection from, and for, sharks and other aquatic creatures. Compact low power circuitry generates high voltage periodic pulse train bursts, disturbing the electroreceptors of the aquatic Elasmobranchi subclass. A train of thirty 33 us 250 Volt (V) electric pulses lasting one second is produced every six seconds. The device is fully portable, requiring no bulky activity impeding buoys, cords, or external power supplies. Advanced circuitry is compact enough to be worn on a watch sized band or attached to garments and recreation or safety equipment. The deterrent can be used in a fixed configuration to protect fish farms and vacation resort swimming areas. It can be affixed to offshore oil rigs and research stations to protect workers. The Electronic Shark Deterrent is compact and portable enough to be used on longlines, trawls and gillnets to reduce the numbers of endangered aquatic creatures unnecessarily destroyed as bycatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: ZTOA Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Vinano, Jr., Calvin Maeda, Gary Maeda, Dwight Oda
  • Publication number: 20100313820
    Abstract: A portable fish anesthetizing system is also described having a tank cover, an electrode pair with the electrode pair configurable attached to the tank cover; a control system for creating a potential difference, the control system electrically connected to the electrode pair, so that when the tank cover is placed on a laboratory tank and the control system is activated, current flows from the control system through the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: FARLAND MICHAEL HOLLIMAN
  • Publication number: 20100288203
    Abstract: A system and method is described for a controlled electrified fish barrier that induces a potential field in a body of water with an electric field generator, a control system, and an object detection system, so that when the anode and cathode of the electric field generator are inserted in a body of water, and the object detection system detects an object, the object detection system electrically signals the control system; and in response the control system electrically adjusts the electric field generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffery Smith
  • Publication number: 20100242851
    Abstract: A flexible aquatic species barrier having a multiplicity of pulsators, each pulsator further comprising an anode lead, a cathode lead, and an potential difference generator, where each pulsator is proximately attached to a section of net, each section net comprising a anode conductive braid, a cathode conductive braid, and a net interposed between the anode conductive braid and the cathode conductive braid, and where the anode lead of the pulsator is connected to the anode conductive braid, and where the cathode lead of the pulsator is connected to the cathode conductive braid; whereby when one or more of the pulsators are activated, a potential difference is created between the anode conductive braid and the cathode conductive braid; such that when current flows between the anode conductive braid and the cathode conductive braid an aquatic species is repelled from the net.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Lee Carstensen, Steven Francis Almquist, Bryan West Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20100224134
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter describes an electrical barrier for the deterrence of fish having an, the electrical barrier with a computer system capable of executing a modified soft-start algorithm, the computer system further having a detector input and a switch output; a bio-electric fish proximity detector, the bio-electric fish proximity detector having a anode-cathode detecting pair input and a signal output, wherein said signal output is connected to the detector input; a time varying voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Carl Burger, Jeffery Smith
  • Patent number: 7731554
    Abstract: A shark-repelling surfboard or flotation board made of polymer foam with coating. The surfboard or the flotation board has a locator device for locating large aquatic animals, and an alarm device for alerting a rider of large aquatic animals, such as sharks, located by the locator device. The surfboard or the flotation board also comprises a repellent or deterrent signal generator that is configured for transmitting interference signals to disrupt the electro-sensory perception system of the aquatic animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Guerry L. Grune
  • Publication number: 20100107986
    Abstract: A system and method to induce fish anesthetizing or narcosis is described that induces a potential field across the body of a laboratory fish having a pair of electrodes, the waveform generated by this potential field is approximately balanced to reduce the introduction of anions into the solution, and a camera is mounted to observe the activity of the fish, so that the potential difference may be adjusted based on the state of the fish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: F. Michael Holliman, Lee Roy Carstensen
  • Publication number: 20100071631
    Abstract: An Electronic Shark Deterrent provides protection from, and for, sharks and other aquatic creatures. Compact low power circuitry generates high voltage periodic pulse train bursts, disturbing the electroreceptors of the aquatic Elasmobranchi subclass. A train of thirty 33 us 250 Volt (V) electric pulses lasting one second is produced every six seconds. The device is fully portable, requiring no bulky activity impeding buoys, cords, or external power supplies. Advanced circuitry is compact enough to be worn on a watch sized band or attached to garments and recreation or safety equipment. The deterrent can be used in a fixed configuration to protect fish farms and vacation resort swimming areas. It can be affixed to offshore oil rigs and research stations to protect workers. The Electronic Shark Deterrent is compact and portable enough to be used on longlines, trawls and gillnets to reduce the numbers of endangered aquatic creatures unnecessarily destroyed as bycatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Wilson Vinano, JR., Calvin Maeda, Gary Maeda, Dwight Oda
  • Patent number: 7507132
    Abstract: A transparent and shark-repelling surfboard or flotation board made of transparent super microcellular polymer foam with transparent coating. The surfboard or the flotation board has a locater device for locating large aquatic animals, and an alarm device for alerting a rider of large aquatic animals, such as sharks, located by the locater device. The surfboard or the flotation board also comprises a repellent or deterrent signal generator that is configured for transmitting interference signals to disrupt the electro-sensory perception system of the aquatic animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Guerry L. Grune, Marsea Segal
  • Patent number: 7412944
    Abstract: A cord having two electrodes for generating a shark-repelling electromagnetic field about a user. The cord is connected to a field generator supported by the user, and in use, maintains contact with surrounding water, even if the user is out of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: SeaChange Technology Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Wescombe-Down
  • Patent number: 7270083
    Abstract: A device (10) for repelling selected aquatic creatures, such as sharks. The device consists of an electromagnetic field generator (21, 30) for generating an electromagnetic field (50) that repels sharks and is supported by a buoyant device (20). This provides a shark-free region about the device (10). Multiple devices can be connected together to form an array of repelling devices, thereby extending the shark-free region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Seachange Technology Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael Wescombe-Down
  • Publication number: 20070199515
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for selectively affecting the behavior of elasmobranch fish such as rays, skates and sharks, with electromagnetic waves. The apparatus comprises a power source, an electrical circuit capable of generating a selected voltage, current, and alternating frequency, an antenna capable of receiving the converted power from the electrical current and transmitting the converted power as an electromagnetic field, and an optional control means disposed between the power source and the antenna. In operation, this apparatus generates and transmits electromagnetic waves whose effects are perceivable by certain aquatic elasmobranch fish, which can be adjusted to cause a selected behavior, such as attraction or repulsion. The characteristics of the emitted electromagnetic waves can be controlled and changed to fit the desired needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Jeremy Cheron, Soorena Sadri
  • Patent number: 7174668
    Abstract: A control device for marine animals comprises an electrical device that applies an electrical voltage directly to a marine animal in order to shock the marine animal, for control thereof. The device preferably comprises a pole or rod having electrical prongs at one end which my be applied to the marine animal, thereby applying and electrical signal having a voltage, amperage and frequency that stuns and/or shocks the animal. The character of the electrical signal is such that the animal is temporarily paralyzed, so that it may be safely handled by humans for bringing it into a watercraft without otherwise damaging the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Locklear
  • Patent number: 6978734
    Abstract: An electric fish barrier for deterring fish from entering a water intake in a reservoir or along a waterway has a set of conductive members at a first voltage potential and a second set of conductive members at a second voltage potential. The conductive members are disposed on support piles extending up from the bottom of the reservoir. Each conductive member extends vertically between a pre-determined range of depths from an upper depth to a lower depth, forming a contiguous voltage gradient between the two sets of conductive members. Fish are drawn to the attraction flow of water flowing into the intake. The two sets of conductive members are oriented such that the attraction flow passes through the contiguous voltage gradient, thereby deterring the fish from following the attraction flow into the water intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Smith-Root, Inc.
    Inventors: David V. Smith, Lee Roy Carstensen
  • Patent number: 6917294
    Abstract: A fish farming net having conductive wires integrated into the filaments of the net. The conductive wires are arranged in circuits, each of said circuits defining a field connected to an electronic apparatus that monitors a certain electrical parameter of the field. The wires of each circuit are arranged in a pattern whereby the wires are close enough together that a hole large enough for fish to escape will necessarily break one of the wires. In the event the circuit is broken, the monitoring apparatus detects a change in the electrical parameter being monitored and signals an appropriate alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Leif Eirik Larsen
  • Patent number: 6880485
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fish. The system includes a vessel containing water and having an exit aperture. The system also includes a sensor configured to sense a first fish moving through the exit aperture. In addition, the system includes a jet device in communication with the sensor. The jet device is positioned adjacent to the exit aperture and is configured to spray a jet to prevent a second fish from moving through the exit aperture. In one embodiment, the system also includes a gate positioned at the exit aperture, the gate being normally closed and configured to be pushed open by a fish moving through the exit aperture. The system may be employed for providing spacing between fish or may be employed to provide a single fish on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventors: James Massey, David Bressler
  • Patent number: 6837182
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for controlling aquatic creatures in a body of water. The apparatus comprises a power supply, a solar conversion system, two electrodes, a controllable switch unit and a control system. In operation, this apparatus generates electromagnetic emissions that are perceivable by a number of aquatic creatures thereby providing an ability to control the behaviour of these aquatic creatures, for example, attraction or repulsion thereof. The power supply provides the necessary energy and electric voltage level for the apparatus to operate and the solar conversion system provides a means for recharging and/or maintaining a sufficient energy level within the power supply. A controllable switch unit is interconnected to the two electrodes and enables the selective application of energy provided by the power supply, thereby providing for the generation of electromagnetic emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Hugo Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20040165955
    Abstract: A bypass channel (C) for fish extends along line one side of a river, for the full length of a section of the river in which reservoirs (22, 24, 26, 28) have been created by dams (14, 16, 18, 20). The channel (C) follows the grade of the natural river. It includes an inner wall (34) that varies in height so that it is always higher than the water level in any of the reservoirs. It also includes an outer wall (36) and a bottom wall (38) which are formed on the natural terrain that borders the river and reservoirs. In at least its taller regions, the inner wall (38) may be braced by a diagonal member or a system of member (40). Water flow into the channel (C) maybe regulated by horizontal and/or vertical gates (50, 52) or some other structure for changing the cross sectional area of the channel (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6606963
    Abstract: A shark repellent system for repelling sharks away from an individual during a water activity. The shark repellent system includes a band member and a transmitter unit attached to the band member that transmits underwater sound waves at a frequency undesirable to sharks. The band member is preferably comprised of an elastic material for snugly fitting about an ankle or wrist of an individual. The transmitter preferably includes a control knob connected to a frequency generator for allowing manipulation of the frequency of the sound waves generated by the transmitter unit underwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Brian M. Wynne
  • Publication number: 20030131801
    Abstract: A system and method for guiding fish that migrate is provided. A preferred embodiment is affixed to a dam having intakes that: a) generate hydroelectric power and b) serve as a natural hydraulic cue for fish that, once attracted to the intake, are converted to pet food. A device resembling an oversize kitchen exhaust fan hood, with extension, is affixed adjacent the upstream side of a stream barrier that otherwise precludes fish from safely passing. The device simulates a naturally occurring hydraulic cue that fish use to migrate and may be used to defeat competing detrimental hydraulic cues. Also provided are embodiments to enable adjustment of the device to meet changing hydraulic conditions; to preclude the accidental provision of competing negative cues or stimuli; and to complement the simulated natural hydraulic cue provided by the device through using stimuli such as light, sound or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: John M. Nestler, Richard Andrew Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20030051674
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for controlling aquatic creatures in a body of water. The apparatus comprises a power supply, a solar conversion system, two electrodes, a controllable switch unit and a control system. In operation, this apparatus generates electromagnetic emissions that are perceivable by a number of aquatic creatures thereby providing an ability to control the behaviour of these aquatic creatures, for example, attraction or repulsion thereof. The power supply provides the necessary energy and electric voltage level for the apparatus to operate and the solar conversion system provides a means for recharging and/or maintaining a sufficient energy level within the power supply. A controllable switch unit is interconnected to the two electrodes and enables the selective application of energy provided by the power supply, thereby providing for the generation of electromagnetic emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Hugo Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20020127060
    Abstract: A screened water or fluid diversion having a screen that is disposed in a generally horizontal manner (i.e., more horizontal than vertical, and substantially parallel to the direction of flow over the screen). Various representative embodiments are disclosed. Downstream flow control preferably maintains a head profile or grade line above the level of the screen and a uniform flow transition chamber (UFTC) or like structure is preferably coupled to the screen to facilitate more even and distributed flow through the screen (the diverted flow). In an embodiment that provides safe passage of fish, the grade line is provided sufficiently above the screen to provide safe fish passage. Various screen configurations, downstream flow control, UFTC configurations and other design considerations are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: William Jerry Bryan