Fish Enclosure - Recirculating Type Patents (Class 119/226)
  • Patent number: 11867534
    Abstract: A data processing method comprising: receiving, from each of a plurality of sensors each located at a respective location, a signal indicative of a respective value of a parameter measured by that sensor at a respective one of a plurality of successive times; and determining, based on the value of the parameter measured by one or more first sensors of the plurality of sensors at a respective one or more of the plurality of successive times, a value of the parameter at the location of a second sensor of the plurality of sensors at one of the one or more of the plurality of successive times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventor: Rajni Agarwal
  • Patent number: 11559048
    Abstract: A method of moving farmed aquatic animals from a tank containing the animals, the tank having a tank outlet and a conveyance pipe, the conveyance pipe having a conveyance pipe inlet connected to the tank outlet and a conveyance pipe outlet at an outlet elevation higher than the tank outlet, the method comprising: (i) by means of a water inflow into the tank, maintaining a water level in the tank at a level above the outlet elevation to generate a flow of water from the tank through the conveyance pipe while positioning a moveable water-permeable screen inside the tank to crowd the animals towards the tank outlet, (ii) by means of the flow of water therethrough, moving animals through the conveyance pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: MMC First Process AS
    Inventor: Leif Roger Gjelseth
  • Patent number: 11425895
    Abstract: A method for optimizing filtration in an aquaculture system. The method for optimizing filtration includes, taking at least one sample of matter from an aquaculture system, defining at least one predetermined characteristic to test the sample of matter for, testing the at least one sample of matter, determining if the at least one predetermined characteristic is present within the sample, modifying resource distribution within the aquaculture system, taking at least two samples of matter within the aquaculture system, re-defining at least one predetermined characteristic to test the at least two samples of matter for, testing the at least two samples of matter, determining if the re-defined at least one predetermined characteristic is present within the at least two samples of matter and ensuring the filtration system will retain a state of optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: ATLANTIC SAPPHIRE IP, LLC
    Inventors: Thue Holm, Julian Fiorentino
  • Patent number: 11330833
    Abstract: The invention consists of novel systems and methods for mixing and/or applying biologies including live biologies and/or any additive having therapeutic or growth promoting value with and/or to animal feed, thereby creating treated animal feed, and for delivering such treated animal feed to animals in need via a delivery system. The invention also provides a system and method to treat seed with biologies prior to or contemporaneously with packaging, storing, and/or planting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: David J. Wise, Gary Daniel Chesser, John Wesley Lowe, Todd Byars, Terrence Greenway, Jeremiah Davis, Joseph Purswell
  • Patent number: 11174653
    Abstract: A production and consumption system of three-dimensional vertical planting landscape and capable of achieving healthy, low-cost and environmental protection includes an aquatic raising zone, a crop planting zone, an animal raising zone, an insect culturing zone, a food processing zone, a consumption zone, a sport health zone, providing a shopping suggestion list automatically for reference based on a consumer's purchase traceability, and offering a sport suggestion list and a food suggestion list that are suitable for the consumer based on a physiological data so as to allow the consumer to do exercise and control diet, thereby attaining effects of low-cost, environmental protection, super-freshness, high efficiency, high quality of production of vegetables, meat and aquatic products, and functions of purchase, health, shopping, tourism, exercise, fitness and health monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: James C. Lin
  • Patent number: 11122783
    Abstract: A device (1) for separating segments (2) in a tank. The tank system includes a circular tank system with water flow for the farming of fish, said device being movable and comprising a plurality of preferably two element units, which are joined so as to form a V-shape seen from above. Further, the invention comprises the use of the device for the farming of edible fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: VEOLIA WATER SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORT, SAS
    Inventor: Bent Urup
  • Patent number: 10993578
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for rapid heatless extraction of flavor from a soluble by a solvent. The system includes in one or more embodiments, a brewing chamber containing a soluble and a solution chamber containing a solvent with a filter between the two chambers, and a circulation pump for moving the solvent from one chamber to the other (i.e., agitation). The circulation pump recycles the solvent between the containers to form a solution that that reaches a static equilibrium of flow to and from the brewing chamber allowing the least saturated solution to be in contact with the soluble substance. In one or more embodiments, agitation is performed by beaters, propellers, magnetic mixers, rotation of one or more chambers, or by making a slurry mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: BRRRISTA COLD BREW LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Stein
  • Patent number: 10939671
    Abstract: A self-harvesting sustaining feed system includes a tank for housing fish, a frame located above the fish tank, one or more plant floats which float atop water within shelves held by the frame, and an insect tray for housing larvae. Temporary temperature changes in the insect tray cause the larvae within the insect tray to migrate out and fall into the fish tank below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: M2M COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Gary De Andre Taylor
  • Patent number: 10772306
    Abstract: A system for maintaining fish and shellfish in an anesthetic state, the system includes at least: an anesthetic tank configured to allow the fish and shellfish to be so anesthetized as to be in an anesthetic state; and a maintenance tank configured to allow the fish and shellfish anesthetized in the anesthetic tank to be maintained in the anesthetic state while being transported, wherein, in the anesthesia tank, a carbon dioxide concentration is maintained higher than or equal to 65 ppm as well as lower than or equal to 85 ppm, and an oxygen concentration is maintained higher than or equal to 60%, and wherein, in the maintenance tank, a carbon dioxide concentration is maintained higher than or equal to 10 ppm as well as lower than or equal to 40 ppm, and an oxygen concentration is maintained higher than or equal to 60%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: NIKKEN LEASE KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tadakatsu Sekiyama, Michio Ohmori, Shousuke Watanabe, Yukihiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10655095
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing cost and space requirements and increasing ease of cleaning/harvesting of algae scrubbers and seaweed cultivators by utilizing illumination domes, macroalgal settlement structures, reservoirs including overflowing and pole mount, repositionable water outlet structures, 3D printed macroalgal attachment materials, and submersible macroalgal illumination devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Bryan Harold Farrish
  • Patent number: 10416686
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuous growth and production of a product substance. The apparatus may comprise an input unit for receiving at least one starting material, wherein the starting material is one of at least an aquatic organism; a growing unit for continuous aquatic growth of the at least one starting material to produce at least a culture; a buffering unit for accumulating and upholding at least a portion of the culture grown in the growing unit, wherein the buffering unit is configured to balance between demand and supply of a product substance produced by the apparatus; a nozzle for delivery of a demanded fraction of the upheld portion of the culture as the product substance; and a control unit connected to the input unit, the growing unit, the buffering unit and configured to control the operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GreenOnyx LTD
    Inventors: Tsipi Shoham, Benjamin Shoham
  • Patent number: 10285385
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a first farming plant including a central tank and one or more surrounding tanks, where the central tank is used for water treatment and the one or more surrounding tanks are used for the farming of fish. The fish farming plant may also include one or more flow applicators, whereby the flow rate of the water in the surrounding tanks are individually independent of the water exchange rate. The fish farming plant may include several movable permeable section walls in each of the surrounding tanks dividing each surrounding tank into tank sections. Each surrounding tank is equipped with one or two outlets and one or two inlets, and a substantially horizontal/laminar flow structure of the water in each one of the surrounding tanks is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support, SAS
    Inventor: Bent Urup
  • Patent number: 10034461
    Abstract: Systems and methods for intensive recirculating aquaculture are provided herein. An example system includes water sourced from a first segment of a saline aquifer, a recirculating aquaculture system receiving the sourced water and producing discharge water, and a water discharge point located within second segment of the saline aquifer disposed below the first segment of the saline aquifer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Atlantic Sapphire IP, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thue Holm, Johan E. Andreassen
  • Patent number: 9974251
    Abstract: A multi-layered aquaponics system used for cultivation has a fish tank, at least one layer of a grow bed adapted to support growth of at least one variety of plant in a direction substantially vertical to a plane of a backing element of the layer, a growth light system having at least one LED growth-light fixture disposed above the grow bed, a water supply system having a water circulation loop, and an aeration system without a power source. The aeration system includes a standpipe inside the layers of grow beds and a plurality of bell siphons positioned within the standpipe and connected to a water drainpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: HORIMASA INTERNATIONAL CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Masaharu Hori, Mitsuhiro Hotta
  • Patent number: 9814220
    Abstract: An aquarium filter consists of a housing with three filter elements including a coarse filter, a fine filter and a porous substrate. A pump provides for the flow of water through the filter, so that only part of the flow passes through the porous substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Jasper Michael Van Amerongen
  • Patent number: 9708207
    Abstract: An apparatus for water filtration, that includes a macroalgal attachment means defining a first macroalgal attachment surface and a bubbling means including, a housing defining a gas inlet and a set of gas bubble ports, and a coupling means. The coupling means secures the macroalgal attachment means to the bubbling means and aligns the first macroalgal attachment surface with the set of gas bubble ports such that a first portion of the gas bubbles to be produced by the gas bubble ports are directed to travel along the first macroalgal attachment surface in contact with the first macroalgal attachment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Bryan Harold Farrish
  • Patent number: 9693538
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a recirculating aquaculture system for aquatic life. The system includes a culture tank, a sensor configured to measure a carbon dioxide concentration in the culture tank, a variable speed pump configured to circulate water through the culture tank, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the variable speed pump. The controller is configured to retrieve a maximum carbon dioxide concentration in the culture tank, retrieve a current carbon dioxide concentration, and compare the current carbon dioxide concentration to the maximum carbon dioxide concentration. When the current carbon dioxide concentration is greater than the maximum carbon dioxide concentration, the controller is configured to automatically increase the current water flow rate or automatically increase the current air flow rate based on the current gas to liquid ratio in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Dennis P. DeLong, Thomas Losordo
  • Patent number: 9693537
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a pump in an aquaculture system including a water tank that houses aquatic life. The method includes monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank, determining a flow rate threshold based on the dissolved oxygen level, and changing a speed of the pump to maintain a current flow rate through the culture tank above the flow rate threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Dennis P. Delong
  • Patent number: 9408374
    Abstract: An apparatus for aquarium water filtration comprising a macroalgal growth means defining a first macroalgal attachment material and a first bubbling means; and a containment means including a housing defining a first water inlet and a gas outlet; a docking means defining a first docking surface configured to complement a shape of an aquarium wall; the first docking surface defining a first illumination port to enable illumination to pass through the illumination port to illuminate the macroalgal attachment material; and a first coupling means to secure the macroalgal growth means to the containment means such that a first portion of gas bubbles emitted by the macroalgal growth means is confined to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Bryan H. Farrish
  • Patent number: 9363985
    Abstract: An aquarium cleaning system uses a housing that seals to the bottom of the aquarium. Water is siphoned out of the top of the housing into a vessel. As a result of the siphoned off water, additional water enters the housing via a tube assembly wherein a spray bar assembly rotates and discharges water out of a pair of opposing openings, such discharge causing a vortex. A counterflow vortex is created either by a second counterrotating spray bar assembly or via angled inlet jets on the base proximate the rotating spray bar assembly. The colliding vortexes cause substrate within the aquarium to collide and thereby clean itself. Lighter waste material is carried out of the housing by the laminar water flow of the siphon with the substrate loosing sufficient kinetic energy from the laminar flow so as to gravitationally settle back toward the base of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Byron K Ford
  • Publication number: 20150136037
    Abstract: There is provided an illumination system (100) for cultivation of aquatic animals. The illumination system (100) comprises at least one light source (110) emitting light, at least one light driver (120) arranged to drive the at least one light source (110), at least one light sensor (130) providing illuminance data for at least one point of interest (50) in said illumination system (100), and a controller (140). The controller (140) is adapted to provide control signals to the at least one light driver (120) driving the at least one light source (110) to emit light of a desired illuminance at the at least one point of interest (50). An ambient light sensor may be applied to determine control signals also in accordance with ambient light data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Erik Paul Boonekamp, Christina Tanase, Martijn Evert Paul Jansen, Willem Franke Pasveer, Hilbrand Vanden Wyngaert, René Van Honschooten, Peter Johannes Johannes Martinus Bukkems
  • Publication number: 20150114305
    Abstract: A corral for fish, the corral comprising: at least one wall that defines a pathway along which fish are able to travel wherein the pathway is inwardly winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Goodrick
  • Publication number: 20150101539
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tank having a body of water, the tank having a submerged plant material zone having plant material submerged within the body of water. The apparatus also includes an irrigated plant material platform, including additional plant material which is separated from the submerged plant material. The apparatus further includes an animal raising zone in fluid communication with at least a portion of the body of water, the animal raising zone separated from the submerged plant material zone by a porous filter. The apparatus includes a tank influent stream for passing water through the plant material zone and subsequently through the animal raising zone. The system includes a recycle loop having a pump disposed within the animal raising zone for pumping a waste product from the animal raising zone to the irrigated plant material platform. The animal raising zone may be a fish raising zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Jere Northrop
  • Patent number: 8925489
    Abstract: A fish cage for use in water comprising a main part (1) made of a watertight, substantially rigid material and has an outlet for effluent (12). The main part (1) is substantially hemispherical, and may slip unhindered through the water along a spherical path without influencing the body of water inside the cage substantially. Because the forces acting on the main part (1) from the surrounding water act mainly along the shell as opposed to perpendicular to the shell, the risk for tearing and the risk for swashing are reduced. Embodiments having flow and lighting conditions adaptable to different species are also disclosed. The cage can be localized in areas with currents and waves, and it can easily be adapted for different species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Maritime Oppdrett AS
    Inventor: Jorn Hoie
  • Patent number: 8839742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquaponics system and method. There is provided an aquaponics system including a tank (10) for housing at least one aquatic animal species; a plant growing apparatus (18) for housing one or more plant species growing in an aqueous environment; and a biofilter module including a solids removal means (12) and a biological waste digestion unit (14) including a biological species for digesting solids to produce plant nutrients. Plant nutrients are transferred to the plant growing apparatus (18) and at least a portion of the water is returned to the tank (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Urban Ecological Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Bodlovich, Kevin Gleeson
  • Patent number: 8820266
    Abstract: An integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (multico) for a primary species, preferably a carnivorous marine species with high market value, secondary, preferably an omnivorous species of medium market value and tertiary species, preferably a detrivorous species with high market value, combined with an unfolding system for the primary species to an open semi-intensive or extensive system, the multico system for the primary species is an intensive closed or semi-closed system. The secondary species is stocked in an intensive closed or semi-closed system, while the tertiary species is stocked in a semi-intensive or closed extensive or semi-closed system. The multico system of the primary species is in communication with the system of the secondary species, while the system of the secondary species is in communication with the system of the tertiary species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Maricultura Vigas S.A.P.I. de C.V.
    Inventors: David Chibras, Daniel Russek, Kevin M Fitzsimmons, Wilfrido Contreras, Shmuel Appelbaum
  • Patent number: 8813685
    Abstract: A method for keeping fish in a live and healthy condition, wherein the fish are placed in an endless flow fish tank, which occupies relatively little space, yet allows instinctively swimming fish to swim comfortably. Aerated water is pumped in one direction through a swim chamber, and water returns through a space between inner and outer container, through return flow piping, or through a second swim chamber which also serves as a return flow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Keepalive, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Vento
  • Patent number: 8813684
    Abstract: This system for cultivating marine species employs a marine-based array of floating closed-containment tanks composed of panels made of waterproof fiberglass laminate materials and internal buoyant foam-based materials. The panels, connected by flanged struts, form the walls and bottom of the tanks, which are substantially cylindrical in overall shape. The tops of the tanks are open to the atmosphere but are protected from predators via a thick mesh top net. The system also employs a filtration system which utilizes centrifugal water flow and hydraulics to remove sludge and solid matter which is then filtered and transformed into a component for use in garden fertilizers. It also uses an electronic computerized system for monitoring and controlling the marine species rearing environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Agrimarine Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8683954
    Abstract: A finfish aquaculture containment pen having a plurality of panels that when joined together form the majority of the exterior surface of the containment pen. The panels each comprise tension-bearing mesh material forming the exterior surface of the containment pen, a plurality of compression-bearing struts extending along the boundaries between panels, wherein the mesh material is attached to the struts along the lengths of the struts, and a plurality of hubs at which a plurality of struts and the corners of a plurality of panels abut each other. The panels can form a polyhedral structure. The mesh can comprise coated wire mesh. The struts can be curved members with convex curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ocean Farm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen H. Page
  • Patent number: 8677942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquaponics system and method. There is provided an aquaponics system including a tank (10) for housing at least one aquatic animal species; a plant growing apparatus (18) for housing one or more plant species growing in an aqueous environment; and a biofilter module including a solids removal means (12) and a biological waste digestion unit (14) including a biological species for digesting solids to produce plant nutrients. Plant nutrients are transferred to the plant growing apparatus (18) and at least a portion of the water is returned to the tank (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Urban Ecological Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrew Bodlovich, Kevin Gleeson
  • Publication number: 20130319342
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein disclose a fish brooding and filtration system. The system includes a brooding tank configured to contain water and fish for breeding. The brooding tank is in fluid communication a filtration tank, which is configured to extract nitrites from the water circulating through the system. A pump circulates the water through at least one conduit and an injector that receives a flow of water generated by the pump and draws air into the injector. The injector is further operable to inject a mixture of the drawn air and the water into the brooding tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: John Musser
  • Publication number: 20130263792
    Abstract: A method for keeping fish in a live and healthy condition, wherein the fish are placed in an endless flow fish tank, which occupies relatively little space, yet allows instinctively swimming fish to swim comfortably. Aerated water is pumped in one direction through a swim chamber, and water returns through a space between inner and outer container, through return flow piping, or through a second swim chamber which also serves as a return flow chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Vento
  • Patent number: 8516976
    Abstract: An incubator-type fish farm which can enhance water quality without using harmful chemicals and can be operated regardless of a change in temperature. The fish farm includes water reservoirs, corrugated pipe, a water storage unit, a filtering unit, a heating unit, a cooling unit and cover support rods. The corrugated pipe is provided in each water reservoir, and both ends thereof protrude out of the water reservoir. The water storage unit separately stores the acidic water and the alkaline water. The filtering unit stores water discharged from the water reservoirs and supplies the alkaline water or the acidic water from the water storage unit into the water reservoirs. An adsorption plate is provided in the filter unit. The heating unit heats water circulating along the corrugated pipe and the cooling unit cools it. The cover support rods extend from a first end of the top each water reservoir to a second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Chun Bae Kim
  • Publication number: 20130180460
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a pump in an aquaculture system including a water tank that houses aquatic life. The method includes monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank, determining a flow rate threshold based on the dissolved oxygen level, and changing a speed of the pump to maintain a current flow rate through the culture tank above the flow rate threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, JR., Dennis P. Delong
  • Patent number: 8485132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for transporting live fish, in which a protein skimmer is installed together with a fish tank in an interior of a cargo room of the container, bubbles discharged from the protein skimmer are stored in a large-capacity bubble tank, a water cooler having a refrigerating unit is installed in a container driver unit such that water discharged from the fish tank is cooled and resupplied to the fish tank, or water cooled by the water cooler can be brought into contact with the external air while the water is being injected into a dry filtering tank installed on the fish tank, and a filtering member impregnated with microorganisms that have been cultured therein is arranged in the dry filtering tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Daeil Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung Suk Kong
  • Publication number: 20130112151
    Abstract: The invention provides a breeding system for aquatic fauna that includes a chamber (2) having a wall (4) made from a water impermeable material. In one embodiment the chamber is provided with one or more hatches (20) in the wall where each hatch can be opened to a selectable extent. In another embodiment, the chamber has a selectable volume. The breeding system according to another embodiment includes one or more of the life support systems (30) adapted to be submerged in water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: BIO BOOOT LTD.
    Inventor: Aviv Mizrachi
  • Publication number: 20130008386
    Abstract: A sustainable food production system, known as aquaponics, is housed in at least a portion of an intermodal shipping container. In some embodiments, the food production system can be housed fully in one intermodal shipping container or may span multiple shipping containers that can be stacked vertically, end-to-end or side-to-side. An ecosystem is created in the shipping containers where fish fertilize plants and plants clarify the water for the fish. The containers are designed to be plug-and-play and are expandable. Because they are intermodal (ISO) shipping containers, they can be easily shipped anywhere in the world. In the area of a standard parking space (8 feet by 20 feet), about 1,500 fish per year and hundreds of vegetables monthly can be raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Cameron Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8349191
    Abstract: A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Revalesio Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony B. Wood
  • Publication number: 20120325161
    Abstract: A finfish aquaculture containment pen having a plurality of panels that when joined together form the majority of the exterior surface of the containment pen. The panels each comprise tension-hearing mesh material forming the exterior surface of the containment pen, a plurality of compression-bearing struts extending along the boundaries between panels, wherein the mesh material is attached to the struts along the lengths of the struts, and a plurality of hubs at which a plurality of struts and the corners of a plurality of panels abut each other. The panels can form a polyhedral structure. The mesh can comprise coated wire mesh. The struts can be curved members with convex curvature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Cartwright, Stephen H. Page
  • Patent number: 8336498
    Abstract: A shrimp aquaculture structure including a set of at least two raceways each having a length, width, and at least one depth to give an average depth, and including two ends, two side walls having a top, a sloped bottom joining each side wall at two side wall junctions. Some of five raceways may be stacked at least partially on top of another of the five raceways. According to another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a process of shrimp aquaculture by using the set of five raceways and sequentially transferring shrimp form one raceway to another once the shrimp reach a given average size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventor: Addison Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8318478
    Abstract: A photobioreactor comprising a receptacle with a first and a second outer side surface, wherein the receptacle is formed from a flexible, fluid-tight and transparent material, and wherein the receptacle is disposed in a rack provided with elongated, substantially vertical, support elements arranged in at least one horizontal row, whereby the support elements abut, in an alternating and supporting manner, against the first and the second outer side surfaces of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: MicroA AS
    Inventor: Lars Andreas Dahle
  • Publication number: 20120277449
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for producing fish lipids and/or biofuels from algae that use nutrient-?ch water derived from an upwelled water. The methods comprise harvesting the algae by a population of planktivorous organisms, such as fishes, gathering the planktivorous organisms, and extracting lipids from the organisms and/or polishing the lipids to form biofuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Gaye Elizabeth Morgenthaler
  • Publication number: 20120192798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for transporting live fish, in which a protein skimmer is installed together with a fish tank in an interior of a cargo room of the container, bubbles discharged from the protein skimmer are stored in a large-capacity bubble tank, a water cooler having a refrigerating unit is installed in a container driver unit such that water discharged from the fish tank is cooled and resupplied to the fish tank, or water cooled by the water cooler can be brought into contact with the external air while the water is being injected into a dry filtering tank installed on the fish tank, and a filtering member impregnated with microorganisms that have been cultured therein is arranged in the dry filtering tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: DAEIL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyung Suk Kong
  • Publication number: 20120184001
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for sustainable aquaculture. The methods provided herein allows recovery and/or recycling of autochthonous nutrients in fish farming, and recovery of allochthonous nutrients present in eutrophic water. The systems provided herein comprises two closely spaced cages, an array of rotary panels that regulates the flow of matters between the two cages; and a means for producing a directional water current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: LiveFuels, Inc.
    Inventors: David Stephen, Benjamin Chiau-pin Wu
  • Patent number: 8176875
    Abstract: An aquaponic method and apparatus used to raise fish in fish rearing tanks is combined with hydroponic channels for growing crops, in which fertilizer nutrients from the aquaculture effluent are utilized as fertilizer. The aquaponic method and apparatus produce a first water circulation system during the day in which water is repeatedly cycled from a sump, bypassing fish rearing tanks, to a clarifier for removing solids, a degasifier for removing volatile compound, then to the hydroponic channels, and then, back from the hydroponic channels to the sump. The aquaponic method and apparatus also produce a second circulation system during the night in which water is repeatedly cycled from the sump to the fish rearing tanks, from the fish rearing tanks to the clarifier, then from the clarifier to the hydroponic channels and then back from the hydroponic channels to the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
    Inventor: Saad F. Alshammary
  • Publication number: 20120111281
    Abstract: An aquaponic method and apparatus used to raise fish in fish rearing tanks is combined with hydroponic channels for growing crops, in which fertilizer nutrients from the aquaculture effluent are utilized as fertilizer. The aquaponic method and apparatus produce a first water circulation system during the day in which water is repeatedly cycled from a sump, bypassing fish rearing tanks, to a clarifier for removing solids, a degasifier for removing volatile compound, then to the hydroponic channels, and then, back from the hydroponic channels to the sump. The aquaponic method and apparatus also produce a second circulation system during the night in which water is repeatedly cycled from the sump to the fish rearing tanks, from the fish rearing tanks to the clarifier, then from the clarifier to the hydroponic channels and then back from the hydroponic channels to the sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Saad F. Alshammary
  • Publication number: 20120103272
    Abstract: The “Microcosm Terrestrial and Aquatic Landscape Habitat” is a Main Basin Pond 4 surrounded on three sides by artificial rock, “Miniature Mountains” 3a, 3b, 3c or Natural Looking Imitation Rocks. The fourth, front side has no “Miniature Mountains” or Natural Looking Imitation Rocks to enclose the Main Basin Pond. Instead, here I adhere on a Pane of Glass 2a to the imitation rock surface using Silicon Sealant 2b or other sealants 2c: A pond-aquarium hybrid! The “Miniature Mountains” are higher than the water level in the Main Basin Pond. On the top or sides of the “Miniature Mountains” is an Upper Pool 5. Water in the Main Basin Pond is circulated up to the Upper Pool using a Submersible, Electric, Aquatic, Pump 8. From the Upper Pool, the Water then flows down a Water Course to the Waterfalls and back to the Main Basin Pond to oxygenate the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas Joseph Gramza
  • Patent number: 8141515
    Abstract: A method of aquaculture is applicable to a novel culture arrangement for diversified farming of generally deep sea fin fishes, shrimps, and shellfishes. A pre-manufactured enclosed cultivation tank is provided and air compressor facility is included for pressurization and oxygenation so as to make the interior of the cultivation tank a pressurized water environment of predetermined high pressure. A low pressure siphon tube is included for sucking and removing excrements from the cultivation tank and to realize water replacement in a natural manner thereby providing a deep sea mimicked clean cultivation environment. The drained water is subjected to multiple steps of filtration and purification for separating the excrements from the water and for purifying water to allow cyclic use of the water. An arrangement of multiple cultivation tanks allows for diversified and multi-species cultivation of fishery products and deep sea fishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Te-Chih Nien
  • Publication number: 20120058248
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for reducing algal biomass in eutrophic water, wherein organism that feed on algae are introduced into the eutrophic water and cultured in the eutrophic water, until the algal biomass is reduced or the organisms have reach desirable size. The body of eutrophic water can be restocked with juveniles after harvesting. The organisms can be fishes and/or shellfishes. The methods further comprising producing biofuel, specialty chemicals, nutraceuticals, food, and/or fish meal from the harvested fish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: LiveFuels, Inc.
    Inventors: David Stephen, Gaye Elizabeth Morgenthaler, Benjamin Chiau-Pin Wu, David Vancott Jones
  • Patent number: 8117992
    Abstract: A system related to inland farming of seafood products within an environmentally-controlled seafood-farming environment. The seafood-farming environment is preferably established within at least one substantially buried space. The associated apparatus preferably comprises at least one nutrient supplier to supply adequate nutrients to at least one aqueous medium supporting the farming of the seafood, and at least one waste remover to remove unwanted waste from the aqueous medium. Surface crops are grown above and around the seafood-farming environment to maximize production within the farming site. A kit and methods of implementation are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aqua Culture Joint Venture
    Inventors: Neal S. Parsons, Steven De Wayne Wooten, Louis J. Raj, Jr.