Feeding Method Patents (Class 119/230)
  • Patent number: 12100201
    Abstract: Computer-implemented techniques for multi-modal aquatic biomass estimation includes determining a fish mass measurement, a fish count, or a direct fish biomass estimate from a sample of one or more digital images or digital video captured by a digital camera immersed underwater in a fish farm enclosure. A technique further includes determining a plurality of fish densities for a plurality of water volumes within the fish farm enclosure based on analysis of signals received from a plurality of bias estimation sensors immersed underwater in the fish farm enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Aquabyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryton Shang, Alok Saxena
  • Patent number: 12077263
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, that control devices in an aquaculture environment. One of the methods includes determining a particular objective for a robot that is operating in an aquaculture environment and determining one or more sensed conditions that are associated with the aquaculture environment. The particular objective is provided to an anti-fish-startling model evaluation engine that is configured to output actions, for a given objective, that accomplish the given objective while reducing a startling effect on nearby fish. Based on providing the particular objective to the anti-fish-startling model evaluation engine, one or more particular actions for accomplishing the particular objective are determined. The one or more particular actions are transmitted to another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: TidalX AI Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Rossignol, Ryan Heacock, Nupur Garg, Barnaby John James
  • Patent number: 11528885
    Abstract: Generating consensus feeding appetite forecasts include providing a first feeding parameter data set associated with a first feeding parameter to a first feeding appetite forecast model and providing a second feeding parameter data set associated with a second feeding parameter to a second feeding appetite forecast model different from the first forecast model. The first feeding appetite forecast model is adaptively weighted with a first weighting factor relative to a second weighting factor for the second feeding appetite forecast model. An aggregated appetite score based on a combination of the first feeding appetite forecast model using the first weight factor and the second feeding appetite forecast model using the second weight factor. Further, a feeding instruction signal based at least in part on the aggregated appetite score is provided for modifying the operations of a feed control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Ecto, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitry Kozachenok, Allen Torng
  • Patent number: 11532153
    Abstract: A method of surface splash scoring includes receiving, at an electronic device, a set of camera frames corresponding to images of a water surface. The electronic device processes the set of camera frames with a trained machine learning model to generate one or more quantifications associated with fish activity proximate the water surface. In some embodiments, a surface splash score is computed that represents an appetite level anticipated to be exhibited for a first time period. Subsequently, the electronic device generates an output indicative of the surface splash score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Ecto, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitry Kozachenok, Ming Chen, Pablo Valdes Donoso, David Israel Machovec, Allen Torng
  • Patent number: 11382314
    Abstract: A mobile quantitative feeding-spraying integrated system and method. The system includes at least one hull equipped with a propeller, a feeder housing fixedly arranged on the hull, a feed box arranged on the feeder housing, a flip assembly provided at an upper end of the feed box, a blanking device arranged in the feeder housing to quantitatively control the bait blanking amount, a casting device and a spraying device. An upper end of the blanking device is a feeding end, which supports and is connected to the lower end of the feed box. A lower end of the blanking device is the discharging end. An upper side of the casting device is connected with the lower end of the blanking device, and the lower side of the casting device is provided with a discharging end facing the aquaculture water body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Ocean University
    Inventors: Lizhen Zhang, Shanhan Liu, Jiemin Ye, Di Wu, Leilei Chen
  • Patent number: 11369093
    Abstract: Monitoring systems and methods for tracking movement of one or more animals in an enclosure, such as a fish tank, include introducing various stimuli, such as food, light, and auditory stimuli, and tracking the movement of the animals in response to these stimuli. Movement patterns of the animals can be determined and analyzed from data obtain from cameras that record images/videos of the relevant portions of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Georgetown University
    Inventors: Jagmeet S. Kanwal, Bishen J. Singh
  • Patent number: 10180055
    Abstract: A method of filtering a fluid for injection into an injection well comprises opening an actuator valve, actuating a pump in fluid communication with the actuator valve, receiving a fluid comprising solids within a filter assembly, where the pump is in fluid communication with the filter assembly, separating at least a portion of the suspended solids in the fluid within the filter assembly, ceasing separation of the suspended solids from the fluid, initiating a cleaning cycle for the filter assembly after ceasing separation of the suspended solids, washing at least the portion of the suspended solids from the filter assembly into a solids collection vessel using a cleaning fluid after initiating the cleaning cycle, and resuming separation of the suspended solids from the fluid after washing at least the portion of the suspended solids from the filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Eric Benavides
  • Patent number: 9992979
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of aquaculture of at least one farmed organism, such as fish, shrimp or any organism suitable for farming in an aquatic environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Blue Aqua International PTE LTD
    Inventor: Farshad Shishehchian
  • Patent number: 9510568
    Abstract: A shrimp aquaculture system includes the steps of: (1) preparing a water container; (2) exposing the water container under the sunlight, and then filling with predetermined amount of water; (3) adding 50 liter of liquid-fermentation feed into the water container at least 1 to 2 times per day; (4) adding 50 kilogram of beneficial agents into the water container once per day to obtain nursing water; (5) adding larva and young shrimp into the nursing water, and further adding a solid-fermentation feed into the nursing water, at least once a day, lasting for 0.5 to 3 months beginning on the date of adding young and larva shrimp; (6) three months later, adding regular shrimp feed containing beneficial agents into the water container; and (7) adding the amount of 1 to 3 ppm of photosynthetic bacteria into the nursing water of the water container once a day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Shiu Nan Chen, Sherwin Chen
  • Publication number: 20150144069
    Abstract: A system and a process for the production of a totally organic soil enhancement material product which includes waste byproduct from fish farming operations and common soil microbiology prepared and delivered in a carefully controlled process which greatly increases plant health and growth while simultaneously reducing the need to apply synthetic chemicals for nutrients, pests and disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: J. Rodney Dickerson, Valerie Vivian-Rogers, Gary J. Winrow, Christian Thomas Colarusso
  • Patent number: 9021987
    Abstract: A Vertically Integrated Aquaculture System for producing high quality consumer seafood products at a significantly reduced cost. The Vertically Integrated Aquaculture System includes at least one aquaculture grow-out module for containing an aquaculture species, a feed handling system for distributing feed to the aquaculture species located in the aquaculture grow-out module(s), an aquaculture species moving system for routing the aquaculture species at least out of the aquaculture grow-out module(s), and a processing system for processing the aquaculture species after harvesting from the aquaculture grow-out module(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Aquama of Aquaculture Technologies, Ltd, Dakota Fisheries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Myers
  • Publication number: 20150056672
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for producing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or derivatives and/or mixtures thereof by growing algae that produce the oils containing EPA and/or DHA and/or derivatives and/or mixtures thereof, harvesting the algae with fish in one or more enclosed systems, and then processing fish to separate and purify the EPA and/or DHA. The multi-trophic systems provided herein comprise at least one enclosure that contains the algae and the fishes, and means for controllably feeding the algae to the fishes. Also provided herein are the lipid compositions extracted from the fishes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: LiveFuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Chiau-pin Wu, David Stephen, Gaye Elizabeth Morgenthaler, David Vancott Jones
  • Patent number: 8955457
    Abstract: A method for feeding farmed fish by using au automatic feeder (20), which supplies a feed to the farmed fish in accordance with a preset feeding schedule, and a feed-demand sensor (22), which detects a demand for the feed by the farmed fish, characterized in that the feed-supply by the automatic feeder (20) is controlled on the basis of the detection results from the feed-demand sensor (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Weimin Chen, Toru Mitsuboshi
  • Publication number: 20140345535
    Abstract: The present invention relates to feedstuffs for use in aquaculture, as well as methods for producing said feedstuffs. The invention also provides methods for rearing fish and/or crustaceans. In particular, the present invention provides a method of rearing a fish or crustacean, the method comprising feeding the fish or crustacean a feedstuff comprising lipid, the fatty acid of said lipid comprising at least 5.5% (w/w) stearidonic acid (SDA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Miller, Christopher Guy Carter, Peter David Nichols, Surinder Pal Singh, Xue-Rong Zhou, Allan Graham Green
  • Publication number: 20140261211
    Abstract: An illuminating system for illuminating a vivarium from the side panel of a vivarium using light emitting diodes. A containment ring for dispensing fish food within an aquarium. A perforated container with a lid for dispensing food within a vivarium. A brush for cleaning a vivarium. A method for soaking food in a sinking tray. A method of dispensing bait from a perforated container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ling Liu Tuan, Charles T. Tuan
  • Patent number: 8833306
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the use of variants of the Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) to stimulate the growth and to improve the immunological system of aquatic organisms. The variants of the peptide were provided by immersion, injection or as a food additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Centro de Ingenieria Genetica Y Biotecnologia
    Inventors: Juana Maria Lugo González, Mario Pablo Estrada Garcia, Alina Rodriguez Mallon, Yamila Carpio González, Antonio Morales Rojas, Osmany Rodrigo González De Sosa, Reynold Morales Fernández, Fidel Francisco Herrera Miyares
  • Patent number: 8795744
    Abstract: The present invention relates to feedstuffs for use in aquaculture, as well as methods for producing said feedstuffs. The invention also provides methods for rearing fish and/or crustaceans. In particular, the present invention provides a method of rearing a fish or crustacean, the method comprising feeding the fish or crustacean a feedstuff comprising lipid, the fatty acid of said lipid comprising at least 5.5% (w/w) stearidonic acid (SDA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Miller, Christopher Guy Carter, Peter David Nichols, Surinder Pal Singh, Xue-Rong Zhou, Allan Graham Green
  • Patent number: 8752506
    Abstract: An aquatic feeding device includes a hollow body having an exterior wall, the exterior wall including an exterior surface defining an external shape of the feeding device and an interior surface defining an inner cavity of the feeding device. The hollow body includes an upper end and a lower end. An air tight chamber is formed within the inner cavity of the feeding device adjacent the upper end of the hollow body. A plurality of feeding apertures are formed within the exterior wall adjacent the air tight chamber. The plurality of feeding apertures are shaped and dimensioned to permit pets with access to the inner cavity of the feeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Zoo Med Laboratories Inc
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Bagnall
  • Patent number: 8689738
    Abstract: Feeding method and production technology of a vegetarian feed for carnivorous fish prepared from Spirulina and Chlorella algae that are produced by cell proliferation in production tanks in electrolyzed water with chlorine-neutralizing sodium thiosulfate and are subsequently dried, pelleted and packaged. The fish feed can be employed without the fish having diarrhea. As a result, the water in fish breeding tanks does not become immoderately eutrophic and at the same time the daily weight gain of the fish is not affected. An optimum daily growth rate and a fish flesh quality can be achieved without the use of animal and fish-based proteins in the fish food ration. The fish food is also inexpensive and ecologically sustainable and ethically acceptable, since it contributes to the rescue of the remaining fish stocks in waters worldwide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Hanspeter Steffen
  • Publication number: 20140041595
    Abstract: A farming feed for fish in freshwater, wherein, in addition to the content of starch as an ordinary binder, there has been added to the feed up to 25 g per kg of constituent feed ingredients of a faecal binder of a non-starch type, and methods of making and using the same. The feed may be of a pressed or extruded type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Trouw International B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Brinker, Wolfgang M. Koppe, Andries Jan Roem
  • Publication number: 20130337030
    Abstract: A nutriment or medicament may have a neutral buoyancy for being suspended in a liquid, or at a desired depth within the liquid to improve consumption of the nutriment or medicament and reduce waste. Disclosed also are methods for making and using the neutrally buoyant products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventors: Georgius Abidal Adam, Michael Keoni Manion
  • Publication number: 20130284105
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic feeding system for an underwater fish farm, which includes a marine base facility standing vertically in the sea; an underwater fish farm installed on an outer surface of the marine base facility; a storage tank installed inside the marine base facility to store feed to be supplied to the underwater fish farm; a feed transfer device transferring the feed discharged through an outlet of the storage tank; a feed supply device mixing seawater with the feed transferred by the feed transfer device and supplying the mixture to the underwater fish farm; a controller installed inside the marine base facility to control operations of the feed transfer device and the feed supply device; and an illumination device installed in the underwater fish farm to illuminate an inside of the underwater fish farm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: NNT-SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jungho Han, Seungju Lee
  • Publication number: 20130247831
    Abstract: There is a method of treating an animal including the step of providing a live food creature configured to be consumable to an animal to be treated. The method includes applying a beneficial substance to the live food creature such that when consumed, the beneficial substance is consumed along with the live food creature. The step of applying a beneficial substance includes injecting the beneficial substance into the live food creature. The method may include the step of feeding the live food creature to the animal to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Kyle Clark Howes, Jeremy James Olsen
  • Publication number: 20130216690
    Abstract: Aquaculture meat products having a ratio of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of eicosapentaenoic acid [“EPA”; cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid; 20:5], to docosahexaenoic acid [“DHA”; cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid; 22:6], equal to or greater than 1.4:1 based on the individual concentrations of each as a percent of the total fatty acids in the aquaculture meat product are disclosed. Furthermore, such aquaculture meat products may have a concentration of the sum of EPA and DHA that is at least about 0.5%, measured as a weight percent of the aquaculture meat product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20130205850
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aquafeed, animal feed and fertilizer compositions comprising microalgae clinched with minerals and a method of enriching microalgae with minerals in non-metabolized form. Specifically, the method includes the creation of an enriched microalgae product through the assimilation, reversible chelation, and absorption of supplemental minerals required in the diet of adult fish and other aquatic animals which minimizes leaching of the supplemental minerals before ingestion by the fish. Additionally, the enriched microalgae product can be used as both a direct feed or fertilizer, or as part of an aquafeed, non-aquatic animal feed, or plant fertilizer mixture. The combination and proportion of the minerals can be adjusted to the animal or plant receiving the mineral enriched algae composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Heliae Development LLC
    Inventor: Heliae Development LLC
  • Publication number: 20130206078
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling feeding of farmed fish living within a restricted volume, such as a sea cage (10), comprising at least one sensor for direct or indirect measurement of changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) in a feeding area of the fish during feeding, and further comprising a controller (4) receiving input from said at least one sensor and providing output to an automated feed providing system for controlling the amount of food provided to the fish, wherein an increased oxygen consumption and a correspondingly decreased amount of DO in said feeding area serves as an indication of fish hunger and an input parameter of the controlling system. The invention also relates to a method for controlling feeding of farmed fish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicants: HAVFORSKININGSINSTITUTTET, UNIVERSITETET I STAVANGER
    Inventors: Rune Melberg, Thomas Torgersen
  • Publication number: 20130164331
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel live attenuated isolate and sub-isolets thereof of a strain of the pathogen Edwardsiella ictaluri for protecting fish from ESC infection or disease, a vaccine composition comprising the isolet, a method of oral delivery of the vaccine and any vaccine, and an apparatus designed to effectively mix the vaccine with fish feed and deliver the vaccine to fish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: David J. Wise, Terrence Greenway, Todd Byars
  • Publication number: 20130149411
    Abstract: A process includes microbially degrading harvested polyculture plant material to form a concentrated microbial biomass and providing the concentrated microbial biomass to an intermediary animal for consumption. The process may also be directed to producing a product animal which includes providing a growth area having an outlet for waste and providing a harvested plant material collection area having an outlet for degradation products. The process may also include providing a microbial growth system for producing a bacterial biomass and directing at least some waste from the outlet of the product animal growth area to the harvested plant material collection area. The process may also include directing at least some degradation products to the microbial growth system, directing some of the microbial biomass produced in the microbial growth system to an intermediary animal for consumption, and directing the intermediary animal to a product animal growth area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Jere Northrop
  • Publication number: 20130055960
    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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MARICULTURA VIGAS S.A.P.I. DE C.V.
    Inventors: David CHIBRAS, Daniel RUSSEK, Kevin M. FITZSIMMONS, Wilfrido CONTRERAS, Shmuel APPELBAUM
  • Publication number: 20130008384
    Abstract: An animal feed mixture containing DL-methionyl-DL-methionine and salts thereof for animals kept in aquacultures is provided. Methods for preparing DL-methionyl-DL-methionine of formula (I) and methods to fractionate the diasteriomeric forms obtained are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph KOBLER, Thomas Haeussner, Christoph Weckbecker
  • Publication number: 20130006445
    Abstract: This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger G. Hine
  • Publication number: 20120285392
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for mixing of carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or other nutrients in an ocean, wherein surface water CO2 is decreased to reduce or slow acidification of the ocean, and increases in fish populations are advantageously promoted. Also disclosed herein are methods and systems for recovery of nutrients, for example, phosphorus, from an ocean floor in the form of fish biomass, which may be used to make such useful products as fish fillets, fish meal, fish oil, biofuel or fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: LiveFuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Gaye Elizabeth Morgenthaler, David Vancott Jones
  • Publication number: 20120204802
    Abstract: A method of sustainably producing an aquaculture meat product by feeding a fish over its dietary cycles a sustainably produced aquaculture feed composition is disclosed. This method comprises: a) formulating an aquaculture feed composition by replacing all or part of fish oil in the composition with an alternate source(s) of eicosapentaenoic acid (“EPA”) and, optionally, docosahexaenoic acid (“DHA”), wherein the EPA:DHA ratio is at least 2:1 in the aquaculture feed composition; and, b) adjusting the aquaculture feed composition over the life cycle of the fish to produce an aquaculture meat product; wherein the Feeder Fish Efficiency Ratio for fish oil is equal to or less than two and the aquaculture meat product has a EPA:DHA ratio equal to or greater than 1.4:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott E. Nichols, Gonzalo Javier Quesada
  • Publication number: 20120207912
    Abstract: Aquaculture meat products having a ratio of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of eicosapentaenoic acid [“EPA”; cis-5, 8, 11, 14, 17-eicosapentaenoic acid; 20:5], to docosahexaenoic acid [“DHA”; cis-4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19-docosahexaenoic acid; 22:6], equal to or greater than 1.4:1 based on the individual concentrations of each as a percent of the total fatty acids in the aquaculture meat product are disclosed. Furthermore, such aquaculture meat products may have a concentration of the sum of EPA and DHA that is at least about 0.5%, measured as a weight percent of the aquaculture meat product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott E. Nichols, J. Martin Odom
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120058542
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for regulating algal biomass in offshore waters near an oil and gas production platform. The systems of the invention encompasses a plurality of modules for managing nutrients, algae, and aquaculture, including enclosures for containing aquatic organisms, and various operating subsystems that are operably associated with surface and underwater structures of the platform. In one embodiment of the invention, aquatic organisms are cultured in eutrophic water to feed on algae, thereby reducing the algal biomass. In other embodiments, the diversity of algae in an algal bloom is modified and the productivity of oligotrophic water is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Live Fuels ,Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Chiau-pin Wu, David Stephen, Gaye Elizabeth Morgenthaler, David Vancott Jones
  • Publication number: 20120055412
    Abstract: A method for feeding farmed fish by using au automatic feeder (20), which supplies a feed to the farmed fish in accordance with a preset feeding schedule, and a feed-demand sensor (22), which detects a demand for the feed by the farmed fish, characterized in that the feed-supply by the automatic feeder (20) is controlled on the basis of the detection results from the feed-demand sensor (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: NIPPON SUISAN KAISHA, LTD.
    Inventors: Weimin Chen, Toru Mitsuboshi
  • Publication number: 20110308474
    Abstract: Fish feed where the fish feed is produced by extrusion and contains at least 3 percent by weight of the amino acid arginine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: TROUW INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Wolfgang M. Koppe, Leo Nankervis, Alex Obach
  • Publication number: 20110180010
    Abstract: The invention describes previously undisclosed crystal forms of astaxanthin designated crystal form I and II. It has been surprisingly found that the two crystal forms of astaxanthin show an improved bioavailability, a relatively high solubility in specific organic solvents and an increased long-term stability. For example the new forms are stable in solid form for at least 90 days at a temperature of 20° C.-40° C. It was further found that the two crystal forms can be prepared from each other. Therefore the invention also relates to methods for preparing said crystal forms. In addition, the invention relates to administration forms (hereinafter also called “formulations”) comprising one of the two crystal forms according to the invention or mixtures thereof dissolved or suspended in oil or organic-solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Jingfei Guo, Matthew J. Jones, Christian Schaefer, Joachim Ulrich, Viviane Verlhactrichet
  • Patent number: 7942114
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a delivery system for the underwater feeding of aquatic life, wherein the delivery system is compact and secured to a user thereby providing ease of use and ready accessibility of the delivery system while the user is engaged in underwater activities. The delivery system further prevents the backwash of water from the aqueous environment into the delivery system when in use. Additionally, the delivery system comprises a food composition for the feeding of the aquatic life that is not readily water soluble and that has a sufficient viscosity such that the food composition will not readily disperse or dissolve when dispensed into the aqueous environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Sonia R. Hillios, Christopher H. Hillios
  • Publication number: 20110107977
    Abstract: A divider for fish aquariums, comprising a dividing wall that is specially designed for use in fish tanks to keep feeder fish and predatory fish in separate sections during non-feeding times, helping to better control the feeding habits of the latter is provided. Basically square in shape, the Control Feeder for Fish Tanks is offered in various sizes to accommodate virtually any aquarium. The present invention is made from durable, clear plexiglass material, and outlined with rubber sealant to keep the divider securely in place while in use. Outfitted with a series of small openings to facilitate water flow, the Control Feeder for Fish Tanks also contains three (3) larger, circular openings, which can be opened and closed via a sliding door mechanism to allow the feeder fish to pass into the predatory fish section of the aquarium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Alvin Smalls
  • Publication number: 20100319077
    Abstract: The present invention provides a salmon flesh color improving method and a salmon flesh color improving feed which are usable for producing a salmon having a mild reddish orange flesh color close to the flesh color of wild fish, and a salmon and fish flesh thereof produced by such a flesh color improving method. The present invention also provides a method for producing a salmon having a mild reddish orange flesh color, comprising cultivating the salmon with a feed comprising a carotenoid colorant mixed therein, the carotenoid colorant comprising at least astaxanthin, phoenicoxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonixanthin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Nippon Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Hirasawa, Akira Tsubokura, Hisashi Yoneda
  • Patent number: 7850134
    Abstract: A magnet-holder for attaching an object to a glass pane has two parts of a holder which can be placed on mutually opposed boundary faces of said glass pane and are biased towards one another by a magnetic-force apparatus. In addition, that part of the holder which is disposed on the inner side of the glass pane has a contact plate whose side that faces towards the glass pane carries a plurality of elastic holding cups which can cling to the pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tunze Aquarientechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Tunza
  • Publication number: 20100224135
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an off-shore unitary fish farming apparatus, including: a plurality of floatable fish containers aligned sequentially having attachment means for flexibly connecting the containers to maintain the containers in a predetermined relationship to one another, a dampening means attached to at least one or the containers to reduce current and wave and also deflect any floating debris away from the containers, a fish feed tank for holding, mixing and distribution of fish feed slurry to each of the plurality of fish containers, the fish tank having a securing means for attaching the dampening means to the tank; a feed dispenser for radially dispensing fish feed in the container directly beneath the water surface, anchor means to anchor the apparatus to an aquatic floor, the anchor means allowing radial movement or the tank around an anchor position and a crane mounted on the fish feed tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: AQUACULTURE ENGINEERING GROUP LTD.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Harrison, Phillip Dobson, David Hoar
  • Patent number: 7699277
    Abstract: Provided is, among other things, an attachment apparatus that includes an attachment base, a magnet attached to a first side of the attachment base and a clip structure extending from a second side of the attachment base, the second side being opposite the first side. The clip structure, in turn, includes first and second arms which can be resiliently spread apart in order to receive an item and then released in order to close around the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Bagnall
  • Publication number: 20100086647
    Abstract: The present invention relates to feed and food compositions comprising material obtained by fermenting fungi of the Basidiomycetes family in a liquid medium. Interestingly, Basidiomycetes grown in a liquid culture produce compounds which, when used in feed or food compositions enhance survival and/or support growth of normal, healthy animals. Furthermore, the compounds may modulate the microbial population in the digestive tract after oral intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: MEDIMUSH AS
    Inventor: Bjorn Kristiansen
  • Publication number: 20100077964
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an ornamental pond fish feeding indicator that has a housing with an indicator end. A first LED is enclosed in the housing at the indicator end of the housing. A second LED is also enclosed in the housing at the indicator end of the housing. A temperature sensing circuit is enclosed in the housing. The temperature sensing circuit transmits a signal to the first LED and the second LED. A float is attached to the housing. Using this invention, a pond owner can simply glance at his or her pond and determine whether or not to feed their fish based on the color of the light on top. The light on top of the indicator is red when pond water is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If the pond water is 50 degrees or over, the light is green.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: James Donald Koskey, JR.
  • Patent number: 7624703
    Abstract: A method for reducing ammonia concentration in an aqueous medium caused by the presence of fish gill/urine discharge, fish faeces and uneaten organic fish-feed particulate matter in recirculating aquaculture tanks. Fish in fish tank water are remotely located or partially isolated from the fish tank water utilized by the sono-molecular-conversion apparatus. Transient cavitation-created, collapsing microsized bubbles generated in the fishless portion of the fish tank water completes ammonia nitrification, mineralization and denitrification therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Edward Vago
  • Publication number: 20090250010
    Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing edible aquatic animals for storage by placing a living aquatic animal into a medium containing trehalose, allowing the live animal to remain in the trehalose solution for a period of time, and removing and processing the animal for storage and/or use for human consumption. The medium may contain a sugar alcohol, such as maltitol. Also, the living aquatic animal may be placed in a medium containing an acid, such as citric acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: RICH PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Maria E. Urusova, Ilya Y. Ilyin, James S. Jones, James Schrum, John Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 7584718
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for raising marine fish in freshwater. The methods involve transferring fish to freshwater containing at least one Polyvalent Cation Sensing Receptor (PVCR) modulator in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed comprises an amount of NaCl sufficient to contribute to a significant increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the marine fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: MariCal, Inc.
    Inventors: H. William Harris, Jr., David R. Russell, Jacqueline Nearing, Marlies Betka