Abstract: A method for enhancing or generating a water flow current by the generation of a velocity head differential, to guide fish, including: a venturi eductor to induce higher water pressures; a pump, piping or other motive water source; an adjustable frame to mount the venturi eductor; and a method of using this equipment. Fish may be guided into or away from a waterway area by generating or enhancing a current to guide them. The apparatus may be used as a method to guide fish through low velocity areas of a river, lake, reservoir or other waterway. The apparatus may also be used as a method to create water flow velocities that fish are reluctant to pass through for a barrier or curtain to further guide the fish. The apparatus and method may also be used to transfer temperature-variant water in a waterway.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating animated objects such as fish or other objects between a non-diverted and diverted fluid stream. Embodiments may include a screen or similar selective pass through device that is arranged in a manner that is generally horizontal (more horizontal than vertical). The non-diverted flow preferably passes over the screen while the diverted flow passes through the screen. Aspects of the apparatus may include faster sweeping velocity than pass through velocity, tapered side or bottom walls, a depressed low flow channel, a distributed under screen reservoir that facilitates distributed fluid flow through the screen or like device and various downstream flow control devices or configurations, amongst other aspects.

Abstract: Provided are a device and associated method for simulating natural hydraulic cues received instinctively by waterborne fauna. A preferred embodiment is suitable for modifying existing manmade barriers such as fish diversion screens used at dams. The simulated cues mimic those produced by the flow of water over rough streambeds. Fish detect the cues and avoid contact with the barriers in the same way that they avoid collision with natural features. In one embodiment, a series of rectangular plates are attached to the U-clip connectors on the downstream side of diversion screens. The plates are oriented approximately perpendicular to the flow lines approaching the surface of the screen. The flow contacts the plates and, because the orientation of the plate creates an unstable hydraulic field, the flow alternately slips above and below the plates, creating fluctuating local acceleration zones able to be detected by migrating fish and other waterborne fauna.

Abstract: A novel fishway apparatus comprises a channel directed generally above and over a dam or other obstruction, constructed from a plurality of components. Each component incorporates one or more baffles, each baffle having a center passage situated in the center of a dome structure. The fishway extends vertically below the normal elevation of the waterway on both sides of the obstruction, so that the fishway may be flooded by establishing a vacuum in the air pocket formed within the fishway. A well known and commercially available vacuum pump system may be used to establish this vacuum.

Abstract: A method and system allowing fish to migrate upstream and downstream, bypassing dams, obstructions, either man-made or natural, safely, freely and in a natural manner. The system consists of a meandering “nature-like” channel constructed of pneumatically placed concrete, shotcrete or gunite that simulates a waterway bed condition. The construction of riffles, ledges, undercut banks and other natural-like features to provide a foundation for the placement of fish habitat, such as gravel beds, boulders, logs, and the like. The placement of sand, gravel, cobbles and such to create and provide an aquatic environment to sustain plant and aquatic life. The introduction of plants and other aquatic life to provide forage, cover and a year around natural-like environment within a river or stream-like migratory bypass channel.

Abstract: A self-regulating tilting weir comprises a tiltable weir gate over which the water flows, the weir gate being hinged at its lower edge (3) to the base of a support frame (1) and counterbalanced by floats (4) located upstream of the weir gate so that the level of water is raised in response to a fall in the water level upstream of the weir gate and is lowered in response to an increase in the water level upstream of the weir gate, the weir gate being connected to the floats (4) by chains or cables (5) which pass over pulley wheels (6), and devices (7, 8) being provided for effecting vertical movement of the pulley wheels (6) relative to the support frame (1). A self-regulating fishway (FIGS. 9 to 11) is provided alongside the weir.

Abstract: A fish diversion apparatus for a water intake of a dam includes a frame extending between a top end oriented towards the water surface and a bottom end oriented below the water surface. The frame supports a number of bar screen panels below the water surface. The bar screen panels allow water flow therethrough from an upstream side to a downstream side. A flow scoop extends from the bottom end of the frame to direct the fish along the upstream face of the bar screen panels. A fish diverter device is provided adjacent the top end of the frame in communication with the upstream side of the bar screen panels.

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.

Abstract: There is described a fish diversion apparatus for a water intake of a (lam. The fish diversion apparatus includes a frame extending between a top end oriented towards the water surface and a bottom end oriented below the water surface. The frame supports a number of bar screen panels below the water surface. The bar screen panels allow water flow therethrough from an upstream side to a downstream side. A flow scoop extends from the bottom end of the frame to direct the fish along the upstream face of the bar screen panels. A fish diverter device is provided adjacent the top end of the frame in communication with the upstream side of the bar screen panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for reduced flow rate fish passage around dams or other obstructions, having a passage unit with a tubular passageway, an upstream valve, a downstream valve and an optional main valve, a fabricated base, and an additional passageway having a valve. The valves have an opening, a closing means, a valve stem, and an operator. The apparatus has an access pipe and an attraction flow device.

Abstract: A series of disturbed (or rippled) air-water interface regions contiguously arranged guide anadromous fish in a selected direction. Artificial or natural light, diffusely refracted by passage through the disturbed regions, establishes an aura-dominated passage that elicits a learned response from fish which have a “silver underbody” perceive the passage being safe. Accordingly, a fish guidance system in accordance with the present invention may include shower assemblies or nozzles for spraying a fluid, such as water, onto the surface of a body of water, and light assemblies for illuminating disturbed air-water interface regions created by the sprayed fluid. A dark, light absorbing surface beneath the aura-dominated passage enhances its effectiveness as do darkened regions created alongside of and complementing that passage. The darkened regions may also be advantageously exploited for guiding dark, catadromous fish.

Abstract: A lock-type fishway comprises a first part having an opening to lower water for discharging water therethrough to lure fishes to the first part and a second part having an opening to upper water. A first pipe between the first and second parts is to be filled with water by closing a gate at the first part for bringing the fishes gathered in the first part to the second part. A second pipe is in parallel to the fishway between the upper water and first part and is provided with a turbine for conducting the luring water therethrough and for recovering energy from the luring water.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fish migration past dams and other water barriers. A preferred embodiment 100 comprises a conduit 101 passing from downstream side 22 of water barrier 10 to upstream side 21 of the barrier, flow-controlling valves 102 and 105 disposed in series within conduit 101, and actuators 103 for opening valves 102 and 105 in the presence of fish. Fish 30 are attracted by flow 130 passing through conduit 101 at controlled rates by means of flow-through devices in valves 102 and 105. On entering forechamber 104 and swimming upstream the fish pass actuators 103, which cause first valve 102 to open. As first valve 102 opens, water flow through conduit 101 remains controlled and substantially uniformly turbulent under action of second valve 105. With valve 102 open fish 30 may swim to mid-span section 140 of the conduit. When no further fish are present in forechamber 104 or passing actuators 103, or enough fish are present in section 140, the first valve closes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fish ladder (1) to by-pass a vertical descent (SH) in a flowing watercourse (31F) or a dam (31T), with an upstream water inlet (2) and a downstream water outlet (3) and with basins (4) arranged between them substantially in the downstream direction, each of which has an inflow slot (5Z) and an outflow slot (5A) as vertical through-flow slots (5) and deviating apparatus (6, 13) to form a meandering passage. The basins (4) have a partially cylindrical inner wall (40). Successive basins (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) are arranged against one another and mutually laterally offset in such a way that the through-flow slots (5) run transversely to the direction of slope (G). The through-flow slots (5) are bounded on both sides by a first vertical partially cylindrical pipe (60) over the entire height (H) of the basin as a first diversion (6) with a substantially smaller radius in relation to that of the inner wall (40) of the basin.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a current to guide fish includes a propeller; a device to rotate the propeller; and a frame to mount the propeller and the device to rotate the propeller. Fish may be guided from an intake area to a fish bypass by generating a current leading away from the intake area. The apparatus may also be used to guide fish through low velocity areas in river situations.

Abstract: A river bottom fish control apparatus, which includes a mesh grid netting for providing a substrate for plants and other benthic organism growth and for decreasing turbidity in a body of water. The mesh grid netting includes a flexible plastic having mesh openings and apertures forming flaps located at spaced intervals. The apertures are relatively larger than the mesh openings. The apertures may form crescent-shaped flaps having an apex end and a hinge end and may have a recessed portion removed from the apex end of the flaps or a thin strip removed contiguous to the length of the aperture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bridge or like pillar (1) erected in a moving body of water in which the water may periodically flow in strata in one as well as the other of two opposite main flow directions. The pillar is provided with a flow compensation device including a motor-driven stream generator (9) which functions to set part of the water in motion thus compensating for the flow resistance exerted by the pillar in the water body.

Abstract: Migrating anadromous fish, and particularly salmonoid smolts, are guided in or by elongate faster moving channels defined in a body of slower moving water. Ring-like support frames are supported by floats and anchors in a water body at spaced distances along a faster moving channel to be defined. Each support frame carries one or more nozzles that receive pressurized water from a water supply system and disperse that water toward the next spacedly adjacent downstream support frame to define the faster moving channels without use of physical peripheral boundary members. The water supply system may be associated with individual support frames or with a plurality of support frames to receive water from the body in which the faster moving channel is defined and pressurize that water for dispersement. Fish are introduced into the upstream portion of the faster moving channel and instinctively tend to remain within the channel so long as the faster water motion exists therein.

Abstract: A fish screen device is adapted to be lowered to the bottom of a body of water such as a lake, river or the like and to be raised therefrom. The device includes, a housing unit including an upper flat wedge wire fish screen through which water passes and a discharge outlet for water passing through the fish screen for connection to external discharge piping. A controllable buoyancy arrangement, including a storage tank disposed within the housing unit and a compressor and control valves on shore, enables the housing unit including the fish screen to be lowered to the bottom of the body of water and to be raised therefrom. A pneumatic cleaning unit, also supplied from the compressor on shore, provides cleaning of the screen.

Abstract: The gradient salt concentration fishway is installed on or near the river bank, at points contiguous to existing flood control dams and weirs. Fresh water flows naturally downstream via the fish way. Salt water is pumped from the sea into several points in the fish way in order to mix with the fresh water of the river. By controlling the amount of salt water introduced at each stage of the fishway, the concentration of salt within the entire fishway can be made gradient. Hence, the concentration of salt nearest the ocean is the greatest while it decreases the closer it gets to the fresh water. Above the dam, the fresh water is not mixed with salt water. This system will more accurately approximate the natural conditions encountered by fish entering a brackish environment, thus easing the biological adjustments which migrating fish need.

Abstract: A fish diversion apparatus uses a plane screen to divert fish for variety of types of water intakes in order to protect fish from injury and death. The apparatus permits selection of a relatively small screen angle, for example ten degrees, to minimize fish injury. The apparatus permits selection of a high water velocity, for example ten feet per second, to maximize power generation efficiency. The apparatus is especially suitable retrofit to existing water intakes. The apparatus is modular to allow use plural modules in parallel to adjust for water flow conditions. The apparatus has a floor, two opposite side walls, and a roof which define a water flow passage and a plane screen within the passage. The screen is oriented to divert fish into a fish bypass which carries fish to a safe discharge location. The dimensions of the floor, walls, and roof are selected to define the dimensions of the passage and to permit selection of the screen angle.

Abstract: A fish guiding assembly for use adjacent to dams and the like to channel fish into a safe passage includes an elongated buoyant frame including upper and lower elongated horizontally extending frame members, and a multiplicity of vertically extending louver slats of synthetic resin horizontally spaced apart and angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of said frame. Upper and lower slat mounting members extend horizontally along the length of the frame and are supported thereby, and engage the slats adjacent their upper and lower ends to retain them in angular orientation. The upper ends of the louver slats are engaged to maintain them in the mounting members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for passing migratory fish by dams to the sea. The method includes the creation of a water flow within a main conduit and in one or more collection conduits flowing into the main conduit from spawning areas; lighting the interior of the tubes by artificial lights to attract the fish and keep the fish moving downstream within the conduits; and emptying the fish and water on the downstream side of a dam, preferably by siphoning the water and fish over the dam. The apparatus includes the collection conduits; the main conduit receiving input from the collection conduits; pumps for creating water flow; a lighting system within the conduits; a siphon over the dam; and an open flume for non-pressurized passage of the fish down to the downstream level below the dam.

Abstract: An automatic swing fishway apparatus for allowing fish to swim upstream can be installed in dams or weirs to accommodate fluctuations in upstream water levels. The apparatus includes a hydraulic chamber in a bottom of a waterway which bypasses a dam, and a fishway device body. The fishway device body includes a fishway portion in which a plurality of dividing walls are located vertically on a floor plate provided above the hydraulic chamber and a buoyant sealed portion is provided beneath a floor. The fishway device body also includes a main shaft arranged on a downstream side so that the fishway device body can rotate freely. The hydraulic chamber is connected to an upstream end of the fishway device body through an overflow weir and the hydraulic chamber is connected to a downstream waterway via an outflow port.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to prevent the entrance of aquatic species into the intake watercourse having a U-shaped cross section with a narrow bottom and a wide surface, in which oppositely facing electrodes are installed vertically along the side walls on both sides of the intake watercourse, and the distance between the upper ends of the electrodes is made greater than the distance between the lower ends of the electrodes, and a voltage is impressed between the both electrodes. Since the electric barrier intensity is smallest at the surface of water and becomes greater as it goes toward the bottom of water, the river fish moving around the bottom of water make a U-turn when they reach the strong electric barrier, or alternatively, after reaching the strong electric barrier, they move upward to where the electric barrier is weaker and then make a U-turn, thereby the entrance of aquatic species into the intake watercourse can be prevented.

Abstract: A fish protection system for dams comprises a series of modular units which interconnect by male and female fittings on each side of the modular unit. Each modular unit comprises a casing, an inner box and an outer box for anchoring the unit to a stream bed and side frames. A screen and cleaning mechanism can be placed within the modular units where the screens clean and direct debris and fish to a fish ladder. A cleaning comb or cutting bar moves around the modular unit such that it keeps the screens clean and directs the debris and fish to the fish ladders. The cleaning comb by use of its rounded tooth form, minimizes flow at the screen in order that fingerlings won't be harmed by the cutting edge. A fish ladder provides a constant flow by maintaining the same depth of water by a hinged ladder.

Abstract: A diversion system for use in a watercourse for routing fish away from the intake, for example, of a hydroelectric plant. The system includes a plurality of upright screens arranged in zigzag fashion crosswise of the watercourse to provide a plurality of channels converging to outlets separate from the plant intake. The screens thus divert the fish and water-borne debris to the separate outlets while the main stream flows through the screens to the intake. Additionally, rotary sprayers are used to backwash the screens while in place from time to time to remove accumulated debris from the screens. The screens extend from the bottom of the watercourse to the water level while spanning the watercourse from one side wall to the other.

Abstract: This invention relates to river control structures, of the kind known as upstream tilting gates. A structure in accordance with the invention includes a chamber, (1, 2, 3 and 4) and a tilting platform (5). The upstream end of the platform includes a curved transverse wall (10), consisting of a plurality of leaves (12 and 13). When the platform is raised, the leaves provide a continuous wall between the platform and the top of the chamber, while when the platform is lowered, the leaves slide behind each other and are accommodated in the chamber. The structure also includes a channel (7, 8 and 9), extending along the length of the platform. The channel is provided with baffles to limit the flow of water down the channel, to enable fish to surmount the structure.

Abstract: An integrated tubal by-pass fishway system for use at dams, obstructions and the like, which enable fish to swim freely and safely upstream or downstream on a near natural level with the original stream bed, by-passing the dam or obstruction by means of a tubal fishway system without the aid of ladders, locks, nets, lifts, etc. Included in this system are several devices that attempt to mimic some of the natural aspects of the original stream without upsetting the present environment, without interferring with present activities on the stream and without requiring constant maintenance. The system is devoid of mechanical devices, although certain devices may be added to monitor fish migration, procure fish samples, etc. Since experience with certain anadromous species of fish indicates that fish ladders, locks, etc.

Abstract: A fish diversion system for a penstock housing a hydroelectric turbine employs large area screens to shunt fish to a bypass conduit above the turbine. The screens are disposed generally lengthwise of the penstock and inclined upwardly at a shallow angle to maximize water flow velocity along the screens while minimizing the approach velocity normal to the screens. Fish and debris are thus swept along the screens rather than impinged on them. One embodiment uses two screens set end to end. The upstream screen can be tiltable for cleaning. A second embodiment uses a unitary elliptical screen in a cylindrical penstock. The bypass conduit is sized and positioned to minimize bypass water flow volume while maintaining sufficient volume and velocity to discharge fish from the upper portion of the penstock. A funnel-shaped bypass manifold connects the penstock to the bypass conduit.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a fish conservation system for large water intake facilities, the system having one or more operating module. Each module includes a barrier screen or set of barrier screens and fish bypassing conduits located adjacent to the barrier screens. A reciprocating fish-herding screen or set of such reciprocating screens herds fish into the bypassing conduits and away from the barrier screens, against which the fish would otherwise be drawn and killed.

Abstract: This is a method, and apparatus for performing the method, by which artificial stream conditions are generated within the forebay of dams used for hydroelectric facilities. The method includes the introduction into the reservoir at the appropriate depth of an artificial stream condition to attract downstream migrating fish and to then divert them into a generally nonvisible (at its inception) conduit with a gradually reducing interior section until such time as the fish are brought into an increased stream flow from which they cannot retreat. The fish are then carried by conduit around or in other manner bypassing the dam and the electrical generating turbines or the like to a point downstream from the dam where they are released into the stream.

Abstract: A system for use at dams, diversion canals, and the like includes a fish ladder for enabling fish to travel both upstream and downstream without injury past man-made obstacles such as dams. The fish ladder comprises a series of dish-like compartments to which water is made to flow from top to bottom. Auxiliary water input to each dish in the series is maintained to create the desired turbulence and flush debris from the ladder. Also included is a power predator seine chamber at the bottom of the fish ladder for chumming predator fish from the waters at the bottom of the fish ladder. The predator fish can be sorted out when the seine is raised. Repetitive traveling screens move through the water and allow the removal of water from a body of water without removing or damaging fish therein. The screen's rotation, size of the screen material, and the angle of the screen to primary water flow allow the migrating fish to keep moving in the desired direction while large volumes of water are diverted.

Abstract: In a water screening installation, a traveling water screen removes both refuse and aquatic life from a stream. The aquatic life, such as fish and shrimp, are uplifted in pans that are mounted on an ascending run of the screen. At a location above the stream, the pans are gently flushed by a low pressure spray of water. The fish are then returned to the stream, as soon as practical, to keep the mortality rate at a minimum. Each of the pans has an inner side that is parallel to a screen tray within the traveling water screen. This inner side is also tangential to a curved bottom portion of the pan. Extending tangentially from the opposite side of the curved bottom portion of the pan is an outer side that has a continuing profile at or below an extended tangential line from the point where the outer side is tangential to the curved bottom portion.