Closed Channel Patents (Class 405/83)
  • Patent number: 10939672
    Abstract: A experimental device is specifically an annular water tank formed by a first arc-shaped water tank, a first special-shaped water tank, a second arc-shaped water tank and a second special-shaped water tank which are sequentially connected head to tail, and the outer perimeter is 70 m to 110 m, wherein the inner walls of both the first special-shaped water tank and the second special-shaped water tank are flat, both of the widths between the outer walls and the inner walls are gradually increased from the two ends to the middle, and water flow pushing equipment which are capable of enabling the maximum water flow velocity in the experimental device to reach a preset value are respectively placed in the first special-shaped water tank and the second special-shaped water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NANJING HYDRAULIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Qiuwen Chen, Yuqing Lin, Jianyun Zhang, Liuming Hu, Yuxin Zhang, Lei Tang, Tiesheng Guan, Yong Gao, Wei Jiang
  • Patent number: 10633813
    Abstract: A migratory fish passage arrangement arranges water flow past an obstacle upstream of the water's natural flow direction, and includes a hydraulic flow arrangement with a first intake tube from upstream of the dam from an intake point to a location downstream of the dam to a feeding point, where a fish gate allows fish to enter into an elevation tube, to enter from the feeding point in the water in the elevation tube to be transported in the elevation tube to an outlet upstream of the dam. The intake point is higher than the outlet. Also disclosed is a system to guide a migratory fish to pass a dam that includes the migratory fish passage arrangement and additionally a siphon tube from an upstream location with respect to the dam to a downstream location with respect to the dam to constitute a migratory fish return route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KALASYDĂ„N OY
    Inventor: Tarmo Aittaniemi
  • Patent number: 10111413
    Abstract: A method for taking fish up from a body of water comprising the steps of providing a duct (14) having a lower open end below the water surface and an upper open end arranged at a floating working platform (5) above sea level; introducing water into the duct (14) from the upper open end to give a water stream from the upper open end of the duct to the lower open end of the duct; and allowing the fish to swim up in the duct against the water stream therein. The incoming water is directed to flow into the duct, and the fish is separated from the flowing by means of a grating (16) inclining upwards from the top end of the duct to a separation plate (17) arranged above the water level in the duct. A device for taking up fish, using the mentioned method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Sea Soul AS
    Inventors: Mats Abraham Egge, Tore Willassen
  • Patent number: 9693549
    Abstract: Rodent shields are constructed from various gauge metal and are shaped to fit substantially flush against vertical members to prevent roof rats (Rattus Rattus) from traveling to and from their homes located in the upper parts of structures. The rodent shield can be installed on different diameter size vertical members by simply cutting the housing portions at the required length. The rodent shield is wide and the surface is sleek to prevent roof rats from firmly gripping the shield. The rodent shield can be used individually or used with multiple rodent shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Manuel Gomez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9359737
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an environmentally-friendly safety weir with both a waterway and a fishway. The safety weir includes a waterway pipe (100), a fishway pipe (200), and a control unit (300). The waterway pipe includes: a horizontal waterway pipe (110) that is provided on an embankment; a vertical waterway pipe (120) that extends from each of opposite ends of the horizontal waterway pipe downward; a bottom waterway pipe (130) that horizontally extends from the vertical waterway pipe outward; and a water entering-and-exiting pipe (140) that extends from the bottom waterway pipe upward. The fishway pipe is provided on the waterway pipe and is configured such that the level of water in the fishway pipe is controlled by adjusting the amount of air in the fishway pipe. The control unit includes: a first air supply pipe that is connected to the waterway pipe; and a second air supply pipe that communicates with the fishway pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Moon Jin Seo
  • Patent number: 9234325
    Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a hydroelectric turbine/generator in a dam having at least two spaced piers, the apparatus comprising (a) at least one first gate each spanning the space between a respective pair of neighboring piers and being movable to closed and open positions and positions therebetween to control flow and maintain head; and (b) at least one second gate, each second gate associated with a corresponding first gate upstream thereof and supporting at least one hydroelectric turbine/generator in a maintenance position and a plurality of operating positions such that in operating positions, water flows through each turbine/generator to produce electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: AMJET TURBINE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Roos, Norman A. Bishop
  • Patent number: 9068311
    Abstract: The system and methods of the present invention selectively permit aquatic organisms to bypass an obstruction, such as a lock or a dam. Certain embodiments of the system include a container through which aquatic organisms and water may flow, a container pressurizer for pressurizing the container, and a pressure control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Mead and Hunt, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Greif, Stephen R. Sullivan, Gilbert Frank Ransley
  • Publication number: 20140356070
    Abstract: A levitation system communicates fish mutually exclusively upstream and downstream, with minimal trauma to fish, in harmony with their homing instinct and natural levitation process, in discrete micro-steps aggregated in macro steps, with optimally adjusted water flows, through capsules of stations differing in elevation by 50 to 100 feet, connected through inclined conduits in series and in parallel. The process starts with electricity from a utility to pump water from the forebay to the dam crest. Water moves slowly in controlled cascades through stations from crest to the afterbay. Surplus electricity is generated as pressure is adjusted at each station. Cooler water drawn from below the surface of the forebay is blended at stations along the passageway and spent water is flushed. Energy losses are attributable mainly to attraction flow at the station a few feet above the afterbay and are mitigated by a moderate negative pressure to control flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Frank L. Stromotich
  • Patent number: 8550747
    Abstract: An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises a variable inlet connected to a connecting tube providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, an upper valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, a lower valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and a working tube opening into the connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Millard
  • Patent number: 8550749
    Abstract: An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises a connecting tube providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, an upper valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, a lower valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and a working tube opening into the connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Millard
  • Patent number: 8550748
    Abstract: An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises parallel connecting tubes providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, upper valves in each connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, lower valves in each connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and working tubes opening into each connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Millard
  • Patent number: 8282836
    Abstract: Water intake structures for power plants and other industrial facilities may include an inflow channel, a deep well, an outflow channel, and an intake channel These structures may include a fish screen, such as a wedge-wire screen or the like, positioned between the deep well and the intake channel to separate fish, fish larvae and fish eggs from water supplied to the intake channel from the deep well. These structures may further include one or more circulating or sweep flow pumps positioned proximate an outlet of the outflow channel. The sweep flow pumps may be used to maintain a sweep flow through the deep well of the intake structure to help sweep fish, fish larvae and fish eggs away from the fish screen and into the outflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: C-Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Feher
  • Patent number: 8262317
    Abstract: A device to provide a bypass for fish from an upstream reservoir behind a dam, to a lower elevation downstream reservoir. The device employs a flow separation apparatus for separating aquatic life entering the device and communicated to the downstream reservoir, from a portion of fluid flow communicated to the dam intake. The moving fluid within the device creates turbulence to provide a cushioning effect to protect the fish from impacts, while directing water streams to urge fish to an upper portion of the device distant from the water being communicated to the dam in the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Jensen
  • Patent number: 8011854
    Abstract: An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises a connecting tube providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, an upper valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, a lower valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and a working tube opening into the connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth T Millard
  • Publication number: 20080101867
    Abstract: A water diversion system includes a hydraulic chute and a chute screen assembly in the hydraulic chute having a wedge wire screen. The water diversion system also includes at least one collection chamber located below the screen configured to collect filtered diversion water which has passed through the screen. The hydraulic chute includes a base, a crest, a sloped accelerator, and an abrupt drop with an adjustable lip, which forms a hydraulic formation in a downstream pool. The hydraulic chute can also include sloped sidewalls, which constrict the flow of water and form fish passage zones. In addition, the chute screen assembly can include a modular panel configured to facilitate construction, maintenance and replacement of the wedge wire screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Evan McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 6964541
    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 devices, amongst other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Farmers Irrigation District
    Inventor: William Jerry Bryan
  • Patent number: 6832578
    Abstract: A bio-hydraulic testing system is provided for simulating the effect on fish of at least one hydraulic system component. A water flow introduction device introduces a flow of water into the testing system, and a fish introduction means introduces a plurality of fish into the testing system. A flow introduction conduit receives a flow containing water from the flow introduction device and fish from the fish introduction device. A testing module receives the flow from the flow introduction conduit. Monitoring device monitor and record fish activity in the water flow in the testing module. Fish exit the testing module into a flow exit conduit, and are collected by fish collection device located downstream of the exit conduit. Finally, discharge device discharge the water from the testing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: Mufeed Odeh
  • Publication number: 20040213635
    Abstract: This invention of a fish test circuit for the evaluation of waterway barrier bypass systems is a conduit having at least one bypass system test station, a means for providing water flow within the conduit, a means for introducing fish into the conduit, and a means for measuring the effectiveness of the bypass system(s) under test. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the means for measuring the effectiveness of the bypass system(s) under test includes a means for determining the survival or mortality rate of the fish as they pass through each bypass system undergoing test. The test circuit may be a closed loop or a side channel of another waterway. An important feature and benefit of this invention is the capability to evaluate multiple and differing bypass systems under similar water flow, water condition and water quality conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Delmer Boylan
  • Patent number: 6739802
    Abstract: A fish test circuit for the evaluation of waterway barrier bypass systems with a conduit having at least one bypass system test station, water flow within the conduit, fish introduced into the conduit, and measurement of the effectiveness of the bypass system under test. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the measurement of the effectiveness of the bypass system under test includes determining the survival or mortality rate of the fish as they pass through each bypass system undergoing test. The test circuit may be a closed loop or a side channel of another waterway. An important benefit and feature of this invention is the capability to evaluate multiple and differing bypass systems under similar water flow, water conditions and water quality conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: BGA Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Delmer Boylan
  • Publication number: 20040009040
    Abstract: This invention of a fish test circuit for the evaluation of waterway barrier bypass systems is a conduit having at least one bypass system test station, a means for providing water flow within the conduit, a means for introducing fish into the conduit, and a means for measuring the effectiveness of the bypass system(s) under test. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the means for measuring the effectiveness of the bypass system(s) under test includes a means for determining the survival or mortality rate of the fish as they pass through each bypass system undergoing test. The test circuit may be a closed loop or a side channel of another waterway. An important feature and benefit of this invention is the capability to evaluate multiple and differing bypass systems under similar water flow, water condition and water quality conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Delmer Boylan
  • Patent number: 6588370
    Abstract: A fishway is disclosed for providing a pathway around obstacles for fish. The fishway is comprised of a pair of spaced fishway walls and a set of weirs located between the fishway walls for dissipating flow energy of water flowing through the fishway. The weirs are disposed in longitudinally spaced relation along the fishway and each consecutive pair of weirs defines a pool between the pair. The weirs are comprised of a center wall, first and second middle walls attached to the center wall on opposite sides of the center wall, and first and second outer walls which are attached at one edge to the first and second middle walls respectively and at the opposite edge to a respective one of the fishway walls. The first and second middle walls form an acute angle facing away from the flow of the water, and each attached middle and outer wall, respectively, form an angle facing towards the flow of the water which is less than 180°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
    Inventor: Muffeed Odeh
  • Publication number: 20030072617
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Gordon Charles Burns
  • Patent number: 6524028
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Farmers Irrigation District
    Inventor: William Jerry Bryan
  • Patent number: 6467997
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Robert L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6394699
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Norman R. Neufeld
  • Patent number: 6347908
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Sherif Safwat
  • Patent number: 6325570
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ecoriver Oy
    Inventor: Timo Pohjamo
  • Patent number: 6273639
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Webjorn Eikrem, Bjarne Fjorstad
  • Patent number: 5947640
    Abstract: A portable water conveyance device for diverting the flow of water and particularly, a stream, includes a collapsible tube for receiving the water and conveying the water downstream to a discharge site. An inlet frame is coupled to the inlet end of the tube to hold the end of the tube open and direct the water into the tube. A pair of pivotally mounted wing walls are attached to the sides of the walls to direct the water into the tube. In embodiments, an outlet frame is coupled to the discharge end of the tube. The outlet frame is mounted on a support structure to adjust the height of the outlet frame with respect to the ground and water level at the discharge end of the tube. A ledge is attached to the lower end of the outlet frame and extends outwardly therefrom in the downstream direction. The shelf extends a distance to inhibit the upstream migration of marine animals that may climb up the support structure. The height of the outlet frame also can be adjusted to control the migration of marine life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: James P Connors
  • Patent number: 5660499
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting migratory fish over dams. Fish are transported over dam in downstream migration to the sea and upstream migration to spawning beds. The method includes transporting threatened or endangered species from spawning beds by means of fish nets 46 to fish siphon 28 if needed; powering closure gates 14 and louvers 06 by hydro-power generated by power siphon 26; slowing water for returning fish; using attractants to guide fish to fish siphon 28; operating the apparatus manually or with timing devices; allowing fish to be emptied both upstream and downstream of dam. The apparatus includes a fish siphon 28 and power siphon 26 with propeller 12; planetary gears 30 for operation of closure gates 14 and louvers 06; and foils 08, air pump 10, food, lighting to aid returning fish moving through fish siphon 28. Where steep terrain is encountered, apparatus can be repeated as units of dual siphons 26, 28 and pools 42 or tanks 42 to transport fish migrating upstream or downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: James N. Bethune
  • Patent number: 5263833
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Northeast Utilities Service Company
    Inventors: David A. Robinson, Charles P. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 5253954
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating zebra mussel colonizations from fresh water intake pipes for facilities, such as power plants and water treatment plants, are disclosed. One or more small diameter alternate intake pipes are disposed within a main intake pipe, and the pipes are connected by means of individually controllable valves to a pump for supplying water to the facility. Zebra mussel build up along the interior walls of any of the pipes is eliminated by shutting off flow in any mussel infested pipes with the valves, which causes starvation of the mussels due to suffocation. When water flow is resumed, the dead mussels are easily washed out of the pipes. The alternate intake pipes can be made of inexpensive flexible material, such as rubber, since they are not exposed to the environment external to the main intake pipe. In addition, a non-stick coating, such as silicone, can be disposed on the interior walls of the alternate pipes to further prevent mussel build up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel E. Landsberger
  • Patent number: 5161913
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignees: Eugene B. Campbell, Delmer R. Boylan
    Inventor: Delmer R. Boylan
  • Patent number: 4929122
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: Harold E. Yoas
  • Patent number: 4740105
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Eugene Water & Electric Board
    Inventor: Jon R. Wollander
  • Patent number: 4629361
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventor: Richard J. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 4526494
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Eicher Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Eicher
  • Patent number: 4488835
    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 the upstream screen is inclined upwardly at a shallow angle to maximize water flow velocity along the upstream screen while minimizing the approach velocity normal to the screens. Fish and debris are thus swept along the screens rather than impinged on them. 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. The upstream screen can be tiltable for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Eicher Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Eicher