Live well cooling apparatus for fishing vessels

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for cooling and maintaining the water temperature in the live wells of fishing vessels. This twelve volt singular device is applied through the live well wall, and through use of thermoelectric technology the ambient water temperature within the live well is decreased. The importance of cooler water is that holds more oxygen and lowers metabolism in fish, which in turn increases the survival rate of captive fish. This invention is targeted for use by sports fisherman for use in tournaments to avoid penalties for dead fish and to promote the conservation of fish for ecological purposes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not ApplicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX Not ApplicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to increasing the survival rate of fish in live wells by maintaining a healthy water temperature; via an apparatus that decreases water temperatures when applied to a fishing vessel's live well. It is widely known, within the fishing industry, that high water temperatures are the leading cause of fish death in live wells. As water sits in a live well, even if it's circulated, the temperature increases which makes it almost impossible to hold oxygen. There are various options available to assist with live well oxygenation and circulation, but this simple one-piece device decreases the water temperature, which in turn increases the oxygenation.[0002]U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,293 to Rabal discloses a coo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]This invention is a device that, once installed in the live well of a fishing vessel, functions to slightly decrease and maintain the current water temperature that is held in the live well. The device is comprised of several components which include a cooling probe, which is cooled through thermoelectric technology. The thermoelectric device transfers heat from the probe to the cooling fins which are located on the back of the device. A twelve volt powered water resistant fan is mounted directly to the back of the unit to assist in cooling the device. The advantages of this invention over the prior art include: its' compact size and simple complexity, which allows for easy installment and use; its' one piece construction is highly energy efficient; it cools the water within the live well without actually removing the water for cooling, which eliminates the extra attached equipment such as pumps, hoses, and controlling devices.

[0004]It is the object of this invention to lower water temperatures in live wells to decrease mortality rates of fish during fishing tournaments to avoid penalties.

[0005]It is another object of this invention to decrease water temperatures in live wells to promote fish conservation for ecological reasons.

Problems solved by technology

It is widely known, within the fishing industry, that high water temperatures are the leading cause of fish death in live wells.

As water sits in a live well, even if it's circulated, the temperature increases which makes it almost impossible to hold oxygen.

There are various options available to assist with live well oxygenation and circulation, but this simple one-piece device decreases the water temperature, which in turn increases the oxygenation.

It is evident that this system is poorly designed for use in a boat due to its size, complexity, and energy requirements.

Images