Automated fishing knot tying arrangement

Abstract

Provided is an automated fishing knot tying arrangement (10) comprising a fishing line feeder (14) configured to feed fishing line (8), a line tensioner (16) configured to tension said line, and a line manipulation assembly (18) operatively supplied with line (8) from the feeder (14) and configured to manipulate the line in order to tie a fishing knot (12), such as a dropper loop, therein. Arrangement (10) also includes at least one knot sensor (20) configured to sense a knot tied into the line, a line collector (22) configured to collect fishing line with a fishing knot tied therein, and a controller (24) arranged in signal communication with, and configured to monitor and control, the line feeder (14), line tensioner (16), line manipulation assembly (18), knot sensor (20) and line collector (22), in order automatically and continuously to tie interspaced fishing knots along the fishing line for use as a paternoster fishing rig.

Description

AUTOMATED FISHING KNOT TYING ARRANGEMENTTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to the art of fishing and fishing knots , and more speci fically to an automated fishing knot tying arrangement , a controller for such an automated fishing knot tying arrangement , and an automated method for tying fishing knots in a fishing line .BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art i s intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only . The discussion i s not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Fishing has been an important part of human culture since hunter-gatherer times , and is one of the few food production activities that have persisted from prehistory into the modern age , surviving both the Neolithic Revolution and successive Industrial Revolutions . In addition to being caught to be eaten for food, fish are also caught as a recreational pastime .

[0004] Such recreational fishing, also called sport fishing or game fishing, is fishing for leisure , exercise or competition . The most common form of recreational fishing is angling, which is done with a rig of rod, reel , line , hooks and any one of a wide range of baits , as well as other complementary devices such as weights , floats , swivels andmethod feeders, collectively referred to as terminal tackles. A popular substyle of angling includes handline fishing, or handlining, where a single fishing line is held in the hands, typically on a reel, rather than with a fishing rod. Both angling and handlining generally make use of a fishing rig, which is an arrangement of items used for fishing and assembled from one or more lines, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, swivels, lures, beads, and other fishing tackle. A rig might be held by a rod, by hand, or attached to a boat or pier. One of the most versatile fishing rigs is the so-called paternoster rig.

[0005] The Paternoster rig is very popular amongst anglers, as it can be used to fish over rough terrain in deep water, or fishing off the beach and rocks. A Paternoster rig is typically fitted with one or multiple hooks and is fairly snag resistant. A Paternoster rig can be set up by either using knots or swivels where dropper loops are connected to the main line, and variety of sinkers can be used, typically looped on or attached to the bottom of the rig. Such a Paternoster rig generally keeps fishing hooks away from the main leader line and gives bait a more natural movement in the water.

[0006] Fishing rigs, such as the Paternoster rig, generally require a number of fishing knots, typically being special knots used to secure a fishing line to a hook, lure, or swivel. When fishing, it is important to ensure that any knots used are tightened properly so it does not come undone while fishing, which may lead to loss of fish, bait and / or the rig itself. A dropper loop knot generally refers to a method of tying knots that involves attaching additional baits, jigs, and flies to one fishing line. The dropper loop is a type of loop knot often used on multi-hook fishing lines, specifically a Paternoster rig. It can be created in the middle of a longline and forms a loop which is off to the side of the line. The dropper loop is typically tied by creating a large loop in the middle of a line, holding the centre of the loop, wrapping the loop around a crossover point a number of times, opening a hole in the centre proximate the crossover and passing the loop through the hole and pulling the knot tight. Such a dropper loop generally angles away from the line which helps to avoid tangles and is one of the simplest ways to add multihooks to a fishing rig.

[0007] As with any fishing knot, tying a dropper loop requires practice and expertise for a desired result, which can be difficult and time-consuming to master, especially when tying fishing line. Spending an inordinate amount of time and effort to master a dropper loop when fishing can detract from an overall fishing experience. The current invention was conceived with the goal in mind of ameliorating the practice of manually tying fishing knots, such as dropper loop fishing knots, in a line when assembling a fishing rig.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to 'fishing line' and 'line' generally comprises broad reference to any flexible, high-tensile cord useable in angling to tether and pull in fish, typically in conjunction with at least one hook. Such fishing line may be pulled by and stored in a reel, but may also be retrieved by hand, with a fixed attachment to the end of a rod, or via a suitable motor. Such fishing line is typically made from synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyethylene or polyvinylidene fluoride ("fluorocarbon") and may come in monofilament or braided (multifilament) forms.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an automated fishing knot tying arrangement comprising : a fishing line feeder configured to feed fishing line ; a line tensioner configured to tension said line ; a line manipulation assembly operatively supplied with line from the feeder and configured to manipulate the line in order to tie a fishing knot , such as a dropper loop therein; at least one knot sensor configured to sense a knot tied into the line ; a line collector configured to col lect fishing line with a fishing knot tied therein; and a controller arranged in signal communication with, and configured to monitor and control , the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly, knot sensor and line collector, in order automatical ly and continuously to tie interspaced fishing knots along the fishing line for use as a paternoster fishing rig .

[0010] In an embodiment , the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly, knot sensor and line collector are arranged on a platform .

[0011] In an embodiment , the line feeder comprises an electrical motor arranged in register with a spindle by means of a magnetic particle clutch, a spool of fishing line supported on the spindle for feeding to the line manipulation assembly, as required .

[0012] In an embodiment , the line tensioner is arranged between the line feeder and line manipulation assembly, and configured to tension the line to facilitate the line manipulation assembly manipulating said line .

[0013] In an embodiment, the line feeder and line tensioner are monitored and controlled by the controller to selectively tension the line supplied to the line manipulation assembly.

[0014] In an embodiment, the line tensioner comprises a pulley assembly and biasing element, such as a spring, arranged to tension the line.

[0015] In an embodiment, the line tensioner comprises a load cell via which the controller is arranged to monitor a tension in the line.

[0016] In an embodiment, the pulley assembly comprises three pulleys, with two pulleys arranged substantially coplanar and a third arranged above with the fishing line operatively threaded via all three pulleys, an upper pulley of which comprises the load cell.

[0017] In an embodiment, the biasing element is arranged after the pulley assembly to bias the line in a transverse direction of travel.

[0018] In an embodiment, the line tensioner comprises an aligner configured to facilitate feeding of line to the line manipulation assembly.

[0019] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the electrical motor and clutch of the line feeder in accordance with a monitored tension in the line.

[0020] In an embodiment, the line manipulation assembly comprises a plurality of staging actuators configured toreceive and position said line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators configured to interact with said staged line in order to tie fishing knots therein .

[0021] In an embodiment , the staging actuators comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extensible or retractable to receive and position the line for tying .

[0022] In an embodiment , the tying actuators comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extensible or retractable to manipulate the line for tying .

[0023] In an embodiment , controller i s configured to sequence extension and retraction of the staging and tying actuators to create a loop in the line , wrap the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times , and pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point , the controller further configured to control the f ishing line feeder and / or line collector in order to pull line tight to form a resulting dropper loop knot .

[0024] In an embodiment , the staging actuators comprise three linear actuators extensible from, and retractable into , the platform, said three linear actuators arranged about a loop li fting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times .

[0025] In an embodiment , the tying actuators comprise four linear actuators arranged about the staging actuators , two actuators arranged to stage the line onto the staging actuators , one actuator extensibly and oscilatably arranged to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in theline a number of times, and one actuator arranged to pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point.

[0026] In an embodiment, the one actuator extensibly and oscilatably arranged complementarily interacts with the loop lifting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times.

[0027] In an embodiment, the tying actuators extend or retract in a direction substantially transverse to a direction in which the staging actuators extend or retract.

[0028] In an embodiment, the tying actuators extend or retract in a plane substantially coplanar within a plane in which the line travels through the line manipulation assembly.

[0029] In an embodiment, the staging and tying actuators each comprise a specific line engager configured to engage with the line to facilitate that particular actuator' s interaction with the line during the knot tying process.

[0030] In an embodiment, the line manipulation assembly comprises a line wetter configured to wet the line during the tying process to minimise heat damage from friction as the knot is tied.

[0031] In an embodiment, the line wetter comprises a fluid applicator configured to apply fluid to the line.

[0032] In an embodiment, the knot sensor is arranged as a loop or ring through which the line passes after a knot has been tied therein.

[0033] In an embodiment , the tying arrangement comprises two sequentially arranged knot sensors through which the line passes , a spacing between said knot sensors selected according to a desired spacing between knots in the line .

[0034] In an embodiment , the line collector comprises a second electrical motor arranged in register with a second spindle by means of a second magnetic particle clutch, a second spool supported on the second spindle for receiving the fishing line with fishing knots tied therein .

[0035] In an embodiment , the line collector comprises a line guide configured to guide the knotted line onto the second spool .

[0036] In an embodiment , the controller comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input , perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set , and provide output , as well as transitory and / or non-transitory electronic storage , such as a programmable logic controller ( PLC ) , or the like .

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a controller for an automated fishing knot tying arrangement which comprises a fishing line feeder, a line tensioner, a line manipulation assembly operatively supplied with tensioned line from the feeder and tensioner and configured to manipulate the line in order to tie a fishing knot therein, at least one knot sensor and a line collector , said controller configured to monitor and control the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly, knot sensor and line collector in order automatically and continuously to tie interspaced fishing knots , such as dropperloops , along the fishing line for use as a paternoster fishing rig .

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an automated method for tying fishing knots in a fishing line , said method comprising the steps of : by means of a fishing line feeder, feeding fishing line ; by means of a line tensioner, tensioning said line ; by means of a line manipulation assembly operatively supplied with line from the feeder and tensioner, manipulating the line in order to tie a fishing knot , such as a dropper loop, therein; and by means of a line collector , collecting the fishing line with a fishing knot tied therein .

[0039] In an embodiment , the method comprises the steps of monitoring and controlling, by means of a suitable controller, the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly and line collector in order automatically and continuously to tie interspaced fishing knots along the fishing line .

[0040] In an embodiment , the step of manipulating the line comprises monitoring and controlling a plurality of staging actuators configured to receive and position said line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators configured to interact with said staged line in order to tie f ishing knots therein .

[0041] In an embodiment , the step of manipulating the line comprises sequencing extension and retraction of the staging and tying actuators to create a loop in the line , wrap the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times , and pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point ,and controlling the fishing line feeder and / or line collector in order to pull line tight to form a resulting dropper loop knot .

[0042] In an embodiment , the method includes the step o f wetting the line by means of a line wetter during the tying process to minimise heat damage from friction as the knot is tied .

[0043] In an embodiment , the step of manipulating the line comprises sensing a spacing between knots by means of two sequentially arranged knot sensors through which the line passes , said spacing selectable according to a desired spacing between knots in the line .

[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an automated fishing knot tying arrangement , a controller for an automated fishing knot tying arrangement , and an automated method for tying fishing knots in a fishing line , substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of one embodiment of an automated fi shing knot tying arrangement , in accordance with aspects of the present invention, configured to tie dropper loop knots ; andFigures 2 to 12 are diagrammatic closer perspective-view representations of a line manipulation assembly of theautomated fishing knot tying arrangement of Figure 1 , showing sequential movement of constituent parts thereof for tying a dropper loop in a fishing line .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0045] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0046] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0047] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0048] Broadly, the present invention provides for an automated fishing knot tying arrangement 10 , along with an associated automated method for tying fishing knots in afishing line. Arrangement 10 has been devised automatically and continuously to tie interspaced fishing knots along a length of fishing line 8, typically for use as a paternoster fishing rig. Arrangement 10 removes the need for manually tying repetitive knots, which takes skill and practice to master.

[0049] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that arrangement 10 may be configured to tie various types of fishing knots, such as a dropper loop knot. As a result, while an exemplary embodiment is described herein with reference to tying dropper loop knots, other fishing knots are apposite and included as part of broad reference to dropper loop knots.

[0050] With reference now to the accompanying figures, there is exemplified one embodiment of such an automated fishing knot tying arrangement 10. In the exemplified embodiment, arrangement 10 generally comprises a fishing line feeder 14, a line tensioner 16, a line manipulation assembly 18, at least one knot sensor 20, and a line collector 22, all of which are typically monitored and controlled by means of a suitable controller 24. In a typical embodiment, the line feeder 14, line tensioner 16, line manipulation assembly 18, knot sensor 20 and line collector 22 are arranged on a suitable platform 26, such as a table-top type platform, or the like.

[0051] The controller 24 is generally arranged in signal communication with, and configured to monitor and control, the line feeder 14, line tensioner 16, line manipulation assembly 18, knot sensor 20 and line collector 22. Such monitoring generally takes place via suitable sensors, such as position sensors on actuators, line tension sensors, sensed knots in the line, and the like. In such a manner, the controller 24 is configurable to facilitate automatic and continuous tying ofinterspaced fishing knots , such as dropper loop knots , along the fishing line 8 , which finds particular application as a paternoster fishing rig .

[0052] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the controller 24 may comprise any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input , perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set , and provide output , as well as transitory and / or non-transitory electronic storage , such as a programmable logic controller ( PLC ) , or the like . Sensing of actuator positions may occur via well-known limit switches or similar transducers whereby the controller 24 is able to sense and obtain feedback to determine an operational state of the constituent parts of arrangement 10 .

[0053] The fishing line feeder 14 is generally configured to feed fishing l ine 8 into arrangement 10 . In the exempli fied embodiment , the line feeder 14 comprises an electrical motor 28 which is arranged in register with a spindle 30 by means of a magnetic particle clutch 32 . A spool 34 of fishing line is supported on the spindle 30 for feeding continuous line to the line manipulation assembly 18 , as required . Variations hereon are possible and expected .

[0054] The line tensioner 16 is generally configured to tension the line . In the exempl i fied embodiment , the line tensioner 16 is arranged between the line feeder 14 and the line manipulation assembly 18 , as shown . The line tensioner 16 is configured to tension the line to facilitate the line manipulation assembly 18 manipulating said line in order to tie a knot therein .

[0055] In the exemplified embodiment, the line feeder 14 and line tensioner 16 are monitored and controlled by the controller 24 to selectively tension the line supplied to the line manipulation assembly 18. In the exemplified embodiment, the controller 24 is typically configured to control the electrical motor 28 and clutch 32 of the line feeder 14 in accordance with a monitored tension in the line. To this end, in the exemplified embodiment, the line tensioner 16 comprises a pulley assembly 36 and a biasing element 38, such as a spring, arranged to tension the line. In the exemplified embodiment, the line tensioner 16 comprises a load cell 40 via which the controller 24 is arranged to monitor a tension in the line 8. In the exemplified embodiment, the pulley assembly 36 comprises three pulleys, with two pulleys arranged substantially co-planar and a third arranged above with the fishing line operatively threaded via all three pulleys, an upper pulley of which comprises the load cell 40. The pulley assembly 36 is generally configured to ensure the line stays on said pulleys, irrespective of slack in the line, e.g. via mechanical guides, or the like.

[0056] In the exemplified embodiment, the biasing element 38 is arranged after the pulley assembly 36, as shown, to bias the line 8 in a substantially transverse direction to a direction of travel thereof. The biasing element 38 generally takes up any unwanted slack in the line 8 due to movement of the manipulation assembly 18, described in more details below. In the exemplified embodiment, the line tensioner 16 also comprises an aligner 42 which is configured to facilitate feeding of line to the line manipulation assembly 18.

[0057] The line manipulation assembly 18 is in this manner operatively supplied with tensioned line from the feeder 14,with the manipulation assembly 18 configured to manipulate the line in order to tie a dropper loop therein . To this end, the line manipulation assembly 18 generally comprises a plurality of staging actuators 44 which are configured to receive and position the line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators 46 which are configured to interact with such staged line in order to tie dropper loop knots therein .

[0058] In the exempli fied embodiment , the staging actuators 44 comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extensible from, or retractable into , the platform 26 to receive and position the line for tying . Similarly, in the exempli fied embodiment , the tying actuators 46 comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extensible or retractable to manipulate the line for tying . Such linear actuators may take a variety of forms as known in the art , including electromechanical actuators , pneumatic actuators , hydraulic actuators , or the like . As known in the art , such actuators may include position sensors and / or suitable position feedback whereby the controller 24 is able to determine a position of the actuators .

[0059] In the exempli fied embodiment , the tying actuators 46 generally extend or retract in a direction substantially transverse to a direction in which the staging actuators 44 extend or retract . In the exempli fied embodiment , the tying actuators 46 extend or retract in a plane substantially coplanar within a plane in which the line 8 travels through the line manipulation assembly 18 , i . e . the line 8 travels coplanar with the platform 26 , with the tying actuators 46 travelling substantially parallel to the platform 26 . Importantly, the staging and tying actuators 44 and 46 generally each comprise a speci f ic line engager 50 which isconfigured to engage with the line 8 to facilitate that particular actuator' s interaction with the line during the knot tying process.

[0060] In a typical exemplified embodiment, as broadly shown in Figures 2 to 12, the controller 24 is configured to sequence extension and retraction of the staging and tying actuators 44 and 46 to create a loop in the line, wrap the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times, and pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point. At the same time, the controller 24 is further configured to control the fishing line feeder 14 and / or line collector 22 in order to pull line tight to form a resulting dropper loop knot, as required, during this sequencing of actuators 44 and 46.

[0061] In the exemplified embodiment, the staging actuators 44 comprise three linear actuators 44.1, 44.2 and 44.3 extensible from, and retractable into, the platform 26, said three linear actuators 44.1, 44.2 and 44.3 arranged about a loop lifting actuator 48 to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times.

[0062] In the exemplified embodiment, the tying actuators 46 comprise four linear actuators 46.1, 46.2, 46.3 and 46.4 arranged about the staging actuators 44, two tying actuators 46.3 and 46.4 arranged to stage the line onto the staging actuators 44, one actuator 46.1 extensibly and oscilatably arranged, i.e. able to move up and down, to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times, and one actuator 46.2 arranged to pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point. In particular, the one actuator 46.1 which is both extensibly and oscilatably arranged complementarily interacts with the loop lifting actuator 48 tofacilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times.

[0063] With specific reference to Figures 2 to 12 of the accompanying figures, an example of the knot tying process is shown, which requires particular sequencing of actuators 44 and 46 by the controller 24. The skilled addressee will appreciate that variations on such sequencing of actuators are possible and within the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the tying actuator 46.3 interacts with the fed line in order to place the line over staging actuator 44.3, which rises with (typically shortly after) staging actuator 44.2. Similarly, tying actuator 46.4 extends to hook the line over staging actuator 44.1 which appropriately rises from platform 26.

[0064] When the line 8 is formed into such a loop, the extensibly and oscilatably arranged tying actuator 46.1 is able to interact complementarily with the loop lifting actuator 48 to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times, i.e. the actuator 46.1 takes the line from the oscillating loop lifting actuator 48 to repeatedly wrap around the main line as shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0065] Once the line has been wrapped around the main line for a desired number of times, e.g. 3 times, 4 times, etc. depending on requirements, tying actuator 46.2 is actuated to pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point inbetween the wraps on either side of the crossover point. The line feeder 14 and line collector 22 are also typically actuated to pull the line tight in order to form a dropper loop knot, as shown in Figure 10 to 12.

[0066] In one possible embodiment , the line manipulation assembly 18 may further comprise a line wetter (not shown) which is configured to wet the line during the tying process in order to minimise heat damage from friction as the knot is tied . In one embodiment , the line wetter may comprise a fluid applicator configured to apply fluid to the line , e . g . a water mister wetting the line . In another embodiment , the line wetter may comprise a wetted sponge rubbing against the line , or the like . In a yet further embodiment , the pulley assembly 36 may include a further pulley with a water bath so that the line is guided through a water bath prior to feeding to the manipulation assembly 18 . Again, variations hereon are possible and included within the scope of the present disclosure .

[0067] Arrangement 10 also includes at least one knot sensor 20 which is configured to sense a knot tied into the line 8 . In the exempli fied embodiment , the knot sensor 20 is arranged as a loop or ring through which the line 8 passes after a knot has been tied therein, as shown . In a typical embodiment , the tying arrangement 10 comprises two sequentially arranged knot sensors 20 through which the line passes , as shown, a spacing between said knot sensors 20 selected according to a desired spacing between knots in the line . For example , a first knot sensor 20 may sense when a knot has been tied, with the line being fed through the manipulation assembly 18 unti l a second knot sensor 18 senses said knot , at which time the controller 24 begins the knot tying sequence described above again .

[0068] The 1 ine collector 22 is generally configured to collect the fishing line with the dropper loop knots 12 tied therein, as shown . In the exempli fied embodiment , the linecollector 22 is similar to the line feeder 14 and comprises a second electrical motor 28.2 which is arranged in register with a second spindle 30.2 by means of a second magnetic particle clutch 32.2, with a second spool 34.2 supported on the second spindle 30.2 for receiving the fishing line with dropper loop knots 12 tied therein. In the exemplified embodiment, the line collector 22 also comprises a line guide 54 which is configured to guide the knotted line onto the second spool 34.2, as shown. Such line guide 54 may be under the control of the controller 24 in order to wind the knotted line evenly onto the second spool 34.

[0069] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the present invention includes an associated automated method for tying fishing knots, such as dropper loops, in a fishing line, generally by means of arrangement 10. Such a method typically comprises the steps of, by means of the fishing line feeder 14, feeding the fishing line; by means of the line tensioner 16, tensioning said line; and by means of the line manipulation assembly 18 operatively supplied with line from the feeder 14 and tensioner 16, manipulating the line in order to tie a dropper loop therein. Finally, the method typically includes the step of, by means of the line collector 22, collecting the fishing line with dropper loop knots 12 tied therein.

[0070] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In theexample embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee .

[0071] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0072] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or atother orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0073] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0074] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An automated fishing knot tying arrangement comprising : a fishing line feeder configured to feed fishing line ; a line tensioner configured to tension said line ; a line manipulation assembly operatively supplied with line from the feeder and configured to manipulate the line in order to tie a fishing knot , such as a dropper loop, therein; at least one knot sensor configured to sense a knot tied into the line ; a line collector configured to col lect fishing line with a fishing knot tied therein; and a controller arranged in signal communication with, and configured to monitor and control , the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly, knot sensor and line collector, in order automatical ly and continuously to tie interspaced fishing knots along the fishing line for use as a paternoster fishing rig .2 . The automated fishing knot tying arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly, knot sensor and line collector are arranged on a platform .3 . The automated fishing knot tying arrangement of either of claims 1 or 2 , wherein the line feeder comprises an electrical motor arranged in register with a spindle by means of a magnetic particle clutch, a spool of fishing line supported on the spindle for feeding to the line manipulation assembly, as required .4 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the line tensioner is arranged between the line feeder and line manipulation assembly, and configured to tension the line to facil itate the line manipulation assembly manipulating said line .5 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the line feeder and line tensioner are monitored and controlled by the controller to selectively tension the line supplied to the line manipulation assembly .6 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the line tensioner comprises a pulley assembly and biasing element , such as a spring, arranged to tension the line .7 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the line tensioner comprises a load cell via which the controller is arranged to monitor a tension in the line .8 . The automated fishing knot tying arrangement of claim 7 , wherein the pulley assembly compri ses three pulleys , with two pulleys arranged substantially co-planar and a third arranged above with the fishing line operatively threaded via all three pulleys , an upper pulley of which comprises the load cell .9 . The automated fishing knot tying arrangement of claim 6 , wherein the biasing element is arranged after the pulley assembly to bias the line in a transverse direction of travel .10 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the line tensioner comprises an alignerconfigured to facilitate feeding of line to the line manipulation assembly .11 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the controller is configured to control the electrical motor and clutch of the line feeder in accordance with a monitored tension in the line .12 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the line manipulation assembly comprises a plurality of staging actuators configured to receive and position said line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators configured to interact with said staged line in order to tie fishing knots therein .13 . The automated fishing knot tying arrangement of claim 12 , wherein the staging actuators comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extensible or retractable to receive and position the line for tying .14 . The automated fishing knot tying arrangement of either of claims 12 or 13 , wherein the tying actuators comprise a plurality of linear actuators controllably extensible or retractable to manipulate the line for tying .15 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 12 to 14 , wherein the controller is configured to sequence extension and retraction of the staging and tying actuators to create a loop in the line , wrap the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times , and pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point , the controller further configured to control the fishing linefeeder and / or line collector in order to pull line tight to form a resulting dropper loop knot .16 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 12 to 15 , wherein the staging actuators comprise three linear actuators extensible from, and retractable into , the platform, said three linear actuators arranged about a loop li fting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times .17 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 12 to 16 , wherein the tying actuators comprise four linear actuators arranged about the staging actuators , two actuators arranged to stage the line onto the staging actuators , one actuator extensibly and oscilatably arranged to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times , and one actuator arranged to pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point .18 . The automated fishing knot tying arrangement of claim 17 , wherein the one actuator extensibly and oscilatably arranged complementarily interacts with the loop li fting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times .19 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 12 to 18 , wherein the tying actuators extend or retract in a direction substantially transverse to a direction in which the staging actuators extend or retract .20 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 12 to 19 , wherein the tying actuators extend or retractin a plane substantially coplanar within a plane in which the line travels through the line manipulation assembly .21 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 12 to 20 , wherein the staging and tying actuators each comprise a speci f ic line engager configured to engage with the line to facilitate that particular actuator' s interaction with the line during the knot tying process .22 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the line manipulation assembly comprises a line wetter configured to wet the line during the tying process to minimise heat damage from friction as the knot is tied .23 . The automated fishing knot tying arrangement of claim 22 , wherein the line wetter comprises a fluid applicator configured to apply fluid to the line .24 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 23 , wherein the knot sensor is arranged as a loop or ring through which the line passes after a knot has been tied therein .25 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 24 , wherein the tying arrangement comprises two sequentially arranged knot sensors through which the line passes , a spacing between said knot sensors selected according to a desired spacing between knots in the line .26 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 25 , wherein the line collector comprises a second electrical motor arranged in register with a second spindle bymeans of a second magnetic particle clutch, a second spool supported on the second spindle for receiving the f ishing line with fishing knots tied therein .27 . The automated fi shing knot tying arrangement of any of claims 1 to 26 , wherein the line collector comprises a line guide configured to guide the knotted line onto the second spool .28 . A controller for an automated fishing knot tying arrangement which comprises a fishing line feeder, a line tensioner, a line manipulation assembly operatively supplied with tensioned line from the feeder and tens ioner and configured to manipulate the line in order to tie a fishing knot , such as a dropper loop, therein, at least one knot sensor and a line collector, said controller configured to monitor and control the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly, knot sensor and line collector in order automatically and continuously to tie interspaced fishing knots along the fishing line for use as a paternoster fishing rig .29 . An automated method for tying fishing knots in a fishing line , said method comprising the steps of : by means of a fishing line feeder, feeding fishing line ; by means of a line tensioner, tensioning said line ; by means of a line manipulation assembly operatively supplied with line from the feeder and tensioner, manipulating the line in order to tie a fishing knot , such as a dropper loop therein; and by means of a line collector, collecting the fishing line with a fishing knot tied therein .30 . The method of claim 29 , which comprises the steps of monitoring and controlling, by means of a suitable controller, the line feeder, line tensioner, line manipulation assembly and line collector in order automatically and continuously to tie interspaced fishing knots along the fishing line .31 . The method of claim 29 , wherein the step of manipulating the line comprises monitoring and controlling a plurality of staging actuators configured to receive and position said line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators configured to interact with said staged line in order to tie f ishing knots therein .32 . The method of claim 31 , wherein the step of manipulating the line comprises sequencing extension and retraction of the staging and tying actuators to create a loop in the line , wrap the loop around a crossover point in the line a number of times , and pass the loop through a hole proximate the crossover point , and controlling the fishing line feeder and / or line collector in order to pull line tight to form a resulting dropper loop knot .33 . The method of any of claims 29 to 32 , which includes the step of wetting the line by means of a line wetter during the tying process to minimise heat damage from friction as the knot is tied .34 . The method of any of claims 29 to 33 , wherein the step of manipulating the line comprises sensing a spacing between knots by means of two sequentially arranged knot sensors through which the line passes , said spacing selectable according to a desired spacing between knots in the line .

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