Oyster farming equipment, oyster culture table and oyster farming process

Abstract

Oyster farming apparatus, oyster culture table and oyster farming method. Oyster farming apparatus 9 comprising at least one water-permeable container 13 suitable for containing oysters and a support and lifting member, said container 13 being supported by the support and lifting member, the support and lifting member comprising a rotating shaft 11 about an axis of rotation 10, at least one first strand of flexible link configured to be driven by the rotating shaft 11 in a first downward stroke and a first upward stroke, and connected to the container 13 at a first point, and at least one second strand of flexible link configured to be driven by the rotating shaft 11 in a second downward stroke and a second upward stroke, and connected to the container 13 at a second point distant from the first point, the first stroke and the second stroke being of different magnitudes to drive the rotation of the container,the support and lifting member being configured to raise and lower the container 13 by rotation of the rotating shaft 11, such that, during the ascent, the first strand of flexible link is configured to be driven according to the first upward stroke and that during the descent, the reverse movement is carried out.

Description

Title of the invention: Oyster farming device, oyster farming table and oyster farming method

[0001] The invention relates to the field of shellfish farming, in particular oyster farming.

[0002] Oyster farming is a traditional and complex field that has changed little over time. Generally speaking, oysters are raised in submerged bags in a natural environment. Depending on the farming location, oysters may be exposed to water levels due to tidal cycles; these exposures have a negative impact on the growth rate of the animals. In addition, depending on the location of the farming sites, the oysters are not completely uncovered at low tide, and therefore do not experience the effect or impact of total exposure.

[0003] Oysters are often raised in baskets. Within a basket, the oysters, as they grow, tend to attach themselves to each other and to the basket. Baskets cannot be used in areas with a constant water level because the phenomenon of attachment and biofouling on the baskets is pronounced there.

[0004] Alternatively, the oysters can be glued onto ropes, each oyster being spaced apart from neighboring oysters.

[0005] Some techniques involve more or less regular dewatering for a few hours in order to eliminate epibionts and the development of algae. Other techniques involve a limited number of dewaterings at the end of the breeding process, in order to accustom the oysters to life on the shelf. Outside of these specific applications, dewatering is perceived as a nuisance, which slows down the growth of the oysters.

[0006] The Applicant has carried out extensive research to develop oyster farming that is less dependent on uncontrollable parameters such as wind, swell, the tidal cycle and other climatic parameters, and whose production is more qualitative and more consistent in terms of quality. It has thus discovered that, contrary to established prejudices, regular and controlled dewatering makes it possible to improve the quality of oysters.

[0007] To this end, the Applicant has developed hanging tables for oysters. This table is described in FR2963539. The oysters are glued to ropes which are wound onto poles, see FR2923680. The dewatering is controlled in tidal sites and made possible in sites with a constant water level or low tidal range.

[0008] The need has arisen to reduce the arduousness of the work, the labor costs and the consumption of supplies and also to reduce the losses of oysters, while preserving the high taste quality of oysters benefiting from regular dewatering. and controlled and highly reliable despite bad weather and biological fouling in immersion.

[0009] The Applicant has developed an oyster farming device which improves the situation.

[0010] For this purpose, the oyster farming device comprises at least one container, in particular a bag, crate or basket, permeable to water and capable of containing oysters and a support and lifting member, said at least one container being supported by the support and lifting member, the support and lifting member comprising a shaft rotating about an axis of rotation, at least one first strand of flexible link configured to be driven by the rotating shaft according to a first downward stroke and a first upward stroke, and connected to the container at a first point, and at least one second strand of flexible link configured to be driven by the rotating shaft according to a second downward stroke and a second upward stroke, and connected to the container at a second point distant from the first point, the first stroke and the second stroke being of different standards,the support and lifting member being configured to carry out a raising and lowering of the container by rotation of the rotary shaft, so that, during the raising, the first strand of flexible link is configured to be driven according to the first upward stroke and that during the lowering, the reverse movement is carried out. The loss of oysters by separation of the rope disappears. The removal and recovery of oysters is quick and easy. Production is increased. In addition, the movement of the oysters within the container during dewatering reduces the creation of clumps of oysters frequent within the bags or baskets of the prior art. This reduces the need to manually separate the oysters from each other, this separation being able to cause the loss of one of the two oysters stuck together. The device is not very sensitive to the action of waves, the container being either submerged or dewatered,outside of the ascent / descent phases. The device can be installed in areas sheltered or exposed to waves.

[0011] In other words, the oysters are placed in a container - bag, bag, basket or crate - ensuring the retention of the oysters and the passage of water. The container is suspended at at least two points by flexible links. The flexible links can be ropes, straps, belts, cables or chains. The flexible links drive the container in different movements for stirring the oysters while ensuring the oysters are put into the water or are raised. For this purpose, the container is partially filled with oysters so as to allow freedom of movement of the oysters inside the container during rotation. The rotation of the container on itself means a rotation around a geometric axis passing through the container.

[0012] In one embodiment, when raising or lowering the container, the container is configured to rotate on itself. The attachment points of the container are spaced apart from each other. The container has a combined translational movement, from top to bottom for putting into the water and from bottom to top for raising, and rotation of the container on itself for stirring the oysters.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first flexible tie strand is configured to wrap around the rotating shaft during ascent and the second flexible tie strand is configured to wrap around the rotating shaft during ascent or descent of the container. The structure is simple and its operation is simple and resistant to external conditions.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support and lifting member further comprises a drum mounted on the rotating shaft, the first strand of flexible connection being engaged around the rotating shaft and the second strand of flexible connection being engaged around the drum. The first strand can be wound on the rotating shaft and the second strand can be wound on the drum, the drum being of diameter greater than the diameter of the rotating shaft.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support and lifting member further comprises a drum mounted on the rotating shaft, the first flexible tie strand and the second flexible tie strand being engaged around the drum, said drum being able to comprise a first and a second bearing surface of different diameters, the first flexible tie strand being engaged around the first bearing surface and the second flexible tie strand being engaged around the second bearing surface. The first strand having a greater stroke than the second strand, the rotation of the drums causes the container to pivot. The first strand and the second strand can be wound for a first direction of rotation of the rotating shaft and unwound for a second direction of rotation of the rotating shaft. Alternatively, the first strand can be wound and the second strand unwound for a first direction of rotation of the rotating shaft and vice versa.

[0016] In one embodiment, the drum comprises a single span for a flexible link, the first strand winding and the second strand unwinding for a first direction of rotation of the rotary shaft and vice versa.

[0017] In one embodiment, the support and lifting member comprises an arm secured to the rotating shaft. The first strand of flexible connection is fixed to the arm. The arm secured to the rotating shaft provides a lever effect allowing the container to be lifted and pivoted.

[0018] In one embodiment, the support and lifting member comprises an arm secured to the container. The first flexible link strand and the second flexible link strand are fixed to the arm. The arm secured to the container provides a lever effect allowing the container to pivot simultaneously with its lifting.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first flexible link strand and the second flexible link strand are connected, forming part of a single flexible link. The assembly is simple. The flexible link can be fixed to the rotating shaft by a cleat or a notch.

[0020] In one embodiment, the container is supported by the support and lifting member via a pulley. The first flexible link strand and the second flexible link strand connect to said pulley. The container is supported by the support and lifting member via a pulley, the first flexible link strand and the second flexible link strand connecting to said pulley.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pulley is secured to the container. Thus, a rotation of several turns can be imparted to the container. The rotation can be adjusted between less than one turn and several turns. An eyelet through which the first strand of flexible link and the second strand of flexible link pass increases the grip on the pulley and protects a pulley groove.

[0022] In one embodiment, the device comprises at least two containers supported by said first flexible tie strand and said second flexible tie strand. Productivity is increased.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first upward stroke is between 1 m and 10 m. The device is suitable for different water depths, with or without tide. The device allows a high air draft to be released, allowing passage to boats in the raised position of the container(s). Even in deep water, the fatigue supported by the posts is low, the containers being either submerged or exposed but transiently in the wave zone during a downward or upward stroke.

[0024] In one embodiment, the distance between the first point and the second point is between 10 cm and 2 m. Large volume containers can be tilted providing movement to the oysters within the container.

[0025] In one embodiment, the density of the container is greater than 1. The container tends to sink in the water.

[0026] The invention also relates to an oyster culture table comprising a frame, at least one oyster farming device as above supported by the frame, and a drive member configured to rotate the rotary shaft of the at least one oyster farming device. The laboriousness of the work is reduced. The quality of the oysters can be improved.

[0027] In one embodiment, the drive member comprises a motor powered by a battery and a photovoltaic panel and / or a wind turbine. The drive member can drive several rotating shafts. The tables can be automated and remotely controlled.

[0028] In another embodiment, the drive member comprises a lever, for example a crank, to exert the torque necessary for the ascent. A disengageable pawl may be provided.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method for farming oysters comprising the steps of: placing the oysters in a container, in particular a bag, crate or basket, permeable to water and capable of containing oysters; hanging the container from a support and lifting member such that the container is supported by the support and lifting member by a first point and a second point distant from the first point; driving the support and lifting member into motion by a rotating shaft of the support and lifting member, thereby driving a first strand of flexible link along a first downward stroke, the first strand of flexible link being connected to the container at the first point, and a second strand of flexible link along a second downward stroke, the second strand of flexible link being connected to the container at the second point, the first downward stroke and the second downward stroke being of different standards.

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, taken from examples given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, taken from the drawings in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] illustrates an oyster farming table equipped with an oyster farming device according to one aspect of the invention, showing a container during a race and a container in an unfurled position.

[0032] [Fig.2] illustrates an oyster farming device according to one aspect of the invention in perspective view.

[0033] [Fig.3] illustrates a detail view of an oyster farming table equipped with an oyster farming device according to one aspect of the invention in front view.

[0034] [Fig.4] illustrates a detail view of an oyster farming table equipped with an oyster farming device according to one aspect of the invention in perspective view.

[0035] [Fig.5] illustrates the oyster farming device in perspective view according to another aspect of the invention.

[0036] [Fig.6] illustrates a detailed view of the oyster farming device of [Fig.5] in perspective view.

[0037] [Fig.7] illustrates a detailed view of the oyster farming device of [Fig.5] in perspective view.

[0038] [Fig.8] illustrates the oyster farming device in perspective view according to another aspect of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.9] illustrates the oyster farming device in perspective view according to another aspect of the invention.

[0040] [Fig. 10] illustrates the oyster farming device in perspective view according to another aspect of the invention.

[0041] [Fig. 11] illustrates an oyster container in perspective view.

[0042] [Fig. 12] illustrates an oyster container in perspective view.

[0043] [Fig. 13] illustrates an oyster container in perspective view.

[0044] The following drawings and description contain, for the most part, elements of certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, where appropriate.

[0045] Seeking to reduce labor and supply costs as well as the arduousness of the work, the Applicant sought to automate its oyster farming facilities and to reduce the areas and stages of human intervention, while ensuring regular and controlled dewatering. However, oyster farming involves complex manual stages that must be carried out with great care in an outdoor environment.

[0046] Some techniques involve more or less regular dewatering to eliminate epibionts and algae. Other techniques involve a limited number of dewaterings at the end of the breeding process, in order to accustom the oysters to life on the shelf. Apart from these specific applications, dewatering is perceived as a nuisance, which slows down the growth of the oysters.

[0047] The Applicant sought to simplify oyster farming by proposing a device that allows the steps specific to oyster farming to be carried out easily. This device reduces human intervention in general and guarantees regular and high-quality dewatering. With this device, the steps of gluing the oysters are not necessary. The Applicant also sought to increase the production of the farming facilities. To this end, the proposed device allows a greater number of oysters to be raised per unit area.

[0048] [Fig.l] shows an oyster farming table 1. The table 1 comprises a plurality of posts 3. The posts 3 are planted vertically in the ground, underwater, more particularly in a layer of sediment. The posts 3 comprise a submerged part and an emerged part. The posts 3 form a frame 5. Alternatively, posts 3 are mounted in an X-shape and connected to each other. Alternatively, bracing is fixed between posts.

[0049] The table 1 may comprise a plurality of crosspieces 7. The crosspieces 7 are fixed to the emerged part of the posts 3. The crosspieces 7 are arranged horizontally, perpendicular to the posts 3. The crosspieces 7 are generally parallel to each other. Here, the frame 5 comprises the posts 3 and the crosspieces 7.

[0050] The table 1 also comprises at least one oyster farming device 9. The oyster farming device 9 is supported by the frame 5.

[0051] The oyster farming device 9, see figures 2-4, comprises at least one rotating shaft 11, also called a pole. The rotating shaft 11 is here arranged perpendicular to the posts 3. The rotating shaft 11 is rotatably mounted on the frame 5 along an axis of rotation 10. Here, the rotating shaft 11 may have a generally constant diameter. The rotating shaft 11 is generally cylindrical in shape. The rotating shaft 11 is mounted horizontally. The rotating shaft 11 is made of wood, aluminum, stainless steel or composite materials.

[0052] In one embodiment, the rotary shaft 11 is rotatably mounted directly on the posts 3, with, where appropriate, bearings 2. In the embodiment shown, the rotary shaft 11 is rotatably mounted on the crosspieces 7 by means of bearings 2 arranged on the crosspieces 7.

[0053] The table 1 further comprises at least one drive member 12. The drive member 12 is rotatably connected to at least one of said rotary shafts 11 for driving the rotary shaft(s) 11. The drive member 12 may comprise a crank or a maneuvering wheel. The drive member can thus be operated manually. The drive member 12 may also comprise an electric motor. Here, the drive member 12 comprises an electric motor powered by a source, in particular a photovoltaic panel and a battery. A wind turbine may be provided instead of or in addition to the photovoltaic panel.

[0054] The oyster farming device 9 comprises at least one oyster container 13. The container 13 is capable of containing oysters. The container 13 is permeable to water. The container 13 may be flexible or rigid. The container 13 may be a bag, a basket or a crate. The container 13 comprises a body provided with an opening and at least one door 14 for closing the opening to retain the oysters. The opening allows the oysters to be introduced into the container at the start of farming and the oysters to be removed from it at the end of farming. During the oyster growth phase, the door 14 is closed so that the oysters are retained inside the container 13. The container 13 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape comprising a first end face 141 and an opposite second end face 142 and other faces. The container 13 may also have a cylindrical, rounded or oval shape, see Figures 11, 12 and 13.The container 13 may be made of plastic, flexible or rigid, or of steel, in particular in the form of sheet metal, welded wire or netting. Meshes of different diameters may be provided depending on the growth progress of the oysters. The density of the container 13 is greater than 1.

[0055] The container 13 is without a float. Floats are sometimes used to move the baskets in open water areas. The floats are bulky, offer a limited and uncontrolled stroke, and are unsuitable for areas with high water depth or low tidal range. The floats and associated baskets generate almost permanent forces on the support structure which rests on a connection to the bottom. The connection is subject to fatigue due to wave movements.

[0056] The door 14 of the container 13 may be provided on a side wall of the container 13 as illustrated in [Fig. 13]. The door 14 of the container 13 may be provided on at least one of the end faces 141, 142 as illustrated in [Fig. 12]. The container 13 may comprise two parts hinged together by means of at least one hinge as illustrated in [Fig. 11]. The walls of the container 13 may be made of perforated sheet metal as illustrated in [Fig.l 1]. The walls of the container 13 may be made of a mesh structure as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

[0057] The container 13 is arranged vertically above the rotating shaft 11, below the latter. The oyster farming device 9 is configured to move the container 13 in one direction, by raising and lowering it, when the rotating shaft 11 is rotated. The oyster farming device 9 is configured to pivot the container 13 about an axis of rotation 16 of the container 13 during vertical movement.

[0058] The oyster farming device 9 comprises at least a first strand 15 and at least a second strand 17. The first strand 15 is secured to the rotating shaft 11. The second strand 17 is secured to the rotating shaft 11. The first strand 15 is secured to the container 13 at a first attachment point 19, by a hook, for example a carabiner or a shackle, or a knot. The second strand 17 is secured to the container 13 at a second attachment point 21, by a hook, for example a carabiner or a shackle, or a knot. The first attachment point 19 and the second attachment point 21 are distant. A distance is defined between the first attachment point 19 and the second attachment point 21. Here, said distance is between 0.1 and 2 m. Attaching and detaching the containers 13 is quick and easy.The first attachment point 19 and second attachment point 21 make it possible to easily handle the containers 13 between the production site and a storage or packaging building.

[0059] The first strand 15 and the second strand 17 are strands of flexible links, here of rope. Alternatively, the first strand 15 and the second strand 17 are strands of cable, chain or even belt.

[0060] Here, the term “strand” means an active part of a flexible link subjected to a tensile force. During a movement, the strand is the part of the flexible link stretched between the container 13 and the rotating shaft 11, the flexible link being able to comprise other parts, in particular wound parts. In practice, the strand is a straight portion of the flexible link.

[0061] The rotary shaft 11, the first strand 15 and the second strand 17 form a support and lifting member for the container 13. More generally, the support and lifting member comprises a set of members allowing the container 13 to be supported by the rotary shaft 11. The support and lifting member is driven in movement by the rotary shaft.

[0062] The support and lifting member is configured to carry out a raising and lowering of the container 13 by rotation of the rotary shaft 11. During the raising, the first strand 15 of flexible link is driven according to the first upward stroke and during the lowering, the reverse movement is carried out. During the raising, the second strand 17 of flexible link is driven according to the second upward stroke and during the descent, the reverse movement is performed. The difference between the first upward stroke and the second upward stroke causes the container to pivot in a first direction of rotation. The difference between the first downward stroke and the second downward stroke causes the container to pivot in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation. The first downward stroke and the second downward stroke are of different standards. The first upward stroke and the second upward stroke are of different standards.

[0063] When the container is raised or lowered, the container rotates on itself. In figures 2-4, a container in the submerged or high position is shown on the same rotating shaft 11 as a container in the submerged or low position, a cutaway being drawn on the rotating shaft 11 to show that this representation is intended to compare the positions. In reality, the containers on the same rotating shaft 11 are in the same position. The same applies to figures 8-10.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, the oyster farming device 9 comprises two pairs of first and second strands 15, 17 and two pairs of first and second attachment points 19, 21. The first pair of first and second attachment points 19, 21 is arranged on the first end face 141. The second pair of first and second attachment points 19, 21 is arranged on the second end face 142. This makes it possible to balance the forces.

[0065] The first strand 15 is configured to be driven by the rotary shaft 11 according to a first upward stroke and according to a first downward stroke. The second strand 17 is configured to be driven by the rotary shaft 11 according to a second upward stroke and according to a second downward stroke.

[0066] The travel of a strand corresponds to the distance traveled by a fictitious point placed at the lower end of the strand. In practice, said point is close to the container 13. Said point is moved between a low position and a high position corresponding respectively to the low position and the high position of the container 13. The container 13 is driven upwards during an ascent phase. The container 13 is driven downwards during a descent phase.

[0067] During the ascent phase, the first strand 15 is driven according to the first upward stroke and the second strand 17 is driven according to the second upward stroke. The first upward stroke and the second upward stroke then have a different norm. For example, the norm of the first upward stroke is greater than the norm of the second upward stroke.

[0068] The value of the standard of the first upward stroke is between 1 and 10 m, which corresponds, in general, to the height between a low position of the container 13 and a maximum high position of the container 13.

[0069] The difference in length between the first upstroke and the second upstroke rising allows the rotational movement of the container 13 to be carried out.

[0070] In the embodiment of figs 2 to 4, the first attachment point 19 is fixed relative to the container 13 and the attachment point 21 is fixed relative to the container 13. The rotation of the container 13 is half a turn or less, for example a quarter turn.

[0071] During the descent phase, the reverse movement is carried out. The container 13 follows a vertical translation downwards and a rotation in the opposite direction to that of the ascent phase.

[0072] Alternatively, the first attachment point 19 is located on the rotation axis 16 of the container 13. The first strand 15 is then in pivot connection with the container 13 on the rotation axis 16. The first strand 15 and the second strand 17 are configured to carry out the combined translation and rotation.

[0073] Generally, the axis of rotation 16 of the container 13 is located between the first attachment point 19 and the second attachment point 21, in particular on an axis connecting the first attachment point 19 and the second attachment point 21, here equidistant from the first attachment point 19 and the second attachment point 21.

[0074] Here, the first strand 15 and the second strand 17 are configured to be wound around the rotary shaft 11. The winding of the first strand 15 and second strand 17 makes it possible to carry out the upward translation and rotation movements of the container 13. The unwinding of the first strand 15 and second strand 17 makes it possible to carry out the downward translation and rotation movements of the container 13 in the opposite direction.

[0075] The stroke difference between the first upstroke and the second upstroke can be obtained in several ways.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the oyster farming device 9 further comprises a drum 23 mounted on the rotating shaft 11. The drum 23 is rotatably coupled to the rotating shaft 11. The drum 23 has at least a first bearing surface 25. The first bearing surface 25 is coaxial with the rotating shaft 11. The first bearing surface 25 performs the same rotation as the rotating shaft 11. The first bearing surface 25 has a diameter greater than that of the rotating shaft 11. The first strand 15 is configured to wrap around the first bearing surface 25. The second strand 17 is configured to wrap around the rotating shaft.

[0077] Here, the oyster farming device 9 comprises a drum 23 per set or pair of first strand 15 and second strand 17.

[0078] Since the diameter of the first bearing surface 25 and the diameter of the rotating shaft 11 are different, during the ascent phase, the first upward stroke and the second upward stroke have a different length. Similarly, during the descent phase, the first downward stroke and the second downward stroke have a different length.

[0079] Alternatively, illustrated in [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], the drum 23 further comprises a second bearing surface 27. The first bearing surface 25 and the second bearing surface 27 are coaxial with the rotary shaft 11. The first bearing surface 25 and the second bearing surface 27 are configured to perform the same rotation as the rotary shaft 11. The first bearing surface 25 and the second bearing surface 27 have different diameters. The first strand 15 is configured to wrap around the first bearing surface 25. The second strand 17 is configured to wrap around the second bearing surface 27.

[0080] Alternatively, the first strand 15 and the second strand 17 may have a different diameter. Thus, by being mounted to wind directly around the rotating shaft 11 of constant diameter, the first strand 15 and the second strand 17 have a first upward stroke and a second upward stroke of different lengths. Similarly, during the downward phase, the first downward stroke and the second downward stroke have different lengths.

[0081] In Figures 2, 3 and 4, the first bearing surface 25 has a first end 251 and a second end 252. Here, the drum 23 comprises a first flange 30 arranged at the first end 251 of the first bearing surface 25, a second flange 31 arranged at the second end 252 of the first bearing surface 25.

[0082] For the drum 23 with two bearing surfaces 25, 27 illustrated in [Fig. 5] and in [Fig. 6], the second bearing surface 27 has a first end 271 and a second end 272. Here, the drum 23 comprises a first flange 301 arranged at the first end 251 of the first bearing surface 25, a second flange 311 arranged at the first end 271 of the second bearing surface 27 and a third flange 321 arranged between the second end 252 of the first bearing surface 25 and the second end 272 of the second bearing surface 27. The third flange 321 forms a junction between the first bearing surface 25 and the second bearing surface 27.

[0083] Said flanges 30, 31, 32, 301, 311, 321 may have a chamfer 33 oriented towards the first bearing surface 25 and second bearing surface 27. The flanges 30, 31, 32, 301, 311, 321 make it possible to contain the first strand 15 and second strand 17 respectively on the first bearing surface 25 and second bearing surface 27 when the first strand 15 and second strand 17 are wound on their respective bearing surface.

[0084] Alternatively, the first strand 15 and the second strand 17 may be secured to each other, thus forming a single flexible link, here a rope 29, see [Fig.7].

[0085] To secure the strands to the drum 23, a notch 35 may be provided in the flange 31 between the first bearing surface 25 and the second bearing surface 27. The rope 29 is arranged in the notch 35 so as to secure the rope 29 to the rotating drum 23. This also ensures that the first strand 15 and the second strand 17 are configured to wind in the same direction.

[0086] In a variant not shown, a hole can be made in the first bearing surface and in the rotary shaft or in the second bearing surface. The first strand is arranged in the hole in the first bearing surface. The second strand is arranged in the hole in the rotary shaft or in the second bearing surface.

[0087] The oyster farming device 9 may comprise several containers 13 arranged one after the other along the rotating shaft 11, each container being supported by at least one of said first strands 15 and at least one of said second strands 17.

[0088] In a variant not shown, the oyster farming device 9 can also comprise several superimposed containers 13, each container being connected to the rotating shaft 11 by an independent pair of strands.

[0089] In a variant not shown, the oyster farming device 9 may comprise several containers 13 per pair of strands 15, 17, arranged vertically and at a distance from each other.

[0090] As a variant, shown in Figures 5 to 7, the oyster farming device 9 comprises at least one pulley 37 secured to the container 13. The pulley 37 comprises an annular groove 39. The rope 29 is engaged in the annular groove 39. Here, the oyster farming device 9 comprises two pulleys 37, one of the pulleys 37 being secured to the first end face 141, the other of the pulleys being secured to the second end face 142.

[0091] During the ascent phase or the descent phase, the rope 29 is configured to drive the pulley 37 in rotation, by adhesion in the annular groove 39. The pulley 37 being secured to the container 13, the rotation of the pulley 37 causes the rotation of the container 13.

[0092] Thus, the container 13 is configured to perform a rotation corresponding to the ratio of the difference in stroke between the first upward stroke and the second upward stroke on a radius of the pulley 37. Performing a rotation of several turns becomes possible.

[0093] The oyster farming device 9 may further comprise a structure 41 rotatably mounted on the container 13, see Figures 5 and 7. Here, the structure 41 is connected to the container 13 by two bearings arranged between the end faces 141, 142 of the container 13 and the pulleys 37. Here, the structure 41 comprises a U-shaped arch 43. The structure 41 therefore comprises two vertical branches 45 and a horizontal branch 47 connecting the two vertical branches 45. The structure 41 comprises two eyelets 49. Each eyelet 49 is arranged on a vertical branch 45 of the structure 4L. Each eyelet 49 is oriented vertically.

[0094] The first strand 15 and the second strand 17 are mounted passing through the eyelet 49. Thus, during the combined movement of the container 13, the structure 41 is configured to perform the vertical translation. In the frame of reference of the structure 41, the container 13 is configured to perform only the rotation. The structure 41 makes it possible to stabilize the oyster farming device 9. The eyelets 49 make it possible to hold the first strand 15 and second strand 17 in the annular groove 39 so as to increase the adhesion of the strands on the pulley and reduce the risk of intrusion of impurities into the annular groove 39.

[0095] Alternatively, illustrated in [Fig.8], the oyster farming device 9 may comprise several containers 13 attached together forming a set 53 of containers 13. The first strand 15 is secured to the set 53 of containers 13 at a first attachment point 191 and the second strand 17 is secured to the set 53 of containers at a second attachment point 211. The first attachment point 191 and the second attachment point 211 are distant. When the rotary shaft 11 is actuated, the set 53 is configured to behave like a container 13 described previously. The first strand 15 and the second strand 17 are configured to drive the set 53 in combined rotation and vertical translation. The arrow between the two sets shows the rotation of the containers during dewatering.

[0096] As a variant, illustrated in [Fig.9], the oyster farming device 9 comprises at least a first cam 55 arranged on the rotating shaft 11. The first strand 15 is integral with the first cam 55. Here, the first cam 55 comprises a second shaft parallel to the rotating shaft 11. The second shaft is supported by two parallel flanges. The two parallel flanges are mounted perpendicular to the rotating shaft 11. The second shaft forms an eccentric. The arrow between the two containers shows the rotation of the container during dewatering.

[0097] The first strand 15 is configured to be wound around the rotating shaft 11 and the second shaft, having an oblong winding shape. The two flanges extend beyond the diameter of the rotating shaft 11 and the second shaft. The two flanges also have the function of containing the first strand 15 on the first cam 55.

[0098] The oyster farming device 9 may also comprise a second cam 57 mounted adjacent to the first cam 55. The second cam 57 has a structure similar to the first cam 55. A distance between the rotating shaft 11 and the second shaft is greater than a distance between the rotating shaft 11 and the third shaft. The second strand 17 is integral with the second cam 57. The second strand 17 is configured to wrap around the second cam 57. The speeds of the first strand 15 and the second strand 17 vary during the ascent / descent allowing increased shaking of the oysters.

[0099] For the same rotation of the rotary shaft 11, the first strand 15 configured to wind onto the first cam 55 will have a greater stroke than the second strand 17 configured to wind onto the second cam 57. Here, the second shaft and the third shaft are mounted oppositely on the rotating shaft 11.

[0100] In an embodiment not shown, the cams are in one piece.

[0101] As a variant, illustrated in [Fig. 10], the oyster farming device 9 comprises at least a first arm 59 and a second arm 61. The first arm 59 has a length greater than the second arm 61. The first arm 59 and the second arm 61 are mounted on the rotary shaft 11 respectively at one of their ends. The first arm 59 and the second arm 61 are mounted here perpendicular to the rotary shaft 11. The first arm 59 and the second arm 61 are integral with the rotary shaft 11. Here, the first strand 15 is integral with the first arm 59 at a free end of the first arm 59. The second strand 17 is integral with the second arm 61 at a free end of the second arm 61.

[0102] The rotation of the rotary shaft 11 causes the pivoting of the first arm 59 and second arm 61. The first arm 59 being longer than the second arm 61, the stroke of the first strand 15 is greater than the stroke of the second strand 17. The oyster farming device 9 is then also configured to perform a vertical translation and a rotation of the container 13 according to the arrow between the two containers. Here, the translation is not strictly vertical, the container also moves according to a horizontal component.

[0103] Alternatively, the support and lifting member comprises an arm secured to the container 13, the first strand 15 of flexible link and the second strand 17 of flexible link being fixed to the arm. The first strand 15 of flexible link and the second strand 17 of flexible link are fixed in two separate locations on the arm, at two different distances from the rotating shaft 11.

[0104] In a variant not shown, the device comprises at least one additional arm secured to the rotating shaft. The first strand is secured to the additional arm. The second strand is secured to the rotating shaft. In a first stage of the ascent phase, the rotation of the rotating shaft pivots the additional arm allowing the first strand to travel a distance greater than the second strand. In a second stage of the ascent phase, the first strand and second strand are configured to wind at a similar linear speed onto the rotating shaft. The strokes traveled in the second stage by the first strand and the second strand are identical. Thus, the first strand has a first upward stroke greater than the second upward stroke of the second strand.

[0105] A method of farming oysters comprises the following steps: Firstly, out of the water, the oysters are placed in the container 13, in particular a bag, a crate or a basket. Secondly, the container 13 is attached to the support and lifting member. The container 13 is supported by the support member and lifting by the first point 19 and the second point 21 distant from the first point 19. The first point 19 is hooked onto the first strand 15 and the second point 21 is hooked onto the second strand 17. Then, the support and lifting member is driven into movement by the rotation of the rotary shaft 11 of the support and lifting member, thus causing the displacement of the first strand 15 of flexible link according to the first downward stroke and the displacement of the second strand 17 of flexible link according to the second downward stroke. The container 13 thus rotates on itself during its descent. The container 13 is immersed. During the fattening of the oysters, repeated steps of dewatering and immersion, by rotation of the rotary shaft 11 of the support and lifting member, are carried out.

[0106] After the oysters have grown, the reverse steps are carried out to remove the container 13 from the water, unhook the container 13 from the first strand 15 and second strand 17, and, out of the water, extract the oysters from the container 13.

[0107] In one embodiment, from a submerged state, a partial upward stroke, possibly followed by an opposite downward stroke, is executed. The resulting rotation allows the oysters to move relative to each other to avoid the formation of clusters. The container remains submerged. This is advantageous when it is desired to keep the oysters in the water.

[0108] In one embodiment, from an exondated state, a partial downward stroke, possibly followed by an opposite upward stroke, is executed. The resulting rotation allows the oysters to move relative to each other to avoid the formation of clusters. The container remains exondated. This is advantageous when it is desired to keep the oysters out of water.

[0109] In other words, an oyster farming device comprises a rotating shaft, at least one basket and at least one pair of strands connecting the rotating shaft and the basket. To raise or lower the basket, the rotating shaft is configured to be rotated by a drive member. The two strands are configured to wind around the rotating shaft according to two different winding diameters. Consequently, the two strands are able to travel two distinct distances for the same rotation of the shaft. The two strands are fixed to the basket at two distinct points so that during rotation of the rotating shaft, the differentiated movement of the strands generates a rotation of the basket. The reverse rotation is carried out during the descent of the basket.

[0110] An oyster farming device comprises a rotating shaft, at least one basket and at least one pair of flexible links connecting the rotating shaft and the basket. To raise or lower the basket, the rotating shaft is rotatably coupled to a drive member. The two flexible links are configured to move over two different stroke distances. The two flexible links are attached to the basket at two separate points of such that when the rotating shaft rotates, the differentiated movement of the flexible links generates a rotation of the basket.]

Claims

Claims

1. Oyster farming device (9) comprising at least one container (13), in particular a bag, crate or basket, permeable to water and capable of containing oysters and a support and lifting member, said at least one container (13) being supported by the support and lifting member, the support and lifting member comprising a rotating shaft (11) about an axis of rotation (10), at least one first strand (15) of flexible link configured to be driven by the rotating shaft (11) according to a first downward stroke and a first upward stroke, and connected to the container (13) at a first point (19), and at least one second strand (17) of flexible link configured to be driven by the rotating shaft (11) according to a second downward stroke and a second upward stroke, and connected to the container (13) at a second point (21) distant from the first point (19), the first stroke and the second stroke being of different standards,the support and lifting member being configured to carry out a raising and lowering of the container (13) by rotation of the rotary shaft (11), so that, during the raising, the first strand (15) of flexible link is configured to be driven according to the first upward stroke and that during the lowering, the reverse movement is carried out.,

2. An oyster farming device (9) according to claim 1, wherein, when raising or lowering the container (13), the container (13) is configured to rotate on itself.

3. An oyster farming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first strand (15) of flexible tie is configured to wrap around the rotating shaft (11) during ascent and the second strand (17) of flexible tie is configured to wrap around the rotating shaft (11) during ascent or descent of the container (13).

4. Oyster farming device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support and lifting member further comprises a drum (23) mounted on the rotating shaft, the first strand of flexible link and the second strand of flexible link being engaged around the drum (23), said drum being able to comprise a first and a second bearing surface (25, 27) of different diameters, the first strand (15) of flexible link being engaged around the first bearing surface (25) and the second strand (17) of flexible link being engaged around the second bearing surface (27).

5. Oyster farming device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support and lifting member comprises an arm secured to the rotating shaft (11), the first strand (15) of flexible link being fixed to the arm.

6. Oyster farming device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support and lifting member comprises an arm secured to the container (13), the first strand (15) of flexible link and the second strand (17) of flexible link being fixed to the arm.

7. Oyster farming device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first strand (15) of flexible link and the second strand (17) of flexible link are connected, forming part of the same flexible link (29).

8. Oyster farming device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (13) is supported by the support and lifting member via a pulley (37), the first strand (15) of flexible link and the second strand (17) of flexible link connecting to said pulley (37).

9. Oyster farming device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two containers (13) supported by said first strand (15) of flexible link and said second strand (17) of flexible link.

10. Oyster farming device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first upward stroke is between 1 m and 10 m.

11. Oyster farming device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the first point (19) and the second point (21) is between 10 cm and 2 m.

12. Oyster farming device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the density of the container (13) is greater than 1.

13. An oyster cultivation table (1) comprising a frame (5), at least one oyster farming device (9) according to any one of the preceding claims supported by the frame (5), and a drive member (12) configured to rotate the rotary shaft (11) of the at least one oyster farming device (9).

14. Oyster culture table (1) according to claim 13, in which the drive member (12) comprises a motor powered by a battery and a photovoltaic panel and / or a wind turbine.

15. A method of farming oysters comprising the steps of: arranging the oysters in a container (13), in particular a bag, crate or basket, permeable to water and capable of containing oysters; hanging the container (13) from a support and lifting member so that the container (13) is supported by the support and lifting member by a first point (19) and a second point (21) distant from the first point (19); driving the support and lifting member in movement by a rotary shaft (11) of the support and lifting member, thus driving a first strand (15) of flexible link according to a first downward stroke, the first strand (15) of flexible link being connected to the container (13) at the first point (19), and a second strand (17) of flexible link according to a second downward stroke, the second strand (17) of flexible link being connected to the container (13) at the second point (21), the first downward stroke and the second downward stroke being of different standards.

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