AQUARIUM VIBRATION DEVICE, INSTALLATION AND CORRESPONDING PROCEDURE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for vibrating aquariums (18) intended to house living organisms in order to study their sensitivity and response to vibrations. The device comprises a base (12), a frame (14) arranged above the base (12) to form a workspace (24) between the base (12) and the frame (14), an armature (28) fixed to the base (12) and supporting the frame (14), a support (16) placed in the workspace (24) and intended to hold at least one aquarium (18), and a vibrating module (64) comprising a housing (66) mounted on the frame (14) and an end (68) fixed to the support (16). The support (16) is carried by the frame (14) by means of at least one suspension element (40) capable of elastic deformation. Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: AQUARIUM VIBRATION DEVICE, CORRESPONDING INSTALLATION AND METHOD Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of the study of the effects of vibrations on aquatic organisms.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a vibration device Aquariums, an experimental setup for studying the effects of vibration on aquatic organisms, and a method for vibrating aquariums. Technical background

[0003] Noise generated by human activities is considered a source of pollution under recent environmental guidelines. Numerous studies have shown the effects of anthropogenic sounds on various aquatic species. Most of these studies have focused on sounds propagating through the water column. Recently, studies have also reported the sensitivity of certain species, particularly benthic organisms (those resting on the bottom), to sounds propagating by vibration through the substrate.

[0004] To date, the effects of these vibrations are still very poorly documented. Furthermore, noise pollution remains largely unexplored in ecotoxicology, the discipline that studies the impact of pollutants on individuals. The protocols typically applied in this discipline require exposing different groups of individuals, referred to as replicates, to different levels of pollution. However, to date, there are no standardized devices that allow for the reliable and controlled study of the effect of vibrations on different living organisms simultaneously. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention proposes a device for vibrating aquariums intended to house living organisms in order to study their sensitivity and response to vibrations, comprising: - a base, - a frame arranged above the base so as to form a workspace between the base and the frame, - a frame that is fixed to the base and supports the frame, - a support placed in the workspace and designed to hold at least one aquarium, and - a vibrating module comprising a housing mounted on the frame and one end fixed to the support, the support being carried by the frame by means of at least one suspension element capable of elastically deforming so as to allow the support to oscillate freely around a state of equilibrium and to absorb the vibrational waves propagating from the frame to the support and vice versa.

[0006] According to other features of the invention:

[0007] - the suspension element comprises a rope or an elastic strap;

[0008] - the aquarium vibration device comprises four elements of suspension distributed along the perimeter of the support;

[0009] - the aquarium vibration device further comprises at least one elastic return element connecting the support to the base in order to stabilize the support;

[0010] - the frame comprises at least two uprights extending in a direction vertical elongation, the two uprights supporting the frame;

[0011] - the support has at least two openings, each allowing the passage of a mounting through the support so that the support is mounted sliding along the uprights;

[0012] - the aquarium vibration device further comprises at least two aquariums fixed to the support.

[0013] The invention also proposes an installation for experimenting with the effects of vibrations on aquatic organisms, comprising: - at least one device for vibrating aquariums according to the invention; - at least one aquarium intended to house at least one aquatic organism, - a power supply arranged to provide electrical energy to the vibrating module, - a control system comprising: — a control unit, and — a measurement module comprising an accelerometer fixed to the support, the measurement module being configured to track the amplitude and frequency of vibrations of the support.

[0014] According to other features of the invention, the installation comprises at least two aquarium vibration devices according to the invention, of which a first device and a second device, and the power supply is configured to deliver respectively a first electrical power and a second electrical power predetermined to the vibrating modules of the first device and the second device.

[0015] The invention also proposes a method of vibration implemented by means of an aquarium vibration installation according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps: - Determination in the control unit of a first and a second vibration amplitude to be applied respectively to the first device and the second device, - Determination in the control unit of the duration of exposure to vibrations, - Control by the control unit of the first electrical power and the second electrical power delivered by the power supply during the duration of exposure to vibrations by means of a control loop having: — for instructions respectively the first and second vibration amplitudes, and — for measurements the amplitude of the vibrations of the supports respectively of the first and second devices. Brief description of the figures

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description that follows, for an understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig-1] is a schematic view showing an experimental setup of the effects of vibrations on aquatic organisms comprising a single device for vibrating aquariums according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0018] [Fig.2] is a perspective view showing the structure of the device in [Fig.1];

[0019] [Fig.3] is an exploded view showing the structure of the device in [Fig.1];

[0020] [Fig.4] is a detailed view showing the frame of the device of [Fig.1];

[0021] [Fig. 5] is a detailed view of a corner of the frame of [Fig. 4] showing the fixing of an amount and a suspension element to the framework;

[0022] [Fig. 6] is a detailed view of a corner of the device support of [Fig. 1] showing the fixing of a suspension element to the support and the sliding of the support relative to the upright;

[0023] [Fig.7] is a detailed view of a corner of the support and base of the device [Fig.1] showing the attachment of the return element;

[0024] [Fig.8] is a detailed view showing the vibration module of the device [Fig.l];

[0025] [Fig.9] is a detailed view showing an aquarium of the device of [Fig.1];

[0026] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of an experimental installation for the effects of vibrations on aquatic organisms according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0027] [Fig. 11] is a functional diagram of the installation of the [Fig. 10] showing the vibration control system;

[0028] [Fig. 12] is a schematic representation of a study carried out using the installation of [Fig. 10] showing an example of implementation of the process of the invention;

[0029] [Fig. 13] is a diagram representing theoretical results of the study illustrated in [Fig. 12] and showing the effects of vibrations on bivalves as a function of the level of vibrations. Detailed description of the invention

[0030] For the purpose of describing the invention and understanding the claims, the vertical, longitudinal, and transverse orientations of the V, L, T coordinate system shown in the figures shall be adopted, without limitation and without limiting reference to Earth's gravity, in which the longitudinal axis L and transverse axis T extend in a horizontal plane. By convention, the vertical axis is oriented from bottom to top, the longitudinal axis L is oriented from back to front, and the transverse axis is oriented from left to right.

[0031] In the description that follows, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates an installation 90 for experimenting with the effects of vibrations on aquatic organisms according to a first embodiment of the invention. The installation 90 comprises a device 10 for vibrating aquariums having a fully integrated structure and a controlled vibration system 62.

[0033] The device 10 is described with particular reference to figures 1 to 3. The device 10 for vibrating aquariums comprises a base 12, a frame 14 mounted on the base 12 and a support 16 intended to receive at least one aquarium 18.

[0034] The base 12 is intended to be placed on an experimental surface 20 such as a test table or a test floor. The base 12 can advantageously be placed on a shock-absorbing mat 22, for example made of rubber designed to limit the propagation of vibrations: - on the one hand, from base 12 to experimental plan 20 to avoid contaminating other experiments placed on the same experimental plan 20, and - on the other hand, from the experimental plan 20 towards the base 12 to avoid disturbing the vibrations imposed by the device 10 on the aquarium 18.

[0035] In the example shown, the base 12 is a parallelepiped-shaped plate having a substantially square base in a horizontal plane (LT). Alternatively, the base may have a circular, oblong, or any other shaped base. By way of example and not limitation, the base 12 may be made of rigid plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or of metal.

[0036] The frame 14 is designed to provide a workspace 24 sized to accommodate the support 16 equipped with the aquarium 18 or aquariums 18 to be tested, while also allowing for ergonomic handling of the aquariums and their contents. When the frame 14 has a parallelepiped shape with a square base, the workspace 24 is, for example, a substantially cubic volume. By way of illustration and in no way limiting, the workspace 24 has a height of approximately 50 centimeters, which corresponds to the spacing between the base 12 and the frame 14. The workspace 24 can have any other shape, for example, a cylindrical shape with a circular base when the base 12 and the frame 14 are each disc-shaped.

[0037] In the example shown, the frame 14 comprises a parallelepiped-shaped upper plate 26 having a substantially square base in a horizontal plane (LT). For illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation, the frame 14 may be made of rigid plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In the example, the frame 14 is held at a distance from the base 12 by means of a bracket 28.

[0038] The frame 28 comprises: - a base 30 extending in a horizontal plane and fixed so as to be integral with the plinth 12, and - four uprights 32 extending along a vertical elongation direction.

[0039] The base 30 is, for example, a parallelepiped-shaped metal plate having a substantially square base with dimensions slightly smaller than the dimensions of the base of the plinth 12. The base 30 is, for example, screwed, glued or welded to the plinth 12. The base 30 has, for example, four locations 34 for receiving the uprights 32. The base 30 is, for example, made of stainless steel or hard plastic.

[0040] Alternatively, the uprights 32 can be fixed directly to the base 12.

[0041] Each upright 32 is, for example, a metal rod which may be made of stainless steel or hard plastic. Each upright has a lower end 36 intended to be fixed to the base 30 and an upper end 38 intended to be fixed to the frame 14. In the example, the lower end 36 is welded into the location 34 of the corresponding flange 30.

[0042] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, the uprights 32 are distributed along the perimeter of the frame 14. The frame 14 has four through holes 50 arranged at the four corners of the upper plate 26. The four uprights 32 extend respectively through the four through holes 50. The upper end of each upright 32 is threaded, and the frame 14 is held at a predetermined height on each upright 32 by means of a pair of nuts 52, 54. Each pair of nuts 52, 54 comprises a lower nut 52 and an upper nut 54 screwed onto the upper end of an upright 32. The frame 14 rests on the lower nut 52 and is held clamped between the lower nut 52 and the upper nut 54.

[0043] The support 16 is adapted to hold at least one aquarium 18. In the example shown, the support 16 is a parallelepiped plate having a substantially square base in a horizontal plane (LT). Alternatively, the support 16 may have a circular, oblong, or any other shaped base. By way of example and not limitation, the support 16 may be made of rigid plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or of metal.

[0044] In the example shown, the support 16 has dimensions substantially identical to those of the upper plate 26.

[0045] The support 16 is mounted on the frame 14 by means of at least one suspension element 40. In the example shown, the support 16 is mounted on the frame 14 by means of four suspension elements 40. The suspension elements 40 are distributed along the periphery of the support 16. Each suspension element 40 has an elastic strap 42. The elastic strap 42 may be made of latex or rubber, for example. The elastic strap 42 extends vertically downwards from the frame 14. By way of illustration and not limitation, the elastic strap 42 has a vertical dimension of approximately 22 centimeters and a width of approximately 16 millimeters.

[0046] The suspension element 40 is designed to deform elastically so as to allow the support (16) to move freely around its equilibrium state. The damping associated with this suspension element helps to limit uncontrolled mechanical reactions and ensure stable system behavior. It also helps to limit external disturbances such as vibrations from the environment in which the system is installed. Alternatively, the suspension element 40 can be, for example, an elastic cord or a spring. The stiffness of the suspension element must be dimensioned relative to the total mass of the object being vibrated, i.e., the support 16 and the aquariums 18. These elements define the natural resonant frequency of the system.It is recommended to avoid exciting the medium at its natural resonant frequency, as this could lead to excessive vibration amplitudes, potentially causing uncontrolled mechanical reactions and damaging the system.

[0047] Each elastic strap 42 has an upper end piece 44 fixed to the upper end of the elastic strap 42 and a lower end piece 46 fixed to the lower end of the elastic strap 42. Each upper end piece 44 or lower end piece 46 is, for example, glued or screwed to the elastic strap 42 or snapped onto the elastic strap 42 so as to clamp it or so as to fit into a lug or a housing at the end of the elastic strap 42.

[0048] With particular reference to [Fig. 5], the upper end piece 44 is designed to cooperate with the frame 14 to fix the suspension element 40 to the frame 14. By For example, the upper tip 44 has a thread on its external face and the frame 14 has four tapped holes 48 at the four corners of its lower face, each tapped hole 48 being adapted to receive an upper tip 44 by screwing.

[0049] Similarly, and with particular reference to [Fig. 6], the lower end piece 46 is designed to cooperate with the support 16 in order to fix the suspension element 40 to the support 16. For example, the lower end piece 46 has a thread on its outer face, and the support 16 has four tapped holes 48 at the four corners of its upper face, each tapped hole 48 being adapted to receive a lower end piece 46 by screwing. Alternatively, the ends pieces 44 and 46 could be fixed by snap-fitting, stamping, or bonding, for example.

[0050] The support 16 further comprises four through openings 56, each opening 56 allowing the passage of an upright 32 through the support 16. The openings 56 are, for example, cylindrical. Each opening 56 has a diameter sufficiently large to prevent any contact or friction between the support 16 and the corresponding upright 32, particularly when the support 16 is vibrated, in order to limit parasitic waves or disturbances likely to damage the vibrating module 64.

[0051] The openings 56 can optionally serve as guides for the support 16. The openings 56 are necessary in a configuration where the suspension elements 40 are positioned more peripherally with respect to the uprights 32, which contributes to the stability of the support 16. The support 16 is therefore sliding relative to the uprights 32.

[0052] Alternatively, the support 16 could have a base with dimensions allowing it to slide vertically inside the volume delimited by the uprights 32. In this case, the suspension elements 40 are positioned more centrally with respect to the uprights 32 and the openings 56 are not required.

[0053] With particular reference to [Fig. 7], the device 10 further comprises at least one elastic return element 58 connecting the support 16 to the base 12. The return element 58 stabilizes the support 16. In the example shown, the device 10 comprises four return elements 58, each return element 58 being a rubber elastic band. The return element 58 describes a loop and has, for example, a toroidal or cylindrical shape. Each of the four corners of the support 16 is slid into the loop formed by the return element 58, the return element 58 being positioned between the opening 56 and the tapped hole 48 receiving the lower end 46 of the elastic band 42, such that the movement of the return element 58 is restricted on the one hand by the elastic band 42 and on the other hand by the upright 32.The return element 58 is fixed to a ring 60 anchored on the upper face of the base 12 near a corner of the base 12 so as to be taut between the support 16 and the base 12. The element. The anchoring element 58 is, for example, attached to the ring 60 by means of a hook 61 as shown in [Fig.7]. Alternatively, the anchoring element 58 can be attached directly to the ring 60 or hung with a cable tie, for example.

[0054] Alternatively, the return element 58 can be a strap or a spring.

[0055] Now, the vibration system 62 is described more specifically with reference to Figures 1 and 8. The vibration system 62 comprises a vibrating module 64.

[0056] The vibrating module 64 comprises a housing 66 mounted on the frame 14 and a rigid extension 72 terminating in an end 68 fixed to the support 16. The housing 66 is, for example, a vibrating pot, also referred to as an exciter or vibrator. The housing 66 includes, for example, a coil placed in a magnetic field. When the coil is supplied with an electric current, it is subjected to a force known as the Laplace force, the direction and magnitude of which depend on the sign and intensity of the electric current flowing through the coil. The electric current flowing through the coil is supplied by a power supply 70. The housing 66 is thus capable of setting in motion the rigid extension 72 and thereby the support 16 fixed to the end 68 of the rigid extension 72.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the housing 66 is fixed to the center of the lower face of the frame 14. It is, for example, screwed, glued, or snapped onto the frame 14. The support 16 has a through hole 74 for receiving the end 68. The end 68 has a thread on its outer lateral face and is held in place in the through hole 74 by two nuts 76 screwed onto the end 68 on either side of the support 16 so as to clamp the support 16 between the two nuts 76. The nut 76 shown in [Fig. 8] is a wing nut. The end 68 may advantageously include a self-locking washer 77 positioned between the upper nut 76 and the support 16 to maintain the clamping force.

[0058] The dimensions and mass of the support 16 must be taken into account in the dimensioning of the vibrating pot of the vibrating module 64. The vibrating module 64 is designed to vibrate the total suspended mass including the support 16, the aquariums 18 and their contents.

[0059] The vibration control system 114 further includes a measuring module 112 configured to receive and record measurements taken by an accelerometer 108 fixed to the support 16 and a control unit, typically a computer 110, for displaying the recorded signals. The accelerometer 108 is connected to the recorder 112 configured to perform vibration measurements of the support 16 and to transmit them to the control unit 110.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a detailed view of an aquarium 18. Aquarium 18 is intended to house aquatic species for study.

[0061] The aquarium 18 comprises a base 78, a tank 80 placed on one upper face of the base 78, and a lid 82 adapted to seal the tank 80. In the example, the tank 80 is cylindrical in shape with a vertical axis. The base 78 is a disc with the same axis as the tank 80 and a diameter greater than the diameter of the tank 80. The tank 80 is integral with the base 78. The tank 80 is, for example, molded from the material of the base 78 or glued or screwed onto the base 78. By way of example and not limitation, the base 78 and the tank 80 may be made of rigid plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0062] The tank 80 has at its upper part a rim 84 delimiting the entrance of the tank 80. The aquarium 18 may also have a flange 86 attached to the tank 80 and extending in a peripheral radial direction from the rim 84. The flange 86 has, for example, a flat annular shape.

[0063] The cover 82, when positioned to close the inlet of the tank 80, can be held in place by being screwed onto the flange 86. The cover 82 is advantageously made of transparent material, for example transparent polycarbonate.

[0064] The rim 84 of the tank 80 can advantageously receive a seal 88 to ensure a seal between the tank 80 and the lid 82. The seal 88 is, for example, a flat seal or an O-ring.

[0065] The aquarium 18 advantageously includes a water supply pipe 83 connected, for example, to the lid 82, allowing the aquarium 18 to be supplied with filtered water, possibly enriched with oxygen or nutrients. The aquarium 18 also includes a drain pipe 85 connected, for example, to the middle of the side wall of the tank 80, allowing water to circulate out of the tank 80, for example, to measure indicators present in the water from the chambers or to perform a water filtration operation. The supply pipe 83 and the drain pipe 85 can be connected to a water treatment unit, a filter, or a unit for titrating or dosing the components in solution.

[0066] The support 16 can receive a variable number of aquariums 18. The device 10 is particularly suitable for receiving between two and four enclosures, or even more depending on the size of the support 16 and the aquariums 18, provided that the weight of the structure 16 with the aquariums 18 is not too great for vibration by the vibrating module 64 and that the aquariums 18 are distributed on the support 16 to allow the support 16 to be balanced.

[0067] The base 78 is attached to the support 16, preferably in a removable manner, so that the number of aquariums on the support 16 can be varied according to the needs of the experiment to be carried out. The base 78 can be screwed or fitted into the support 16.

[0068] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an assembly comprising a setup 90 for experimenting with the effects of vibrations on living organisms according to a second embodiment of the invention. The setup 90 comprises a parallel arrangement of four devices 10 as described above.

[0069] The installation 90 comprises four aquarium vibration devices 10, including a first device 92, a second device 94, a third device 96, and a fourth device 98. The installation 90 also includes a power supply 70 comprising an electrical power generator 100 and three amplifiers powered by the generator 100, including a first amplifier 102, a second amplifier 104, and a third amplifier 106. In this example, the generator 100 is a three-channel, low-frequency generator. The amplifiers 102-106 are linear power amplifiers.

[0070] The first amplifier 102 is connected to the vibrating module 64 of the first device 92 so as to deliver a first electrical power PI, the second amplifier 104 is connected to the vibrating module 64 of the second device 94 so as to deliver a second electrical power P2, the third amplifier 106 is connected to the vibrating module 64 of the third device 96 so as to deliver a third electrical power P3.

[0071] The installation 90 further includes a measurement module 112 configured to receive and record measurements taken by the accelerometers 108 of the various devices 92-98. In the example, the measurement module includes a four-channel recorder. Thus, the measurement module 112 receives a first vibration measurement M1 of the support 16 of the first device 92, a second vibration measurement M2 of the support 16 of the second device 94, a third vibration measurement M3 of the support 16 of the third device 96, and a fourth vibration measurement M4 of the support 16 of the fourth device 98. The measurements M1-M4 make it possible, in particular, to monitor the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations of each support 16.

[0072] The measuring module 112 transmits the measurements M1-M4 to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 is typically a computer.

[0073] The control unit 110 therefore allows the user to adjust the amplifiers 102-106 in order to obtain the powers P1-P3 on the vibrating systems to have desired vibration levels in the devices 92-94-96.

[0074] The installation 90 thus includes a vibration system 62 by the generator 100 and the amplifiers 102-106 as well as a vibration measurement system comprising the control unit 110 and the measurement module 112.

[0075] The invention also relates to a vibration method implemented using the installation 90. The method is illustrated in [Fig. 12]. The method comprises the following steps:

[0076] - determination via the power supply 70 of a first amplitude Al (controlled by amplifier 102), of a second amplitude A2 (controlled by amplifier 104), and of a third amplitude A3 (controlled by amplifier 106) vibration to be applied respectively to the first device 92, to the second device 94, and to the third device 96, by checking on the control unit 110 the vibration levels received on these devices (92, 94, 96) and the absence of vibration on the control structure 98;

[0077] - determination of the duration T of exposure to vibrations by switching on and off 70V power supply,

[0078] In addition, other vibration parameters can be adjusted on the element 100 by controlling, for example, the type of signal and the frequency of the signal delivered by the power supply 70.

[0079] The control unit 110 allows visualization of the vibration signals from the support 16, such as the waveform (sinusoid or pulse, for example), the frequency, and the intensity controlled by the amplifiers. Thus, the control unit 110 provides the information necessary to adjust the volume of the amplifiers to reach the predetermined setpoint values.

[0080] In an improved embodiment, the vibration emission and measurement systems can be implemented in a closed loop so as to allow complete control from the control unit and to automatically adjust the vibrations of the support 16 over time. This type of assembly, including closed-loop control 124, makes it possible to limit any potential temporal drift of the vibrations.

[0081] The protocol described above is used, for example, in a research program aimed at characterizing the vibration sensitivity of certain bivalves, including scallops and Pacific oysters. Two aquariums, each containing one bivalve, were placed in each device 92-98. Three of these devices 92-96 were used to generate three different levels of vibration simultaneously. In particular, the first device 92 was subjected to a high vibration amplitude A1, the second device 94 to a medium amplitude A2, and the third device 96 to a low amplitude A3. The fourth device 98 served as a control and was not subjected to any vibration.

[0082] The bivalves were subjected to vibration for a duration T of 48 hours. Techniques for monitoring their behavior, such as accelerometry or valvometry, and their physiology, including monitoring filtration rate, respiration, and biological stress markers, were implemented to to study the effect of vibrations. Thus, the installation 90 includes a water inlet 116, a water outlet 118, an ecophysiological measurement unit 120 and a control aquarium 122 containing no animals. The water inlet 116 is connected to the supply pipe 83 of each aquarium 18, including the control aquarium 122. The water outlet 118 is connected to the water drain pipe 85 of each aquarium 18, including the control aquarium 122, via the ecophysiological measurement unit 120. Thus, water circulates from the water inlet 116 to the water outlet 118, passing through the supply pipes 83, then through the drain pipes 85 of each aquarium 18, and finally through the ecophysiological measurement unit 120. The ecophysiological measurement unit 120 performs the measurements described above, including monitoring the filtration and respiration rates.The measurements taken are compared in particular to those of the control aquarium 122 and to those of the aquariums 18 of device 98 which were not subjected to vibrations.

[0083] Figure 13 represents the theoretical effect E as a function of the vibration level, the vibration level being directly correlated to the amplitude A1-A3 with, for example, a logarithmic relationship. The effect is expressed as a percentage of the maximum effect.

[0084] The curve shows that the effect of vibrations on bivalves increases with the level of vibration.

[0085] The system allows for testing several vibration levels simultaneously, all other things being equal. Furthermore, several small aquariums containing individuals to be tested, i.e., replicates, can be attached to each vibrating support 16. This protocol therefore makes it possible to conduct ecotoxicological studies with several replicates tested simultaneously for each vibration level.

[0086] Several elements contribute to isolating the vibrating support 16 from the experimental plane 20, such as the damping mat 22, the suspension elements 40, and the return elements 58, which helps to limit vibration contamination between the different devices 92-98. In particular, the suspension element 40 is capable of elastic deformation, allowing the support 16 to oscillate freely around an equilibrium state. The suspension element 40 absorbs vibration waves propagating from the frame 14 to the support 16 to prevent unwanted vibrations. The suspension element 40 also absorbs vibration waves propagating from the support 16 to the frame 14 to prevent uncontrolled mechanical reactions.

[0087] Legend

[0088] 10 Aquarium vibration device 12 base 14 frames 16 support 18 aquarium 20 experimental plan 22 shock-absorbing mats 24 workspaces 26 top plate 28 frame 30 base 32 amount 34 spaces 36 lower end 38 upper end 40 suspension element 42 elastic strap 44 upper tip 46 lower tip 48 tapped holes 50 through-hole 52 lower nut 54 upper nut 56 opening 58 reminder element 60 ring 61 crochet 62 vibration system 64 vibrating module 66 case 68 vibrating end 70 power supply 72 baguette 74 through orifice 76 end nuts 77 self-locking washer 78 base 80 tank 82 lid 83 supply pipe 84 edge 85 drain pipe 86 bride 88 joint 90 experimental facility 92 first device 94 second device 96 third device 98 fourth device 100 electric power generator 102 first amplifier 104 second amplifier 106 third amplifier 108 accelerometer 110 control unit 112 measurement module 114 control system 116 water inlet

[0089] 118 water outlet 120 ecophysiological measurement units 122 control aquarium 124 closed loop

Claims

Demands

1. A device (10) for vibrating aquariums (18) intended to house living organisms in order to study their sensitivity and response to vibrations, comprising: - a base (12), - a frame (14) arranged above the base (12) so as to form a working space (24) between the base (12) and the frame (14), - an armature (28) which is fixed to the base (12) and which supports the frame (14), - a support (16) placed in the working space (24) and intended to receive at least one aquarium (18), and - a vibrating module (64) comprising a housing (66) mounted on the frame (14) and an end (68) fixed to the support (16), characterized in that: the support (16) is carried by the frame (14) by means of at least one suspension element (40) capable of elastic deformation so as to allow the support to oscillate freely around a state of equilibrium and to absorb the vibratory waves propagating from the frame (14) to the support (16) and vice versa.

2. Device (10) for vibrating aquariums according to claim 1 characterized in that the suspension element (40) comprises a rope or elastic strap (42).

3. Device (10) for vibrating aquariums according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises four suspension elements (40) distributed along the periphery of the support (16).

4. Device (10) for vibrating aquariums according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one elastic return element (58) connecting the support (16) to the base (12) so as to stabilize the support (16).

5. Device (10) for vibrating aquariums according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (28) comprises at least two uprights (32) extending along a vertical elongation direction, the two uprights (32) supporting the frame (14).

6. Device (10) for vibrating aquariums according to claim 5 characterized in that the support (16) has at least two openings (56) each allowing the passage of an upright (32) through the support (16) so that the support (16) is mounted sliding along the uprights (32).

7. Device (10) for vibrating aquariums according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises at least two aquariums (18) fixed to the support (16).

8. Installation (90) for experimenting with the effects of vibration on aquatic organisms, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one device (10) for vibrating aquariums according to any one of claims 1 to 7; - at least one aquarium (18) intended to contain at least one aquatic organism, - a power supply (70) arranged to provide electrical energy to the vibrating module (64), - a control system (114) comprising: — a control unit (110), and — a measuring module (112) comprising an accelerometer (108) fixed to the support (16), the measuring module (112) being configured to track the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations of the support (16).

9. Installation (90) for experimenting with the effects of vibrations on aquatic organisms according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least two devices (10, 92-98) for vibrating aquariums according to any one of claims 1 to 7, of which a first device (92) and a second device (94), and in that the power supply (70) is configured to deliver respectively a first electrical power (PI) and a second electrical power (P2) predetermined to the vibrating modules (64) of the first device (92) and the second device (94).

10. A vibration method implemented using an aquarium vibration installation (90) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - determining in the control unit (110) a first and a second vibration amplitude (A1, A2) to be applied respectively to the first device (92) and the second device (94), - determination in the control unit (110) of the duration (T) of exposure to vibrations, - control by the control unit (110) of the first electrical power (PI) and the second electrical power (P2) delivered by the power supply (70) during the duration (T) of exposure to vibrations by means of a control loop having: — for instructions respectively the first and second vibrational amplitudes (A1, A2), and — to measure the amplitude of the vibrations of the supports (16) respectively of the first and second devices (92, 94).

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