Fish guidance system

Abstract

A fish guidance system includes an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. Two parallel, longitudinally extending mounting walls mounted to an inside surface of the tubular body, and a plurality of movable guides are mounted to each of the mounting walls. The movable guides are movable between an open position and a closed position.

Description

[0001] Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT

[0002] TITLE

[0003] FISH GUIDANCE SYSTEM

[0004] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0005]

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 715,791 filed under 35 U.S.C. § 111(b) on November 4, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0007]

[0002] This invention was made with no government support. The government has no rights in this invention.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0003] This invention relates in general to a fish guidance system. In particular, this invention relates to an improved structure for a fish guidance system that provides consistent and reliable fish transport within a facility, such as a fish farm.

[0004] Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are highly efficient systems for fish farming. Known RAS use a network of interconnected tanks for inflow, multiple grow-out tanks arranged in series or in parallel configurations, biofilter tanks colonized by beneficial bacteria to break down harmful waste products and improve water quality, sedimentation, protein skimmers, oxygenation systems, and return. RAS systems are commonly arranged as a closed-loop system where water is continuously recycled and treated, minimizing water waste and environmental impact.

[0010]

[0005] A fundamental limitation of RAS concerns the manual handling of the fish within the RAS as many aquaculture tasks require physical transfers of fish Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT between separate tanks. These tasks include managing tasks for: (1) growth and development wherein growing fish require larger living spaces as fish are moved from smaller nursery tanks to larger grow-out tanks, ensuring they have adequate room to develop and thrive; (2) size sorting of fish in a single tank when fish grow to different sizes due to factors like genetics, health, and feeding habits, wherein the manual transfer enables the fish to be sorted by size, allowing for more efficient feeding and growth management; (3) disease prevention when operators identify that an individual fish is raising bio-security concerns, wherein the affected individual fish is captured and isolated to prevent the spread of disease within the facility; and (4) harvesting fish of a desired market size after they have been manually transferred to finishing tanks and processing facilities.

[0011]

[0006] Manual transfer of fish remains the common and essential practice in RAS, and there is a significant lack of automated systems that can accomplish key tasks in this process.

[0012]

[0007] Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved system that allows for the selective transfer of fish between tanks, ensures optimal growth conditions, accomplishes common management tasks, and minimizes the risk of disease.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014]

[0008] The present invention provides a fish guidance system in which fish are moved through connecting structures, such as water-filled paths, between different parts of a fish farming facility.

[0015]

[0009] In one embodiment, a fish guidance system includes an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. Two parallel, longitudinally extending mounting walls mounted to an inside surface of the tubular body, and a plurality of movable guides are mounted to each of the Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT mounting walls. The movable guides are movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0016]

[0010] In another embodiment, a fish guidance system includes an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. A longitudinally extending mounting wall is mounted to an inside surface of the tubular body, and a plurality of movable guides are mounted to the mounting wall. The movable guides are movable between an open position and a closed position. [Oil] In an additional embodiment, a fish guidance system includes an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, an open bottom section, and a longitudinal axis. A plurality of guides are mounted to a transversely extending rod that defines an axis of rotation.

[0017]

[0012] In a further embodiment, a fish guidance system includes an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. A conveyor belt has two rollers at opposite ends thereof, and a plurality of guides are pivotally mounted to the conveyor belt.

[0018]

[0013] Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in view of the accompanying drawings.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fish guidance system in accordance with this invention.

[0021]

[0015] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fish guidance system in accordance with this invention.

[0022]

[0016] Fig. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a fish guidance system in accordance with this invention. Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT

[0023]

[0017] Fig. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fish guidance system in accordance with this invention.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025]

[0018] The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0026]

[0019] Generally, multiple embodiments of a fish guidance system having a generally tubular structure are disclosed, each of which provide a method for physically interconnecting separate locations in a fish farm with the tubular structure. Each of the disclosed fish guidance systems include movable elements that gently crowd or move fish through the tubular structure and through vessels to which the fish guidance system is attached or otherwise incorporated, at a slow, consistent, and predictable speed.

[0027]

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a fish guidance system 10. The fish guidance system 10 includes an elongated tubular body 12 having a first end 1 A, a second end 12B, and a longitudinal axis A. Two, parallel, longitudinally extending mounting walls 14A and 14B are positioned 180 degrees apart and are mounted to an inside surface of the tubular body 12. A plurality of guides are configured as pairs of gates and are mounted to the mounting walls 14A and 14B . In the illustrated embodiment, three pairs of gates are shown, 16 A, 16B, and 16C, wherein one of each pair of gates in pivotally mounted to the mounting wall 14A and the other of each pair of gates is Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT mounted to the mounting wall 14B. Each gate in the pairs of gates 16 A, 16B, and 16C may be moved by a gear system, such as a rack and pinion gear system (not shown). It will be understood that the tubular body 12 may have any desired length and that the fish guidance system 10 may have any desired number of pairs of gates, for example two pairs of gates or more than three pairs of gates.

[0028]

[0021] The illustrated tubular body 12 may be deployed underwater. Alternatively, the tubular body 12 may be deployed within a water-filled fish bridge, such as the fish bridge described in U.S. patent application 63 / 706,848.

[0029] The gates may therefore be formed from porous or semi porous material, such as, but not limited to, mesh or screen, which allows for the flow of water through each pair of gates 16 A, 16B, and 16C even when closed. Alternatively, any gate configuration that allows water to pass through the gate may be used.

[0030]

[0022] One or more motors (not shown) and actuators (not shown) may be mounted in one or both of the mounting walls 14A and 14B , and are configured to move the pairs of gates 16 A, 16B, and 16C between an open position, as shown by the pairs of gates 16A and 16B in Fig. 1, and a closed position, as shown by the pair of gates 16C. Sensors, such as video sensors and motion sensors, schematically illustrated at 18 and 20, may be mounted at one or both longitudinal ends 12A and 12B of the tubular body 12 and operationally connected to the motors (not shown) directly or via one or more actuators (not shown).

[0031]

[0023] In operation, the fish guidance system 10 may be in a normally open position wherein each of the pairs of gates 16 A, 16B, and 16C is open. Fish may enter the first end 12A of the tubular body 12 and move toward the second pair of gates 16B, thus activating the sensors 18 and 20, and actuating the motor (not shown) that moves the pair of gates 16A to a closed position, and crowds or gently pushes the fish to toward the open second pair of gates 16B. As the fish moves Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT toward the third open pair of gates 16C, the pair of gates 16B are closed, again crowding or gently pushing the fish toward the second end 12B. When the fish exit the second end 12B, the third pair of gates 16C is then closed, thus preventing the fish from re-entering the tubular body 12.

[0032]

[0024] Advantageously, the illustrated fish guidance system 10 allows one or more fish, or other animal, to be guided within an enclosed space and moved by a mechanism that moves in slow, predictable and consistent manner. Mesh guides, such as the pairs of gates 16 A, 16B, and 16C, may be actuated to move from an open to a closed position in a coordinated, sequential manner, such that fish may move in one direction within the fish guidance system 10 and are prevented from moving in the opposite direction. A fish or other animal that enters the tubular body 12 is urged in one direction toward the second end 12B as each pair of gates 16 A, 16B, and 16C opposite the preferred direction of travel, i.e., behind the fish, crowds or gently pushes the fish from behind and toward the open space in the preferred direction of travel.

[0033]

[0025] Referring now to Fig. 2, a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fish guidance system 30 is shown. The fish guidance system 30 is similar to the fish guidance system 10 and includes an elongated tubular body 32 having a first end 32A, a second end 32B, and a longitudinal axis B. A longitudinally extending mounting wall 34 is mounted to an inside surface of the tubular body 32. A plurality of guides are configured as semi-circular paddles and are movably mounted to the mounting wall 34. In the illustrated embodiment, three paddles are shown, 36A, 36B, and 36C, wherein each paddle 36A, 36B, and 36C, is pivotally mounted to the mounting wall 34.

[0034]

[0026] Each paddle 36 A, 36B, and 36C may be moved by a gear system, such as a rack and pinion gear system (not shown). It will be understood that the tubular Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT body 32 may have any desired length and that the fish guidance system 30 may have any desired number of paddles, for example two paddles or more than three paddles.

[0035]

[0027] The illustrated tubular body 32 may be deployed underwater. Alternatively, the tubular body 32 may be deployed within a water-filled fish bridge, such as the fish bridge described in U.S. patent application 63 / 706,848.

[0028] Thus, the paddles paddle 36A, 36B, and 36C, may be formed form porous or semi porous material, such as, but not limited to, mesh or screen, which allows for the flow of water through each paddle 36A, 36B, and 36C, even when closed. Alternatively, any paddle configuration that allows water to pass through the gate may be used.

[0036]

[0029] One or more motors (not shown) and actuators (not shown) may be mounted in the mounting wall 34, and is configured to move the paddles 36A, 36B, and 36C between an open position, as shown by the paddles 36A and 36B in Fig. 2, and a closed position, as shown by the paddle 36C. Sensors, such as the video or motion sensors schematically illustrated at 18 and 20, may be mounted at one or both longitudinal ends 32 A and 32B of the tubular body 32 and operationally connected to the motors (not shown) directly or via one or more actuators (not shown).

[0037]

[0030] The fish guidance system 30 is similar to the fish guidance system 10 such that inn operation, the fish guidance system 30 may be in a normally open position wherein each of the paddles 36 is open. Fish may enter the first end 32A of the tubular body 32 and move toward the second paddle 36B, thus activating the sensors 18 and 20, and actuating the motor (not shown) that moves the paddle 36A to a closed position, and crowds or gently pushes the fish to toward the open second paddle 36B. and allowing the fish to travel toward the second paddle 36B. Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT

[0038] As the fish moves toward the third open paddle 36C, the paddle 36B is closed, again crowding or gently pushing the fish toward the second end 32B. When the fish exit the second end 32B, the third paddle 36C is then closed, thus preventing the fish from re-entering the tubular body 32.

[0039]

[0031] Advantageously, the illustrated fish guidance system 30 allows one or more fish, or other animal, to be guided within an enclosed space and moved by a mechanism that moves in slow, predictable and consistent manner. Mesh guides, such as the paddles 36A, 36B, and 36C, may be actuated to move from an open to a closed position in a coordinated, sequential manner, such that fish may move in one direction within the fish guidance system 30 and are prevented from moving in the opposite direction. A fish or other animal that enters the tubular body 32 is urged in one direction toward the second end 32B as each paddle 36 A, 36B, and 36C opposite the preferred direction of travel, i.e., behind the fish, crowds or gently pushes the fish from behind and toward the open space in the preferred direction of travel.

[0040]

[0032] Referring now to Fig. 3, a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fish guidance system 40 is shown. The fish guidance system 40 includes an elongated tubular body 42 having a first end 42A, a second end 42B, an open bottom section 43, and a longitudinal axis C. A plurality of guides are configured as rake-like paddles, are mounted to a transversely extending rod 44 that defines an axis of rotation D, and define a paddle assembly 48. In the illustrated embodiment, three paddles are shown, 46 A, 46B, and 46C, wherein each paddle 46 A, 46B, and 46C includes a plurality of tines 50.

[0041]

[0033] The rod 44, and the attached paddles 46A, 46B, and 46C may be rotated by a connected motor, schematically shown at 52. It will be understood that the tubular body 42 may have any desired length and that the fish guidance system 40 Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT may have any desired number of paddles. Additionally, in embodiments having a much longer tubular body 42, two or more paddle assemblies 48 may be provided.

[0034] The illustrated tubular body 42 may be deployed underwater.

[0042] Alternatively, the tubular body 42 may be deployed within a water-filled fish bridge, such as the fish bridge described in U.S. patent application 63 / 706,848.

[0035] Because the paddles 46 A, 46B, and 46C extend outwardly through the open bottom section 43, of the tubular body 42 when the paddle assembly 48 rotates about the axis D, the fish guidance system 40 may include a mounting stand, schematically illustrated at 54. The mounting stand 54 may be structured and configured to rest upon, or be anchored to, the bed of a body of water in which the fish guidance system 40 is deployed. As shown in Fig. 3, the rake-like paddles 46 A, 46B, and 46C allow for the flow of water therethrough, but the tines 50 are spaced apart such that fish cannot pass therebetween.

[0043]

[0036] The fish guidance system 40 may be configured to operate continuously. Alternatively, sensors, such as video sensors and motion sensors schematically illustrated at 18 and 20, may be mounted at one or both longitudinal ends 42A and 42B of the tubular body 42 and operationally connected to the motor 52.

[0044]

[0037] In operation, one or more fish may enter the first end 42A of the tubular body 42 between the paddles 46 A and 46B, thus activating the sensors 18 and 20, and actuating the motor 52 and causing the paddle assembly 48 to rotate. The moving paddle 46 A, thus gently guides the fish toward the second end 42B, and prevents the fish from re-entering the tubular body 42.

[0045]

[0038] Although the fish guidance system 40 is illustrated with a tubular body 42 having an open bottom section 43, it will be understood that the fish guidance system 40 may include a tubular body that does not include the open bottom Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT section. For example, such a tubular body may have a diameter large enough that the paddle assembly 48 may be mounted to fit and rotate within the tubular body.

[0039] Advantageously, the illustrated fish guidance system 40 allows one or more fish, or other animal, to be guided within an enclosed space and moved by a mechanism that moves in slow, predictable and consistent manner. The rake-like paddles 46A, 46B, and 46C, define open spaces therebetween within which fish may move in one direction within the fish guidance system 40 and are prevented from moving in the opposite direction. A fish or other animal contained in the space between two adjacent paddles 46 A, 46B, and 46C is urged in one direction toward the second end 42B, such that any one of the paddles 46A, 46B, or 46C that is behind the fish, crowds or gently pushes the fish in the preferred direction of travel.

[0046]

[0040] For example, the fish guidance system 40 may be deployed in a reef system that has been occupied by an invasive species, such as lionfish. The lionfish like to sit in holes in a reef. The fish guidance system 40 is deployed in such a reef as a component of a fish trap. Image sensors in the fish trap may be used to determine whether a trapped fish is a lionfish. When a lionfish is detected, the paddle system 48 of the fish guidance system 40 may be actuated to push the lionfish through the tubular body 42 and into a secure holding cage attached to the second end 42B. As the paddle system 48 rotates, the fish trap may be re-set to catch another fish.

[0047]

[0041] Referring now to Fig. 4, a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fish guidance system 60 is shown. The fish guidance system 60 includes an elongated tubular body 62 having a first end 62 A, a second end 62B, and a longitudinal axis E. The fish guidance system 60 further includes a conveyor belt 64 having two rollers 65 at opposite ends thereof. A plurality of guides are Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT configured as rake-like paddles, are pivotally mounted to the conveyor belt 64, and define a paddle assembly 68. In the illustrated embodiment, six paddles are shown, 66A through 66F, wherein each paddle 66A through 66F includes a plurality of tines 70. It will be understood that the tubular body 62 may have any desired length and that the fish guidance system 60 may have any desired number of paddles, for example less than six paddles or more than six paddles. One or both of the rollers may be rotated by a connected motor, schematically shown at 72.

[0042] The illustrated tubular body 62 may be deployed underwater. Alternatively, the tubular body 62 may be deployed within a water-filled fish bridge, such as the fish bridge described in U.S. patent application 63 / 706,848.

[0043] Because the paddles 66A through 66F extend outwardly through the open portion 63 of the bottom of the tubular body 62 when the paddle assembly 68 moves, the fish guidance system 60 may include a mounting stand, schematically illustrated at 74. The mounting stand 74 may be structured and configured to rest upon, or be anchored to, the bed of a body of water in which the fish guidance system 60 is deployed. As shown in Fig. 4, the rake-like paddles 66A through 66F allow for the flow of water therethrough, but the tines 70 are spaced apart such that fish cannot pass therebetween.

[0048]

[0044] The fish guidance system 60 may be configured to operate continuously. Alternatively, sensors, such as video sensors and motion sensors schematically illustrated at 18 and 20, may be mounted at one or both longitudinal ends 62A and 62B of the tubular body 62 and operationally connected to the motor 72.

[0049]

[0045] In operation, one or more fish may enter the first end 62A of the tubular body 62, such as between the paddles 66 A and 66B, thus activating the sensors 18 and 20, and actuating the motor 72 and causing the paddle assembly 68 to rotate. The moving paddle 66A, thus traps the fish between the paddles 66B and 66A, Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT gently guides the fish toward the second end 62B, and prevents the fish from reentering the tubular body 62. As shown in Fig. 4, as the conveyor belt 64 moves, the paddles 66A through 66F are configured to pivot and fold flat against the conveyor belt 64 as the conveyor belt 64 moves around the roller 65 at the second end 62B and toward the first end 62 A adjacent an inside surface of bottom of the tubular body 62.

[0050]

[0046] Advantageously, the illustrated fish guidance system 60 allows one or more fish, or other animal, to be guided within an enclosed space and moved by a mechanism that moves in slow, predictable and consistent manner. The rake-like paddles 66A through 66F, define open spaces therebetween within which fish may move in one direction within the fish guidance system 60 and are prevented from moving in the opposite direction. A fish or other animal contained in the space between two adjacent paddles 66 A through 66F is urged in one direction toward the second end 62B, such that any one of the paddles 46 A, 46B, or 46C that is behind the fish, crowds or gently pushes the fish in the preferred direction of travel. It will be understood the fish guidance system 60 may be used in the same manner and the same environments as the fish guidance system 40.

[0051]

[0047] Although not illustrated, it will be understood that each of the fish guidance systems 10 and 20 may include a mounting stand, such as the mounting stands 54 and 74, that are structured and configured to rest upon, or be anchored to, the bed of a body of water in which the fish guidance systems 10 and 20 are deployed.

[0052]

[0048] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCTCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fish guidance system comprising: an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis; two parallel, longitudinally extending mounting walls; and a plurality of movable guides mounted to each of the mounting walls; wherein the movable guides are movable between an open position and a closed position.

2. The fish guidance system according to Claim 1, wherein the mounting walls are positioned 180 degrees apart.

3. The fish guidance system according to Claim 2, wherein the plurality of guides are configured as pairs of gates, and wherein a first one of each pair of gates is movably mounted to a first of the two mounting walls, and a second one of each pair of gates is movably mounted to a second of the two mounting walls.

4. The fish guidance system according to Claim 3, wherein each gate of the pairs of gates is formed from porous material.

5. The fish guidance system according to Claim 4, wherein the porous material is one of mesh and screen.

6. The fish guidance system according to Claim 1, further including sensors mounted at least at one of the first end and the second end of the tubular body.Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT7. The fish guidance system according to Claim 6, wherein the sensors are at least one of a video sensor and a motion sensor.

8. A fish guidance system comprising: an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis; a longitudinally extending mounting wall; and a plurality of movable guides mounted to the mounting wall; wherein the movable guides are movable between an open position and a closed position.

9. The fish guidance system according to Claim 8, wherein the plurality of guides are configured as semi-circular paddles and are movably mounted to the mounting wall.

10. The fish guidance system according to Claim 9, wherein each paddle is formed from porous material.

11. The fish guidance system according to Claim 10, wherein the porous material is one of mesh and screen.

12. The fish guidance system according to Claim 8, further including sensors mounted at least at one of the first end and the second end of the tubular body.Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT13. The fish guidance system according to Claim 12, wherein when the sensors are at least one of a video sensor and a motion sensor.

14. A fish guidance system comprising: an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, an open bottom section, and a longitudinal axis; and a plurality of guides mounted to a transversely extending rod that defines an axis of rotation.

15. The fish guidance system according to Claim 14, wherein the plurality of guides are configured as rake-like paddles.

16. The fish guidance system according to Claim 15, wherein each paddle includes a plurality of tines.

17. The fish guidance system according to Claim 16, wherein the plurality of paddles and the transversely extending rod define a paddle assembly.

18. A fish guidance system comprising: an elongated tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis; a conveyor belt having two rollers at opposite ends thereof; and a plurality of guides are pivotally mounted to the conveyor belt.

19. The fish guidance system according to Claim 18, wherein the plurality of guides are configured as rake-like paddles.Attorney Docket No. 70448-WO-PCT20. The fish guidance system according to Claim 19, wherein each paddle includes a plurality of tines.

21. The fish guidance system according to Claim 20, wherein the plurality of paddles and the conveyor belt define a paddle assembly.

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