IE86653B1 - Device for mollusk farming with revolving basket - Google Patents

Abstract

Device with revolving basket is designed for companies engaged in the production of molluscs. The main goal of the device is to put as many molluscs as possible in the smallest area and to ensure quick and easy access to them. The device facilitates most of the work related to breeding molluscs. The device has a duplex basket attached to a stand in the way that allows to rotate it around its axis in both directions. This device with a revolving basket allows to increase cultivation on average, three times. It also provides quick and convenient access to molluscs in containers. It can be used effectively in the area with deep water level. It is safe for the environment and for workers. <Figure 18>

Description

Device for mollusc farming with revoking basket.

Field of invention The present invention relates to mollusc farming in the sea. In particular, the invention relates to a new type of trestle with a revolving basket.

Background With mollusc farming, the main goal of the project is to put as much molluscs as possible in the smallest area and ensuring quick and easy access to them. Many farmers in mollusc fanning use system of plastic bags or boxes with holes. These containers are mounted on trestles, set in a column on the sea bed.

In practice, there are two ways to attach containers to the trestles. The first way is when the containers are attached to trestles with rubber bands with two hooks. This method consists of wrapping rubber bands around a rod and connecting two adjoining containers.

In the second way, containers are mounted on trestles using rubber bands wrapped around short rods protruding from the trestle. The containers are threaded by rods projecting from trestles and then rubber bands are wrapped around the rods. The rubber bands being tightly stretched prevents slipping of the bag with respect to the rods.

Traditional trestles can accommodate 5 containers.

Using currently available systems, a large increase in cultivation is only possible through the development of new areas of the seabed. Hence the need arises to seek new suitable sites on the sea floor and the obtaining of necessary permits for the establishment of a new farm. With the foundation of a new farm, it is necessary to purchase or lease new land for workshops and warehouses, equipment, employment and training of new employees.

Traditional trestles loaded with containers sink into the bottom of the sea. This is because they are based on a very small contact area with the sea bed. This, combined with the action of sea currents causes traditional trestles to sunk into the seabed unless they are grounded on rock.

People working while bent over is a common situation in mollusc farms. Containers with molluscs are typically located very low to the ground, and can weigh up to 30 kg. Workers spend nearly every day in a bent position for up to several hours. This posture in which they work is the cause of many spine ailments.

Another threat to the health and life of the people working on the farm are trestles with short rods for fastening containers. If a worker falls onto a rod protruding vertically from the trestle it can be fatal.

Further, containers mounted to traditional trestles, generate a large amount of impurities. A natural consequence of the frequent attaching of containers to protruding rods is their tearing. Containers are additionally exposed to damage by weather conditions, for example storms.

Rubber bands used to secure the bags are another problem. Improperly attached or damaged, the bags may slide off the bars. In such a situation, an improperly secured container may be lifted with the flow of water, polluting the sea and beaches, and endangering marine life.

For all the above reasons, it is necessary to provide an improved means for farming molluscs.

Statement of invention According to the present invention, there is provided a device for farming molluscs, the device comprising: a rotatable basket comprising upper and lower levels for receiving bags of molluscs to be farmed and securable doors on the upper and lower face of the basket for accessing the levels, the basket further comprising spindles located at opposite ends of the basket to facilitate mounting and rotating on a stand; a stand for said basket, said stand comprising an anchorable base, and support means for an axis about which the rotatable basket is mounted and can turn; turning means for rotating the basket about its axis, said axis running centrally along the major axis of the basket and defined by the spindles at either end of the basket; and locking means for securing the basket in a given orientation.

An advantage of the stand is that it is a simple structure connecting all the elements of the device.

In one embodiment, the stand has a substantially rectangular solid base.

In one embodiment, struts on the shorter sides of the base act to support the weight and maintain the stability of the basket.

In one embodiment the support struts may be made from corrosion-protected steel sheet with stiffened steel rods.

In another embodiment, supports can be made with plastic components.

In a further embodiment of the invention stand supports are streamlined in shape.

In one embodiment, the spindles sit into a receiver at the top of the support struts of the stand.

In one embodiment, the spindles are secured by a fixable cover placed over them when they are resting in the support stands.

In another embodiment, the spindles are secured by a locking bolt placed over them when they are resting in the support stands.

In one embodiment, anchors to secure the base to the sea bed are situated in the comers of the base of the stand.

In one embodiment the size of the anchors is chosen depending on the characteristics of the seabed at the location of deployment.

In one embodiment, the locking means are fastened to the stand by means of a pivot pin.

In one embodiment, the lock is mounted to the stand by a pivot pin passing through two bushes fixed to the structure of the stand and two bushes attached to the lock.

In one embodiment, the pivot pin is secured against slipping using a cotter pin.

In one embodiment the lock protects the basket against uncontrolled rotation.

In one embodiment, the lock supports the basket in bearing static loads caused by the weight of molluscs placed in the basket and dynamic loads caused by waves.

In one embodiment the basket each level is subdivided into compartments, each for receiving a bag of molluscs.

In a preferred embodiment, each level has four compartments.

In another embodiment each level is subdivided into two compartments.

In one embodiment, the levels are accessed by means of sliding doors.

In another embodiment, the levels are accessed by a raisable lid.

In one embodiment, the turning means comprises a removable toothed gear transmission unit, attachable to the stand legs, said transmission unit incorporating a turning handle with 4-ratchet and clamp.

In one embodiment, the toothed gear transmits the torque caused by turning the handle to one of the spindles of the basket.

In one embodiment, the transmission unit is attachable to the stand legs on one side of the device to secure it while in operation.

In another embodiment, the basket can be rotated manually by workers.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front view of device with revolving basket.

Figure 2 shows a side view of device with revolving basket.

Figure 3 shows a top view of device with revolving basket.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the device stand.

Figure 5 shows a side view of device stand.

Figure 6 shows a top view of device stand.

Figure 7a shows a side view of device revolving basket.

Figure 7b shows a front view of device revolving basket.

Figure 8 shows a side view of the device with the sliding door shut.

Figure 9 shows top view of the device with the sliding door shut.

Figure 10 show changing position of sliding doors. Side view.

Figure 11 shows sliding doors in the open position. Top view.

Figure 12 shows basket locked by lid.

Figure 13 shows rotation of the basket.

Figure 14 shows how to release basket by lowering the lock in the down position. Side view.

Figure 15 shows how to release basket by lowering the lock in the down position. Front view.

Figure 16 shows a top view of device with revolving basket.

Figure 17 shows a front view of device with revolving basket.

Figure 18 shows a side view of device with revolving basket.

Figure 19 shows method for fixing the basket in the stand with screws.

Figure 20 shows vertical plane cross-section through the securing means, bisecting the spindle perpendicular to its axis marked in Fig. 19.

Figure 21 shows the method for fixing the basket in the stand by bolt.

Figure 22 shows vertical plane cross-section through the securing means, bisecting the spindle perpendicular to its axis marked in Fig.21.

Figure 23 shows the lock from side view.

Figure 24 shows the method for fixing lock on a stand.

Figure 25 a locking mechanism.

Figure 26 shows a front view of the basket.

Figure 27 shows a side view of the basket.

Figure 28 shows a top view of the basket.

Figure 29 shows a cutaway view of one end of the basket marked in the Fig.28.

Figure 30a shows a detail (12) marked in the Fig. 29 in a vertical cross section parallel to the axis of slide.

Figure 30b shows a detail (12) marked in the Fig. 29 in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the axis of slide.

Figure 31 shows a vertical cross section view as defined by the axis B-B of Figure 28.

Figure 32 shows a detail (13) marked in Fig.31.

Figure 33a shows a rear view of section C-C1-C2-C3 marked in Fig.28.

Figure 33b shows a side view of section C-C1-C2-C3 marked in Fig.28.

Figure 34a shows a detail (24) marked in the Fig. 33a. Cross section.

Figure 34b shows a detail (24) marked in the Fig. 33a. Side view.

Figure 35 shows the stand. Front view.

Figure 36a side view of detail (23) marked in Fig.3 5.

Figure 36b front view of detail (23) marked in Fig.35.

Figure 37 shows the stand. View from the top.

Figure 38 shows the stand. View from the side.

Figure 39 shows the sliding door. View from the top.

Figure 40 shows the sliding door. Front view.

Figure 41 shows the sliding door. Side view.

Figure 42 the pivot pin which mounts the lock in the stand.

Figure 43 shows a top view of the support.

Figure 44 shows a front view of the support.

Figure 45 shows a side view of the support.

Figure 46 use of device with revolving basket in deep water.

Figure 47 shows a crank and a simple toothed gear transmission. View from the top.

Detailed description Figures from 1 to 16 presented in a simplified form.

Figures 1,2 and 3 are orthogonal projections of a mollusc farming device with revolving basket. Stand (1) supports the entire device. The basket (2) in which molluscs will be placed is attached to the stand.

The basket is pivotally mounted to stand with the possibility of a full rotation in both directions. To the stand there is also fastened a lock (3) which keeps the basket in a certain orientation in relation to the stand.

The device is installed in stages. In a first step, the stand with attached supports is set in position and anchored. Then the lock is placed. Finally, the basket is installed. The toothed gear transmission unit is portable and can be placed when it is needed.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are orthogonal projections of the device stand. Plates (6) in the base prevent the device from sinking into the sea bed as a result of the weight of it and the molluscs in a basket. The anchors (7) are fastened to stand permanently. Driven into the seabed, these will help keep the designated position of the device during stormy weather. Such rods may have a similar cross section to the elements of the stand.

Stand brackets (8) receive the basket spindles.

Figure 7 depicts the basket of the device in two projections, front (b) and side (a) view. The basket of the device is duplex. On the front view in the roman numerals from I to IV are marked consecutive compartments of the upper level of basket. The numbers from V to VIII are compartments of the lower level.

In a side view in letters (a) and (b) are marked levels of the basket. Each level has its own basket closing mechanism (4). Spindles (9) at either end of the basket are used for attaching the basket to the stand and to rotate the basket.

Figures 8,9,10, and 11 illustrate the principle of operation the basket's sliding doors.

Figure 8 shows a side view schematic of the device with the sliding door (4) shut.

Figure 9 is a top view of the device. The sliding door (4) is in the closed position.

In Fig. 10 (side view), we see how to open the upper sliding door. After opening the sliding doors all compartments of the upper level of the basket are available. Since the basket is rotatable, access to the lower level compartments is achieved by rotating the basket through 180° (see Fig. 13) and then performing the same operation as for the upper level.

In Figure 11 we have top view of the basket when the sliding door (4) is open.

Figure 12 is a second way of closing the basket. In this case, the basket is closed with a lid. Figure 13. shows rotation of the basket (change the position of the compartments).

Figures 14 and 15. Rotation of the basket (2) is possible only after leaving the lock (3) in the down position.

Figures from 16 to 47 is an example embodiment of the device with revolving basket. Figures 16, 17,18 are orthogonal projections of a device according to the invention. Figure 16 is a top view.

Figure 17 is a front view.

Figure 18 is a side view.

Figures 19,20, 21 and 22 shows two methods for fixing the basket in the stand. Spindles attached to the ends of the basket sit into receivers at the top of the support struts on either end of the stand. The spindles may be secured by means of a fixable cover (fig. 20), preventing a sea surge lifting the basket off the stand and damaging the device or the molluscs therein. Figure 19 an external front view. Figure 20 is vertical plane cross-section through the securing means, bisecting the spindle perpendicular to its axis. Alternatively, the spindles may be placed into ushaped receivers, and a locking bolt across the top of each receiver prevents the spindles from slipping or dislodging (figs. 21 and 22). Figure 21 is an external front view of the securing means. Figure 22 is vertical plane cross-section through the securing means, bisecting the spindle perpendicular to its axis. Both methods of mounting the basket allow its rotation. The securing means being removable means that the basket itself can be removed from the device, for instance where maintenance of the device is required.

Figure 23 shows a lock for securing the basket. The lock is positioned at the midpoint of the base, and folds flat when not deployed. When raised, it surrounds the basket on three sides (its base, its front and its rear. At its front, a lock strut reaches up to the upper level of the basket, where a slide secures it in position. As the basket is rotatable, the rear lock strut only reaches to the lower level, since this is where the slider from the upper level will rest when the basket is rotated through 180°.

Figure 24 shows how the lock is secured to the base of the stand, by means of a pivot pin. This allows the lock to be lowered, to allow manipulation of the basket, and raised, to secure the basket in position.

Figure 25 shows the key for the lock. A side strut of the basket has a sliding hoop. When the lock is in the upright position, the hoop is slid down over the top of the lock upright, thereby preventing the basket from moving with respect to the lock. Alternatively, the hoop may be replaced by two connected pipe sections, one sliding along the basket strut and the other sliding over the top of the lock upright. This is the version illustrated in figure 25.

Figures 26,27,28 are orthogonal projections of a basket from the front(Fig. 26) the side (Fig 27) and the top (Fig.28). The basket is a cage, completely open to the sea to allow the molluscs therein to feed.

In Figure 28 are designated three sections A- A1-A2, B-Bl and C-C1-C2-C3. These cross sections provide an overview of the construction of the basket.

Figure 29 is a cutaway view of one end of the basket as defined by removing the section defined by the vertical planes of A- Al and A1-A2 of Figure 28. We see how the sliding door elements (12) are located in the compartments, as well as components of the basket in a front view.

Figure 30a and b show the elements that track sliding doors. Fig 30a is a vertical cross section through a sliding element, parallel to the axis of slide. Figure 30b is a vertical cross section perpendicular to the axis of slide.

Figure 31 shows a vertical cross section view as defined by the axis B-Bl of Figure 28. We see the arrangement of basket and sliding door components in a side view. The slider elements extend substantially across the top of the basket, to allow broad access to the basket level. Figure 32 is a close-up of the marked portion (13) of Figure 31.

Figure 33 shows views of the cutaway defined by cutting vertically through the basket along the axes C-C1-C2-C3. Figure 33a is a rear view (from inside the basket) of the front of the cutaway basket segment. Figure 33b is a side view of the same segment. The figures depict the lock position limiters (19), the lock's key (20), the sliding doors position limiter (14), the arm of the sliding doors (16) and bolts (21) tracking the sliding doors during opening and closing of the basket.

The way at which the sliding doors is moving is determined by the rod shown in figure 32, which locates between two bolts (21). The bolts are innate to the slide door.

Figure 34 a and b show close up-views of the marked area (24) in figure 33a respectively, depicting the tracking of the sliding doors.

Figure 34a shows the cross section of the bar between the two bolts. This bar paves the way of the sliding doors. The lock position limiters (19) assists in preventing the basket from turning when it is rotated to the lower level, by resting against a portion of the horizontal spar of the lock. A cotter pin (22) with a spring secures the sliding doors against uncontrolled offset.

Figure 35 depicts a front view of a stand according to the invention.

Figure 36 a and b depicts a close up side (a) and front (b) view of the area marked (23) in figure 35. This view may also be seen in figures 19 and 20, which include elements from the basket.

Figure 37 shows a top view of a stand frame stripped of all its components.

Figure 38 shows a side view of the same frame.

Figure 39 is a top view of sliding doors for the basket.

A structural rod (18) stiffens the structure. A number of rods (15) project perpendicularly from the structural rod, forming the body of the door. These rods sit below the face of the basket, inside the compartments. The arm (16) acts during opening and closing to transfer force and motion to all bars.

Figures 40 and 41 show front (fig. 40) and side (fig. 41) views of the device sliding doors. A handle (17) attached to the arm of the sliding doors (16) facilitates opening and closing of the sliding doors. Two bolts attached to the upper face of the arm track the sliding doors during opening and closing. As is clearly shown, the structural rod (18) sits below the plane of the door. Figure 42 depicts the pivot pin which mounts the lock in the stand At one end of the shank (11) a head prevents the pin from slipping in its bearing, while a hole for a cotter pin at the other end allows the pin to be threaded into it mount and then secured.

Figures 43,44,45 show orthogonal top, front and side views respectively of support plates (6) mounted on a stand (1), between the support structural elements (30). The plates maximise the surface area presenting to the sea bed, thereby preventing the device from sinking into the sea bed under its own weight. Spreading the weight in this manner can reduce the weight per unit area on the sea bed by a factor of as much as 13, thereby greatly reducing the risk of sinking, while facilitating a greater weight of molluscs being farmed.

Where the sea bed is too deep for workers to otherwise service it, the stand may be modified. Figure 46 shows a modified stand for use in deeper water where even at low tide the water level is too deep for a person to be able to walk safely on the sea bottom. The upper section (x) is essentially a standard device, whereas the lower section (y) comprise the additions to the frame to facilitate deployment in deep water, which modifications essentially involve stretching the design of the stand frame to accommodate the extra distance between the bulk of the device and the base of the stand, which is anchored to the sea bed. This modification allows a user to use the device by providing a platform (25) on which the user can stand to operate the device.

The device may also be positioned in a tidal estuary, or in freshwater, where freshwater molluscs are being farmed.

While it is possible to rotate the basket manually, this is not always practical, given the weight in 5 the basket and the currents that may be flowing about the basket at any given time. Figure 47 depicts a transmission unit for allowing the basket to be rotated by means of a handle, employing a toothed gear transmission unit. To rotate the basket, the tip of the basket spindle (9) must have the same cross-section as the section of toothed gear (26). After inserting the section of the toothed gear on the spindle, a projection on the side of the gear mechanism (29) may slot into a 10 receiving hole or cavity on the support struts of the stand, to secure the unit while being operated. Alternatively, a projection on the support strut may be received by a hole or cavity in the transmission unit to equal effect. Once secured, internal gears (27) transfer the torque generated by turning the crank handle (28) of the unit to the spindle of the basket, thereby imparting rotational motion to the basket.

Claims (27)

Claims

1. A device for farming molluscs, the device comprising: a rotatable basket comprising upper and lower levels for receiving bags of molluscs to be farmed and securable doors on the upper and lower face of the basket for accessing the levels, the basket further comprising spindles located at opposite ends of the basket to facilitate mounting and rotating on a stand; a stand for said basket, said stand comprising an anchorable base, and support means for an axis about which the rotatable basket is mounted and can turn; turning means for rotating the basket about its axis, said axis running centrally along the major axis of the basket and defined by the spindles at either end of the basket; and locking means for securing the basket in a given orientation.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the stand has a substantially rectangular solid base.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein struts on the shorter sides of the base act to support the weight and maintain the stability of the basket.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the support struts are made from corrosionprotected steel sheet with stiffened steel rods.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the supports are made with plastic components.

6. The device according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the stand supports are streamlined in shape.

7. The device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the spindles sit into a receiver at the top of the support struts of the stand.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the spindles are secured by a fixable cover placed over them when they are resting in the support stands.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein the spindles are secured by a locking bolt placed over them when they are resting in the support stands.

10. The device according to any previous claim, wherein anchors to secure the base to the sea bed are situated in the comers of the base of the stand.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the size of the anchors is chosen depending on the characteristics of the seabed at the location of deployment.

12. The device according to any previous claim, wherein the locking means are fastened to the stand by means of a pivot pin.

13. The device according to claim 13, wherein the lock is mounted to the stand by a pivot pin passing through two bushes fixed to the structure of the stand and two bushes attached to the lock.

14. The device according to either of claims 12 or 13, wherein the pivot pin is secured against slipping using a cotter pin.

15. The device according to any previous claim, wherein the lock protects the basket against uncontrolled rotation.

16. The device according to any previous claim, wherein the lock supports the basket in bearing static loads caused by the weight of molluscs placed in the basket and dynamic loads caused by waves.

17. The device according to any previous claim, wherein each level of the basket is subdivided into compartments, each for receiving a bag of molluscs.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein each level has four compartments.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein each level has two compartments.

20. The device according to any previous claim, wherein the levels are accessed by means of sliding doors.

21. The device according to any previous claim, wherein the levels are accessed by a raisable lid.

22. The device according to any previous claim, wherein the turning means comprises a removable toothed gear transmission unit, attachable to the stand legs, said transmission unit incorporating a turning handle with ratchet and clamp. 5

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the toothed gear transmits the torque caused by turning the handle to one of the spindles of the basket.

24. The device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the transmission unit is attachable to the stand legs on one side of the device to secure it while in operation.

25. The device according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the basket is rotated manually.

26. The device according to any preceding claims, wherein the device can be used in deep water.

27. A method of farming molluscs, the method characterised by the placing of molluscs to be farmed in a device according to any previous claim.