WO2006078301A1

WO2006078301A1 - Red tide organism killer and organism killer dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO2006078301A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/020260
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert B. Rigby
Original assignee: Rigby Robert B
Priority date: 2005-01-14
Filing date: 2005-06-09
Publication date: 2006-07-27

Abstract

The composition is a red tide organism killer comprising between about 5 percent and about 15 percent sodium hypochlorite and between about 95 percent and about 85 percent inert ingredients in solution and a mixture of the composition and contaminated water. The composition is admired into the contaminated water at a rate of between about 1 part per million and about 5 parts per million. The dispenser system (10) has a manifold assembly (12) with an open interior. A fluid handling assembly (26) has a plurality of downwardly facing spaced apertures (28) in the manifold. A flexible tube (30) extends downwardly from each aperture. The fluid handling assembly also has a supply of fluid (32). The fluid is adapted to kill and manage dinoflagelents. A line (34) couples the supply with the tubes for the dispensing of the fluid. A line (96) couples at least one water craft (44) to the manifold. A sensor determines and analyzes ambient conditions and dispenses the fluid at an appropriate rate.

Description

RED TIDE ORGANISM KILLER AND ORGANISM KILLER DISPENSER SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a red tide organism killer and organism killer dispensing system and more particularly pertains to killing and managing a red tide and other dinoflagelents . Description of the Prior Art The use of algicides and water treatment devices of known designs and configurations is known in the prior art . More specifically, algicides and water treatment devices of known designs and configurations previously devised and utilized for the purpose of killing algae and for treating contaminated water are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless obj ectives and requirements . By way of example, U . S . Patent Number 4, 840, 658 issued June 20 , 1989 to Kakisawa relates to an algicidal composition . U . S . Patent Number 5, 518 , 990 issued May 21, 1996 to Ushio relates to a method for preventing emergence of algae and antialgal compositions . Lastly, U. S . Patent Number 6, 669, 969 issued December 30, 2003 to Noren relates to pesticidal use of a parasetic flagellate for eliminating or suppressing harmful algae blooms . U. S . Patent Number 4 , 119, 541 issued October 10, 1978 to Makaya relates to an arrangement for disposing fluid floating matter . U. S . Patent Number 4 , 818 , 416 issued April 4 , 1989 to Eberhardt relates to a method and apparatus for treating bodies of water. U. S . Patent Number 5, 185, 085 issued February 9, 1993 to Borgren relates to a water craft and method for treating a body of water. Lastly, U . S . Published Patent Application Number US2001/0035381 published November 1 , 2001 to Allen relates to a containment slick dispersal apparatus and method. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular obj ectives and requirements , the aforementioned patents do not describe a red tide organism killer that allows for killing and managing red tide and other . dinoflagelents . In this respect, the red tide organism killer according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art , and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of killing and managing red tide and other dinoflagelents . Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved red tide organism killer which can be used for killing and managing a red tide and other dinoflagelents . In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need . SQMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of algicides and organism killer dispensing systems of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved red tide organism killer . As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved red tide organism killer and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages . To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a red tide organism killer and organism killer dispensing system is comprised of a plurality of components . The components of the red tide organism killer in their broadest context include sodium hypochlorite and inert ingredients . Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective of constituting a red tide organism killer for killing and managing red tide and other dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis, ptychodiscus, pfiesteria piscicida and the like . The components comprise, in combination, a composition of between about 5 percent and about 15 percent, preferably 10 percent, sodium hypochlorite and between about 95 percent and about 85 percent inert ingredients in solution. The inert ingredients are selected from the class of inert ingredients including unionized water, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride . Next provided is a mixture of the composition and contaminated water containing dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis, ptychodiscus, pfiesteria piscicida and the like . The composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of between about 1 part per million and about 5 parts per million depending on the rate of the organism colony count in the contaminated water . A dispenser system is provided which has a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly is formed of a first rectilinear pipe, a second rectilinear pipe and a central coupling component . The central coupling component is between the first and second rectilinear pipes . Each pipe has an open interior end and a closed exterior end. A hinge pin is provided. The hinge couples the interior end of each pipe to the coupling component . In this manner the pipes may pivot between an operative orientation during use and an inoperative orientation during storage and transportation . In an operative orientation the pipes are in a common linear array. In an inoperative orientation the pipes are parallel with respect to each other . Α fluid handling assembly is provided. The fluid handling assembly includes a plurality of downwardly facing spaced apertures in the pipes . The fluid handling assembly includes a flexible tube . The flexible tube extends downwardly from each aperture . The fluid handling assembly also includes a supply of fluid. The fluid is of the type adapted to kill and manage red tide and other dinoflagelents . The fluid handling assembly further includes a line . The line couples the supply with the tubes . In this manner the fluid may be dispensed to contaminated waters . Each flexible tube has a rudder. The rudder holds the lower end of the tube at a submerged location and faces in the direction of motion of the pipes . A plurality of pontoons is provided next . The pontoons are at spaced apart locations beneath the pipes . The pontoons have a keel . The keel extends downwardly from each pontoon into the water . The pontoons have a rotatable support post . The rotatable support post is provided between each pontoon and its associated pipe to maintain the pontoons facing in the direction of motion of the pipes . Further provided is a plurality of water crafts . The plurality of water crafts includes a central water craft . The central water craft has a central line . The central line couples the central water craft to the coupling component . The plurality of water crafts also includes two lateral water crafts . The two lateral water crafts have two end lines . The two end lines couple the lateral water crafts to the exterior ends of the pipes . The central water craft supports the supply of fluid to be dispensed during operation and use . Provided last is a sensor . The sensor extends downwardly from the central component . The sensor has a lower extent . The lower extent extending into the water . The sensor has an upper extent . The upper extent is located above the water . The upper and lower extents of the sensor are adapted to determine the ambient conditions . The ambient conditions include, but are not limited to, air temperature and direction, water temperature and direction, air and water speed, concentration of contaminants , and the like . The sensor is adapted to analyze the sensed ambient conditions and dispense the fluid at an appropriate rate . There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subj ect matter of the claims attached. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings . The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways . Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting . As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention . It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention . It is therefore an obj ect of the present invention to provide a new and improved red tide organism killer and organism killer dispensing system which has all of the advantages of the prior art algicides and water treatment devices of known designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages . It is another obj ect of the present invention to provide a new and improved red tide organism killer and organism killer dispensing system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. An even further obj ect of the present invention is to provide a new and improved red tide organism killer and organism killer dispensing system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale . Even still another obj ect of the present invention is to provide a red tide organism killer for killing and managing a red tide organism and a dispensing system for organism killers . Further, it is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a new and improved composition, a red tide organism killer, comprising between about 5 percent and about 15 percent sodium hypochlorite and between about 95 percent and about 85 percent inert ingredients in solution and a mixture of the composition and contaminated water . The composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of between about 1 part per million and about 5 parts per million . Lastly, it is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a new and improved organism killer dispenser system. A manifold assembly is formed of a pipe . The pipe has an open interior . A fluid handling assembly has a plurality of downwardly facing spaced apertures in the manifold . A flexible tube extends downwardly from each aperture . The fluid handling assembly also has a supply of fluid . The fluid is adapted to kill and manage dinoflagelents . A line couples the supply with the tubes for the dispensing of the fluid . At least one water craft with a line couples the central water craft to the manifold. A sensor is provided to determine ambient c'onditions . The sensor is adapted to analyze the sensed ambient conditions and dispense the fluid at an appropriate rate . These together with other obj ects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure . For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific obj ects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter wherein preferred embodiments of the invention are described and illustrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood and obj ects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof . Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein : Figure 1 is a plan view of an organism killer dispenser system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention . Figure 2 is a plan view of the system shown in Figure 1 but with the manifold in a folded orientation to facilitate transportation . Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the system taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the system taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a plan view of the system taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a plan view similar to Figure 1 but illustrating an alternate embodiment of the invention . The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures . The invention will be better understood and obj ects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof . DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention, the red tide organism killer is comprised of a plurality of components . Such components in their broadest context include sodium hypochlorite and inert ingredients . Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired obj ective of constituting a red tide organism killer for killing and managing red tide and other dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis, ptychodiscus, pfiesteria piscicida and the like . The components comprise, in combination, a composition of between about 5 percent and about 15 percent, preferably 10 percent, sodium hypochlorite and between about 95 percent and about 85 percent inert ingredients in solution . The inert ingredients are selected from the class of inert ingredients including unionized water, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride . Next provided is a mixture of the composition and contaminated water containing dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis, ptychodiscus, pfiesteria piscicida and the like . The composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a^' rate of between about 1 part per million and about 5 parts per million depending on the rate of the organism colony count in the contaminated water . A first example includes a composition at about 10 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 90 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 3 part per million . A second example includes a composition at about 15 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 85 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 1 part per million. A third example includes a composition at about 5 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 95 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 5 part per million . These first three examples are for relatively average concentrations of contaminants in the water . For greater or lesser concentrations of contaminants , there are fourth and fifth examples . The fourth example includes a composition at about 15 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 85 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 5 part per million . The fifth example includes a composition at about 5 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 95 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 1 part per million . A preferred system for dispensing the red tide killer is shown in the drawings . The organism killer dispenser system 10 is comprised of a plurality of components . Such components in their broadest context include a manifold assembly, a fluid handling assembly, a plurality of pontoons , at least one water craft and a sensor. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective . First provided is a manifold assembly 12. The manifold assembly is formed of a first rectilinear pipe 14 , a second rectilinear pipe 16 and a central coupling component 18. The central coupling component is between the first and second rectilinear pipes . Each pipe has an open interior end 20 and a closed exterior end 22. A hinge pin 24 is provided. The hinge couples the interior end of each pipe to the coupling component . In this manner the pipes may pivot between an operative orientation during use and an inoperative orientation during storage and transportation. In an operative orientation the pipes are in a common linear array. In an inoperative orientation the pipes are parallel with respect to each other . A fluid handling assembly 26 is provided. The fluid handling assembly includes a plurality of downwardly facing spaced apertures 28 in the pipes . The fluid handling assembly includes a flexible tube 30. The flexible tube extends downwardly from each aperture. The fluid handling assembly also includes a supply 32 of fluid. The fluid is of the type adapted to kill and manage red tide and other dinoflagelents . The fluid handling assembly further includes a line 34. The line couples the supply with the tubes . In this manner the fluid may be dispensed to contaminated waters . Each flexible tube has a rudder 36. The rudder holds the lower end of the tube at a submerged location and faces in the direction of motion of the pipes . A plurality of pontoons 38 is provided next . The pontoons are at spaced apart locations beneath the pipes . The pontoons have a keel 40. The keel extends downwardly from each pontoon into the water. The pontoons have a rotatable support post 42. The rotatable support post is provided between each pontoon and its associated pipe to maintain the pontoons facing in the direction of motion of the pipes . Further provided is a plurality of water crafts . The plurality of water crafts includes a central water craft 44. The central water craft has a central line 46. The central line couples the central water craft to the coupling component . The plurality of water crafts also includes two lateral water crafts 48. The two lateral water crafts have two end lines 50. The two end lines couple the lateral water crafts to the exterior ends of the pipes . The central water craft supports the supply of fluid to be dispensed during operation and use . Provided last is a sensor . The sensor extends downwardly from the central component . The sensor has a lower extent 52. The lower extent extending into the water . The sensor has an upper extent 54. The upper extent is located above the water . The upper and lower extents of the sensor are adapted to determine the ambient conditions . The ambient conditions include, but are not limited to, air temperature and direction, water temperature and direction, air and water speed, concentration of contaminants , and the like . The sensor is adapted to analyze the sensed ambient conditions and dispense the fluid at an appropriate rate . The rate of dispensing is controlled by a valving at the reservoir . In an alternate embodiment, the dispensing is controlled by a plurality of valves in the tubes . In Figure 6, an alternate embodiment of the organism killer dispensing system is shown . The manifold assembly in this alternate embodiment is formed of a single pipe 62, preferably with limited flexibility and resilience . Laterally spaced water crafts 64 are coupled to the end of the pipe by lines . The reservoir with the fluid to be dispensed is located in one of the spaced water crafts . A central water craft with lines to the end water crafts are employed to assist in pulling the load. As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description . Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided . With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in ratios and proportions , function and manner of operation and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention . Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention . Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact combination and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention .

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is : 1. An organism killer dispenser system for killing and managing red tide and other dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis , ptychodiscus , pfiesteria piscicida and the like comprising, in combination : a manifold assembly formed of a first rectilinear pipe and a second rectilinear pipe and a central coupling component there between, each pipe having an open interior end and a closed exterior end with a hinge pin coupling the interior end of each pipe to the coupling component for pivoting the pipes between an operative orientation during use with the pipes in a common linear array and an inoperative orientation during storage and transportation with the pipes parallel with respect to each other; a fluid handling assembly including a plurality of downwardly facing spaced apertures in the pipes with a flexible tube extending downwardly from each aperture, the fluid handling assembly also including a supply of fluid of the type adapted to kill and manage red tide and other dinoflagelents with a line coupling the supply with the tubes for the dispensing of the fluid to contaminated waters , each flexible tube having a rudder hold the lower end of the tube at a submerged location and facing in the direction of motion of the pipes ; a plurality of pontoons at spaced apart locations beneath the pipes with a keel extending downwardly from each pontoon into the water and a rotatable support post between each pontoon and its associated pipe to maintain the pontoons facing in the direction of motion of the pipes ; a plurality of water crafts including a central water craft with a central line coupling the central water craft to the coupling component and two lateral water crafts with two end lines coupling the lateral water crafts to the exterior ends of the pipes, the central water craft supporting the supply of fluid to be dispensed during operation and use; a sensor extending downwardly from the central component with a lower extent extending into the water and an upper extent located above the water, the upper and lower extents of the sensor adapted to determine the ambient conditions including, but not limited to, air temperature and direction, water temperature and direction, air and water speed, concentration of contaminants, and the like, the sensor adapted to analyze the sensed ambient conditions and dispense the fluid at an appropriate rate; and a quantity of a red tide organism killer for killing and managing red tide and other dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis, ptychodiscus, pfiesteria piscicida and the like, comprising, in combination; a composition of between about 5 percent and about 15 percent, preferably 10 percent, sodium hypochlorite and between about 95 percent and about 85 percent inert ingredients in solution, the inert ingredients being selected from the class of inert ingredients including unionized water, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride; and a mixture of the composition and contaminated water containing dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis, ptychodiscus, pfiesteria piscicida and the like, the composition being admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of between about 1 part per million and about 5 parts per million depending on the rate of the organism colony count in the contaminated water .

2. A red tide organism killer comprising : a composition of between about 5 percent and about 15 percent sodium hypochlorite and between about 95 percent and about 85 percent inert ingredients in solution; and a mixture of the composition and contaminated water, the composition being admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of between about 1 part per million and about 5 parts per million .

3. The red tide organism killer as set forth in claim 2 wherein the composition is at about 10 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 90 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 3 part per million .

4. The red tide organism killer as set forth in claim 2 wherein the composition is at about 15 percent . sodium hypochlorite and about 85 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 1 part per million .

5. The red tide organism killer as set forth in claim 2 wherein the composition is at about 5 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 95 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 5 part per million .

6. The red tide organism killer as set forth in claim 2 wherein the composition is at about 15 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 85 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 5 part per million .

7. The red tide organism killer as set forth in claim 2 wherein the composition is at about 5 percent sodium hypochlorite and about 95 percent inert ingredients and the composition is admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of about 1 part per million .

8. The red tide organism killer as set forth in claim 2 wherein the inert ingredients are selected from the class of inert ingredients including unionized water, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride .

9. A red tide organism killer for killing and managing red tide and other dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis , ptychodiscus , pfiesteria piscicida and the like, comprising, in combination : a composition of between about 5 percent and about 15 percent, preferably 10 percent, sodium hypochlorite and between about 95 percent and about 85 percent inert ingredients in solution, the inert ingredients being selected from the class of inert ingredients including unionized water, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride; and a mixture of the composition and contaminated water containing dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis , ptychodiscus , pfiesteria piscicida and the like , the composition being admixed into the contaminated water at a rate of between about 1 part per million and about 5 parts per million depending on the rate of the organism colony count in the contaminated water .

10. An organism killer dispenser system comprising : a manifold assembly formed of a pipe having an open interior; a fluid handling assembly including a plurality of downwardly facing spaced apertures in the manifold with a flexible tube extending downwardly from each aperture, the fluid handling assembly also including a supply of fluid adapted to kill and manage dinoflagelents with a line coupling the supply with the tubes for the dispensing of the fluid; a plurality of pontoons at spaced apart locations beneath the manifold; at least one water craft with a line coupling the central water craft to the manifold; and a sensor to determine the ambient conditions, the sensor adapted to analyze the sensed ambient conditions and dispense the fluid at an appropriate rate .

11. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the manifold assembly is formed of a first rectilinear pipe and a second rectilinear pipe and a central coupling component there between, each pipe having an open interior end and a closed exterior end with a hinge pin coupling the interior end of each pipe to the coupling component for pivoting the pipes between an operative orientation during use with the pipes in a common linear array and an inoperative orientation during storage and transportation with the pipes parallel with respect to each other .

12. The system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the manifold assembly is formed of a single pipe with laterally spaced water crafts coupled to the end of the pipe .

13. An organism killer dispenser system for killing and managing red tide and other dinoflagelents including gymnodinium breve, karenia brevis , ptychodiscus , pfiesteria piscicida and the like comprising, in combination : a manifold assembly formed of a first rectilinear pipe and a second rectilinear pipe and a central coupling component there between, each pipe having an open interior end and a closed exterior end with a hinge pin coupling the interior end of each pipe to the coupling component for pivoting the pipes between an operative orientation during use with the pipes in a common linear array and an inoperative orientation during storage and transportation with the pipes parallel with respect to each other; a fluid handling assembly including a plurality of downwardly facing spaced apertures in the pipes with a flexible tube extending downwardly from each aperture, the fluid handling assembly also including a supply of fluid of the type adapted to kill and manage red tide and other dinoflagelents with a line coupling the supply with the tubes for the dispensing of the fluid to contaminated waters , each flexible tube having a rudder hold the lower end of the tube at a submerged location and facing in the direction of motion of the pipes ; a plurality of pontoons at spaced apart locations beneath the pipes with a keel extending downwardly from each pontoon into the water and a rotatable support post between each pontoon and its associated pipe to maintain the pontoons facing in the direction of motion of the pipes ; a plurality of water crafts including a central water craft with a central line coupling the central water craft to the coupling component and two lateral water crafts with two end lines coupling the lateral water crafts to the exterior ends of the pipes , the central water craft supporting the supply of fluid to be dispensed during operation and use; and a sensor extending downwardly from the central component with a lower extent extending into the water and an upper extent located above the water, the upper and lower extents of the sensor adapted to determine the ambient conditions including, but not limited to, air temperature and direction, water temperature and direction, air and water speed, concentration of contaminants , and the like, the sensor adapted to analyze the sensed ambient conditions and dispense the fluid at an appropriate rate .