WO2022245224A1 - Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly - Google Patents

Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022245224A1
WO2022245224A1 PCT/NO2022/050113 NO2022050113W WO2022245224A1 WO 2022245224 A1 WO2022245224 A1 WO 2022245224A1 NO 2022050113 W NO2022050113 W NO 2022050113W WO 2022245224 A1 WO2022245224 A1 WO 2022245224A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hose
vacuum hose
fish
assembly
fish transfer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2022/050113
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Per Jörgen SILDEN
Original Assignee
Skipskompetanse As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Skipskompetanse As filed Critical Skipskompetanse As
Priority to EP22731832.6A priority Critical patent/EP4340606A1/en
Publication of WO2022245224A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022245224A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K79/00—Methods or means of catching fish in bulk not provided for in groups A01K69/00 - A01K77/00, e.g. fish pumps; Detection of fish; Whale fishery
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
    • A01K63/02—Receptacles specially adapted for transporting live fish
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K73/00—Drawn nets
    • A01K73/02—Trawling nets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K75/00—Accessories for fishing nets; Details of fishing nets, e.g. structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/30—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/14—Fishing vessels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G53/00—Conveying materials in bulk through troughs, pipes or tubes by floating the materials or by flow of gas, liquid or foam
    • B65G53/04—Conveying materials in bulk pneumatically through pipes or tubes; Air slides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G53/00—Conveying materials in bulk through troughs, pipes or tubes by floating the materials or by flow of gas, liquid or foam
    • B65G53/30—Conveying materials in bulk through pipes or tubes by liquid pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/20—Double-walled hoses, i.e. two concentric hoses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/12—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement allowing substantial longitudinal adjustment or movement
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/80—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in fisheries management
    • Y02A40/81—Aquaculture, e.g. of fish

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a vacuum hose assembly for transfer of fish in different contexts, primarily between sea and vessel. More precisely the present invention concerns a hose assembly as indicated by the preamble of claim 1
  • live fish needs to be transferred from one fish cage to another, from a fish cage to a boat or vessel, or between different boats.
  • Different systems, hoses and pumps have been employed for this purpose and perhaps the most common manner of such live fish transfer is by use of a suction pump and a hose that are able to withstand the required suction force without collapsing.
  • the hose needs to have a certain rigidity.
  • the hose must have a certain diameter in order to be efficient in such transfer and in order to allow the fish enough space not to become unduly stressed by the transfer.
  • the combined requirements on the hose to be used for the purpose of fish transfer means that the hose is comparatively rigid and heavy and exhibits a large bending diameter, which again means that its handling is a challenge that typically require cranes or the like and that handling and moving such heavy structures moving among people in narrow areas like on the deck of a boat, represent a safety issue for personnel on board.
  • a suction hose for live fish transfer When a suction hose for live fish transfer is not connected for operation, it is typically stored on the deck of a boat with limited facilities for coverage and or attachment means. Such storage is in many ways inconvenient and may also represent a safety issue in making other operations on board more complicated and in being exposed to wear and tear from the environment, exposing it to dust, seawater and dirt, causing it to deteriorate more rapidly than what is desirable.
  • the present invention is a.
  • the present invention provides a combination of elements that provides protection of personnel from injury by the vacuum hose and which protects the vacuum hose for wear and tear caused by the environment.
  • the present invention is useful in fish farm plants but also for transferring wild fish caught in a any kind of fishing with the intention to bring the catch on-board to the various destinations either for storage or further processing.
  • the vacuum source for the present invention may be any per se known vacuum pump (suction pump) and is not described in further detail here.
  • the present invention is particularly useful in connection with suction pumps on board the boat or vessel in question but may also be used in connection with fishing pumps connected to the distal end of the hose.
  • it comprises elements that facilitate its connection and disconnection to other structures and which in many cases makes the use of cranes or the like superfluous.
  • it reduces the lifting requirement and thereby the degree of underpressure or pressure needed to transfer the fish.
  • the storage housing for the second and inner hose element is constituted by a rigid tube shaped element that forms a first and outer hose element in which the second and inner hose elements is positioned when not in operation.
  • the vacuum hose (11) according to the present invention exhibits a rigidity sufficient to withstand any underpressure to be experienced during adequate operation without collapsing.
  • the present invention is useful in fishing boats, in fish carriers and at fish farms, particularly offshore based facilities.
  • the present invention allows a more lenient handling of the fish due to a combination of its position on board, a lower lifting height and fewer bends for the fish to pass on its way. Furthermore, the flexibility in positioning of the system allows for a wider operational weather window due to safer operations, less movement on deployed equipment whilst keeping welfare and quality of fish to its maximum.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic and simplified top view illustrating a possible positioning of the present invention on a boat.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic and simplified top view illustrating another possible positioning of the present invention on a boat.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic and simplified top view illustrating a third possible positioning of the present invention on a boat.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic and simplified top view of an embodiment of the present invention according to Figure 3 in an operative position.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic and simplified top view of the present invention used at a sea based fish pen.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic and simplified top view of the present invention used with a Danish seine (trawl).
  • Figure 7a is a schematic and simplified illustration of the connection between an inner and an outer hose element.
  • Figure 7b is an enlargement of a part of Figure 7a with an additional element.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic and simplified side view of an embodiment of the outer hose element.
  • Figure 9 is a schematic naval view of a particular embodiment of the hose elements
  • Figure 10 is a schematic top view of an element shown in Figure 9.
  • Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the first and outer hose element 11a for the vacuum hose is arranged transversely in relation to a boat 12 with a hull 13.
  • the broken lines indicate that the first and outer hose element 11a may be arranged under deck, in which case the hull of the boat is provided with a closed hull gate 14 that is activated when the second and inner hose element is to be brought to its operative, extended position.
  • “activated” simply means that the gate is opened to allow the inner hose element to be displaced out from the outer hose element, through the opened gate.
  • the hull gate 14 may be arranged separately or in combination with the hose assembly.
  • the second and inner hose element is not shown in Figure 1.
  • the vacuum pump for establishing the required underpressure in the vacuum hose may be of any conventional type and is for simplicity not shown in the drawings.
  • Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the first and outer hose element 11a for the vacuum hose is arranged diagonally in relation to a boat 12.
  • Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the first and outer hose element 11a is arranged with an axis parallel to the length axis of the boat and with a hull gate 14 to allow the second and inner hose element to be run out into an operative position. Also indicated in Figure 3 is a drive mechanism in the form of a pitch rack mechanism. In such an embodiment a powered gear 33 is arranged adjacent to the hull gate 14, arranged to engage with a pitch rack on the second and inner hose element. The second and inner hose element is not shown in Figure 3. Other drive mechanisms may also be employed, such as commented in relation to Figure 7b below.
  • Figure 4 shows, in a smaller scale than Figures 1-3, the general positioning and design shown in Figure 3, and furthermore shows the second and inner hose element lib in an operative position, i.e. with its distal end 11c to the far left, way outside the boat and its proximal end near the gear 33.
  • the distal end 11c of the vacuum hose 11 is typically positioned adjacent to a hull gate 14, closed or open, in the boat hull.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic and simplified illustration of the present invention used for transferring fish into or out from a fish pen 51.
  • an extension hose 52 or the like may be connected to the distal end of the inner hose element lib in order to reach desired areas and depths of the fish pen.
  • the distal end of the inner hose element lib may be provided with any convenient kind of connection member and preferably a connection member that is easily replaceable.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic and simplified illustration of the present invention used for transferring fish from a Danish seine or trawl 61 to a fishing boat. This is an operation taking place when a trawling has just been conducted and the boat is at rest. Then the distal end of the inner hose element is attached to the trawl with convenient means for transferring the fish from the trawl and into tanks on the boat.
  • the distal end of the inner hose element lib may be provided with any convenient kind of connection member and preferably a connection member that is easily replaceable.
  • Figure 7a shows enlarged the connection between the outer hose element 11a and the inner hose element lib.
  • Attached to the inner surface of the outer hose element 11a is an annular packer 71 arranged to slide along the outer surface of the inner hose element lib.
  • Attached to the outer surface of the inner hose element lib is an annular packer 72 arranged to slide along the inner surface of the outer hose element 11a.
  • the dual packers allows an underpressure to be maintained in the vacuum hose independent of their position during operation.
  • the isolated and sealed-off space 74 between the packers 71, 72 may furthermore, in some embodiments, be used as a hydraulic chamber for moving the inner hose element lib out from and into the outer hose element 11a, i.e. for shifting the hose between its operative and non-operative position.
  • a pump or compressor 73 can be arranged to pump a gaseous or liquid fluid into and out from said space 74.
  • An arrangement as here described may be used in place of or in addition to a pitch rack mechanism to shift the inner hose element lib between its inoperative and its operative position.
  • the pump or compressor 73 and the pitch rack and gear 33 may both, alone or in combination, constitute the main part of the drive mechanism capable of shifting the hose 11 between its operative and inoperative positions.
  • Still another kind of relevant drive mechanism is a traction unit comprising wheels or belts, typically arranged in pair(s), utilizing pressure and friction to run the inner hose element lib in to and out from the outer hose element 11a.
  • Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the outer hose element 11a provided with a number of attachment members 81 for attaching the outer hose element 11a to a ceiling or similar structure. Such elements may also be employed to attach the outer hose element 11a to wall or to a deck.
  • the attachment members 81 can have any functional form and design within the scope of the present invention and can in some embodiments be also be attached, to the boat rather than to the hose.
  • FIG 9 shows an outer hose element 11a and an inner hose element lib.
  • a vacuum box 91 are connected for enabling an underpressure to be established in the hose as earlier indicated.
  • the underpressure is primarily used for the transfer of fish.
  • An external winch 92 is shown at the distal end 11c of the inner hose element. The external winch 92 can be used for retracting the inner hose element lib from its operative, extended position after use.
  • Figure 10 shows some inner elements of the vacuum box 91, in particular two internal winches 101, 102 and pulleys 103, 104 related thereto.
  • the appurtenant wires are omitted from the figure for simplicity.
  • Arranging the winches to be used for extending the inner hose element lib from the outer hose element 11a within a vacuum box, permits a simple design since it does not require air tight through openings for the wires in order to maintain underpressure in the hose during operation.
  • One internal winch would suffice while two winches 101, 102 allow a more compact design and a better balancing of the force applied to the inner hose.
  • Advantages of the present invention are the ones indicated in the objectives above.
  • the vacuum hose is not interfering with other operations on board when not in use, it is well protected against wear caused by sea, weather and personnel when not in use and its handling when bringing the vacuum hose from an inoperative to an operative position and vice versa is simple and safe compared with the present systems and methods.
  • a further advantage, in embodiments in which the assembly of the present invention is arranged below deck and operable trough a hull gate 14 is the reduction in lifting force or underpressure required, allowing use of less suction force and implies less stress to the fish transferred.
  • vacuum hose assembly of the present invention is primarily intended for use with a vacuum pump, the vacuum pump as such is not part of the present invention. Practically, any vacuum pump capable of providing the required underpressure may be used for the purpose.
  • the operation of the present invention may, in some embodiments, be used for transfer of fish using conventional fish pumps at the distal end of the inner hose element lib, pumping with a slight overpressure in the hose 11 rather than with an underpressure.
  • the hose assembly according to the present invention is not dependent upon its positioning or orientation on the vessel. In preferred embodiments, the assembly is arranged under deck and "out of sight" when not in use, but the scope of the present invention is restricted only by the appended claims.

Abstract

Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly comprising a vacuum hose (11) comprising a first and outer hose element (11a) arranged to at least partly cover a second and inner hose element (11b) exhibiting a distal end (11c) when the vacuum hose (11) is in an inoperative position. The fish transfer vacuum hose assembly is preferably arranged below deck on a boat and it comprises a drive mechanism arranged to move the inner hose element (11b) at least partially out of the outer hose element (11a) to bring the vacuum hose (11) into an operative position. The drive mechanism may comprise at least one of a pitch rack, a traction unit, winches or a hydraulic mechanism.

Description

Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly
The present invention concerns a vacuum hose assembly for transfer of fish in different contexts, primarily between sea and vessel. More precisely the present invention concerns a hose assembly as indicated by the preamble of claim 1
Background
In the fish farming industry, from time to time, live fish needs to be transferred from one fish cage to another, from a fish cage to a boat or vessel, or between different boats. Different systems, hoses and pumps have been employed for this purpose and perhaps the most common manner of such live fish transfer is by use of a suction pump and a hose that are able to withstand the required suction force without collapsing. For this purpose, the hose needs to have a certain rigidity. Furthermore, the hose must have a certain diameter in order to be efficient in such transfer and in order to allow the fish enough space not to become unduly stressed by the transfer.
During fishing from fishing boats, there is often a need to bring fish into tanks on the boat from fishing seines, Danish seines, trawls and the like, a task that is often performed using a hose and a vacuum pump on board. Typically, such an operation involves attachment of the distal end of the hose to the seine or trawl in question.
The combined requirements on the hose to be used for the purpose of fish transfer means that the hose is comparatively rigid and heavy and exhibits a large bending diameter, which again means that its handling is a challenge that typically require cranes or the like and that handling and moving such heavy structures moving among people in narrow areas like on the deck of a boat, represent a safety issue for personnel on board.
When a suction hose for live fish transfer is not connected for operation, it is typically stored on the deck of a boat with limited facilities for coverage and or attachment means. Such storage is in many ways inconvenient and may also represent a safety issue in making other operations on board more complicated and in being exposed to wear and tear from the environment, exposing it to dust, seawater and dirt, causing it to deteriorate more rapidly than what is desirable.
An alternative has been to attach the hose more or less permanently along the shipside which alleviates some of the problems mentioned above. Flowever, the handling of the hoes from this position is difficult and the hose is severely exposed to waves and therefore not operable in coarse sea. Objectives
It is thus an objective of the present invention to provide a vacuum/pumping hose system assembly that alleviates the challenges and safety issues related to the handling, storage and use of present vacuum hoses for fish transfer on-board boats and other floating structures.
It is a further objective, by achieving the above mentioned objective, to increase fish welfare by reduced stress and damage on fish during this type of fish transfer.
The present invention
The above indicated objective is fulfilled with the assembly according to the present invention as defined by claim 1.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the present invention.
The present invention provides a combination of elements that provides protection of personnel from injury by the vacuum hose and which protects the vacuum hose for wear and tear caused by the environment.
The present invention is useful in fish farm plants but also for transferring wild fish caught in a any kind of fishing with the intention to bring the catch on-board to the various destinations either for storage or further processing.
The vacuum source for the present invention may be any per se known vacuum pump (suction pump) and is not described in further detail here.
The present invention is particularly useful in connection with suction pumps on board the boat or vessel in question but may also be used in connection with fishing pumps connected to the distal end of the hose.
While transfer of live fish is a rather delicate operation for which the present invention is primarily designed, it is also useful for transferring dead fish.
Furthermore, it comprises elements that facilitate its connection and disconnection to other structures and which in many cases makes the use of cranes or the like superfluous. As an added advantage, according to preferred embodiments, it reduces the lifting requirement and thereby the degree of underpressure or pressure needed to transfer the fish.
Practically, the storage housing for the second and inner hose element is constituted by a rigid tube shaped element that forms a first and outer hose element in which the second and inner hose elements is positioned when not in operation. Generally, the vacuum hose (11) according to the present invention exhibits a rigidity sufficient to withstand any underpressure to be experienced during adequate operation without collapsing. The present invention is useful in fishing boats, in fish carriers and at fish farms, particularly offshore based facilities.
Among the advantages of the present invention, it allows a more lenient handling of the fish due to a combination of its position on board, a lower lifting height and fewer bends for the fish to pass on its way. Furthermore, the flexibility in positioning of the system allows for a wider operational weather window due to safer operations, less movement on deployed equipment whilst keeping welfare and quality of fish to its maximum.
Below the present invention is described in further detail in the form of non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated by the enclosed drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic and simplified top view illustrating a possible positioning of the present invention on a boat.
Figure 2 is a schematic and simplified top view illustrating another possible positioning of the present invention on a boat.
Figure 3 is a schematic and simplified top view illustrating a third possible positioning of the present invention on a boat.
Figure 4 is a schematic and simplified top view of an embodiment of the present invention according to Figure 3 in an operative position.
Figure 5 is a schematic and simplified top view of the present invention used at a sea based fish pen. Figure 6 is a schematic and simplified top view of the present invention used with a Danish seine (trawl).
Figure 7a is a schematic and simplified illustration of the connection between an inner and an outer hose element.
Figure 7b is an enlargement of a part of Figure 7a with an additional element.
Figure 8 is a schematic and simplified side view of an embodiment of the outer hose element. Figure 9 is a schematic perspectival view of a particular embodiment of the hose elements Figure 10 is a schematic top view of an element shown in Figure 9.
By "schematic and simplified" is understood that the proportions of the various details may be distorted from actual proportions and that elements that typically will be present in a real life embodiment are omitted when not essential for illustrating the features of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the first and outer hose element 11a for the vacuum hose is arranged transversely in relation to a boat 12 with a hull 13. The broken lines indicate that the first and outer hose element 11a may be arranged under deck, in which case the hull of the boat is provided with a closed hull gate 14 that is activated when the second and inner hose element is to be brought to its operative, extended position. In some preferred embodiments, "activated" simply means that the gate is opened to allow the inner hose element to be displaced out from the outer hose element, through the opened gate. The hull gate 14 may be arranged separately or in combination with the hose assembly. For simplicity, the second and inner hose element is not shown in Figure 1.
The vacuum pump for establishing the required underpressure in the vacuum hose may be of any conventional type and is for simplicity not shown in the drawings.
Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the first and outer hose element 11a for the vacuum hose is arranged diagonally in relation to a boat 12.
Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the first and outer hose element 11a is arranged with an axis parallel to the length axis of the boat and with a hull gate 14 to allow the second and inner hose element to be run out into an operative position. Also indicated in Figure 3 is a drive mechanism in the form of a pitch rack mechanism. In such an embodiment a powered gear 33 is arranged adjacent to the hull gate 14, arranged to engage with a pitch rack on the second and inner hose element. The second and inner hose element is not shown in Figure 3. Other drive mechanisms may also be employed, such as commented in relation to Figure 7b below.
Figure 4, shows, in a smaller scale than Figures 1-3, the general positioning and design shown in Figure 3, and furthermore shows the second and inner hose element lib in an operative position, i.e. with its distal end 11c to the far left, way outside the boat and its proximal end near the gear 33. In its retracted, inoperative position, the distal end 11c of the vacuum hose 11 is typically positioned adjacent to a hull gate 14, closed or open, in the boat hull.
Figure 5 is a schematic and simplified illustration of the present invention used for transferring fish into or out from a fish pen 51. In or at the fish pen 51, an extension hose 52 or the like may be connected to the distal end of the inner hose element lib in order to reach desired areas and depths of the fish pen. For the purpose of connecting the inner hose element lib to an extension hose, the distal end of the inner hose element lib may be provided with any convenient kind of connection member and preferably a connection member that is easily replaceable.
Figure 6 is a schematic and simplified illustration of the present invention used for transferring fish from a Danish seine or trawl 61 to a fishing boat. This is an operation taking place when a trawling has just been conducted and the boat is at rest. Then the distal end of the inner hose element is attached to the trawl with convenient means for transferring the fish from the trawl and into tanks on the boat. For the purpose of connecting the inner hose element lib to the trawl, the distal end of the inner hose element lib may be provided with any convenient kind of connection member and preferably a connection member that is easily replaceable.
Figure 7a shows enlarged the connection between the outer hose element 11a and the inner hose element lib. Attached to the inner surface of the outer hose element 11a is an annular packer 71 arranged to slide along the outer surface of the inner hose element lib. Attached to the outer surface of the inner hose element lib is an annular packer 72 arranged to slide along the inner surface of the outer hose element 11a. The dual packers allows an underpressure to be maintained in the vacuum hose independent of their position during operation.
Now, with reference to Figure 7b, the isolated and sealed-off space 74 between the packers 71, 72 may furthermore, in some embodiments, be used as a hydraulic chamber for moving the inner hose element lib out from and into the outer hose element 11a, i.e. for shifting the hose between its operative and non-operative position. For this purpose, a pump or compressor 73 can be arranged to pump a gaseous or liquid fluid into and out from said space 74. An arrangement as here described may be used in place of or in addition to a pitch rack mechanism to shift the inner hose element lib between its inoperative and its operative position. Thus, the pump or compressor 73 and the pitch rack and gear 33 may both, alone or in combination, constitute the main part of the drive mechanism capable of shifting the hose 11 between its operative and inoperative positions.
It should be noted that use of a pump or compressor to displace the inner hose elements hydraulically may also be arranged in manners different from the one shown by drawing 7b.
Still another kind of relevant drive mechanism is a traction unit comprising wheels or belts, typically arranged in pair(s), utilizing pressure and friction to run the inner hose element lib in to and out from the outer hose element 11a.
Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the outer hose element 11a provided with a number of attachment members 81 for attaching the outer hose element 11a to a ceiling or similar structure. Such elements may also be employed to attach the outer hose element 11a to wall or to a deck. The attachment members 81 can have any functional form and design within the scope of the present invention and can in some embodiments be also be attached, to the boat rather than to the hose.
Figure 9 shows an outer hose element 11a and an inner hose element lib. To this assembly of hose elements a vacuum box 91 are connected for enabling an underpressure to be established in the hose as earlier indicated. The underpressure is primarily used for the transfer of fish. An external winch 92 is shown at the distal end 11c of the inner hose element. The external winch 92 can be used for retracting the inner hose element lib from its operative, extended position after use.
Figure 10 shows some inner elements of the vacuum box 91, in particular two internal winches 101, 102 and pulleys 103, 104 related thereto. The appurtenant wires are omitted from the figure for simplicity. Arranging the winches to be used for extending the inner hose element lib from the outer hose element 11a within a vacuum box, permits a simple design since it does not require air tight through openings for the wires in order to maintain underpressure in the hose during operation. One internal winch would suffice while two winches 101, 102 allow a more compact design and a better balancing of the force applied to the inner hose. Advantages of the present invention are the ones indicated in the objectives above. The vacuum hose is not interfering with other operations on board when not in use, it is well protected against wear caused by sea, weather and personnel when not in use and its handling when bringing the vacuum hose from an inoperative to an operative position and vice versa is simple and safe compared with the present systems and methods.
A further advantage, in embodiments in which the assembly of the present invention is arranged below deck and operable trough a hull gate 14 is the reduction in lifting force or underpressure required, allowing use of less suction force and implies less stress to the fish transferred.
While the vacuum hose assembly of the present invention is primarily intended for use with a vacuum pump, the vacuum pump as such is not part of the present invention. Practically, any vacuum pump capable of providing the required underpressure may be used for the purpose.
Furthermore, the operation of the present invention may, in some embodiments, be used for transfer of fish using conventional fish pumps at the distal end of the inner hose element lib, pumping with a slight overpressure in the hose 11 rather than with an underpressure. The hose assembly according to the present invention is not dependent upon its positioning or orientation on the vessel. In preferred embodiments, the assembly is arranged under deck and "out of sight" when not in use, but the scope of the present invention is restricted only by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims
1. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly comprising a vacuum hose (11) characterized in that the vacuum hose (11) comprises a first and outer hose element (11a) arranged to at least partly cover a second and inner hose element (lib) exhibiting a distal end (11c) when the vacuum hose (11) is in an inoperative position, and a drive mechanism arranged to move the inner hose element (lib) at least partially out of the outer hose element (11a) to bring the vacuum hose (11) into an operative position.
2. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism has the form of a pitch rack and gear wheel (33) assembly.
3. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises one or more winches (92, 101, 102) and associated wires.
4. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein a vacuum box attached to the outer hose element (11a) contains at least one winch (101) arranged to pull out the inner hose element (lib) therefrom.
5. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a pump or compressor (73) arranged to displace the inner hose element (lib) in relation to the outer hose element (11a) hydraulically.
6. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pump or compressor (73) is arranged to pump fluid into and out from a space (74) between the outer (11a) and inner hose element (lib), said space furthermore being confined by packers (71) and (72).
7. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is comprised by a traction unit comprising wheels or belts, utilizing pressure and friction to run the inner hose element (lib) in to and out from the outer hose element (11a).
8. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and outer hose element (11a) comprises attachment means (81) arranged to be fixed to at least one of i) a deck of a boat (12) or other sea-based structure, ii) a ceiling on a boat (12) or other sea- based structure, iii) a bulkhead or other sea-based structure.
9. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end (11c) of the vacuum hose (11) in its retracted, inoperative position, is positioned adjacent to a hull gate (14), closed or open, in the boat hull.
10. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum hose (11) has a rigidity sufficient to withstand an underpressure in the vacuum hose without collapsing.
11. Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end of the inner hose element (lib) is connectable to auxiliary means including extension hoses (52), fish pens (51) and trawls (61).
PCT/NO2022/050113 2021-05-19 2022-05-19 Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly WO2022245224A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22731832.6A EP4340606A1 (en) 2021-05-19 2022-05-19 Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20210620 2021-05-19
NO20210620A NO347025B1 (en) 2021-05-19 2021-05-19 Fish transfer vacuum hose assembly

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WO2022245224A1 true WO2022245224A1 (en) 2022-11-24

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3421245A (en) * 1967-04-21 1969-01-14 Marine Constr & Design Co Fish pump system with combined articulated support boom and conduit
JPS5538829U (en) * 1978-09-06 1980-03-12
US6343433B1 (en) * 1999-09-08 2002-02-05 Lee Granberg Method and apparatus for separating target and non-target species harvested from waterbodies

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4558990A (en) * 1980-05-12 1985-12-17 Marco Seattle, Inc. Composite pumping system
DK201970523A1 (en) * 2019-08-19 2021-03-31 Hvalpsund Net As Apparatus for evacuating solid matter from an aqueous environment

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3421245A (en) * 1967-04-21 1969-01-14 Marine Constr & Design Co Fish pump system with combined articulated support boom and conduit
JPS5538829U (en) * 1978-09-06 1980-03-12
US6343433B1 (en) * 1999-09-08 2002-02-05 Lee Granberg Method and apparatus for separating target and non-target species harvested from waterbodies

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EP4340606A1 (en) 2024-03-27
NO347025B1 (en) 2023-04-17

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