BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing features, as well as other features, will become apparent with reference to the description and figures below, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:
FIG. 1 depicts a picture of a lake without the invention (labeled “BEFORE”), a cut-away drawing of the invention, and the same lake with the invention deployed (labeled “AFTER”).
FIG. 2 shows a back-view of a prototype of the invention, with the wiring harness exposed.
FIG. 3 shows a side-view of a prototype of the invention.
FIG. 4 shows a front-view of a prototype of the invention.
FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of one possible motor that could be used in the invention.
FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of the front of one possible motor that could be used in the invention.
FIG. 7 shows another close-up view of the front of one possible motor that could be used in the invention mounted to the top of the invention.
FIG. 8 shows another view of the side of one possible motor that could be used in the invention mounted to the top of the invention.
FIG. 9 shows a top view of the front of one possible motor that could be used in the invention mounted to the top of the invention.
FIG. 10 shows a diagram of the enclosure (5) with perforations (10), one possible embodiment of the flotation means (4), and the top as they would be assembled.
FIG. 11 shows a diagram demonstrating the attachment of the motor (1) to the shaft (2) and propeller (3) in one possible embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 shows a diagram demonstrating the flange atop the enclosure (5) as well as the perforations in one possible embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 shows a diagram demonstrating the attachment of the motor (1) to the shaft (2) through the gearbox (1) and propeller (3) in one possible embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
This present invention generally relates to a system and apparatus for use in distribution and equilibration of a volume of fluid, such as a lake. More specifically the present invention may be used as a fluid aeration system to increase the depth of oxygen-rich water in the lake. The invention, properly used, can increase the quantity and depth of oxygenated water significantly. The present invention may also be used to equilibrate concentrations of various materials, such as nutrients in a lake, or to unify temperature of a fluid volume.
One embodiment of the present invention generally relates to a system and apparatus for use in causing increased circulation of the water within a body of water, such as a lake, resulting in increased oxygenation of the water within the lake, and the like. It is understood that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of fluid volumes in addition to lakes. The present invention can be useful in any situation where a slow and general circulation of fluids allows the equilibration of concentrations of a variety of fluid components, such as nutrients, chemicals, temperature, and the like.
To assist in understanding the present invention, an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention is shown, as well as some terms that may generally be defined. For example, FIG. 1, illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. The basic features can include a Torque Generating Mechanism 1 to provide torque to a driveshaft such as an electric motor and gearbox, a Driveshaft 2 to connect Mechanism I to a Propeller 3, a Flotation Device 4, an Enclosure 5 defining an interior space, open at the bottom, the Propeller 3 and Driveshaft 2 being disposed therein. The Enclosure 5, as illustrated has a plurality of openings 10 such as holes, slats, and the like. The device is buoyant to approximate that Openings 10 are configured to be at a point near the surface of the fluid in which the device floats. This may be adjusted through the addition or reduction of Flotation Device 4, or the amount of weight of the anchors as described below.
Additionally, the device has components to secure Enclosure 5 in a stationary manner. As shown in FIG. 1, the securing components flexibly secure the device in a fluid medium using Anchors 8 (as shown, 2 resting on the bottom of the fluid medium, and two suspended in the fluid medium as counterweights) and Anchor line 7 connecting Anchors 8, and Enclosure 5 (through Pulley Connections 6.
Additionally, power may be provided to drive Mechanism 1 through the use of an Electrical Power Connection 9. Alternate embodiments could also power Driveshaft 2 by an internal combustion engine (not shown) or by other means known in the art. Solar Power may also be use to provide electrical power to the Mechanism 1.
In use in a lake and as illustrative in FIG. 1, Torque Mechanism 1 is configured to drive Propeller 3 such that lake water is drawn into Openings 10 and driven downward to escape at the bottom of Enclosure 5. The desired affect in this application is to force water from the upper, oxygen-saturated strata of the lake are forced down into lower oxygen-depleted strata of the lake. In this embodiment, the water from the lower, oxygen-depleted strata of the lake will be displaced upward, towards the surface of the lake, by the downward flow of oxygenated water, where it can then become oxygenated through photosynthesis by plants existing in the upper strata of the lake, as well as interaction with sunlight.
The Torque Generating Mechanism 1 turns Driveshaft 2 within the hollow Enclosure 5, thereby causing Propeller 3 to rotate within the fluid medium in which the device floats, thereby causing the fluid medium within the perforated enclosure. It is noted that Propeller 3 can rotate in either direction, depending on the desired application and still fall within the objects of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus may be held in place by a flexible anchoring system. As shown, at least one, and preferably more than one weight or other means can be used to secure a line to a bottom surface of the fluid volume, such as the bottom of a lake. As further shown, two anchors are used to hold a first end of two lines. A second end of said lines is fed through a pulley system attached to the enclosure as illustrated. Said second end of said lines is attached to a second weight which is sufficient to submerge the enclosure to a point where the plurality of perforations are at or near the surface of the fluid volume so that the holes are at the desired location for the application. As shown, the holes are just below the surface so that highly oxygenated surface-water may be forced down into low-oxygen areas of the lake.
Control systems can also be added to vary the intervals of use, propeller speed and direction. Controllers may also be triggered by oxygen sensors set to start and stop the system at pre-selected values.
The flotation means, as shown, is held in place above the holes with an opening to allow the driveshaft to reach the propeller.
Other aspects of one embodiment of the invention are shown in FIGS. 2 through 13. FIG. 2, 3, 4 show more detail of the Enclosure 5. FIG. 5, shows a potential Torque Generating Mechanism 1, specifically an electric motor. FIG. 6 shows the addition of a gearbox to drive Driveshaft 2. FIG. 7, 8, and 9 show configurations of placement of Torque Generating Mechanism 1. FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the Enclosure 5 top and drum as well as the Flotation Device 4 disposed therein. FIGS. 11 and 13 show an isolated view of Mechanism 1, Driveshaft 2, and Propeller 3. FIG. 12 shows an isolated view of Enclosure 5.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present invention attempts to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the specification.
Patent Application
20080084786
