Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
228 words
A tank having an internal water recirulation path that is uninterrupted by walls, and which path fish can traverse continuously, said tank at the same time providing for continuous water purification and comprising: a generally flat bottom and a generally cylindrical side wall; said side walls being slightly conically tapered with the small diameter portion being adjacent the bottom, said bottom being stiffened with plywood, and the bottom and side walls having a smooth inside layer of glass fiber reinforced plastic; a sump in said bottom adjacent said generally cylindrical side wall, a conduit means for taking suction on the water in said tank and having an inlet positioned in said tank spaced circumferentially to one side of said sump and adjacent said bottom; said conduit means being constructed and arranged to have an inlet facing said sump to induce a circulatory flow of water over said sump but permitting the main recirculation path in said tank to pass thereby; and means introducing a layer of water into said tank in the direction of said recirculation path for adding energy to said recirculation path to keep the water in said tank recirculating; said means including structure for spreading said water into a layer having sufficient cross section that its velocity when united with said recirculation path does not produce turbulence which holds fesces suspended off of said bottom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
228 words
A tank having an internal water recirulation path that is uninterrupted by walls, and which path fish can traverse continuously, said tank at the same time providing for continuous water purification and comprising: a generally flat bottom and a generally cylindrical side wall; said side walls being slightly conically tapered with the small diameter portion being adjacent the bottom, said bottom being stiffened with plywood, and the bottom and side walls having a smooth inside layer of glass fiber reinforced plastic; a sump in said bottom adjacent said generally cylindrical side wall, a conduit means for taking suction on the water in said tank and having an inlet positioned in said tank spaced circumferentially to one side of said sump and adjacent said bottom; said conduit means being constructed and arranged to have an inlet facing said sump to induce a circulatory flow of water over said sump but permitting the main recirculation path in said tank to pass thereby; and means introducing a layer of water into said tank in the direction of said recirculation path for adding energy to said recirculation path to keep the water in said tank recirculating; said means including structure for spreading said water into a layer having sufficient cross section that its velocity when united with said recirculation path does not produce turbulence which holds fesces suspended off of said bottom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
68 words
The tank of claim 1 including: support means for supporting the bottom of said tank at an incline to the horizontal with said sediment well adjacent the lower most portion of the tank; and wherein said means for introducing a stream of water is located adjacent the bottom of the tank and discharges upwardly of the sloping bottom to force sediment up the inclined portion of the bottom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The tank of claim 1 including a ploygonal or circular support frame lying inside of said sidewalls and sediment wells and outriggers on said frame extending out to support said sidewalls on opposite sides of said sediment well.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
The tank of claim 1 including: a standpipe in said sump, and a tubular member surrounding said standpipe and having holes through its sidewalls adjacent the bottom of said tank, said means for introducing water to said tank displacing water out of said tank to cause sediment from said well to be carried up the space between said standpipe and tubular member and overflow said standpipe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The tank of claim 1 wherein said layer of water for adding energy to said recirculating path is located above the bottom but well below the surface of the water in the tank.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
The tank of claim 1 wherein said means for introducing a layer of water comprises: a generally horizontal plate spaced from said bottom, and nozzles discharging across said plate in a manner generally parallel to said plate to produce a layer of low velocity water for sustaining said water recirculation path in said tank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The tank of claim 1 wherein said means for introducing a layer of water comprises: a generally horizontal plate spaced from said bottom, and nozzles discharging across said plate in a manner generally parallel to said plate to prevent nozzle turbulence from holding fesces suspended off of said bottom.