US4437431A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for diversion of downstream migrating anadromous fish
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-11-06
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Granted: 1984-03-20
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Expires: 2001-11-06
Abstract
Abstract This is a method, and apparatus for performing the method, by which artificial stream conditions are generated within the forebay of dams used for hydroelectric facilities. The method includes the introduction into the reservoir at the appropriate depth of an artificial stream condition to attract downstream migrating fish and to then divert them into a generally nonvisible (at its inception) conduit with a gradually reducing interior section until such time as the fish are brought into an increased stream flow from which they cannot retreat. The fish are then carried by conduit around or in other manner bypassing the dam and the electrical generating turbines or the like to a point downstream from the dam where they are released into the stream. The system is characterized by jets forming an appropriate artificial stream, an in-line high volume fish pump, a transparent collector area through which the artificially induced stream flows, and a gradually reducing interior section resulting in increased velocity of the artificial stream to the point where the downstream migrating fish cannot escape. Also incorporated are provisions for eliminating predators from the stream.
Inventors
- 👤 David L. Koch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 06:46
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B8/00; E02B8/08; E02B8/085; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A40/00; Y02A40/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for transporting downstream migrating fish past hydroelectric generating facilities comprising: creating, at least partially by means of water jets, an artificial stream current means in a portion of the reservoir of a hydroelectric facility water storage dam and in the path of said fish; directing the downwardly migrating fish in such a manner that they sense the artificial stream current means, are attracted to it, and enter it; diverting the artificial stream current means into a water transporting means, which means bypasses the dam and terminates below the dam tailrace into the stream below the generating facility allowing said fish to exit said transporting means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for transporting downstream migrating fish past hydroelectric generating facilities comprising: creating, at least partially by means of water jets, an artificial stream current means in a portion of the reservoir of a hydroelectric facility water storage dam and in the path of said fish; directing the downwardly migrating fish in such a manner that they sense the artificial stream current means, are attracted to it, and enter it; diverting the artificial stream current means into a water transporting means, which means bypasses the dam and terminates below the dam tailrace into the stream below the generating facility allowing said fish to exit said transporting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method set forth in claim 1 wherein artificial stream current means comprises a conduit and water jet array in said reservoir and having a high volume fish pump means in the water transporting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the conduit is of a large size where the artificial stream current means and fish enter it and tapers to a smaller size for bypassing the generating facility.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the tapering of the conduit is such that it creates an increased velocity beyond the illuminated portion such that fish within the stream at that position cannot turn and fight the current.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 4 wherein diversions are placed adjacent the opening of said conduit in such a manner as to fend off floating debris within the water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the conduit at its largest end where the artificial stream current means and fish enter the conduit is illuminated in its interior.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the illumination is from the exterior of the conduit and the conduit at that position is of a material which transmits light to its interior.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 2 wherein a portion of said artificial stream current means is released from said conduit back into a forebay of said storage dam and the remainder of said artificial stream current means bypasses said storage dam and terminates below the dam tailrace.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said conduit passes over said dam and terminates below the dam tailrace.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said water transporting means terminates into a fish ladder means below the generating facility.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
91 words
An apparatus for transporting downstream migrating fish past hydroelectric generating facilities comprising; an artificial stream current creating means including conduit means and water jets located in the reservoir of a hydroelectric facility water storage dam; a water transporting means extending over or around said generating facilities; means for directing and attracting downwardly migrating fish into said conduit means; diverting means for diverting said artificial stream into said conduit means; said water transporting means bypassing said dam to a terminating point at the tailrace located in the stream below said generating facility.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
91 words
An apparatus for transporting downstream migrating fish past hydroelectric generating facilities comprising; an artificial stream current creating means including conduit means and water jets located in the reservoir of a hydroelectric facility water storage dam; a water transporting means extending over or around said generating facilities; means for directing and attracting downwardly migrating fish into said conduit means; diverting means for diverting said artificial stream into said conduit means; said water transporting means bypassing said dam to a terminating point at the tailrace located in the stream below said generating facility.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said conduit means is of a large size where said artificial stream and said fish enter it and said conduit tapers to a smaller size for bypassing said generating facility.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said conduit at its larger end is illuminated in its interior.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the illumination is from the exterior of the conduit means and the conduit means at that position is of a material which transmits light to its interior.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the tapering of said conduit means is such that it creates an increased velocity beyond the illuminated portion such that fish within the stream at that position cannot turn and fight the current.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein diversion means is placed adjacent the opening of said conduit means in such a manner as to fend off floating debris within the water.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a high volume fish pump means is placed between the entrance of water into said water transporting means and the terminating point at said tailrace of said water transporting means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein a predator trapping means is placed in said water transporting means between said high volume fish pump means and said tailrace.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein said conduit means passes over said hydroelectric facility water storage dam down to a terminating point at said tailrace.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus as set forth in claim 19 wherein said conduit means is provided with water release means at a point before said conduit means passes over or by said dam, releasing water from said conduit means prior to its passing over said dam into said tailrace.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-20 | 1987-09-19 | 1988-03-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-20 | 1991-09-19 | 1992-03-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-20 | 1995-09-19 | 1996-03-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |