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Submerged platform structure for open ocean macroalgal farm systems

 Dwain F. Spencer et al
Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends...
Inventors: Dwain F. Spencer, Larry L. Lewis
Assignees: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
Primary Examiner: Elizabeth C. Kemmerer

U.S. Classification
47/14; 119/208; 119/223; 119/239; 405/21; 405/23; 405/24

International Classification
A01G 700; A01H 1300; A01K 600; E02B 306

View patent at USPTO

Referenced by

Patent NumberTitleIssue date
6060153Synthetic aquatic structureMay 9, 2000
6089191Marine habitat systemsJul 18, 2000
6171686Synthetic aquatic structureJan 9, 2001
6230646Deep ocean, mid-water farming apparatusMay 15, 2001
6230654Synthetic aquatic structure, method of controlling an aquatic environment, and aquariumMay 15, 2001
6244218Aquatic structure and methodJun 12, 2001
6325569Cultivating kelp and mussels togetherDec 4, 2001
6343567Synthetic aquatic structure and methodFeb 5, 2002

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A waterborne macroalgal farm structure for the attachment of macroalgal plants comprising a three dimensional truss formed from:

a. flexible, hollow tubes;
b. nodes abutting each end of said tubes;
c. rods contained within said tubes and attached to said nodes in an adjustable length method to tension said rods and compress said tubes, wherein macroalgal plants are attached to said tubes;
whereby connection of said tubes, rods and nodes forms a three dimensional waterborne platform.

2. A waterborne macroalgal farm structure as recited in claim 1 further comprising spacers mounted between the exterior surfaces of said rods and the interior surfaces of said tubes to maintain said rods at a generally concentric location within said tubes.

3. A waterborne macroalgal farm structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said tubes are formed from polyvinyl chloride.

4. A waterborne macroalgal farm structure as recited in claim 1 further comprising tethered buoys attached to said structure, said structure having a slightly negative buoyancy and therefore the depth of submergence of said structure can be adjusted by adjusting the length of said tethers.

5. A waterborne macroalgal farm structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow tubes are used to distribute liquid nutrients to the plants in said macroalgal farm.

6. A waterborne macroalgal farm structure as recited in claim 2 wherein said spacers are round disks having a centralized aperture for passage therethrough of said rod.

7. A waterborne macroalgal farm structure as recited in claim 2 wherein said spacers are a plurality of longitudinal fins mounted within said tube for holding said rod in a centralized position within said tube.