U.S. patent application number 10/513570 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for aquatic vessel hull.
This patent application is currently assigned to Seachange Technology Holdings Pty Ltd.. Invention is credited to Michael Wescombe-Down.
Application Number | 20060016379 10/513570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3835715 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060016379 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wescombe-Down; Michael |
January 26, 2006 |
Aquatic vessel hull
Abstract
A hull (10) for an aquatic vessel which provides a
shark-repelling region about the vessel. The hull (10) includes two
electrodes connected to an electromagnetic field signal generator,
which in use, generates an electromagnetic field (40) about the
vessel which repels sharks. The electrodes may be formed from the
ends of an electrode cord (23), or may be formed from conductive
(24, 25) plates (20, 21) mounted to, or integral with, the hull
(10).
Inventors: |
Wescombe-Down; Michael;
(Glenelg, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLAUBER & JACKSON
411 HACKENSACK AVENUE
HACKENSACK
NJ
07601
US
|
Assignee: |
Seachange Technology Holdings Pty
Ltd.
3A Rowells Road
Lockleys, S.A.
AU
5032
|
Family ID: |
3835715 |
Appl. No.: |
10/513570 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
May 6, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU03/00534 |
371 Date: |
June 22, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/221R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 79/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/221.00R |
International
Class: |
B63B 9/00 20060101
B63B009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 6, 2002 |
AU |
PS 2142 |
Claims
1. An aquatic vessel hull adapted to support at least two
electrodes connectable to an electromagnetic field signal
generator, in use, the electrodes generating an electromagnetic
field in a volume of water about the vessel, the electromagnetic
field acting to repel selected aquatic creatures.
2. An aquatic vessel hull according to claim 1, wherein said
aquatic vessel hull includes at least two recesses for receiving
one each of the at least two electrodes, such that the at least two
electrodes do not protrude substantially beyond the surface of the
hull.
3. An aquatic vessel hull according to claim 2 wherein said aquatic
vessel hull further includes a channel connecting said recesses,
said channel adapted to accommodate an electrode cord terminating
at each end in one of said at least two electrodes.
4. An aquatic vessel hull according to claim 3 wherein said
recesses are formed so as to allow maximum efficiency of
distribution of the electromagnetic field generated by said
electrodes when in use.
5. An aquatic vessel hull incorporating at least two electrodes,
connectable to an electromagnetic field signal generator, in use,
the said electrodes generating an electromagnetic field in a volume
of water about the aquatic vessel, said field acting to repel
selected aquatic creatures.
6. An aquatic vessel hull according to claim 5 wherein said at
least two electrodes do not substantially protrude beyond the
surface of said hull.
7. An aquatic vessel hull according to any one of claims 5 or 6
wherein said at least two electrodes are received in corresponding
recesses in said hull.
8. An aquatic vessel hull according to claim 7 wherein said at
least two electrodes constitute respective ends of a cord, which is
received in a channel in said hull connecting said recesses.
9. An aquatic vessel hull according to claim 6 wherein said at
least two electrodes consist of respective conductive plates.
10. An aquatic vessel hull according to claim 7 wherein said
recesses are formed so as to allow maximum efficiency of
distribution of the electromagnetic field generated by said
electrodes when in use.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to devices and applications of
generating electromagnetic fields within a body of water to repel
aquatic creatures such as sharks.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Numerous devices are known for the purpose of repelling
aquatic creatures. The majority of these devices are designed to
generate an electromagnetic field in close proximity of a diver or
to form a barrier or boundary in the nearby water.
[0003] Most studies are conducted on the aquatic creature sub-group
of elasmobranchii, otherwise known as sharks. Most shark repelling
apparatus use electromagnetic pulses, delivered into the water by
submerged antennae or electrodes, to create an appropriate
electromagnetic field in the vicinity of a swimmer, diver or
general water recreationist.
[0004] Various types of pulse signal generators are used, the
characteristics of which include a specification of signal
duration, repetition rate, amplitude and pulse rise time. The value
or ranges of each characteristic are carefully selected so as to
create the electromagnetic field deemed most effective.
[0005] In the past, such signal generators have been disposed on
the body of the swimmer or as a separate unit to be used in an area
that is desired to be shark-free.
[0006] Not only are individuals at risk from being attacked by
sharks, sometimes small aquatic vessels such as surfboards, kayaks,
rafts and small boats can be disturbed by sharks.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
by which shark-repelling electromagnetic fields can be generated
about an aquatic vessel to reduce the risk of the vessel being
disturbed by sharks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an aquatic vessel hull adapted to support at least two
electrodes connectable to an electromagnetic field signal
generator, in use, the electrodes generating an electromagnetic
field in a volume of water about the vessel, the electromagnetic
field acting to repel selected aquatic creatures.
[0009] Preferably, the aquatic vessel hull includes at least two
recesses for receiving one each of the at least two electrodes,
such that the at least two electrodes do not protrude substantially
beyond the upper surface of the hull.
[0010] Preferably, the aquatic vessel hull further includes a
channel connecting said recesses, said channel adapted to
accommodate an electrode cord terminating at each end being one of
said at least two electrodes.
[0011] Preferably, the recesses are formed so as to allow maximum
efficiency of distribution of the electromagnetic field generated
by said electrodes when in use.
[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an aquatic vessel hull incorporating at least two
electrodes, connectable to an electromagnetic field signal
generator, in use, the said electrodes generating an
electromagnetic field in a volume of water about the aquatic
vessel, said field acting to repel selected aquatic creatures.
[0013] Preferably, the electrodes do not substantially protrude
beyond the surface of said hull.
[0014] Preferably, the electrodes are received in corresponding
recesses in said hull.
[0015] Preferably, the electrodes constitute respective ends of a
cord, which is received in a channel in said hull connecting said
recesses.
[0016] Alternatively, the electrodes consist of respective
conductive plates.
[0017] Preferably, the recesses are formed so as to allow maximum
efficiency of distribution of the electromagnetic field generated
by said electrodes when in use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a side elevation of an aquatic vessel hull
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the top of the aquatic vessel
hull of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the bottom of an aquatic vessel
hull of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 shows the hull of FIG. 3 with the electrode cord
inserted;
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a detail of the recess for receiving the
electric field signal generator;
[0023] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the recess along the
lines A-A' of FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 7 shows an alternative arrangement of the hull of FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 8 shows the hull of FIG. 1 in use, generating an
electromagnetic field.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] It will be understood that the phrase "aquatic vessel"
refers to any suitable vessel including surfboard, surf rescue
board, kayak, sailboat, rowboat, ship and water skis to be worn on
the feet of a user.
[0027] A typical aquatic vessel hull 10 is shown in side elevation
in FIG. 1. Provided in hull 10 is channel 11 for accommodating a
cord (not shown) having electrodes at either end of the cord. The
type of electrode cord that will be suitable for this application
is the subject of a co-pending PCT Patent Application No
PCT/AU02/01297, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference. It will be appreciated however, that any other suitable
electrode arrangement may be used.
[0028] Hollowed recesses 12 and 13 accommodate the electrodes (not
shown) of the electrode cord which in use, is slid through channel
11 until both electrodes are in place in respective recesses 12 and
13 and then secured in place by any appropriate means.
[0029] FIGS. 2 and 3 show these features in a top plan view and a
bottom plan view respectively.
[0030] FIG. 4 show the view of FIG. 3 (bottom view), but with an
electrode cord 23 inserted in channel 11. Electrodes 24 and 25,
being the ends of cord 23 are received in recesses 12 and 13
respectively.
[0031] Channel 11 may accommodate a fibre glass tube 11a (see FIG.
6) through which the electrode cord may be slid. Channel 11 is then
covered or filled such that the contour of the exterior surface of
hull 10 is maintained.
[0032] Recesses 12 and 13 are shaped such that exposed electrodes
are able to radiate effectively from their position within the
hull. As can be seen FIG. 6, a preferred range of angles for
recesses 12 and 13 is 100.degree.-110.degree..
[0033] Hull 10 also includes a recess or cavity 14 which is
sealable with lid 15. Recess 14 is adapted to receive and store an
electric field signal generator. Such signal generators are well
known and one such suitable generator is described in Australian
Patent No 669806. Any suitable electric field signal generator
however, may be used.
[0034] Channel 14a provides a means by which the signal generator
can be connected to the electrodes (see FIG. 5).
[0035] It is also within the concept of the present invention to
provide a hull having incorporated therein electrodes which are
connectable to a suitable signal generator. The electrodes may
consist of metal plates or a conductor of any other suitable
configuration, which may be attached to, or form an integral
portion of the hull. For example, a portion of the front end of the
hull may be made from or include a metal or other conductive plate
providing a first electrode, while a portion of the back end of the
hull may be made from a metal or other conductive plate, forming a
second electrode. Such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 7, in which
electrode plates 20, 21 are shown incorporated within hull 10. Upon
connection to a suitable signal generator, these plates may radiate
the required electromagnetic field to produce a shark-deterring
region within the water about the hull.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows the hull of FIG. 1 incorporating the cord with
electrodes housed in channels 12 and 13 (not shown), in use in a
body of water 30.
[0037] When activated the signal generator (not shown) causes the
electrodes (not shown) to generate electromagnetic field 40 about
hull 10, forming a shark-repelling region about the vessel. This
reduces the risk of a shark attacking the vessel, or a person who
is in the water, and near the vessel, such as a person who has
fallen off or out of the vessel.
[0038] While the above has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood that further
modifications and alterations may be made within the scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *