Process and related apparatus for repairing aquatic propeller scars
US6493990B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01G24/50
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A process and apparatus for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuaries in propeller scars and for encouraging plant growth in propeller scars. Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots in a sediment tube which is in turn placed in the propeller scar. When the sediment tube is placed in the propeller scar the sea grass shoots are held in position for an extended period of time to allow the sea grass shoots to take root on the estuary bottom. The sediment tubes may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. A watercraft may be used to position the sediment tubes with and without sea grass shoots over an area of the propeller scar. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass plants can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars. Further in accordance with another embodiment of this invention a tube or other obstruction without plant shoots is placed in a propeller scar in order to impede water flow through the propeller scar. When water flow through the propeller scar is impeded natural plant growth is encouraged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.