Device and method for simulating natural cues so that waterborne fauna avoid contacting manmade barriers
US6726404B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A40/60
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Provided are a device and associated method for simulating natural hydraulic cues received instinctively by waterborne fauna. A preferred embodiment is suitable for modifying existing manmade barriers such as fish diversion screens used at dams. The simulated cues mimic those produced by the flow of water over rough streambeds. Fish detect the cues and avoid contact with the barriers in the same way that they avoid collision with natural features. In one embodiment, a series of rectangular plates are attached to the U-clip connectors on the downstream side of diversion screens. The plates are oriented approximately perpendicular to the flow lines approaching the surface of the screen. The flow contacts the plates and, because the orientation of the plate creates an unstable hydraulic field, the flow alternately slips above and below the plates, creating fluctuating local acceleration zones able to be detected by migrating fish and other waterborne fauna.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.