Electric fish shocking devices using programmable output waveforms
AssigneeSmith-Root, Inc.
InventorsDavid V. Smith, Lee R. Carstensen, Mark D. Salzman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An electrofishing method and apparatus employs programmable hardware to generate output waveforms that will stun or alter the behavior of fish while minimizing the harm done to the fish. By programming a variety of instructions into the programmable hardware, a wide range of different output waveforms can be produced. The programmable hardware can also monitor environmental conditions to automatically adjust and optimize the waveform parameters. Finally, the programmable hardware can be interconnected by a data network to form an array of charged electrodes, with each output related and synchronized in a predetermined way for use in electric fish barriers and guidance systems.
Claims20
An electric fish shocking device comprising:
- a power input for receiving a voltage signal;
- voltage-selection means coupled to the power input for providing a variable voltage output signal, the voltage selection means including a high frequency inverter for converting the voltage signal received from the power input to a higher frequency, and means for rectifying the higher frequency signal, said means including means for increasing the voltage from the power input;
- modulation means coupled to the voltage-selection means for modulating the variable voltage output signal to produce an output signal waveform;
- controller means coupled to the voltage selection means and to the modulation means for controlling parameters of the output signal waveform, said controller means further including a memory for electronically storing waveform modulation instructions;
- and
- signal-delivery means coupled to the output of said modulation means for delivering the output signal waveform to a body of water.
A method of confining fish in a confinement zone in a flowing waterway comprising:
- providing upstream and downstream electrode barriers defining a confinement zone therebetween;
- driving the upstream electrode barrier with a first electrical signal;
- driving the downstream electrode barrier with a second electrical signal;
- each of said first and second signals being characterized by voltage, duration, and repetition rate parameters;
- wherein the first and second signals differ in at least their duration or repetition rate parameters.
A method of stimulating fish with an electrical signal, the electrical signal being characterized by first and second parameters, one of said parameters being pulse width, another of said parameters being pulse repetition rate, the method comprising:
- applying to a submerged electrode a series of pulses, and changing the first parameter over time, wherein a non-rectangular stimulation waveform is simulated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.