Abstract:
A water-powered fish carcass disposal system that floats in a body of water, grinds fish carcasses into pieces having a desired size, and returns the pieces of the ground fish carcasses into the body of water.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/660,290, filed Jun. 15, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This application relates generally to systems and methods for disposing of fish carcasses. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In major fishing zones along rivers, fishermen often discard fish carcasses (either whole or in parts) along the banks of the rivers or into the rivers. Even the fish carcass parts that are discarded into the rivers may ultimately wind up on the river banks after they are caught in eddy currents and slower currents. These fish carcasses have a potent smell that lures large predators, such as bears, toward the river banks, increasing the likelihood of dangerous animal-human interactions. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, there is a need in the pertinent art for a fish carcass disposal system that disposes of fish carcasses in a manner that does not attract large predators and that returns the nutrients from fish carcasses to the river ecosystem. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Described herein is a fish disposal system having a paddlewheel and a grinder. The paddlewheel floats within a body of water, such as a river, and has a wheel portion that is configured for rotation in response to current flow within the body of water. The grinder has a plurality of cutting elements, which optionally can be interleaved. Each cutting element of the plurality of cutting elements can be configured for rotation about a respective grinding axis. The plurality of cutting elements can be operatively mechanically coupled to the wheel portion of the paddlewheel such that rotation of the wheel portion about the rotation axis effects a corresponding rotation of each cutting element about its respective grinding axis. Alternatively, the fish disposal system can include an electrical generator that is operatively coupled to and positioned between the wheel portion of the waterwheel and the plurality of cutting elements of the grinder, with the electrical generator being configured to translate rotational motion of the wheel portion into electricity that is used to electrically power the rotation of the cutting elements of the grinder. The plurality of cutting elements can define a grinding zone that receives one or more fish carcasses and an exit zone that receives pieces of the ground fish carcasses. The exit zone can be in fluid communication with the body of water. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary fish disposal system having a waterwheel and a grinder as described herein. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary grinder having a plurality of interleaved cutting elements as described herein. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 3A-3C  depict an exemplary gear assembly for mechanically coupling a waterwheel to a grinder, as described herein. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary hopper and grinder housing, as described herein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  depicts an exemplary waterwheel having a water pump assembly as described herein. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary coupling arrangement between a water pump assembly, a grinder, a hopper, and a slide, as described herein. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary electrical coupling arrangement between an electrical generator, a wheel portion of a paddlewheel, and a grinder, as described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0014]    The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. 
         [0015]    The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof. 
         [0016]    As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an inlet” can include two or more such inlets unless the context indicates otherwise. 
         [0017]    Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “ about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. 
         [0018]    As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
         [0019]    The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. 
         [0020]    Described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-7  is a fish disposal system  10  comprising a paddlewheel  20  and a grinder  40 . The paddlewheel  20  is configured for flotation within a body of water, such as, for example and without limitation, a river. In exemplary aspects, and with reference to  FIG. 1 , the paddlewheel  20  can comprise a plurality of pontoons  26  to preserve flotation and stability of the fish disposal system  10  within the body of water. It is further contemplated that the plurality of pontoons  26  can permit positioning of the fish disposal system  10  in an area of higher current than areas closest to the banks of the body of water. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the grinder  40  can optionally be secured to at least one pontoon of the plurality of pontoons  26 . Optionally, the paddlewheel  20  can comprise a support frame  28  secured thereon the plurality of pontoons  26 . It is contemplated that the support frame  28  can form a substantially contiguous rectangular structure around the periphery of the paddlewheel  20 . In one exemplary aspect, the support frame  28  can have a length of about 14 feet and a width of about 12 feet. It is contemplated that the grinder  40  can optionally be secured to the support frame  28 . In additional exemplary aspects, the paddlewheel  20  can be configured for coupling (e.g., tethering) to a bank proximate the body of water and/or a stationary object securely positioned on such a bank. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the grinder  40  can also be configured for coupling (e.g., tethering) to the bank and/or a stationary object securely positioned on the bank. In other exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the grinder  40  can comprise a grinder platform  41  that is secured thereto a pontoon  26  and/or support frame  28  of the paddlewheel  20 . In these aspects, the grinder platform  41  can provide additional support to the grinder  40 . 
         [0021]    In one aspect, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the paddlewheel  20  can comprise a wheel portion  22 . In this aspect, the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  can be configured for rotation about a rotation axis  24 . It is contemplated that the paddlewheel  20  can further comprise a central shaft  25  that is substantially aligned with the rotation axis  24  and operatively coupled to the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20 . It is further contemplated that the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  can be configured for rotation about the rotation axis  24  in response to current flow within the body of water. In exemplary aspects, the wheel portion  22  can comprise at least one circumferential frame  29  that defines an operative diameter of the wheel portion and that surrounds the rotation axis  24 . In these aspects, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the circumferential frame  29  can optionally comprise a plurality of spaced, axially aligned circumferential members  30 . In another aspect, the wheel portion  22  can comprise a plurality of paddles  23  operably coupled to the circumferential frame  29  and configured to periodically and/or cyclically engage water as the wheel portion rotates about the rotation axis  24 . In this aspect, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the wheel portion  22  (e.g., at least one paddle  23 ) can remain engaged with and/or underneath a top surface of the body of water at all times, as is typically done with an undershot waterwheel. It is further contemplated that each paddle  23  of the plurality of paddles can have a desired cross-sectional area, a desired length, a desired width, and/or a desired depth within the body of water. 
         [0022]    In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the diameter of the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  can range from about 5 feet to about 15 feet and, more preferably, range from about 6 feet to about 14 feet. In other exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the plurality of paddles  23  can comprise between 10 and 30 paddles and, more preferably, at least 16 paddles. In these aspects, it is contemplated that a desired circumferential spacing between adjacent paddles  23  of the plurality of paddles can range from about 0.75 feet to about 2.50 feet. In additional exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the paddle depth (portion of the paddle that enters into the body of water) for each paddle  23  of the plurality of paddles can range from about 0.75 feet to about 2.50 feet. However, it is contemplated that the paddle depth is preferably greater than the circumferential paddle spacing. In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the desired width of each paddle  23  of the plurality of paddles (extending radially away from the rotation axis  24 ) can range from about 0.25 feet to about 4.50 feet. In one exemplary aspect, for a body of water having a current velocity of about 4 feet/second, it is contemplated that the desired length of each paddle  23  of the plurality of paddles (extending substantially parallel to the rotation axis  24 ) can be about 6 feet, the desired width of each paddle of the plurality of paddles can be about 2.5 feet, and the diameter of the wheel portion  22  can be about 13.5 feet, generating at least about 3.5 kW in power (without factoring in gearing between paddlewheel and grinder). In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that, in order to efficiently generate sufficient power for operation of the grinder  40  as described herein, the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  can be configured for rotation at a velocity that is at least about two-thirds of the speed of the current of the body of water contacting the plurality of paddles  23  of the wheel portion. 
         [0023]    Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  can be selectively liftable and/or removable relative to the remainder of the paddlewheel and the body of water. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the wheel portion  22  can be lifted up by accessing the paddlewheel  20  (likely by boat), cranking a lever that is selectively coupled to the wheel portion using conventional means, thereby lifting the wheel portion from the water and stopping activation of the grinder. In other exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the entire fish disposal system  10  can be removable from the body of water, such as, for example, during winter months when the body of water will be frozen. 
         [0024]    In another aspect, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the grinder  40  can comprise a plurality of cutting elements  42 . In exemplary aspects, the plurality of cutting elements  42  can be positioned in an interleaved and/or overlapping orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 2 . In these aspects, it is contemplated that at least one cutting element  42  of the plurality of cutting elements can be offset from the other cutting elements of the plurality of cutting elements. Alternatively, the plurality of cutting elements  42  can be substantially axially aligned. It is contemplated that adjacent cutting elements  42  of the plurality of cutting elements can be spaced from one another by a separation distance. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the maximum separation distance between adjacent cutting elements  42  can be about 0.50 inches, thereby ensuring that the cutting elements grind the fish carcasses into pieces of no larger than about 0.50 inches. In an additional aspect, each cutting element  42  of the plurality of cutting elements can be configured for rotation about a respective grinding axis  44 . Thus, in exemplary aspects where the plurality of cutting elements  42  are substantially axially aligned, the plurality of cutting elements can be configured for rotation about a single (common) grinding axis  44 . In exemplary aspects where the plurality of cutting elements  42  are offset, at least one cutting element of the plurality of cutting elements can be configured for rotation about a grinding axis  44  that is not axially aligned (i.e., not co-axial) with the grinding axis of at least one other cutting element. For example, in one aspect, the plurality of cutting elements  42  can comprise first and second groups of cutting elements, with the first group being configured for rotation about a first grinding axis and the second group being configured for rotation about a second grinding axis. In these exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the cutting elements  42  of the first group can be positioned between adjacent cutting elements of the second group in an interleaving and/or overlapping fashion, as shown in  FIG. 2 . It is further contemplated that the first and second grinding axes can be substantially parallel. It is still further contemplated that the first and second groups of cutting elements can be secured using respective shafts  45  that are configured for rotation about the first and second grinding axes, respectively. In additional exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that rotation of the cutting elements  42  as described herein can effectively pull the fish carcasses through the cutting elements toward an exit zone  48  of the grinder, as further described herein. 
         [0025]    Optionally, in a further aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3  and  7 , the plurality of cutting elements  42  can be operatively coupled to the paddlewheel  20  such that rotation of the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel about the rotation axis  24  effects a corresponding rotation of the plurality of cutting elements  42  about their respective grinding axes  44 . In this aspect, and with reference to  FIG. 3 , it is contemplated that the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  can be mechanically coupled to the plurality of cutting elements through a gear assembly  60 . For example, it is contemplated that the wheel portion  22  can comprise a first gear  62  coupled to a central shaft  25  of the wheel portion and a second gear  64  rotationally coupled to the first gear and secured to a drive rod  66 , which in turn is coupled to at least two gears  68  that are rotationally coupled to the plurality of cutting elements  42  of the grinder  40 . It is still further contemplated that a gear ratio between one or more of the gears  62 ,  64  of the wheel portion and one or more of the gears  68  of the grinder can be selectively varied to achieve a desired power output as described herein. 
         [0026]    Optionally, in another aspect, it is contemplated that the fish disposal system  10  can further comprise an electrical generator  90 . In this aspect, it is contemplated that the electrical generator  90  can be operatively coupled to the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20 . In an additional aspect, the electrical generator  90  can be configured to translate the rotational motion of the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  into electricity. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the plurality of cutting elements  42  can be electrically coupled to the electrical generator  90 . It is further contemplated that application of electricity from the electrical generator  90  to the plurality of cutting elements  42  can effect rotation of the plurality of cutting elements about their respective grinding axes  44 . It is still further contemplated that the electrical generator  90  can be selectively activated to apply electricity to the plurality of cutting elements  42  during usage of the fish disposal system  10 . 
         [0027]    In additional exemplary aspects, the plurality of cutting elements  42  can comprise substantially circular blades having one or more extensions, as shown in  FIG. 2 . However, it is contemplated that the cutting elements  42  can comprise any known cutting element or blade that is capable of grinding fish remains as described herein. 
         [0028]    In a further aspect, the plurality of cutting elements  42  can define a grinding zone  46  configured to receive one or more fish carcasses. In still a further aspect, the plurality of cutting elements  42  can comprise an exit zone  48  configured to receive pieces of the ground fish carcasses (following passage through the plurality of cutting elements of the grinder). In this aspect, it is contemplated that the exit zone  48  can be in fluid communication with the body of water. 
         [0029]    Optionally, in one aspect, and with reference to  FIG. 4 , the grinder  40  can comprise a housing  50  having an inlet  52  and an outlet  54 . In this aspect, it is contemplated that the inlet  52  of the housing  50  of the grinder  40  can be in communication with the grinding zone  46  of the plurality of cutting elements  42 . It is further contemplated that the outlet  54  of the housing  50  of the grinder  40  can be in communication with the exit zone  48  of the plurality of cutting elements  42 . 
         [0030]    Optionally, in another aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the fish disposal system  10  can further comprise a hopper  70  having an inlet  72  and an outlet  74 . In this aspect, it is contemplated that the inlet  72  of the hopper  70  can be configured to receive the one or more fish carcasses. It is further contemplated that the outlet  74  of the hopper  70  can be in communication with the grinding zone  46  of the plurality of cutting elements  52  of the grinder  40 . In exemplary aspects, the inlet  72  of the hopper  70  can be configured to permit entry of a selected number and/or volume of fish carcasses into the hopper. Optionally, in these aspects, it is contemplated that the selected number and/or volume of fish carcasses can substantially correspond to entry of a single fish carcass into the hopper  70  at a given time. Alternatively, in other optional aspects, it is contemplated that the selected number and/or volume of fish carcasses can substantially correspond to concurrent entry of a plurality of fish carcasses into the hopper  70  at a given time. 
         [0031]    Optionally, in an additional aspect, and with reference to  FIG. 3A , the fish disposal system  10  can further comprise a slide element  80  having an inlet portion  82  and an outlet portion  84 . In this aspect, the inlet portion  82  of the slide element  80  can be configured to receive the one or more fish carcasses, and the outlet portion  84  of the slide element  80  can be configured for secure positioning in communication with at least the grinding zone  46  of the plurality of cutting elements  42 . For example, in exemplary aspects, when the fish disposal system  10  comprises a grinder  40  having a housing, the outlet portion  84  of the slide element  80  can be configured for secure positioning in communication with—and/or be coupled to—the inlet  52  of the housing  50  of the grinder  40 . In other exemplary aspects, when the fish disposal system  10  comprises a hopper  70 , the outlet portion  84  of the slide element  80  can be configured for secure positioning in communication with—and/or be coupled to—the inlet  72  of the hopper  70 . In these aspects, it is contemplated that the outlet portion  84  of the slide element  80  can be pivotally coupled to the inlet  72  of the hopper  70  using a hinge, a removable pin, and/or other conventional pivotal fasteners. It is further contemplated that the inlet  72  of the hopper  70  and the outlet portion  84  of the slide element  80  can define respective openings that are configured to receive at least a portion of the removable pin. It is still further contemplated that the slide element  80  can be detached from the paddlewheel  20  following removal of the hinge and/or pin. 
         [0032]    In a further aspect, it is contemplated that the inlet portion  82  of the slide element  80  can be configured for secure attachment to a stationary object positioned on a bank proximate the body of water, such as, for example and without limitation, a fish cleaning table. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the inlet portion  82  of the slide element  80  can be pivotally attached to the stationary object (e.g., through a hinged attachment) such that the slide is configured to rise with a rise in water level. In another aspect, the slide element  80  can define first and second side walls  86  extending from the inlet portion  82  to the outlet portion  84  along the operative length of the slide element. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the first and second side walls  86  can have a selected height (such as, for example, about six inches) to prevent loss of fish carcass remains as the fish carcasses travel along the slide element  80 . In use, it is contemplated that the slide element  80  can permit fishermen to dispose of fish carcasses from a distance without having to closely approach the paddlewheel  20  and/or grinder  40 . 
         [0033]    Optionally, in a further aspect, and with reference to  FIGS. 5-6 , the fish disposal system  10  can comprise a water pump assembly  100 . In this aspect, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , it is contemplated that the water pump assembly  100  can be configured to pump water to one or more of (a) the grinding zone  46  of the plurality of cutting elements  42  of the grinder  40 ; (b) the inlet  52  of the housing  50  of the grinder  40  (when present); (c) the slide element  80  (when present); and (d) the inlet  72  of the hopper  70  (when present). It is further contemplated that the water applied by the water pump assembly  100  can be used to clean the cutting elements  42  of the grinder  40  and/or assist in the transport of the one or more fish carcasses. In exemplary aspects, the water pump assembly  100  can be a siphoning system as is known in the art. In other exemplary aspects, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the water pump assembly  100  can have a noria configuration and comprise a plurality of tubes that are circumferentially positioned about the rotation axis  24  of the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  and configured to intake water from the body of water during rotation of the wheel portion. The plurality of tubes can be in fluid communication with a delivery tube configured to deliver the water to a selected location, such as those described above. 
         [0034]    In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20  can optionally be formed from stainless steel, such as, for example and without limitation, A36 steel. It is further contemplated that connections within the wheel portion  22  can be made through welding or through the use of conventional bolts or bearings, with bearings providing improved efficiency. In other aspects, it is contemplated that the grinder platform  41  can comprise at least one of wood and steel sheets. In still other aspects, it is contemplated that the support frame  28  of the paddlewheel can comprise steel. 
         [0035]    It is contemplated that the paddlewheel  20  disclosed herein can have one or more of the components, elements, or features of the paddlewheels described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,698 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,403, each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is further contemplated that the grinder  40  disclosed herein can have one or more of the components, elements, or features of the grinding apparatus described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,650 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,383,843, each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0036]    It is contemplated that particular characteristics and/or measurements of the various components of the fish disposal system  10  can be selectively varied depending upon the specific environment and body of water in which the fish disposal system is employed. For example, at least one of the diameter of the wheel portion  22  of the paddlewheel  20 , the dimensions and/or surface area of the paddles  23 , depth of the paddles underneath the body of water, the number of paddles, circumferential spacing of paddles, pontoon  26  and/or support 28 dimensions, the number of cutting elements  42  of the grinder  40 , the spacing between cutting elements of the grinder, the gear ratio between the gears  62 ,  64 ,  68  of the gear assembly  60 , the gear orientation, and the type of cutting element can be selectively varied depending upon the specific end use of—and water flow conditions encountered by—a fish disposal system as described herein. It is further contemplated that the overall fish disposal system  10  can be scalable depending upon the expected required power output and the volume of usage of the system that is expected. 
         [0037]    In use, the disclosed fish disposal systems can be used to provide a method of disposing of fish carcasses in a safe and efficient manner along a body of water. For example, in various aspects, a paddlewheel can be positioned at a selected location within the body of water. The paddlewheel can be operatively coupled to a grinder as disclosed herein. In another aspect, the method can comprise delivering one or more fish carcasses to the grinding zone defined by the plurality of cutting elements of the grinder. When the fish disposal system comprises an electrical generator, it is contemplated that the method can further comprise selectively activating the electrical generator and/or grinder to effect grinding of the one or more fish carcasses as disclosed herein. 
         [0038]    It is contemplated that the described fish disposal systems can produce pieces of ground fish carcasses having a size that will prevent return of the fish carcass pieces to the banks along the body of water, thereby ensuring that important nutrients within the fish carcasses remain in the ecosystem. It is further contemplated that the described fish disposal systems can provide a completely sustainable source of power for the grinder, thereby providing anglers with a fully reliable and readily available means for disposing of fish carcasses. 
         [0039]    Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.