TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is generally related to a field of nets i.e., devices made from fibers woven preferably in a grid-like structure. More particularly, the present invention relates to the nets used in and/or for aquaculture and fisheries, and more specifically, it relates to a break indication net, system and method thereof for indicating link breakage in said net.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A net, in its primary meaning, comprises fibers knotted and twisted into a grid-like structure which blocks the passage of large items, while letting small items and fluids pass. It requires less material than something sheet-like, and provides a degree of transparency, as well as flexibility and lightness. Nets may be made using almost any sort of fiber. Traditional net materials varied with what was locally available; early European fishing nets were often made of linen, for instance. Longer-lasting synthetics are now fairly universal. Nylon monofilament nets are transparent, and are therefore often used for fishing and trapping.

[0003] Nets, like fabric, stretch less along their constituent strands (the "bars" between knots) than diagonally across the gaps in the mesh. They are, so to speak, made on the bias. The choice of material used also affects the structural properties of the net. Nets are designed and constructed for their specific purpose by modifying the parameters of the weave and the material used. Safety nets, for example, must decelerate the person hitting them gradually, usually by having a concave-upwards stress-strain curve, where the amount of force required to stretch the net increases the further the net is stretched.

[0004] Nets are normally used in/for various fields such as but not limited to transport, sports, capturing animals, furnishings, clothing, and armed conflicts. A rope, in its primary meaning, comprises fibers braided, twisted into cylindrical structure that provides support to net system to act as a pillar, helps by giving desired shape and strength to net panels/structure. Rope provides concrete support like backbone for net system/net pen. A rope may be made using almost any sort of fiber. Traditional rope materials varied with Longer-lasting synthetics polymers and Natural fibres are now fairly universal.

[0005] Aquaculture is fast becoming the main way that humans get their seafood fix. But fish are not cattle and they do not turn passive when cooped up. Every year, hundreds of thousands of salmon, cod, and rainbow trout move about through damaged or defective cages and flee into the open seas, never to be recaptured.Every year, plenty of predator attack observed on aquaculture cages results the fish loss into the open seas, never to be gathered.

[0006] The fish escapes events are widespread throughout European seacage aquaculture. From 2007-2009 were documented 255 escape events across 6 European countries and encompassing Atlantic salmon, Atlantic cod, rainbow trout, sea bream, sea bass and meagre production. Almost 9.2 million fish escaped from these 255 events, which mostly occurred due to structural failures during storms or the appearance of holes in nets due to predator attack.

[0007] Aquaculture fish farming is facilities typically hold a large amount of farmed fish with the help of the nets made of any material like Nylon, HDPE, Polyester or any textile threads. While various types of nets are available in the prior-art, a common problem with such facility is that the predators has ready large quantity of food available at one location, so predators attack these net and break is occurred in the net, if such breaks are not detected, a large numbers of fish can escape, this is both an economical and environmental loss and fish farmer has to pay heavy fine for such escape of fish.

[0008] A fish farming facility typically comprises large holding nets for containing fish. A common problem with such facilities is that holes or tears occasionally occur in the nets. If such holes or tears are not detected, large numbers of fish can escape. This is both an economic problem for the operator as well as an environmental problem. Escaped fish compete with wild species; often to such a degree that the wild species become endangered and in the worst can become eradicated.

[0009] There is presently no effective method for immediately detecting break in the net due to predator attack, natural disaster like cyclone, sea debris or any fish attack. There is therefore a need for a system that immediately detects the precise location of break and signals or alarm to control room. Also, there is presently no effective method for immediately detecting and localizing such holes or tears. There is therefore a need for a system that immediately detects the precise location of such holes or tears, and signals an alarm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00010] The technical problem to be solved in the prior-art is to an effective mechanism for immediately detecting and localizing such holes or tears. There is therefore a need for a system that immediately detects precise location of such holes or tears, and signals an alarm.

[00011] The present disclosure relates to a net having an electrically conductive wire integrated into filaments of the net, said net having an outer cover and an inner core made of fibers such that the conductive wire is twined with the inner core.

[00012] In an aspect, twine structure of the net is spherical.

[00013] In an aspect, the fibers are made of mono-filaments or multifilaments of any or a combination of HDPE, Nylon, Polyester, PET, PVC, Teflon, and PEEK, and wherein the electrically conductive wire is made of any or a combination of copper, aluminum, nickel, and iron.

[00014] In an aspect, the electrically conductive wire is square in shape.

[00015] In an aspect, the electrically conductive wire is arranged in the form of a circuit that defines a field that is connected to an electronic apparatus that monitors at least one electrical parameter of the defined field. In another aspect, the net can include multiple electrically conductive wires forming a plurality of circuits such that the wires of each circuit are arranged in a pattern, whereby the wires are configured close enough together in a manner such that a hole large enough for a fish to escape would necessarily break one of the wires, and in such an event, the circuit is broken, the electronic apparatus detects a change in the at least one electrical parameter being monitored, and signals an alarm enabling immediate detection of the hole.

[00016] In an aspect, the electronic apparatus measures voltage across the field at periodic intervals, and compares voltage value with previous voltage value such that if the difference is greater than a defined threshold, an alarm is triggered. [00017] In an aspect, the net can include a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the net comprises: a first inner line for transmission of electrical signals, said first inner line running from the proximal end to the distal end of a fishing line forming a loop of electrical circuit; and a braided outer line disposed about the first inner line, wherein at least a portion of said braided line comprises an outermost portion of said fishing line.

[00018] In an aspect, the net can be constructed using a plurality of net sections joined together, and wherein the net is any of conical, square, or circular in shape.

[00019] In an aspect, the net is operatively coupled with an Internet of Things (loT) network comprising of one or more loT devices such that upon detection of a hole, the net transmits signal to at least one loT device.

[00020] In an aspect, reference to the term ‘net’ can also be referred to as and include ‘rope’, and therefore all aspects of the invention mentioned wrt net are applicable to ropes as well.

[00021] The present disclosure relates to nets used in and/or for aquaculture and fisheries, and more specifically, it relates to a break indication net, system and method thereof for indicating link breakage in said net.

[00022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a break indication net, system and method thereof for indicating link breakage in said net.

[00023] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides an aquaculture cage net having a conductive wire integrated into a net made of braided twine. The conductive wire(s) can be arranged in circuits making an electronic apparatus that monitors voltage and resistance electrical parameters of the net field. Wires of each circuit can be arranged through each twine and each part of net system. In the event the net breaks, the circuit is broken, and the monitoring apparatus detects a change in voltage and resistance parameter being monitored, and accordingly signals an appropriate alarm system. Breaks can thus immediately be detected and localized to the particular field. The conductive net having a plurality of integrated, conductive wires, yams are connected to one another so as to create a continuous conductor of predefined length and configuration.

[00024] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for forming braided nets, braided knotted net, knotless net, twisted knotted net. In an aspect, the present disclosure pertains to a conductive material that is coated or composite yarn with conductive macro/nano materials likes graphene, carbon nano tubes, iron, copper, silver etc. The present disclosure helps identify ruptures/holes in a net, which holes/ruptures can be formed by any means like predator attack, fish attack, natural disaster cyclone, sea debris within fraction of seconds. Data pertaining to the detection of the holes/ruptures can be transmitted using an IOT transmitter and/or through an IOT Gateway and/or using acceptor sensors at the final end (i.e., for instance the control room).

[00025] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a fish farming net having conductive wires integrated into filaments of the net. The conductive wires can be arranged in circuits, wherein each of circuit defines a field that is connected to an electronic apparatus that monitors a certain electrical parameter of the field. The wires of each circuit can be arranged in a pattern whereby the wires are close enough together that a hole large enough for fish to escape will necessarily break one of the wires. In the event the circuit is broken, the monitoring apparatus detects a change in the electrical parameter(s) being monitored, and signals/transmits/generates an appropriate alarm. Holes or tears can therefore immediately be detected and localized to a particular field.

[00026] Still another aspect of the present disclosure provides a fish farming net having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the fish farming net can include a first inner line for transmission of electrical signals, said first inner line running from the proximal end to the distal end of the fishing line forming a loop of electrical circuit; and a braided outer line, disposed about said first inner line, wherein at least a portion of said braided line comprises an outermost portion of said fishing line.

[00027] The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the features essential for defining the invention. The invention may reside in a sub- combination of the disclosed features. The various combination and subcombination are fully described in the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. [0029] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0030] FIG. l is perspective view of an aquaculture net made of braided yarn.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of cross section view of the conductive braided twine. The conductive wire integrated into HDPE, Nylon, Polyester, PET etc. The conductive braided twine made of core and sheath structure.

[0032] FIG. 3 is Grid connection diagram represented the connection of twine/net with power supply or grid.

[0033] FIG. 4 Power source connection and data transmission to ground station.

[0034] FIG. 5 fabricated net with electrical supply.

[0035] FIG. 6 fabricated conductive composite knotless net.

[0036] FIG.7 schematic representation of working principle of net.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[0039] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0040] FIG. 1 depicts a typical aquaculture net cage that is used for fish farming facility. A holding net of this type can be constructed using a plurality of net sections joined together. Holding nets may also be conical in shape or square shape or circular shape. Net of this type can be constructed of several net sections joined together to form a full cage structure.

[0041] In an aspect, net sections can be manufactured by hand /machine lacing, while nets manufactured by knitting machines can appear to have a grid like mesh configuration, wherein the net can be made of any or a combination of nylon, and HDPE braided twine that traverses the net in a diagonal fashion.

[0042] An exemplary twine structure is shown in FIG. 2. The twine can be should be spherical in nature. Outer cover and inner core made up of a bunch of fiber/fibres i.e., monofilaments/multifilament’s made from HDPE, Nylon, polyester, PET, PEEK etc. wherein the core can get associated with the electrically conductive wire that can be made up of conductive metal like copper, aluminium, nickel, iron etc. which is in square shape, this shape has been achieved after processing the net in length and width wise directions.

[0043] According to the present disclosure, all twine are made of conductive core yarns. According to a preferred embodiment, conductive yams are acid resistant, and can include steel fiber thread or any other appropriate conductor configured/sunk into the core and sheath yam of made of NYLON, HDPE, and Polyester. The conductive wire of copper or steel or any other conductive material is coated with PVC, Teflon, or non-coated wire. FIG. 2 shows the details view of the image.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, electrical parameter that is monitored is the resistance of field and voltage dropped. FIG. l is an exemplary schematic representation of one example of a monitoring arrangement. Power source in voltage across each field has been applied. The voltage value is preferably low enough that the fish are not adversely affected. Experiments have shown that the voltage should be lower than 30V. Each field is connected in series to a reference resistor. A small scale test used resistors of 100 Ohm. In this example, an analogue in /out module was connected across reference resistors. The programmable logic controller has measures preferably controlled by a computer.

[0045] The monitoring system measures the voltage across the field at regular intervals, in this example every five seconds, and compares the value with previous value. If the difference is greater than for example, an alarm is triggered. This detects a sudden break in one of the conductive filaments. In additions, the monitoring system predefined minimum and maximum values. These values take into account natural variations in voltage due to temperature, salinity etc. this allows for detection of breaks that occur gradually over time. All measured values are logged at regular intervals.

[0046] FIG. 3 is grid connection diagram representing connection of twine/net with power supply or grid. As shown in FIG. 3, in an example, a plurality of electrically-conductive filaments is woven into the netting material close enough together such that a tear in a net section large enough to permit the escape of fish would necessarily involve breaking of one or more of said conductive filaments. The conductive filaments within a particular net section may be connected together in order to form one or more electrical fields within each net section. Each of said electrical fields can be connected to an electrical power supply, and a monitoring device capable of detecting a change in one or more electrical parameters in the electrical field in the event the conductive filament is broken. An indicator may be connected to the monitoring device that signals a warning in the event of a change of an electrical parameter outside of a predetermined range of values.

[0047] In an aspect, the electrical conductive wire can be insulated or noninsulated. In another aspect, twine structure of net can be spherical (Braided)/flat (knotless nets)/twisted.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary power source connection and data transmission to the ground station. In an exemplary embodiment, the net may be wirelessly connected to a ground station that may monitor and/or control the net and/or its behaviour or characteristic under certain circumstances.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary fabricated net with electrical supply in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary fabricated conductive composite knotless net in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG.7 illustrates an exemplary schematic representation of a working principle of the net. In an exemplary embodiment, the net may be wirelessly connected to a ground station that may monitor and/or control the net and/or its behaviour or characteristic under certain circumstances.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the net may have capability to transmit one or more signals to one or more remotely located Internet of Things (loT) devices and/or receive one or more signals from one or more remotely located Internet of Things (loT) devices. In another exemplary embodiment, the net may itself include Internet of Things (loT) devices.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, network architecture of the present disclosure can include a proposed system/method with one or more Internet of Things (loT) devices. In an exemplary aspect, a typical network architecture can include a plurality of network devices such as transmitter(s), receiver(s), and/or transceivers that may include one or more loT devices.

[0053] As used herein, the loT devices can be a device that includes sensing and/or control functionality as well as a WiFi™ transceiver radio or interface, a Bluetooth™ transceiver radio or interface, a Zigbee™ transceiver radio or interface, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) transceiver radio or interface, a WiFi-Direct transceiver radio or interface, a Bluetooth™ Low Energy (BLE) transceiver radio or interface, and/or any other wireless network transceiver radio or interface that allows the loT device to communicate with a wide area network and with one or more other devices. In some embodiments, an loT device does not include a cellular network transceiver radio or interface, and thus may not be configured to directly communicate with a cellular network. In some embodiments, an loT device may include a cellular transceiver radio, and may be configured to communicate with a cellular network using the cellular network transceiver radio.

[0054] User may interact with the net using an application, a web browser, a proprietary program, or any other program executed and operated by the access device. In some embodiments, the access device may communicate directly with the network devices (e.g., communication signal). For example, the access device may communicate directly with network devices using Zigbee™ signals, Bluetooth™ signals, WiFi™ signals, infrared (IR) signals, UWB signals, WiFi- Direct signals, BLE signals, sound frequency signals, or the like. In some embodiments, the access device may communicate with the network devices via the gateways and/or a cloud network.

[0055] A user may communicate with the smart devices using an access device that may include any human-to-machine interface with network connection capability that allows access to a network. For example, the access device may include a stand-alone interface (e.g., a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a home computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computing device, a wearable device such as a smart watch, a wall panel, a keypad, or the like), an interface that is built into an appliance or other device e.g., a television, a refrigerator, a security system, a game console, a browser, or the like), a speech or gesture interface (e.g., a Kinect™ sensor, a Wiimote™, or the like), an loT device interface (e.g., an Internet enabled device such as a wall switch, a control interface, or other suitable interface), or the like. In some embodiments, the access device may include a cellular or other broadband network transceiver radio or interface, and may be configured to communicate with a cellular or other broadband network using the cellular or broadband network transceiver radio. In some embodiments, the access device may not include a cellular network transceiver radio or interface.

[0056] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the apparatus shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0057] Although one preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components of this specific embodiment. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the preferred embodiment, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.