US 12,250,930 B2
Propeller blade spacer for aquaculture net cleaning
Peter B. Lindgren, Pompano Beach, FL (US)
Filed by Peter B. Lindgren, Pompano Beach, FL (US)
Filed on May 12, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/316,650.
Prior Publication US 2024/0373828 A1, Nov. 14, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A01K 63/10 (2017.01)
CPC A01K 63/10 (2017.01) 7 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A propeller for use with an aquaculture net cleaning system comprising: a propeller assembly having a centrally disposed hub with a plurality of aluminum alloy blades extending therefrom, each blade having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an outer tip; a perimeter ring coupled to said outer tip of each said blade; a plurality of triangular shaped rigid knuckles having a forward surface and a trailing surface forming two opposed convex edges and a base coupled to said perimeter ring, wherein each said forward surface is constructed and arranged to be forcefully presented to an aquaculture net upon rotation of said blades; and a blade spacer attached to the leading edge of each said aluminum alloy blade, said blade spacer positioned perpendicular to said blade leading edge extending a predetermined height for positioning said propeller assembly a predetermined distance from the aquaculture net, said blade spacer constructed of a wear resistant material;
wherein rotation of said blades provides thrust for positioning said knuckles against the aquaculture net positioned underwater, whereby said knuckles remove fouling from the aquaculture net by causing the aquaculture net to ride up said forward surface of said knuckle and down said trailing surface of said knuckle; and upon the aquaculture net traversing said knuckle, the aquaculture net returns to position, allowing for removal of growth by impact and violently shaking the aquaculture net, and each said blade spacer positioning said propeller assembly predetermined distance from the aquaculture net.