WO2008145325A1

WO2008145325A1 - Nautical safety-buoy

Info

Publication number: WO2008145325A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/004168
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Krogh Thomsen
Original assignee: Alfa-Kinetik Aps
Priority date: 2007-05-30
Filing date: 2008-05-26
Publication date: 2008-12-04
Also published as: DK200700776A; DK176694B1

Abstract

There is provided a nautical buoy having a part for giving visual signal, a flotation balloon, a flow sensitive rotor, and means for anchoring the buoy. The visual signal giving part is part of or connected to the upper part of the flotation balloon, and the flotation balloon is connected to the rotor. The rotor is arranged at a distance to the lower part of the flotation balloon, and so that the signal giving part is brought into rotation by one or more rotations of the rotor. The signal giving part may be separate from the flotation balloon and axial connected to the flotation balloon via a rigid axis or axle part. The rotor may be arranged in such a distance from the lower part of the flotation balloon that the rotor is substantially below the water line, when the buoy is anchored in the water at a depth of water being larger than the length of the rotor.

Description

NAUTICAL SAFETY-BUOY

Field of application of the invention

The invention relates to a nautical buoy, which in the top has a part for giving a visual signal to seafarers and beach visitors, and which below the water line has a suitable selected flow sensitive rotor, which rotor converts kinetic energy of water to mechanical energy so that the rotor and the part for giving a visual signal can turn around when there is flowing water.

The buoy may be used at places where there is a need to know 1 ) if there is flowing water, 2) how strong is the flow at the place in question, 3) the rate of flow in an arbitrary selected depth, and 4) from which direction the flow comes from.

In some cases, the device may replace conventional buoys, and thereby fulfil a multifunctional purpose. The buoy may for example be used at beaches, rivers / streams, open-air swimming pools in harbour entrances, areas where divers have a need to know the flow conditions, harbour entrances, places with ebb and flood, at bridges and at off-shore windmill farms. Posts with information of the function of the buoy can be placed at convenient places, typically at beaches with visitors. Distance buoys for speed boats may typically be replaced by this type of buoys, which at the same time may give information to beach visitors and others about changing and dangerous flow conditions along the shore or coast.

The technical level of the prior art

The main purpose of nautical buoys is to guide the seafarers how to act in relation to a buoy and the placing of the buoy. This takes place by giving the part of the buoy, which is above the water line, different form and colour, as well as some buoys are provided with electrical light, sound an wire-less communication. The above-mentioned is for example known from British Patent No. GB2247173, a Canadian Patent No. CA 2381000, and a Japanese patent No. JP61120980.

CONFBRMATfON COPY From US Patent No. 1 ,669,055 it is known to have a maritime signal buoy with means in the top of the buoy for giving visual signals and a flow sensitive rotor being at least partly below the water line, which rotor converts the kinetic energy of the passing water to mechanical energy. The rotor of the buoy described in US Patent No. 1 ,669,055 is arranged immediately on the outside of the flotation balloon. By this arrangement of the rotor, the buoy gets very sensitive to wind and waves, and it may therefore be difficult to see, if it is the flowing water or wind and waves, which is the course for the movements of the buoy.

It seems not to appear from the literature of patents, if there have been any prior attempts for solving the problem of information to beach visitors about local flow or stream conditions by using buoys. Thus, it is the knowledge of individuals of local, dangerous flow or stream conditions, which is decisive for the safety. This is only of little use for most people, and it may result in many dangerous situations at sea leading to loss of human life. The number of people lost by drowning supports this. In 1997, 27 persons were lost by drowning in Denmark, and in the month of August 2002, 45 people were lost by drowning in Sweden. A number of these accidents took place because the persons had no knowledge of the local flow or stream conditions. It is impossible to determine the strength and direction of the flow or stream by looking at the buoys of today. The slope or inclination of these buoys is often caused by the wind and does not tell anything about the flows or streams, which are hiding below the buoy.

The characteristics of the invention

The purpose of the invention is to construct a buoy having a very flow sensitive rotor mounted below the water line of the buoy, so that a given flow or stream, weak or strong, actuates the rotor in such a way that the rotational forces are transferred to the remaining part of the buoy, whereby the buoy starts to rotate with a rotational velocity being determined by the kinetic energy of the flowing water. Since the submerged part of the buoy, including the rotor, at the same time gives a certain resistance in the water, and as the buoy by use of an anchor cable is secured to the bottom of the sea, then the buoy will tilt in a way such that the part for giving a signal, which part is mounted in the longitudinal axis of the buoy, and which part may have the form of an arrow, not only will be rotating but at the same time point in the direction of the flow or stream. By use of the newly constructed buoy it has now become possible to give immediate and actual information of local flow or stream conditions to seafarers and beach visitors.

New, technical means of the invention

According to the present invention there is provided a nautical buoy, which comprises: a part for giving visual signal, a flotation balloon, a flow sensitive rotor, and means for anchoring the buoy, wherein the visual signal giving part is a part of or connected to the upper part of the flotation balloon, and wherein the flotation balloon is connected to the rotor. The buoy is characterised in that the rotor and the flotation balloon are separated, and in that the rotor is arranged at a distance to the lower part of the flotation balloon. The rotor is connected to the flotation balloon so that the signal giving part is brought into rotation by one or more rotations of the rotor.

The signal giving part may be separate from the flotation balloon and axial connected to the flotation balloon via a rigid axis or axle part. According to a preferred embodiment the signal giving part is formed like a plate or sheet with a first side and a second side. The signal giving part may be downwards tapering. According to an embodiment of the invention the signal giving part may be connected to a rigid axis or axle part, which axis or axle part via a connection part is connected to another axis or axle part being connected or secured to the upper part of the flotation balloon. It is preferred that the visual signal giving part is not emitting light.

According to the present invention the rotor may be arranged at an arbitrary distance to the lower part of the flotation balloon and may then be arranged at an arbitrary place between the flotation balloon and an anchor case for anchoring of the buoy. According to an embodiment of the invention the rotor is arranged in such a distance from the lower part of the flotation balloon that the rotor is substantially or fully below the water line, when the buoy is anchored in the water at a depth of water being larger than the length of the rotor. When the rotor is arranged below the water line, the rotor may function as a "floating anchor" and thus stabilise the buoy, so that the buoy becomes less sensitive to wind and waves. The longer the distance is between the flotation balloon and the rotor, the less the anchored buoy will be influenced by squalls, and the steadier the buoy will be in the water. This is especially valid if the rotor is connected to the flotation balloon by one or more rigid axis or axle parts. It is therefore preferred that the distance between rotor and flotation balloon is larger than or equal to 20 cm, larger than or equal to 30 cm, larger than or equal to 40 cm, or larger than or equal to 50 cm.

It is preferred that the flotation balloon is formed so that is may easily be mounted to the signal giving part and to the rotor. Here, the flotation balloon in the upper part may have a rigid axis or axle part for connection to the signal giving part, and in the lower part the flotation balloon may have a rigid axis or axle part for connection to the rotor.

According to an embodiment of the invention the rotor in the upper part has a rigid axis or axle part for connection to the flotation balloon and in the lower part a rigid axis or axle part to be used for anchoring of the buoy.

The present invention covers one or more embodiments, where the rotor is connected to the flotation balloon by one or more axis or axle parts. Here there may be 2, 3, 4 or more axis or axle parts. The rotor may be connected to an axis or axle part, which axis or axle part via a connection part is connected to another axis or axle part being connected or secured to the lower part of the flotation balloon. One or more or all of the axis or axle parts may be rigid, but one or more or all of the axis or axle parts may also be made of axle chain or cable. Thus, it is within an embodiment of the invention that the connection between the rotor and the flotation balloon may comprise an axle chain or cable.

When in use, the nautical buoy is anchored. The present invention therefore also comprises an embodiment, in which the rotor is connected to an anchor case by an anchor cable. Here, one or more springs operating as wave-absorbing springs may be inserted between the rotor and anchor cable. One or more springs may also be inserted between the anchor cable and the anchor case. This or these springs may also be operating as wave-absorbing springs. Rotors of different elaborations may be used for the nautical buoy according to the invention. According to one or more embodiments the rotor may comprise a rotor with 2, 3, or 4 blades or vanes. Here, the single blades or vanes may be corrugated or undulated, and one or more or each of the rotor blades or vanes may in the upper end have a van or a Hd part for increasing the resistance of the rotor against flowing water.

The present invention also covers one or more embodiments in which the rotor comprises a helical rotor part, and wherein the surface of the rotor part may be even or smooth. The helical rotor part may have a peripheral edge, which is turned downwards in relation to the helical surface of the rotor.

According to the present invention there is also provided a nautical buoy with a flotation balloon and with an object mounted in the top of the buoy for giving a visual signal to seafarers and beach visitors, and where there on the axis or axle of the buoy or in continuation of the axis or axle of the buoy and separated from the flotation balloon and below the water line is mounted a flow sensitive rotor for converting kinetic energy to mechanical energy. Here, on the axis or axle of the buoy and above the water line, there may be mounted a visual signal giving part or object in the form of an arrow or another configuration for indicating the direction and velocity of flowing water, in addition to that the size of the signal giving part or object and the material of this part or object may vary according to the conditions. It is preferred that the visual signal giving object or part is not emitting light. An anchor cable may be mounted between the flow sensitive rotor and an anchor case. The flow sensitive rotor may be constructed in such a way that the rotor may be influenced of both very weak and very strong flows of water, and so that the speed of rotation of the rotor and thereby the rotation of the buoy may indicate the velocity of flowing water. The signal giving object or part may be a visual signal giving arrow-shaped plate, which may be painted on each side or otherwise covered with strong contrasting colours or patterns, so that an observer from a long distance will be able to distinguish the colours, and thereby see which side of the plate is turned against the observer. The signal giving part or object may partly or wholly be mounted with or made of a radar reflecting material. The axis of axle of the buoy may be constructed as an axis or axle divided in several parts, which parts may be connected together by use of a number of connecting parts or terminal parts, so that additional axis or axle parts may be mounted onto the original axis or axle until a desired length is obtained for the axis or axle of the buoy or the chain continuation of the buoy. According to an embodiment of the buoy there is not mounted a separate object for giving visual signal, as the flotation balloon itself may be suitably painted, so that the rotation of the flotation balloon itself may indicate the flow velocity, however, in this case there is no indication of the direction of the flowing water.

According to an embodiment of the invention an electrical induction apparatus may be mounted on the axis or axle of the buoy in or below the flotation balloon for generation of electrical current, which may be used for generating electrical signals from the buoy. It is also within an embodiment of the invention that the flotation balloon is painted and designed in such a way that the buoy may be used as a conventional buoy also having the function as a flow indicator.

According to an embodiment of the invention the buoy may be mounted with a number of springs on the anchor chain or cable or on the anchorage point of the anchor cable to the anchor case or on the distal axis or axle of the buoy. The rotor of the buoy may have ribbed or undulated rotor blades or vanes in order to strengthen the rotor blades or vanes and in addition improve the surface resistance of the blades or vanes, especially when these are tilted at a strong current, but the rotor may also be helical with a smooth surface.

List of Figures

Figure 1 shows a drawing of a buoy according to an embodiment of the invention in which the flowing water is coming from the left side,

Figure 2 shows a drawing of a buoy according to an embodiment of the invention in which the flowing water is coming from the right side and in which a piece of extension is inserted between rotor and flotation balloon,

Figure 3 shows a rotor with 4 blades and with vans according to an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 4 shows a rotor with 4 blades and without vans according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 5 shows a helical rotor according to an embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 6 shows a helical rotor with a peripheral embedded edge according to an embodiment of the invention.

Examples of embodiments

Figure 1 shows a drawing of a buoy, which in this case is divided in 3 parts, where the flowing water is coming from the left. At the top, the buoy consists of the flow indicating arrow 8, which is securely mounted on the longitudinal axis or axle 4 of the buoy. At the top of the buoy, just above the arrow 8, there is mounted a movable ring 9, which mainly is used during pick up and inspection of the buoy. The ring is fully movable about the axis or axle of the ring, so that the buoy, for example by use of a boathook, may be picked up from the water, while the buoy is still rotating. Just below the arrow 8, a connector part or terminal part 6 is seen, which connector or terminal part 6 holds the upper 1/3 of the axis or axle 4 of the buoy together with the middle part of the buoy. On this middle part of the buoy is mounted a flotation balloon 7. Distal for the balloon 7 another connector or terminal part 6 is seen. On the lower 1/3 of the buoy is seen a selected type of rotor 5 ad modum a savonius rotor. Other types of rotors 4 may be mounted on the axis or axle 4.

At the bottom of the distal end of the axis or axle 4 is mounted a ring 10, in which ring 10 is mounted an anchor chain or cable swivel 11 with shackles in both ends. In the distal end of the shackle is mounted one or more wave- absorbing springs 2, in the distal end of which an anchor case 1 is mounted, if required, springs 2 may also be mounted here.

Figure 2 shows a drawing of a buoy, where the flowing water is coming from the right, and it is a desire to measure the flow velocity at the bottom of the sea, wherefore the selected rotor 5 is placed just above the anchor case 1. In addition it has been a desire to lift the height of the arrow by inserting an extra link or joint 13 above the balloon when compared to Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a rotor with 4 blades, where a van 14 is attached at the proximal end of the individual rotor blades. These vans have a double function. They have a stabilizing effect on the up- and downwards movements of the buoy when there are waves, and they increase the rotational force of the buoy even at very slow or weak flows, so that the rotor and thereby the buoy becomes maximal sensitive to flow. The individual rotor blades or vanes are corrugated 15. This means that they are wave formed or shaped. This configuration serves a dual purpose. Partly to increase the resistance that the flowing water will meet during contact with the rotor blade or vanes resulting in a larger momentum, whereby the rotor gets more sensitive to flow, and partly the corrugation of the rotor blades or vanes will increase the strength of the rotor blades or vanes, so that the rotor blades or vanes may better resist mechanical forces.

Figure 4 shows a rotor with 4 blades or vanes and without vans. This type of rotor may typically be used in places where the wave height is not large, for example in rivers and in harbour baths or pools.

Figure 5 shows a helical rotor 16. This type of rotor may typically be used in places where a steady rotation of the buoy is wanted while at the same time the rotary velocity may be regulated by changing the gradient or pitch of the windings of the helix. At the same time the anchor cable or chain drive of the helical rotor is substantially smaller than for the rotor with 4 blades or vanes.

Figure 6 shows a helical rotor with a peripheral embedded edge 17, which edge 17 points downwards at an angle of 90 degrees when compared to the surface of the helical rotor. This edge has a double function. Partly it stabilizes the helix itself, so that the helix may better resist the flow of water without a change of configuration, and partly it increases the resistance to the flow of water, so that the rotor gets more flow sensitive.

Figure 5 is drawn with the axis or axle at 90 degrees vertical. Figure 6 is drawn with the axis or axle at an angle of 45 degrees when compared to vertical. The result of this gradient is that most of the pressure surface of the helix is found to the right of the axis or axle of the buoy, whereby rotation is made possible. The technical effect

By mounting a very flow sensitive rotor at the longitudinal axis or axle of the buoy or the extension of this along the anchor cable or chain, it is possible to convert the kinetic energy of the water to mechanical/rotational energy, whereby the buoy, and thereby the arrow, rotates around, and due to secure mounting, via the anchor cable or chain, to the anchor case at the bottom, the arrow of the buoy will point in the direction of the flow of the water.

If there is no kinetic energy in the water, the arrow will not turn around and just point vertical downwards. On the contrary, the more kinetic energy there is in the water, the faster the arrow will rotate and accordingly clearly point in the direction of the flow of the water.

If there is no flow of water, the arrow will not rotate, but if it is observed that the arrow, yet more or less stationary, points in one direction, this is probably due to influence from the wind. It is thus only possible to state something about the flow conditions if the buoy, and thereby the arrow, rotates. The arrow must therefore be painted in such a way that the observer clearly can see the rotation of the arrow.

The number of rotations per minute will, with a correctly selected rotor, rather precisely indicate the velocity of the flowing water. In each single case the selected rotor type must be calibrated, as every size and type of rotor will have its own specific flow characteristic. Two types of rotors selected by the inventor showed 13 rotations per minute and 6 rotations per minute, respectively, at a flow velocity of 1 meter/second.

The visual effect of the signal via the direction and rotary velocity of the arrow is created solely by the rotors conversion of the kinetic energy of the flowing water and not by use of externally added energy. This makes the buoy stable and reliable plus cheap in use and maintenance.

The medial axis or axle of the buoy may be divided into 2, 3 or more parts, so that the components of the buoy can be separated and assembled independently. Thereby the advantage is achieved that one or more axis or axle parts may be inserted on the axis or axle of the buoy where it may be needed. If it is a wish that the arrow should be higher up above the surface of the water or if it is wished that rotor should be deeper into the water it is easy to insert a number of axis or axle part extensions.

If there is a wish to measure the flow velocity at relatively deep water or just above the bottom of the sea, the rotor part is inserted at the place in question of the anchor chain or cable.

If there is a wish to be able to see or observe the buoy at a long distance, the uppermost part with the arrow may easily be exchanged with a larger arrow, which will help the observer to see if the arrow is rotating and in which direction the arrow is pointing.

The arrow may have a light and a dark side so that it is easy for the observer to see if the arrow is rotating. The light and dark sides may be an integral part of the material of the arrow, be painted on the arrow or be provided by covering the arrow with a bag of a synthetic material of for example neon red acryl on one side and mat black on the other side. Other colours or patterns may be selected if the conditions suggest this, for example red or green.

The arrow is made of metal or another suitable material to which is attached a radar reflecting material, so that ships with a radar can observe the buoy on their radar.

The buoy can be mounted with an induction apparatus and an electrical lamp in the top of the buoy, so that when the buoy is rotating an induction current is created, which current will bring the electrical lamp to flash or give out light. Especially when the buoy is rotating and giving light in the night, a collision may thereby more easily be avoided.

The safety buoy may in some cases replace other buoys. For example distance buoys for motor or speedboats at the beaches. In this case the buoys will then serve 2 functions, mark a minimum distance for speedboats and at the same time function as a flow indicator. To combine these 2 functions into one buoy will save money.

In order to reduce the wear of the buoy and at the same time provide more steady movements to the buoy in rough water, one or more springs may be placed between the anchor case and the lower part of the buoy. These springs will to some extend absorb the movements given to the buoy by the waves of the sea. Thereby the physical influence of the buoy is reduced and the lifetime prolonged.

In order to make the rotor sensitive to both small and large flows, the blades or vanes of some rotors may be made bigger. This may be necessary as the rotor, especially during strong flows, is tilted when compared to the flow direction, whereby the swept area is changed, and therefore the flow characteristic of the rotor will also be changed. To some extent this may be compensated for by making the rotor blades or vanes ribbed. In this way the surface of the blades or vanes is increased and the direction of flow will to some extent be more perpendicular to the rotor blades or vanes, whereby the rotor will be more flow sensitive. The ribbed surface will also increase the strength of the rotor construction.

Claims

1. A nautical buoy comprising: a part for giving visual signal, a flotation balloon, a flow sensitive rotor, and means for anchoring the buoy, wherein the visual signal giving part is a part of or connected to the upper part of the flotation balloon, and wherein the flotation balloon is connected to the rotor, characterised in that the rotor is arranged at a distance to the lower part of the flotation balloon, and so that the signal giving part is brought into rotation by one or more rotations of the rotor.

2. A nautical buoy according to claim 1 , characterised in that the signal giving part is separate from the flotation balloon and axial connected to the flotation balloon via a rigid axis or axle part.

3. A nautical buoy according to claim 2, characterised in that the signal giving part is formed like a plate or sheet with a first side and a second side.

4. A nautical buoy according to any one of the claims 1-3, characterised in that the rotor is arranged in such a distance from the lower part of the flotation balloon that the rotor is substantially below the water line, when the buoy is anchored in the water at a depth of water being larger than the length of the rotor.

5. A nautical buoy according to any one of the claims 1-4, characterised in that the flotation balloon in the upper part has a rigid axis or axle part for connection to the signal giving part, and in that the flotation balloon in the lower part has a rigid axis or axle part for connection to the rotor.

6. A nautical buoy according to any one of the claims 1-4, characterised in that the rotor in the upper part has a rigid axis or axle part for connection to the flotation balloon, and in that the rotor in the lower part has a rigid axis or axle part to be used for anchoring of the buoy.

7. A nautical buoy according to any one of the claims 1-6, characterised in that the rotor is connected to the flotation balloon by one or more rigid axis or axle parts.

8. A nautical buoy according to claim 7, characterised in that the rotor is connected to an axis or axle part, which axis or axle part via a connection part is connected to another axis or axle part being connected or secured to the lower part of the flotation balloon.

9. A nautical buoy according to any one of the claims 1-7, characterised in that the connection between the rotor and the flotation balloon comprises an axle chain or cable.

10. A nautical buoy according to any one of the claims 2-9, characterised in that the signal giving part is connected to a rigid axis or axle part, which axis or axle part via a connection part is connected to another axis or axle part being connected or secured to the upper part of the flotation balloon.