Wave attenuator and security barrier system - module

• US 20090022548A1
• Filed: 12/13/2004
• Published: 01/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: HALO Maritime Defense Systems Inc.
• Original Assignee: HALO Maritime Defense Systems Inc.
• Inventors: Bishop, Justin
• Granted Patent: US 7,887,254 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 405/33
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 3/06 Moles; Piers; Quays; Quay walls; Groynes; Breakwaters ; Wave dissipating walls; Quay equipment
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 3/20 Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards tying-up, anchoring B63B21/00, e.g. bollards for shipping B63B21/06; buoys B63B22/00 ; equipment specially adapted for use in locks or dry docks E02C1/10
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 11/05 Net barriers for harbour defence arrangement of mines F42B22/24; protective nets used with ships B63G9/04
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 11/08 Barbed-wire obstacles; Barricades; Stanchions; Tank traps; Vehicle-impeding devices; Caltrops making barbed wire B21F25/00; barbed-wire fencing E04H17/04; road barricades, obstructing passage of vehicles or pedestrians E01F13/00
• CPC Class Codes: F42D 5/045 Detonation-wave absorbing or damping means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 10/00 at coastal zones; at river basins

Abstract

A module for a wave attenuation system formed by connecting a plurality of panels in a structure positioned in a body of water, causes the dissipation of wave energy. Different configurations of panel, having different flow characteristics, used in the structure, and different types of connector used to connect panels, create different patterns of water flow within the structure, and contribute to wave energy dissipation. Units deployed in harbors, rivers, marinas and the like, help to prevent beach erosion and can facilitate beach nourishment. Embodiments can be utilized as a security barrier, preventing intrusion by trespassers, divers or various sized boats. A variety of sensors can be mounted to the structures, enabling detection of movement, chemical and biological agents, explosives or radiation. A submersible gate, comprising panels and a buoyancy control mechanism, allows for passage of boats and can be controlled remotely.

Claims

1. A module for a breakwater system for dissipating energy of a wave, said module comprising:

a front surface facing the oncoming wave, the front surface including a pair of sides;

a rear surface oppositely located with respect to the front surface;

a top surface;

a bottom surface; and

the sides connecting the front surface and the rear surface;

at least three passageways formed in the module,

each of the at least three passageways having an inlet in the front surface to receive the wave and an outlet in the rear surface to discharge the wave from the module,

each of the at least three passageways being tapered inwardly in the direction from the inlet to the outlets, such that the wave passing through the at least three passageways is dissipated after being discharged from the outlets.

2. A method for dissipating energy of a wave, the method comprising:

placing in a location facing an oncoming wave, a module comprising;

a front surface facing the oncoming wave, the front surface including a pair of sides;

a rear surface oppositely located with respect to the front surface;

a top surface;

a bottom surface; and

the sides connecting the front surface and the rear surface;

at least three passageways formed in the module,

each of the at least three passageways having an inlet in the front surface to receive the wave and an outlet in the rear surface to discharge the wave from the module,

each of the at least three passageways being tapered inwardly in the direction from the inlet to the outlets, such that the wave passing through the at least three passageways is dissipated after being discharged from the outlets.

3. A system for dissipating energy of a wave, the system comprising:

a plurality of modules cooperating with each other, each module comprising;

a front surface facing the oncoming wave, the front surface including a pair of sides;

a rear surface oppositely located with respect to the front surface;

a top surface;

a bottom surface; and

the sides connecting the front surface and the rear surface;

at least three passageways formed in the module,

each of the at least three passageways having an inlet in the front surface to receive the wave and an outlet in the rear surface to discharge the wave from the module,

each of the at least three passageways being tapered inwardly in the direction from the inlet to the outlets, such that the wave passing through the at least three passageways is dissipated after being discharged from the outlets.