The instant invention describes an anti-biofouling structure for placement onto structures or surfaces that are exposed to aquatic environments. Embedded within the anti-biofouling structure are agents that can diffuse out of the structure and prevent the formation and/or accumulation of plant and animal species build-up that creates biofouling. The instant invention also describes a system for preventing biofouling of an object stored in an aquatic environment which includes the anti-biofouling structure and a protective cover element constructed and arranged to fit various structures, such as boat propellers.

A marine thru-hull fitting drainage device directs fluid away from a thru-hull fitting in the hull of a vessel. The drainage device includes a resiliently flexible channel body having a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional area, the body shaped to taper from a first flat end proximate to the hull of the vessel to a second narrower end that is distal from the hull of the vessel. The device also includes a flange attached to the first end of the body proximate to the hull having a flat surface area shaped to conform around an edge of the thru-hull fitting on the hull of the boat and an adhesive material formed on the flat surface area of the semi-circular flange, the adhesive material attached to the flat surface area of the semi-circular flange on a first side and having a removable non-adhesive layer concealing a second adhesive side of the adhesive material.

A marine thru-hull fitting drainage device directs fluid away from a thru-hull fitting in the hull of a vessel. The drainage device includes a resiliently flexible channel body having a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional area, the body shaped to taper from a first flat end proximate to the hull of the vessel to a second narrower end that is distal from the hull of the vessel. The device also includes a flange attached to the first end of the body proximate to the hull having a flat surface area shaped to conform around an edge of the thru-hull fitting on the hull of the boat and an adhesive material formed on the flat surface area of the semi-circular flange, the adhesive material attached to the flat surface area of the semi-circular flange on a first side and having a removable non-adhesive layer concealing a second adhesive side of the adhesive material.

A device for preventing staining of a boat hull includes: a thru hull mounted through the boat hull, the thru hull including a thru hull body, a flange located on an end of the thru hull body, and a lip protruding from a face of the flange; a drainage device mountable on the thru hull, the drainage device including a drainage device body, an inwardly projecting rim located at least partially around the drainage device body, and a drainage lip protruding from the drainage device body. The inwardly projecting rim is shaped such that the drainage device is secured on the thru hull by locating the inwardly projecting rim around at least a portion of the lip protruding from the face of the flange of the thru hull.

A device for preventing staining of a boat hull includes: a thru hull mounted through the boat hull, the thru hull including a thru hull body, a flange located on an end of the thru hull body, and a lip protruding from a face of the flange; a drainage device mountable on the thru hull, the drainage device including a drainage device body, an inwardly projecting rim located at least partially around the drainage device body, and a drainage lip protruding from the drainage device body. The inwardly projecting rim is shaped such that the drainage device is secured on the thru hull by locating the inwardly projecting rim around at least a portion of the lip protruding from the face of the flange of the thru hull.

The present invention relates to the field of technology for preventing the bio-fouling of floating equipment in marine environments and other structures, and particularly the use of electronic devices that assist in the cleaning process. It comprises the steps of: Step 1) Identification; Sub-step 1a) Location; Sub-step 1b) Sizing; Step 2) Cleaning; Step 3) Measuring; Step 4) Partitioning; Step 5) Coupling; Step 6) Inspection; and Step 7) Resizing. By means of the aforementioned steps, the method disclosed in the present invention makes it possible to create electric fields that create environmental disturbances capable of inhibiting fouling by sessile organisms within parcels of sea water in dynamic and/or static conditions, on vessels, oil exploration platforms, jetties, etc.

The present invention relates to the field of technology for preventing the bio-fouling of floating equipment in marine environments and other structures, and particularly the use of electronic devices that assist in the cleaning process. It comprises the steps of: Step 1) Identification; Sub-step 1a) Location; Sub-step 1b) Sizing; Step 2) Cleaning; Step 3) Measuring; Step 4) Partitioning; Step 5) Coupling; Step 6) Inspection; and Step 7) Resizing. By means of the aforementioned steps, the method disclosed in the present invention makes it possible to create electric fields that create environmental disturbances capable of inhibiting fouling by sessile organisms within parcels of sea water in dynamic and/or static conditions, on vessels, oil exploration platforms, jetties, etc.

An assembly comprising at least two elements in a movable arrangement relative to each other for performing a first function of the assembly is furthermore equipped with an anti-biofouling system for subjecting at least an area of the assembly that is to be at least partially exposed to water during at least a part of its lifetime to an anti-biofouling action as an additional function of the assembly, different from the first function of the assembly. The anti-biofouling system comprises one or more light sources for emitting anti-biofouling light, and the anti-biofouling system is adapted to realize coverage of the area with the anti-biofouling light on the basis of the movable arrangement of the at least two elements relative to each other for performing the first function of the assembly.

An assembly comprising at least two elements in a movable arrangement relative to each other for performing a first function of the assembly is furthermore equipped with an anti-biofouling system for subjecting at least an area of the assembly that is to be at least partially exposed to water during at least a part of its lifetime to an anti-biofouling action as an additional function of the assembly, different from the first function of the assembly. The anti-biofouling system comprises one or more light sources for emitting anti-biofouling light, and the anti-biofouling system is adapted to realize coverage of the area with the anti-biofouling light on the basis of the movable arrangement of the at least two elements relative to each other for performing the first function of the assembly.

An apparatus includes a structure comprising a predetermined breakable region and a mechanical actuator disposed at or proximate the predetermined breakable region. The mechanical actuator comprises an impact member coupled to a spring arrangement, and a restraint member operably coupled to the spring arrangement. A trigger source is operably coupled to an electrical power source. The trigger source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to release or break the restraint member so as to allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region.