WO2025064319A1 - Biomass feeding system with multiple feed configurations - Google Patents

Abstract

An exemplary biomass feeding system deployed within an aquatic farm is described. The biomass feeding system features at least a feeder unit and a chamber selection unit. The feeder unit includes a first compartment, a second compartment, and an intermediary compartment positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment. The first compartment includes at least a first chamber to store a first type of material and a second chamber to store a second type of material different than the first type of material. The second compartment is configured to retain the first type of material or the second type of material to disseminate from the biomass feeding system. The chamber selection unit, positioned within the intermediary compartment, controls passage of the first type of material from the first chamber to the second compartment and passage of the second type of material from the second chamber to the second compartment.

Description

BIOMASS FEEDING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE FEED CONFIGURATIONS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority on U.S. Provisional Application No.63/583,821 filed September 19, 2023, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein. FIELD [0002] One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a biomass feeding system configured to support concurrent delivery of different materials separately maintained within a feeder unit of the biomass feeding system such as concurrent delivery of multiple feed types during a feeding activity without restocking or co-mingling the feed types. GENERAL BACKGROUND [0003] Conventional feeders are currently used for commercial fishing and harvesting of biomass (e.g., fish, shrimp, crustaceans, or other aquatic animal food sources) from commercial ponds. Details of one conventional feeder are described in a published Patent Cooperative Treaty (PCT) Application WO 2018/171989, where the feeder is positioned in a stationary location in which a laborer would need to wade into the pond (or maneuver a boat) in order to re-stock a feed tank of the feeder with a single feed type. Another type of conventional feeder is described in a published PCT Application WO 2021/113265, where the floating feeder is configured to return to shore after a feeding event to re-stock the feed tank. These conventional feeders are inefficient from a resource usage perspective as they are incapable to dispersing different feed types concurrently during a feeding activity. [0004] More specifically, for these conventional feeders, the feed is loaded into an upper compartment and is subsequently transferred to a lower compartment of the feeder for distribution by a rotational spreader plate. The conventional feeders are configured to perform numerous feeding activities, where each feeding activity involves feed continuously disseminated for a prescribed period of time through successive feeding events in which the feed is transferred from the upper compartment to the lower compartment and disseminated into the pond. _{21166243.1 -1-} 102409.0009PCT [0005] With this architecture, conventional feeders cannot support multiple feed types in which the feeder outputs a first feed type during a first feeding event that occurs during a feeding activity and outputs a second feed type during a second feeding event during the same feeding activity, where these feeding events occur in close temporal proximity. Furthermore, conventional feeder architectures do not support multi-feed distribution without co-mingling the feed unless all remaining feed type is removed prior to re-stocking with another feed type. As a result, conventional feeders are unable to support concurrent and separate storage and dissemination of different feed types or feed combinations in accordance with a variety of biomass feeding patterns that require different types of feed to be utilized during successive feeding events or at different feeding activities without having to re-stock the feeder to swap out different feed types. _{21166243.1 -2-} 102409.0009PCT BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0006] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: [0007] FIG.1 is an exemplary embodiment of a layout of biomass feeding systems deployed within an aquatic farm and in communication with a central control system. [0008] FIG.2A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the biomass feeding system of FIG.1. [0009] FIG.2B is a cross-sectional view of the biomass feeding system of FIG.2A. [0010] FIG.2C is a downward perspective view of the biomass feeding system of FIG.2A. [0011] FIG. 2D is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a chamber selection unit deployed within the biomass feeding system of FIG.2A is shown. [0012] FIG.3 is a top-down view of an exemplary embodiment of the biomass feeding system of FIGS.2A-2C. [0013] FIG.4A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the chamber selection unit of FIG.2D. [0014] FIG.4B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first plate of chamber selection unit of FIG.4A. [0015] FIG.4C is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rotational disc plate of the chamber selection unit of FIG.4A. [0016] FIGS. 5A-5E collectively illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an operational workflow of the chamber selection unit supporting a feeding activity utilizing multiple feed types without manual feed substitution or exchange. [0017] FIG.6A is a first exemplary embodiment of the communication exchanges between a biomass feeding system and the central control system of FIG.1. [0018] FIG.6B is a second exemplary embodiment of the receipt of system adjustment messages from a remote source by a biomass feeding system. _{21166243.1 -3-} 102409.0009PCT DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an automated biomass feeding system configured to float and to be repositioned on a commercial, aquatic farm (e.g., a fish pond, a shrimp pond, etc.). More specifically, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the biomass feeding system is configured, inter alia, with the following: (i) a flotation unit, (ii) a power supply unit, (iii) a feeder unit, (iv) one or more measurement sensors, and/or (v) a motorized transport unit. Herein, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the feeder unit includes a chamber selection unit, a housing unit including a first (upper) compartment and a second (lower) compartment adapted to store materials (e.g., feed, chemical compositions, supplements, etc.), and a distribution unit adapted to disseminate material within the second compartment into the water of the aquatic farm. The chamber selection unit is adapted to select materials (e.g., different feed types) from one or more chambers formed within the first compartment and supply the selected materials (e.g., feed) to the second compartment for dispersion by the distribution unit. [0020] More specifically, the first compartment may be segmented into a plurality of chambers, where each chamber may be constructed as an enclosed, independent storage area. These chambers may be constructed to prevent co-mingling of materials stored with each particular chamber. For example, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, each chamber may be selected to maintain a different type of feed. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, at least one chamber may be selected to maintain feed while at least one other chamber selected to maintain non-feed material for distribution, such as a chemical composition for treating water within the aquatic farm or feed supplements for the biomass. To support the stored of liquid materials, one or more of the chambers may be lined with a liquid impermeable membrane layer such as a rubber or synthetic rubber-based liner, a vinyl-based liner like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene liner, thermoplastic olefin (TPO) liner, bitumen liner, or the like. [0021] For instance, as an illustrative embodiment, a first chamber may be selected to contain and provide a first feed type to the second compartment based on operations conducted by the chamber selection unit. Similarly, a second chamber may be selected to contain and provide a second feed type to the second compartment based on operations conducted by the chamber _{21166243.1 -4-} 102409.0009PCT selection unit. The feed maintained in the first and second chambers may differ based on color, shape, lipid type (e.g., fish meal, soy meal, etc.), size, and/or protein percentage. A feeding pattern (e.g., instructions or other information that controls operability of the chamber selection unit) may be based on received feeding metrics and uploaded to the biomass feeding system. This feeding pattern controls the collection of feed by the chamber selection unit from selected chambers for subsequent dissemination. [0022] Alternatively, one or more of the chambers may include a chemical composition in lieu of a feed type for managing the health of the aquatic farm, such as the first chamber may be configured to maintain a selected feed type while the second chamber may be configured to maintain a chemical composition (e.g., algae treatment chemicals, aquatic weed control chemicals). Alternatively, in lieu of feed or treatment/control chemicals, the second chamber may be configured to maintain a supplement such as phytomolecules, organic acides or probiotics. In yet another alternative embodiment of the disclosure, the first and second chambers of the biomass feeding system may feature different chemical compositions directed to different treatment options. [0023] The chamber selection unit is interposed between the first compartment and the second compartment. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the chamber selection unit includes a disc member positioned between a first (upper) plate and a second (lower) plate. As described below and illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, the disc member features a predetermined depth (“d”) with one or more apertures (herein, “aperture(s)”) extending though the depth of the disc member, namely from a top surface of the disc member through a bottom surface of the disc member. The disc member may be articulated (rotated) into different positions, where some of these positions may align the aperture of the disc member with either an aperture of the first plate operating as an outlet for one of the chambers or an aperture of the second plate (hereinafter, “release opening”) operating as an inlet to the second compartment. [0024] For instance, as an illustrative example, the disc member may be configured with a single aperture. At a first position, the aperture of the disc member may align with both a first aperture of the first plate and a solid, top surface portion of the second plate. As a result, the aperture of the disc member is partially enclosed by the top surface portion of the second plate, and collectively, forms a recess to maintain feed received from a first chamber formed within _{21166243.1 -5-} 102409.0009PCT the first compartment via the first aperture of the first plate. At a second position, the aperture of the disc member may align with the release opening of the second plate to cause the feed temporarily maintained within the recess to fall into the second compartment. At a third position, the aperture of the disc member may assign with both a second aperture of the first plate and a solid, second top surface portion of the second plate. As a result, the aperture of the disc member, partially enclosed by the second top surface portion of the second plate, operates as a recess to maintain feed received from the second chamber formed within the first compartment, which is different than the first chamber with the second aperture of the first plate as its outlet. [0025] Herein, the disc member may be controlled to articulate (rotate) in accordance with any iteration in positions. As an illustrative example, the disc member may be configured to repeatedly articulate from (i) the second position to the first position to acquire feed from the first chamber for temporary storage within the recess partially formed by the disc member; (ii) the first position to the second position to control a flow (or passage) of feed (provided from the first chamber) from the recess into the second compartment; (iii) the second position to the third position to acquire feed from the second chamber for temporary storage within the recess partially formed by the disc member; and/or (iv) the third position to the second position to control a flow of feed (provided from the second chamber) from the recess into the second compartment. The chamber selection unit may be controlled by system control logic deployed within the biomass feeding system that indirectly controls operability (rotation and/or direction of rotation) of the disc member by controlling rotation of a disc motor connected to the disc member via a shaft. [0026] In particular, for the illustrative example described above, the biomass feeding system may be placed into a first operational state in which the disc motor controls rotation of the disc member to articulate between positions in which material is acquired from the first chamber of the first compartment and passed to the second compartment for dissemination during a feeding activity. Likewise, the biomass feeding system may be placed into a second operational state in which the disc motor controls rotation of the disc member to articulate between positions in which material is acquired from the second chamber of the first compartment and passed to the second compartment for dissemination. Additionally, or in the alternative, the biomass feeding system may be placed into a third operational state in which the disc motor controls _{21166243.1 -6-} 102409.0009PCT rotation of the disc member to acquire and successively, without restocking, transfer material from the first chamber into the second compartment during a first feeding event and from the second chamber into the second compartment during a second feeding event. The first and second feeding events are concurrent events performed during a scheduled feeding activity. The material may include feed, supplements, or chemical compositions for managing care of the aquatic farm. [0027] It is contemplated that, for illustrative purposes, the chamber selection unit may feature the articulated disc member with a single aperture to support the upper compartment with a plurality of chambers where feeding events forming a single feeding activity involve dissemination of different materials at discrete times (e.g., first feeding event = feed_type#1, second feeding event = feed_type#2; third feeding event = supplement; fourth feeding event = feed_type#1). Alternatively, the articulated disc member may include a plurality of apertures (e.g., 2 apertures), where certain combinations may be determined to optimize biomass yield (e.g., apertures align with first and third chambers to release feed_type#1 and supplement_type#1 together during a first feeding event, align with second and third chambers to release feed_type#2 and supplement_type#1 together during a second feeding event, etc.). I. TERMINOLOGY [0028] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe features of the invention. In certain situations, the terms “unit,” “logic,” and “component” are representative of hardware, software, or a combination thereof, which is configured to perform one or more functions. As hardware, the unit (or logic or component) may represent a mechanical element (e.g., pontoon, support frame, etc.), an electrical-mechanical element (e.g., a lid automated to pivotally or slidably open/close, plate/disc combinations to control material distribution between compartments of a feeder unit, etc.), global positioning system (GPS), and/or circuitry that assists in controlling the positioning/repositioning of as well as the material distribution from the biomass feeding system. Examples of such circuitry may include, but are not limited or restricted to a processor (e.g., microprocessor, a programmable gate array, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit, etc.), non-transitory storage medium, a wireless receiver and/or transceiver, a power source, or the like. _{21166243.1 -7-} 102409.0009PCT [0029] Alternatively, or in combination with the hardware described above, the unit (or logic or component) may include software in the form of one or more software modules. The software module(s) may include an executable application, an application programming interface (API), a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an applet, a routine, source code, a shared library/dynamic load library, or one or more instructions. The software module(s) may be stored in any type of a suitable non-transitory storage medium, or transitory storage medium (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustical, or other form of propagated signals such as carrier waves, infrared signals, or digital signals). Examples of non-transitory storage medium may include, but are not limited or restricted to a programmable circuit; a semiconductor memory; non- persistent storage such as volatile memory (e.g., any type of random-access memory “RAM”); persistent storage such as non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory “ROM,” power- backed RAM, flash memory, phase-change memory, etc.), a solid-state drive, hard disk drive, an optical disc drive, or a portable memory device. [0030] The term “message” generally refers to information in a prescribed format and transmitted in accordance with a suitable delivery protocol. Hence, each message may be in the form of a series of analog signals (over wired or wireless transmission medium), a series of signals (bits) having any prescribed format (e.g., one or more packets or frames), or any other signaling format. The term “transmission medium” may be construed as a physical or logical communication path between two or more electronic devices. For instance, as a physical communication path, wired and/or wireless communications in the form of electrical wiring, optical fiber, cable, bus trace, or a wireless channel using infrared, Bluetooth™, radio frequency (RF) or cellular technologies, may be used. [0031] The character “(s)” denotes one or more of a particular element. For example, the term “type(s)” denotes one or more types as the terms “member(s),” “parameter(s)” and “message(s)” denote one or more members, one or more parameters, and one or more messages, respectively. [0032] Finally, the terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. As an example, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this _{21166243.1 -8-} 102409.0009PCT definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. [0033] As this invention is susceptible to embodiments of many different forms, it is intended that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. II. A^QUATIC F^ARM A^RCHITECTURE [0034] Referring to FIG.1, an exemplary embodiment of one or more biomass feeding systems 1001-100N (N>1) deployed within an aquatic farm 110 is shown. The aquatic farm 110 may correspond to a commercial pond or any engineered waterway that allows for biomass farming to be conducted. Each of the biomass feeding systems 100₁-100_N may be configured with a flotation unit 200 (e.g., pontoons as shown in FIG. 2A) to float on water within the aquatic farm 110 and configured with a distribution unit (see FIG.2B) to disseminate material such as feed or supplements for consumption by biomass 120 residing within the aquatic farm 110 or chemical composition for treatment of water forming the aquatic farm 110. The biomass 120 may include shrimp, fish, crustaceans, and/or any other type of aquatic sea life that can be harvested as a food source. [0035] The biomass feeding systems 100₁-100_N may be deployed at different regions 130₁- 130_R (R>1, R=15 herein) of the aquatic farm 110 in order to provide effective feed distribution to the biomass 120 residing in the aquatic farm 100. Alternatively, in lieu of feed, the biomass feeding systems 100₁-100_N may be adapted to disseminate food supplements, chemicals, or other materials to treat the water of the aquatic farm 110 and improve the yield associated with the biomass 120 residing therein. The positioning of the biomass feeding systems 1001-100N may be controlled by signaling (messages) exchanged between the biomass feeding systems 100₁-100_N and a remote central control system 140 as shown, or alternatively, the positioning of the biomass feeding systems 100₁-100_N may be controlled by inter-communications between the biomass feeding systems 1001-100N. [0036] One advantage associated with the biomass feeding scheme is the ability of each feeding systems 100₁…, or 100_N to support the storage of two or more different materials and, without restocking, the distribution of these different materials during a single feeding activity. _{21166243.1 -9-} 102409.0009PCT Another advantage is the ability of each feeding systems 100₁…, or 100_N to offer the distribution of chemical compositions for water treatment within the same compartment including feed where dissemination of which material may be based on location of the biomass feeding in proximity to biomass detected to be actively feeding or not. [0037] Yet another advantage is the operability of each biomass feeding systems 1001…, or 100N (e.g., biomass feeding system 1001) to be programmed to operate in accordance with a feeding pattern, which may include a specific distribution of different feed types during different feeding events for a specific feeding activity. For instance, the feeding activity may involve the dissemination of feed for a few minutes, where a series of feeding events forming the feeding activity may correspond to a specific pattern/order of feed types. As an illustrative example, the feeding activity may feature a series of feeding events corresponding to a predetermined feed dissemination order, where the chamber selection unit coordinates the delivery of different feed types in accordance with a specific feeding patterns. For example, the chamber selection unit may control delivery to support a first feeding event with a first feed type, a second feeding event with a second feed type, a third feeding event with the second feed type, a fourth feeding event with a biomass food supplement. The feed pattern may be provided from a remote source based on feeding metrics measured by the feeding systems 100₁ and/or other biomass feeding systems 100₂-100_N. III. BIOMASS FEEDING SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE [0038] Referring now to FIG.2A, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a biomass feeding system (e.g., biomass feeding system 100₁) operating within the aquatic farm 110 of FIG.1 is shown. The biomass feeding system 1001 features (i) a flotation unit 200, (ii) a power supply unit 210, (iii) a feeder unit 220, (iv) one or more measurement sensors 275, and/or (v) a motorized transport unit 290. [0039] The flotation unit 200 features one or more pontoons 202, where the pontoon(s) 202 may be oriented substantially in parallel to each other and coupled to a housing framework 206. The housing framework 206 is configured to secure the feeder unit 220 to the flotation unit 200. The power supply unit 210 features a power source 212 (e.g., solar panel, miniature wind turbine, etc.) along with a power converter and/or power storage device (e.g., battery) maintained with a housing 214 attached to the feeder unit 220. _{21166243.1 -10-} 102409.0009PCT [0040] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, as further illustrated in FIG.2B by a cross-sectional view of the biomass feeding system 1001, the feeder unit 220 features a housing unit 221, which includes (i) a first (upper) compartment 222, (ii) a second (lower) compartment 224, and (iii) an intermediary compartment 225 interposed between the first compartment 222 and the second compartment 224. The feeder unit 220 further includes a chamber selection unit 226 at least partially housed within the intermediary compartment 225, a disc motor 228, disc shaft 230, a distribution unit 235 (e.g., a spread motor 232, spread shaft 234, and a spread holding plate 236), and/or system control logic 238. [0041] Herein, positioned within the intermediary compartment 225, the system control logic 238 includes data processing circuitry 240 and/or a wireless receiver or transceiver 260. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the data processing circuitry 240 includes a processor 245 and a non-transitory storage medium 250. The non-transitory storage medium 250 is configured to store control software such as a communication software module 252, a diagnostic software module 254, a global positioning system (GPS) software module 256, and/or an operational software module 258. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the operational software module 258 is configured to control operability of the disc motor 228 and/or the spread motor 232. Herein, the disc motor/shaft 228/230 are configured to control operability of the chamber selection unit 226 while the spread motor/shaft 232/234 are configured to control operability of the spread holding plate 236. [0042] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the diagnostic software module 254 may be configured as machine-learning (ML) software, which is configured to conduct analytics on data received from and captured by the measurement sensors 275 integrated as part of the biomass feeding system 1001 and generate feeding metrics based on the sensor data. The feeding metrics may include data correlated to biomass feeding activity determined from sensor data such as acoustic signals denoting feeding activity proximate to the biomass feeding system 1001, measured water temperature for the aquatic farm 110, measured oxygen level of the water, or the like. [0043] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the diagnostic software module 254 may be configured as scheduling software, which receives the feeding pattern that identifies positioning of a disc member 282 (see FIG.2D) of the chamber selection unit 226 _{21166243.1 -11-} 102409.0009PCT to coordinate timed release (i.e., specific distribution) of different materials maintained within a plurality of chambers 276 (see FIG. 2C) formed within the first compartment 222. The different materials may include different feed types released during various feeding events for a specific feeding activity. [0044] The communication software module 252 is coded to generate outgoing signaling (e.g., messages) to the central control system 140 of FIG.1 and/or process incoming signaling (e.g., messages including positioning information and the feeding pattern) from the central control system 140. The GPS software module 256 is configured to identify latitude/longitude for locations within and surrounding the aquatic farm 110 shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the communication software module 252 and/or GPS software module 256 are responsible for adjusting operability of one or more components of the motorized transport unit 290 (e.g., motor speed, direction, etc.) based on the positioning information so as to control movement of the biomass feeding system 1001 to remain at or move toward a targeted latitude/longitude. The operations of the biomass feeding system 100₁ (e.g., selection of feed type, feeding duration, etc.) may be determined from the feeding pattern provided within messages from the central control system 140, where such messages are based, at least in part, from the feeding metrics generated by the diagnostic software module 254 and provided to the central control system 140. [0045] As shown in FIGS.2B-2C, the first compartment 222 may be partially constructed as an inverted, conical-shaped compartment with one or more division plates (hereinafter “division plate(s)”) 270₁-270_M (M>1), which are coupled to interior walls 272 of the first compartment 222 to bisect an interior area 274 defined by the interior walls 272. According to this embodiment of the disclosure, as shown, at least a first division plate 2701 is coupled to the interior walls 272 of the first compartment 222 to segment or divide the interior area 274 of the first compartment 222 into a plurality of chambers 276, namely at least a first chamber 277 and a second chamber 278. As represented by dashed lines as an optional second division plate 270_M, division plates 270₁-270_M (M>2) may be coupled to the interior walls 272 of the first compartment 222 to form more than two chambers. [0046] For this embodiment, a plurality of chambers 276 are separate and distinct, as the division plates 270₁-270_M are attached along an entire depth of the interior walls 272 of the _{21166243.1 -12-} 102409.0009PCT first compartment 222 in order to prevent commingling of the materials within different chambers 276. For example, separated by division plate 2701, the chambers 277 and 278 may be adapted with different feed types, or different non-feed materials (e.g., water treatment chemicals, supplements, etc.) or a combination thereof. Although not shown, to maintain liquid materials, the chamber 277 and/or 278 may be configured with a liner made of a liquid impermeable membrane layer such as a rubber or synthetic rubber-based liner, a vinyl-based liner like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene liner, thermoplastic olefin (TPO) liner, bitumen liner, or the like [0047] Referring now to FIG.3, a top-down view of an exemplary embodiment of the biomass feeding system 100₁ of FIGS.2A-2C is shown. The first compartment 222 features the first chamber 277 and the second chamber 278. As shown, the first chamber 277 may be adapted to hold different feed types than the second chamber 278. The different feed types may vary based on a number of different factors. For instance, the feed types may vary depending on color, shape, lipid type (e.g., fish meal, soy meal, etc.), size, and/or protein percentage. As an illustrative example, the first chamber 277 may include a first feed type 300 (e.g., fish meal lipid of a red color). The second chamber 278 may include a second feed type 310 (e.g., soy meal lipid that is of a larger size than the fish meal lipid in the first chamber 277). [0048] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, based on analysis conducted by the ML-based software of the biomass feeding activity to generate the feeding metrics and the feeding pattern resulting from the feeding metrics, the second feed type 310 maintained within the second chamber 278 may be released during a feeding event at certain times of the day (e.g., larger sized feed for feeding in the morning) while the first feed type 300 maintained within the first chamber 277 may be released for feeding activities at other times of the day (e.g., smaller sized feed type in the evening). A combination of both feed types 300 and 310 may be released during successive feeding events forming the feeding activity without pausing to restock the first compartment 222. According to another embodiment of the disclosure, the release of the first feed type 300 from the first chamber 277 and the second feed type 310 from the second chamber 278 may be based on a predetermined, scheduled feeding pattern (e.g., the first feed type 300 released during a first period of time and the second feed type 310 is released during a second period of time). _{21166243.1 -13-} 102409.0009PCT [0049] The feeding pattern may be selected based on a variety of biological reasons or biomass feeding activity. Additionally, the feeding pattern may be selected to reduce waste of resources (e.g., feed) by supplying feed within high feeding activity areas while providing other operations (e.g., water treatment, biomass supply, supplement release, etc.) in areas with little- to-no biomass feeding activity. [0050] As another illustrative example, the biomass feeding systems 1001-100N may be configured to perform testing operations to determine the biomass’ feed type preferences (e.g., size, color, protein percentage, lipid type, etc.) at different times of the day. This may be accomplished by activating the measurement sensor(s) 275 within the biomass feeding systems 100₁-100_N conducting a testing phase by placing one or more biomass feeding systems 100₁- 100_N into “research” mode to evaluate the biomass’ interest in consuming different feed type(s) at different times. This may be conducted by one or more biomass feeding systems positioned within the high feeding activity areas to concurrently enter into research mode, disseminate a “tested” feed type, and activate integrated measurement sensors 275, such as hydrophone for example, to monitor acoustic signals that denote feed activity in order to determine biomass’ interest in the tested feed type. The dissemination of the other feed type may be concentrated to one or more different sub-areas of the high feeding activity areas to avoid disruption of a majority of the biomass feeding activity. [0051] Alternatively, the biomass feeding systems 1001-100N may be repositioned into their initial regions prior to placement into research mode to discern biomass interest in another feed type that may cause increased or decreased feeding activity within the high feeding activity areas as well as increased feeding activity in other regions of the aquatic farm 110 based on a new feed type. If decreased interest in the prior high feeding activity areas and increased interest in other areas, the biomass feeding systems 100₁-100_N may disseminate different feed types in different regions of the aquatic farm 110. [0052] As further shown in FIG.3, the first chamber 277 may be adapted to contain feed for the biomass while the second chamber 278 may be adapted to include supplements to improve health of the biomass and/or water treatment chemical compositions to improve the health of the aquatic farm 110. For example, in lieu of feed, the second chamber 278 may feature a liner (described above) and include a chemical composition such as algae treatment chemicals to _{21166243.1 -14-} 102409.0009PCT address algae buildup within the pond, aquatic weed control chemicals, or even supplements such as citrus phytomolecules, organic acides or probiotics and other supplements that may be used for the betterment and health of the aquatic farm 110 of FIG.1 and its biomass. For this deployment, the chemical compositions may be deployed in the morning or when the biomass feeding system 1001 is located within a region of the aquatic farm 110 away from regions in which the biomass are feeding. [0053] Referring now to FIG.2D, a detailed perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the chamber selection unit 226 deployed within the intermediary compartment 225 of the feeder unit 220 is shown. The chamber selection unit 226 includes a first (inlet) plate 280, a disc member 282, and a second (outlet) plate 284. The first plate 280 and second plate 284 may be affixed to the intermediary compartment 225 while the disc member 282 is rotational so that it may articulate between selected areas of the first plate 280 and the second plate 284. The articulation of the disc member 282 is controlled by the disc motor/shaft 228/230, where the rotation of the disc shaft 230 effectuated by rotation of the disc motor 228 controls the angular rotation of the disc member 282 from a first position to receive material (e.g., first feed type) from the first chamber 277 to a second position to release the received material (e.g., first feed type) into the second compartment 224. The disc motor/shaft 228/230 is further adapted to place the disc member 282 into a third position, which allows the disc member 282 to receive different material (e.g., second feed type) from the second chamber 278. The disc member 282 may be articulated back to the second position to allow feed to pass into the second compartment 224. [0054] As feed or other material is controllably released by the chamber selection unit 226 into the second compartment 224, the spreader motor/shaft 232/234 of the distribution unit 235 is configured to control the rotation of the spreader plate 236 adapted to receive the feed (or material) from the second compartment 224. The rotational speed of the spreader plate 236 controls the feed (or material) spread coverage area. The rotational speed of the spreader plate 236 along with the controlled articulation of the disc member 282 (from control of the disc motor/shaft 228/230) is controlled by the system control logic 238. The system control logic 238 may be configured with a processor, non-transitory storage medium, and wireless transceiver to allow for an exchange of data to remote sources or between other biomass feeding systems as well as the feeding patterns (received from a remote source or computed _{21166243.1 -15-} 102409.0009PCT by the internal data processing circuitry 240) that may be maintained within the storage medium of the system control logic 238 and processed upon execution by the processor. The operations of the chamber selection unit 226 is illustrated in FIGS.4A-4C and 5A-5E as set forth below. IV. CHAMBER SELECTION UNIT ARCHITECTURE AND OPERATIONS [0055] Referring now to FIG.4A-4C, perspective views of exemplary embodiments of the chamber selection unit 226 of FIGS.2B&2D is shown. Herein, the chamber selection unit 226 includes the first plate 280, the second plate 284, and the disc member 282 positioned between the first plate 280 and the second plate 284. The first and second plates 280 and 284 may be fixedly secured to the intermediary compartment 225 while the disc member 282 is rotationally controlled by the disc motor/shaft 228/230. The disc member 282 includes, as shown, an aperture 410. Based on movement and articulation of the disc member 282, the aperture 410 may be aligned with apertures within the first plate 280 to receive material from different chambers formed within the first compartment 222 and an aperture (release opening 440) within the second plate 284 to release the material into the second compartment 224. [0056] As shown in FIG.4A and 4B, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the first plate 280 is configured to control the flow of feed from different chambers 277 and 278 formed within the first compartment 222. The first plate 280 includes a first aperture 420 positioned to operate as an outlet to allow material (e.g., feed) to flow from the first chamber 277 when aligned with the aperture 410 of the disc member 282. The first plate 280 further includes a second aperture 425 positioned to operate as an outlet for material (e.g., feed) to flow from the second chamber 278 into a recess formed by the disc member 282 when aligned with the aperture 410 of the disc member 282. [0057] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the first aperture 420 is positioned to allow feed maintained within the first chamber 277 to fill a recessed area 430 formed by the aperture 410 of the disc member 282 and partially enclosed by a portion of a top surface 450 of the second plate 284. The disc member 282, unlike the first and second plates 280 and 284, is configured with a depth (e.g., ½ inch or more) that forms the recessed area 430, where the top surface 450 of the second plate 284 prevents feed from further passing into the second compartment 224. As a result, when the disc member 282 is positioned so that the aperture 410 _{21166243.1 -16-} 102409.0009PCT is aligned with the first aperture 420 of the first plate 280, feed passes through from the first chamber 277 into the recessed area 430 that temporarily retains the feed. Thereafter, the disc member 282 is articulated in a clockwise direction so that the aperture 410 is aligned with a release opening 440 formed within the second plate 284 in order to release the feed (or non- feed material) into the second compartment 224 for subsequent distribution by the spreader motor/shaft 232/234 and spreader holding plate 236 shown in FIG.2B. [0058] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the placement of the disc member 282 so that the aperture 410 aligns with the first aperture 420 or the second aperture 425 of the first plate 280 may be guided by magnets 460 positioned along an outer circumference 462 of the disc member 282. The system control logic 238 may be configured to control rotation of the disc member 282 (through rotation of the disc shaft 230) to achieve a specific alignment of one or more of the magnets 460 with selected metal guide member(s) 470 extending from an outer circumference 472 of the first plate 280. As an illustrative example, the system control logic 238 of FIG. 2B may control articulation of the disc member 282 into the first position by an articulation (e.g., angular rotation) of the disc member 282 until the magnet(s) 460 align with particular guide member(s) 470. Similarly, the system control logic 238 may control articulation of the disc member 282 to the second position by angular rotation of the disc member until the magnet(s) 460 align a different set of particular guide member(s) 470. [0059] Referring still to FIGS.4A-4C, the first plate 280 further includes the second aperture 425. When the disc member 282 is positioned so that the aperture 410 is aligned with the second aperture 425 of the first plate 280, feed passes through from second chamber 278 into the recessed area 430 formed by the aperture 410 and the top surface 450 of the second plate 284. Thereafter, the disc member 282 may be articulated in a counter-clockwise direction so that the aperture 410 is aligned with the release opening 440 formed within the second plate 284 in order to release the feed into the second compartment 224 for subsequent distribution by the spreader motor/shaft 232/234 and spreader holding plate 236. [0060] It is contemplated that the articulation of the disc member in alignment with the apertures 420 and 425 of the first plate 280 is controlled to coordinate the release of material (e.g., feed) from the first chamber 277 and the second chamber 278, respectively. This may be conducted in which the disc member 282 articulates back and forth from a first position (e.g., _{21166243.1 -17-} 102409.0009PCT the first aperture 420 of the first plate 280 aligned with the aperture 410 of the disc member 282) in order to distribute feed included in the first chamber 277 to a second position (e.g., aperture 410 of the disc member 282 articulated to align with the release opening 440 of the second plate) that coincides with release of the feed from the first chamber 277 into the second compartment 224. This allows for feeding of a single type of feed in order to monitor feeding activity by the biomass and to alter the feed type based on either a lack of feed activity or a reduction in feed activity in order to promote better overall yield of the biomass. [0061] Referring to FIG.5A-5E, illustrative embodiments of the operational workflow of the chamber selection unit supporting a feeding activity that utilizes multiple feed types without the need of a feed substitution or exchange is shown. Herein, as shown in FIG.5A, the disc member 282 is placed in a first position 500 in which it obtains feed from the first chamber 277 by aligning the aperture 410 of the disc member 282 with the first aperture 420 of the first plate 280 to allow for feed to pass through and fill the recessed area 430 formed by the aperture 410 and the top surface 450 of the second plate 284. [0062] Referring to FIG.5B, after feed has been allocated to fill the recessed area 430, the disc member 282 is rotated in a clockwise direction as represented by arrow 510 into a second position 520 to align the aperture 410 with the release opening 440 formed of the second plate 284. This allows the feed from the first chamber 277 of FIG. 2A to flow into the second compartment 224 for distribution. Thereafter, where the feed from the first chamber 277 of the first compartment 222 is desired for the next feeding cycle as shown in FIG.5C, as shown by a counter-clockwise arrow 530, the disc member 282 is articulated back to the first position 500 in order to restock the recessed area 430 in the disc member 282 with material (e.g., feed material, non-feed material, etc.). [0063] Additionally, or in the alternative, as shown in FIG.5D, a feeding event may occur in which feed from the second chamber 278 is desired. Herein, the disc member 282 is rotated in a clockwise direction 540 to a third position 550 so that the aperture 410 now aligns with the second aperture 425 of the first plate 280 and does not align with the release opening 440 of the second plate 284. As a result, feed within the second chamber 278 fills the recessed area 430 formed by the aperture 410 of the disc member 282 and the top surface 450 of the second plate 284. After feed has filled the recessed area 430, the system control logic 238 of _{21166243.1 -18-} 102409.0009PCT FIGS.2A-2B may cause the shaft 230 to articulate the disc member 282 in a counter-clockwise direction as represented by arrow 555 so that the aperture 410 is aligned with the release opening 440 as shown in FIG.5E. Upon alignment, the feed within the recessed area 430 is passed into the second compartment 224. [0064] As illustrated in FIGS.5A-5E, the positioning of the aperture 410 of the disc member 282 is conducted in order to control the release of feed within the selected chambers 277 and 278 of the first compartment 222 as well as the release of that feed into the second compartment 224. It is contemplated that multiple apertures may be formed within the first plate 280 to coincide with an increased number of chambers. Likewise, the disc member 282 may feature multiple apertures to allow for feed from a single chamber or multiple chambers concurrently and the second plate 284 may include multiple release openings to allow for the feed to be released into the second compartment 224 from multiple chambers concurrently. V. C^{OMMUNICATIONS} – B^IOMASS F^EEDING & C^ENTRAL C^ONTROL S^YSTEMS [0065] Referring now to FIG.6A, a first exemplary embodiment of communication exchanges between the biomass feeding system 1001 of FIGS.1-3 and the central control system 140 is shown. Herein, the biomass feeding system 1001 may be configured with diagnostic software modules 600 deployed as a component of the data processing circuitry 240 (e.g., operability similar or identical to the diagnostic software module 254 of FIG. 2B). As an illustrative example, the diagnostic software modules 600, when executed, may conduct analytics on data 610 received from the measurement sensors 275 (e.g., acoustic signals captured by the hydrophones that are associated with biomass feeding activity) and generates feeding metrics 620 to be provided to the central control system 140. According to this embodiment of the disclosure, the feeding metrics 620 may include an activity index, which represents a level of biomass feeding activity measured by the integrated hydrophone(s) of the biomass feeding system 100₁ as a measure of estimated feeding rate, estimated volume of feed consumed, or other parameter(s). Other parameters of the feeding metrics 620 may include, but are not limited or restricted to the following: (i) water temperature for the aquatic farm, (ii) oxygen (O₂) levels of the water, (iii) feed distribution metrics such as the feed type, the amount of feed, the duration of the feed activity, or day/time of the feeding activity, (iv) geographic information _{21166243.1 -19-} 102409.0009PCT associated with the biomass feeding system 100₁, and/or (v) an identifier (e.g., name, serial number, etc.) of the biomass feeding system 1001. [0066] Communicatively coupled to the diagnostic software modules 600, communication software modules 630 generates one or messages (hereinafter, “message(s)) 640, including the feeding metrics 620, and transmits the biomass feeding message(s) 640 over the wireless transceiver 260 to the central control system 140. Data processing logic 650 (e.g., ML logic, etc.) within the central control system 140 processes the content of the feeding metrics 620 provided by the biomass feeding message(s) 640 and generates system adjustment messages 660 directed to material distribution (e.g., dissemination schedule to spread feed, type of feed based on the selected chamber for extraction, non-feed operations such as adding water treatments or supplements, etc.), altering operations of the biomass feeding system 100₁ (e.g., spread plate rotation to increase/decrease feed region), altering location of the biomass feeding system 1001, or the like. [0067] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, these system adjustments may be accomplished an operational software module 665 (e.g., operability similar or identical to the operational software module 258 of FIG. 2B), which is configured to assist in controlling operations of the chamber selection unit 226 via disc motor/shaft 228/230, spreader motor/shaft 232/234, motorized transport unit 290, or the like. This allows for automated control of multiple combinations of materials (e.g., feed types, water treatments, supplements, or any combination thereof). [0068] As another embodiment, the diagnostic software modules 600, when executed, may conduct analytics on data 610 received from the measurement sensors 275 (e.g., acoustic signals captured by the hydrophones that are associated with biomass feeding activity) and generates feeding metrics 620 to be provided to the central control system 140. According to this embodiment of the disclosure, the feeding metrics 620 may include an activity index, which represents a level of biomass feeding activity measured by the integrated hydrophone(s) of the biomass feeding system 100₁ as a measure of estimated feeding rate, estimated volume of feed consumed, or other parameter(s). Other parameters of the feeding metrics 620 may include, but are not limited or restricted to the following: (i) water temperature for the aquatic farm, (ii) oxygen (O₂) levels of the water, (iii) feed distribution metrics such as the feed type, _{21166243.1 -20-} 102409.0009PCT the amount of feed, the duration of the feed activity, or day/time of the feeding activity, (iv) geographic information associated with the biomass feeding system 1001, and/or (v) an identifier (e.g., name, serial number, etc.) of the biomass feeding system 1001. [0069] Referring to FIG.6B, a second exemplary embodiment of communication exchanges between the biomass feeding system 1001 of FIGS.1-3 and the central control system 140 is shown. Herein, the biomass feeding system 1001 may be configured with the operational software modules 665 deployed as a component of the data processing circuitry 240. As an illustrative example, the operational software modules 665, when executed, may be configured to assess a stored feeding pattern 680, which includes information as to a predetermined, scheduled material distribution scheme for the biomass feeding system 100₁. [0070] Herein, the data processing logic 650 within the central control system 140 generates system adjustment messages 675, where information from the messages 675 is received via the wireless transceiver 260 and communication software modules 630 before the operational software modules 665 are provided access to information associated with the stored feeding pattern 680. The feeding pattern 680 may include information directed to feed or non-feed distribution (e.g., dissemination schedule to spread feed, type of feed based on the selected chamber for extraction, non-feed operations such as adding water treatments or supplements, etc.), altering operations of the biomass feeding system 100₁ (e.g., spread plate rotation to increase/decrease feed region), altering location of the biomass feeding system 1001, or the like. [0071] More specifically, the system adjustment messages 675 may include information representing the feeding pattern 680, which is stored and accessible by the operational software modules 670. The feeding pattern 680 may cause the data processing circuitry to initiate control signals 685 that control operations of the chamber selection unit 226. For example, the control signals 685 may cause articulation of the disc member 282 of the chamber selection unit 226 (see FIG. 2B) to prompt materials within a first chamber of the upper compartment of the biomass feeding system 100₁ to be collected and disseminated during a first period of time (i.e., during a first feeding event or first feeding activity) and materials within a second chamber of the upper compartment of the biomass feeding system 1001 to be collected and disseminated during a second period of time that is subsequent to the first time period. _{21166243.1 -21-} 102409.0009PCT Additionally, or in the alternative, the control signals 685 may control operations of the disc motor/shaft 228/230, spreader motor/shaft 232/234, motorized transport unit 290, or the like. This allows for automated control of multiple combinations of materials (e.g., feed types, water treatments, supplements, or any combination thereof). [0072] Embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the embodiments is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. _{21166243.1 -22-} 102409.0009PCT

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A biomass feeding system deployed within an aquatic farm, the biomass feeding system comprising: a feeder unit including a first compartment, a second compartment and an intermediary compartment positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment, wherein the first compartment includes at least a first chamber to store a first type of material and a second chamber to store a second type of material different than the first type of material and the second compartment is configured to retain the first type of material or the second type of material to disseminate from the biomass feeding system; and a chamber selection unit positioned within the intermediary compartment, the chamber selection unit to selectively control passage of the first type of material from the first chamber to the second compartment and passage of the second type of material from the second chamber to the second compartment.

2. The biomass feeding system of claim 1, wherein the chamber selection unit includes a rotational disc unit including a recess, the rotational disc unit is configured to articulate between a first position in which the recess receives the first type of material from the first chamber of the first compartment and a second position in which the first type of material is released from the recess to pass into the second compartment.

3. The biomass feeding system of claim 2, wherein the rotational disc unit of the chamber selection unit is further configured to articulate between a third position in which the recess receives the second type of material from the second chamber of the first compartment and the second position in which the second type of material is released from the recess to pass into the second compartment.

4. The biomass feeding system of claim 3, wherein the first type of material is a first feed type and the second type of material is a second feed type different than the first feed type. _{21166243.1 -23-} 102409.0009PCT

5. The biomass feeding system of claim 3, wherein the first type of material is a first feed type and the second type of material is non-feed material including a chemical composition to treat water of the aquatic farm.

6. The biomass feeding system of claim 3, wherein the first type of material is a first feed type and the second type of material is a food supplement different than the first feed type.

7. The biomass feeding system of claim 1, wherein the chamber selection unit includes a rotational disc unit positioned between a first plate affixed to the feeder unit and a second plate affixed to the feeder unit.

8. The biomass feeding system of claim 7, wherein the first plate includes at least a first aperture aligned with an opening of the first chamber of the first compartment and a second aperture aligned with an opening of the second chamber of the first compartment, the second plate includes a third aperture aligned with an opening of the second compartment, and a rotational disc unit including a fourth aperture, the rotational disc unit is configured to be articulated so that the fourth aperture is aligned with the first aperture, the second aperture, or the third aperture.

9. The biomass feeding system of claim 8, wherein the fourth aperture of the rotational disc unit in combination with a first portion of a top surface of the second plate forms a first recess when the fourth aperture is aligned with the first aperture to receive the first type of material from the first chamber of the first compartment.

10. The biomass feeding system of claim 9, wherein the first type of material contained with the first recess formed by the fourth aperture of the rotational disc unit and the first portion of the top surface of the second plate flows into the second compartment when the fourth aperture is articulated to align with the third aperture of the second plate. _{21166243.1 -24-} 102409.0009PCT

11. The biomass feeding system of claim 10, wherein the fourth aperture of the rotational disc unit in combination with a second portion of the top surface of the second plate forms a recess when the fourth aperture is aligned with the second aperture to receive the second type of material from the second chamber of the first compartment.

12. The biomass feeding system of claim 11, wherein the second type of material contained with the recess formed by the fourth aperture of the rotational disc unit and the second portion of the top surface of the second plate flows into the second compartment when the fourth aperture is articulated to align with the third aperture of the second plate.

13. The biomass feeding system of claim 1, wherein the first compartment includes one or more division plates affixed to an interior surface of the first compartment to produce the first chamber and the second chamber.

14. The biomass feeding system of claim 13, wherein the one or more division plates produce the first chamber that is separate and independent from the second chamber so that the first type of material does not commingle with the second type of material.

15. The biomass feeding system of claim 1 further comprising: a flotation unit coupled to the feeder unit to retain the feeder unit above water, the flotation unit comprises one or more pontoons and a housing framework coupled to the flotation unit and the feeder unit; system control logic housed within the intermediary compartment of the feeder unit; and a motorized transport unit coupled to the housing framework, the motorized transport unit is controlled by the system control logic and is configured to alter positioning of the biomass feeding system on the aquatic farm or to alter operation of the biomass feeding system.

16. A biomass feeding system deployed within an aquatic farm, the biomass feeding system comprising: _{21166243.1 -25-} 102409.0009PCT a flotation unit; a feeder unit coupled to the flotation unit, the feeder unit including a first compartment, a second compartment, and an intermediary compartment positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment, wherein the first compartment includes at least a first division plate coupled to an interior of the first compartment to form (i) at least a first chamber to store a first type of material and (ii) a second chamber to store a second type of material different than the first type of material, and the second compartment is configured to retain the first type of material or the second type of material to disseminate from the biomass feeding system; one or more measurement sensors extending from the feeder unit for placement into water of the aquatic farm; system control logic housed within the feeder unit, the system control logic includes data processing circuitry to conduct analytics of sensor data and a wireless transceiver to transmit results of the analytics conducted on the sensor data that are used to determine feeding activity of biomass within the aquatic farm; and a chamber selection unit positioned within the intermediary compartment and including a rotational disc unit interposed between a first plate and a second plate, the chamber selection unit to (i) control passage of the first type of material from the first chamber to the second compartment by iterative filling a recess partially formed by an aperture within the rotational disc unit with the first type of material and (ii) control passage of the second type of material from the second chamber to the second compartment by iterative filling of the recess formed within the rotational disc unit with the second type of material.

17. The biomass feeding system of claim 16, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to receive a system adjustment message that controls an articulation pattern of the chamber selection unit in selecting dissemination of the first type of material, the second type of material, or a combination of the first type of material and the second type of material.

18. The biomass feeding system of claim 16 further comprising a motorized transport unit coupled to the flotation unit, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to receive a system adjustment message that causes the system control logic to signal the _{21166243.1 -26-} 102409.0009PCT motorized transport unit to reposition the biomass feeding system at a different location within the aquatic farm to concentrate feeding at an area of the aquatic farm with higher biomass feeding activity than other areas within the aquatic farm.

19. The biomass feeding system of claim 16 further comprising a spreader motor, a spreader shaft coupled to the spreader motor, and a spreader plate coupled to the spreader shaft, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to receive a system adjustment message that causes the system control logic to signal the spreader motor to alter rotation to increase or decrease a spread coverage for feed stored within the first compartment to concentrate feeding at one or more areas of the aquatic farm with higher biomass feeding activity than other areas within the aquatic farm. _{21166243.1 -27-} 102409.0009PCT