As an author of six patents with many others pending , I agree that indeed the patenting process can be difficult. However, this is the whole point is to make sure that the patent earns the right to be a patent and then one has a basis to defend the intellectual property.
It might be interest to some people here to look at the patent prosecution history...
http://portal.uspto.gov/external/por...1/.d/7#7_0_3AB
In this case, it took aboout two years and the application was rejected, then given a final rejection, but then successfully appealed.
In the case of the current patent, it is illustrative to consider which of the claims are independent claims vs dependent claims.
It looks to me like their are two independent claims #1 and #11. Claims #2 thorugh #9 all relate back to claim #1.
1. A manmade clean water structure containing a body of water characterized in comprising:
water circulation means for circulating water from the lower level of the bottom surface to the higher level thereof and comprising pumping means in combination with at least one conduit for causing said water circulation by drawing water from said lower level and discharging water to said higher level,
biological groups that form a food-chain in the main region of the water body and near a bottom and a top of the water body,
a sand layer provided on the bottom surface, said sand layer being readily agitated by swimming activities of fish that are part of said food-chain.
and claim #11...
11. A manmade clean water system for maintaining a desired biological condition in an artificial water body contained in a structure constructed with a bottom surface and at least one side surface, said clean water system comprising:
water current producing means for producing water currents keeping the water in constant motion to prevent its stagnation;
biological groups living in the water body for producing a food-chain capable of creating and maintaining a biological environment suitable for the development and sustenance of diverse lifeforms;
a sand layer of sufficient depth on said bottom surface to serve as a culture medium for bacteria and other living organisms; and
agitation means for agitating said sand layer to regulate development of said biological groups and purification of said water;
said bottom surface being constructed with at least one level difference establishing a a height differential between a lower level and a higher level, and said current producing means comprising pumping means in combination with at least on conduit for drawing water from said lower level of the bottom surface and discharging water to said higher level thereof.