Claims
- 1. Apparatus adapted to be transported along the surface of the sea bed for gathering nodules therefrom, which includes:
- water acceleration means comprising an inlet with wall means extending rearwardly of said inlet to define a channel having its bottom open to and adjacent the sea bed, said wall means converging rearwardly of said inlet to provide progressively reduced cross-sections in said channel for generating therein a generally horizontal and longitudinal progressively accelerating flow of water whose velocity exceeds the rate of transport of said apparatus over the sea bed, said inlet and cross-sections all being sufficiently large to accept nodules of desired size;
- mechanical lifting means, disposed rearwardly of said acceleration means inlet and extending transversely of said flow across the lower portion of said channel for contacting the sea bed and dislodging nodules and at least a portion of the silt associated with said nodules in the sea bed, and direction the nodules upwardly to a predetermined elevation, said mechanical lifting means being normally stationary but moveable between a normal working position and a recoiled position for obstacle clearance;
- duct means having an entry connected with said acceleration means and including confining means defining a path for nodules received from said lifting means and extending downstream of said lifting means to a duct outlet, said confining means extending generally longitudinally above, below and to each side of said path, an inclined surface of said duct means having a generally horizontal transverse leading edge and a downstream end and extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to said leading edge for elevating a stream of water, nodules and any accompanying silt flowing rearwardly in said duct means, and silt discharge means extending through said confining means between said entry and outlet, said discharge means comprising openings in said inclined surface for discharging silt;
- a collection chamber having an entrance at or beyond the downstream end of said inclined surface and positioned below said path to receive nodules from said path, the bottom of said chamber being below said downstream end.
- 2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said wall means include an upper wall and side walls.
- 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said upper wall converges toward the bottom of said apparatus.
- 4. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said side walls are parallel with one another.
- 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said wall means is curved when viewed in transverse-cross-section.
- 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said opening and cross-sections are sufficiently large to accept both nodules of desired size and at least a portion of any oversize material encountered by the apparatus.
- 7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said opening and cross-sections are sufficiently large and said cross-sections are sufficiently reduced to drive nodules all the way to said collection chamber.
- 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said water acceleration means is the sole means in said apparatus for accelerating flow of water and nodules.
- 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a grating, screen or other means for protecting against the entry of oversize material into said acceleration means.
- 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical lifting means is in the region of maximum convergence of said wall means.
- 11. Apparatus according to claim 1, including bridging means extending from said lifting means to said inclined surface for transporting nodules from said lifting means to said inclined surface.
- 12. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical lifting means includes at least one array of laterally spaced upwardly and rearwardly inclined elongated members sufficiently close together to lift nodules of minimum desired size.
- 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said elongated members are all secured to a common support.
- 14. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least the ground engaging portions of said elongated members are at an angle of elevation in the range of about 35.degree. to 60.degree. relative to the sea bed.
- 15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the length of the elongated members above and adjacent the ground engaging portion is at an angle of elevation in said range.
- 16. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least the ground engaging portions of said elongated members are at an angle of elevation in the range of about 40.degree. to 60.degree. relative to the sea bed.
- 17. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least the ground engaging portions of said elongated members are at an angle of elevation in the range of about 50.degree. to 55.degree. relative to the sea bed.
- 18. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said elongated members include fore-and hind-portions, and wherein said fore-portions are disposed at a greater angle of inclination with the sea bed than the hind-portions.
- 19. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said elongated members are of rounded cross-section.
- 20. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said elongated members have lower ends for engaging the sea bed, a portion of said ends, in an alternating pattern, extending further downwardly than the remaining said ends.
- 21. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical lifting means is normally stationary.
- 22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said normally stationary lifting means is moveable between a normal stationary working position and a recoiled position for obstacle clearance.
- 23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said mechanical lifting means includes a plurality of individually moveable arrays of said elongated members.
- 24. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said mechanical lifting means are supported on transverse shaft means for movement between said normal position and recoil position.
- 25. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said mechanical lifting means are mounted directly on said shaft means for rotation from said normal position to said recoiled position.
- 26. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said mechanical lifting means is mounted on lever means suspended from said shaft means for swinging from said normal position to said recoiled position.
- 27. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said lever means is spring-biased toward and working position.
- 28. Apparatus according to claim 1, including means for adjusting the elevation of said lifting means.
- 29. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said leading edge is positioned at or below the elevation of the rear of the lifting means.
- 30. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said leading edge is positioned at an elevation such that it rides at or above the sea bed.
- 31. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said inclined surface is inclined for establishing the flow of water and any slit which may be dispersed therein in a direction which will project upwardly and rearwardly as it passes beyond the downstream end of said inclined surface.
- 32. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said silt discharge means includes openings in said inclined surface.
- 33. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said silt discharge means is a screened portion of said inclined surface.
- 34. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said inclined surface is normally stationary.
- 35. Apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said inclined surface is moveable between a normal stationary working position and a recoiled position for obstacle clearance.
- 36. Apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said inclined surface is suspended from overhead pivots by fore-and-aft swinging lever means.
- 37. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said collection chamber is positioned at the downstream end of the duct means.
- 38. Apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the entrance of said collection chamber is immediately adjacent the downstream end of said inclined surface.
- 39. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said collection chamber is entirely below an imaginary rearward projection of said inclined surface.
- 40. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the entrance of the collection chamber is turned away from the direction of flow of water established by said duct means.
- 41. Apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said entrance faces upwardly and rearwardly.
- 42. Apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said collection chamber is an open top hopper having upper edges at its front and rear which are below the elevation of the downstream end of said inclined surface.
- 43. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said collection chamber is provided with a grate or screen to prevent entry of oversize materials.
- 44. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said inclined surface is inclined upwardly for establishing the flow of water and any silt which may be dispersed therein in a direction which will project upwardly and rearwardly as it passes beyond the downstream end of the inclined surface, said collection chamber entrance faces upwardly and rearwardly, and said collection chamber is covered with a screen or grate to prevent entry of oversize materials, which screen or grate extends rearwardly and downwardly while diverging from the direction of flow established by said inclined surface.
- 45. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the said confining means of said duct means are longitudinal walls which extend beyond the rear end of said collection chamber.
- 46. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein there is a zone of increased cross-section above the collection chamber for facilitating gravity release of nodules from said stream into said collection chamber.
- 47. Apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said zone of increased cross-section is defined by said duct means and collection chamber.
- 48. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a suction pipe, for removal of nodules, has its inlet in said collection chamber.
- 49. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlet of said suction pipe is turned away from the collection chamber entrance.
- 50. Apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said suction pipe inlet is chamfered.
- 51. Apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said collection chamber has at least one water inlet other than said entrance.
- 52. Apparatus adapted to be transported along the surface of the sea bed for gathering nodules therefrom, which includes:
- water acceleration means comprising an inlet with wall means extending rearwardly of said inlet to define a channel having its bottom open to and adjacent the sea bed, said wall means converging rearwardly of said inlet to provide progressively reduced cross-sections in said channel for generating therein a generally horizontal and longitudinal progressively accelerating flow of water whose velocity exceeds the rate of transport of said apparatus over the sea bed, said inlet and cross-sections all being sufficiently large to accept both nodules of desired size and at least a portion of any oversize material encountered by the apparatus, said cross-sections being sufficiently reduced to drive nodules all the way to the collection chamber referred to below;
- mechanical lifting means disposed rearwardly of said acceleration means inlet in the region of maximum convergency of said wall means and extending transversely of said flow across the lower portion of said channel for contacting the sea bed and dislodging nodules and at least a portion of the silt associated with said nodules in the sea bed and directing the nodules upwardly to a predetermined elevation into said flow, said mechanical lifting means including at least one array of laterally spaced upwardly and rearwardly inclined elongated members sufficiently close together to lift nodules of minimum desired size but allowing a substantial discharge of silt, said lifting means being normally stationary but moveable between a normal stationary working position and a recoiled position for obstacle clearance;
- duct means having an entry connected with said acceleration means and including confining means defining a path for nodules received from said lifting means and extending downstream of said lifting means, said confining means extending generally longitudinally above, below and to each side of said path; an inclined surface of said duct means having a generally horizontal transverse leading edge and a downstream end, and extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to said leading edge for elevating a stream of water, nodules and any accompanying silt flowing rearwardly in said duct means and for establishing the flow of water and any silt which may be dispersed therein in a direction which will project upwardly and rearwardly as it passes beyond the downstream end of said inclined surface, and silt discharge means comprising openings in said inclined surface between said entry and outlet;
- a collection chamber having its bottom below the downstream end of said inclined surface and having an entrance at or beyond said downstream end and positioned below said path to receive nodules from said path, said entrance being covered with a screen or grate to prevent entry of oversize materials, which screen or grate extends rearwardly and downwardly while diverging from the direction of flow established by said inclined surface; a suction pipe for removal of nodules, having its inlet in said collection chamber; and at least one water inlet into said collection chamber other than said entrance; and
- an outlet for said flow of water downstream of said inclined surface and collection zone and having a substantially larger cross-sectional area than said duct, measured at the downstream end of the inclined surface.
- 53. Process for gathering nodules from the sea bed, which includes:
- providing apparatus including water acceleration means comprising an inlet with wall means extending rearwardly of said inlet to define a channel having its bottom open to and adjacent the sea bed, said wall means coverging rearwardly of said inlet to provide progressively reduced cross-sections in said channel, said inlet and cross-sections all being sufficiently large to accept nodules of desired size;
- transporting said acceleration means along the surface of the sea bed for generating therein a generally horizontal and longitudinal progressively accelerating flow of water whose velocity exceeds the rate of transport of said apparatus over the sea bed;
- mechanically lifting nodules from the sea bed and directing the nodules upwardly to a predetermined elevation into said flow rearwardly of said acceleration means inlet in a region extending transversely of said flow across the lower portion of said channel;
- introducing said flow, nodules and at least a portion of any silt that may be associated with said nodules into duct means having an entry connected with said acceleration means and including confining means defining a path for nodules received from said lifting means and extending downstream of said lifting means to a duct outlet, said confining means extending generally longitudinally above, below and to each side of said path, an inclined surface of said duct means having a generally horizontal transverse leading edge and a downstream end and extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to said leading edge; and silt discharge means comprising openings extending through said inclined surface between said entry and outlet,
- continuing said flow along said duct means while discharging from the duct, through said openings, any silt dislodged from said nodules during said flow;
- driving said nodules from said lifting means to the highest point of said inclined surface with the accelerated flow of water generated by the motion of said apparatus through the water;
- establishing the flow of water and any silt which may be dispersed therein in a direction which will project upwardly and rearwardly downstream of said inclined surface; and
- introducing said nodules into a collection chamber having an entrance turned away from said direction of flow.
- 54. Process according to claim 53, wherein said opening and cross-sections are sufficiently large to accept both nodules of desired size and at least a portion of any oversize materials encountered by the apparatus.
- 55. Process according to claim 53, wherein said nodules are lifted from the sea bed in the region of maximum convergence of said wall means.
- 56. Process according to claim 53, including introducing said nodules into said collection chamber through a zone downstream of said inclined surface having an increased cross-sectional area relative to the cross-sectional area of said duct measured at the downstream end of said inclined surface.
- 57. Process according to claim 53, including the step of preventing oversize materials from entering said collection chamber.
- 58. Process according to claim 53, wherein said collection chamber entrance faces upwardly and rearwardly and said collection chamber is covered with a screen or grate which extends rearwardly and downwardly while diverging from the direction of flow established by said inclined surface, including the steps of preventing over-sized materials from entering said collection chamber using said screen or grate, and causing said over-sized materials to drop from the rear of the screen or grate.
- 59. Process according to claim 53, including removing nodules from said collection chamber by a suction pipe having its inlet in said collection chamber.
- 60. Process according to claim 59, including admitting water to said collection chamber through at least one water inlet other than said entrance.
- 61. Process for gathering nodules from the sea bed, which includes:
- providing apparatus including water acceleration means comprising an inlet with wall means extending rearwardly of said inlet to define a channel having its bottom open to and adjacent the sea bed, said wall means converging rearwardly of said inlet to provide progressively reduced cross-sections in said channel, said inlet and cross-sections all being sufficiently large to accept nodules of desired size;
- transporting said acceleration means along the surface of the sea bed for generating therein a generally horizontal and longitudinal progressively accelerating flow of water whose velocity exceeds the rate of transport of said apparatus over the sea bed;
- mechanically lifting nodules from the sea bed and directing the nodules upwardly to a predetermined elevation into said flow rearwardly of said acceleration means inlet by contacting said nodules with transversely spaced elongated members extending upwardly and rearwardly in a region extending transversely of said flow across the lower portion of said channel, said elongated members moving between normally stationary working position and recoil position on encountering obstacles;
- introducing said flow, nodules and at least a portion of any silt that may be associated with said nodules into duct means having an entry connected with said acceleration means and including confining means defining a path for nodules received from said lifting means and extending downstream of said lifting means, said confining means extending generally longitudinally above, below and to each side of said path, an inclined surface of said duct means having a generally horizontal transverse leading edge and downstream end, and extending upwardly and rearwardly relative to said leading edge, and silt discharge means comprising openings extending through said inclined surface;
- continuing said flow along said duct means while discharging from the duct, through said openings, any silt dislodged from said nodules during said flow;
- driving said nodules from said lifting means to the highest point of said inclined surface solely by means of the accelerated flow of water generated by the motion of said apparatus through the water;
- establishing the flow of water in said duct and any silt which may be dispersed therein in a direction which will cause said flow to project upwardly and rearwardly downstream of said inclined surface;
- introducing said nodules into a collection chamber through a zone downstream of said inclined surface having an increased cross-sectional area relative to the cross-sectional area of said duct measured at the downstream end of said inclined surface; and
- discharging said flow from the apparatus from an outlet whose cross-sectional area exceeds that of the duct, measured perpendicular to the direction of flow, at the downstream end of the inclined surface.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
73155 |
Aug 1975 |
LU |
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 808,838, filed June 22, 1977, and now abandoned which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 712,115, filed Aug. 5, 1976 and now abandoned, the disclosures of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
US Referenced Citations (9)
Foreign Referenced Citations (4)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2555490 |
Jun 1976 |
DE |
2211587 |
Jul 1974 |
FR |
1156547 |
Jun 1969 |
GB |
1207906 |
Oct 1970 |
GB |
Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry |
"Mining and Transport of Manganese Nodules-Technical Problems", Riedal, 1975, pp. 27-29. |
Continuations (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
712115 |
Aug 1976 |
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Continuation in Parts (1)
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Number |
Date |
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Parent |
808838 |
Jun 1977 |
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