Method and apparatus for mining nodules from beneath the sea
US4231171A · kind A · utility
14Cited by
4References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 1978 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2035/405
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Polymetallic nodules are collected by means of a plurality of self-propelled vehicles which move upwards and downwards between the sea floor and a surface platform under the action of excess ballast which is partially and progressively released as the vehicle approaches the bottom. The vehicles are propelled along the sea floor by means of at least two supporting units each having at least one helical propulsion fin, the remainder of the ballast being released in order to return the vehicles upwards for docking, unloading and energy-recharging in the surface platform.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.