Apparatus for mining nodules beneath the sea
US4343098A · kind A · utility
8Cited by
4References
22Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1980 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2000 |
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.