Device for collecting manganese nodules on the ocean floor

US4652055A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Preussag Aktiengesellschaft

Inventors

• Hans Amann · Hannover, DE
• Axel Bath · Hannover, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 19, 1985
• Grant date: Mar 24, 1987
• Expiry date: Aug 19, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21C50/00
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A device for collecting manganese nodules or the like from the ocean floor having a frame that is drawn across the ocean floor, a cylinder rotating around a horizontal axis which has on its circumference brushes for picking up manganese nodules in the circumferential direction. A screen surrounds the rear half of the cylinder. Hook-like rods mounted on the screen terminate in prongs pointing in the traction direction for digging out manganese nodules. The bristles can be made of bronze and are in the form of ribs running in the axial direction of the cylinder. Because of the brushes, the jamming of the nodules is prevented and at the same time a cleaning action is performed on the nodules.