Apparatus for destroying aquatic vegetation
US6023920A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01D44/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for destroying aquatic vegetation includes a vegetation shredder supported on a watercraft to project below the water surface so as to engage all portions of the plant proximate to the water surface. A feeder is positioned forwardly of the shredder to positively feed vegetation to the shredder as the watercraft moves in a forward direction. The apparatus further includes a framework defining a suction chamber below the water surface adjacent the submerged portion of the shredder, and an outlet spaced from the suction chamber and above the water surface. The framework and the shredder cooperate to define a sealed passageway extending between the suction chamber and the outlet. The shredder includes a rotatable element which sufficiently shreds the vegetation so that it may be discharged back into the body of water and creates a pumping action as it rotates that serves to draw vegetation toward the suction chamber, propel vegetation and water from the suction chamber through the passageway, and discharge the vegetation and water through the outlet. A side discharge chute is positioned to receive vegetation and water from the outlet and configured to direct the vegetation…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.