Robot for mining manganese nodules on deep seafloor
US9334734B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02F7/065
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A robot for mining a manganese nodule on a deep sea floor. The apparatus includes a plurality of moving apparatuses detachably disposed in parallel with each other; a mining apparatus installed to a front end of the moving apparatuses to mine a manganese nodule; a transferring apparatus installed to an upper portion of the moving apparatuses to crush the manganese nodule in a constant size or less such that the manganese nodule is transferred to an external; a power control measuring unit installed to an upper portion of the moving apparatuses for providing power to the moving apparatuses and controlling operations of the mining apparatus and the transferring apparatus; a structure frame for connecting the moving apparatuses to each other and for supporting the mining apparatus, the transferring apparatus and the power control measuring unit; and a buoyancy unit installed to a top end of the structure frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.