Abstract: A method and compact portable system for excavating a two-soldier fighting position is disclosed in which the method includes using a material-retention type auger to bore a plurality of spaced hollow recesses to a desired depth, placing prepared explosive charges in each bored recess, detonating the explosive charges using a remotely operable detonation device to loosen the soil in the defined pattern, removing the loosened soil, and finalizing the interior walls of the structure. The system is compact and lightweight designed to be stored within a confined carrying pack volume and features a bucket-type, hollow auger system including handle extensions capable of being quickly assembled to bore clean holes in the earth, a plurality of explosive charges, the explosive charges being stored in canisters of a size to fit into the hollow auger bit and holes bored by the auger, means for connecting to and remotely detonating the binary charges in each of the canisters.

Abstract: A method of excavating an underground continuous ditch by rotating a chain type cutter 4 while pressing the cutter horizontally against the ground A, with the cutter positioned underground. According to this method, when a lower ground portion is left unexcavated due to a deficiency in traversing force at the lower portion of the cutter particularly during excavation at a large depth, the rotating direction of the cutter 4 is changed from a rake-up direction in normal excavation to a rake-down direction and excavation is performed while the cutter is moved vertically, to excavate the lower ground portion (A1) left unexcavated.

Abstract: An excavation assembly, an apparatus and method of operating the same. At least a portion of the assembly is attachable to a vehicle including a frame and an arm supported on the frame, the arm having one end supported on the frame and an other end movable relative to the frame. The assembly includes an excavation head supportable on the other end of the arm for movement relative to the frame. The head may be substitutable with a hard-tooth excavation component, such as a backhoe bucket. The head includes a support member having a support surface positionable adjacent a surface to be excavated, the support member being attachable to the other end of the arm, a nozzle, and a vacuum. The assembly further comprises a source of pressurized fluid connected to the nozzle so that fluid is provided through the nozzle to cut the surface to be excavated and a source of vacuum pressure connected to the vacuum so that material cut from the surface is removed from the surface.

Abstract: A dredging method and a dredging apparatus which can efficiently suck large quantities of sand and gravels deposited on the bottom of dams, rivers, harbors, etc., convey them with as much saved energy as possible, and can prevent diffusion of turbid water. To achieve these objects, the apparatus includes a case laid down into the water in communication with the atmosphere. A suction pipe having a suction portion at the lower end thereof is connected to this case. The apparatus further includes a drain pump for draining water in the case and forming a level difference between the water level in the case and the external water level A container is removably disposed at an intermediate portion of the suction pipe. The sand and gravels are sucked from the suction pipe into the container by the siphon principle due to the level difference between the external water level and the water level in the container, and the container is cut off and the sand and gravels are taken out when the container is full.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involving forming a transition area along the bed of a body of water in which the natural water depth is altered, and operating a vessel in the course of passage through the transition area such that the vessel speed instantaneously changes from supercritical speed to subcritical speed while substantially avoiding the critical speed range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a plurality of spaced apart cultivated spots in soil. A spot cultivator (1) is moved across the soil in a direction in which the spaced apart cultivated spots are to be formed. The spot cultivator (1) includes at least one tilling shaft (7) which is mounted to roll about a horizontal axis which moves with the spot cultivator (1) and which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of at least one tilling shaft (7). At least one tilling shaft (7) is rolled about said horizontal axis in a plane which intersects the soil. The at least one tilling shaft (7) has a length sufficient to contact and penetrate the soil at a controlled spacing during each rotation about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A recovering system includes at least one shale shaker having at least one screen and a hydrocyclone manifold system; a recovery tank having a cavity and a base, the tank having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the recovery tank having at least one agitation system for creating force within the cavity of the recovery tank; and at least one recovery shaker having at least one screen.

Abstract: Effective techniques and equipment are described for maintaining and improving dredge disposal sites. In one aspect, the use of winching equipment is described to move a digging vehicle within a containment area for effective creation of ditching to permit substantial dewatering and drainage of the dredge spoil to dry it. Substantially dried spoil is removed from the containment area pit using amphibious scraper equipment. The substantially dried spoil may then be used to build up the berm surrounding the dredge pit.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a planning system and method for earthmoving operations such as digging a foundation or leveling a mound of soil is disclosed including three different levels of processing for planning the excavation. One of the processing levels is a coarse-level planner that uses geometry of the site and the goal configuration of the terrain to divide the excavation area into a grid-like pattern of smaller excavation regions and to determine the boundaries and sequence of excavation for each region. The next level is a refined planner wherein each excavation region is, in order of the excavation sequence provided by the coarse planner, searched for the optimum excavation that can be executed. This is accomplished by choosing candidate excavations that meet geometric constraints of the machine and that are approximately within the boundaries of the region being excavated.

Abstract: An assembly of ground engaging tool components which are attachable to the lip of a bucket of an earth moving machine. The assembly includes a nosepiece attachable to the lip of the bucket, an adapter attachable to the nosepiece, and a tip attachable to the adaptor. The components are attachable to one another by spigot and socket arrangements, the relevant spigot in each case defining two opposed tapered faces and a pair of side faces spacing the tapered faces from one another, at least one of the side faces of the spigot defining a groove with opposed side walls which are tapered in an opposite sense to the taper on the opposed tapered faces.

Abstract: A snow removal device and method includes a core having provision for adhering snow to the core. This includes recesses which receive packed snow. Snow to be removed contacts the packed snow and adheres to the core. The core is rolled on a portion of a surface covered with snow so the snow from the surface communicates with the packed snow, clings thereto and builds upon the surface of the member as the member is rolled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous, portable dredging system that employs a series of screens and gravity separation devices with flocculation to remove sediments from the dredged slurry. The system produces a treated water stream having low solids content and a recovered solids product having a low water content.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a mature tree for transplanting at a new location comprises a base disposed within a trench dug about the tree. At least one hydraulic actuator is connected to the base and to a horizontal member that overlies the root ball. A root ball harness attaches the root ball to the horizontal member. Energization of the actuator effects elevation of the cross member and the tree in vertical translation.

Abstract: Effective techniques and equipment are described for maintaining and improving dredge disposal sites. In one aspect, the use of winching equipment is described to move a digging vehicle within a containment area for effective creation of ditching to permit substantial dewatering and drainage of the dredge spoil to dry it. Substantially dried spoil is removed from the containment area pit using amphibious scraper equipment. The substantially dried spoil may then be used to build up the berm surrounding the dredge pit.

Abstract: A mesh enclosed container is provided to remove melt water from frozen blocks of contaminated sediment which has been extracted from a marine environment. The mesh enclosure has a number of porous wicking tubes for insertion into corresponding cavities in the frozen sediment blocks. Wicking material is inserted into the tubes to enhance melt water flow out of the sediment blocks during the thawing cycle. A sealed container may be provided to enclose the block and meshed container to prevent escape of volatile materials during the thawing cycle. The sealed container will also collect melt water accumulated during the thawing cycle. A method of melting frozen marine sediment blocks is provided to recover treated water.

Abstract: A freezing cell having one or more freezing tines may be used to remove contaminated sediment from the beds of water bodies. The freezing tines are to be immersed into the sediment. Refrigerant is supplied to the tines by a refrigeration unit during the freezing cycle to solidify the surrounding sediment into a block held by the cell. The block of frozen sediment is lifted from the water body. The block is released from the freezing cell by heating the tines. The block is then transported for treatment. The freezing cell may be returned for reuse in sediment removal. The freezing cell may be configured to permit close placement of the cell to other like cells used in the extraction process. A method of freezing marine sediment into blocks is used to recover contaminants from water bodies.

Abstract: A freezing cell having one or more freezing tines may be used to remove contaminated sediment from the beds of water bodies. The freezing tines are to be immersed into the sediment. Refrigerant is supplied to the tines by a refrigeration unit during the freezing cycle to solidify the surrounding sediment into a block held by the cell. The block of frozen sediment is lifted from the water body. The block is released from the freezing cell by heating the tines. The block is then transported for treatment. The freezing cell may be returned for reuse in sediment removal. The freezing cell may be configured to permit close placement of the cell to other like cells used in the extraction process. A method of freezing marine sediment into blocks is used to recover contaminants from water bodies.

Abstract: A process for suctioning solid material from a waterbed and for conveying a resulting solids-water suspension into a hopper is provided. A flow of water is supplied to a towed suction basket. The basket has a suction region connected to a suction tube, at least one pressure nozzle and at least one motive nozzle. The flow of water supplied to the towed suction basket is divided into a motive water flow and a pressure water flow. The pressure water flow is directed through the at least one water pressure nozzle onto the waterbed for dislodging the solid material on the waterbed and creating the solids-water suspension in the suction region of the towed suction basket. The motive water flow is directed through the at least one motive water nozzle through the suction region of the towed suction basket and into the suction tube for accelerating the solids-water suspension into the suction tube.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for remediating ponds and other water sites containing sludge and other waste materials by a dredging and dewatering process which is economical and efficient, uses relatively low cost equipment and provides for high remediation rates. The preferred process dredges the site to produce a sludge which is screened to remove oversize material. The screened sludge is then thickened and the thickened sludge dredged and fed as a uniform thickened sludge mixture to a filter press to dewater the sludge producing a final sludge product having a high solids content. A coagulant is preferably added to the sludge and a polymer and/or coagulant added to the thickened sludge filter press feed.

Abstract: A mesh enclosed container is provided to remove melt water from frozen blocks of contaminated sediment which has been extracted from a marine environment. The mesh enclosure has a number of porous wicking tubes for insertion into corresponding cavities in the frozen sediment blocks. Wicking material is inserted into the tubes to enhance melt water flow out of the sediment blocks during the thawing cycle. A sealed container may be provided to enclose the block and meshed container to prevent escape of volatile materials during the thawing cycle. The sealed container will also collect melt water accumulated during the thawing cycle. A method of melting frozen marine sediment blocks is provided to recover treated water.

Abstract: Control of a piece of excavation equipment (10) to temporarily disable it from further excavating in an area where a buried cable and/or pipe (50) is present is accomplished by providing a detector (54) for sensing if the buried cable and/or pipe is sufficiently close to be potentially damaged. The detector provides a signal indicative of the presence of the buried cable for transmission, via a transmitter-receiver pair (56, 60), to a control valve (62). When a buried cable and/or pipe is detected, the control valve is actuated to divert hydraulic oil that would otherwise flow to a cylinder (44) that provides forward movement of a bucket (38) on the excavating equipment, thereby preventing further excavation by the bucket in the region of the buried cable and/or pipe.

Abstract: An excavating tool tooth includes a mounting area (10) and a working area (11). The working area (11) includes longitudinal bars (14-18) made of a hard material. The bars are inserted in the steel and snugly contact the tooth's cutting face. The presence of the rods made of a hard material substantially increases the tooth's service life. The bars are produced by infiltration.

Abstract: Propulsion apparatus is disclosed for urging a trenching arm forward against the advancing face of an elongate trench being dug by the trenching arm. The propulsion apparatus includes a propulsion member which is engageable with the base wall of the trench such that the trenching arm may be urged forward relative to the engaged propulsion member. The propulsion member may then be withdrawn from engagement with the base wall and retracted towards the trenching arm before commencing a further propulsion cycle. The propulsion member is also operable to cooperate with the trenching arm in excavating a starting slot at the beginning of a new trench.

Abstract: A pump for handling abrasive materials includes a housing having two chambers. A shaft mounts a high pressure impeller and a high volume impeller in respective chambers of the housing, each chamber having a separate and opposite inlet. A channel is provided to divert a portion of the flow generated by the high pressure impeller to a purge ring adjacent the primary inlet corresponding to the high volume impeller. The purge ring directs a flow of relatively abrasive-free liquid toward the inlet to reduce wear on the housing and high-volume impeller. Another part of the flow from the high pressure impeller is diverted through the housing to isolate portions of the housing and the high volume impeller from the abrasive material laden intake through the primary inlet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming spot mounds used in assisting the germination and growth of tree seedlings in reforestation. A crawler moves forwardly while a digging blade connected to a frame is lowered into the soil in order to overturn the soil and form a mound. After the digging blade is lowered into the ground, the digging blade rotates so as to better form and thereafter pass the formed mound without interference.

Abstract: Sand and gravel material conveyed from a floating dredger is fed to a treatment installation where silt is separated. The silt arising in the process may be fed over a floating pipe line and swingable pipe so arranged as to feed silt to an under-water diffuser which deposits the material for sealing-off on the lake bottom or its side. The diffuser may be arranged by a floating station.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus is disclosed for urging a trenching arm forward against the advancing face of an elongate trench being dug by the trenching arm. The propulsion apparatus includes a propulsion member which is engageable with the base wall of the trench such that the trench arm may be urged forward relative to the engaged propulsion member. The propulsion member may then be withdrawn from engagement with the base wall and retracted towards the trenching arm before commencing a further propulsion cycle. The propulsion member is also operable to cooperate with the trenching arm in excavating a starting slot at the beginning of a new trench.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a laser controllable ditcher drawn by a tractor to which it is attached for forming ditches, furrows and the like incorporates a cutting disk which is adjustably inclined downwardly toward the rear of its direction of travel such that its under face forms an acute angle with the ground beneath so that its leading edge cuts into the ground. The disk is driven rotationally through a speed reducer by a driveshaft extending to the ditcher from the tractor. The disk has spaced cutters at its edge which dig into the soil and cause the soil to be lifted into the path of movement of paddles or scoops on the back side of the disk which in effect throw the soil particles a considerable distance to one side of the tractor path.

Abstract: A bucket wheel body includes a supporting body having a frustoconical region, a radially outer circumferential region, and a radially inner circumferential region. The frustoconical region forms a carrier body; the radially outer region forms a rounded annular carrier for supporting buckets and the radially inner region forms a rounded hub support. The hub support, the annular carrier and the carrier body form a one-piece construction and jointly define an S-shaped cross section. A disc-shaped hub body is attached to the hub support. The hub body has an outer circumferential edge and a central opening. The outer circumferential edge of the hub body is in engagement with the carrier body, and a terminal edge face of the hub support is in engagement with the hub body along a zone radially inwardly of the outer circumferential edge of the hub body.

Abstract: A direct driven shock ripper device according to the present invention is capable of efficiently transferring blows of a hydraulic breaker (10) to a base rock. It includes a bracket (2) which can be affixed to the rear end of a construction machine vehicle, a beam (4) on which a shank (8) and a breaker mount bracket (9) supporting the hydraulic breaker (10) are mounted, the beam (4) being disposed to the rear of the bracket (2), an arm (6) which couples a lower portion of the bracket (2) to a lower portion of the beam (4), a tilt cylinder (5) which couples an upper portion of the bracket (2) to an upper portion of the beam (4), and a lift cylinder (16) which couples an upper portion of the bracket (2) to a lower portion of the beam (4). A pair of link members (7) are provided between the beam (4) and the shank (8) to pivotally support the shank (8) on the beam (4) and thereby form a quadric linkage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for padding a pipeline lying in a ditch by separating fine particles from coarse particles in the material excavated from the ditch and windrowed along the side of the ditch comprising moving a frame supporting a rotating separator drum at the desired distance above ground to engage windrowed material at the level required to obtain sufficient fines to pad the pipeline while rotating the separating drum to separate the fine and coarse material and conveying the fines laterally into the ditch.

Abstract: A floating grab dredge has first and second pontoons spaced apart sufficiently to define a work space therebetween. The work space is large enough to define a barge slip therein as well as a digging well adjacent to the barge slip. A gantry mounted on the pontoons by supports spans the work space. Material handling apparatus on one of the pontoons includes a grizzly for separating waste from recoverable material. The gantry includes tracks on which a trolley shuttles among positions above the digging well, barge slip and grizzly. When a load of dredged material is brought up from the digging well it is inspected to determine if it contains recoverable material. If it does the trolley is moved above the grizzly and the load is dumped on the grizzly. If no recoverable material is in the load, it is dumped into a barge in the barge slip and digging continues.

Abstract: This invention pertains to method and apparatus for accurate control of the cutting depth and grade for mobile excavating system excavators having a continuous bucket excavating system mounted at the leading end of a structural main frame. Such excavators have a rubber tire or crawler track undercarriage and dig while advancing on the freshly cut grade.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing an impervious underground wall in which an initial excavation, filled with an excavating slurry, is made having a length L.sub.1. A milling excavator is lowered to the bottom of the initial excavation in a collapsed condition and then expanded outwardly by a linkage mechanism in the direction of the trench portion, transmitting a reaction or bearing force to a wall of the initial excavation to excavate from the bottom upwardly. The cuttings fall to the bottom of the trench and are removed by suction or an air lift. The initial excavation is thus expanded laterally from the bottom up with the excavation forces from the excavation being transmitted to the opposing wall surface. Precast concrete panels having convave sides, one concave and one convex end, are inserted into the excavation and have formations on the end to interlock with one another and serve as an excavating guide for the excavating tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for solid dredge material disposal is disclosed for changing the solid materials into a dense slurry for more advantageous dispersal at an aquatic disposal site. The apparatus includes a hopper discharging to a large high volume, low head marine pump supplied with water and power by umbilical attachment to an excavating dredge. The hopper is preferably placed aboard a bottom dump barge for receiving and loading the processed dredge materials from a clam shell dredge. In operation, the dredge excavates solid dredge materials and discharges the materials onto the hopper placed on the barge. The hopper has a grate through which the dredged material falls to affect initial screening of dredged debris as well as breakup of the solids. A matrix of water jets impacts the debris falling from the grate where after the dredged material is passed through a pump in intermittent batches creating a slurry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for injecting material into a waste sludge lagoon and mixing the material in the lagoon to solidify and stabilize the waste in-situ. The apparatus includes a slotted bucket adapted to be secured to the articulated arm of a backhoe or like equipment. The bucket has a manifold in the upper interior portion thereof which is coupled to a source of the additive or reagent material to be dispensed under pressure. In a preferred embodiment the material is a dry powder which is dispensed pneumatically through the manifold into the bucket and the waste as the bucket is moved back and forth through the waste lagoon. The manifold preferably is a cylinder having mutually spaced holes, slots or nozzles. The bucket also may have a vane structure across the scoop opening for further agitation of the sludge as it enters or leaves the bucket.

Abstract: A system for removably mounting a trenching attachment to hook and eye mounts on an end of a power unit. The trenching attachment includes a mounting frame having hook-engaging shafts and eye-engaging pins, a head drive assembly, a trenching boom assembly pivotally mounted to the head drive assembly, and a hydraulic boom cylinder for raising and lowering the boom assembly with respect to the mounting frame. With the boom assembly supported in a three-point stance adjacent the power unit, the cylinder is actuated in a first direction to rotate the mounting frame with respect to the boom assembly, and engage the shafts with the mounting frame hooks. Further actuation of the cylinder in the first direction rotates the mounting frame with respect to the boom assembly and power unit until the mounting frame pins are adjacent the mount eyes. A grease cylinder on the mounting frame is actuated to extend the pins and engage the mount eyes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for injecting material into a waste sludge lagoon and mixing the material in the lagoon to solidify and stabilize the waste in-situ. The apparatus includes a slotted bucket adapted to be secured to the articulated arm of a backhoe or like equipment. The bucket has a manifold in the upper interior portion thereof which is coupled to a source of the additive or reagent material to be dispensed under pressure. In a preferred embodiment the material is a dry powder which is dispensed pneumatically through the manifold into the bucket and the waste as the bucket is moved back and forth through the waste lagoon. The manifold preferably is a cylinder having mutually spaced holes, slots or nozzles. The bucket also may have a vane structure across the scoop opening for further agitation of the sludge as it enters or leaves the bucket.

Abstract: The payload capacity of an excavating dipper or bucket for a power shovel or dragline is increased by providing an upper bucket portion having support brackets and the strength to support the rated load of the dipper and a disposable lower portion having opposed sidewalls and a bottomwall of a material thickness less than the upper sidewalls and topwall. The lower sidewalls are secured to the upper sidewalls by interference fitted retaining pins disposed in machined bores formed in the upper sidewalls and the lower sidewalls, respectively. The upper sidewalls may be modified to provide spaced-apart plate members which define a slot for receiving the lower sidewall portions, respectively.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus connected to a prime mover having first and second jaws, the first jaw connected and configured to approximate a grading blade for a bulldozer, and the second jaw connected to the first jaw in one of two orientations, 180 degrees apart and about vertical axis. The jaws also have open and closed positions, defining four extreme positions. The combined first and second jaws define either a bucket, or when the second jaw is extended away from the grader blade a clam shell type bucket, or a pincer type grappler.

Abstract: An apparatus for dredging using a pump which forms a highly pressurized, rotating stream of liquid which is directed down the inlet conduit to a discharge and the momentum and energy of the rotating stream is transferred to the solids and liquids, suspending the solids to agitate and separate the same to make the solids more easily suspended. The agitated solids and liquids flow upwardly in a counter-flowing outer annular stream around the downward flowing, rotating stream. The pump is very lightweight as compared to conventional centrifugal dredging pumps and is operated at high speeds, for examble 1,000-2,000 rpm to eliminate the usual speed reducers to prevent cavitation when using the centrifugal pumps.

Abstract: A cutting edge member for fitting onto an excavation apparatus wherein the cutting edge member is of softer material than iron for digging around pipelines.

Abstract: A tooth point having key slots top and bottom wherein the rear walls of the slots are outwardly convergent relative to the front walls to permit receipt of a curved locking pin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the cost and environmental impact of excavating and disposing of dredging spoils resulting from the construction and/or maintenance of waterways wherein the reaction of aerially jetting a slurry is used to at least assist in effecting movement of the dredge and the spoil falls as a spray at a distance from the dredge to form a relatively wide and thin dispersal usually laterally disposed to the dredged area.

Abstract: Shallow angle furrows between crop beds are reshaped and cleaned in one pass using a tractor-towed implement having angularly even-spaced cutter blades mounted in tiers on drums for rotation about generally vertical axes, perpendicular to the furrow walls on opposing, angularly adjustable decks. The blades of the lower tier are angled to cut into the wall material laterally, parallel to the wall slope, without destroying the root structure of protective sod covering. The cut material is lifted up to the upper tier blades which are offset and lagged so as to eject the cut material up and beyond the furrow wall edges following cutting, in one continuous operation. Plates and pivotal deflectors mounted at the edges of the decks, direct the discharge of cut material. A bell crank and pivotal linkage provides for hydraulically assisted raising and lowering of the apparatus from and into ground contact.

Abstract: Excavating apparatus and methods for breaking and removing material away from an upright face of material are disclosed. The apparatus employs a rotary cutter for dislodging material from the face. A collector pan extends transversely across the front end of the apparatus. The cutter is elevationally movable relative to the collector pan in both longitudinal and elevational directions above and below the collector pan front edge, and btween positions located longitudinally outward and rearward of the collector pan front transverse edge. A combination grading and collecting device is mounted at an elevational positon below the collector pan front transverse edge. It functions to both gather material dislodged by the cutter and to form surfaces over which the apparatus travels.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing submerged sandwaves includes a transversely elongate manifold having an array of parallel, transversely spaced-apart fluid jets and an elongate eductor plate parallel to and spaced apart from the manifold so as to form a transverse orifice therebetween located above the outlets of the jets. The manifold and eductor plate are suspended above the riverbed by a pair of trailing arms pivotally connected to a barge. A pump on the barge takes water out of the river and pumps it down one of the trailing arms to the submerged manifold where it is ejected from the jets of the array in a transversely-extending, substantially planar flow parallel to the riverbed. The decreased pressure of the high-velocity water ejected from the jets draws surrounding river water down through the orifice between the manifold and the eductor plate adding significantly to the volumetric flow rate, and the combined flow errodes the riverbed.

Abstract: A bumper mounting assembly for a vehicle of the type having a frame, a snowplow blade mounting device mounted on the frame, and a bumper comprising a pair of outer sections and a center section. The bumper sections each have a similar contour, and the outer sections each have an inboard and an outboard end and the center section has a pair of outboard ends. The bumper mounting assembly comprises a pair of mounting brackets which generally are mirror images of each other. Each bracket is an integral one-piece member and includes a plate and first and second bars which extend outwardly in opposite directions from and are generally offset from each other by the plate. Each bar has a contour generally similar to the contour of the bumper sections, and the second bar and the plate define a recess in the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for mining cobalt rich crust deposits existing on or near the surfaces of seamounts on the bottom of the sea uses a continuous line bucket method with a mining ship which mounts said device thereon. The device is equipped at optimal locations with an endless rope, a driving mechanism, a large number of dredge buckets, a guide wheel on paying out side, a guide wheel on pulling up side and devices for maneuvering the ship. The endless rope is paid out from the ship with the large number of dredge buckets attached thereon to dredge off and mine the crusts while the mining ship is steered ahead.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for the building or restoration of marshes and beaches wherein a slurry of solid material and water is formed at one location and pumped to a remote location for uniform distribution of the slurry over a large area to substantially increase the elevation for the purpose of building a marsh, restoring a beach, or the like. The slurry is distributed by a high pressure nozzle uniformly directing a spray which falls in a mist over the area on which the slurry is deposited to produce a significant elevational increase in the area. The nozzle may make alternate directional sweeps, or rotate in a common direction to cover a circular area, with various adjustable vertical angles and pressure variations to control distribution.