Abstract: A system for aquatic plant processing includes a harvester, which includes a nozzle assembly and optionally a pump assembly; and a transport subsystem. Additionally or alternatively, the system can include and/or interface with any or all of: a conduit, a collection assembly, a control subsystem, a sensor subsystem, a pond, and/or any other suitable components. A method for harvesting includes operating the harvesting system in a set of one or more operation modes.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and system for economically and efficiently harvesting and controlling the growth of aquatic vegetation.

Abstract: Apparatus for removal and collection of duckweed from a body of water comprising an engine, a turbine duckweed collection assembly having a housing with a duckweed collection inlet, a duckweed discharge outlet, and a well located between collection inlet and discharge outlet, a series of spaced elements supported on a rotatable shaft and located within well with the shaft connected to the combustible engine to rotationally drive spaced elements within well to create a vortex pumping action in the body of water drawing free floating duckweed into collection inlet, through well and out from discharge outlet, a platform supporting combustible engine and turbine duckweed collection assembly in an upright condition, and a collection manifold assembly connected to discharge outlet and includes a water permeable collection bag receiving and collecting duckweed while allowing water to escape therethrough and return back to the body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cutting tools, in particular, to control systems for cutters such as vegetation cutters, especially hedge cutters or trimmers (10). Hedge cutters (10) frequently suffer in use from a problem of blocked cutting blades when they encounter a twig or branch whose size or density exceeds the capacity of the blades. We describe a vegetation cutting apparatus (10) having a plurality of cutting blades (11,12), at least one of which blades (11,12) is drivable by an electric motor. At least one driven blade (11,12) is movable between two predefined points of maximum travel. The apparatus (10) includes a control mechanism which causes a change of direction in the movement of the at least one movable blade at a point intermediate the points of maximum travel in response to an event sensed by the control mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting algal growth on an algal growth medium that is arranged within a floway containing water. A cable coupled to the algal growth medium is pulled by a pulling unit to draw the algal growth medium along the floway and past a vacuum positioned adjacent the algal growth medium. Suction from the vacuum is used to remove or harvest the algal growth on the algal growth medium.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in treating periodontitis include a Del-1 polypeptide.

Abstract: Contaminating material is extracted from a body of water by providing a floating bed on which plants such as Cat Tails can be grown with their roots hanging into the body of water over an area where extraction of contaminating material from the body of water is required, growing the plants to take up the contaminating material from the body of water and harvesting the upstanding plant mass by moving the bed to a harvesting machine which cuts away the plant mass leaving at least part of the root mass to continue growing into a new season. The bed can be returned to a location for the next season.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dredging sediment from aquatic environments and cutting aquatic vegetation therein includes using a cutterhead mounted to a dredge. The cutterhead may be mounted to a shroud, the cutterhead including a rotating drum having an array of teeth assemblies which auger cut vegetation toward a port in the shroud for discharge via a pump. The shroud also includes stationary cutterbars having cutterbar teeth assemblies. The teeth assemblies preferably include back-to-back tooth pairs wherein individual teeth have a flat backside and a raised or convex front side which may be provided with serrated cutting margins. Using back-to-back tooth pairs enables cutting of more types and sizes of aquatic vegetation, reducing downtime due to clogging, bending or breakage versus conventional single teeth cutterheads. The shroud may include an upwardly and/or forwardly extending shield along its top front edge to deflect water and/or vegetation back toward the drum.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus for extracting material from liquid comprises a transport member comprising at least one continuous loop configured to pass through a continuous orbit. The material adheres to at least a portion of the continuous loop and a scraping member urges against a portion of the continuous loop to remove at least some of the material. The apparatus can be a harvester that includes a frame. A first conveyor drum for engaging the transport member can be supported at the first end of the frame. A second conveyor drum can be supported adjacent the second end of the frame and also engage the transport member. The continuous loop can extend between the first conveyor drum and the second conveyor drum and frictionally engage at least a portion of each of the respective outer surfaces the drums.

Abstract: Watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts are utilized for fishing and network communication. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a water craft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another, aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus for extracting material from liquid comprises a transport member comprising at least one continuous loop configured to pass through a continuous orbit. The material adheres to at least a portion of the continuous loop and a scraping member urges against a portion of the continuous loop to remove at least some of the material. The apparatus can be a harvester that includes a frame. A first conveyor drum for engaging the transport member can be supported at the first end of the frame. A second conveyor drum can be supported adjacent the second end of the frame and also engage the transport member. The continuous loop can extend between the first conveyor drum and the second conveyor drum and frictionally engage at least a portion of each of the respective outer surfaces the drums.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lake weed harvester, and in particular to a machine that removes lake weed and deposits it via a transport assembly onto a hopper, and then removes the lake weed via the same transport assembly from the hopper. In one embodiment, the harvester comprises a boat supporting a deck, a hopper, a control station and a transport assembly operable from the control station. The transport assembly can have a conveyor and a roller that combine to pull weeds at their roots. The transport assembly can pivot between a first position wherein weeds are harvested and deposited via an inclined plane into a hopper, and a second position wherein the weeds are removed from the hopper and transported to a disposal point also via an inclined plane. The transport assembly can selectively oriented under operation of actuators.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting a material from a body of liquid and methods therefore are disclosed. A transport member comprises at least one continuous loop configured to pass through a continuous orbit. The material sufficiently adheres to at least a portion of the at least one continuous loop. A scraping member urges against at least a portion of the continuous loop for removing at least some of any of the material adhered to the continuous loop. Such an apparatus can be a harvester that includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A first conveyor drum can be supported by the frame adjacent the first end and can have an outer surface for engaging the transport member. A second conveyor drum can be supported adjacent the second end and can have an outer surface for engaging the transport member.

Abstract: In one aspect of watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts, an anchor point is obtained and a watercraft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body. Various plants for cultivating algae for use in construction material are disclosed. Plants utilizing gravity harvest comprise cultivation ponds located at a slope, wherein the ponds can be opened to allow algae and water to flow downhill through a collector grill. Plants utilizing net harvest, overflow harvest or rake harvest are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting algal growth on an algal growth medium that is arranged within a floway containing water. A cable coupled to the algal growth medium is pulled by a pulling unit to draw the algal growth medium along the floway and past a vacuum positioned adjacent the algal growth medium. Suction from the vacuum is used to remove or harvest the algal growth on the algal growth medium.

Abstract: A waterborne vegetation harvesting apparatus includes a watercraft, a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt carried by the watercraft and at least one vegetation shredder disposed in communication with the conveyor assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., pollutant biomass from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of biomass, and further having structure for collecting the biomass. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Some implementations convert the collected biomass into biofuel. Some implementations initially employ the biomass to remediate an aquatic body.

Abstract: Method for harvesting algae and/or plants in an open and continuous system whereby the algae and/or plants are grown on a submersed substratum, wherein the substratum is moved during growing of the algae or plants.

Abstract: An aquatic weed harvester includes an open frame and a tubular mesh harvesting material that is secured to the open frame via a series of hooks disposed about the harvesting frame. The frame can be secured to a bow of a floatable structure or vessel via a variety of configurations, such as a pair of mounting channels or a rotating frame assembly. The rotating frame assembly allows the user to rotate the harvester between an in use orientation and a stored orientation. When placed in a stored orientation, the harvester opening is rotated upwards aiding the user in sealing the harvesting bag. The vessel preferably is designed having a split bow, where the weed harvester is positioned between the two bow extensions.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a frame-truss subassembly, to which are attached an internal subassembly for directing a flow of encountered water during dragging and a subassembly for collecting and discharging shellfish. An external subassembly is used for encasing the frame-truss subassembly together with the internal subassembly and the subassembly for collecting and discharging shellfish. The frame-truss subassembly includes a pair of lateral trusses, spaced at a distance commensurable with a width of the assembly. The internal subassembly includes an anterior panel with a forwards oriented concavity and a posterior panel with a backwards oriented concavity. The subassembly for collecting and discharging, disposed behind the internal subassembly includes a louver platform, a grid receptacle supported by the platform and a mechanism for topple over the grid receptacle. At least two sets of a multiplicity of hinged flaps are used.

Abstract: A weeder for a pond, it mainly has a handle unit provided on one end of a long pipe, and has thereon a switch and a set of power source equipment; the other end the long pipe is provided sequentially with an electric device, a knife/blade device and a sucking mouth piece unit. The electric device is provided with a motor to make rotation of the blade and the knife, thereby a sucking mouth piece of the sucking mouth piece unit can suck in weeds or dirt in water of the pond, the matter sucked in is minced by the rotating knife and then is removed by exhausting outwards.

Abstract: A portable dredging apparatus comprising a cutter housing in communication with a hydraulic power supply and a discharge pump through lengths of tubing whereby said cutter housing is submersible. The cutter housing is comprised of a platform having walls depending therefrom with the cutter blade positioned therewithin and height adjustable wheels exteriorly located on opposing sides. Also extending between the walls proximate to the cutter blade is an angularly positioned wiper element designed to dislodge debris caught between the teeth of the cutter blade. Angularly depending screen situated between the wiper blade and discharge port located in the rear wall prevent objects larger than the screen mesh from discharge port passage. Releasably fastened to the exterior side of the discharge port is an appropriate length of flexible conduit terminating at a remote discharge pump with additional conduit extending from the discharge pump to a desired debris discharge location.

Abstract: A deck slotted into a left and a right deck halves in spaced apart positions so as to provide a slot therebetween. On each of the deck halves a pair of drums are mounted for rotation. Around each of the pairs of drums a rubber belt is engaged so that the rubber belts are in spaced apart adjacency. A motor is linked with at least one of the drums for rotating at least one of the rubber belts. A pair of rigid wires extends divergently forward from a forward end of the deck. A chamber is positioned rearwardly of the deck in a position for accepting aquatic growth moving between the rubber belts and in the slot in rearward motion. A hose is engaged rearwardly on the chamber for drawing the growth by suction into the hose.

Abstract: An improved self-propelled harvester. The self-propelled harvester passes through a field to be harvested, while laborers place produce on a conveyor belt thereon. The produce is passed through a washing station, where it is preferably exposed to sideward and downward spray. Thereafter, the produce is transported upward along an elevator belt assembly, toward a trailer. The elevator belt assembly preferably has a plurality of flights located on rods positioned between side belts. The rods are spaced sufficiently so that leaves, debris and excess water can readily pass therethrough.

Abstract: An aquatic weeding device is provided for removing aquatic vegetation from a body of water and transporting the vegetation to a desired location. The weeder includes at least one weeding element connected with respect to a vessel for collecting aquatic vegetation, an extendable and retractable weed transporter positioned on the vessel for transporting the cut vegetation to a desired location, and a weed transferor positioned on the vessel for transferring the collected vegetation from the weeding element to the weed transporter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing water hyacinths. The system of the present invention utilizes a transfer mechanism and grapple to collect hyacinth material from a body of water. The collected material is then passed to a transport for delivery to a header unit and grapple. The header unit grapple then retrieves the hyacinth material and delivers it to a collection bin for processing. The chopped hyacinth material is thereafter discharged for subsequent use as a biomass.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for removing water hyacinths. The system of the present invention utilizes a transfer mechanism and grapple to collect hyacinth material from a body of water. The collected material is then passed to a transport for delivery to a header unit and grapple. The header unit grapple then retrieves the hyacinth material and delivers it to a collection bin for processing. The chopped hyacinth material is thereafter discharged for subsequent use as a biomass.

Abstract: A tracked amphibious vehicle with aquatic vegetation shredder includes an amphibious vehicle having a buoyant hull, an endless track supported on the hull, and an aquatic vegetation shredding assembly supported on the hull. The endless track is operable to propel the vehicle on land and through water. These features cooperatively provide a tractional vehicle that is capable of carrying relatively heavier loads than other aquatic vegetation shredders (e.g., the amphibious vehicle can support larger volume shredding assemblies and therefore shred larger volumes of aquatic vegetation than current shredders—up to 5-10 acres per hour). The amphibious vehicle with shredding assembly is particularly effective in shallow water and no water environments (e.g., in and around bodies of water that experience tide conditions and thus have aquatic vegetation growing in shallow water and on dry land).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing water hyacinths. The system of the present invention utilizes a transfer mechanism and grapple to collect hyacinth material from a body of water. The collected material is then passed to a transport for delivery to a header unit and grapple. The header unit grapple then retrieves the hyacinth material and delivers it to a collection bin for processing. The chopped hyacinth material is thereafter discharged for subsequent use as a biomass.

Abstract: Sprouting beans refining apparatus is provided wherein refuse matters of hulls, trashes, small roots, etc. are removed of sprouting beans efficiently. Sprouting beans raked up by raking-up conveyor 1 are caused to fall down on endless flat belt 6 which is supported by vibration frame 3inclinedly upwardly toward moving direction. Sprouting beans on the endless flat belt are sent downwardly by vibration of the vibration frame 3 to fall down on lower endless flat belt 6. Refuse matters of roots, trashes, etc. contained in the sprouting beans attach to surface of the endless flat belt 6 and are transferred together with the endless flat belt 6 to be removed off by scraper 12. Refined sprouting beans are discharged from lower end of the endless flat belt 6 of lowermost stage.

Abstract: The water vegetation removal system includes a stationary barge and at least one motorboat equipped with a plow blade or vegetation rake for plowing vegetation on the surface of a body of water into the vicinity of the barge. The system includes a barge with a diesel engine mounted at one end and a pump box attached to the barge which provides a watertight chamber for housing a dredge pump powered by the engine. A hopper box with a spillway gate which may be lowered to admit water is attached to the pump box. A water tray is formed by a pair of walls hingedly attached to the hopper box to funnel vegetation into the hopper box. Vegetation is drawn into the water tray and hopper box by suction applied by an intake pipe from the dredge pump which extends into the hopper box. Vegetation is drawn into the pump and macerated, then discharged through a flexible discharge pipe to the shore for transport.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for harvesting aquaculture from a body of water. The apparatus includes a continuous belt which is partially submerged in the water. A flow of water is created which forces aquaculture against the moving belt and the belt then lifts the aquaculture into the vessel. The aquaculture is then deposited on a moving belt which initially filters out a selected species from the aquaculture and deposits the selected species in a settling compartment. The selected species is then pumped from the settling compartment to a second compartment. The selected species may then be passed through another filtering system comprised of a tube with a formed wire spirally wound thereabout. The spacing between the wound wire may be varied so that only the selected species having a specific size may pass therethrough.

Abstract: A collection assembly for harvesting brine shrimp eggs from a body of water is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a base member which may be positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation, means for extracting the brine shrimp eggs from the body of water, and means for positioning the extraction means such that the extraction means is at least three inches vertically from the base member. In one presently preferred embodiment, the collection assembly includes a back wall positioned at an angle to the base member. The back wall may be connected to and positioned substantially perpendicular to the base member so as to form an L-shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting brine shrimp eggs from a body of water involving the use of an elongated member comprising buoyant material which enables the elongated member to float at or near the surface of the body of water and a water-permeable member positioned downwardly from the elongated member so as to enable the water-permeable member to be positioned below the surface of the body of water. The water-permeable member is configured so as to be substantially impermeable to brine shrimp eggs and substantially prevents brine shrimp eggs from escaping harvest as the apparatus is moved through the body of water to collect the brine shrimp eggs. In one presently preferred embodiment, the water-permeable member comprises a porous screen. One or more reinforcement members may also be included to protect the porous screen from tearing, puncture, or other damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting and cleaning brine shrimp eggs on the open water is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a buoyant support frame having a collection assembly operably disposed in relation thereto. A concentration member provides a means for collecting a naturally occurring mixture of brine shrimp eggs and debris floating at or near the surface of a body of water. The concentration member provides means for concentrating the mixture of brine shrimp eggs and debris into a concentrated egg/debris mud mixture having a general thickness of about 7.5 cm to 45 cm (3 inches to 18 inches). Engageably disposed in relation to the collection assembly, an extraction apparatus provides a means for transporting the concentrated egg/debris mud mixture introduced into the collection assembly to a filtering/cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A rake compactor and helical paddle wheel system for an aquatic harvester, the rake compactor of which includes a carriage or trolley movably and horizontally mounted by means of rollers on rails above the deck of the aquatic harvester and characterized by a dual endless chain drive system for selectively moving the trolley forwardly and rearwardly above the deck and a rake pivoted to the trolley for engaging, loading, compacting and unloading aquatic growth harvested by the aquatic harvester and deposited on the harvester deck. Dual, independently driven, helical paddle wheels serve to drive and maneuver the aquatic harvester.

Abstract: Floating aquatic vegetation is harvest from the surface of a body of water. The vegetation is chopped or shredded when floating in situ on the body of water. The vegetation is then removed from the water surface. The chopping, shredding, tearing or other action breaks down the structure of the plants or subdivides them into smaller parts. This reduces the structure of the plant and allows it to be compacted to a much higher density mass so that it can be handled more readily. The apparatus for harvesting the vegetation includes a self-propelled vessel. A shredding head is carried on the vessel for shredding the vegetation as the platform advances thereacross and removing the shredded vegetation from the surface of the body of water. The vegetation shredding means are two rotors arranged in a shallow V arrangement across the front end of the vessel, with the point of the V directed forwardly, in the direction of travel. Rotors arranged in this way assist with the positive tracking of the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing water creepers, including a base, a crashing machine fixed on the base and a conveyor having a conveying belt surrounding a head shaft, a tail shaft and multiple intermediate shafts. The base is adapted to be located on a boat or a truck and the crashing machine includes a housing, a head portion formed with an entrance and a neck portion 180 degrees rotatably supporting the head portion. A set of twisting rollers and a set of mashing rollers are disposed in the housing for mashing the creepers. An exhausting funnel is disposed under the housing for discharging mashed creepers. A pair of fixing seats are disposed in front of the entrance for rotatably supporting the head shaft of the conveying belt. The conveying belt is disposed with multiple mesh-like taking spoons on a surface thereof and two propeller-like knife means are respectively disposed on two sides of the tail shaft of the conveying belt for previously cutting tangling creepers into small pieces.

Abstract: A method of farming in which plants are grown on a land mass adjacent to a body of water so that separated plant parts such as apples fall into the water and are harvested from the water. The land mass is sloped so that the plant parts are encouraged to enter the water. The body of water is contained in uniform canals and can be used for raising aquatic food products such as fish. Locks or a flow tube are used to interconnect water at different levels. Food products are harvested from the water using a boat, a conveyor or a water elevator which has a tube for receiving food product from the water and lifting it to a fluid displacement container using a pressurized fluid. The fluid displacement container reduces the length of fall of food product by providing a liquid surface near the top of the container. As the liquid is displaced by the food product, it leaves the container through a drain located near the top of the container.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the harvest of water hyacinths. The floating hyacinths are conveyed from their surface disposed growing disposition to a grinder. Grinding occurs with liberation of large amount of the plant contained water and exposure of the hyacinths' fibrous plant material which only becomes suitable for baling after grinding has occurred. Thereafter, the hyacinths' fibrous material is placed into a conventional baler where the now ground plant material adheres when baled into a cohesive mass. The baled fibrous material is then disposed of. For example, the baled material can be attached to rope, and pushed into the water with bales being serially attached one to another via the rope. One end of the rope is led ashore. Thereafter, the serially tethered bales are pulled floating from harvesting barge to a shore location where conventional removal of the compacted and baled fibrous biomass can occur.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting aquatic vegetation is provided which substantially reduces the tendency to wrap or clog conventional cutterheads. A cutterhead of the present invention includes a plurality of radially oriented rotatable cutting members which cooperate with stationary cutting teeth to tear weeds and other aquatic vegetation. The rotatable cutting members are preferably spirally mounted along a smooth rotatable drum to inhibit draping of the vegetation during cutting. Recessed cutting teeth are located at the ends of the drum to further inhibit aquatic vegetation from passing through gaps between the drum and the cutterhead shroud. The shroud directs the cut vegetation to a submersible pump so that it may be pumped to a remote site.

Abstract: A brine shrimp egg harvesting device is shown. The harvesting device includes wedge-oriented booms designed to concentrate the brine shrimp eggs which float at the surface of a body of water. The brine shrimp egg harvesting device also has a collector for removing the concentrated slurry of brine shrimp eggs from the water and depositing it in a collection tank. The collector comprises of scoops which may be attached to drive chains which rotate the scoops into and out of the water. As the scoop enter the water, they trap a portion of the concentrated brine shrimp eggs and water and convey the captured slurry to a collection tank for deposit. The brine shrimp egg harvesting device has a pumping system for transporting the slurry of brine shrimp eggs and water from the collection tank to one or more porous storage containers which filter out the water in the slurry.

Abstract: An aquatic plant de-rooting apparatus includes a jib and a vertically adjustable hanger to be mounted on a vessel. The hanger carries two forwardly convergent rotors, each with a series of flat blades projecting radially from it. The rotors are independently driven by hydraulic motors. The rotors act to uproot the aquatic vegetation to remove the vegetation and inhibits its future growth.

Abstract: An aquatic-weed removing machine is provided with a paddle wheel equipped with a hinged plate connected to the peripheral edge of each paddle in a manner such that as the wheel rotates, individual plates pivot from an inward folded position at the edge of the paddles to a radially extended one, falling downward by gravity as the wheel sequentially places the paddles in the lower forward quandrant of their cycle. By a combination of centrifugal force and weight, the plates are thrown into pressing contact with the top of an underlying, tangentially moving conveyor belt upon which uncut weeds are laid by forward motion of the machine in the water, causing the weeds to be tightly held on the belt and to be pulled out by the roots as both the belt and the machine continue in their directions of motion.

Abstract: Aquatic plants are harvested from a body of water. The aquatic plants are gathered from the surface of the body of water and transported to a collection zone at a collection point on the body of water. The aquatic plants are then moved from the collection zone to an aquatic plant processing station.

Abstract: A duckweed slurry is recovered from a body of water. The duckweed slurry includes duckweed and water from the body of water. The duckweed slurry is transported to a dewatering station. A majority of the water from the duckweed slurry is removed at the dewatering station. Water removed from the duckweed slurry is returned to the body of water.

Abstract: A system for continuously collecting and preserving fish eggs and larvae by pumping, concentrating, separating, and preserving samples for a specific period of time or volume. Water containing fish eggs and larvae is pumped by a centrifugal pump through smooth-walled plumbing into a headbox. Water flows out of the headbox over a sheet-metal ogee crest down over an inclined panel and then across a wedge-wire screen. Water with retained material drops through smooth-walled plumbing and a swing-joint union into a diverter arm. The swing-joint union is coupled through a chain and sprocket to a stepper motor programmable to position the diverter arm over each of the sample buckets. A peristaltic pump operates on a preset time and delivers a calculated concentration of formalin to a previously filled sample bucket.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting vegetable matter from a body of water which has a facing pair of contra-advancing gripper belts. There may be water-shedding formations on the belts and a baler at the discharge end of the belt pair. The belts can be mounted in the bow of a boat. Various movements of the belts, one relative to the other, for improved harvesting efficiency, are provided.

Abstract: An aquatic vegetation harvester comprises a barge having a vegetation cutter extending forwardly thereof and a conveyor extending aft. Hydraulic cylinders effect elevation of the aft end of the conveyor relative to the barge. A pair of laterally spaced, laterally adjustable paddle wheels on the sides of the barge effect propulsion thereof.