Abstract: A multi-stage seafloor mining system that has at least concentration stage, a reclamation stage, and a haulage stage. The system includes a concentrating system (50) that processes seafloor materials, a reclaimer machine (300) that collects the processed seafloor materials, and a mechanical haulage system (40) that receives the processed seafloor materials collected by the reclaimer machine (300) and conveys discrete parcels of the processed seafloor materials to a surface vessel (100).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 23, 2019
Date of Patent:
December 14, 2021
Assignee:
Nautilus Minerals Singapore Pte Ltd
Inventors:
John Michael Parianos, Roland Gunter Berndt, Sean Michael Plunkett
Abstract: A seafloor haulage system (10), for lifting seafloor materials from the seafloor to the surface, that has a line member (150), preferably synthetic rope, that extends at least partially between the seafloor and the surface and a container (400), preferably a plurality of containers, capable of carrying a load connected to the line member (150). The containers have a steerable element (410), such as a rudder, that enables the container to manoeuvre as it is propelled, typically towed by the line member, through the water.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 19, 2015
Date of Patent:
January 5, 2021
Assignee:
Nautilus Minerals Singapore Pte Ltd.
Inventors:
John Michael Parianos, Roland Gunter Berndt, Sean Michael Plunkett
Abstract: A seafloor nodule concentrating system is provided. The seafloor nodule concentrating system has a surface vessel and an undersea steering vehicle secured to the surface vessel. The undersea steering vehicle is adapted to be towed by the surface vessel. The seafloor nodule concentrating system also has a nodule collecting apparatus connected to the undersea steering vehicle. The nodule collecting apparatus is located on the seafloor. The seafloor nodule concentrating system also has a position determination device adapted to determine the position of the nodule collecting apparatus and communicate position information of the nodule collecting apparatus to the undersea steering vehicle and surface vessel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 11, 2014
Date of Patent:
June 26, 2018
Assignee:
NAUTILUS MINERALS SINGAPORE PTE LTD
Inventors:
Malcolm Leishman Roper, Sean Michael Plunkett, John Michael Parianos, Roland Gunter Berndt
Abstract: A seafloor vertical hoisting system for hoisting ore from the seafloor, the hoisting system comprising a drive mechanism, at least one line adapted to be driven by the drive mechanism, a plurality of containers adapted to be operatively attached to the at least one line, a first casing adapted to at least partially encase the at least one line and the plurality of containers as they are hoisted relative to the seafloor and a second casing adapted to at least partially encase the at least one line and the plurality of containers as they are lowered towards the seafloor.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 3, 2014
Publication date:
October 27, 2016
Applicant:
NAUTILUS MINERALS SINGAPORE PTE LTD
Inventors:
John Michael Parianos, Roland Gunter Berndt