Abstract: Vibrations having a frequency exceeding 150 Hertz are established in a rigid body by means of a vibrator system that in one embodiment includes a pair of rotating wheels, only one of which has a weighted eccentric secured to its axle. The wheels are coupled together by an endless belt made of a material that dampens the vibrations propagating between the wheels. The unweighted wheel is driven by a flexible shaft connected to its axle. In another embodiment three wheels are used in which two are weighted at the axles. The vibrator system may be used to sink pipes and the like into the ground, or snake a sorting table employed, for example, in the mining industry or a silo hopper for discharging grain. Also disclosed is a method for sinking a pipe or the like into the ground and retrieving it after lowering it a predetermined distance. In this method, wires are attached at each end of the pipe for facilitating its downward motion and its retrieval.

Abstract: Vibrations having a frequency exceeding 150 Hertz are established in a rigid body by means of a vibrator system that in one embodiment includes a pair of rotating wheels, only one of which has a weighted eccentric secured to its axle. The wheels are coupled together by an endless belt made of a material that dampens the vibrations propagating between the wheels. The unweighted wheel is driven by a flexible shaft connected to its axle. In another embodiment three wheels are used in which two are weighted at the axles. The vibrator system may be used to sink pipes and the like into the ground, or shake a sorting table employed, for example, in the mining industry or a silo hopper for discharging grain. Also disclosed is a method for sinking a pipe or the like into the ground and retrieving it after lowering it a predetermined distance. In this method, wires are attached at each end of the pipe for facilitating its downward motion and its retrieval.

Abstract: An underwater mining or dredging apparatus having a supporting vessel and a continuous loop to which is attached a number of containers. In one embodiment, the loop is hollow and has a ballasted fluid in a lower portion while the descending portion is buoyant. This will reduce the likelihood of entanglement of the loop. In another embodiment, a weight sled is used to help gather the underwater aggregates and prevent wear of the loop. The loop may be designed to hydrodynamically resist entanglements and may be disposed laterally relative to the supporting vessel.