Abstract: A linear spacing device has first and second elongated components, which may be telescoping hollow tubes, each having linear surfaces engaging each other in sliding relationship. Each component has spaced holes disposed at regular linear intervals along its length. The intervals between the holes through the second component are different than the intervals between the holes through said first component. A pin or similar means is insertable through selected aligned holes through the first and second components to secure them in a selected orientation. Thus the overall length of the spacer can be adjusted in small increments substantially less than the diameter of the holes. The device further includes an extendable linear actuator engageable with a surface of each of the components to extend the overall length of the spacer. The actuator is removable from the device after the components are secured together.

Abstract: A linear actuator (10) comprises a slider tube (24), a mount (26) located upon the slider tube (24), slider brackets (28) through which the slider tube (24) slides, a screw rod (30) rotation of which results in translation of the slider tube (24) and the mount (26), a stop (32) and a lock nut that enable a translational setting to be set, and a buttress (36). The linear actuator (10) imparts precise translational motion to an object such as bearings (20) of a take-up pulley (18) of a conveyor (12) and is subject to forces of tension and compression in the direction of translational motion. The screw rod (30) has a first end (62) and a second end (64). Rotation of the screw rod (30) causes the first end (62) of the screw rod (30) to be inserted further within the slider tube (24) or withdrawn therefrom, depending upon the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A semi-submersible flotsam harvesting vessel is provided which has gunwale floats and a hinged bow section and which cooperates with a floating receptacle to unload the harvest. The method of harvesting includes swamping the vessel by lifting the bow section to float the flotsam into the hold, closing the bow and energizing the motor to put the hull on plane to drain the water from the flotsam for high speed travel to the floating receptacle where the vessel is again swamped to float the flotsam into the container as the vessel withdraws with bow open.

Abstract: A belt take-up for a conveyor is provided with an internal compression spring to adjustably bias the bearing support tube to control tension on the conveyor belt. A scale on the bearing tube can provide a readout of the tension. A load cell can be employed to control a circuit to stop the conveyor motor when extreme high or low tensions of the belt are sensed.

Abstract: A telescopic belt tensioner includes a pair of housings mounted to the sides of a conveyor bed. Each housing has an outer tube telescopically mounted in it, and an inner tube telescopically received within the outer tube. The inner tube includes means for rotatably supporting a conveyor belt roller. Bolt and nut means between the inner and outer tubes reciprocate the inner tube with respect to the outer tube to provide fine adjustment of the belt tension. A quick release mechanism between the housing and outer tube provides rapid adjustment of belt tension. The quick release mechanism comprises a lever mounted to the housing and a hook mounted to the outer tube, with a pivotable link connecting the lever and hook.

Abstract: Aquatic harvesting apparatus for removing waterborne vegetation from the water includes a harvesting barge with a pick-up conveyor, converging booms or pontoons pivotally connected to the barge to form a pick-up throat and a pump on the barge connected to a suction head adjacent the pick-up conveyor and in the throat to accelerate water and weed flow onto the pick-up conveyor. Discharge nozzles connected to the pump and supported adjacent the ends of the booms also induce water flow toward the pick-up throat.

Abstract: Aquatic harvesting apparatus employs a harvesting barge with vertical and horizontal weed cutters and a tunnel extending from the cutting throat through the entire length of the harvesting barge for discharge of the cut weeds into a collection container coupled to the stern. The cut vegetation is not elevated from the water during this procedure. The collection container is paneled with mesh and has a gate which can be opened to receive the weeds and closed to seal the container. The container can be towed to shore or elevated by a crane.