Abstract: A device for collecting manganese nodules or the like from the ocean floor having a frame that is drawn across the ocean floor, a cylinder rotating around a horizontal axis which has on its circumference brushes for picking up manganese nodules in the circumferential direction. A screen surrounds the rear half of the cylinder. Hook-like rods mounted on the screen terminate in prongs pointing in the traction direction for digging out manganese nodules. The bristles can be made of bronze and are in the form of ribs running in the axial direction of the cylinder. Because of the brushes, the jamming of the nodules is prevented and at the same time a cleaning action is performed on the nodules.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the recovery of sediments from the sea bottom, a suction head is lowered into the sediment and continuously moved in the sediment. The suction head includes loosening means in the form of a pivot plate with blades which pivot relative to the suction head in response to continuous movement of the suction head to scrape the sediment to loosen it.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the recovery of sediments from the sea bottom, a suction head having a mouth is lowered into the sediment, raised from the sediment to form a depression, laterally moved to a new location adjacent the first depression, and the cycle is repeated to form a new depression. The suction head includes loosening means in the form of a worm or flukes which exert a low frictional resistance with respect to the sediment during lowering of the suction head and high frictional resistance when the head is being raised from the sediment.