Abstract: A clamshell bucket assembly including first and second pivotally connected steel bucket halves rotating between open and closed positions and including sediment retention bars secured between the overlapping sides define a scoop for permitting outflow of water while retaining a volume of a dredged material. Weld rivets provide reinforced securing of the side and bottom steel portions of each bucket half and extend a thickness of the bucket halves to prevent fracturing at the welded interface. Upper and lower sheave assemblies provide increased durability and wear resistance during repetitive opening and closing of the mechanical bucket halves. The sheaves each include a central pin supporting hub collar formed from a plurality of progressively inwardly stepped and stacked disc shaped plates, these being initially sectioned from a hardened steel sheet and welded to form the hub at the highest zone or area of stress exerted upon the sheave during operation of the bucket.

Abstract: A clamshell bucket assembly including first and second pivotally connected steel bucket halves rotating between open and closed positions and including sediment retention bars secured between the overlapping sides define a scoop for permitting outflow of water while retaining a volume of a dredged material. Weld rivets provide reinforced securing of the side and bottom steel portions of each bucket half and extend a thickness of the bucket halves to prevent fracturing at the welded interface. Upper and lower sheave assemblies provide increased durability and wear resistance during repetitive opening and closing of the mechanical bucket halves. The sheaves each include a central pin supporting hub collar formed from a plurality of progressively inwardly stepped and stacked disc shaped plates, these being initially sectioned from a hardened steel sheet and welded to form the hub at the highest zone or area of stress exerted upon the sheave during operation of the bucket.

Abstract: A dredging bucket having a head subassembly including an inner rotatable head and an outer head angularly supported by the inner head between level and tilted orientations. First and second opposing bucket halves supported by the outer head and pivotally actuating between closed and opened positions. A pair of T-links incorporated into spaced apart and coaxial pivot locations defined between the bucket halves, each of the T-links having a central stopping bar which, upon the bucket halves rotating to a maximum degree associated with the opened position, contacting end locations defined in upper edge profiles of the bucket halves in order to prevent further opening rotation.

Abstract: A tilt adjustable head attachment assembly for a clamshell style bucket for orienting first and second bucket halves at an angle relative to a length axis extending through an elongated and rigid attachment associated with a piece of power equipment, for supporting and manipulating the bucket. A frame has a three dimensional body, upwardly extending pillar mounts located at upper ends of the body and incorporating support shafts for receiving overlapping hinged locations associated with support arms for each of the first and second clamshell bucket halves. A platen is positioned pivotally arranged between the pillar mounts and includes an upper location engaged by an end projection of the elongated attachment.

Abstract: A dredging bucket having a head subassembly including an inner rotatable head and an outer head angularly supported by the inner head between level and tilted orientations. First and second opposing bucket halves supported by the outer head and pivotally actuating between closed and opened positions. A pair of T-links incorporated into spaced apart and coaxial pivot locations defined between the bucket halves, each of the T-links having a central stopping bar which, upon the bucket halves rotating to a maximum degree associated with the opened position, contacting end locations defined in upper edge profiles of the bucket halves in order to prevent further opening rotation.

Abstract: A tilt adjustable head attachment assembly for a clamshell style bucket for orienting first and second bucket halves at an angle relative to a length axis extending through an elongated and rigid attachment associated with a piece of power equipment, for supporting and manipulating the bucket. A frame has a three dimensional body, upwardly extending pillar mounts located at upper ends of the body and incorporating support shafts for receiving overlapping hinged locations associated with support arms for each of the first and second clamshell bucket halves. A platen is positioned pivotally arranged between the pillar mounts and includes an upper location engaged by an end projection of the elongated attachment.

Abstract: A power bucket is disclosed having a first and second bucket half, each forming a scoop. The bucket halves are pivotally secured together along their top so that the bucket halves are movable between an open position and a closed position. A pair of bearing assemblies is provided for pivotally securing the bucket halves together with the bearing assemblies being provided on opposite sides of the bucket halves. Each bearing assembly includes a cylindrical body having a smaller diameter pin extending coaxially outwardly from one side. The pin is positioned within an opening in the first bucket half and the cylindrical body is removably secured to the first bucket half by bolts. The cylindrical body of the bearing assembly is also positioned within a circular opening formed through the other bucket half so that the bucket halves can pivot relative to each other. An improved cantilevered axle assembly is also disclosed for the bucket closure line.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for containment of contaminants during an underwater dredging operation. The apparatus includes an elongated anchor which is adapted to lie on a water bed. A flexible sheet which is substantially impervious to silt has a bottom edge secured to the anchor. A float is secured to the top edge of the sheet so that the sheet forms a dam and prevents contaminated silt from passing from one side of the sheet to the other. In practice, a plurality of these sheets and anchors are disposed around and enclose a contaminated area thus maintaining silt within the interior of the enclosed area.

Abstract: A power bucket for loading and unloading cargo. The bucket includes a first and second bucket half wherein each bucket half has a top, a closed bottom, an open inside end and a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. The buckets are pivotally secured together at their top by two spaced apart trunnions so that the bucket halves are movable between an open and a closed position. A head is disposed above the bucket while at least one cable extends between the head and each bucket half. A closure cable extends around at least one pulley rotatably mounted to one bucket half and is secured to the other bucket half for moving the bucket halves between an open and a closed position. This closure cable also extends through a guide loop attached to the head.

Abstract: A power shovel is disclosed for loading and unloading cargo. The bucket includes a first bucket half and a second bucket half wherein each bucket half has a top, a closed bottom, a front wall and a back wall which are spaced apart from each other, a closed outside wall and an open inside. The bucket halves are pivotally secured together at their tops so that the bucket halves are movable between an open and a closed position. In their closed position, the open inside of the bucket halves register with each other so that cargo is contained within the bucket. A head is disposed above the bucket and is attached to the bucket by four elongated cables. Two cables are attached to the outside corners of one bucket half while, similarly, the other two cables are secured to the outside corners of the other bucket half.