Abstract: A rake compactor and helical paddle wheel system for an aquatic harvester, the rake compactor of which includes a carriage or trolley movably and horizontally mounted by means of rollers on rails above the deck of the aquatic harvester and characterized by a dual endless chain drive system for selectively moving the trolley forwardly and rearwardly above the deck and a rake pivoted to the trolley for engaging, loading, compacting and unloading aquatic growth harvested by the aquatic harvester and deposited on the harvester deck. Dual, independently driven, helical paddle wheels serve to drive and maneuver the aquatic harvester.

Abstract: A compactor and dual paddle wheel mechanism for an aquatic harvester which includes a carriage movably mounted by means of rollers on the deck of the aquatic harvester and characterized by a serpentine chain drive system for selectively moving the carriage forwardly and rearwardly on the deck, and a rake pivoted to the carriage for engaging, relocating, compacting and unloading aquatic growth harvested by the aquatic harvester and deposited on the harvester deck. Dual, independently driven paddle wheels, which include rotating drums shaped by multiple drum panels and spaced drum closure panels, with paddles extending radially from the drums and securely anchored by braces located inside the drums serve to drive and maneuver the aquatic harvester.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and permitting swivel movement through 360.degree. of an engine driven aerodynamic propeller type of propulsion and steering unit such as used on aquatic craft. The engine and propeller are mounted on a pedestal which in turn is mounted to swivel about an axis substantially normal to the boat deck. The engine throttle cable is connected to an unique universal coupling which permits axially reciprocal movement of the throttle cable, and thereby control of the engine, independent of either the position of the engine or the extent of the rotational movement of the propulsion unit relative to the platform on which it is mounted. The propeller is connected to the engine by a centrifugal clutch to permit the engine to be started and idled without operating as a propulsion device.

Abstract: An aquatic plant sampler which includes an aquatic craft characterized by a plurality of pontoons secured to a flat deck member and propelled and steered by a dual power system including an above water air propulsion system and an underwater, inboard, outboard or inboard-outboard propulsion system. The aquatic plant sampler is further characterized by a sampling bucket fitted with a chain driven cutter system, which bucket is capable of being lowered through a hole provided in the center of the barge to collect aquatic plant specimens and water bottom samples for analysis with a view toward controlling such aquatic vegetation in lakes, rivers and reservoirs.