Patents by Inventor Yves Corfa

Yves Corfa has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus for mining nodules beneath the sea
    Patent number: 4343098
    Abstract: Polymetallic nodules are collected by means of a plurality of self-propelled vehicles which move upwards and downwards between the sea floor and a surface platform under the action of excess ballast which is partially and progressively released as the vehicle approaches the bottom. The vehicles are propelled along the sea floor by means of at least two supporting units each having at least one helical propulsion fin, the remainder of the ballast being released in order to return the vehicles upwards for docking, unloading and energy-recharging in the surface platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Commissariate a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pierre Balligand, Yves Corfa, Pierre Lemercier, Paul Marchal, Jean Vertut
  • Method and apparatus for mining nodules from beneath the sea
    Patent number: 4231171
    Abstract: Polymetallic nodules are collected by means of a plurality of self-propelled vehicles which move upwards and downwards between the sea floor and a surface platform under the action of excess ballast which is partially and progressively released as the vehicle approaches the bottom. The vehicles are propelled along the sea floor by means of at least two supporting units each having at least one helical propulsion fin, the remainder of the ballast being released in order to return the vehicles upwards for docking, unloading and energy-recharging in the surface platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pierre Balligand, Yves Corfa, Pierre Lemercier, Paul Marchal, Jean Vertut