Abstract: A system for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from hydrates on an ocean floor includes a vessel, a positioning subsystem coupled to the vessel for holding the vessel in a desired location over a hydrate formation, a hydrate recovery subsystem coupled to the vessel for delivering hydrates from an ocean floor to the vessel and separating gas from hydrates removed from an ocean floor, a gas conversion subsystem coupled to the hydrate recovery subsystem for converting gas to liquids, and a storage and removal subsystem. Excess energy from the gas conversion subsystem is used elsewhere in the system. A method of recovering hydrates from an ocean floor is also provided.

Abstract: An ore pass rush eliminator is disclosed which includes, in the ore pass shaft, a channel formed in the base of the shaft whereby excess water can pass to waste to avoid any build up of such water. Further described are means whereby the channel may be kept clear of build up of ore by means of an endless chain.

Abstract: A self-propelled machine has an internal chamber having a conveyor mechanism extending through an opening in a wall. A buoyancy control allows admission of pressurized air into the chamber to allow adjustment of the buoyancy of the machine. A series of conveyors within the chamber convey material into the chamber which is washed to leave behind sediment and other materials. Washed nodules are conveyed to a transport machine and are stacked in the transport machine. The transport machine may be disconnected from the self-propelled machine to allow nodules to be brought to the surface. Sensors are provided in the self-propelled machine to control attitude, direction, and movement.

Abstract: Heavy media, which are heavier than the bulk density of nodules of raw deepsea mineral resources, are used to discharge the nodules on a marine ship through a lifting pipe from a sea floor U-tube connecting with a downstream pipe laid to the deepsea bottom, by operating a piston pump on the marine ship. The heavy media are fed through the downstream pipe, and when nodules mined at the deepsea floor, mainly manganese nodules and cobalt-rich crusts which contain useful heavy metal, are fed into the sea floor U-tube through feeding devices, the nodules are continuously lifted with the heavy media through the lifting pipe from the sea floor to the marine ship, by buoyant force yielding from the heavy medium. This method requires much smaller power consumption than any conventional method of lifting nodules.

Abstract: A method of transporting mud, in which mud agitated and fluidized is supplied, while being pressurized by a pressurizing vane, through a check valve to a mud supply portion, and in which pressurizing air is supplied to the mud supply portion in a mud transporting direction to transport the mud in the mud supply pipe by the air pressure. According to this method, the mud can be continuously transported without large discharge noise.

Abstract: An underwater excavator in which when energized by a supply of hydraulic oil or other means a propeller is set in motion with water being drawn through a water intake into a cylindrical tube and expelled at the water outlet to create a flow of water of sufficient volume and velocity to blow away seabed materials. Thrust and torque are counteracted by the suction force developed at the water intake. Optional filter nets or sieves may be fixed to a foot of the machine to capture samples of the material washed out of the seabed.

Abstract: Method and device for collecting objects pointing out of the bottom level of seas or corresponding water areas so that the objects are carried from the bottom by using waterflow through an intake opening of the collecting device moving on the bottom of the sea. The objects are removed from the bottom by a removing device. The lowermost part of the removing device moves at the same level with the bottom of the water area or above it. The most suitable way of removing the objects from the bottom is by using water spray, the flow power of which is controlled separately from the flow power of the water in the conveying channel.

Abstract: A jigging machine, particularly a movable sieve jigging machine, for the preseparation of deads from valuable material comprises an oscillatory jig bed in the housing filled with separating fluid and comprises deads and valuable material discharge devices located therein, as well as an oscillatory drive for the jig bed. The jigging machine is suitable for underground mining operations in that the outer dimensions of the jigging machine, with respect to the height and width theeof, are designed smaller than the tunnel cross-section of an underground mining operation. A relatively low structure is achieved by designing the housing as a flat trough towards a deads discharge end with the deads discharge being provided as a rising conveyor parallel to the bottom of the trough. Advantageously it is achieved that the quantity of deads to be conveyed is reduced and a considerable saving is provided in terms of energy and expense.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting ores from the sea bed, comprising a surface ship (1) supplying the power required for the operation of the under-water assembly and for storing the ore, a relay unit (30) connected to the ship (1) by a conduit (3, 4) for raising the ore and including ore storage, sorting and intermediate washing facilities and means for raising the ore, and vehicles (50) for travelling along the sea bottom (2) and each comprising a propulsion system and an ore pick up, washing and treating system. The apparatus also comprises an intermediate under-water station (20) interposed between the surface ship (1) and the relay unit (30) and immersed at a predetermined depth below the level of the water, so as to be always unaffected by the swell. The invention is applicable to the picking up of polymetallic nodules at great depth.

Abstract: An undersea mining apparatus including a hydraulically operated ejector pump for submerged use to provide a reduced pressure adjacent the outlet of a lift pipe, to thereby induce flow of mineral nodules from the ocean floor through the pipe. The jet flow is provided by an annular jet defined between the outlet of the lift pipe and the inlet of a dredge pipe that includes a converging-diverging venturi therewithin. The venturi is movable relative to the outlet of the lift pipe to adjust the area of the annulus defined therebetween, and thereby permit variation of the rate of flow of pressurized water and of mineral nodules therethrough.

Abstract: Metal values, particularly precious metal values, are recovered from fines on a footwall and in the fissures and cracks therein by passing a solution capable of solubilizing the metal values across the footwall. The metal values are preferably adsorbed on to a suitable support such as activated carbon underground and then the support, having the metal values adsorbed thereon, transported to the surface for further processing.

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: Apparatus for recovering metallic particles from a recovery hole formed in a sub-surface formation containing said particles, comprises(a) a barge,(b) a rotating cutter head supported by the barge for controlled bodily movement at the recovery hole and for cutting the formation adjacent said hole to form cuttings mixed with said particles,(c) hydraulic conduit means supported by the barge to deliver flushing water to the vicinity of the cutter in said recovery hole, thereby to produce a slurry of water, cuttings and metallic particles, and(d) a suction duct supported by the barge, and having an intake located to draw said slurry from the hole for subsequent processing to separate and recover the metallic particles.

Abstract: A method of extraction of metallic sulfides (Matte) from an ore deposit in situ. The contained sulfides are smelted by resistor induced heat creating a matte containing precious metals, including, but not limited to, platinum-group metals and gold and silver (as well as copper, nickel, iron, sulfur, etc). The heavier portion of the bath (matte) settles to the bottom and the slag rises to the top. Further smelting is controlled by positioning of the electrode pairs in the bath, thus regulating heat generation by modulation of the resistance between said electrodes. Placement of the electrodes in cased drill holes strategically placed to intersect and penetrate the ore-bearing horizons results in extraction of the valuable metals as matte. The matte can be recovered either as a liquid, or, after cooling, as a solid.

Abstract: An earth battery which includes a first electrode which is a veined material located in the earth, a second electrode electrically connected to the surface of the earth and disposed in a hole which extends from the surface of the earth into the first electrode, an electrolyte disposed in the hole and in contact with the first and second electrodes, and means for electrically connecting the first electrode to the surface of the earth. A seam of coal is preferred as the first electrode. A method of mining metals located in the earth using the earth battery and a method of drilling holes in the earth are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and device for recovering polymetal compounds discharge from a submarine hydrothermal source comprises the use of a device comprising a bell-shaped collector member provided with a flexible skirt and placed just above the hydrothermal source to cover it substantially tightly. Means are connected to said collector for withdrawing hydrothermal fluid from the source and means are provided for concentrating the polymetal compounds thereof by settling or by centrifugation with a pipe for raising the so-concentrated flow to a surface installation associated with a bottom turbine energized by power derived from the hydrothermal fluid energy.

Abstract: A system for the extraction of a hydrocarbon fuel from a hydrocarbon fuel-bearing ore comprising means for mining the ore, a plurality of portative retorts for processing the mined ore to produce a hydrocarbon fuel, means for transporting the mined ore to each of said retorts, means coupled to said transport means for regulating the amount of ore transported to a respective retort, and at least one storage device coupled to the retorts for collecting and storing the hydrocarbon fuel. Also disclosed is the method of extracting a hydrocarbon fuel from a hydrocarbon fuel-bearing ore comprising the steps of mining the ore, transporting the ore to a plurality of portative retorts in which the ore is processed to produce a hydrocarbon fuel fluid, and moving the retorts in consonance with movement of the mining of said ore.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering metallic particles in a sub-surface formation includes first and second ducts that extend downwardly, the first duct discharging water in a pressurized stream to effect differential elevation of particles in a turbulant water zone. The second duct has an intake positioned for drawing water and particles into the second duct from that zone. A loose flexible connection interconnects the two ducts to accommodate second duct movement up and down and laterally relative to the first duct. Also provided is means to adjust the position of the second duct intake relative to the discharge of the first duct, and a carrier vehicle movable over terrain and water and suspending the two ducts.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus is afforded having the improvements of a wedge-shaped dredge foot housing both a fluid opening and a filter member, the intake opening being located on the underside of the dredge foot and the filter member being located above the fluid intake opening so as to be placed between the intake and the suction conduit, the taper of the wedge foot being toward its forward edge and its underside being substantially planar. Also afforded is providing the lower end of the dredge housing with a forwardly directed lever means comprising a lever member capable of being reciprocally moved in order to effect the levering of large objects, thus enabling the location of the intake opening below such objects.

Abstract: A continuous belt traverses a river through channels on the river bed and carries intercepted material to the river banks for separation of precious metals and gemstones therefrom. Method and apparatus claimed.

Abstract: A method of recovering mineral nodules deposited on the ocean floor which comprises the steps of pumping a continuous flow of ocean water along a first confined path through an exchange position within the vicinity of the ocean floor where the mineral nodules to be recovered are deposited from an ocean water inlet position out of the aforesaid ocean vicinity and then upwardly to a discharge position on a surface vessel, confining ocean water within a second path within the aforesaid ocean vicinity, continuously flowing ocean water in the second path by pumping the same at a pumping position spaced down-stream from an exchange position therein, continuously moving from the ocean floor to a separating position within the aforesaid ocean vicinity a mixture containing deposited mineral nodules and smaller particles forming a part of the ocean floor on which the mineral nodules were deposited, continuously separating the mixture at the separating position so as to obtain a supply of separated mineral nodules withi

Abstract: A nodule collector for deep sea mining includes an outer sledge and an inner sledge disposed in and connected to the outer sledge for trailing movement therewith. The inner sledge is provided with a transversely extending cutting blade, a plurality of jet nozzles arranged along the cutting blade, and a longitudinally oriented duct. When the collector travels across the seafloor, the cutting blade cuts into the seafloor and raises it thereover. The water jets from the nozzles impinge upon the summit of the raised seafloor material so that nodules and sediments at the summit are carried away by the water jets and introduced through the duct into a collecting chamber provided in the outer sledge. The collecting chamber has a special design to prevent entrance of undesirably large sized nodules thereinto and residence of undesirably small sized nodules and sediments therein. The nodules collected in the collecting chamber are successively transported up to the mining ship for recovery.

Abstract: There is provided a dredge vehicle supporting a dredge assembly for collecting ore particles from the ocean floor. The dredge assembly includes several nozzles extending forwardly of the supports for the vehicle, pump means for developing a suction flow into and through the nozzles and a screen to separate the ore particles from most of the water before feeding the ore into, e.g., an airlift system leading to a surface vessel. Preferably, an intake of clear water from above the vehicle is used to carry the ore to and up the airlift system.Advantageously, the water flows straight through the system and exhausts from the rear of the vehicle, and mud is cleared from the ore before bringing the ore to the surface.

Abstract: To limit the amount of solid particulate matter fed into an airlift pipeline from, especially, a suction nozzle device, the density of the suspension passing from the suction nozzle to the airlift system is measured. If the measured density is above a predetermined value, a proportion of the suspended solid material is removed prior to passing into the airlift pipe.The density of the moving suspension is determined by a radiation-type densitometer located upstream from the airlift pipe. The density can also be directly measured by a balance beam or weighing arrangement connected to a pivotable length of pipe. Where fine particles are present that are not to be considered in the densitometer measurement, a differential measurement can be obtained by a second measurement of the density of liquid from which the large particles have been screened.

Abstract: This invention provides dredge means for obtaining ore and other particular material from the ocean floor. The dredge head utilizes a combination of hydrodynamic, pumping, effects plus mechanical dislodging and carrying means. Specifically, the dredge head comprises a powered rotating drum having radially extending tines partially surrounded by a shroud. The shroud diverges from the drum surface, so that it is nearest the drum surface at its forward and lowermost end and farthest from the drum at its rearward and uppermost end. Particles of ore collected by the rotating drum are conveyed to means for carrying the ore to the ocean surface. The hydrodynamic effects of the dredge head include a venturi effect at the inlet, a centrifugal pumping effect and a so-called Magnus effect.

Abstract: A tool for slurrying and recovering minerals, including bitumen, from a single bore hole by hydraulic mining and jet pumping to the surface in which the tool includes conduits for pumping water into a venturi throat, a generally concentric bottom inlet to the venturi throat and a collection device below the venturi for lifting mineral into the venturi. The tool additionally includes means for selectively adjusting the distance between the screw and venturi throat to vary the proportion of suction applied to the bottom and side inlets to the venturi thereby accommodating variations in slurry concentrations and density.

Abstract: The transporting of solids using selected fluorochlorocarbons as carriers. Techniques of recovering the carrier are also disclosed as are novel solids handling and processing systems in which the compositions employed as carriers are also used to effect a heavy liquid resolution of solids.

Abstract: Material removed from a longwall mining face is comminuted to obtain particles of predetermined size. A hydraulic fluid is circulated through the thusly obtained particles at a pick-up location so as to entrain and convey the particles from the pick-up location through a conduit to a separating location. At the separating location the hydraulic fluid is separated from the particles. The separated hydraulic fluid is recirculated from the separating location back to the pick-up location and into entraining contact with additional particles at the pick-up location.

Abstract: An ocean mining system for mining manganese nodules comprises a surface subsystem and an ocean bottom subsystem.The ocean bottom subsystem includes a mobile, maneuverable, self-propelled, miner vehicle which picks up, handles, washes and crushes nodules while retaining nodule fines.The underwater subsystem also includes a buffer which functions to provide temporary storage for nodule material picked up and crushed by the miner vehicle. The buffer further serves to isolate the miner vehicle from the dynamics of a pipe string extending down from a surface ship. All equipment not needed for operation of the miner vehicle is located on the buffer to distribute the weight between the buffer and the miner vehicle in a way that provides maximum mobility of the miner vehicle.The underwater subsystem also includes a flexible linkage extending between the miner vehicle and the buffer. A flotation block holds the flexible linkage up and out of the way of the miner vehicle during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Process and apparatus is described for mining of subterranean carbonaceous deposits such as tar sands, in which the deposit is treated in situ with circulating high pressure jets of heated mining fluid comprising water in admixture with gaseous hydrocarbons, or carbon dioxide and the deposit is also subjected substantially simultaneously to mechanical grinding in the vicinity of application of the circulating jets, so as to free and grind the deposit and float the separated carbonaceous portion to the surface. The mining tool has an umbrella-like action, comprising a plurality of mining arms carrying jets and potatable mining teeth or cutters, the tool being rotatable down hole to mine the deposit, and the mining arms thereof being radially expandable below ground, so as to enlarge a pilot hole drilled initially, into a large production hole for large scale mining projects.

Abstract: A method of using fluorinated hydrocarbons as a carrier to convey mined coal to a separation station. The carrier acts as a parting liquid for beneficiating the coal. The carrier is recovered and returned to the mine for conveying more coal. Some of the returned carrier may be used at the mining face as a dust suppressant. Ash from burning the coal may be returned with the carrier where it is disposed of as waste material.

Abstract: Coal is separated in a gravity separator using a fluorinated hydrocarbon parting liquid. The cleaned coal is burned and the ash mixed with recovered parting liquid and returned to the gravity separator. Additives may be dispersed in the parting liquid to alter the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the products. The additive may be a dustproofing or a waterproofing agent.

Abstract: Nodule dredge comprising one or more of the following: convergent wall device, e.g., "horn member", for accelerating liquid flow through the apparatus; comb or grid-like collecting or lifting device that can lift nodules into accelerated flow without necessarily lifting an entire layer of silt, especially where silt is relatively loose; inclined surface to receive and raise nodules driven down stream by accelerated flow, while silt is removed; and collection chamber below nodule path defined by inclined surface, to receive nodules from inclined surface.

Abstract: Marine sediment contains organic matter which can be extracted to provide a source of energy, by extracting the organic matter from the marine sediment when in the form of a slurry, and separating the organic matter from the extracted material.

Abstract: A process for removing pollutants or minerals from lake, river or ocean sediments or from mine tailings is disclosed. Magnetically attractable collection units containing an ion exchange or sorbent media with an affinity for a chosen target substance are distributed in the sediments or tailings. After a period of time has passed sufficient for the particles to bind up the target substances, a magnet drawn through the sediments or across the tailings retrieves the units along with the target substance.

Abstract: A large diameter drill bit having a plurality of rolling cutters is provided with permanent magnets mounted on flexible flaps to collect magnetic debris on the bottom of a drill hole. A flap carrying a permanent magnet is mounted adjacent each cutter, or flaps carrying magnets are formed in a radially extending row to sweep the bottom of the hole as the bit rotates. In another form, magnets are included in wheels which roll on the bottom of the hole to collect the magnetic debris.

Abstract: A device for removing relatively larger size gravels, stones, crushed rocks and the like contained in a discharged mixture of fed slurry or muddy water and excavated ground formation components in hydraulic tunnel boring systems. The device comprises a lattice-shaped classifying means connected at one end to a discharging pipe for conducting the mixture from the tunnel face, a primary chamber connected to the other end of the classifying means for receiving and storing classified gravels and the like, and a secondary chamber communicating with the primary chamber through a valve for receiving and retaining the gravels and the like filled in the primary chamber. A housing surrounds and rotatably supports the classifying means and includes a discharging pipe for conducting muddy water passed through the clarifying means. A motor rotates the classifying means for performing classifying work.

Abstract: An ocean floor surficial dredging apparatus is contemplated for retrieving particulate minerals from on and below the ocean floor. Such apparatus comprises first means for providing sufficient downward driving forces for enabling the first means to at least partially penetrate the ocean floor. The apparatus embodies second means operatively connected to the first means and actuable for providing sufficient positive buoyant force for extricating the first means from the seabed and returning it to the ocean surface. Also envisioned, such apparatus includes a third means operatively connected to the first means for permitting passage, therepast, of the particulate minerals whenever downwardly penetrating the seabed and for trapping particulate minerals of predetermined sizes in the first means, whenever, the first means is being extricated from the seabed in response to the actuations of the second means.

Abstract: A system for recovery of relatively small items such as treasure located on and beneath the bottom of the sea or other body of water in the form of a head having a shaft with attachment at the upper end for suspension from a ship or the like, compressed-air and oscillatory means for driving the shaft into the sea-bottom and a circular net supported by chains and by ribs radiating from pivots at the lower end and deployed outwardly by upward movement through the bottom material when the shaft is drawn upward on retrieval of the head.

Abstract: A dragged or self-propelled unit has drag shoes or other means to dislodge nodules from the sea bed into a duct which may be associated with nozzles to project fluid against the nodules. The duct increases substantially in cross-section, thereby slowing the velocity of a stream formed by the nodules, accompanying silt and water. The slowed nodules and silt are caused to follow divergent separate paths within the unit, the nodule path being relatively below the silt path, and the nodules are removed from the duct upstream of the final outlet by which silt and water depart the unit.

Abstract: An hydraulic mining apparatus and method wherein the mined aggregate is separated into dry, relatively large aggregate pieces for dry conveyance and wet, relatively small aggregate pieces for wet conveyance. In the preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus provides for reducing any oversized large aggregate pieces in size so that the large pieces do not exceed a predetermined maximum size. Size reduction is provided by a mechanical breaker and wet, relatively small aggregate is separated out of the mined product prior to the breaking step. The apparatus is embodied in a feeder-breaker mechanism wherein a conveyor running lengthwise of the mechanism first subjects the total mined product to size separation or classification, then directs the larger aggregate pieces through the breaker and, finally, discharges the breaker treated pieces to a dry conveyor. The separated wet, relatively small aggregate pieces are collected within the mechanism and pumped away.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering minerals from the bottom of the water comprising a frame which supports a pump taking in the water and feeding it to nozzles mentioned below, a driving device for the pump, a collection chamber and at least one mineral floating apparatus, which fixed an end of a suction pipe leading to the collection chamber and which is so formed that it can travel on the bottom of the water.

Abstract: A hydraulic dredge for recovering manganese nodules from the sea bottom includes a transfer station suspended from a mother ship at a fixed depth from the surface and a dredging tool assembly suspended from winches on the transfer station by means of cables whose effective lengths are varied in response to depth signals from sensors respectively associated with the cables on respective parts of the tool assembly to keep the same contiguously adjacent the sea floor surface in parallel relationship.

Abstract: Underwater mining apparatus employs a rotatable drum having a plurality of rows of digging forks and a plurality of adjacent rows of openings for receiving materials loosened by the forks during rotation of the drum over the ocean bottom. The spacing between the forks determines the minimum size of material to be mined and the size of the openings determines the maximum size. A material-receiving trough extends longitudinally along the interior of the drum and communicates with the openings. A longitudinally extending spiral screw rotates with the drum within the trough to concentrate the material and to move the material longitudinally to a pick-up region, from which the material is transported hydraulically.

Abstract: The device comprises an undercarriage extending transversely of the working direction of the device, and supported, at its opposite ends, by respective pairs of worms with the worms of each pair rotating in respective opposite directions. A cantilever bracket is mounted on the forward side of the undercarriage, considered in the working direction. A plurality of conveyor troughs are mounted, for pivoting about a horizontal axis, on the forward edge of the undercarriage, and respective hydraulic actuators are connected between each trough and the cantilever bracket, so that the troughs, which are inclined rearwardly and upwardly, may be adjusted with respect to their angular orientation. Struts extending rearwardly from the undercarriage connect the undercarriage to a third driving unit which may comprise either a pair of oppositely rotating worms having their axes extending in the working direction or two laterally spaced pairs of worms.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with the hydraulic lifting or conveying of fluids and any bodies carried therewith, such as solid minerals in ocean mining and the like, from depths far greater than the maximum suction heights of pumps and the like, by a partially gas-filled submerged chamber suspended from a stable surface platform and connected to the open environment by means of pipes connected to a buoy, equipped with pumps, and connected to pipes of smaller cross-section extending to the required depth, with the fluid level in the submerged chamber so deep under the ocean surface that the pressure difference between the inside of the chamber and the surrounding water is greater than the pressure drop caused by the transport of fluid and solid material through the pipe from its lower end to the chamber, and with the materials subsequently transported in nearly neutrally buoyant containers, guided by a paravane.

Abstract: In a method for drawing at least one fraction of solid substance by suction from a heterogeneous stock of several solid substances, which are segregated according to granular size and/or specific weight by supplying a segregation fluid, for example water, into a segregation zone at a distance from a suction nozzle of a suction pipe held in the stock, a selected fraction of segregated solid substances together with the fluid being conducted away in the form of a suspension through the suction nozzle water is vigorously injected into a ground layer for washing out the soil so that a fraction of fine grains is picked up in a whirl and can thus be directly sucked off through the suction pipe. With this method it cannot be avoided that both fine and coarse grains are sucked up together by one and the same suction nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting the ocean floor is disclosed. A sled connected to a vessel is towed over the ocean floor. The sled is supported by spaced apart runners that mount an upwardly open container in which particles to be harvested are collected as the sled is drawn forwardly by the vessel. A cable extends from the vessel to the container and is driven in a forward direction. Buckets are mounted to the cable and have a forwardly directed open end. The cable is guided so that the buckets are moved through the container of the sled to thereby pick up the particles and convey them to the vessel. The sled includes means for dislodging the particles to be harvested from the ocean floor, and for separating from the particles silt and other undesirable contaminants of a size smaller than the particles.

Abstract: Vehicle constructed for being towed along undersea floor area where desired mineral aggregates, such as manganese nodules, are dispersed on ocean bottom carries apparatus utilizing power from towed motion, hydraulic suction and vehicle-borne motor for acquiring, concentrating and transmitting desired aggregates to conduit for upward transport. Vehicle has motor-powered water impeller, ducting and nozzle for directing pressurized sheet-jet of water rearwardly downward near undersea floor, enclosed ramp inclined rearwardly upward with entrance behind sheet-jet to receive solids dislodged from sea floor by jet, hopper and trough to receive solids moved up ramp by flow of water up ramp when vehicle is towed forward, and separating screens and ducting to direct desired sizes of solids into conduit for delivery to surface ship. Operationally effective path can be widened with horizontally fenestrated sweeps disposed in rearwardly diverging and converging V-patterns.

Abstract: Vehicle adapted for being towed along undersea floor area where desired mineral aggregates, such as manganese nodules, are dispersed on ocean bottom carries horizontally fenestrated sweeps and hydraulic transition chamber utilizing towed motion and hydraulic suction for acquiring, concentrating and transmitting desired aggregates to conduit for upward transport.