Abstract: A device for the removal of a layer of sludge and/or sand from the bottom of a wetland includes: a diving bell with an open bottom and a lower free edge; a unit for driving the diving bell with its lower edge into the layer of sludge to be removed; a dredge pump installed in the space of the diving bell and provided with an inlet for pumping up the sludge and/or an outlet to which a pipe is connected for pumping the pumped up sludge and/or sand to a collector; and a compressor for pumping gas under pressure into the space of the diving bell during dredging. The diving bell is also provided with a gas outlet for the compressed gas, the gas outlet being adjustable in height in the diving bell because the outlet is attached to a float that can float on the sludge.

Abstract: A submersible reverse osmosis desalination apparatus uses low temperature concentrate or brine from the desalination apparatus to provide a high volume cold liquid stream to an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) heat engine. The OTEC engine also employs a warm liquid stream and uses the cold and warm liquid streams to obtain electrical power from a closed-cycle or open-cycle heat exchange and generator system. Use of the concentrate or brine stream provides a much greater liquid volume and much greater cold thermal energy content than would be obtained by using cold desalinated product water from the desalination apparatus in the OTEC heat engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to 100% renewably-powered desalination/water purification stations for universal applications, the station is disruptive, scalable, amphibious and deportable to seawater, brackish or spill oil sites for simple wave-powered and autonomous operations, the station has a mooring assembly with pumping-purification-delivery subsystems powered by wave and solar energies, the pumping subsystems has the simplest, most efficient wave push/pull pump mechanisms powered by amplified wave centrifugal forces , the mechanical purifications has turbine filters, reverse-osmosis filters, forward-osmosis filters and relief valves to backwash buildups without releasing brine, release water through collecting spill oil, the solar thermal purifications are provided with distilling processes under vaccine conditions, the delivery subsystems with wave turbines and solar panels for generating electricity, propellering and transferring the stations for delivering fresh waters to destinations under GPS guide with t

Abstract: A deep-sea multi-energy integrated platform for complementary power generation, production, living and exploration includes a platform body and a sustainable power supply system, where the platform body includes a column cabin, an upper platform housing, a lower platform housing and a current guide column; the column cabin, the current guide column, the lower platform housing and the upper platform housing are mutually connected to form a triangular platform with a hollow cavity, and a net is disposed in the hollow cavity to form a mariculture zone; the sustainable power supply system includes a wind-driven generator disposed at an end of a top surface of the upper platform housing, a solar panel disposed above a middle portion of the top surface of the upper platform housing, a wave power generation apparatus disposed on the current guide column, and several tidal current power generation apparatuses.

Abstract: A harvesting unit with one or more pumps including one or more suction nozzles directed towards the seabed, one or more inlets that lead from the suction nozzle to the pump, an outlet to a sorting device, one or more motors for driving the one or more pumps, where the sorting device, which at least separates shellfish from bycatch and foreign bodies, has an outlet for shellfish leading to a collecting unit, a structural main frame that carries at least the harvesting unit, and a towing and launching system for deployment and propulsion of the harvesting unit.

Abstract: An earth removal and sand mining system is provided, comprising a modular floating platform having an elongated U-shaped open channel defining an operating area; a gantry positioned above the operating area, wherein the gantry includes a crane and trolley operable along a predefined path within the operating area; a hoist extending from the trolley; and a pump operatively suspended from the trolley, wherein the pump includes a slurry discharge hose. The platform includes an adjustable drag line connected to the pump to enable control of the pump position.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a boom, a cutter head, a valve, and an actuator. The boom defines an internal chamber and includes a first end coupled to a frame, a second end, and an opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The cutter head includes a plurality of cutting bits and is supported on the second end of the boom. The valve is coupled to the boom and is movable between a closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered. The actuator is coupled to the valve to selectively move the valve between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: Provided is an underwater miner cutter head (20) attached to an underwater miner disposed on a seabed and configured to excavate the seabed, the cutter head including cylindrical cutter drums (21) disposed on respective sides defining a regular polygon in plan view, having bits (26) on the outer circumferential surfaces thereof, and configured to rotate around corresponding first rotational axes by first driving sources; and an intake (28) disposed at a center part of the regular polygon and configured to receive muck excavated with the bits (26), wherein rotating directions of the cutter drums (21) are set such that the bits (26) sequentially move toward the intake (28).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mining and processing seabed sediment comprising disturbing sediment at the seabed (3) to form a slurry; transporting the slurry to the surface via a production riser (6) and processing the slurry to dissociate hydrates and remove hydrates from the slurry in gaseous form at the surface. The slurry may also contain sapropel and minerals. If so, the slurry may be split into a mineral rich stream and a sapropel rich stream each of which may be subjected to further treatment.

Abstract: The Prospecting Immersable for Gold or P.I.G. is a submersible unite which is tethered to an Ocean surface platform and operates on the ocean floor. The P.I.G. has a hydraulically driven tilling drum that lifts and laterally discards rocks and debris while stirring the ocean floor allowing a suction port to draw gold bearing sand and gravel through a hose to the surface platform for processing. The P.I.G. traverses the ocean floor, self propelled by a hydraulically driven paddle wheel system designed to oscillate the tilling drum for thorough harvesting. The P.I.G. primarily prospects the ocean floor during the limited storm free days of the summer months then converts to mining the ocean floor controlled from the frozen ocean surface daring the winter months.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering manganese nodules from the seabed are disclosed. A buoyant body is generated by freezing water, forming a clathrate ice, or using a liquid that is less dense than seawater. Nodules that have been collected from the seabed are incorporated into or otherwise coupled to the buoyant body. The buoyant body is then released to make a free or tethered ascent to the surface.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons wherein hydrates are excavated from the sea bottom and mixed into a transportable slurry, the slurry being pumped to a support vessel, using near sea bottom positive displacement hydraulic pumps, where the hydrates are converted into a hydrocarbon containing stream, with excavation tailings being pumped down to hydraulic motors to drive the hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus is described for removing sediments from a bed of an expanse of water, comprising: a suction apparatus including a) a submersible pump including: a housing body provided with an inlet mouth and with a discharge opening and an impeller rotatably supported in the body between the inlet mouth and the discharge opening and rotatably driven by a respective driving device; and b) a suction head associated to the inlet mouth of the housing body of the pump and provided at the bottom with a suction opening of the sediments; wherein the suction opening of the head has a value of the cross-section area dimensioned to achieve in the working range of the pump a suction speed capable of removing the sediments by means of the fluid dynamics removal action carried out by the water sucked into the head. The invention also describes a dredging method which may be carried out by means of such an apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas hydrate conversion system is provided comprising a floating factory, an appendage for harvesting a gas hydrate from an oceanic hydrate deposit, and one or more storage tanks. The floating factory comprises one or more heat exchange assemblies, one or more heat pump assemblies and an engine. In another embodiment, a method for harvesting hydrocarbon hydrate deposits is provided, the method comprising providing a gas hydrate conversion system; inducing release of methane from an oceanic hydrate deposit; capturing the methane from a primary methane capture zone and/or a secondary methane capture zone; and converting the methane to hydrogen and carbon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting methane from methane hydrates, comprising the following steps: feeding carbon dioxide to the methane hydrate deposits; allowing the carbon dioxide to take effect on the methane hydrate to release methane and store the carbon dioxide as carbon dioxide hydrate; and removing the released methane, characterized in that the fed carbon dioxide is supercritical carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collecting device (1) for solids material which is moved by means of a fluid from a first location on a seabed, on an offshore installation or on land to a second location, the fluid carrying the solids material in through an inlet portion (7) of the collecting device (1), the collecting device (1) being provided with one or more permeable portions arranged to retain the solids material exceeding a predetermined size. The invention also relates to a method of using the collecting device (1), the method including the abandoning of a filled collecting device (1).

Abstract: A seafloor auxiliary mining tool for use in a seafloor mining system. The seafloor auxiliary mining tool has a seafloor locomotion system enabling traversal of the seafloor. Umbilical connections receive power and control signals from a surface source. A boom mounted auxiliary cutting tool is configured to cut extremities of a seafloor deposit. Cuttings produced by the auxiliary cutting tool are sized by sizing means, to ensure such cuttings are no greater than a desired size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mining and processing seabed sediment comprising disturbing sediment at the seabed (3) to form a slurry; transporting the slurry to the surface via a production riser (6) and processing the slurry to dissociate hydrates and remove hydrates from the slurry in gaseous form at the surface. The slurry may also contain sapropel and minerals. If so, the slurry may be split into a mineral rich stream and a sapropel rich stream each of which may be subjected to further treatment.

Abstract: Method and device for subsea removal of cuttings from a borehole by means of ejector (5), pump (3) and suction hose (6), the ejector (5) being powered by a pump (3) that is rigidly attached to ROV (2), said ejector (5) being one with external nozzle, while said ROV (2) with pump (3) is connected to the ejector only when removal of cuttings is to take place.

Abstract: A non-motorized apparatus for collecting particulate materials, including gold, in stream placer deposits, comprising a first tubular member, a second tubular member, a third tubular member with perforated ridges, a skirt for enveloping the tubular members, and a fibrous matting disposed over the third tubular member. The third tubular member with the fibrous matting is held entirely inside the second tubular member. The second tubular member is connected to one end of the first tubular member in a way to have high velocity stream flowing into the first tubular member, creating a suction pressure in the second tubular member. The particulate matter settles in grooves formed by the ridges in the third tubular member and passes through the perforations to be trapped in the fibrous matting as the stream is sucked into the second tubular member.

Abstract: A non-motorized apparatus for collecting particulate materials, including gold, in stream placer deposits, comprising a first tubular member, a second tubular member, a third tubular member with perforated ridges, a skirt for enveloping the tubular members, and a fibrous matting disposed over the third tubular member. The third tubular member with the fibrous matting is held entirely inside the second tubular member. The second tubular member is connected to one end of the first tubular member in a way to have high velocity stream flowing into the first tubular member, creating a suction pressure in the second tubular member. The particulate matter settles in grooves formed by the ridges in the third tubular member and passes through the perforations to be trapped in the fibrous matting as the stream is sucked into the second tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a liner from a plurality of longitudinal sections of flexible material having longitudinal edges adapted to be joined one to another to form the liner includes a path means along which the longitudinal sections of flexible material can be conveyed in a laterally reduced condition, an assembly zone at which the longitudinal edges can be joined together to form the liner, and a guide structure about which the flexible material can turn upon exiting from the path means to provide an inner section and an outer section turned back with respect to the inner section. The guide structure presents a guide, surface over which the longitudinal sections of flexible material can pass, the surface being configured to facilitate spreading of each longitudinal section from the laterally reduced condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a liner from a plurality of longitudinal sections of flexible material having longitudinal edges adapted to be joined one to another to form the liner includes a path means along which the longitudinal sections of flexible material can be conveyed in a laterally reduced condition, an assembly zone at which the longitudinal edges can be joined together to form the liner, and a guide structure about which the flexible material can turn upon exiting from the path means to provide an inner section and an outer section turned back with respect to the inner section. The guide structure presents a guide, surface over which the longitudinal sections of flexible material can pass, the surface being configured to facilitate spreading of each longitudinal section from the laterally reduced condition.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device useful for recovering valuable metallic objects which are located in a submerged location, such as beneath the sand or mud off the shore of a beach or riverbank. A device according to the invention first locates a metallic object using a conventional metal detector comprising a coil that is disposed about the end of a pickup conduit. Once a metallic object is located, the operator causes the sand, mud and other debris in the vicinity of the end of the pickup conduit to be admitted into the device and filtered through a recovery basket which comprises a mesh or screen. Valuable objects so located and collected are readily recovered by the operator of the device by opening a door portion which is integral to the recovery basket. By its configuration, the weight distribution of a device according to the invention is such that it may be used for extended periods by an operator without undergoing fatigue.

Abstract: The present invention is referring to a procedure and a apparatus of extraction of methane gas from the bottom of the sea, consigned to the extraction of methane gas from marine sediments found in the sea's and ocean's depthless and with which came to produce in the end, methane liquefied gas. The procedure, in accordance with the invention consists of lowering a take out enclosure to a depth of over 500 m., followed by a take out of a quantity of cryohydrate sediment from the bottom of the sea and the elevation of enclosure until is reached a level at which the water pressure and its temperature create conditions which allowed the beginning of a process of releasing of methane gas from cryohydrate crystals. The following operation is the releasing of methane from the entire quantity of take out cryohydrate, methane that is collected in a room from where is raised through a tube and captured into an enclosure and then liquefied.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminated sediment material from a contaminated area on the ocean floor using a reactor vessel wherein seawater is from within the interior of the reactor vessel so that the vessel penetrates the ocean floor. A pressurized fluid is introduced into the reactor vessel to create a slurry vortex of the contaminated sediment material and then a remediation fluid injected into the slurry vortex of the contaminated sediment material using a sufficient amount of the remediation fluid to remediate the contaminated sediment material and provide a noncontaminated sediment material. Pressurized seawater is injected into the interior of the reactor vessel to create a positive pressure within the reactor vessel to lift the reactor vessel above the ocean floor allowing for a transfer of the reactor vessel to another area of sediment contamination on the ocean floor.

Abstract: A screening device including a screen having a first side for presentation to material to be screened and a second side, a plurality of screen openings in the screen extending between the first and second side thereof, a plurality of tines mounted on a support device disposed on the second side of the screen, each tine being moveable in a first direction along a path at least part of which includes one of the screen openings whereby the tine is receivable in and moveable along the screen opening, the tine extending beyond the first side of the screen for at least part of the movement thereof along the screen opening, the tines being moveably mounted on the support device for deflection away from said first direction while continuing to move in said first direction upon encountering an obstruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering a gas from a gas hydrate on the ocean floor includes a flexible cover, a plurality of steerable base members secured to the cover, and a steerable mining module. A suitable source for inflating the cover over the gas hydrate deposit is provided. The mining module, positioned on the gas hydrate deposit, is preferably connected to the cover by a control cable. A gas retrieval conduit or hose extends upwardly from the cover to be connected to a support ship on the ocean surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mining of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon-containing clathrate such as is found on the ocean floor. The hydrocarbon containing clathrate is disaggregated from sediment by first disrupting clathrate-containing strata using continuous mining means such as a rotary tilling drum, a fluid injector, or a drill. The clathrate-rich portion of sediment thus disrupted from the sea floor strata are carried through the apparatus to regions of relative lower pressure and/or relative higher temperature where the clathrate further dissociates into component hydrocarbons and water. The hydrocarbon is recovered with the assistance of a gas that is injected and buoys the hydrocarbon containing clathrate helping it to rise to regions of lower pressure and temperature where hydrocarbon is released. The sediment separated from the hydrocarbon returns to the ocean floor.

Abstract: There is provided an improved apparatus for recovery of sea-bed material. Known apparatus suffer from problems such as low recovery rate and capital cost. The invention, therefore, provides a recovery apparatus comprising a vehicle upon which are mounted a duct permitting communication between the sea-bed and a location remote therefrom, structure to introduce sea-bed material into the duct and structure to advance sea-bed material through the duct.

Abstract: A screening device including a screen includes a first side for presentation to a body of material to be screened and a second side. A plurality of elongate screen openings are formed in the screen extending between the first and second sides thereof. A plurality of tines mounted on support means disposed on the second side of the screen. Each tine is movable along a cyclical path at least part of which includes one of the elongate screen openings whereby the tine is receivable in and movable along the elongate screen opening. The tine extends beyond the first side of the screen for at least part of the movement thereof along the screen opening. The screening device may be incorporated in various machines including a recovery head for an underground mining apparatus.

Abstract: An underwater mining machine includes a chassis mounted on a powered drive arrangement for driving the chassis on an underwater surface, the chassis having a front end and a rear end and being adapted to be manoeuvrable and driven in at least a forward direction, a rotatable cutting drum secured to a boom which is attached to a cradle mounted on the chassis, and material gathering arms adapted to gather material which has been excavated or broken up by the cutting drum.

Abstract: A method of transferring material from the bottom of a body of water provides a first tank submerged at a predetermined depth above the bottom. A material source is provided at the bottom subject to ambient water pressure, and is fluidly connected with the first tank. Material is transferred from the material source to the first tank by reducing the pressure in the first tank below the ambient water pressure at the predetermined depth. The ambient water pressure at the bottom thus forces the material into the first tank. Material is transferred from the first tank to a second tank under the force of compressed air until the first tank is substantially empty of material and full of compressed air. The first tank is connected to a third tank and an air compressor, the material transfer from the first tank to the second tank taking place by the compressor transferring compressed air to the first tank from the third tank.

Abstract: Oceanographic mining uses a flexible cover draped over a submarine ore-bearing stratum. The cover serves as a blanket-like structure for application of a leaching substance and isolation of the leachate and stratum from the surrounding water. The leachate infiltrates the stratum and becomes pregnant with intended materials. The leaching solution is subsequently pumped to the surface. The ores are separated from the pregnant leaching solution, enabling the solution to be used again. The cover supports and arranges anchor and sealing tubes and leachate and pregnant liquor tubes. Pumps are mounted on a platform connected to the cover. The cover is deployed by sinking parallel coils and filling peripheral tubes to uncoil and anchor the cover on a sea bed. One cover is spread by tube and is sunk in a controlled manner.

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: A floating grab installation for recovery of sand and gravel is disclosed. The installation includes a catamaran-type float or pontoon having a gripper and gripper support thereon. The gripper transfers the sand and gravel to an underwater tank having an endless bucket dredge which plunges to its lowest point.

Abstract: A floating vessel which can move about a sand pit mounts apparatus for garing granular material at the bottom of the sand pit, for processing the granular material into a mixture of a desired granular composition, and for delivery to a barge which can transport the granular material mixture to an ultimate user.

Abstract: A floating grab dredge has first and second pontoons spaced apart sufficiently to define a work space therebetween. The work space is large enough to define a barge slip therein as well as a digging well adjacent to the barge slip. A gantry mounted on the pontoons by supports spans the work space. Material handling apparatus on one of the pontoons includes a grizzly for separating waste from recoverable material. The gantry includes tracks on which a trolley shuttles among positions above the digging well, barge slip and grizzly. When a load of dredged material is brought up from the digging well it is inspected to determine if it contains recoverable material. If it does the trolley is moved above the grizzly and the load is dumped on the grizzly. If no recoverable material is in the load, it is dumped into a barge in the barge slip and digging continues.

Abstract: A system of ocean floor dredging comprises a first vessel, two rotatable rollers on the vessel, a third roller lying on the ocean floor, and an endless net extending around the three rollers.

Abstract: A hand-held suction dredge and metal detctor is supported on a vertically held hollow pipe. A metal detector having a central aperture is slidably supported on the pipe with the lower pipe end extending therethrough for receiving and transmitting at least partially fluid material. A spring urges the metal detector toward an initial position at the lower end of said pipe. A fluid jet is positioned in the pipe directed upward therein. A pump supported on the pipe and connected to the fluid jet circulate fluid to create a sucton in the pipe to draw at least partially fluid material through the pipe to discharge the same from the upper end thereof. A perforate basket on the upper end of the pipe has openings sized to permit discharge of fluid material and retain larger metal solids therein. The pipe, in use, supports the metal detector adjacent to a region being investigated for dredging material by operation of the pump. A motor supported on the pipe operates the pump.

Abstract: Suboceanic particulate solids containing useful metal values are recovered from ocean floors by extending a recovery tube from above an ocean surface to the ocean floor and confining a column of sea water therein, injecting a pressurized gas into the base of said tube, while separately contemporaneously injecting thereat an aqueous solution of at least one water-soluble, high molecular weight suspension enhancing polymer, whereby forming a diluted dispersion of particulate ocean floor solids and propelling same to the ocean surface, and there recovering said particulate solids from the dilute dispersion.

Abstract: A dredging platform has a water pump that creates suction in a hose for drawing loose materials from the bottom of a stream into the hose for transport to a sluice and vibratory screen. Larger stones are dropped off the end of the screen while finer sand and gold ore concentrate fall through the screen into hoppers for delivery to a centrifugal separator. The platform floats in the stream at water level to partially submerge the hoppers in order to provide a steady controlled flow of water over the hopper sides as the "fines" are collected for separation.

Abstract: A golf ball dredge which comprises a shallow draft, buoyant support vessel in the form of a pontoon boat that provides a floating platform from which the dredging apparatus is supported. The pontoon boat has a small outboard motor mounted at its bow for providing a means for propulsion and steering of the boat. A relatively high pressure, gasoline powered, centrifugal water pump is mounted on the pontoon boat with its suction intake located below the water level. The pump provides a high pressure water outlet discharge that is supplied through eductor tubes into the inlet end of a bottom suction intake piping system. The bottom suction intake piping system also is supported on the pontoon boat with its inlet end submerged below the surface of the water to a suitable depth for lightly contacting the bottom of the waterhole.

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: 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 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 method for removing fine-grained sediments from flowing or standing bodies of water. The sediment is dredged from the bottom of the body of water. The dredged sediment is dewatered and classified in a sieve plant. At least a fine-grained admixture material such as fly ash or refined clay is admixed to the dewatered sediment material. The admixture is granulated and the resulting granulate is dried and fired under swelling. The swelled, fired granulate is cooled and further processed. The light weight granulate is admixed to concrete or used in the production of building materials such as sinter blocks and bricks. The noxious materials and heavy metals contained in the sediment are substantially sealed into the granules produced by sintering. The resulting waste waters can be cleared such that they are suitable for feeding back into the bodies of water. The residues of the waste water treatment can also be employed as admixture component in the granulate production.

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 dredger device for conveying sand or gravel or the like lying under water in which the material enters a conveyor head and is conveyed through a variable length tube into a receptacle on the dredger. In the interior of the variable length tube there is a flexible tube having one end connected to the conveyor head and the other end connected to a hose reel. The conveyed material travels through the interior tube to the hose reel and through an opening therein to a receptacle.

Abstract: A plate is attachable to a supporting structure such as a wall. Means carried by the plate encircle and hold a flexible conduit passing through the plate and the structure. The conduit is detachably held at adjustably selected positions along the length thereof.