Suction Patents (Class 37/317)
  • Patent number: 6860042
    Abstract: An excavation system comprises a bucket, defining an outlet at its base, in fluid communication with a suction tube in fluid communication with a jet pump, configured to create a suction in the suction tube. A related method of excavating comprises loading excavation material into a bucket which defines an outlet at its base, sizing the excavation material by sieving action of a guard substantially covering the bucket outlet, and suctioning the sized material though the bucket outlet using a vacuum created by a jet pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Walker-Dawson Interests, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Hutchinson, Richard F. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6851206
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and processing granular material admixes granular material with a fluid to produce a slurry and then removes and processes the slurry. The apparatus enables fluid flowing into the apparatus to be directed substantially simultaneously between a first conduit for admixing granular material with the fluid to produce a slurry and a second conduit for producing suction to remove the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy M. Crawley
  • Patent number: 6843003
    Abstract: The gravel-or-the-like removing device includes an impeller casing which accommodates an impeller driven by a motor in the inside thereof and has a suction opening at the center of the lower surface, a peripheral wall for preventing collapse and inflow of gravel or the like which is constituted of a cylindrical body which has an upper end thereof connected to a lower portion of the impeller casing and a lower end thereof opened downwardly and forms a water-retention space in the inside thereof, and a water suction pipe which has an upper-end opening thereof opened in water above a gravel-or-the-like piled level and a lower opening thereof communicably connected with the water retention space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Toyo Denki Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshinobu Araoka
  • Publication number: 20040255494
    Abstract: An amphibious dredging vehicle includes a base including a pair of floatable pontoons linked together in essentially parallel relation; a cutterhead dredge system that is mounted on the base and that includes a cutterhead mounted on the front end portion of the base, a first directable discharge mounted to the rear end portion of the base, and a dredge pump in operative connection with the cutterhead and the directable discharge so as to develop suction at the cutterhead and to propel material from the cutterhead to the directable discharge. The directable discharge is configured so that the operator can aim the directable discharge in order to use the dredge pump to propel the amphibious dredging vehicle through water. The amphibious dredging vehicle may be used as part of a system and may be used with a method for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Rickey Cheramie
  • Publication number: 20040244227
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Petru Baciu
  • Publication number: 20040194354
    Abstract: An apparatus for suction and discharge of material comprises a container (9) with a suction opening (19) for letting in a sucked-up air/material mixture and a discharge opening (14) for discharging material. The container (9) is rotatable and has inner conveying means (18) which upon rotation of the container (9) are adapted to convey the material to the discharge opening (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Karl T. Haugen, Gert Lovgren, Jan Billberg, Gisle Hauk
  • Publication number: 20040128866
    Abstract: An excavation system includes a shroud having a first opening and a second opening, a nozzle for directing an air stream in a first direction through the first opening of the shroud, wherein the nozzle is surrounded by the shroud, a first pump configured to apply a suction within the shroud in a second direction through the second opening of the shroud, and a collection area in fluid communication with the second opening of the shroud for receiving contaminated material. The collection area includes a collector for separating the contaminated material via an impact plate and a filter. The contaminated material is then deposited into a bag supported by a box. A method for excavating the contaminated material from the ground is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Nathenson
  • Publication number: 20040128865
    Abstract: A hole forming tool is disclosed utilizing compressed gas discharged into a shaped shroud resulting in minimal disturbance to the surrounding ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Eric Wensing
  • Publication number: 20040010947
    Abstract: An excavation system is described which comprises a bucket, defining an outlet at its base, in fluid communication with a suction tube in fluid communication with a jet pump, configured to create a suction in the suction tube. A related method of excavating is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Hutchinson, Richard F. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6640470
    Abstract: A method is described for containing dispersed particulate or soluble matter during contaminated sediment remediation operations in the marine environment. The preferred method comprises the use of a specially designed marine vessel that establishes a negative differential pressure gradient between a defined remediation control zone and the external ambient water environment, thereby preventing the release of contaminants dispersed during the remediation process. The preferred method also includes the use of marine vessels to remove contaminants contained within said control zone and to provide for the management of solids collected in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Warren Howard Chesner, James Melrose
  • Publication number: 20030177671
    Abstract: A dredge system, method, and apparatus, are provided that, according to one example embodiment of the invention, applies weight to a roller for dredging rock in a unique manner using the weight of a dredge unit that is supported by a floating support unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Roger Dutton
  • Patent number: 6578293
    Abstract: A suction excavator including an air pump for generating a flow of air and a nozzle through which air is drawn under the influence of the air pump, the nozzle being arranged when in use to suck up spoil from an excavation, and a mechanism for separating spoil from the air drawn through the nozzle. The excavator is provided with a fuel gas detector to detect for the presence of fuel gas in the flow of air drawn up through the nozzle. When fuel gas is detected a valve may be actuated to interrupt the flow of air up through the nozzle and instead to admit air from a substantially fuel gas free source to flush any fuel gas out of the system reducing the risk of an explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Lattice Intellectual Property Limited
    Inventors: James Howard Ainsworth, Andrew Sutherland, Haydon Parsonage
  • Patent number: 6550162
    Abstract: A sediment removal system includes a vessel adapted to float on the surface of a body of water, and a crawler adapted to be submerged in the body of water, wherein the crawler includes a drive system for moving the crawler across a bottom of the body of water, and wherein the crawler includes a suctioning device that supplies a suctioning force that is utilized to remove sediments resting on the bottom of the body of water. The sediment removal system also includes a sediment removal line in communication with the suctioning device and adapted to carry the sediment from the suctioning device away from the crawler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Robert E. Price, Eugene A. Christenson
  • Publication number: 20030000113
    Abstract: The gravel-or-the-like removing device includes an impeller casing which accommodates an impeller driven by a motor in the inside thereof and has a suction opening at the center of the lower surface, a peripheral wall for preventing collapse and inflow of gravel or the like which is constituted of a cylindrical body which has an upper end thereof connected to a lower portion of the impeller casing and a lower end thereof opened downwardly and forms a water retention space in the inside thereof, and a water suction pipe which has an upper-end opening thereof opened in water above a gravel-or-the-like piled level and a lower opening thereof communicably connected with the water retention space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: TOYO DENKI INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshinobu Araoka
  • Publication number: 20020194753
    Abstract: A soil excavating apparatus is disclosed for use in combination with a cleaning/vacuuming machine having at least one high pressure fluid supply in the vacuum line. The apparatus includes a spray head secured to the vacuum line first end, and disposed substantially thereabout. The spray head is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply. A plurality of inboard spray nozzles are disposed substantially thereabout. The spray head is in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply. A plurality of inboard spray nozzles are removably secured to the spray head and extend therefrom. The spray nozzles are angularly oriented to direct the pressurized fluid towards a center line of the vacuum line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Belinda Bain, Ronald Bain, Michael P. Shablo
  • Publication number: 20020189139
    Abstract: A vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising a vacuum container, a vacuum producing device to create a vacuum within said container, a conduit to vacuum solid particles and liquids into the vacuum container and a dispensing device to dispense the liquid or solid particles from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container. Vacuum container contents are stored within the container while simultaneously dispensing the solid particles and or liquids. The vacuum container method may also have a separating device disposed within it to separate solids and liquids by category. The vacuum container method is a continuous operation vacuum container which can simultaneously fill, store and dispense solid particles and liquids with the added ability to simultaneously separate the solids and or liquids before they are dispensed from the vacuum container. This is accomplished without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Lynn Allan Buckner
  • Publication number: 20020184797
    Abstract: A device for removing sludge from a lagoon, includes an elongated frame including first and second end portions. The frame includes first and second laterally spaced runners defining a recess therebetween. A scoop is positioned in the recess and includes an inclined bottom. One of the first and second end portions includes an opening which is in fluid communication with the scoop for allowing the sludge to flow therein. A pump is operably connected to the scoop for pumping the sludge collected in the scoop to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: The United States Government as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Courtland James Mertel, Jr., Dennis J. Lambert
  • Publication number: 20020124440
    Abstract: A method is described for removing sediments during dredging operations to minimize the release of contaminants at marine locations containing sediments that are deemed contaminated and require removal. The preferred method comprises the use of a specially designed marine vessel that establishes a negative differential pressure gradient between a dredge control zone and the external ambient water environment, thereby preventing the release of contaminants dispersed during the dredge process into the ambient water environment. The preferred method also includes the use of marine vessels to remove contaminants contained within said control zone and to provide for the management of solids collected in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Warren Howard Chesner, James Melrose
  • Publication number: 20020062584
    Abstract: A manually-operated, water-powered digging tool which does not utilize a pressure gauge, and a process for digging holes with such tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Clyde R. Williams, David M. Guinee
  • Publication number: 20020059740
    Abstract: A system and method of the type for quickly mobilizing a unit for dredging a layer of material from a water bottom is provided. The dredging system includes: a motorized, substantially self-contained vessel positioned above a borrow site, at least one dredging shoe extended from the vessel to a bottom of a water adapted for dredging a material from said bottom to a pre-selected depth, a power source positioned on the vessel in operational connection with the dredging shoe for drawing the material into the shoe and transporting the material through a conduit to a deposit site, and a dredging motivation system connected to the vessel for moving the vessel and the dredging shoe along a dredging path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Richard R. Murray, Steven E. Jones
  • Patent number: 6318005
    Abstract: A dredge supporting a pivotal ladder with a suction auger on its free end. A shroud assembly including front, center and rear sections surrounds a large portion of the periphery of the auger. The shroud assembly is pivotal about the axis of the auger and the front and rear sections are each independently pivotal relative to the center section so that the center section can be maintained at a relatively constant attitude independent of the inclination of the ladder and only a leading one of the front and rear sections, depending on the direction of movement of the dredge, is necessarily opened while the trailing section can remain closed adjacent to the auger. The articulation of the several shroud sections enables the suction auger head to operate in both directions with reduced turbidity and, therefore, increased efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Ellicott Machine Corporation International
    Inventor: Lee André
  • Patent number: 6189243
    Abstract: A dredging method and a dredging apparatus which can efficiently suck large quantities of sand and gravels deposited on the bottom of dams, rivers, harbors, etc., convey them with as much saved energy as possible, and can prevent diffusion of turbid water. To achieve these objects, the apparatus includes a case laid down into the water in communication with the atmosphere. A suction pipe having a suction portion at the lower end thereof is connected to this case. The apparatus further includes a drain pump for draining water in the case and forming a level difference between the water level in the case and the external water level A container is removably disposed at an intermediate portion of the suction pipe. The sand and gravels are sucked from the suction pipe into the container by the siphon principle due to the level difference between the external water level and the water level in the container, and the container is cut off and the sand and gravels are taken out when the container is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Moburon Design Office Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Senji Oikawa
  • Patent number: 6178670
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Rotech Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Hector Fillipus Alexander Van Drentham Susman, Kenneth Roderick Stewart
  • Patent number: 6145223
    Abstract: A dredging apparatus for the removal of cuttings gathered around a bore hole mouth on the seabed has an ejector coupled to a suction hose and a conveyor pipe, respectively, for moving the cuttings to another place on the seabed. The dredging apparatus comprises a drive motor, a pumping device and an ejector, the drive motor being adapted to drive the pumping device which, in turn, is adapted to deliver a forced flow of water to the ejector in order to establish and maintain the ejecting effect. The ejector, pumping device and drive motor are assembled to form a unit. A cable delivers energy to the motor from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: AGR Ability Group AS
    Inventor: Steinar Flesen
  • Patent number: 5791073
    Abstract: A vacuum excavation system is provided in which a vacuum is generated for withdrawing dirt, water or other material from a vacuum excavation site, and whereby such material is delivered to a containment structure, preferably of the hopper type having a discharge. A valve is provided for the vacuum, such that actuation of the valve interrupts the vacuum, whereby material pickup may be discontinued and/or material may be discharged from the containment structure. Preferably the vacuum-controlling valve exists in a conduit between the situs of vacuum generation and a containment structure. The valve will preferably be controlled by a pneumatic/electrical control for operation of the same.The excavation system is preferably vehicle-mounted, with the same motor that drives the vehicle also driving an air compressor for operating a pneumatic tool as well as driving the vacuum generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Filtration Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Palmer, Richard M. Saroney
  • Patent number: 5642576
    Abstract: A suction dredge pump apparatus includes a manifold having a body defining a plurality of compartments, an intake chamber disposed adjacent to the compartments along upper ends thereof, a plurality of intake valves connected to the upper ends of the compartments, and a plurality of outlet valves connected to lower ends of the compartments. The compartments have bottoms which slope downward from the upper ends to the lower ends thereof so as to produce gravity flow of a fluid mixture therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Joe Chrisman
  • Patent number: 5598647
    Abstract: In a material transfer system, material from an excavation is drawn into a vessel by suction from a vacuum source. The vessel has discharge flaps at the bottom that are held closed by the suction. When the weight of the material in the vessel reaches a predetermined value, the flaps open and the material is discharged from the vessel. After the discharge, counterweights almost close the flaps and the suction seals the discharge flaps so that additional material is drawn into the vessel. The vessel includes a vibratory section and has sides that slope outwardly from top to bottom. The material entering the vessel contacts the vibratory section at a predetermined angle and is redirected to the discharge flaps without any caking on the vessel walls. The opening through the discharge flaps is larger than the inlet through which the material enters the vessel so that objects entering the vessel are discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Brooklyn Union Gas
    Inventors: Joseph Marazzo, Frank Russo, Michael G. Palmer, Gary L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 5575921
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for remediating ponds and other water sites containing sludge and other waste materials by a dredging and dewatering process which is economical and efficient, uses relatively low cost equipment and provides for high remediation rates. The preferred process dredges the site to produce a sludge which is screened to remove oversize material. The screened sludge is then thickened and the thickened sludge dredged and fed as a uniform thickened sludge mixture to a filter press to dewater the sludge producing a final sludge product having a high solids content. A coagulant is preferably added to the sludge and a polymer and/or coagulant added to the thickened sludge filter press feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Hydrometrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Askin, Robert J. Kimball, Sanna M. Yost
  • Patent number: 5561922
    Abstract: A marine dredging device comprised of scoop buckets pivotally connected to a reciprocating mechanism that extrudes soil into a receiver chamber and thence to upwardly extending soil transport tubes. Powered helices in the transport tubes serve to propel soil upwards to a discharge chute. Deployable silt curtains serve to close off the aperture between the scoop buckets and prevent the escape of sediments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Robert P. Lynch
  • Patent number: 5544983
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Mori-Gumi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Taguchi
  • Patent number: 5491913
    Abstract: A control system for the suction line relief valve of a hydraulic dredge is disclosed. The system includes a relief valve actuator which is hydraulically operated; a hydraulic pump powered by a motor; a directional valve; an energy storage device; and hydraulic lines connecting the hydraulic pump, the accumulator, and the relief valve actuator. The accumulator converts the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic lines into potential energy which is used to generate hydraulic pressure if the pump fails or loses power. The pressure generated is enough for the operator to move the relief valve actuator which will reposition the relief valve to a desired position after pump failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Pearce Pump Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 5487228
    Abstract: In a material transfer system, material from an excavation is drawn into a vessel by suction from a vacuum source. The vessel has discharge flaps at the bottom that are held closed by the suction. When the weight of the material in the vessel reaches a predetermined value, the flaps open and the material is discharged from the vessel. After the discharge, counterweights almost close the flaps and the suction seals the discharge flaps so that additional material is drawn into the vessel. The vessel includes a vibratory section and has sides that slope outwardly from top to bottom. The material entering the vessel contacts the vibratory section at a predetermined angle and is redirected to the discharge flaps without any caking on the vessel walls. The opening through the discharge flaps is larger than the inlet through which the material enters the vessel so that objects entering the vessel are discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Brooklyn Union Gas
    Inventors: Joseph Marazzo, Frank Russo, Michael G. Palmer, Gary L. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5425188
    Abstract: The invention relates to an excavator for suction material, particularly for removing soil from underground pipes. The excavator has a pneumatic elephant trunk for removing the suctioned material and which issues into a storage tank for the suctioned material and to which is connected an exhaust fan. In the storage tank the suctioned material is separated from the suction air flow and is subsequently passed through a filter positioned between an elephant trunk opening and the exhaust fan. In order to ensure a good separation on the part of the filter for a long period of time, the filter is formed by a coarse filter and a fine filter connected to the latter. The coarse filter is formed by a labyrinth or cascade-like flow channel, which is bounded by reciprocally displaced partitions and whose flow cross-section increases in the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: VMB Vesta Maschinenbau GmbH Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl Rinker
  • Patent number: 5421105
    Abstract: A dredging apparatus for dredging waterways containing sediment includes a hood having a passage for water and sediment to enter the hood under the influence of a submersible dredge pump apparatus. The dredge pump apparatus includes an inlet line having an inlet opening positioned in the passage of the hood, and an outlet line which communicates with the inlet line and extends exteriorly to a spoil collection area. A dredge pump draws water and sediment from within the passage into the inlet opening and through the inlet and outlet lines. To prevent clogging of the inlet line by sediment and ensure a continuous dredging operation, replacement water is introduced adjacent to the inlet opening from a water source in response to sensed pressure variations in the inlet line caused by the onset of clogging. A closed dredging circuit is created by using the spoil collection area as the source of replacement water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Schulte
  • Patent number: 5311682
    Abstract: A hybrid dredging apparatus uses a clamshell attached to a rigid boom to dig and remove material. The clamshell then deposits the material into the hopper of a positive displacement pump for discharge at low velocities and with minimal water content. Transducers are be used to determine and control the area of excavation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Charles N. Sturdivant
  • Patent number: 5285587
    Abstract: Dredging apparatus (10) is provided with a flow conduit (18), a first pump (28), a second pump (30), and two valves (34, 44). The flow conduit (18) comprises a first leg (20) extending downwardly to a lower portion (22) and a second leg (24) extending upwardly from the lower portion (22). A fluidizing nozzle (32) is carried by the first leg (20). An intake aperture (26) is provided on the lower portion (22) and is directed downwardly. The dredging apparatus (10) may be used to dredge up material when the material is in a water suspension (48), and to probe through material by scattering material. The valves (34, 44) are operated to switch the apparatus between various modes of operation and to increase the effectiveness of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Leo M. Krenzler
  • Patent number: 5282694
    Abstract: Settling ponds used in strip mining are reclaimed using lightweight amphibious vehicles which are capable of traversing land, water or clay surfaces and wherein the method consists of pumping clay settled in subsurface areas and spreading the clay remotely over crusted surface areas to thereby create stabilized low profile drainage ditches which extend from low level areas of the ponds to the perimeters thereof to allow water drain off to the perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Kempco, Inc.
    Inventors: Mihaly Kovacs, Peter Kovacs, Endro Kovacs
  • Patent number: 5203099
    Abstract: A self-powered, self-contained mobile dredge for removing silt and other bottom sediment from the bottom surface of a body of water, such as a canal, which accumulates as a result of erosion caused by rain and irrigation. A submersible drive unit of the dredge includes a continuous track drive, including left and right tracks, providing sufficient traction and mobility while exerting minimum ground pressure to enable the dredge to be driven along the bottom surface of a canal, while further enabling entry and exit from within the canal and transit across terrain between canals. A housing is movably mounted on the drive unit and is both rotatable about an arc of 360.degree. and vertically adjustable relative to the drive unit. A dredge unit, movable between a raised position and a lowered position extends from a forward end of the housing and includes a scoop having a tiller assembly therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Commodities, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Naranjo, Pierre G. Mansur
  • Patent number: 5201877
    Abstract: A suction transporting device for transporting a material has a suction unit, a transporting line connected with the suction unit and having an inlet for receiving a material to be transported and an outlet for discharging the material to be transported and a unit for modulating a suction force of a suction produced in the transporting line by the suction unit, the modulating unit including a passage adapted to communicate the interior of the transporting line with atmosphere, an adjusting element operative for adjusting an initial area and shape of a minimal cross-section of the passage, and a valve mechanism including a drive, a speed controller for controlling a speed of the drive, and a valve body connected with the drive and cooperating with the passage so that when the valve body is displaced by the drive, an initial area and shape of the minimal cross-section of the passage is periodically changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventors: Arkadi Relin, Anatole Milstein