Abstract: A portable suction nozzle for removing layers of fat, oil and grease (FOG), scum, sludge and the like from the surface or bottom of tanks used in water and sewage treatment plants, septic systems and the like. The device can be used by an operator working in such environments, as well as honey wagon operators, oil spill response teams and the like. The device can be held in place by a holster arrangement mounted to a tank to be cleaned.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a dredging head assembly uses vacuum only, or a combination of vacuum and flexible PVC tines, rather than the harsh digging and/or scraping features of conventional dredging equipment. Embodiments of the invention also provide a dredging head assembly that may be used in very shallow water. An embodiment of the invention includes a hose and wand to enable vacuuming around obstacles.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for changing a suction mouth of a cutter suction dredge of a vessel with cutter ladder. In at least one embodiment, the device includes, comprising a work platform which, as seen in the transverse direction of the vessel, is provided substantially in the middle with an opening, wherein—a support structure is provided which can be fixedly connected to the work platform in a position substantially under the opening, which support structure is adapted to support a suction mouth;—and the work platform with support structure is tiltable around a first, substantially horizontal transverse axis between a substantially horizontal operating position and a high position in which the cutter ladder can be moved upward, which positions are such that the work platform with support structure is movable from its high position to its operating position when the cutter ladder is situated in a high raised position.

Abstract: A reader device for locating and tracking multiple tags includes a plurality of closely packed antenna circuits and at least one controller configured to control the plurality of closely packed antenna circuits. The at least one controller is configured to activate one or more of the antenna circuits to generate at least one resonance signal field configured to interrogate at least one tag associated with the one or more active antenna circuits while substantially preventing or reducing cross-coupling of signals between the one or more active antenna circuits and at least one antenna circuit within the at least one resonance signal field to a sufficiently low level, wherein the sufficiently low level substantially prevents misreads from unwanted tags, to thereby track the multiple tags in a substantially controlled manner.

Abstract: A novel rotational and positionable robotic arm-controlled underwater bottom artifact and sample suction recovery apparatus and interchangeable bottom coring apparatus, wherein the interchange is effected underwater by rotation of a common deploying arm and remote-control mechanism.

Abstract: A dredge head for dredging sludge by a trailing and pushing motion thereby defining a trailing and pushing direction is configured to be fitted on a ladder of a stationary dredger. The ladder is movable in the trailing and pushing direction for moving the dredge head.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas valve capable of switching gases to be introduced within a vacuum chamber with high speed thereby enhancing the controllability of the composion of a semiconducting thin film growing on a substrate and shortening the time required for growth of the thin film. The gas valve comprises a bendable film between a pair of parallel plate electrodes whereby operating the film by an electrostatic force and opening and closing a port for releasing gas to a substrate mounted on the wall surface of a gas chamber and a port for exhausting an unnecessary gas to an exhaust passage. The gas valve is mounted in the vicinity of the substrate within the vacuum chamber for supplying a working gas in a minimum amount required for the film growth.

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.