Abstract: The invention relates to method of supporting a unloading conveyor bridge extending substantially horizontally at the bottom level of a bulk material pile storage, implemented as supports in the area of the bridge ends as well as in at least one point therebetween. At least one of the supports is positionally adjusted in the vertical direction. The support force is thereby kept substantially constant at the actual support point. For the adjustment can be used spring loading, fluid pressure loading or gravity loading, for example.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reclaiming bulk solid material from storage stockpiles or from watercraft. A storage and reclaim system includes a support surface for supporting a stockpile of bulk material. The support surface is defined by a plurality of individual material support structures geometrically arranged and positioned with reference to each other so that the support surface is essentially continuous. Each of the material support structures in turn includes a dish or funnel-like structure having a generally conical floor surface sloping towards an individual discharge opening fitted with a discharge control gate. An array of vibrators is mechanically connected to each of the material support structures so as to introduce vibrational energy into the dish or funnel-like structures sufficient to either avoid a stable reclaim cone or to destabilize a stable reclaim cone which may form in order to maintain material discharge flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a barge with an open top container for receiving a cargo mounted on the deck characterized in that the container is pivotally mounted on the deck such that cargo (e.g. marine sand) can be discharged from the barge by tilting of the container about the pivotal axis. The barge is particularly useful for use in land reclamation projects and the invention further relates to a method of reclaiming land utilizing such barges.

Abstract: A belt conveyor comprises an endless and closed conveyor belt (25) which is flexible essentially merely about axes which are parallel with the transverse direction of the belt (25), a tower (2; 70, 75); an inner arm (3; 64) supported by the tower (2; 70, 75); and an outer arm (6; 66) supported by the inner arm (3; 64) and positioned substantially in a vertical plane through the inner arm (3; 64). The conveyor belt (25) follows a path from the tower (2; 70; 75), via the inner arm (3; 64) and the outer arm (6; 66) to a distal end of the outer arm (6; 66) and back via the outer arm (6; 66) and the inner arm (3; 64) to the tower (2; 70; 75). Two first deflection rollers (10, 11; 65, 68) for the conveyor belt (25) are supported side by side at an intersection of the inner arm (3; 64) and the outer arm (6; 66) and has a common axis of rotation (12, 13) which is perpendicular to said vertical plane.

Abstract: A material distribution vessel for distributing material recovered in a dredging operation is disclosed. The material distribution vessel includes a hull; a propulsion system for selectively moving the hull through a waterway; and a conveyor system supported by the hull. The conveyor system has a first end for receiving recovered material and a second end for depositing the recovered material. At least a portion of the conveyor system is movable relative to the hull to move the second end to a desired position. The material distribution vessel also includes at least one support pad. The at least one support pad is movable in at least a vertical direction to support the hull on a bottom of the waterway. The recovered material may be deposited into the waterway to form an island (which may be a levy), into another water-borne vessel, or into an on-shore station such as a wheeled transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A system for transporting material recovered in a dredging operation performed by a dredge is disclosed. The system includes a water-borne material distribution vessel including a conveyor system for receiving and depositing the recovered material. It also includes at least one water-borne material transportation vessel for transporting recovered material from the dredge to the material distribution vessel. The water-borne material distribution vessel can deposit the material into the waterway to form an island (which may be a levy), into another water-borne vessel, or into an on-shore station such as a wheeled transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A stage (3) for holding a boom body (4), which is composed of a plurality of boom components (15, 41, 42), is mounted on a tower mast (2) so as to be turnable by means of a servomotor. A servomotor (56, 61) for turning the next boom component is provided on the distal end of each boom component. Each boom component is provided with a belt conveyor, and granule that is pulled up from the ground to the position of the stage (3) by means of a bucket (5) is transported by means of the conveyor and thrown out from a boom body end (66). As this is done, the respective turns of the stage 3 and each boom component are controlled in accordance with the rotation of the servomotor, and the boom body end (66) is controlled, whereby the granule can be thrown out into any desired position within a operable range.