Apparatus for collecting polymetallic nodules from ocean beds

摘要

Improvements to the apparatus for collecting the polymetallic nodules from ocean beds, having formed the subject of the main patent and of the certificate of addition. The various movable members of the dredger, comprising the suction and delivery pumps, the transporters, the screening belts, are actuated by a single electric motor. The buckets are careened by box elements with weight compensators; the internal and external sides of the chain, by shutters turning over laterally. On the internal side, the water jet from a nozzle contiguous to the chain, on the external side, the centrifugation of the water ejected at the curvature of the wheels carry out the turning-over. The beaconing buoys are semifloating (transceiver side upwards). The accuracy of the pilot beaconing is ensured by a metal cable, for guiding the buoys, suspended from the tugboat. IMAGE