Michael Howitt

Title: Michael Howitt: Innovator in Seafloor Mining Technologies

Introduction

Michael Howitt is an accomplished inventor based in Milton, Australia. He has made significant contributions to the field of seafloor mining, holding a total of 3 patents. His innovative approaches have the potential to revolutionize the way seafloor resources are extracted.

Latest Patents

One of Howitt's latest patents is titled "Method and apparatus for auxiliary seafloor mining." This invention features a seafloor auxiliary mining tool designed for use in a seafloor mining system. The tool is equipped with a seafloor locomotion system that allows it to traverse the seafloor effectively. It utilizes umbilical connections to receive power and control signals from a surface source. Additionally, a boom-mounted auxiliary cutting tool is configured to cut the extremities of a seafloor deposit. The cuttings produced are sized by a sizing means to ensure they do not exceed a desired size.

Another notable patent is "Method and apparatus for bulk seafloor mining." This invention involves a seafloor bulk mining tool that is capable of production cutting of a seafloor bench. The tool employs a tracked locomotion system to navigate across the seafloor bench. It also features power and control interfaces that receive signals from a surface source. The tool includes a drum cutter for cutting the bench, along with a sizing grill adjacent to the drum cutter to size the cuttings as they are produced. A drum shroud may be included to help contain the cuttings, and a suction inlet can capture the cuttings as they are generated.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Michael Howitt has worked with notable companies such as Nautilus Minerals Pacific Pty Ltd and Soil Machine Dynamics Limited. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in seafloor mining technologies.

Collaborations

Michael has collaborated with several professionals in his field, including Glen Robert Jones and Antony Eliot Inglis. These collaborations have likely enhanced his innovative capabilities and contributed to the development of his patented technologies.

Conclusion

Michael Howitt is a pioneering inventor whose work in seafloor mining technologies is shaping the future of resource extraction. His patents reflect a commitment to innovation and efficiency in the mining industry.