The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 10, 1982
Filed:
Mar. 10, 1980
Applicant:
Inventors:
Pierre Balligand, Sceaux, FR;
Yves Corfa, Nantes, FR;
Pierre Lemercier, Grenoble, FR;
Paul Marchal, Gif-sur/Yvette, FR;
Jean Vertut, Issy les Moulineau, FR;
Assignee:
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
E02F / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
37 54 ; 37 56 ; 37DI / ; 37195 ; 114313 ; 114332 ; 114338 ; 114259 ;
Abstract
Polymetallic nodules are collected by means of a plurality of self-propelled vehicles which move upwards and downwards between the sea floor and a surface platform under the action of excess ballast which is partially and progressively released as the vehicle approaches the bottom. The vehicles are propelled along the sea floor by means of at least two supporting units each having at least one helical propulsion fin, the remainder of the ballast being released in order to return the vehicles upwards for docking, unloading and energy-recharging in the surface platform.