Abstract A tractor includes an internal combustion engine and is adapted for underwater operation, with inlet and outlet means extending to above the surface of the water for supplying air to the engine and exhausting combustion gas therefrom. A dredging implement in the form of a blade and auger, directs material from the floor to adjacent one end of a conduit means as the vehicle is transported over the floor. An impeller associated with the conduit means transports the material therethrough and from the other end of the conduit means, which is positioned above the surface of the water. The dredging implement may alternatively take the form of a pair of wing members, each angled upwardly and inwardly in the rearward direction to direct material to adjacent the one end of the conduit means. Means remote from the vehicle, and positionable on shore, are included for operating the submerged tractor.
Apparatus for working the floor of a body of water comprising: a submersible vehicle positionable on said floor; means for transporting the vehicle over said floor; conduit means having oNe end disposed adjacent said vehicle, and the other end positionable above the surface of the water; means associated with the vehicle for directing the material from the floor to adjacent the one end of the conduit means; and means for transporting the material entering the one end of the conduit means through the conduit means and from the other end thereof, wherein the means for directing material from the floor to adjacent the one end of the conduit means comprise angled wing means disposed forwardly of the vehicle and comprising a plurality of wings, each angled upwardly and inwardly in the rearward direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
Apparatus for working the floor of a body of water comprising: a submersible vehicle positionable on said floor; means for transporting the vehicle over said floor; conduit means having oNe end disposed adjacent said vehicle, and the other end positionable above the surface of the water; means associated with the vehicle for directing the material from the floor to adjacent the one end of the conduit means; and means for transporting the material entering the one end of the conduit means through the conduit means and from the other end thereof, wherein the means for directing material from the floor to adjacent the one end of the conduit means comprise angled wing means disposed forwardly of the vehicle and comprising a plurality of wings, each angled upwardly and inwardly in the rearward direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and means interconnecting the vehicle and wing means for providing a degree of movement of the wing means relative to the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the means interconnecting the vehicle and wing means comprise means for tilting the wing means forwardly and rearwardly relative to the vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the means interconnecting the vehicle and wing means further comprise means for raising and lowering the wing means relative to the vehicle.