Dredge with Drive Augers and Method of Dredging

Abstract

A dredge includes a floating platform and a subsurface portion. At least one drive augur on the subsurface portion rotates to move for moving along the bottom of a body of water. The floating platform provides power to the at least one auger, while a pump on the floating platform pumps spoils from the water bottom.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to dredges for clearing spoils from a body of water.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A dredge includes an underwater device that removes dirt and mud on the bottom of a body of water, such as a channel or a boat slip. Most dredges are accompanied by a barge that floats above the device and receives the dirt and mud mixed with water, referred to as “spoils,” dredged up by the underwater device. The barge typically includes a source of power and supplies power to the underwater device and to a pump that sucks up the spoils and moves them to the barge. The underwater device is often moved through the water by cables.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for dredging a body of water, such as a boat slip or a portion of a lake.

[0004] The dredge includes at least one auger having a helical screw configured to rotate and move the dredge on the body of the body of water.

[0005] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a more thorough understanding of the present invention, and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a dredge using two drive augers;

[0008] FIG. 2 shows the dredge of FIG. 1 in an extended configuration; and

[0009] FIG. 3 shows the dredge of FIG. 1 with the extender in a non-extended configuration;

[0010] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a dredge using augers to move the dredge;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing components of a dredge system; and

[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of using a dredge.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A dredge system includes an above-water platform and a subsurface portion, that is, the portion that works below the surface of the water. A frame of the subsurface portion supports one or more drive augers and an optional digging auger. Each auger comprises a center shaft and a rotating helical blade, referred to as a “screw” or a “flighting.”

[0014] Two preferably parallel, longitudinally oriented drive augers can be separately controlled to move the subsurface portion forward or backward, or to turn the subsurface portion like a skid-steer. The helical screws of each auger can be oriented either clockwise or counterclockwise on the shaft. For example, one drive auger can have clockwise screw as viewed from the front, while the other drive auger has a counterclockwise screw. Rotating the screws in opposite directions will cause the subsurface portion to move forward or backward, depending on the direction of rotation. If the screws of the two longitudinally oriented drive augers are of the same handedness, rotating both in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) will cause the subsurface portion to move forward or backward, depending on the direction of rotation and the orientation of the screws. Rotating the screws such that one tends to move the subsurface portion forward and the other tends to move the subsurface portion backwards would cause the dredge to rotate about a vertical axis and turn, in a manner similar to that of a skid steer. In some embodiments, the only mechanism for moving the subsurface portion is via augers.

[0015] The longitudinally oriented drive augers are attached to the frame by linking arms. The drive auger linking arms are pivotably connected to the frame so that the longitudinally oriented drive augers can be swung away from the longitudinal centerline of the subsurface portion during operation or can be swung towards the centerline to tuck the longitudinally oriented drive augers under the frame for transport on a street-legal road vehicle. The angle of the longitudinally oriented auger linking arms can be changed using hydraulic cylinders controlled by the operator. The angle of the left and right longitudinally oriented auger linking arms may be separately adjustable or adjustable together.

[0016] A lateral digging auger at the front of the subsurface portion includes a digging frame that supports a shaft upon which are mounted a left screw portion and a right screw portion. The digging frame also supports a funnel-shaped chamber. The left and right screw portions have screws threaded in opposite directions so that when the shaft rotates, the spoils are forced into the funnel-shaped chamber and then through an outlet pipe from which the spoils are pumped through a connected hose to a barge or other destination for the spoils.

[0017] The lateral digging auger is connected to the digging frame by lateral digging auger linking arms which are pivotally connected to the subsurface portion frame. In some embodiments, the angle of the lateral digging auger linking arms relative to the frame can be controlled by hydraulic pistons to adjust the depth of the digging auger. In other embodiments, the weight of the digging auger provides the force to move spoils as the subsurface portion is driven along the water body bottom.

[0018] The above-water platform portion provides power to the subsurface portion to rotate the screws of the augers and optionally to move the linking arms for positioning the drive auger and the digging augers. For example, a hydraulic motor above-water platform portion can pressurize a hydraulic fluid, which is connected to the augers by hydraulic lines and used to turn the auger shafts. The platform also supports a means to power the hydraulic motor, such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. A spoils pump is also typically positioned on the platform to pump the spoils from the subsurface portion to a destination on the surface, such as a barge or truck. The spoils pump can be driven by the same means that powers the hydraulic motor, or by a different power source. Both the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the longitudinally oriented drive augers can be controlled. At least the speed of the digging augur can be controlled.

[0019] With the subsurface portion resting on the bottom of a body of water, such as a lake, the platform floats on the surface. In some embodiments, the platform is pulled along the surface as the subsurface portion is moved along the bottom by the augers. In some embodiments, the platform also has a propulsion system, such as a propeller or a jet, which facilitates moving the dredge across the water. For example, the propulsion system can drive the platform to an area to be dredged, and then the subsurface portion can be lowered to contact the bottom and motion of the longitudinally oriented drive augers can move the subsurface portion, pulling the floating platform along with it. The platform may also be towed by boat.

[0020] The above-water platform and the subsurface portion are connected by an extender, such as scissor arms on either side of the platform. Other adjustable length connectors, such as slotted rails or telescoping arms, can also be used as extenders. The extender allows the distance between the floating platform and the subsurface portion to adjust as the depth of the subsurface portion changes with the depth of the bottom of the body of water. The extender also allows the subsurface portion of the dredge to extend horizontally a distance from the floating portion so that the auger can remove spoils under an obstacle, such as boat dock walkways and swimming platforms.

[0021] The extender can adjust to the required distance automatically as the subsurface portion sinks under its own weight and the platform floats due to its buoyancy. In other embodiments, the extender can be controlled by a user to position the subsurface portion relative to the above-water platform. By controlling the extender, a user can set both the depth of the subsurface portion and its horizontal distance from the above-water platform. A user can also control the pressure exerted by the subsurface portion on the bottom surface of the body of water. The extender provides an adjustable depth and distance with a rigid connection. In some embodiments, the rigid extender can be eliminated, and the subsurface portion can be connected only by hydraulic lines to drive the augers and a hose for the spoils.

[0022] The system can be fully automated or controlled remotely. A GPS locator on the platform can provide the position of the dredge and allow it to be moved as required to clean out a boat slip, channel, or other body of water. The system does not require cables to control the path of the dredge.

[0023] The entire system is sufficiently compact when folded so that it can be legally moved on a trailer on a public road. For example, it is preferably less than about 8½ ft wide and preferably about 12 ft or less in length. It may be, for example, three ft high. The augers can be used to move the dredge on land as well as under water. For example, the augers can be rotated appropriately to move the dredge onto and off of a trailer and into the water. The longitudinally oriented drive augers can be moved by longitudinally oriented drive augers linking arms to substantially “tuck up” under the floating portion for transport, decreasing the width of the dredge for travel. The digging auger can be moved inward by the digging auger linking arms, reducing the length of the dredge for transport.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dredge 100 configured for subsurface excavation and spoil removal. Dredge 100 includes a subsurface portion 102 and an above-water platform 104. The above-water platform 104 floats and supplies power to the subsurface portion 102. For example, the floating portion can include a hydraulic motor, a power source, such as an internal combustion engine, to power the hydraulic motor, and a pump to pump the spoils from the dredge for transport or disposal.

[0025] Subsurface portion 102 includes a frame 106. Two longitudinal drive augers 110A and 110B, each of which includes a shaft 112 and a helical flighting 114 are pivotably attached to the frame by longitudinal auger link arms 108. A digging auger 120, pivotally connected to frame 106 by two digging auger link arms 122, includes a helical flighting 123 similar to helical flighting 114. Material displaced by digging auger 120 is forced into a funnel-shaped chamber 124 and through a spoils exit 126 into a hose, (not shown), through which the material is forced to the surface for disposal.

[0026] Frame 106 is operatively connected to the above-water platform 104 via scissor arms 130, which allows controlled angular adjustment and positioning of the subsurface portion 102 relative to the above-water platform 104.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows the dredge of FIG. 1 with the subsurface portion 102 extended away from the above-water platform 104. While FIG. 2 shows a frame 106 that is essentially rectangular, a frame could also be a single longitudinal member along the center axis of the dredge with cross members at the ends for attaching the augers.

[0028] The combination of the scissor arms 130 and link arms 108 enable coordinated movement of the augers 110A, 110B and funnel chamber 124, thereby facilitating efficient excavation and transport of material through the spoils exit 126.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a dredge system 400 in which the auger blades 402 are attached to shafts 404 supported by a frame 406 and there is no rigid connection to a surface platform. A hose 410 is connected to a suction source on a jet ski 416 or similar vehicle.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing some components of a dredge system 500. Dredge system 500 includes a floating portion 502 and a subsurface or underwater portion 504. Floating portion 502 supports a hydraulic motor 510, an internal combustion engine 512 that drives the hydraulic motor 510, a spoils pump 514, and a controller 516. Controller 516 includes a microprocessor 520 and a memory 522, and may include GPS monitor 524 and communications circuitry 526 for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other communication protocol allowing an operator to remotely control the system, for example, from a computer or from a smart phone app. Controller 516 is electrically connected through wiring 530 to hydraulic motor 510, internal combustion engine 512 and spoils pump 514 and controls their operations.

[0031] Attached to subsurface portion 504 are drive augers 540 and 542 and digging auger 544. Hydraulic lines 546 from hydraulic motor 510 power augers 540, 542, and 544 and also move drive auger linking arms 550 and 552 and digging auger linking arms 554. A spoil conduit 556 leads spoils from digging auger 544 to pump 514, which then pumps the spoils through conduit 558 onto a transport vehicle (not shown).

[0032] The present invention also includes a method of using the apparatus described above. FIG. 6 shows one possible such method. In step 602, a dredge in accordance with this disclosure is provided. In step 604, drive augers are rotated to move the dredge along the bottom floor of the body of water to be dredged. In step 606, the digging auger is rotated to force spoils toward a conduit leading to a pump. In step 608, the pump pumps the spoils to a transport or to a storage location. The dredge is preferably sufficiently compact to be carried on a street-legal trailer. The method can include unloading the dredge from the trailer and transporting the dredge to the water to begin the dredging. When the dredging operation is complete, the method can include reloading the dredge onto the trailer.

[0033] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]A dredge system includes an above-water platform and a subsurface portion, that is, the portion that works below the surface of the water. A frame of the subsurface portion supports one or more drive augers and an optional digging auger. Each auger comprises a center shaft and a rotating helical blade, referred to as a “screw” or a “flighting.”

[0014]Two preferably parallel, longitudinally oriented drive augers can be separately controlled to move the subsurface portion forward or backward, or to turn the subsurface portion like a skid-steer. The helical screws of each auger can be oriented either clockwise or counterclockwise on the shaft. For example, one drive auger can have clockwise screw as viewed from the front, while the other drive auger has a counterclockwise screw. Rotating the screws in opposite directions will cause the subsurface portion to move forward or backward, depending on the direction of rotation. If the screws of the two longitudinally oriented drive auge...

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to dredges for clearing spoils from a body of water.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A dredge includes an underwater device that removes dirt and mud on the bottom of a body of water, such as a channel or a boat slip. Most dredges are accompanied by a barge that floats above the device and receives the dirt and mud mixed with water, referred to as “spoils,” dredged up by the underwater device. The barge typically includes a source of power and supplies power to the underwater device and to a pump that sucks up the spoils and moves them to the barge. The underwater device is often moved through the water by cables.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for dredging a body of water, such as a boat slip or a portion of a lake.

[0004] The dredge includes at least one auger having a helical screw configured to rotate and move the dredge on the body of the body of water.

[0005] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For a more thorough understanding of the present invention, and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 shows a dredge using two drive augers;

[0008] FIG. 2 shows the dredge of FIG. 1 in an extended configuration; and

[0009] FIG. 3 shows the dredge of FIG. 1 with the extender in a non-extended configuration;

[0010] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a dredge using augers to move the dredge;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing components of a dredge system; and

[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of using a dredge.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A dredge system includes an above-water platform and a subsurface portion, that is, the portion that works below the surface of the water. A frame of the subsurface portion supports one or more drive augers and an optional digging auger. Each auger comprises a center shaft and a rotating helical blade, referred to as a “screw” or a “flighting.”

[0014] Two preferably parallel, longitudinally oriented drive augers can be separately controlled to move the subsurface portion forward or backward, or to turn the subsurface portion like a skid-steer. The helical screws of each auger can be oriented either clockwise or counterclockwise on the shaft. For example, one drive auger can have clockwise screw as viewed from the front, while the other drive auger has a counterclockwise screw. Rotating the screws in opposite directions will cause the subsurface portion to move forward or backward, depending on the direction of rotation. If the screws of the two longitudinally oriented drive augers are of the same handedness, rotating both in the same direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) will cause the subsurface portion to move forward or backward, depending on the direction of rotation and the orientation of the screws. Rotating the screws such that one tends to move the subsurface portion forward and the other tends to move the subsurface portion backwards would cause the dredge to rotate about a vertical axis and turn, in a manner similar to that of a skid steer. In some embodiments, the only mechanism for moving the subsurface portion is via augers.

[0015] The longitudinally oriented drive augers are attached to the frame by linking arms. The drive auger linking arms are pivotably connected to the frame so that the longitudinally oriented drive augers can be swung away from the longitudinal centerline of the subsurface portion during operation or can be swung towards the centerline to tuck the longitudinally oriented drive augers under the frame for transport on a street-legal road vehicle. The angle of the longitudinally oriented auger linking arms can be changed using hydraulic cylinders controlled by the operator. The angle of the left and right longitudinally oriented auger linking arms may be separately adjustable or adjustable together.

[0016] A lateral digging auger at the front of the subsurface portion includes a digging frame that supports a shaft upon which are mounted a left screw portion and a right screw portion. The digging frame also supports a funnel-shaped chamber. The left and right screw portions have screws threaded in opposite directions so that when the shaft rotates, the spoils are forced into the funnel-shaped chamber and then through an outlet pipe from which the spoils are pumped through a connected hose to a barge or other destination for the spoils.

[0017] The lateral digging auger is connected to the digging frame by lateral digging auger linking arms which are pivotally connected to the subsurface portion frame. In some embodiments, the angle of the lateral digging auger linking arms relative to the frame can be controlled by hydraulic pistons to adjust the depth of the digging auger. In other embodiments, the weight of the digging auger provides the force to move spoils as the subsurface portion is driven along the water body bottom.

[0018] The above-water platform portion provides power to the subsurface portion to rotate the screws of the augers and optionally to move the linking arms for positioning the drive auger and the digging augers. For example, a hydraulic motor above-water platform portion can pressurize a hydraulic fluid, which is connected to the augers by hydraulic lines and used to turn the auger shafts. The platform also supports a means to power the hydraulic motor, such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. A spoils pump is also typically positioned on the platform to pump the spoils from the subsurface portion to a destination on the surface, such as a barge or truck. The spoils pump can be driven by the same means that powers the hydraulic motor, or by a different power source. Both the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the longitudinally oriented drive augers can be controlled. At least the speed of the digging augur can be controlled.

[0019] With the subsurface portion resting on the bottom of a body of water, such as a lake, the platform floats on the surface. In some embodiments, the platform is pulled along the surface as the subsurface portion is moved along the bottom by the augers. In some embodiments, the platform also has a propulsion system, such as a propeller or a jet, which facilitates moving the dredge across the water. For example, the propulsion system can drive the platform to an area to be dredged, and then the subsurface portion can be lowered to contact the bottom and motion of the longitudinally oriented drive augers can move the subsurface portion, pulling the floating platform along with it. The platform may also be towed by boat.

[0020] The above-water platform and the subsurface portion are connected by an extender, such as scissor arms on either side of the platform. Other adjustable length connectors, such as slotted rails or telescoping arms, can also be used as extenders. The extender allows the distance between the floating platform and the subsurface portion to adjust as the depth of the subsurface portion changes with the depth of the bottom of the body of water. The extender also allows the subsurface portion of the dredge to extend horizontally a distance from the floating portion so that the auger can remove spoils under an obstacle, such as boat dock walkways and swimming platforms.

[0021] The extender can adjust to the required distance automatically as the subsurface portion sinks under its own weight and the platform floats due to its buoyancy. In other embodiments, the extender can be controlled by a user to position the subsurface portion relative to the above-water platform. By controlling the extender, a user can set both the depth of the subsurface portion and its horizontal distance from the above-water platform. A user can also control the pressure exerted by the subsurface portion on the bottom surface of the body of water. The extender provides an adjustable depth and distance with a rigid connection. In some embodiments, the rigid extender can be eliminated, and the subsurface portion can be connected only by hydraulic lines to drive the augers and a hose for the spoils.

[0022] The system can be fully automated or controlled remotely. A GPS locator on the platform can provide the position of the dredge and allow it to be moved as required to clean out a boat slip, channel, or other body of water. The system does not require cables to control the path of the dredge.

[0023] The entire system is sufficiently compact when folded so that it can be legally moved on a trailer on a public road. For example, it is preferably less than about 8½ ft wide and preferably about 12 ft or less in length. It may be, for example, three ft high. The augers can be used to move the dredge on land as well as under water. For example, the augers can be rotated appropriately to move the dredge onto and off of a trailer and into the water. The longitudinally oriented drive augers can be moved by longitudinally oriented drive augers linking arms to substantially “tuck up” under the floating portion for transport, decreasing the width of the dredge for travel. The digging auger can be moved inward by the digging auger linking arms, reducing the length of the dredge for transport.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dredge 100 configured for subsurface excavation and spoil removal. Dredge 100 includes a subsurface portion 102 and an above-water platform 104. The above-water platform 104 floats and supplies power to the subsurface portion 102. For example, the floating portion can include a hydraulic motor, a power source, such as an internal combustion engine, to power the hydraulic motor, and a pump to pump the spoils from the dredge for transport or disposal.

[0025] Subsurface portion 102 includes a frame 106. Two longitudinal drive augers 110A and 110B, each of which includes a shaft 112 and a helical flighting 114 are pivotably attached to the frame by longitudinal auger link arms 108. A digging auger 120, pivotally connected to frame 106 by two digging auger link arms 122, includes a helical flighting 123 similar to helical flighting 114. Material displaced by digging auger 120 is forced into a funnel-shaped chamber 124 and through a spoils exit 126 into a hose, (not shown), through which the material is forced to the surface for disposal.

[0026] Frame 106 is operatively connected to the above-water platform 104 via scissor arms 130, which allows controlled angular adjustment and positioning of the subsurface portion 102 relative to the above-water platform 104.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows the dredge of FIG. 1 with the subsurface portion 102 extended away from the above-water platform 104. While FIG. 2 shows a frame 106 that is essentially rectangular, a frame could also be a single longitudinal member along the center axis of the dredge with cross members at the ends for attaching the augers.

[0028] The combination of the scissor arms 130 and link arms 108 enable coordinated movement of the augers 110A, 110B and funnel chamber 124, thereby facilitating efficient excavation and transport of material through the spoils exit 126.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a dredge system 400 in which the auger blades 402 are attached to shafts 404 supported by a frame 406 and there is no rigid connection to a surface platform. A hose 410 is connected to a suction source on a jet ski 416 or similar vehicle.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing some components of a dredge system 500. Dredge system 500 includes a floating portion 502 and a subsurface or underwater portion 504. Floating portion 502 supports a hydraulic motor 510, an internal combustion engine 512 that drives the hydraulic motor 510, a spoils pump 514, and a controller 516. Controller 516 includes a microprocessor 520 and a memory 522, and may include GPS monitor 524 and communications circuitry 526 for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other communication protocol allowing an operator to remotely control the system, for example, from a computer or from a smart phone app. Controller 516 is electrically connected through wiring 530 to hydraulic motor 510, internal combustion engine 512 and spoils pump 514 and controls their operations.

[0031] Attached to subsurface portion 504 are drive augers 540 and 542 and digging auger 544. Hydraulic lines 546 from hydraulic motor 510 power augers 540, 542, and 544 and also move drive auger linking arms 550 and 552 and digging auger linking arms 554. A spoil conduit 556 leads spoils from digging auger 544 to pump 514, which then pumps the spoils through conduit 558 onto a transport vehicle (not shown).

[0032] The present invention also includes a method of using the apparatus described above. FIG. 6 shows one possible such method. In step 602, a dredge in accordance with this disclosure is provided. In step 604, drive augers are rotated to move the dredge along the bottom floor of the body of water to be dredged. In step 606, the digging auger is rotated to force spoils toward a conduit leading to a pump. In step 608, the pump pumps the spoils to a transport or to a storage location. The dredge is preferably sufficiently compact to be carried on a street-legal trailer. The method can include unloading the dredge from the trailer and transporting the dredge to the water to begin the dredging. When the dredging operation is complete, the method can include reloading the dredge onto the trailer.

[0033] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]A dredge system includes an above-water platform and a subsurface portion, that is, the portion that works below the surface of the water. A frame of the subsurface portion supports one or more drive augers and an optional digging auger. Each auger comprises a center shaft and a rotating helical blade, referred to as a “screw” or a “flighting.”

[0014]Two preferably parallel, longitudinally oriented drive augers can be separately controlled to move the subsurface portion forward or backward, or to turn the subsurface portion like a skid-steer. The helical screws of each auger can be oriented either clockwise or counterclockwise on the shaft. For example, one drive auger can have clockwise screw as viewed from the front, while the other drive auger has a counterclockwise screw. Rotating the screws in opposite directions will cause the subsurface portion to move forward or backward, depending on the direction of rotation. If the screws of the two longitudinally oriented drive auge...

Claims

1. A dredge for removing spoils from a body of water, comprising:an above-water platform supporting:a hydraulic motor;a pump; anda power source configured to power the hydraulic motor and the pump;a subsurface portion, including:a frame;two drive augers supported by the frame and configured to be driven by the hydraulic motor; anda digging auger supported by the frame and configured to be driven by the hydraulic motor, the digging auger configured to displace spoils at the bottom of the body of water.

2. The dredge of claim 1 further comprising an extender connecting the above-water platform and the subsurface portion, the extender allowing the subsurface portion to descend below the above-water platform to the bottom of the body of water.

3. The dredge of claim 2 in which the extender comprises a scissor-type connector.

4. The dredge of claim 2 in which the extender is configured to allow the subsurface portion to extend away from a position directly below the above-water platform.

5. The dredge of claim 1 in which each of the two drive augers is connected to the frame by a respective drive auger pivotable link arm.

6. The dredge of claim 5 in which the positions of the drive auger pivotable link arms are adjustable.

7. The dredge of claim 6 in which the positions of the drive auger pivotable link arms are hydraulically adjustable.

8. The dredge of claim 1 in which the digging auger is connected to the frame by at least one digging auger pivotable link arm.

9. The dredge of claim 8 in which the position of the at least one digging auger pivotable link arms is adjustable.

10. The dredge of claim 9 in which the position of the at least one digging augers pivotable link arm is hydraulically adjustable.

11. The dredge of claim 1 in which the dredge can be configured to be less than 8.5 feet wide for transport.

12. The dredge of claim 1 further comprising a spoils hose extending from the subsurface portion to the pump inlet.

13. The dredge of claim 12 further comprising a funneling structure attached to the frame configured to funnel spoils from the digging auger into the hose.

14. The dredge of claim 1 further including a hose from the pump exit to a place off of the dredge to deposit the spoils.

15. The dredge of claim 1 further comprising an electronic controller for controlling the movement of the drive augers and the digging auger.

16. The dredge of claim 15 further comprising a global positioning system receiver in data communication with the electronic controller for determining the position of the dredge.

17. The dredge of claim 15 further comprising an electronic device for remotely controlling the dredge.

18. The dredge of claim 1 in which the rotation of each of the two drive augers can be separately controlled to move the underwater portion forward or backward or to turn the underwater portion.

19. A method of dredging an area, comprising:providing a dredge in accordance with claim 1;rotating the drive augers to move the dredge along the bottom of the body of water to be dredged; androtating the digging auger to force spoils from the bottom of the waterway.

20. The method of claim 19 in which rotating the digging auger to force spoils from the bottom of the waterway comprises forcing the spoils through a funnel-shaped member towards a pump inlet.

21. A dredge for removing spoils from a body of water, comprising:a subsurface portion, including:a frame; andat least one drive auger supported by the frame, the at least one drive auger engaging with the bottom of the body of water to provide locomotion for the dredge;an above-water platform supporting a pump;a hose between the pump and the subsurface portion for transporting spoils from the bottom of the body of water to the surface.

Images