METHOD OF MOVEMENT OVER THE BOTTOM OF WATER BASINS AND SEAS AND MACHINE FOR REALIZATION THEREOF

摘要

1466821 Vehicle propulsion, underwater vehicle VSES N I I PROEK KONSTRUKT INST ZOLOTO - PLATINOVOI ALMAZ I VOLFRAMO MOLIBDENOVOI PROMYSHLEN 19 Feb 1975 [19 Feb 1974 (2) 28 March 1974 (2)] 7046/75 Headings B7H and B7A [Also in Division E1] A machine for carrying out mining operations on the sea bed comprises two supports 2, Fig. 1, each having an associated fluid container 10, there being means for supplying and withdrawing fluid to and from each container 10 for raising and lowering a selected container from the sea bed and means for rotating the machine about each of the supports for "walking" the machine. In one embodiment, Fig. 1, a control valve 12 delivers gas from source 15 on a vessel or from machine mounted containers 17 to the right hand container 10 and liquid, which may be water, is transferred by pump 19 to the left hand container or is forced out through valve 21, thus causing a positive buoyancy in the right hand container which raises the right hand support 2. The machine is rotated by mechanism 3 about the left hand support 2 and the gas pressure is then equalized with the aid of valve 12 to lower the right hand support on to the bottom. The left hand support is then lifted and lowered according to the required path of the machine. In another embodiment, Fig. 8, the containers are installed in guides 23, one or other of the containers being moved outwardly by power cylinders 24 to provide additional means for tilting the machine about a selected support 2. In a further embodiment, Fig. 10, the containers 25 are made from flexible material comprising outer and inner shells 26, 27 and the spaces between the shells may be inflated with the same working medium, such as gas, or with different media such as gas or liquid. The machine may also be adapted for movement on land.