UNDERWATER MINERAL MINING RIG Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC E21C50/00 

FIELD: mineral mining, particularly obtaining minerals from underwater.

SUBSTANCE: rig comprises frame provided with floating pontoon supports, compressor, electromagnetic valves, concretion accumulation vessel, drum reels fixed with electric drives and endless chains with buckets. Each bucket comprises gas and float chambers and chamber filling device. Each float chamber has bellows hermetically connected to float chamber bottom and metal plate. Bellow interiors are communicated with armored continuous gas-distribution pipe passing over drums. Float chambers may reduce bellows volumes from one side of the chain and increase bellow volumes from another side thereof. Rig also has additional frames provided with propeller screws, air harness including poles and automatic harness control device. The automatic harness control device comprises force transducer and wind direction sensor. Wind direction sensor includes distinguishing plate provided with constant magnet, which cooperates with reed switches by means of magnetic field. The reed switches are arranged on annular fixed support. Wind force transducer includes pipe, cylindrical vessel, float and rod cooperating with microswitch. The cylindrical vessel is connected with pipe.

EFFECT: decreased power inputs for rig moving over water area and mineral lifting from ocean bed and extended range of technological capabilities.

9 cl, 37 dwg