Document Type
Patent
Publication Date
8-14-1984
Patent Number
patent number 4464851
Abstract
A mechanical harvester for marine bivalve mollusks and the like. A harvester head is provided for movement along a bottom to be harvested, which head includes driven tined elements for dislodging mollusks from the bottom and for removing dislodged mollusks and conveying same away from the bottom. The harvester head is supported by a cable system, preferably from a marine vessel, that is adapted to impart a substantially constant lifting force on the harvester head over a predetermined range of water depth, such that a predetermined pressure only is applied by the head against the bottom during harvesting, whereby damage to the bottom that would hinder replenishment of marine life is avoided. The harvester head is also capable of pitch and roll movement to follow the contour of the bottom during harvesting.
Application Number
06/389957
Assignees
Clemson University (Clemson, SC)
Filing Date
1982-06-18
Primary/U.S. Class
37/309
Other/U.S. Class
37/315, 37/336