Rock dredging system and method

Abstract

A dredge system, method, and apparatus, are provided that, according to one example embodiment of the invention, applies weight to a roller for dredging rock in a unique manner using the weight of a dredge unit that is supported by a floating support unit.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of dredging rock located under the surface of a body of water, the method comprising: 
 engaging the rock with a roller,    applying, under the surface of the body of the water, weight to the roller,    turning the roller, and    controlling the roller from above the surface of the water.    
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1  further comprising driving the roller through direct mechanical engagement with the rock.  
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein the engaging comprises cutting.  
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein the engaging comprises grinding.  
     
     
         5 . A system for dredging rock located under the surface of a body of water, the system comprising: 
 means for engaging the rock with a roller,    means for applying, under the surface of the body of water, weight to the roller,    means for turning the roller, and    means for steering the roller direction, wherein the means for steering is located under the water.    
     
     
         6 . A system as in  claim 5  further comprising means for driving the roller through direct mechanical engagement with the rock.  
     
     
         7 . A system as in  claim 5  wherein the roller comprises means for cutting.  
     
     
         8 . A system as in  claim 7  wherein the means for cutting comprises teeth mounted on the roller in a helical pattern.  
     
     
         9 . A system as in  claim 5  wherein the roller comprises a unitary roller.  
     
     
         10 . A system as in  claim 5  wherein the roller comprises a multipiece roller.  
     
     
         11 . A system as in  claim 5  wherein the roller comprises means for grinding.  
     
     
         12 . A system as in  claim 11  wherein the means for grinding comprises grinding teeth.  
     
     
         13 . A system as in  claim 5  wherein the means for engaging comprises a frame supporting the roller.  
     
     
         14 . A system as in  claim 5  wherein the means for applying comprises the weight of the roller and the frame.  
     
     
         15 . A system as in  claim 14  wherein the means for applying further comprises additional weight applied to the roller through the frame.  
     
     
         16 . A system as in  claim 5  wherein the means for turning the roller comprises a motor mounted on the frame.  
     
     
         17 . A system as in  claim 5  wherein the means for steering comprises steerable track units.  
     
     
         18 . An apparatus for dredging under the surface of the water comprising: 
 a cylinder having an outer surface and an axis,    a frame holding the cylinder in a rotating arrangement about the axis,    a motor on the frame connected to rotate the cylinder about the axis,    wherein the weight applied to the cylinder comprises the weight the of frame and submerged equipment connected to the frame.    
     
     
         19 . An apparatus as in  claim 18 , further comprising steerable tracks connected to the frame fore and aft of the roller.  
     
     
         20 . An apparatus as in  claim 19 , further comprising a support floating vessel attached to the motor with power supply and control connections.  
     
     
         21 . An apparatus as in  claim 20  further comprising lift lines connected between the frame and the support vessel.  
     
     
         22 . A dredge system comprising: 
 a dredge unit and    a support unit,    wherein the dredge unit and the support unit comprise, in combination: 
 a launch mode and  
 a dredge mode.  
   
     
     
         23 . A dredge system as in  claim 22  further comprising a maintenance mode.  
     
     
         24 . A dredge system as in  claim 22  wherein the launch mode comprises a connection between the dredge unit and the support unit in which the weight of the support unit is carried by the dredge unit.  
     
     
         25 . A dredge system as in  claim 24  wherein the connection comprises lift lines connected between the dredge unit and the support unit.  
     
     
         26 . A dredge system as in  claim 24  wherein the connection comprises protrusion and indentations connecting the support unit and the dredge unit.  
     
     
         27 . A dredge system as in  claim 22  wherein the support unit, in the launch mode, powers and controls the dredge unit.