Sediment collector with hopper assembly

Abstract

A method and apparatus for removing sediment from a waterway includes a collector housing dimensioned for receipt in the waterway having an opening that receives water and sediment therethrough. A sediment removal passage in the housing selectively communicates with the opening and a valve is interposed between the opening and removal passage to control the communication. In a preferred embodiment, the valve is a flap or check valve that is normally open and, once sediment has been pumped down, moves to a closed position. This allows the suction force to be applied to the remaining portions of the collector having sediment. Preferably, the hoppers are replaceable inserts made of a durable, wear-resistant material.

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:  
     
         1 . A sediment collector used to remove sediment from a waterway, the collector comprising: 
 a housing dimensioned for receipt in an associated waterway;    an opening in the housing dimensioned to receive water and sediment therethrough;    a sediment removal passage in the housing;    a valve disposed in the cavity providing selective communication between the opening and the removal passage.    
     
     
         2 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the valve opens in response to a predetermined amount of sediment.  
     
     
         3 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the valve is normally, partially open and closes once the sediment is pumped off to preclude communication between the opening and the removal passage.  
     
     
         4 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the valve is a check valve that selectively opens in response to a predetermined amount of sediment.  
     
     
         5 . The invention of  claim 1  further comprising a pump communicating with the removal passage for removing sediment from the collector.  
     
     
         6 . The invention of  claim 5  wherein the pump is periodically operated.  
     
     
         7 . The invention of  claim 5  wherein the pump is periodically operated in response to the valve opening a predetermined amount.  
     
     
         8 . The invention of  claim 1  further comprising discrete hoppers spaced in the housing.  
     
     
         9 . The invention of  claim 8  wherein each hopper includes a valve interposed between the opening and the removal passage whereby a pump operatively associated with the removal passage pumps reduced quantities of water once a selected valve is closed.  
     
     
         10 . The invention of  claim 8  wherein the hoppers included sloped sidewalls for funneling sediment toward the removal passage.  
     
     
         11 . The invention of  claim 10  wherein the hoppers include multiple valves disposed therein that selectively close once sediment is removed from a selected valve, and suction from a pump operatively associated with the removal passage is increased to the remaining valves.  
     
     
         12 . A method of removing sediment from a waterway using a housing having an opening and a sediment removal passage, the method comprising the steps of: 
 receiving water and sediment into the housing through the opening; and    selectively regulating communication between the housing opening and the removal passage.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  including the step of removing sediment from the housing along only selected portions thereof.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  comprising the step of providing a valve between the opening and the removal passage.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  comprising the step of providing multiple valves spaced along the housing, selected valves closing once sediment has been removed therefrom whereby additional suction is provided to the remaining open valves.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  comprising the further step of providing a replaceable wear resistant insert in the collector between the opening and the removal passage.  
     
     
         17 . An insert for receipt in a sediment collector that includes a housing having an opening communicating with an internal cavity for receiving sediment from a waterway that is conveyed to a sediment removal passage, the insert comprising: 
 a wear resistant body dimensioned for receipt in an associated internal cavity of a collector between an opening and sediment removal passage, the wear resistant body including a valve having a first portion secured to the body and a second portion that is selectively movable toward an open position in response to a predetermined amount of sediment received thereon and toward a closed position once the sediment falls below the predetermined amount.    
     
     
         18 . The insert of  claim 17  wherein the body includes a narrowing region adjacent the flapper valve for regulating sediment flow between the opening and sediment removal passage.  
     
     
         19 . The insert of  claim 18  wherein the narrowing passage includes multiple valves disposed in spaced relation.  
     
     
         20 . The insert of  claim 19  wherein the body includes a first portion having an enlarged opening that funnels sediment toward the narrowing passage and a region downstream thereof dimensioned to receive the associated sediment removal passage.