Arthur K Sullivan

US Patent:

39750540, Aug 17, 1976

Filed:

Dec 11, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/531754

Inventors:

Frank Howard Brockett - Bellevue WA
James E. Philp - Bellevue WA
Arthur Francis Sullivan - Redmond WA

Assignee:

The International Nickel Company, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

E02F 394
E02F 700

US Classification:

299 8

Abstract:

Vehicle constructed for being towed along undersea floor area where desired mineral aggregates, such as manganese nodules, are dispersed on ocean bottom carries apparatus utilizing power from towed motion, hydraulic suction and vehicle-borne motor for acquiring, concentrating and transmitting desired aggregates to conduit for upward transport. Vehicle has motor-powered water impeller, ducting and nozzle for directing pressurized sheet-jet of water rearwardly downward near undersea floor, enclosed ramp inclined rearwardly upward with entrance behind sheet-jet to receive solids dislodged from sea floor by jet, hopper and trough to receive solids moved up ramp by flow of water up ramp when vehicle is towed forward, and separating screens and ducting to direct desired sizes of solids into conduit for delivery to surface ship. Operationally effective path can be widened with horizontally fenestrated sweeps disposed in rearwardly diverging and converging V-patterns.

US Patent:

41353951, Jan 23, 1979

Filed:

Oct 26, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/845548

Inventors:

Arthur F. Sullivan - Redmond WA
William E. Currie - Seattle WA

Assignee:

The International Nickel Company, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

G01F 128

US Classification:

73194B

Abstract:

Electromechanical impact meter enables obtaining real-time on-site collection rate information concerning undersea mining of manganese nodules or other solid minerals at a remote location.

US Patent:

39453944, Mar 23, 1976

Filed:

Mar 21, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/560575

Inventors:

Arthur Francis Sullivan - Redmond WA
Frank Howard Brockett - Bellevue WA
Lewis John Harthan - Redmond WA

Assignee:

The International Nickel Company, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

F16K 3118

US Classification:

137430

Abstract:

Dual function valve for controlling flow of liquids or mixtures of liquids and solids has a movable seat for relief of excessive negative pressure and a buoyant gate for emergency discharge under excessive loads of solids.

US Patent:

39725669, Aug 3, 1976

Filed:

Mar 4, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/555117

Inventors:

Frank Howard Brockett - Bellevue WA
Arthur Francis Sullivan - Redmond WA

Assignee:

The International Nickel Company, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

E02F 388
E02F 706

US Classification:

299 8

Abstract:

Apparatus for separating various sizes of solid minerals, e. g. , mixtures of fine sediment and larger particles or aggregates of ore, has rotating drum with internal lifters and external grousers and enables tumbling of solids in stream of water flowing through drum.

US Patent:

39735753, Aug 10, 1976

Filed:

Dec 11, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/531780

Inventors:

Arthur Francis Sullivan - Redmond WA
Frank Howard Brockett - Bellevue WA

Assignee:

The International Nickel Company, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

E02F 700
E02F 392
E02F 394

US Classification:

37 58

Abstract:

Vehicle adapted for being towed along undersea floor area where desired mineral aggregates, such as manganese nodules, are dispersed on ocean bottom carries horizontally fenestrated sweeps and hydraulic transition chamber utilizing towed motion and hydraulic suction for acquiring, concentrating and transmitting desired aggregates to conduit for upward transport.