AU2023203096A1 - Dredge system - Google Patents

Abstract

A dredge system includes a dredger, a conduit and a self-priming pump. The dredger has an internal area and an outlet, and is configured to feed material into the internal area of the dredger. The conduit is coupled to the dredger adjacent the outlet and configured to transport the material from the internal area of the dredger to a receptacle. The self-priming pump is coupled to the conduit and is configured to pump the material from the outlet to the receptacle. 1/15 0 eCI 00I 000 00N C N

Description

1/15

eCI

00I

00N C N

DREDGE SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/343,678, filed May 19, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

[00021 The present disclosure relates to a dredge system. In particular the present disclosure relates to a dredge system that includes a dredging device that is connectable to a pump system. Background of the Invention

[00031 Conventional dredging generally requires four separate steps. For example, conventional dredging usually requires loosening material, extracting the material, transportation and disposal. One conventional dredging system is a trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) that trails a suction pipe when working. The pipe, which is fitted with a dredge drag head, loads the dredge spoil into one or more hoppers in the vessel. When the hoppers are full, the TSHD moves to a disposal area and either dumps the material through doors in the hull or pumps the material out of the hoppers. SUMMARY

[00041 In one aspect, the present invention provides a dredge system including: a dredger having an internal area and an outlet, and configured to feed material into the internal area of the dredger, a conduit coupled to the dredger adjacent the outlet and configured to transport the material from the internal area of the dredger to a receptacle, and a self-priming pump coupled to the conduit and configured to pump the material from the outlet to the receptacle.

[0005 In an embodiment, the dredger is a bucket of an excavator.

[00061 In an embodiment, the outlet is disposed in a rear side of the bucket.

[00071 In an embodiment, the self-priming pump is disposed remotely from the dredger.

[0008] In an embodiment, the dredger includes a grate disposed over an opening thereof.

[00091 In an embodiment, the grate is moveably disposed over the opening.

[00101 In an embodiment, the dredger includes an agitator disposed at an opening thereof.

[00111 In an embodiment, the agitator is coupled to a moveable grate.

[0012] In an embodiment, the dredge system further includes a power unit configured to operate the agitator.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of dredging, the method including operating a dredger having an internal area and an outlet, to feed material into the internal

area of the dredger, and operating a self-priming pump to pump the material from the outlet to a

receptacle via a conduit, the conduit coupled to the dredger adjacent the outlet at a first end and

the self-priming pump at a second end.

[0014] In an embodiment, the dredger is a bucket of an excavator.

[0015] In an embodiment, the outlet is disposed in a rear side of the bucket.

[0016] In an embodiment, the self-priming pump is disposed remotely from the dredger.

[0017] In an embodiment, the method further includes shearing the material with a grate disposed

over an opening of the dredger.

[0018] In an embodiment, the grate is moveably disposed over the opening.

[0019] In an embodiment, the method further includes shearing with an agitator disposed at an

opening of the dredger.

[0020] In an embodiment, the agitator is coupled to a moveable grate.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method further includes operating the agitator with a power.

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention may improve the dredging process by providing a

movable vehicle that loosens material, extracts material and transports the material to be disposed

in one process. Thus, the present invention may decrease the time and expense in dredging.

[0023] Moreover, embodiments of the present invention are able to remove or dredge dry material

using a self-priming pump that is disposed away from the dredger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a dredge system according to an embodiment of the

present invention disposed on the front of a vehicle;

[0026] Figure 2 is a top view of the dredge system of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 3 is a side view of the dredge system of Figure 1;

[0028] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the bucket for the dredge system shown in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 5 is a s a front perspective view of the bucket with agitators;

[0030] Figure 6 is a top view of the bucket shown in Figure 5;

[0031] Figure 7 is a side view of the bucket shown in Figure 5;

[0032] Figure 8 is a side view of the bucket shown in Figure 5 with the grate in an open position;

[0033] Figure 9 is a side view in section of the bucket shown in Figure 5;

[0034] Figure 10 is a rear view of the bucket shown in Figure 5;

[0035] Figure 11 is front view of the bucket shown in Figure 5 with the grate in an open position.

[0036] Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the pump used in the dredge system of Figure 1;

[0037] Figure 13 is an end view of the pump used in the dredge system of Figure 1;

[0038] Figure 14 is bottom perspective view in section illustrating one embodiment of an eddy

pump used in the pump of Figure 12;

[0039] Figure 15 is a side view in section illustrating the embodiment of an eddy pump of Figure

12; and

[0040] Figure 16 is another side view in section illustrating the embodiment of an eddy pump of

Figure 12 in operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be

apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the

embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as

defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0042] Referring initially to the Figures, a dredge system 10 includes a dredger 12, a conduit 14

coupled and a self-priming pump 16. As shown in the Figures, the dredger 12 can be a bucket 30 of a construction vehicle 18 disposed on a barge 20. The self-priming pump 16 can be an element

of a pumping system 22 that is capable of pumping material M from the dredger 12 through the

conduit 14 to a receptacle 24.

[0043] The constructions vehicle can be positioned on a barge 20 or other structure that enables

the construction vehicle 18 to move over liquid or slurry so that the solid or semi-solid material M

can be excavated. In the illustrated embodiment the barge 20 is configured to be sufficiently

buoyant to support the construction vehicle 18, the pumping system 22 and a reservoir. The barge can have vertical anchoring devices that enable the barge 20 to be anchored in a static position

on the liquid, but easily moved to excavate other areas. However, is noted that the construction

vehicle 18 can be positioned on dry land or any other suitable environment for excavating or

moving any desired material M.

[0044] In one embodiment, the construction vehicle 18 is an excavator. As can be understood, an

excavator (i.e., the construction vehicle 18) can include a boom 26, dipper 28 (or stick), bucket and cab 32 on a rotating platform 34 known as the house. The house 34 sits atop an undercarriage 36 with tracks or wheels 38. The excavator 18 can have hydraulics 40 or any other suitable devices to move the dipper 28, boom 26, bucket 30 and cab 32, as is known in the art. However, the construction vehicle 18 can be any suitable construction vehicle 18 or other vehicle type that would enable a bucket 30, blade, hopper, plow or any other excavating device or dredger to be attached thereto. For example, the construction vehicle 18 can be a backhoe, a bulldozer, a tractor, front loader or any other vehicle or truck suitable to excavate the desired material M.

[0045] As shown in Figures 14-16, the self-priming pump 16 includes an impeller 42 and a volute casing 44. The impeller 42 and volute casing 44 can be surrounded by a tank so that it will always be immersed in a liquid sufficient to start the pump 16 and provide the pump 16 with lubrication and cooling. As can be understood, self-priming in this application means that the pump 16 has the ability to use liquid stored in its housing to generate a vacuum on the suction line.

[0046] That is, the pump can be an eddy pump, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application S.N. 16/176,495, filed October 31, 2018 and entitled Eddy Pump, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0047] As discussed, the pump can be disposed on the barge 20 and is in communication with the conduit 14. As shown in Figures 11-15, the pump 16 includes a drive motor 46, a volute or housing 44 and a rotor 42. The rotor 42 is disposed within the housing 44 such that fluid, liquids, materials, and slurries can enter the housing 44 and be pumped by the rotor 42. The rotor 42 is connected to the drive motor 46 that is configured to drive or rotate the rotor 42 to pump fluid, liquids, material, and slurries from the inlet 48 to the discharge outlet 50. The motor 46 can be any suitable motor know in the art that would be capable of driving the rotor 42 at suitable rotational velocities.

[0048] As shown in Figures 14-16, the housing 44 is curved and includes inlet 48 and discharge outlet 50. The inner surface 52 of the housing 44 is generally cylindrical and has a diameter D1 that is larger than the diameter D2 of the rotor 42. The inlet 48 is disposed along a radial axis of the rotor 42 on the bottom of the housing 44, which enables the fluid or material M to be sucked or drawn into the housing 44 based on the rotation of the rotor 42. The outlet 50 is disposed 90 degrees offset from the inlet 48 (i.e., in a direction tangential to the rotor), which enables the fluid or material M to be pumped out of the housing 44 and is connected to the conduit 54.

[0049] The rotor 42 includes a back plate 56, a conical center portion (hub) 58 and a plurality of blades 60. The rotor 42 can be cast, molded, forged, machined, or formed in any suitable manner.

Thus, the back plate 56, the conical center portion 58 and the plurality of blades 60 can be formed as a unitary one-piece member. The rotor 42 can be an alloy, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, bronze, rubber, plastic or any other suitable material or combination of materials. Moreover, it is noted that the rotor 42 can be any suitable mater or design. Thus, while the rotor 42 is preferable a unitary one-piece member, the rotor can be formed from in multiple steps or by multiple pieces that are assembled in any suitable manner.

[0050] In one embodiment, the back plate 56 is a generally circular plate having a first side (defining a first planar surface) 56a, a second side (defining a second planar surface) 56b and an outer circumferential edge 62. The first or upper side 56a faces the interior of the housing 44 and has a protrusion or shaft 64 extending therefrom. The protrusion 64 is connected to or connectable to a drive shaft from the drive motor. The second side 56b has the plurality of blades 60 disposed thereon. As shown in the Figures 13 and 14, the back plate 56 extends form the center of the rotor 42 about the same length as the rotor blades 60, and thus covers the entire rotor blade length. In other words, the plurality of blades 60 defines a radial diameter, and the back plate 56 has a diameter that is the same as or about the same as the radial diameter of the plurality of blades 60. However, it is noted that the radial diameter of the back plate 56 can be between 0.3 and 1.0 the radial diameter defined by the plurality of blades 60, depending on the particle size, or any other parameter. This configuration (i.e., a "full size" back plate) prevents fluid from escaping the rotor 42 and facilitates pushing the fluid circumferentially towards the outlet 50 of the rotor 42 and discharge. Moreover, the back plate 56 helps reduce recirculation by maintaining fluid distribution inside the volume of the rotor 42, and prevents leakage and energy losses between the rotor 42 and upper side of the housing 44. The back plate 56 also helps reduce static pressure loss, which contributes to higher pressure differential and head developed by the rotor 42.

[0051] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the conical center portion 58 is a cone disposed in the center of the rotor 42 and facilitates fixing the rotor to the motor shaft. The conical center portion 58 is disposed on the second side 56b of the back plate 56 and is opposite to the protrusion 64. The conical center portion 58 has a vertex and a base. The base is adjacent the back plate 56 and tapers toward the conical vertex. The base radially extends about 50 percent of the base plate 56. The conical vertex of the hub of the conical center portion 58 forms an angle of about 40 degrees. However, the size of the base of the conical center portion and the angle formed by the conical vertex can be any suitable or desired size or angle.

[0052] The conical center portion 58 helps hydraulically by causing suction which enables the fluid to flow inside the housing smoothly from the inlet 48 and facilitates laminar movement

towards the outlet 50 or end of the rotor 42 and subsequently to the discharge. This induction of

laminar flow aids in reduction of eddy currents and recirculation inside the housing, increasing

pump efficiency. The size of the conical center portion 58 (length, diameter, and angle) can depend on the particle size, allowing better clearances of the particles, as long as laminar flow can be

maintained towards the discharge. The conical center portion 58 also helps create better eddy

current from the suction to the inlet 48 of the rotor 42 while preventing turbulence at higher flow

rates than the best efficiency point allowing the pump 16 a flow rate 140% of the design best

efficiency point. The size of the cone can be reduced or increased to control power consumption.

[0053] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the plurality of blades 60 extends from the conical center

portion 58 and is disposed on the second side 56b of the back plate 56. In this embodiment, the

plurality of blades 60 includes five (5) blades, but the plurality of blades 60 can be any suitable

number of blades that form a suitable eddy current. Each of the blades 60 includes a first side, a

second side, an end, and a bottom surface. Each of the blades 60 extends radially outwardly from

the conical center portion 58 and along a longitudinal direction from the back plate 56. Moreover,

since the conical center portion 58 is a cone having a sloping surface, each of the blades 60 follows

the sloping contour of the conical center portion 58, see Figures 14 and 15 for example.

[0054] The first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side of the blades 60 are opposite each

other. The first and second longitudinal sides extend in the longitudinal direction, generally parallel

to the longitudinal axis of the rotor 42 and taper away from each other in the radial direction. That is, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the first and second longitudinal sides are disposed about 1.5

inches apart adjacent the conical center portion and 2 inches apart adjacent the circumferential

edge of the back plate 56. Accordingly, as can be understood, the first and second longitudinal

sides separate about 0.5 inches in the radial direction. It is noted that the first and second longitudinal sides can separate in any manner desired or can be parallel, if desired. Moreover, if

the size of the rotor is changed, the change in separation of the first and second longitudinal sides

can be changed accordingly. That is, in the embodiment, the change in the separation of the first and second longitudinal sides is about 33 percent. In other words, the separation between the first

and second longitudinal sides at the peripheral edge of the back plate 56 is about 33 percent larger than the separation of the first and second longitudinal sides adjacent the conical center portion 58.

[0055] In one embodiment, each of the blades 60 tapers upwardly from the peripheral edge 62 of the back plate 56 to the conical center portion 58. The bottom surface of each blade 60 extends from a first end to a second end. The first end is adjacent the conical center portion 58 and the second end is adjacent to the outer surface. The second end preferably is higher than the first end when measured from the second side of the back plate. For example, in one embodiment, the first end is approximately 3.17 inches from the back plate and the second end is 5 inches from the back plate 56. However, it is noted that the first and second ends can be any suitable distance from the back plate 56. Moreover, ifthe size of the rotor 42 is changed the change in heights of the first and second longitudinal ends can change accordingly. That is, in this embodiment the difference in the heights of the first and second ends is about 58 percent. In other words, the height of the second end is 58 percent higher than the height of the first end.

[0056] The outer surface of the blades 60 can be seen in at least Figures 14 and 15. The outer surface is preferably a rectangular and is essentially parallel with a rotational axis of the rotor. As shown specifically in Figure 15, the outer surface forms a right angle (90 degrees) with the back plate 56. Moreover, the outer surface extends generally parallel with the inner surface of the housing 44 and is spaced a prescribed distance therefrom. Such a configuration enables particles to be disposed between the outer surface of the blades 60 and the inner surface of the housing 44.

[0057] Additionally, the bottom surface of the blades 60 forms an angle of 75 degrees with the outer surface and an angle of about 15 degrees with a line parallel to the second side 56b of the backplate 56. This taperingresults inthe conical centerportion 58 having aheightfromthe second side 56b of the back plate 56 that is greater than the height of the first end and less than the height of the second end of the blades 60. Thus, in one embodiment, the conical center portion 58 has a height of 4.27 inches. Thus, as can be understood, the height of the conical center portion 58 is about 83 percent of the height of the second end and about 38 percent greater than the height of the first end. However, the height of the conical center portion 58 can be any suitable height.

[0058] Thus, as can be understood, the height of each of the blades 60 increases from the center of the rotor 42 towards the outside diameter or the peripheral edge 62 of the back plate 56, on the suction side of the rotor 42. This structure enhances the eddy currents for improved suction of fluid and creates clearance for larger particle sizes. The rotor blade 60 height at outside diameter is kept close to the height of the discharge or the diameter of the discharge so as to be capable of pushing fluids directly into the discharge outlet 50. This configuration reduces leakage, recirculation, and pressure losses. The tapering blade height also helps reduce the torque, and thus reduce the power consumed versus uniform blade height from center to outer diameter. The outer blade height can also be varied in proportion to the outlet diameter of the housing 44, keeping the dimensions similar if desired.

[0059] As shown in Figures 14-16, each of the blades 60 is spaced a predetermined distance from

the housing. Generally, the clearance between the blades and the housing is kept at an additional

-15% of the maximum particle size that is estimated to be in the material M. This enables the

rotor 42 to pass particles of significant size while reducing the wear of the blades 60 in the rotor

42.

[0060] A rotor 42 having five blades is the preferable number of blades to reduce eddy current

formation and recirculation between the rotor blades. It has been found that too few blades can

cause turbulence and may not enable higher flow rates to create the required pressure differential.

Too many blades may reduce clearances prohibiting larger size particles from passing through the

pump and may reduce fluid volume allowable for ideal flow rate. However, the rotor 42 can have

any suitable number of blades that will enable some flow with a suitable amount and size of

particles to pass through the housing.

[0061] Embodiments described herein reduce Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) because the

embodiments can handle lower suction pressures and subsequent cavitation significantly better

due to smoother streamlines relative the conventional systems. This improves the suction performance of the pump and reduces the chances of cavitation and pump damage.

[0062] As can be understood, embodiments of the pump described herein do not rely on the

centrifugal principle of conventional pump. Instead of a low tolerance impeller of a conventional

pump, the pump described herein use a specific geometric, recessed rotor to create a vortex of fluid or slurry like that of a tornado. That is, the pump 16 (e.g., the Eddy Pump) operates on the tornado

principle. The tornado formed by an Eddy Pump and the rotor generates a very strong,

synchronized central column of flow from the pump rotor to the pump inlet and creates a low pressure reverse eddy flow from the pump inlet to the pump discharge. This action also results in

an area of negative pressure near the pump seal. The negative pressure allows the pump to achieve

zero leakage.

[0063] Further open rotor design described herein has high tolerances that enable any substance that enters the intake to be passed through the discharge without issues. This translates to a

significant amount of solids and debris that passes through without clogging the pump. In one

embodiment, the pump is capable of pumping up to 70% solids by weight and/or slurries with high

viscosity and high specific gravity.

[0064] The configuration of the rotor 42 so as to be recessed also creates eddy current that keeps

abrasive material M away from critical pump components. This structure improves pump life and

reduces pump wear.

[0065] The tolerance between the rotor 42 and the housing 44 easily allows the passage of a large

objects significantly greater than that of a centrifugal pump. For example, in a 2-inch to 10-inch

Eddy Pump the tolerance ranges from 1-9 inches. Thus, this type of pump is preferably for

pumping the solid materials from the dredging operation.

[0066] The embodiments described herein can have additional advantages, such as low

maintenance, minimal downtime, low ownership costs and no need for steel high-pressure pipe

line.

[0067] Since the Eddy Pump is based on the principle of Tornado Motion of liquid as a synchronized swirling column along the center of intake pipe that induces agitated mixing of solid

particles with liquid, suction strong enough for solid particles to travel upwards into the housing or volute and generating pressure differential for desired discharge is created. This eddy current is

formed by the pressure differential caused by the rotor and strengthened by turbulent flow patterns

in the housing or volute and suction tube. Eddy currents are strengthened by the presence of solid particles which increase the inertial forces in the fluid. The formation of the eddy depends on the

suspended solid particles that causes suction. Unlike conventional vortex pump, the rotor directly

drives the fluid through the pump with no slip. The Eddy Pump uses the movement of particles

and the wake induced from these solid particles to generate Eddy Current and induce suction. Hence, efficiency is 7-10% better than conventional vortex pump, with respect to horsepower. The

eddy current generated by the Eddy Pump ensures steady movement of the mixture that leads to

excellent non-clumping capabilities and the power to pump a very high concentration of solids, up to 70% by weight, and highly viscous fluids.

[0068] While the pump 16 is preferably an Eddy Pump as described herein, the pump can be any suitable pump and is not necessarily limited to an Eddy Pump.

[0069] As shown in the Figures 4-11, the dredger (e.g., bucket 30) is attached to the distal end 28a of the dipper 28. The bucket 30 can be moved with hydraulics as can be understood. The bucket is preferably a metal structure having a rectangular opening 66 and curved configuration when viewed from the side. The bucket 30 can be formed from a metal, such as steel or any other suitable material M. Attached at a lower side 68 at the opening of the bucket 30 are a plurality of teeth 70. The teeth 70 facilitate excavation of material M and guiding the material M into the bucket 30. The bucket 30 includes internal area I and the teeth 70 are configured to feed the material M into the internal area I of the bucket 30. The opening 66 enables the material M to access the internal area I, thus the front 72 of the bucket 30 is completely open to the outer perimeter 74 of the bucket and exposes the internal area, so as to enable the material M to be guided into the internal area I as the bucket 30 moves in the forward direction.

[0070] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, an opening 76 is disposed in the rear surface 78 of the bucket that enables the material M to pass out of the bucket 30 and into the conduit 14. As can be understood, the pump 16 will create suction that draws or sucks the material M out of the internal area I of the bucket 30 and into the conduit 14. The opening 76 can be any size and is generally sized and configured to enable slurry material M to pass therethrough.

[0071] In one embodiment, as shown in the Figures 4-11, the bucket 30 includes a grate 80 or a grating system disposed over the opening 66. The grate 80 is capable of breaking down the material M into smaller pieces or section to facilitate movement of the material M through the opening 76. The grate 80 can be movably attached to the bucket 30 with a hinge 82. In the illustrated embodiment the hinge 82 is disposed on the upper edge 84 of the bucket 30 adjacent the opening 66. The grate 80 can be moved with a hydraulic actuator 86 that is controlled in the cab 32 of the construction vehicle 18. It is noted that the grate 80 can be connected in any manner desired and is not necessarily movable, can be movable in any manner desired or can be permanent or removably attached.

[0072] In another embodiment illustrated in the Figures 5-11, a plurality of agitators 88 are connected to the longitudinal bars 90 of the grate 80. In this embodiment, there are six (6) agitators 88 disposed between the longitudinal bars 90 of the grate 80 and connected on a drive axle 92. As shown in Figure 8, the agitators 88 can include three arms 88a, 88b, and 88c with each arm including a two pronged claw 94 at the distal end. The arms 88a, 88b, and 88c can be curved to enable the claws 94 to strike the material M in a generally forward and downward manner. The agitators 88 are rotationally attached to the axle 92 and rotationally offset from each other. This configuration enables a continuous striking and agitating of the material M and improves breaking up of the material M.

[0073] The agitators 88 can be driven by a motor 96 that is connected to the axle 92. Thus, in this embodiment the plurality of agitators 88 are driven by a single motor that rotates the agitators 88 about the axle 92. However, it is understood that the agitators 77 can number in any number desired and can agitate in any manner desired. Moreover, the agitators 88 can be driven by a plurality of motors, if desired. For example, each agitator 88 can be driven by a separate motor.

[0074] As seen in Figures 5-11, the agitators 5-11 are coupled to the grate 80, such that when the grate is moved in an upward direction, the agitators 88 are also moved upwardly and away from the opening 66 of the bucket 30. Thus, as can be understood, the opening 66 can be fully exposed to enable access into and out of the interior area I of the bucket 30. Thus, access to the opening 76 in the back surface 78 of the bucket 30 can be easier, which can facilitate removal of any material that is suck or otherwise needs to be removed.

[0075] As illustrated in Figures 1-3, the bucket 30 is capable of directing material M through the conduit 14, for example, an high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The conduit 14 can transport the material M to any suitable location such as, which can be a tank, and/or reservoir 24 for ultimate removal and disposal.

[0076] As the barge 20 moves through the material M bed, the conduit 14 is configured to travel along with the barge 20. In one embodiment, the conduit 14 includes floats 98 configured to be rotatable about an outer surface of the conduit 14 to enable the pipe to move with the barge 20. The floats 98 further enable the conduit 14 to remain on top of the surface if the material M is liquid or semiliquid or otherwise formed from a material M that would enable the pipe to sink therein.

[0077] In operation, the bucket 30 is attached to the dipper 28 using brackets disposed on the upper 84 of the bucket 30. In this embodiment the brackets 102 are attached to the hinge 82. The brackets 102 can be attached to hydraulic actuators that enable the bucket 30 to be pivoted in an upward and downward direction, such the bucket 30 can be facilitate a digger or scooping movement. The pump outlet 50 is attached to the conduit 54 and the pipe is connected to bucket 30 through conduit 14. Conduit 54 can be the same type of conduit as conduit 14 or it can be any other suitable conduit or pipe.

[0078] As can be understood, the barge can be a floating barge with sufficient buoyancy to carry the excavator 18, the pump 16 and the reservoir 24. Thus, the barge 20 can be moved to a desired

location and the anchors A can be deployed to maintain the barge 20 in a specific location. The

pump 16 and the agitators 88 can be started to enable the material M to be excavated.

[0079] The material M bed can be a dry material M or slurry, or any other suitable material M. As the bucket 30 moves through the material M bed material M is fed into the internal area I of bucket

30. The material M can be agitated or broken up using the agitators 88 and the longitudinal bars

of the grate 80, which shear and/or mix the material M and feed the material M to opening in

the bucket 30 and into the conduit 14. The pump 16 causes suction within the conduit 14 and then

pumps the material M through the pump inlet 48 through the housing 44 and out through the

discharge outlet 50 and into the conduit 54, which in turn deposits the material M in a suitable

location such as, stationary tank, and/or reservoir 24 for ultimate removal and disposal. As the

bucket 30 moves through the material M bed the conduit 14 is configured to travel along with the

bucket 30. In one embodiment, as noted above, the conduit 14 includes floats 98 configured to be

rotatable about an outer surface of the conduit 14 to enable the conduit 14 to move with the bucket

30.

[0080] As the bucket 30 completes the dredging within a predetermined area, the anchors A of the

barge 20 can be raised horizontally and the barge 20 can be moved to the next predetermined or suitable location. The above process can then be repeated until dredging is completed.

[0081] The construction vehicle is a conventional component that is well known in the art. Since

construction vehicle is well known in the art, this structure will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the

vehicle can include any type of structure and/or programming that can be used to carry out the

present invention.

[0082] The embodiments of the present invention described herein improve the dredging process by providing a movable vehicle that loosens material M, extracts material M and transports the

material M to be disposed in one process. Thus, the embodiments of the present invention

described herein can decrease the time and expense in dredging.

[0083] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its

derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the

stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiment(s), directional terms refer to those directions of a dredge system. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a dredge system.

[0084] The term "configured" as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device

or element includes hardware and/or software that is constructed and/or programmed to carry out

the desired function.

[0085] The terms of degree such as "generally", "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as

used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result

is not significantly changed.

[0086] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it

will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and

modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in

the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various

components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The

functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions

of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the

prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate

description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional

concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of

limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0087] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be

understood to mean the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not

the exclusion of any other feature or step, or group of features or steps.

[0088] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement, or any suggestion that, the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims (18)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1. A dredge system including: a dredger having an internal area and an outlet, and configured to feed material into the internal area of the dredger; a conduit coupled to the dredger adjacent the outlet and configured to transport the material from the internal area of the dredger to a receptacle; and a self-priming pump coupled to the conduit and configured to pump the material from the outlet to the receptacle.
2. 2. A dredge system according to claim 1, wherein the dredger is a bucket of an excavator.
3. 3. A dredge system according to claim 2, wherein the outlet is disposed in a rear side of the bucket.
4. 4. A dredge system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the self priming pump is disposed remotely from the dredger.
5. 5. A dredge system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dredger includes a grate disposed over an opening thereof.
6. 6. A dredge system according to claim 5, wherein the grate is moveably disposed over the opening.
7. 7. A dredge system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dredger includes an agitator disposed at an opening thereof.
8. 8. A dredge system according to claim 7, wherein the agitator is coupled to a moveable grate.
9. 9. A dredge system according to claim 7, further including a power unit configured to operate the agitator.
10. 10. A method of dredging, the method including:

    operating a dredger having an internal area and an outlet, to feed material into the internal

    area of the dredger; and

    operating a self-priming pump to pump the material from the outlet to a receptacle via a conduit, the conduit coupled to the dredger adjacent the outlet at a first end and the self-priming pump at a second end.
11. 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the dredger is a bucket of an excavator.
12. 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the outlet is disposed in a rear side of the

    bucket.
13. 13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the self-priming pump

    is disposed remotely from the dredger.
14. 14. A method according any one of claims 10 to 13, further including shearing the

    material with a grate disposed over an opening of the dredger.
15. 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the grate is moveably disposed over the

    opening.
16. 16. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further including shearing with

    an agitator disposed at an opening of the dredger.
17. 17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the agitator is coupled to a moveable grate.
18. 18. A method according to either claim 16 or claim 17, further including operating the agitator with a power unit.