.~ With means to control dredger operation (e.g., movement of dredged material) in response to sensed condition {3}
312
.~.~ Control of swing or swing speed
DEFINITION
Classification: 37/312
Control of swing or swing speed:
(under subclass 309) Apparatus including means to automatically regulate the cyclical lateral movement of the dredger suction pipe or of the vessel which carries the dredger. [figure] [caption]A - Walking swing; B - Advance; C - Cut; D - Anchors; E - Port; F - Starboard; G - Walking spud lowered; H - Digging spud raised
(1) Note. This subclass includes subject matter in which the automatic control system varies the speed of the swing motors (responsive to the pressure in the fluid circuit driving the cutterhead or to the fluid pressure in the dredge pump), and consequently the swinging movement of the ladder, in order to maintain a constant load upon the cutterhead or to the fluid pressure in the dredge pump.
(2) Note. In actual operation, a dredge swings from side to side, using the port spud as a pivot. The action of the dredge is controlled by swing cables attached to swing anchors. To advance, after the swing of the dredge has stopped, the starboard spud is dropped as the port spud is raised.
