Sediment collector with hopper assembly
OwnerRandall L. Tuckerinventor
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims20
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.
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.