Patent ID: 6647853
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: B63G,E02F

Abstract:
A vessel having means at the bow of the vessel to direct a water flow ahead of the vessel to displace material away from the sea bed including any weapon system or obstacles on or buried in the sea bed away from the path of the vessel, wherein the means to direct water flow on the vessel comprise a duct mounted on the bow of the vessel, the duct being of rectangular cross-section and being of generally elbow shaped form having an upright portion with an inlet for water at its upper end, an arcuate portion sweeping forwardly of the vessel and an outlet facing forwardly and downwardly from the vessel and impeller means being provided in the duct adjacent the inlet to draw in water into the duct and discharge the water through the outlet from the duct in front of the path of the vessel to displace material from the sea bed including any weapon system or obstacles on or buried in the sea bed away from the path of the vessel.