Patent ID: 7350322

Claim:
A dewatering system for removing retained water from the interior volume of a closed clamshell dredging bucket loaded with excavated material that includes solids disposed below an upper layer of retained water, the dewatering system comprising: at least one conduit adapted for support from a dredging bucket of the type that is movable from an open position arranged for being lowered into an area to be dredged, to a closed position for dredging material and sediments disposed below a surface of water in the area to be dredged; said conduit having a first end adapted for placement within the interior volume defined by a closed dredging bucket, and a second end disposed for communication with the space surrounding the exterior of the dredging bucket, wherein the second end is disposed at a lower elevation than the first end when the dredging bucket is raised out of the dredging area; wherein the conduit is positioned so that the first end thereof is disposed within an upper layer of retained water contained in the interior volume of a loaded dredging bucket when the same is moved to the closed position and lifted out of a dredging area, with a load of sediment and retained water, thereby allowing portions of the upper layer of retained water to drain by gravity through the conduit for removal from the interior volume of the dredging bucket; and a float disposed adjacent the first end of the conduit, secured thereto for lifting the first end to a raised elevation when the dredging bucket is placed below the surface of a body of water in a dredging area, wherein as the dredging bucket is raised from the body of water, the position of the float maintains the first end of the conduit adjacent the surface of retained water disposed within the dredging bucket as the retained water drains from the interior volume of the dredging bucket.