Dredge system

Abstract

A dredge system includes a float having an inlet and an outlet, a drive device including a drive wheel and a suction intake, and a control arm connected to the inlet of the float and an outlet of the suction intake, the control arm configured to extend vertically from the drive device, the float configured to maintain a position directly above the drive device and the drive wheel configured to move the suction intake.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dredge system, comprising:
 a float having an inlet and an outlet;   a drive device including a drive wheel and a suction intake; and   a control arm connected to the inlet of the float and an outlet of the suction intake, the control arm configured to extend vertically from the drive device, the float configured to maintain a position directly above the drive device and the drive wheel configured to move the suction intake.   
     
     
         2 . The dredge system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the suction intake is a bi-directional suction intake configured to be capable of dredging in both a forward direction and a rearward direction.   
     
     
         3 . The dredge system of  claim 1 , wherein
 wherein the drive wheel includes movable drive wheel extensions configured to extend to provide traction for soft or loose surface.   
     
     
         4 . The dredge system of  claim 3 , wherein
 the movable drive wheel extensions are electric, pneumatic or hydraulic.   
     
     
         5 . The dredge system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the drive wheel includes rubber blocks on an exterior thereof.   
     
     
         6 . The dredge system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the control arm is hollow to enable dredges material to pass therethrough.   
     
     
         7 . The dredge system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the drive wheel is a first drive wheel and the drive device includes a second drive wheel.   
     
     
         8 . The dredge system of  claim 7 , wherein
 the first and second drive wheels are individually powered and controllable.   
     
     
         9 . The dredge system of  claim 7 , wherein
 the drive device includes first and second motors to control the first and second drive wheels, respectfully.   
     
     
         10 . The dredge system of  claim 1 , wherein
 the float includes a GPS.   
     
     
         11 . The dredge system of  claim 1 , wherein
 a conduit is attached to the outlet of the float to enable dredged material to be pumped.   
     
     
         12 . A dredge system, comprising:
 a float having an inlet and an outlet;   a pump in communication with the outlet of the float and configured to pump a fluid or slurry;   a drive device including a suction intake, a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, and the drive device configured to move along a bottom surface beneath the fluid or the slurry and suction material into the suction intake; and   a control arm connected in communication with the inlet of the float and an outlet of the suction intake, the control arm configured to extend vertically from the drive device, the float configured to maintain a position directly above the drive device, and communicate the slurry or the fluid from the suction intake to the float.   
     
     
         13 . The dredge system of  claim 12 , wherein
 the suction intake is a bi-directional suction intake configured to be capable of dredging in both a forward direction and a rearward direction.   
     
     
         14 . The dredge system of  claim 12 , wherein
 wherein each of the first and second drive wheels includes movable drive wheel extensions configured to extend to provide traction for soft or loose surface.   
     
     
         15 . The dredge system of  claim 14 , wherein
 the movable drive wheel extensions are electric, pneumatic or hydraulic.   
     
     
         16 . The dredge system of  claim 12 , wherein
 each of the first and second drive wheels includes rubber blocks on an exterior thereof.   
     
     
         17 . The dredge system of  claim 12 , wherein
 the first and second drive wheels are individually powered and controllable.   
     
     
         18 . The dredge system of  claim 12 , wherein
 the drive device includes first and second motors to control the first and second drive wheels, respectfully.   
     
     
         19 . The dredge system of  claim 12 , wherein
 the float includes a GPS.   
     
     
         20 . The dredge system of  claim 12 , wherein
 the outlet of the float is positioned 90 degrees offset from the inlet of the float.