Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for clearing material from one location to a pile at another wherein a trolley member with a winch is suspended below and supported by a track which in turn is supported on a moving platform such as a drilling platform or a barge. The winch member by means of the usual lifting cable is connected to a material confining member which also is connected to a drag line cable. Movement of the trolley member over the tracks by means of the drag line will cause the material confining member to collect the material. A subsequent lifting of the lift cable as well as operation of the drag line will allow the material to be elevated and placed on a rubble pile at the side of a channel. In a preferred manner, the apparatus and method of this invention is especially suited for use in clearing ice from a channel which is previously cut by ice cutters also associated with the moving platform which carries the clearing apparatus. In a preferred manner, two of the clearing apparatus are oppositely positioned so that the material such as the ice can be moved in opposite directions from the channel and piled on opposing sides thereof.

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First Claim