In my opinion you’re spot on about the vacuum not ruining what they find!
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Sorry but not spot on. If you ever selected and operated a water venturi system, i+t can be from 3 inch to 8 inch, meaning the diameter of the suction hose mouth. So for very delicate work a three inch system might be preferred. You are probably also not aware that the diver can control the intake suction strength using the water flow control gate-valve. All I've just mentioned applies to the use of an airlift. Both systems being supplied from the surface support vessel. As I said previously, this little portable sucker presents but little advantage.
Now for the real 'kicker' that Reynolds may or may not know. There is nothing new about his sucker toy. If you're familiar with the great discovery of the 'S.S. Central America' that sank in 1857, you then know this was the greatest discovery and salvage of gold in history. In the publication "America's Lost Treasure" by Tommy Thompson, (a fantastic coffee table size book with all color photos) on page - 113 you will see a very clear impressive photo with caption which reads 'The submersible is equipped with a vacuuming device, nicknamed 'sea-vac' which is used to remove sediment and collect gold dust from Nemo's work area. The difference is that this was done in + or - 7,000 feet of water. Not a simple 80 feet of water. Now perhaps you might understand why I am not impressed with Reynold's toys.
