US3630033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for controlling oil slicks
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-04-30
•
Granted: 1971-12-28
•
Expires: 1990-04-30
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for controlling oil slicks which incorporates a plurality of modular flotation tanks joined together to form a closed structure, with a large gate therein to allow the structure to be positioned around an oil slick and control curtains extending vertically downward from the structure beneath the surface of the water and around the oil slick.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph L Tuttle
- 👤 George T Lister
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 03:47
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B15/00; E02B15/04; E02B15/08; E02B15/0814; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A20/00; Y02A20/20; Y02A20/204
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for controlling oil slicks which comprises a plurality of modular pontoons, fastening means secured to said pontoons, said pontoons being joined together by said fastening means forming a closed assembly, hinging means positioned on a pair of adjacent pontoons whereby a plurality of said pontoons can be rotated outwardly of said assembly, control curtains extending vertically downward from said pontoons, a mounting plate secured to each of said pontoons adapted for mounting said curtains, said curtains being mounted about said assembly in adjacent and overlapping relation to one another, rigid Strips being affixed to the overlapping portion of said adjacent curtains in sandwiched relation thereto forming a self-sealing gasket thereby preventing oil from escaping the enclosed area, and weight means attached to said curtains thereby mounting said curtains in a vertical position.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for controlling oil slicks which comprises a plurality of modular pontoons, fastening means secured to said pontoons, said pontoons being joined together by said fastening means forming a closed assembly, hinging means positioned on a pair of adjacent pontoons whereby a plurality of said pontoons can be rotated outwardly of said assembly, control curtains extending vertically downward from said pontoons, a mounting plate secured to each of said pontoons adapted for mounting said curtains, said curtains being mounted about said assembly in adjacent and overlapping relation to one another, rigid Strips being affixed to the overlapping portion of said adjacent curtains in sandwiched relation thereto forming a self-sealing gasket thereby preventing oil from escaping the enclosed area, and weight means attached to said curtains thereby mounting said curtains in a vertical position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said pontoons has an inclined front wall forming a prow on said pontoon thereby reducing the drag of said pontoon in the water while being towed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a plurality of pontoons are fastened together by said fastening means forming a platform, said platform being positioned adjacent to one or more of said pontoons forming said assembly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein a plurality of said fastening means form flexible connections between adjacent pontoons thereby allowing horizontal and vertical movement of said pontoons with respect to adjacent pontoons thereby providing a flexible assembly.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said fastening means comprises curved guide means having apertures therein, guide pins adapted to move linearly within said guide means, and locking pins adapted to pass through said apertures thereby preventing linear movement of said pins within said guide means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-27 | 1975-06-28 | 1975-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-27 | 1979-06-28 | 1979-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-27 | 1983-06-28 | 1983-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |