US3637080A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of and apparatus for skimming flotsam from the surface of a body of water
Assignee: Reynolds International Inc
•
Filing: 1970-10-09
•
Granted: 1972-01-25
•
Expires: 1990-10-09
Abstract
Abstract A method of and apparatus for skimming flotsam from the surface of a body of water. Floating material, such as oil, is directed toward and into pockets on a continuously driven conveyor belt means which serves to submerge the floating material beneath the surface of the water. A transfer of the material is made to a suitable conduit means from which the floating material is pumped to a suitable reservoir or station where it is separated from the water. When the skimmer is used to harvest plants or the like, a cutting means is placed in the entrance of the conduit to shred the plants.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur L Markel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:21
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B15/00; E02B15/04; E02B15/10; E02B15/104; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A20/00; Y02A20/20; Y02A20/204
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
25 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 1 including side guide means for preventing the lateral escape of material entrapped by said pockets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 1 including means for channeling flotsam to said endless conveyor belt means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for channeling flotsam to said endless conveyor belt means consist of spaced hulls on a catamaran type vessel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 2 wherein said side guide means consists of the sides of said spaced hulls on said catamaran type vessel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 1 wherein said transversely extending fin members are substantially V-shaped.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 1 including means for adjusting the angle of inclination that said conveyor belt means makes with the surface of the water in order to vary the rate at which flotsam is entrapped by said pockets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 1, including cutting means to shred material that has been trapped by said pockets of said endless conveyor belt means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 8 wherein said cutting means is mounted within said conduit means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 2 including means for adjusting the angle of inclination that said conveyor belt means makes with the surface of the water in order to vary the rate at which flotsam is entrapped by said pockets.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 2 including cutting means to shred material that has been trapped by said pockets of said endless conveyor belt means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus for skimming flotsam as defined in claim 11 wherein said cutting means is mounted within said conduit means.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of skimming flotsam from the surface of a body of water comprising the steps of a. directing flotsam toward and into pockets on a continuously rotating conveyor belt means, b. submerging said flotsam beneath the surface of the water in said pockets, c. transferring said flotsam while beneath the surface of the water from said pockets to a conduit means, d. and pumping said flotsam through said conduit means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method of skimming flotsam as defined in claim 13 including the additional step of separating flotsam from water that has become entrapped with said flotsam in said pockets.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method of skimming flotsam as defined in claim 13 including the additional step of shredding said flotsam while in said conduit 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) | 1975-01-24 | 1975-07-26 | 1976-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-24 | 1979-07-26 | 1980-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-24 | 1983-07-26 | 1984-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |