US3693801A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Water surface skimmer with check valve
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1971-06-25
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1991-06-25
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a skimmer device for use on the surface of a body of water. The skimmer is actuated by a vacuum source to promote a flow of a lighter than water coating material floating at the water''s surface, through the skimmer by way of a submerged inlet. Valve means provided in the skimmer is so positioned to assure unidirectional flow through the skimmer to maintain the integrity of the vacuum source even though the skimmer be inadvertently raised from the water such that air would otherwise enter the vacuum system, and cause fluids to drain.
Inventors
- 👤 Ivo C Pogonowski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:27
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B15/00; E02B15/04; E02B15/10; E02B15/106; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/918; Y10S210/922; Y10S210/923
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A water skimmer for removing a floating layer of liquid from the surface of a body of water, said skimmer being communicated with a vacuum source whereby to induce a flow of water and said floating liquid into said skimmer, the latter comprising, a. a casing defining a closed chamber having a main inlet opening for receiving a stream of said water and floating liquid, and a discharge port communicated with said vacuum source to maintain said chamber at a pressure less than atmospheric, b. support means engaging said skimmer to normally maintain said main inlet opening adjacent to and submerged immediately beneath the water''s surface, and c. a means forming a supplementary opening in said casing at a point lower in elevation than said main inlet opening to receive an inflow of water at such time as said main opening is elevated beyond the water''s surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A water skimmer for removing a floating layer of liquid from the surface of a body of water, said skimmer being communicated with a vacuum source whereby to induce a flow of water and said floating liquid into said skimmer, the latter comprising, a. a casing defining a closed chamber having a main inlet opening for receiving a stream of said water and floating liquid, and a discharge port communicated with said vacuum source to maintain said chamber at a pressure less than atmospheric, b. support means engaging said skimmer to normally maintain said main inlet opening adjacent to and submerged immediately beneath the water''s surface, and c. a means forming a supplementary opening in said casing at a point lower in elevation than said main inlet opening to receive an inflow of water at such time as said main opening is elevated beyond the water''s surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 1, including a displaceable valve cover means adapted to form a closure across said supplementary opening means to prevent passage of water therethrough, when said main inlet opening is disposed beneath the water''s surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 2, including; actuator means engaging said cover means whereby to displace the latter from said supplementary opening and communicate said closed chamber with the body of water, when said main inlet opening is elevated beyond the water''s surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 3, wherein said actuator means is at least partially buoyant and positioned with respect to said casing to urge said cover means into sealing engagement with said supplementary opening when said main inlet opening is disposed beneath the water''s surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 1, wherein said means forming a supplementary opening in said casing includes; at least one port transversing a forward wall of said casing thereby communicating said closed chamber with said body of water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 2, wherein said cover means includes; a flapper plate operably connected to said casing and extending into said closed chamber, being disposed contiguous with said casing wall, to form a closure across said supplementary opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 2, including; resilient sealing means disposed intermediate said cover means and said supplementary opening, to form a liquid seal therebetween when said cover means is urged into a closed position across said supplementary opening.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 1, wherein said means forming a supplementary opening in said casing includes; a plurality of ports formed in the forward wall of said casing whereby to communicate said closed chamber with said body of water.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 3, wherein said actuator means includes; a buoyant member pivotally carried on said casing and extending outwardly therefrom in the path of Liquid entering said main opening.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
In a water skimmer as defined in claim 9, wherein said actuator means includes; a curved upper surface extending outwardly from said main opening whereby to contact a stream of liquid entering said main opening.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2330508A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |