US3733594A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Alarm apparatus for detecting and indicating oil slicks
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-03-13
•
Granted: 1973-05-15
•
Expires: 1992-03-13
Abstract
Abstract Oil slicks floating on the surface of a body of water are detected by a device which floats on the body of water. The device incorporates therein a hydrophobic oil absorbent material which also floats on the surface of the water. On contact with the oil of an oil slick, the hydrophobic oil absorbent material absorbs the oil and sinks into the water. When the float of hydrophobic absorbent material sinks to a predetermined depth in the water, an alarm signaling device is actuated to indicate the presence of the oil slick.
Inventors
- 👤 G Orth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 09:53
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/18; G01N33/1826; G01N33/1833
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
31 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the oil absorbent material is a batt of low density wood fiber wherein each fiber is substantially completely coated with a hydrophobic oil absorbent material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
22 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the oil absorbent material is an open-celled cellulosic foam incorporating therein a hydrophobic, oil absorbent material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the oil absorbent material is an open-celled hydrophobic organic foam capable of absorbing oil thereinto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the oil absorbent material is an inorganic porous material treated with an organo-silane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
87 words
A detector for detecting the presence of oil floating on a body of water comprising: a housing floating on the body of water, a hydrophobic, oil absorbent material carried by the housing which, in the absence of oil, floats on the surface of the body of water and, on contact with the oil, absorbs such to its unit capacity, and signal means carried by the housing rendered operative when the oil absorbent material has absorbed oil to the extent that it sinks into the body of water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The detector of claim 6 including a support attached to the oil absorbent material and the housing allowing free vertical movement of the oil absorbent material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The detector of claim 1 wherein the support is a rod connected at one end to the oil absorbent material and extending vertically through the housing for relative vertical movement between the housing and the rod.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The detector of claim 8 wherein the signal means includes switch means mounted on the housing which activates indicator means operatively connected to the switch means to indicate the presence of oil floating on the body of water.
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) | 1976-05-14 | 1976-11-13 | 1977-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-14 | 1980-11-13 | 1981-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-14 | 1984-11-13 | 1985-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |