US4577996A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of controlling aquatic plant growth and silicone rubber benthic barriers
Assignee: Dow Silicones Corp
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Filing: 1984-07-10
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Granted: 1986-03-25
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Expires: 2004-07-10
Abstract
Abstract Aquatic plant growth can be reduced or eliminated in a pond or lake by placing a silicone rubber-coated fabric over the area where such plants want to be eliminated.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael G. Elias
- 👤 George D. Pullman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:23
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B3/00; E02B17/00; E02B17/0017
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for controlling the growth of aquatic plants in a body of water which is exposed to sunlight comprising depositing on the surface of the body of water over the location where plant life is to be controlled, a benthic barrier which comprises a fabric coated on at least one side with silicone rubber thick enough to prevent root penetration and thin enough to allow gases forming below the barrier to pass through the coating and escape, said silicone rubber comprising crosslinked polyorganosiloxane and filler which blocks the passage of light through the barrier to the bottom of the body of water and raises the specific gravity above 1.0 to a value which allows the barrier to readily settle to the bottom where it covers the aquatic plants or the bottom on which aquatic plant growth is to be prohibited, after the barrier is placed on the water surface, it settles to the bottom and is anchored as necessary to avoid displacement by turbulence in the body of water.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
170 words
A method for controlling the growth of aquatic plants in a body of water which is exposed to sunlight comprising depositing on the surface of the body of water over the location where plant life is to be controlled, a benthic barrier which comprises a fabric coated on at least one side with silicone rubber thick enough to prevent root penetration and thin enough to allow gases forming below the barrier to pass through the coating and escape, said silicone rubber comprising crosslinked polyorganosiloxane and filler which blocks the passage of light through the barrier to the bottom of the body of water and raises the specific gravity above 1.0 to a value which allows the barrier to readily settle to the bottom where it covers the aquatic plants or the bottom on which aquatic plant growth is to be prohibited, after the barrier is placed on the water surface, it settles to the bottom and is anchored as necessary to avoid displacement by turbulence in the body of water.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 in which the silicone rubber is made by depositing on the fabric a latex comprising an anionically stabilized polydimethylsiloxane, colloidal silica, light blocking filler and pigments, and water where said latex has a pH of 9 to 11.5 and removing the water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
102 words
A benthic barrier comprising a fabric coated on at least one side with silicone rubber which has a film thick enough to prevent root penetration and thin enough to allow gases forming below the barrier to pass through and escape from a body of water, said silicone rubber comprises crosslinked polyorganosiloxane and filler which blocks the passage of light through the barrier to the bottom of a body of water and raises the specific gravity above 1.0 to a value which allows the barrier to readily settle in a body of water, said barrier prohibits and inhibits the growth of aquatic plants.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
102 words
A benthic barrier comprising a fabric coated on at least one side with silicone rubber which has a film thick enough to prevent root penetration and thin enough to allow gases forming below the barrier to pass through and escape from a body of water, said silicone rubber comprises crosslinked polyorganosiloxane and filler which blocks the passage of light through the barrier to the bottom of a body of water and raises the specific gravity above 1.0 to a value which allows the barrier to readily settle in a body of water, said barrier prohibits and inhibits the growth of aquatic plants.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The benthic barrier according to claim 3 in which the silicone rubber is made by depositing on the fabric a latex comprising an anionically stabilized polydimethylsiloxane, colloidal silica, light blocking filler and pigments, and water, where said latex has a pH of 9 to 11.5 and removing the water.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-03-24 | 1989-09-23 | 1990-03-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-24 | 1993-09-23 | 1994-03-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-24 | 1997-09-23 | 1998-03-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |