With Oil Water Skimmer Patents (Class 210/242.3)
  • Patent number: 11898316
    Abstract: A separating arrangement for a device for collecting waste material floating on or near the surface of water is disclosed. The separating arrangement includes a first basin and a separating means. The water containing waste is led to the first basin by a transfer arrangement, such as a pipe. The device is configured in such a way that the water coming from the transfer arrangement has a speed gradient, namely, the cross section of the transfer arrangement has areas where the speeds of the water flow are different. The fastest speed component of the water has the highest concentration of waste. The first basin and the separating means are configured in such a way that when the water arrives at the first basin, most of the waste reaches the separating means and does not clog the walls of the first basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Johannes Myllykoski
  • Patent number: 11814804
    Abstract: Systems for removing debris from a water reservoir include a moveable floating skimmer device positioned within the water reservoir and configured to receive floating debris, the skimmer device comprising an adjustable weir for capturing the debris and a receptacle for containing the debris; a discharge pipe connected to the skimmer device, the discharge pipe configured to receive the debris and a first portion of water from the receptacle in the skimmer device; a debris separator fluidly connected to the discharge pipe and configured to receive the debris and the first portion of water from the discharge pipe, the debris separator further configured to separate the debris from the first portion of water; a pump positioned between the discharge pipe and the debris separator and configured to transport the debris and the first portion of water in the discharge pipe to the debris separator via a pump outlet; and a recycle line connected to the debris separator and configured to return a second portion of water
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Gerald P. Bergeron, Amy E. Hudson
  • Patent number: 11629471
    Abstract: A novel water-borne debris collection system integrated into a waterborne vessel for collecting surface and near surface debris in a body of water, such as a river, lake, or ocean. The apparatus may include a solid collection boom that projects laterally from a vessel and is partially submerged to act as a collection mechanism. The boom also facilitates the propulsion of the vessel by providing a barrier across which a differential water surface level may be created to drive the vessel forward. The apparatus may include a pumping system that draws water from the anterior side of the screen and for multiple purposes, including processing the collected water to remove plastics and other pollutant and debris material therefrom, and to transfer the water to the posterior side of the screen to create the differential water level for driving the vessel forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Patrick Marshall
  • Patent number: 11473259
    Abstract: Oil-collection system and oil-collecting barge. The system comprises a towing vessel and a transport barge, which has a catamaran structure, so that there are oil collectors in its pontoons. Guide booms are attached to the sides of the barge, with a structure that is tubular frame around a wall, in which the air space or volume of the lowest tube corresponds to the boom's own weight. When using a larger capacity in collection, the additional booms on the deck are filled with air and simultaneously pulled into operating condition with the aid of auxiliary boats, when towable booms are formed. With the aid of the invention, transport barge with a rapidly moveable structure, equipped with oil collectors is obtained, which can be attached to a towing vessel, and which in maritime conditions is stable and operable when towed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: M & L Patent Oy Ab
    Inventor: Lars Lundin
  • Patent number: 11396731
    Abstract: A floating garbage cleaning device for floating garbage on water comprises a plurality of single-section flexible floating bodies which are sequentially connected to form an ultra-long flexible floating body main body; every two adjacent single-section flexible floating bodies are connected through a butt joint device; two ends of longitudinal flexible rods; flexible transverse nets and flexible longitudinal nets are arranged between the longitudinal flexible rods in a spaced and covering manner; stabilizing buoys are fixed with the ultra-long flexible floating body main body; intercepting net aprons are arranged at the bottom of the ultra-long flexible floating body main body; counterweights are arranged at the bottoms of the interception net aprons; garbage collection nets are arranged between two adjacent single-section flexible floating bodies; and the ultra-long flexible floating body main body is provided with a mooring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chunyan Ji, Renchuan Ye, Jie Cui, Jianting Guo
  • Patent number: 11384500
    Abstract: An oil spill clean-up and recovery system for marine vessels, which includes a pivoting and height adjustable boom extending from the vessels, which has upper and lower frameworks that are generally parallel. This includes an oil containment panel which is vertically oriented, movable, and generally laterally secured between the frameworks. A plurality of floats are secured to the oil containment panel and maintain it about the surface of a body of water for containing oil or other undesirable liquids or debris. A plurality of floating oil evacuation tubes are height adjustable and attached to separate floats, each tube having an inlet for receiving oil around the water line. The floating oil evacuation tubes are laterally positioned in proximity of one-another, and in front of the oil containment panel. The oil containment panel collects, contains, and deflects oil to the floating evacuation tubes, which then receive and delivery oil to the tanker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Marshall Campbell
  • Patent number: 11371201
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods useful for collecting debris from a body of water on a vessel having at least one cargo compartment and at least a first pump fluidly coupled to at least one cargo compartment and configured to concurrently draw water and debris from the body of water into, and remove water from, the cargo compartment(s) include at least a second pump, distinct from the first pump and configured to remove debris from at least one cargo compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Ocean Cleaner, LLC
    Inventors: Russell S. Covington, Kim Michael Folse
  • Patent number: 11248355
    Abstract: This application relates to a multifunctional recovery apparatus of shore adhesion oils. The multifunctional recovery apparatus of shore adhesion oils removing and recovering oil spilling and sticking at a shore is mounted on a four-wheel vehicle. A skimmer assembly separating oil sticking to the surface of rocks at a shore, and absorbing and recovering an oil spill at the shore is installed at the front of the four-wheel vehicle. The skimmer assembly includes a rotary skimmer having a rotary roller separating oil, and a vacuum suction skimmer suctioning oil floating on a water surface. The rotary skimmer and the vacuum suction skimmer may be selectively or simultaneously used, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology
    Inventors: Hyuek Jin Choi, Cheon Hong Min, Meang-Ik Cho, Jaewon Oh, Tae Kyeong Yeu, Seong-Soon Kim
  • Patent number: 11207615
    Abstract: A floating liquid intake for a liquid suction removal system, the liquid intake comprising housing defining an internal cavity. The housing has a hollow and buoyant annular body, an upper cover and a lower cover. The internal cavity is formed between the upper and lower covers. A substantially annular inlet is formed in the annular body for ingress of liquid into the cavity. The annular body has a buoyancy sufficient for the liquid intake to float in a liquid with the annular inlet submerged below the surface of the liquid in which the liquid intake is floating. A pipe extends into the cavity and the pipe includes an inlet that in use is open below the surface of the liquid within the cavity. The pipe extends outside of the cavity for connection to a liquid suction removal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Turret IP Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Hair
  • Patent number: 11136737
    Abstract: A rapid-deployment system for containing oil spills and similar water contaminations comprises a pre-manufactured sleeve having air-inflatable or gas-inflatable compartments and water inflatable compartments. In some embodiments uninflated sleeve is stored as a reel of sleeve material, and the deployment system, optionally mounted in a small boat, comprises a machine for inflating the air and water compartments at the site of a spill. In some embodiments, air and/or water compartments may be self-inflating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: HARBO Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Arnon Shany, Boaz Ur, Haim Greenberg
  • Patent number: 11103809
    Abstract: Oil and aqueous phase separator device comprising: a basket that comprises a frame having a plurality of supporting arms and fitting means for linking to other phase separator devices; a top lid of the basket; a hydrophobic mesh linked to the basket and supported by the plurality of supporting arms; a plurality of floats linked to the frame of the basket; a housing for an additional float formed on the upper edge of the frame of the basket; and discharging means linked to the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignees: YPF Tecnologia S.A.
    Inventors: Graciela Rojas, María Elena Oneto, Nuria Carolina Vidal
  • Patent number: 11091891
    Abstract: One or more nets can be suspended from beams extending from ships where they are towed through riparian waterways such as lakes and oceans to remove plastic waste from those waterways. In the instance of micro-bead removal, a pump can be utilized to move the waste from the end of the collection bag through a hose to the deck of the towing vessel. In the case of rivers, the net can be supported adjacent a riverbank using a plurality of posts. Fish excluders with exit flaps are employed to ensure no damage is done to wildlife within the riparian waterways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Kieran Kelly
  • Patent number: 11008721
    Abstract: A squid-type marine oil containment device includes a track and four oil containment booms. A robotic arm is provided in an elliptic area formed by the track. Sliders are provided on the track. Ends of oil containment booms slide along the track through sliders. Each oil containment boom includes an oil suction pipe, propellers and a plastic separating layer. A middle of the oil suction pipe forms an oil channel. Booster pumps are spacedly provided inside the oil suction pipe and are respectively connected to a hose. Pairs of propellers are spacedly provided at a lower end of the oil suction pipe. Oil suction holes are provided on the oil suction pipe. The plastic separating layer is provided under the oil suction holes. A counterweight is provided at a bottom of the oil containment boom. The invention further provides a method of containing oil using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignees: Zhejiang Ocean University, Wuhan Yunzhou Technology Service Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Junmin Mou, Mengxia Li, Linying Chen, Pengfei Chen, Huaming Wang, Qiaorui Wu, Zhenhuang Du
  • Patent number: 11001352
    Abstract: A vessel that is configured to remove trash from a body of water includes a trash intake portion, a trash processing portion, a compactor, and a plurality of components configured to allocate compacted trash onboard the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Elias Nassim
  • Patent number: 10953352
    Abstract: A variable oil field fluid treatment system and method of use which utilizes a pump, a desanding hydrocyclone, and/or a non-consumable or consumable mechanical solids filter, a membrane filtration unit, a pump, a granular carbon filter, and/or combinations therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Baleen Process Solutions
    Inventors: Jarid Hugonin, Giovanni Occhipinti, Mike Johnson
  • Patent number: 10925212
    Abstract: A harvesting system for harvesting aquatic plants in or floating on a culture medium a harvesting bed configured to be circulated in and out of the culture medium. An actuator circulates the harvesting bed, a scraper positioned against a surface of the harvesting bed scraps the aquatic plants on the harvesting bed and a channel transports the aquatic plants removed by the scraper toward a collection vat. The collection vat receives the aquatic plants transported via the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Hinoman Ltd.
    Inventors: Miri Lapidot, Oren Shani, Amit Inbart
  • Patent number: 10927519
    Abstract: A recovery system for large-scale spilled oil flowing onto and adhered to a shore is disclosed. The recovery system for large-scale oil flowing onto and adhered to a shore is mounted on an amphibious vehicle that can move on a neritic zone and land. A skimmer assembly is installed in a front of the amphibious vehicle. An oil collection assembly is foldably provided on each of front opposite sides of the amphibious vehicle, thereby easily collecting oil. A recovered oil treatment assembly is mounted on the amphibious vehicle and configured to accommodate the oil recovered by the skimmer assembly therein and to store separated oil by separating water from the accommodated oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology
    Inventors: Hyuek Jin Choi, Cheon Hong Min, Meang-Ik Cho, Jaewon Oh, Tae Kyeong Yeu
  • Patent number: 10900186
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for cleaning up or burning spills of burnable materials in situ. In some embodiments, a system for burning a burnable material comprises a base having a first side configured for placement on a surface with a burnable material and a second side; and a plurality heat conducting members extending from the second side of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Kemal S. Arsava, Ali S. Rangwala, Glenn Mahnken
  • Patent number: 10883240
    Abstract: A skimming and separation device includes an outer casing defining a compartment, a floater that provides a skimming function, the floater being attached at its lower side to a vertically arranged bellow allowing the floater to adapt flow into a substantially circum volume and to move from an upper position with essentially no flow into the compartment to a lower position allowing flow of water and debris to follow the contours of the floater in a downward direction. The device further includes a power device with a propeller, the power device being controlled by a control unit such that various kinds of flows and pressures may be generated to control the in-flow and outflow of the device. At least one peripheral flow deflecting member achieves a rotational movement of downward directed flow of water and debris, in a horizontal plane and around a vertical longitudinal center axis of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: SURFCLEANER AB
    Inventor: Stig Lundbäck
  • Patent number: 10870961
    Abstract: Offshore apparatus generating artificial Taylor columns for the purpose on interfering with oncoming storm surge and/or tsunamis. A series of solid bodies are anchored relative to the ocean floor to provide structures capable of generating Taylor columns in response to water flow and/or currents. The strategic placement of a series of cylindrical bodies creates a corresponding series of Taylor columns in response to hydrodynamic flow, such as current flow or tsunami related flow. The presence of a series of strategically located Taylor columns is intended to inhibit or disrupt the devastating effects of storm surge and/or tsunamis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Winston Grace
  • Patent number: 10864464
    Abstract: A method for recovering fine tailings from a tailings pond includes selecting a desired density of fine tailings to be removed from the tailings pond. Positioning a hollow shell having a closed bottom and holes formed through a sidewall of the shell within the tailings pond such that the holes are located at a depth of a layer of the fine tailings of the desired density and such that a top of the shell is disposed above a free water surface of the pond. Causing a flow of the fine tailings of the desired density through the holes into into the shell and removing the fine tailings of the desired density from within the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Aly Gomaa
  • Patent number: 10808370
    Abstract: An oil spill clean-up and recovery system for marine vessels, which includes a pivoting and height adjustable boom extending from the vessels, which has upper and lower frameworks that are generally parallel. This includes an oil containment panel which is vertically oriented, movable, and generally laterally secured between the frameworks. A plurality of floats are secured to the oil containment panel and maintain it about the surface of a body of water for containing oil or other undesirable liquids or debris. A plurality of floating oil evacuation tubes are height adjustable and attached to separate floats, each tube having an inlet for receiving oil around the water line. The floating oil evacuation tubes are laterally positioned in proximity of one-another, and in front of the oil containment panel. The oil containment panel collects, contains, and deflects oil to the floating evacuation tubes, which then receive and delivery oil to the tanker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Marshall Campbell
  • Patent number: 10800674
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil or other pollutants from the surface of water, comprising a platform having a left side wall, a right side wall, a rear wall, a front opening, a floor, and a bottom, one or more ballasts which adjust the platform floor relative to a level of oil on the water surface, wherein the oil flows from the front opening across the floor to the rear wall, a rear location near the rear wall to collect the oil from the platform floor; and a pump connected to the rear location that removes the oil from the rear location to a storage area which does not affect the ballast of the platform. The skimmer vessel can work stationary in the water, and does not require a propeller means, as the oil will continue to flow into the skimmer as the oil is pumped out of the rear by the gravity flow to the rear of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Michael A. Fesi
  • Patent number: 10786189
    Abstract: There is disclosed a transdermal analyte sensor device. The device includes a sensor cartridge having a membrane permeable to a target analyte transdermally received from a subject, a reservoir containing a fluid to receive the target analyte through the membrane and an enzyme to react with the target analyte to form a byproduct, a working electrode to generate an electrical current based on a concentration of a byproduct, and a cartridge electrical contact to transmit the electrical current. The device also includes a device body having a device electrical contact to receive the electrical current from the cartridge electrical contact, a transmitter to transmit a signal based on the electrical current to a monitoring device, and a cartridge receptacle to receive the sensor cartridge and position the membrane to contact skin of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Milo Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Lansdorp, Evan Strenk, Netz Arroyo, Daniel Imberman
  • Patent number: 10683627
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods useful for collecting and separating floating debris and water from a body of water on a vessel, the vessel including at least one inflow regulator (IFR) chamber at least partially separated from a main collection compartment and at least one fluid discharge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ocean Cleaner, LLC
    Inventors: Russell S. Covington, Kim Michael Folse, Christopher Howell Gunter
  • Patent number: 10640942
    Abstract: A skimming and separation device comprising an outer casing (1) provided with constructions to directly or indirectly fasten all parts, defining an open container (2), and a floater (3) configured to create the skimming function of the device, the floater is attached at its lower side to an essentially vertically arranged bellow (4) allowing the floater to adapt flow into a substantially circum volume and allowing the floater to move from an upper position with essentially no flow into the container (2) to a lower position allowing flow of water and debris follow the contours of the floater (3) in a downward direction into the device. A power device (8) is provided and includes a propeller to achieve in-flow and outflow of the device. The device further comprises a bypass member (B) being in fluid communication to an under pressure source via a suction tube (12), such that, during operation, an essentially continuously under pressure suction force is available at the bypass member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Surfcleaner AB
    Inventor: Stig Lundbäck
  • Patent number: 10611649
    Abstract: A skimmer for removing a layer of oil floating on a surface oil contaminated water which subsequently concentrated and separated in an oil water separator which removes tramp oils or other fluids, such as hydraulic oils, with specific gravity less than that of the operating fluid are required to be removed from operating fluid such as water, lubri-coolants or other liquids. The skimmer supplies concentrated oil water composite fluid to a separator apparatus designed for use in industrial applications in which unwanted tramp oils or other fluids, such as hydraulic oils, with specific gravity less than that of the operating fluid are required to be removed from operating fluid such as water, lubri-coolants or other liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Exactration, LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Terrell, Howard Scott Stockton
  • Patent number: 10550536
    Abstract: The tip of a suction hose is supported by a floating support mechanism so that the suction port is maintained at a prescribed distance above the water surface and the base end of said suction hose is connected to the suction port of a turbofan. By the suction force of the turbofan, the oil film floating on the water surface is sucked along with the air above the water surface and the surface water through the suction hose from the suction port. The mixed fluid of air, oil and water that is delivered from the delivery port of the turbofan is sent to an oil-water separation device. The air is released into the atmosphere, and the oil and water are separated. For the turbofan, the rotational force of a separately disposed motor is transmitted by a belt transmission mechanism and rotates an impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: NIHONSOKUKI K.K.
    Inventor: Nariyoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 10526055
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for collecting debris from a body of water on a vessel include at least one inflow regulator (IFR) configured to be selectively actuated to adjust the height of at least a portion thereof relative to the surface of liquid in the vessel during debris collection operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ocean Cleaner, LLC
    Inventor: Russell S. Covington
  • Patent number: 10442507
    Abstract: A buoyant offshore structure, comprising a hull element (6a) having an inner space (10), a surface end (12) and an underwater end (14); and at least one storage tank (15a) for liquid, extending from the surface end (12) of the hull element into the inner space (10), wherein the storage tank is removable from the inner space by lifting from the hull element's surface end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Rajiv Kamal, Gregory Wolfgang Alford
  • Patent number: 10406455
    Abstract: A floating weir skimmer comprises a collecting box (10), a weir plate (11) and an inner buoy (5). Said collecting box (10) comprises a baffle plate (3) and a trough (1). A guide rail (6) is arranged inside said trough (1). An inner buoy (5) is arranged inside collecting box (10), and a guide pulley (14) is arranged on said inner buoy (5), enabling said inner buoy (5) to slide on said guide rail (6). A supporting member is further arranged on said inner buoy (5). One end of said weir plate (11) is carried by said supporting member, and the other end is in rotation connection with said trough (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Yin Xu
  • Patent number: 10400409
    Abstract: An oil-collecting apparatus includes: a body including an inlet through which a liquid is introduced, a first outlet through which purified water generated from the liquid introduced through the inlet is discharged, and a second outlet through which materials collected from the liquid are discharged; and a filter arranged at the first outlet of the body and generating the purified water by collecting the materials included in the liquid by allowing the liquid introduced through the inlet to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Heon Ju Lee, Myoung-Woon Moon, O Chang Kwon, Do Hyun Kim, Tae Jun Ko, Ho-Young Kim, Hyungmin Park, Kyu Hwan Oh
  • Patent number: 10301196
    Abstract: A skimmer for removing a layer of oil floating on a surface oil contaminated water which subsequently concentrated and separated in an oil water separator which removes tramp oils or other fluids, such as hydraulic oils, with specific gravity less than that of the operating fluid are required to be removed from operating fluid such as water, lubri-coolants or other liquids. The skimmer supplies concentrated oil water composite fluid to a separator apparatus designed for use in industrial applications in which unwanted tramp oils or other fluids, such as hydraulic oils, with specific gravity less than that of the operating fluid are required to be removed from operating fluid such as water, lubri-coolants or other liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Exactration, LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Terrell, Howard Scott Stockton
  • Patent number: 10293895
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collecting debris from a body of water onto a waterborne vessel include at least one wave dampener and/or gate configured to limit inflow from the body of water into at least a first cargo compartment on the vessel to water and debris disposed at or near the surface of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ocean Cleaner, LLC
    Inventor: Russell S. Covington
  • Patent number: 10253470
    Abstract: A floatable, portable and readily deployable apparatus used in a surface water body for the collection, mixing, separation, containment and removal of total solids from fluid in surface water by settling, sorption, floatation or filtration of total solids from fluid entering or pumped into the apparatus. Separation of total solids from fluid can include the use and recycling of commercially available or proprietary biologic, chemical and/or physical substances and processes to increase the rate and percentage of total solids removed from fluid in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: P-Pod Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan B. Higgins
  • Patent number: 10245528
    Abstract: A device (10) for a skimming operation for petrochemical or chemical fluid storage or process tanks working by gravitation, comprising buoyancy means (20), means (30) for collecting surface fluid to be skimmed including an opening (31) emerging just above the interface between the fluid with density d1 and the fluid with density d2, as well as connection means (32), and discharge means (40) for the collected surface fluid. The discharge means (40) includes at least two flexible pipes (41, 42) connected symmetrically to the connection means (32) and extending vertically in the fluid with density d2 toward the bottom of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventor: Michel Davin
  • Patent number: 10233604
    Abstract: An oil spill recovery vessel (10) is provided that comprises a catamaran bow section (12) with twin hulls between which an oil skimmer unit (11) is arranged for displacement between a lowered, operating, position in oil-polluted water and a raised, non-operational, position clear of the water. Aft of the catamaran bow section (12) is a trimaran main section (13) made up of a central hull interposed between two outer hulls formed by aft continuations of the twin hulls of the catamaran bow section (12); the three hulls of the trimaran main section have conjoined upper portions. A propulsion unit (53) is operative to move the vessel (10) forward at slow speed for skimming operations, and, with the skimmer unit (11) in its raised position, at a fast speed in which the vessel planes on its trimaran main section (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Gobbler Oil Spill Recovery Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Jauncey, Jose Suarez
  • Patent number: 10167603
    Abstract: A skimming and separation device includes an outer casing (1) having constructions to directly or indirectly fasten all parts, including a number of inflow tubes (20), and defining a closed container (19). The device includes a floater (5) configured to create a skimming function. The floater is attached at its lower side to an essentially vertically arranged bellow (23) allowing the floater to adapt flow into a substantially circum volume that is allowing flow in a downward direction into the inflow tubes (20), which allow debris and floating pollutions to enter below the accumulated debris and floating pollutions to preferably set the internal fluid inside the casing (27) in horizontal circular rotational motion as a result of a power device (7). The power device is controlled by a control unit such that various kinds of flows and pressures may be generated to control the in-flow and out-flow of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Surfcleaner AB
    Inventor: Stig Lundback
  • Patent number: 10106438
    Abstract: An oil and water separating structure is provided. The oil and water separating structure mainly uses a pump to drive a fluid to form a jet flow in high flow velocity so as to produce a suction force. Oil floating on the water surface will be sucked into a tube and discharged along with the fluid. A mixed fluid discharged contains a high proportion of oil, so it is convenient to deal with the discharged oil. The oil and water separating structure can effectively separate oil from water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Chen
  • Patent number: 9988782
    Abstract: A method for skimming a target liquid floating on water involves a first step of providing a body having a first compartment and a second compartment. The body has floats, such that the body floats on the water. The body has an opening through which liquids enter the first compartment. The body has a target liquid transfer apparatus to transfer the target liquid from the first compartment to the second compartment. A second step involves setting the target liquid transfer apparatus a predetermined distance above a water level in the first compartment to selectively transfer only the target liquid floating on the water from the first compartment to the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Lawrence Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9982668
    Abstract: There is provided an oil pumping apparatus including: a connector; a first roller mounted on a first frame and being rotatable about a first axle, a load belt moveable over the first roller, having one end connected to the connector and having another end connected with a hanging frame; a second roller being mounted with the hanging frame and being rotatable about a second axle; a third roller being mounted on the first frame and being rotatable about a third axle; a driven belt being moveable over the second roller, the driven belt being fixed at one end, and having another end being connected with the third roller; a control system for the apparatus; and a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Yanan Liu, Dawei Wang
  • Patent number: 9896815
    Abstract: A method for collecting a surface layer of a liquid into confined area, method including forming confined area by means of wall structure and moving some of surface layer of liquid into confined area by means of a flow of air directed into confined area through an opening made into wall structure of confined area so that amount of substance in surface layer of the liquid increases in confined area in comparison with surroundings. The bottom edge of opening made into wall structure of confined area is arranged to be below surface level of liquid outside confined area whereas its top edge is substantially above surface level of liquid outside confined area. The surface level of liquid inside confined area is arranged to be kept substantially on same level with surface level of liquid outside by providing a continuous liquid flow connection through lower portion of confined area into surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: S.T. RITVANEN OY
    Inventor: Tapio Ritvanen
  • Patent number: 9885166
    Abstract: Provided is a device for removal of oil under ice through an opening made into ice. The device comprises a long rope mop in the form of an endless loop, a propulsion device provided with a deflection wheel for pulling the rope mop substantially straight under ice, a power device provided with a drive wheel for circulation of the loop through the drive wheel and the deflection wheel and a cleaning device for cleaning of the rope mop from any impurities adhered thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Lamor Corporation AB
    Inventor: Jan-Erik Lindholm
  • Patent number: 9861911
    Abstract: One or more dilution tubes for increasing the dilution of pulp as it enters a thickener are provided. One or more pipes, referred to here as dilution tubes, can be added to sides of a feed pipe of a thickener. One end of a dilution tube can open to a tank of the thickener, and the other end can open into the feed pipe. As pulp flows through the feed pipe, low pressure suction can be created that pulls water from the tank, through the dilution tube, and into the feed pipe. The water pulled in through the dilution tube can increase the dilution of the pulp. A highly diluted pulp can contact a flocculent efficiently and lead to a high settling rate in a thickener. Accordingly, the use of dilution tubes can increase the efficiency of a thickener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Summit Mining International
    Inventor: David Warren King
  • Patent number: 9816242
    Abstract: The cleaner according to the invention includes a body part, which includes curved wiping tongues. The lower part of the body is the cleaner's curved lower plate and in its upper part are upper plates and an attachment plate, which is attached to the body of the collector by an attachment beam. The construction of the collector is based on discs surrounding a drum and permitting water to flow through them, to which are attached plastic rings and, attached to them, a brush ring formed of brushes extending over the curved rear wall. The invention also discloses a cleaner, by means of which the brushes are cleaned, which, for example, are attached to a V-shaped brush structure, in which there is a plastic bodied brush ring, and in the cleaner there is a point-shaped plate and its bent point shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: M & L Patent Oy Ab
    Inventor: Lars Lundin
  • Patent number: 9675743
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to making medical solutions. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes introducing liquid into a container that contains a dissolvable solid concentrate in a manner so that a layer of solution above the solid concentrate is maintained at a depth that allows the liquid introduced into the container to agitate the solution adjacent to the solid concentrate to cause mixing of the solid concentrate with the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ronald Raiford, Sue-Jane Lee, Martin Joseph Crnkovich, Robert E. Hassard
  • Patent number: 9650751
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydraulic engineering construction and can be used for deposit cleanup of river beds and channels. The object of the invention is to expand the arsenal of usable means for deposit cleanup and deepening of river beds, develop a method and create a device that uses the speed of the river current in the most effective way. The technical result of the claimed method is simplification and optimization of one existing method for cleanup of river beds and channels, increasing its functionality. The proposed method implements a movable water flow-restricting device with flow-guiding elements that creates a concentrated stream and directs it to a washout zone, bound by side walls, roof and washout surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: AL-FARABI KAZAKH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Vladimir Grigorievich Salnikov, Oleg Khanyshevich Khalidullin, Kasym Koyanbaevich Duskaev
  • Patent number: 9643692
    Abstract: System for collecting oil on a waterborne vessel from an oil spill area at or near the surface of a body of water includes at least three successively fluidly coupled cargo compartments. At least one suction conduit is fluidly coupled to each cargo compartment and configured to allow each successive cargo compartment to be concurrently substantially emptied of sea water and substantially filled with oil, starting with the aft-most cargo compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Ocean Cleaner, LLC
    Inventor: Russell S Covington
  • Patent number: 9644335
    Abstract: A system for collecting oil from mixed ice and water conditions. The system uses suction pods that are welded along the hull of a vessel. These pods are elongated vertically and have a vertical slit opening that allow oiled water to enter into the suction box during wave action. Each vertical opening is covered with stainless steel mesh layers to inhibit smaller ice from entering the suction box. Inside each of the suction boxes is a horizontal floating suction bar that is connected to a flexible suction hose. The suction bar is free floating within the suction box so that collection always occurs at the water's surface. The collection line from the suction box leads to a collection and separation area. The suction boxes are protected by heavy-duty metallic “bumper that are welded to the hull to protect the suction box arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel J. Lum
  • Patent number: 9587360
    Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a liquid removal device, and in a second aspect to a method for removing a liquid, such as oil or an algae slurry, from a surface of water. The device comprises a circumferentially extending flexible wall element defining together with a bottom part a suction chamber for receiving the liquid. A floater body is sealingly connected to the flexible wall element at an upper edge of the latter, and is able to effectuate a movement in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of water. The floater body has a circumferentially extending outer member and an inner member. The inner member is adapted to receive a buoyant force exerted by the liquid contained in the suction chamber. The outer member has an upper circumferential edge for receiving the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Green IQ
    Inventors: Jóhann Fragraklett, Grettir Hammer