Abstract: The Self Emptying Vacuum Vessel is an apparatus for collecting and discharging solid and or liquid material. The system is used to transfer said material from an undesirable area to a more preferred location. The Self Emptying Vacuum Vessel comprises a containment vessel which collects said material by a vacuum means and a screw conveyor as a means for continuously expelling said material from said vessel. Continuous flow is insured into said vessel by a vacuum regulating means and out of same vessel by an anti-bridging means.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting an immiscible liquid from the surface of a body of higher density liquid, including in combination: a floating containment boom and catch basin coupled therewith, the catch basin having a self-adjusting weir for regulating the flow of liquid therein; means for transporting the higher density liquid from the basin to the interior of the floating containment boom for recycling; and means for transporting the lower density liquid from the catch basin to a containment vessel to await further processing.

Abstract: A weir-type skimmer employing a wave diffuser for efficiently collecting an immiscible liquid from the surface of a body of higher density liquid in turbulent waters, including in combination: a floating containment boom having a wave diffuser disposed therein and a catch basin coupled therewith; a catch basin having a self-adjusting weir for regulating the flow of liquid therein; a water pump for removing and discharging water from the catch basin to the interior of the floating containment boom, forward of the wave diffuser; and an oil pump coupled with a skimming head for removing oil from the catch basin.