Abstract: A system for collecting and separating floating debris and water from a body of water on a waterborne vessel includes at least one collection chamber, water discharge pump and sensor. The at least one sensor is communicably coupled to the water discharge pump(s) and configured to gather information about debris near or inside the vessel. At least one water discharge pump is automatically turned on and off based at least partially upon information gathered by the at least one sensor.

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.

Abstract: An exemplary system for collecting floating debris from a body of water may include at least one ingestion head positionable at or proximate to the surface of the body of water, the ingestion head including at least one intake opening and at least one exit port fluidly coupled together, the ingestion head further including a vacuum cavity surrounding the at least one exit port so that the at least one exit port can be maintained submerged in liquid throughout debris recovery operations.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for collecting and processing floating solid debris from a body of water on a vessel includes a debris recovery conveyor extending off the vessel and which receives floating solid debris from the body of water and delivers it to a first debris processor which fragments at least some of the debris received into smaller debris pieces.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for collecting debris from a body of water onto a waterborne vessel include at least one inflow regulator (IFR) disposed at least partially in a cargo compartment of the vessel proximate to at least one intake opening at the front end of the vessel. Each IFR is configured so that the front end thereof floats at or near the surface of liquid contained in the cargo compartment to limit the inflow into the cargo compartment to debris/water which flows over the IFR and is disposed at or near the surface of the body of water.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for collecting water and debris from a body of water onto a waterborne vessel include at least one wave dampener and/or at least one gate configured to limit inflow from the body of water into a first cargo compartment on the vessel to water and debris disposed at or near the surface of the body of water.

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.

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.