With Barrier Storage Or Deployment Feature Patents (Class 405/66)
  • Patent number: 11505930
    Abstract: A floor drain system for installation in a tile floor over a subfloor includes at least one drain module. The drain module has a drain body defining an inlet and installable in the subfloor. The drain body is configured for attachment to a drain pipe below the subfloor. A drain trim assembly defines a linear drain channel sloping along a length of the drain trim assembly that is intercepted by an outlet positionable over the drain body. The drain trim assembly is configured for installation with the tile floor entirely above the subfloor and without physically interfacing with an opening of the drain body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: EBBE AMERICA LC
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Meyers
  • Patent number: 9347270
    Abstract: Systems and methods contain fluids discharged from a subsea well or at the surface by capping the well blowout with a pre-positioned capping device and diverting flow of hydrocarbons to a secondary location for disposal/handling in situations where casing integrity is compromised preventing ability to close in the flow of the hydrocarbons. The capping device includes at least one blind shear ram and is separate from a blowout preventer. Different personnel offsite of a rig drilling the well may have access and control to operate the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Randall S. Shafer, Graham Alvord, Rune Woie
  • Patent number: 9340941
    Abstract: A collection basin for use adjacent a vessel or structure in open water for collecting material from the vessel or structure to prevent its dissemination in the water. The collection basin includes a floating boom spaced from the vessel, and a tension cable to deploy the basin. At respective ends, flaps are formed to prevent escape of the captured material out of the ends of the basin. The flaps are formed with connection means such as flexible magnets that attach to the ferrous material of the vessel or structure to provide a fluid seal and maintain the basin in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Kepner Plastics Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Meyers
  • Patent number: 8721897
    Abstract: An oil collecting apparatus and a corresponding method for collecting oil from the surface of water, the oil collecting apparatus includes a set of oil booms (3) coupled to form a long line of oil booms. The line of oil booms includes, at a distance from each other, a number of anchorage points (4) for anchoring the oil boom (3) onto the sea bed and, in addition, between the anchorage points and in conjunction with the oil boom there is an oil collecting station (5) for collecting the oil directed by the booms from the surface of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: M&L Patent Oy Ab
    Inventor: Lars Ingram Lundin
  • Publication number: 20130343820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil fence and to a method for storing same. The oil fence includes: a vertical support part on which an air chamber, a water chamber, and a ballast are successively disposed in the lengthwise direction thereof; a curtain part connected between the vertical support parts disposed parallel to and spaced a predetermined distance from each other in the widthwise direction thereof; and attenuation bags disposed on the upper and lower portions of the curtain part. Thus, the oil fence may prevent seawater containing oil from overflowing in spite of high waves. Also, the oil fence may stably float on the sea in spite of poor weather conditions and high waves and may be easily stored and unfolded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Dae Jun Chang, Pal G Bergan, Hyun Chung, Jeong Min Kwak
  • Patent number: 8602683
    Abstract: A storage device for retaining an extended length of floating oil boom therein and a method of using the same. The storage device is made from a sheet of material that is foldable to define and surround an interior cavity in which the oil boom is received. A closure mechanism is engaged to secure the folded storage device about the oil boom. A lifting mechanism on the storage device is engaged with a cable extending from a suspension assembly mounted on a vessel for use on a large body of water. The suspension assembly maintains the storage boom adjacent a side wall of the vessel and a distance above the surface of the water until the oil boom retained therein is needed in an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Alphafuze Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Henry, Lance J. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20130129422
    Abstract: A pair of elongated arms is pivotally mounted on a gunwale of a flotation vessel and is designed to retrieve and deploy an oil containment boom for inspection or repairs. Each arm is independently connected to an electrical winch assembly mounted on the flotation vessel. A remote control operates lowering and raising of the arms when retrieving and deploying the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Theophile Bourgeois
  • Publication number: 20130084134
    Abstract: The oil recovery system minimizes environmental contamination and oil leakage into the ocean in the event of a rupture of the hull of an oil tanker. The oil recovery system includes at least one buoyant reservoir for receiving recovered oil, which is deployed into the ocean upon detection of a breach or rupture in the hull of the oil tanker. At least one conduit is in fluid communication between at least one oil tank housed within the oil tanker and the at least one buoyant reservoir. Upon detection of an oil spill from the oil tanker, the at least one buoyant reservoir is released from the hull of the oil tanker into the water and oil from the at least one oil tank is routed to the at least one buoyant reservoir to minimize the size of the oil spill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: ABDULREIDHA A. ALSAFFAR
  • Publication number: 20130064605
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving a floating or submerged marine structure. Embodiments include a track fixedly mounted near or under the waterline surface, extending from a first point to a second point for defining a path of motion of the marine structure. A riser cable has a first end movably attached to the track between the first and second points, and a second end fixedly attached to the marine structure. A trolley is attached to the first end of the riser cable between the first end and the track, and has a roller for engaging the track for distributing environmental forces of the marine structure to the track. A drive unit is attached to the marine structure (or to the trolley) for moving the marine structure (or the trolley) such that the marine structure or one end of the marine structure moves along the path of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Eric G. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20120163915
    Abstract: A novel holder/dispenser for film-form polyethylene sorbent is a serially linked chain of holders to deploy sorbent material having a high affinity for oil for rapid early containment of an expanding oil spill on open water. Following containment and cleanup of the spill, the extended sorbent film is readily reeled in for incineration or for recovery and reuse of oil therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: OILCLING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Melville Hill
  • Publication number: 20120020733
    Abstract: A containment boom system for use in a liquid body includes a base support structure and a containment boom. An elongated rod has a proximal end and a spaced apart distal end. The proximal end is hingedly attached to the base support structure and extends laterally therefrom. A buoy is coupled to the containment boom and is coupled to the distal end of the elongated rod. The buoy has sufficient buoyancy so as to remain floating on the liquid body while supporting the elongated rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Basavaraj Mahadevaiah
  • Publication number: 20120009017
    Abstract: An oil spill reclamation system utilizes an elastomeric foam functionalized to exhibit both oleophilic and hydrophobic properties. The foam material is contained in permeable pods connected to each other in a chain to form a boom strung in a closed loop around the oil spill. As each pod is brought into contact with the spilled oil, the foam material absorbs it to saturation. The pods are linked through an inflated flexible hose that ensures their buoyancy. The chain of pods is continuously processed in one or more barges that include equipment to press the absorbed oil out of each pod and a conveyor system for retrieving the pods from the water, pulling them through the press, and returning them to the water in a continuous cycle of operation. Positioning buoys with vertical rollers are used to retain the general shape of the containment loop defined by the continuous boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED INNOVATIVE MARKETING, INC.
    Inventor: JASON P. MARTINES
  • Patent number: 8025460
    Abstract: A method for containing and cleaning up oil or other contaminants from an area of water containing mixture of ice and water is disclosed. A net having at least one folded extension is deployed into an area of water and ice to encircle at least a portion of the contaminant spill. The ends of the net are attached to each other in contaminant resistant way to contain the contaminant in the net. The folded extension is deployed to an unfolded configuration. The net is the then pursed up using the extension to control the contaminant in the net. The contaminant is pumped out of the net as needed to allow the net to continue to be pursed up to a smaller and smaller area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: James M. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7828494
    Abstract: A buoy assembly for at least partially containing a floating material on a surface of a body of water in a selected area thereon. The buoy assembly includes a roll subassembly with a core element defined by a central axis thereof and a concentric roll of a predetermined length of a barrier material wrapped around the core element, the barrier material extending between a fixed end attached to the core element and a free end thereof, and a body defining a cavity therein, the body including a mounting subassembly for locating the roll subassembly in a predetermined position therein. The body includes an aperture through which a deployed length of the barrier material passes as the deployed length exits the body, the aperture being formed for twisting the deployed length into an at least partially helical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: 6937381 Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Reynolds, Glenn Murray
  • Patent number: 7637224
    Abstract: An inflatable barrier system halts an approaching boat. A barrier support platform houses a pressurized gas source and a power supply and has a winch connected to a pair of cables. An inflatable barrier body member having a bow and stern is coupled to the pressurized gas source for inflation of the body member and the cables are connected to the bow and stern to deploy the inflated body member at the surface of the water and to maintain the bow above the surface and the stern below the surface of the water. A barrier controller provides signals indicative of the approaching boat to initiate the inflation of the inflatable barrier body member and the deployment of the inflated barrier body member at the surface with the bow above the surface and the stern below the surface without inflicting excessive damage to the boat or injury to its occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Helmut Portmann, Elan Moritz, David Everhart, Ronald Swart
  • Patent number: 7381696
    Abstract: Novel aqueous foamable concentrates are disclosed. When mixed with a non-neutral pH aqueous liquid and foamed, the resulting foam is suitable for blanketing and neutralizing non-neutral pH hazardous material spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Ansul, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mitchell J. Hubert, Gregory R. Walker
  • Patent number: 7261492
    Abstract: An anchoring method of fabric panels for flood control and water control, wherein the anchoring method comprises the steps of: attaching a plurality of anchors. Each anchor has a base, a first wall and a second wall disposed on opposite ends of the base, a chamber, and arms attached to the walls projecting away from the walls. An extension is attached to the first arm, wherein the extension projects over the chamber, then a deformable tube goes in the chamber near the first wall, a fabric panel attached to a mooring is then put in the chamber on top of the deformable tube, then inserting a chock into the chamber against the deformable tube, wherein the deformable tube is compressed, then inserting a key into the chamber between the chock and the second wall, wherein the chock engages the key and the deformable tube is uncompressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Hendee Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles C. Hendee
  • Patent number: 7090432
    Abstract: A spill containment and remediation system. A reel for a boom is mounted in the upper part of a weatherproof housing. The lower region of the housing is leakproof and can store recovered liquid spill. A boom or dike is mounted on the reel. The housing has an opening which is normally sealed shut by a door. The housing is configured to be mounted on the exterior of a tanker delivery truck. When a spill occurs the door is opened and the boom readily deployed through the opening. After use, the containment boom can be reeled-in and stored over the lower region of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Edwin Christopher Jackson
  • Patent number: 6726846
    Abstract: A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Duncan Johnstone
  • Patent number: 6655872
    Abstract: A method, system, and device for deploying an oil spill containment boom at the side of a ship, barge, or other steel structure. Each end of the boom is connected to its own device that is configured to attach to a generally vertical surface of a steel-hulled ship. Attachment occurs through the use of magnetic force. Instead of encircling the entire ship with a boom, the device permits the establishment of specific containment areas around the ship. The device engages and disengage the side of the ship through the use of a cam and lever assembly to counter the magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Richard C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6609853
    Abstract: A recovery device (10) for containing a material (16) floating on the surface of a liquid (12) comprises a shroud (26) having an open top and an open bottom, the top being of smaller diameter than the bottom, thus forming a truncated cone-like shape. The open top has an open area which is smaller than the area of the open bottom. The device (10) is positioned with the open bottom above the surface of the liquid (12) and encircling at least a portion of the floating material (16). It is then allowed to sink to its collection position, in which the open bottom is submerged below, and the open top is at or above, the surface of the liquid (12). As a result, the floating material (16) is encircled by the open bottom and is forced into the smaller area of the open top as the device (10) sinks into the water. The recovery device (10) may include a collar (24) attached to the open top, a skirt (28) attached to the open bottom and ballast weights (38) to aid in sinking the device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Guilmette
  • Patent number: 6436289
    Abstract: A vertical membrane storage system including a flexible membrane housing having an upper enclosed portion capable of storing a fluid and a lower open portion for receiving the fluid is disclosed. The storage system also includes a flotation tube disposed above and connected to the upper enclosed portion, and an anchor having receiving means for receiving a fluid disposed concentrically therein, whereby the anchor is connected to and encloses the lower open portion of the flexible membrane. The vertical membrane storage system can be used for storing a variety of fluids including, but not limited to, overflow sewage, oil-contaminated water, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Duncan Johnstone
  • Publication number: 20020044834
    Abstract: An apparatus used to maintain the bottom surface of a wishing well, fountain, pond, stream or other water body substantially free of debris, such as litter, unwanted plant life and/or golf balls includes a flexible mesh sized to overlie at least part of the bottom of the water body, and a lifting mechanism which is used to lift the mesh from the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Laura-Anne J. Pawluk
  • Patent number: 6221256
    Abstract: A transportable apparatus for preventing the spreading and coming ashore of spilled oil that is easily transportable to a sea area where spilled oil is spread and that can perform the operation of preventing the spreading and coming ashore of spilled oil in the open area. The apparatus has an oil-fence-housing robot ship (10) and a pair of oil-fence-setting-up robot ships (20, 30) that are separably coupled together into an easily transportable block body. The apparatus encircles a sea area where spilled oil is spread with oil fences (40, 41) by remotely operating the robot ships (10, 20, 30) via radio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Noboru Kimura
  • Patent number: 5957196
    Abstract: A tall cylindrical silicone rubber gas permeable tube is adapted to fit in an injection well at least partly below the water table for the bioremediation of organic contaminants and to contain pressurized oxygen and/or other gases supportive of the anaerobic micro-organism activity. The gases slowly diffuse through the bladder at rates that permit their full utilization by dissolution in the underground water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Loughborough Gibson, Abdul Shaheed Abdul
  • Patent number: 5860252
    Abstract: A valve mechanism for self-expanding booms. The mechanism is preferably a mechanical expansion device that folds out the boom so that air flows into the boom to fill the boom. When the boom is folded, the air is pressed out of the boom. A novel feature is an automatic control mechanism that is adapted to permit an inflow of air into the boom when the boom is expanded and to permit an outflow of air when the boom is collapsed, rolled up and stored. The control mechanism is affected by the relative position between the valve mechanism and other parts of the boom when the boom is in the expanded or collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Expandi Systems AB
    Inventor: Per Olof Oberg
  • Patent number: 5727902
    Abstract: A method for maintaining the position of a containment boom in a fast flowing waterway. Firstly, providing an elongate containment boom having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis. The containment boom consists of a plurality of smaller substantially coaxial boom sections. Secondly, providing a plurality of floats having floating deflector appendages. Thirdly, placing the plurality of floats at spaced intervals along the containment boom between the boom sections, with the floating deflector appendage of each float oriented on the first side of the containment boom extending outwardly at an angle in relation to the longitudinal axis and pointing generally toward the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Envirotech Nisku Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard G. Brown
  • Patent number: 5711634
    Abstract: An arrangement for a boom for confining and collecting escaped oil, or the like, having a tubular casing and a shield part attached thereto. A plurality of spaced dividing walls are disposed within the tubular casing. The tubular casing is movable between a collapsed rest position and an expanded operational position. Expansion devices are attached to the tubular casing and are movable between a folded position and an unfolded position. Biasing members are attached to the expansion devices for urging the expansion devices into the unfolded position so that the tubular casing is moved into the expanded position. A valve is operatively attached to the tubular casing so that air may flow into the tubular casing through the valve when the tubular casing is expanded. An impervious flexible sheet material has a mid-portion and opposite side edges sealingly attached to one another so that the bottom end portions form an opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Expandi Systems AB
    Inventor: Per Olof Oberg
  • Patent number: 5702203
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a floating breakwater structure in the pe of a "V". This breakwater design allows for a wide range of wave periods, unlike previous floating breakwaters. The construction of the instant invention is that of a suspended curtain which deflects and redirects the waves that are incident thereto rather than absorb or reflect incoming wave energy. This design results in a substantially smaller structure with reduced mooring loads. Moreover, the floating breakwater of the instant invention allows for fast deployment that can be either shipped in sections and assembled on site or assembled in sheltered waters and towed to a site for deployment. The breakwater of the instant invention is intended for temporary coastal operations such as military force projection and sustainment, dredging, coastal civil construction and repair, oil spill recovery, and search/rescue relief missions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Donald T. Resio, Michael J. Briggs, Jimmy E. Fowler, Dennis G. Markle
  • Patent number: 5688074
    Abstract: In order to control oil accidents and to prevent the oil film drifting on the water from spreading, an oil adsorber 1 is provided, in particular shaped as a barrier 2. This barrier 2 is designed in two parts. Both cells 9, 10 are completely filled with glass fiber material or with corresponding fiber mats 11, 12. The glass fibers 28, 30 of the top cell 9 are waterproofed, by an appropriate coating, whereas the fibers of the bottom cell 10 are not treated, so that they absorb water 6. In both cases epoxy resin or a synthetic resin having the same or similar properties are used, so that a long service life is achieved with optimum solidity and design possibilities. The oil adsorbers 1 thus obtained may be used both as barriers 2 and as flat suction elements, for example to clear bilge waters from ships 3. It is also conceivable to use the flat or funnel-shaped elements for collecting components of an aqueous solution, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Helmut Schiwek
  • Patent number: 5667338
    Abstract: A spill containment system for vessels comprises a curtain capable of extending continuously around the entire vessel and having a vertical dimension sufficient to extend from a height above the waterline to a depth below the waterline. The curtain is stored in canisters on or beneath the deck inboard from the hull or rail but capable of being deployed by articulated arms to a position outboard of the ship where the curtain can be deployed into the water to maintain and control a spill from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald Logan
  • Patent number: 5584604
    Abstract: An apparatus for booms, preferably so-called self-expanding booms, which includes a plate arranged on a platform, which plate is rotatable by a motor unit. The apparatus also includes a winder for winding up the boom. The winder is placed in the middle of the plate. A feeder for feeding-in the boom is arranged at an outer portion of the platform. The platform and the motor unit feeder are designed in that way that the later ones can be plugged into and out from the platform. The plate is designed in that way that it can be driven by a gear pinion which is arranged in the motor unit, and which goes into engagement with the plate when the motor unit is plugged into the platform. The feeder is designed and positioned in that way that the boom can be pressed togetherto a compact package when the boom is pulled-in, without need of extra guiding rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Henrik Osterlund
    Inventor: Ansgar Osterlund
  • Patent number: 5575586
    Abstract: A system for deploying a cover over an oil spill, to collect the spilled oil, uses a plurality of gas propelled rockets are attached to lines arranged around the periphery of the cover. Outward projection of the rockets spreads the cover, the weight of the expended rockets then pulling the edges of the cover below the water surface to trap the covered oil. Attitude detectors are preferably employed for preventing firing of the rockets when the rocket platform is not generally level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Petroleum Recovery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan K. Lydiard, Dwight W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5538359
    Abstract: A remotely disconnectable floating containment boom includes male and female portions of a connector and a release element which holds the male and female portions together when they are operatively engaged. The containment boom includes a remote activating element attached to the release element. The remote activating element can disengage the release element from the male and female portions of the boom sections from a remote location, thereby permitting the boom sections to disconnect and separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventors: Barry Wadle, Jerry Woerner, Arthur Roesler
  • Patent number: 5532679
    Abstract: An oil spill detection system to detect and track oil spills and transmit data to a remote monitoring center comprising a buoyant detection platform including at least one detection sensor to detect the presence of hydrocarbons in the water adjacent the buoyant detection platform and generate a detection signal in response thereto and a communication system operatively coupled to the detection sensor to receive the detection signal and to generate a data signal in response to the detection signal and to transmit the data signal to the remote monitoring center, the data signal including a discrete platform identification signal corresponding to the buoyant detection platform, and a deployable free floating tracking buoy to be deployed when the detection signal is generated to indicate the direction and speed of travel of the oil slick created by the oil spill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: John F. Baxter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5522674
    Abstract: A containment boom (10) includes a plurality of self-inflatable units (12) each having a plurality of chambers (26) connected end to end. Each chamber (26) has an air valve (28) at each end thereof. A water repellent and airtight covering (32) is provided for each chamber (26). A flotation subassembly (44) is positioned within an open space formed within the covering (32). The flotation subassembly includes a pair of open cell buoyant flotation members (54, 56) disposed on adjacent sides of an intermediate water repellent flotation member (58). The intermediate water repellent flotation member (58) is preferably formed of a closed cell polyethylene material and provides increased buoyancy to open cell flotation members (54, 56), particularly in the event that a rupture of the covering were to occur such that the open cell flotation members (54, 56) absorb water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: American Boat and Skimmer Company
    Inventor: Samuel D. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5511906
    Abstract: An arrangement for a boom for confining and collecting escaped oil, or the like, having a tubular casing and a shield part attached thereto. A plurality of spaced dividing walls are disposed within the tubular casing. The tubular casing is movable between a collapsed rest position and an expanded operational position. Expansion devices are attached to the tubular casing and are movable between a folded position and an unfolded position. Biasing members are attached to the expansion devices for urging the expansion devices into the unfolded position so that the tubular casing is moved into the expanded position. A valve is operatively attached to the tubular casing so that air may flow into the tubular casing through the valve when the tubular casing is expanded. An impervious flexible sheet material has a mid-portion and opposite side edges sealingly attached to the inside of the tubular casing so that the bottom end portions of the sheet hang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Expandi Systems AB
    Inventor: Per O. Oberg
  • Patent number: 5480262
    Abstract: A continuous oil containment boom foldable to a compact configuration for storage in standard size 8' by 8' by 20' shipping containers, arranged for quick deployment. The containment boom comprising a plurality of boom segments having a lower floatation member and an upper impermeable barrier that is inclined to extend over the layer of contaminants to further serve as a thermal shield barrier to lower the temperature in the area adjacent to the upper barrier. The boom segments being joined end-to-end by pivot joints having vertically oriented overlapping plates that are pivotally connected by a pivot hinge for relative pivotal movement about a horizontally axis, the pivot joints further having a pair of vertically oriented hinge assemblies for relative pivotal movement about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Baldassare Russo, III
  • Patent number: 5480261
    Abstract: An improved heat-resistant surface contaminant containment boom is described, which has a floatation section incorporating refractory materials and spacing materials providing an air-gap around an inner float assembly which can be formed of less heat-resistant and more flexible materials. Further, the boom provides a water wicking action which draws water into the boom to be converted to steam. Provision is made for the steam to escape from the boom removing heat therefrom allowing the float assembly within to remain at a cooler temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Kepner Plastics Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Meyers, John A. Brown, Robert Reidel
  • Patent number: 5407301
    Abstract: A system for deploying a cover over an oil spill, to collect the spilled oil, uses a plurality of gas propelled rockets are attached to lines arranged around the periphery of the cover. Outward projection of the rockets spreads the cover, the weight of the expended rockets then pulling the edges of the cover below the water surface to trap the covered oil. Attitude detectors are preferably employed for preventing firing of the rockets when the rocket platform is not generally level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Petroleum Recovery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan K. Lydiard, Dwight W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5372455
    Abstract: A boom assembly is carried on board a vessel for automatic deployment around the vessel to contain an oil spill. The boom assembly comprises endless inflatable tubes supporting a skirt whose bottom edge is weighted by linear weight. The boom assembly is stored in uninflated folded form in an elongate capsule which serves as the deck handrail of the vessel. The tubes are connectable to a source of pressurized air via air lines. The capsule consists of hinged sections which are normally sealed. Upon inflation of the tubes, the seal is broken by expansion of the tubes and the hinged sections open to automatically deploy the boom assembly around the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Oil Spill Containment Systems Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas Tarca, deceased, June M. Tarca, administrator
  • Patent number: 5362180
    Abstract: A containment boom having the shape of an elongated floatable flexible wall member which is capable of being wound on a spool and deployed therefrom as described. The floatable flexible wall member has a vented flotation tubular membrane. A flexible sheet-like skirt member is secured along the tubular membrane along a longitudinal axis thereof. A ballast is secured to a lower elongated edge of the skirt member. The flotation tubular membrane is provided with a plurality of collapsible individual spiral coils disposed internally of the tubular membrane. The membrane support coils are secured to a plurality of bases which are interconnected to one another by a flexible connecting joint or the tubular membrane. A pull cable is secured along a top part of the tubular membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: 2910683 Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Canning, Serge Fraser
  • Patent number: 5338464
    Abstract: An oil spill recovery barge utilizes a tank that will pivot about an axis from an upper position to a lower position. The barge has a pair of pontoons, with the tanks located between them. The tank mounts by axles to the pontoons to allow the rotational movement. A flexible buoyant barrier or line extends in a large loop in front of the barge. A puller will gradually pull the line in to constrict the loop to collect the oil spill. A primary separator separates some of the oil from the water and pumps it into a tank. A secondary separator in the tank further separates oil from water and pumps the water from the tank, leaving a greater concentration of oil in the tank. Bridges interconnect the pontoons at the forward and rearward ends. The bridges have flexible joints that allow the pontoons to flex due to wave action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Leonard D. Marr
  • Patent number: 5338132
    Abstract: An oil spill containment collar system for aquatic vessels. A deployable floatation collar and apron apparatus automatically surrounds the periphery of the vessel to be contained. This continuous collar only takes a few minutes to become full functional. The collar may be stored either inboard or outboard of the vessel's gunnel about the deck. In the version of the embodiment which stores the collar inboard of the gunnel, the collar is lowered into the water by a gear or spring-torsion driven pivot arms that lift the collar from the deck area and up over the gunnel. the collar is inflated after lowering over the gunnel, encircling the entire vessel, and giving vertical support to an attached apron. In the outboard version, the collar is automatically released from a container and inflated by compressed gas means. The collar is provided with secondary floatation means to ensure its buoyancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventors: Donald H. Lahar, Scott B. Lahar
  • Patent number: 5328296
    Abstract: An oil spill containment collar system for aquatic vessels. A deployable flotation collar and apron apparatus automatically surrounds the periphery of the vessel to be contained. This continuous collar only takes a few minutes to become fully functional. The collar is stored inboard of gunnel above the deck, and is lowered into the water by a gear or spring-torsion driven pivot arms that lift the collar from the deck area and up over the gunnel. The collar is inflated after lowering over gunnel, encircling the entire vessel and giving vertical support to an attached apron. The top edge of the apron is maintained level with the surface of the oil spill, by means of the attached and inflatable collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventors: Donald H. Lahar, Scott B. Lahar
  • Patent number: 5312204
    Abstract: A boom for collecting material floating on the surface of a body of water comprising: a first collapsible tube which can be stored either as flat layers of folded material or by rolling it on a roller; transverse seals along the length of the first tube to create a longitudinal sequence of first compartments; and, a second tube within the first tube, the second tube having transverse seals to form a longitudinal sequence of second compartments, these second compartments being generally concentric with the first tube and the first compartments. Pressurized gas communicates with each of these separate compartments so as to provide pressurization thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Oil Stop, Inc.
    Inventor: Kip B. Goans
  • Patent number: 5308191
    Abstract: A boom for collecting material floating on the surface of a body of water which, by its configuration, requires considerably less inflation air to achieve the required degree of buoyancy to float the boom than is normally required. One embodiment incorporates an elongated collapsible first tube compartmentalized into a series of sequential compartments. Within such compartments are located inflatable flotation tubing which expands the walls of these compartments thus displacing water, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the boom. Such inflatable floatation tubing may be configured as a longitudinal sequence of inflatable annular rings within these compartments; or, the inflatable floatation tubing may be configured as a spiral coil disposed along the length of the compartments biasing the walls of the compartments outwardly. The inflation tubing can be connected by a conduit to a tube secured to and extending the length of the first tube for providing inflation gas thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Oil Stop, Inc.
    Inventor: Kip B. Goans
  • Patent number: 5299886
    Abstract: A deployable spill containment boom which, when not in use, is stored along a shoreline. Attached to one end of the deployable boom is a floatation device. The boom is deployed into a moving waterway by means of a cable to which the boom is attached. The deployment cable runs through a pulley attached to an anchor permanently located on the bottom of the river. The other end of the deployment cable is attached to a winch system located on shore on a "take-up" reel. During an oil spill, the system is actuated by a radio signal. The take up reel reels in one end of the deployment cable and a "supply reel" pays out the cable through the anchored pully cable. The deployable boom is then pulled away from the shoreline. Since the boom floats it remains on the surface of the water while the cable is deployed The deployment cable winding operation causes the boom to be extended out into the river. The end of the boom with the floatation device extends into the river to the location above the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Chem Serv Environmental
    Inventor: Jack L. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 5232310
    Abstract: An oil containment boom consists of sections each of which includes upper and bottom self supporting battens, oil impervious battens sealed thereto and to an inflatable chamber. The barriers and chambers of adjacent sections are sealed to a rod to which the ends of the battens of the sections are pivotally connected to provide flexible joints. End sections are connectable to establish an impoundment about an oil leaking ship. The joints are immobilized as the boom is formed with the adjacent ends of the ballasting battens at each joint defining a predetermined angular relationship with each other. The angular relationship may be 180.degree. and the shaping of the boom made possible by the limited flexibility of the battens of the desired boom shape may be effected by having alternate joints held in an obtuse angular relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Dana A. Wirkala
  • Patent number: 5197821
    Abstract: An emergency, lightweight marine containment system is comprised of a containment crate in which is flatly accordion folded an uninflated boom curtain. The boom curtain is comprised of a self-inflating flotation chamber on one longitudinal edge with an integral depending curtain terminating in a self-inflating ballast chamber on the opposing longitudinal edge. The flotation chamber is inflated by gas and the ballast chamber is inflated by the water or sea water into which the boom curtain is disposed. The boom curtain is made of lightweight single-ply or multiple-ply sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Spill Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Cain, Nathan B. Jones