Abstract: A method of closing a spatial gap between a first mating surface of a first snap locking feature defined by a first part and a second mating surface of a second snap locking feature defined by a second part. This method includes the steps of attaching the first and second parts to one another by sliding the first and second snap locking features over one another until the first mating surface is proximate the second mating surface and deforming a portion of the first part to fabricate a protrusion that contacts the second part and urges the second part in a direction effective to place the first and second mating surfaces into direct contact with one another.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for repairing or reinforcing a damaged oil containment boom. The apparatus includes two end connectors and a curtain attached between the two end connectors. The end connectors are attached to a damaged, existing boom via a vertically extending slot formed in each of the end connectors. After attachment, a tight seal is formed between the curtain and the damaged boom. The method for reinforcing a boom includes engaging the two end connectors to an existing boom while stretching the curtain over the damaged boom section in an overlapping relationship. Finally, the connectors are locked into place via a lock-pin mechanism. This invention creates a tight seal over the damaged area, creating a “patch” to keep out oil contaminants from the protected area. The disclosed invention can be used to repair, patch, or reinforce an existing oil containment boom.

Abstract: An offshore atoll system includes a continuous barrier positioned at a sea surface and configured to reduce a magnitude of incoming waves on at least one side of the continuous barrier.

Abstract: A floating oil containment boom is comprised of boom sections connected end to end. Each boom section is of a tubular member or pipe section. The pipe or tubular member is buoyant, either closed at its ends and/or filled with foam or other buoyant material. Plates extend above and below the tubular member or pipe section for each section of boom. A specially configured connecter joins each boom section to the other, the connecter extending above and below the pipe or tubular member. An elastomeric block forms an interface between connectors on each boom section while simultaneously sealing the area between boom sections to flow of oil.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed here include a containment system which may include a segmented buoyant rim. Certain embodiments also include an inflatable rim with at least one inflation/deflation valve in the rim segments and ballast in the rim segments. Additionally, certain embodiments include material connected to the rim segments, to enclose a void created in the rim and to hang below the buoyant rim.

Abstract: A floating structure comprising floating, modular, parallelepipedic blocks whose vertical edges are provided with lugs in which connecting elements are inserted in order to assemble the blocks. The connecting elements entail a support key, which at its upper part bears stanchion extending above upper surface of the floating structure, the stanchion being provided with an eyelet capable of constituting a point of attachment for net. One or more anchoring points are situated below and to the interior of the floating structure. Also disclosed are applications of the floating structures, including as anti-pollution barriers.

Abstract: A containment boom mooring system for efficiently anchoring containment booms over extended periods of time and in varying sea conditions. The containment boom mooring system generally includes a clamping frame having a first and second frame section pivotally connected upon a first end and having a latching assembly upon a second end for securing the frame sections in a pivotally closed position, a first and second resilient retainer extending along the inner sides of the first and second frame sections to frictionally engage a first side and a second side of a containment boom, a first and a second buoyancy member extending from the first and second frame sections, and an anchor assembly extending from the clamping frame which is adapted to extend below a water surface for mooring the clamping frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low floating boom curtain constructed of absorptive material made for use in waters polluted by oil, fuel, diesel fuel, chemicals such as dispersants or other petroleum based contaminants or the like wherein the boom curtain is comprised of an upper and a lower portion wherein the upper portion is the buoyant portion and the lower portion is a skirt portion, wherein the skirt portion has a weighted portion on the bottom of the skirt portion so that together they form an absorptive boom curtain for removing oil from oil containing waters. The upper portion, which provides the main flotation for the device, has an internal float/foam member which provides sufficient flotation and which foam member is wrapped in a single or double layer of absorptive material and wherein the entire device is made of and or covered by absorptive material.

Abstract: A boom mooring system for anchoring containment booms over extended periods and in varying sea conditions. The system generally includes a buoy having a frame, a buoyancy member mounted thereto, connecting plates located on first and second ends of the frame for connecting containment booms, and an anchor secured to the frame for mooring the buoy. The frame evenly distributes stresses caused from securely anchoring the containment boom in a dynamic sea environment. The anchor may be secured to the frame in various manners, such as via a pipe movably extending through the frame or an elongated member, such as a rope, cable, etc. secured to the frame or pin of the frame. Various signaling devices may extend from the buoy, such as lights, flags, etc. to designate presence of the buoys and containment boom and/or to designate openings in the containment boom to allow passage of spill response vessels.

Abstract: A seismic-resistant fluid reservoir cover includes a plurality of panels and a network of flexible membranes coupled to adjacent panels. The flexible membranes are made of a potable water approved material, and the panels and the membranes create a fluid tight seal. Each panel in the reservoir cover is able to move along three directional axes independently of the adjacent panels while maintaining the fluid tight seal, at least in part because of the flexibility or the slack in the flexible membrane. A support member, such as a backer rod, may also be positioned in the spaces between the panels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of floating structures, with one embodiment comprising floating, modular, parallelepipedic blocks whose vertical edges are provided with lugs in which connecting elements are inserted in order to assemble said blocks. The connecting elements entail a support key, which at its upper part bears stanchion extending above upper surface of the floating structure, said stanchion being provided with an eyelet capable of constituting a point of attachment for net. One or more anchoring points are situated below and to the interior of said floating structure. Also disclosed are applications of the floating structures, including as anti-pollution barriers.

Abstract: A number of individual barrier units form a floating barrier wall each comprising a housing formed in the general shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and, opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow interior which is preferably partially or completely filled with a foam material. A ballast weight is secured to each barrier unit, either inside or outside of the hollow interior, to maintain them in an upright position in the water. Cables, couplers and/or other connectors are employed to mount adjacent barrier units end-to-end to form a barrier wall which can encircle a vessel or otherwise isolate an area within a seaport or other body of water to provide security.

Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly for attaching spill boom to an otherwise featureless coated steel surface comprises a flexible plate having a front side and a back side, at least one magnet mounted to the plate to assert a magnetic field over the back side of the plate, and a connector for the boom mounted to the front side of the plate. The at least one magnet is sized to retain the magnetic connector assembly in a fixed position on a vertically positioned ferromagnetic wall with a force requiring at least 5 pounds to break.

Abstract: An article of manufacture produced by a process comprising the steps of: erecting a sediment-containment structure comprising a plurality of floating boom segments; and introducing sediment into the shape formed by the sediment-containment structure. A system for building up sediment in a water-covered area comprises: a plurality of floating boom segments connected in an essentially closed shape; a sediment source depositing sediment inside the area substantially enclosed by the essentially closed shape formed by the boom segments; and a wasteweir segment disposed so as to close the essentially closed shape formed by the floating boom segments. The wasteweir segment has two posts and a removable barrier element. A method for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area comprises the steps of: erecting a sediment-containment structure comprising a plurality of floating boom; and introducing sediment into the shape formed by the sediment-containment structure.

Abstract: A floating barrier wall includes a number of individual barrier units each comprising a housing formed in the general shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and, opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow interior which is preferably partially or completely filled with a foam material. A ballast weight is secured to each barrier unit, either along or beneath the bottom wall, to maintain them in an upright position in the water. Cables, couplers and/or other connectors are employed to mount adjacent barrier units end-to-end to form a barrier wall which can encircle a vessel or otherwise isolate an area within a seaport to provide security.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active barrier (1) and a method for its use. The active barrier (1) is used to contain and to collect polluting material floating over bodies of water, such as river, lakes, lagoons, bays or open oceans. More specifically, the active barrier is used in a situation in that pollution is caused by a liquid lighter than the water and immiscible with it, such as oil. The invention comprises a plurality of floating containment modules (3) which are interlinked to form the active barrier (1). When the latter is used in the open ocean it is required to use two supporting units (2), e.g. two vessels, to surround the mass of floating polluting material. Each containment module (3) is provided with collecting tubes (33), into which impeller modules (411) displace in a predetermined direction. The impeller modules (411) may be continuous or spaced apart.

Abstract: An inflatable hose system which may act as a boom for rescue purposes or for controlling the flow of surface borne contaminants of rivers, lakes and seas and comprising first and second hose lengths each having one en flattened and sealed to be chiselshaped and the other end provided with a coupling. The two lengths and any interposing standard hose lengths may thus be coupled together and inflated to a pressure in the range of 2 to 3.5 bar to provide a boom of the required length, and one of the hose lengths includes an inflation valve. The hose length may be connected together in mutual alignment thus to produce a straight boom or with the interposition of elbows to form a curved boom capable of containing floating objects or substances.

Abstract: An amphibious dredging vehicle includes a base including a pair of floatable pontoons linked together in essentially parallel relation; a cutterhead dredge system that is mounted on the base and that includes a cutterhead mounted on the front end portion of the base, a first directable discharge mounted to the rear end portion of the base, and a dredge pump in operative connection with the cutterhead and the directable discharge so as to develop suction at the cutterhead and to propel material from the cutterhead to the directable discharge. The directable discharge is configured so that the operator can aim the directable discharge in order to use the dredge pump to propel the amphibious dredging vehicle through water. The amphibious dredging vehicle may be used as part of a system and may be used with a method for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area.

Abstract: In order to provide a containment boom capable of functioning as a barrier for certainly preventing the containment of oil spill in no concern to momentary violent movements of waves and currents, the containment boom comprises a plurality of float units and a coupling portion by which adjacent float units are coupled to one another. Each of the float units comprises a housing having an oil shielding surface perpendicular to sea level, a float portion having a buoyant force, and a plummet portion positioned under the float portion. In addition, the float portion and the plummet portion are adjusted so as to locate a water line to approximate middle position of vertical length of the oil shielding surface. Furthermore, the coupling portion is a flexible coupling portion for varying a relative position between the adjacent float units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchoring system for a containment/exclusion boom, the anchoring system including: a Y-panel member which is adapted to be connected to a curtain of a containment/exclusion boom, said Y-panel member comprising a first skirt panel and a second skirt panel each having their proximal ends joined together and each having a distal end; and means for maintaining the distal ends of the first and second skirt panels substantially against the floor of a body of water upon introduction of the anchoring system into the body of water. Also disclosed are a containment/exclusion boom which includes an anchoring system of the present invention and a method of containing/excluding contaminants from passage from one side to another side of a boom through the use thereof.

Abstract: A system for building up land in a water-covered or water-surrounded area has a plurality of floating boom segments connected end-to-end in an essentially closed shape, each boom segment having a sieve panel with a height approximately equal to the depth of the water in the water-covered area and made from water-permeable, fine-meshed material, and each sieve panel having an anchor segment attached to the lower portion of the sieve panel. The system also includes a sediment source depositing sediment inside the area essentially enclosed by the essentially closed shape formed by the boom segments. Preferably a wasteweir segment is disposed so as to close the essentially closed shape formed by the floating boom segments, the wasteweir segment having an essentially U-shaped orthogonal frame of a height at least about equal to the depth of the water in the water-covered area. The wasteweir segment also includes barriers that attach to the frame.

Abstract: A rain collection system for collecting and storing rainwater. The rain collection system includes a collection assembly being designed for being positioned on a support surface. The collection assembly is designed for collecting rain that has fallen on the support surface. A storage assembly has a tank. The tank is in fluid communication with the collection assembly whereby rain collected by the collection assembly is stored in the tank of the storage assembly for use by the user. A filtration assembly is in fluid communication between the collection assembly to the storage assembly. The filtration assembly is designed for filtering contaminates from the rain being transferred from the collection assembly to the storage assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable hose system which may act as a boom for rescue purposes or for controlling the flow of surface borne contaminants of rivers, lakes and seas and comprising first and second hose lengths each having one en flattened and sealed to be chiselshaped and the other end provided with a coupling. The two lengths and any interposing standard hose lengths may thus be coupled together and inflated to a pressure in the range of 2 to 3.5 bar to provide a boom of the required length, and one of the hose lengths includes an inflation valve. The hose length may be connected together in mutual alignment thus to produce a straight boom or with the interposition of elbows to form a curved boom capable of containing floating objects or substances.

Abstract: In order to provide a containment boom capable of functioning as a barrier for certainly preventing the containment of oil spill in no concern to momentary violent movements of waves and currents, the containment boom comprises a plurality of float units and a coupling portion by which adjacent float units are coupled to one another. Each of the float units comprises a housing having an oil shielding surface perpendicular to sea level, a float portion having a buoyant force, and a plummet portion positioned under the float portion. In addition, the float portion and the plummet portion are adjusted so as to locate a water line to approximate middle position of vertical length of the oil shielding surface. Furthermore, the coupling portion is a flexible coupling portion for varying a relative position between the adjacent float units.

Abstract: A skimmer for removing debris off the surface of a river includes a float line installed across the river at an angle with respect to the river current, and a collecting net installed at the downstream end of the float line. The ends of the line are slidable upwards, along inclined supports, to unsnag the line when a heavy object hooks onto the line. A second mechanism, assisting in raising the line, is a series of rods which swivel in a pole-vaulted fashion from their leverage at the bottom of the river to lift the line out of the water and allow the heavy object to pass underneath. If the object hits the line with an excessive force, the line will reliably break at a desired weak point. The rods may have elbow joints that would provide better leverage in shallow water.

Abstract: Modular boom curtain sections are disclosed, including zipper elements for connection of adjacent modular boom curtain sections. Boom curtains assembled from the boom curtain sections, boom systems containing those boom curtains, and methods of assembling the boom systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floating barrier wall includes a number of individual barrier units each comprising a housing formed in the general shape of a highway barrier having a top wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls, and, opposed side walls interconnected to form a hollow interior which is preferably partially or completely filled with a foam material. A ballast weight is secured to each barrier unit, either along or beneath the bottom wall, to maintain them in an upright position in the water. Cables, couplers and/or other connectors are employed to mount adjacent barrier units end-to-end to form a barrier wall which can encircle a vessel or otherwise isolate an area within a seaport to provide security.

Abstract: A floating system for collecting floatable debris is provided with curtains that direct the flow of water that contains floatables into the traps of the system while functioning as a pressure relief mechanism for the system which avoids placing excessive hydraulic forces on the system under extreme flow conditions. Inlet flow confining curtains have means for allowing the curtain to lift from the bottom of the waterbody as flow becomes progressively more extreme. The means may include patterns of weights in a series of normally horizontal pockets that are fabricated into the curtain at various distances below the water level that hang down to the bottom of the waterbody under normal conditions. The weights are graduated with the heaviest at the top and the lightest at the bottom. Alternatively, openings or windows are formed in the curtain and covered with mesh to allow flow through the windows while containing floatables larger than the size of the openings in the mesh.

Abstract: A boom curtain includes: an upper portion that is adapted and configured for connection to a support system and a main portion formed of a sheet of flexible material that allows the flow of water therethrough, the main portion including a plurality of pleats that effectively increase the actual surface area of the boom curtain relative to the linear area covered by the boom curtain. A containment/exclusion boom that includes the boom curtain and a method of filtering intake water by using the boom are also disclosed.

Abstract: Modular boom curtain sections are disclosed, including zipper elements for connection of adjacent modular boom curtain sections. Boom curtains assembled from the boom curtain sections, boom systems containing those boom curtains, and methods of assembling the boom systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A deployable marine on-board containment system of a clear plastic wall, supported by a floatation counter balance system to allow for towing and surrounding of any marine surface spill; with rapid deployment and containment of any marine spill that consists of floating matter permitting almost total collection of any marine spill in the open sea, on a river or in a coastal shoreline area; without using chemical or any other additives thereby allowing the collected material to be recovered and reused.

Abstract: A hose end assembly comprises an adaptor (30) connected to one end of a cable conduit hose (10) for containing liquid medium. The adaptor comprises a body (32) having a barbed extension (44) and a retaining means such as a sleeve (34). The hose is pushed over the barbed extension, and then the sleeve is forced over the hose by means of a jack (60, FIGS. 2 and 3) to compress the hose between the sleeve and the extension. The body and the sleeve can have axially facing bearing surfaces in the form of recesses (42, 50) for engaging with projections on the jack. The sleeve can have internal projections (46, 48) to further compress the hose, and the sleeve and the hose can be in electrical contact with each other. A bend restrictor (90, FIG. 4) can be provided to limit the bending of the hose.The invention also extends to the use of an assembly to form a termination of a cable conduit hose containing liquid medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for a floating body consisting of containers made from a flexible material positioned laterally in relation to one another and capable of being filled with air or other gas. Containers thereby communicate with one another via a duct extending outside the aforementioned containers and along the floating body, which duct is situated at a level below the surface of the water in which the floating body is adapted to float in its inflated state.

Abstract: Provided in accordance with the present invention, is a preferred embodiment of a boom for use in or containing, concentrating, and burning oil on the surface of a body of water. The boom includes a series of flotation sections, having an average density substantially less than that of water for providing flotation. The boom also includes a water distribution system at least partially surrounding one or more flotation sections. The water distribution system includes material substantially permeable to the water, for receiving, absorbing, and distribution of the water for heat protection. The boom additionally includes a pressurized fluid system/structure for placing the water distribution system in fluid communication with a supply of pressurized water. The pressurized fluid system includes at least one fluid conduit, extending for substantially the length of the boom. The conduit includes an end adapted for connecting to an external source of pressurized water.

Abstract: A shore seal boom having a buoyancy chamber and a ballast chamber is employed to contain hazardous material within a confined area. An end connector bar is employed to connect the ends of the buoyancy chamber and the ballast chamber, wherein the ballast chamber includes a tapered bottom surface so that the end connector bar is maintained in a substantially perpendicular relationship with the shore or other support surface upon which the shore seal boom is maintained. The perpendicular relationship of the end connector bar facilitates the attachment to other short seal booms and maintains a sealed connection between the boom and the ground surface.

Abstract: A system for containing and collecting oil spills and other water surface contaminants is provided. More specifically, the invention comprises a plurality of oil containment boom sections adapted to be coupled together, each section including a body fabric made of assorted polyester and nylon substrates and having spaced heat sealed areas therein, a flotation log of sealed spiral-wound air-bubble material, a ballast preferably made of sand sealed inside a polyester tubing, an upper hand-hold strength member preferably made of closed-cell polyethylene foam sealed at the top of the oil boom and containing a tension strap having a selected tensile strength, a hand-hold loop sewn to the body fabric to aid in handling an retrieval, and a vertical stiffener made of plastic or aluminum sealed in the boom to aid during top flotation and freeboarding conditions.

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.

Abstract: A petroleum product spill containment and recovery system is disclosed which comprises circumventing an off-shore spill with multiple containment float/recovery trough sections for collecting the spilled petroleum from the water's surface. The water and petroleum mixture is transferred from the collection trough (by a heavy duty pump) to a separation tank, and, upon separation from the water, the recovered petroleum is transferred to a storage tank.

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.

Abstract: An end connector for use with oil containment booms, wherein the connector design utilizes a stress distribution technique which avoids the need for proximal end flanges, internal cavity traction surfaces, and further avoids bolts, rivets, or other fasteners through the boom fin end. The end connector design has a smaller size than conventional end connector designs with comparable tensile strength capabilities. Further, the end connector may be fabricated faster than conventional end connectors, reduces connector cost, and reduces final boom assembly time.

Abstract: The boom comprises a series of mesh bands connected end-to-end by buoyant spars to form an oil-containing wall for isolating and oil spill recovery. Bands of the boom are made of oil-impermeable material and include a locking bead extending along the ends of the bands. Each band is connected between spaced spars that have an elongated cylindrical shape. An upper section of the spar includes a locking channel extending diametrically through the spar. The locking channel divides the upper section of the spar into a pair of clamping sections. Two bands are connected together by inserting an end of each band in opposite directions through a spar's locking channel such that locking beads of the two bands are positioned on opposite sides of the spar. The bands are secured in a locked position within the locking channel by pressing the clamping sections together to reduce the width of the locking channel and prevent the locking beads from passing through the locking channel.

Abstract: A boom includes a plurality of boom sections joined end to end. Each boom section includes two or more parallel inflatable chambers which are joined with a weighted curtain which is reinforced for strength. Boom sections are stored compactly on respective reels. A substantial number of reels are arranged compactly in the hold of a carrier vessel which is smaller in size and has greater speed and maneuverability than vessels carrying known oil spill containment systems. Boom sections are consecutively unwound from their respective reels and connected end-to-end as they are deployed to form a continuous boom. The boom sections unwind naturally from the reels as the carrier vessel moves through the water away from a tender vessel holding the first end of the boom. The boom's deployment is controlled by a brake on an idler roller and a hydraulic crane's drive wheel on the reel, thus limiting manual handling to lighter-weight tasks.

Abstract: A floating breakwater device for attenuating waves includes an elongated frame extending vertically between an upper end and a lower end. A buoyant member is attached to the frame to support the top end of the frame above the water surface. A barrier is attached to the frame which extends downwardly from the top end of the frame and below the water surface to a position adjacent the bottom end of the frame. The barrier is adapted to intercept and reflect a portion of the kinetic energy of an attacking wave. A first platform and a second platform are attached to the bottom end of the frame on opposite sides. The platforms extend outwardly from the frame to provide stability and resistance to unwanted movement of the breakwater device.

Abstract: Floating oil are containment boom sections are provided with one or a plurality of collapsible and inflatable bladders or buoyancy chambers, extending along the upper edge of the boom section's skirt, and enclosed inside an elongated gas-impervious sleeve which is also collapsible and independently inflatable through its own inflation/deflation valve, producing dual chamber inflated buoyant flotation forming the upper edge of the boom. ASTM scarf-joint connectors join adjacent boom sections, which are ballasted along their lower skirt edges and provided with tension-carrying reinforcing cable, chain or webbing.

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.

Abstract: A boom includes a plurality of boom sections joined end to end. Each boom section includes two or more parallel inflatable chambers which are joined with a weighted curtain which is reinforced for strength. Boom sections are stored compactly on respective reels. A substantial number of reels are arranged compactly in the hold of a carrier vessel which is smaller in size and has greater speed and maneuverability than vessels carrying known oil spill containment systems. Boom sections are consecutively unwound from their respective reels and connected end-to-end as they are deployed to form a continuous boom. The boom sections unwind naturally from the reels as the carrier vessel moves through the water away from a tender vessel holding the first end of the boom. The boom's deployment is controlled by a brake on an idler roller and a hydraulic crane's drive wheel on the reel, thus limiting manual handling to lighter-weight tasks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire resistant boom connector for connecting adjacent oil containment booms. The boom connector includes cooperating connector portions, each of which include a base portion, an elbow portion, and a engaging portion. A slot bounded by the base portion, the elbow portion, and the engaging portion is adapted for receipt of a cooperative engaging portion to interengage the connector portions.

Abstract: A device for confining oil floating upon the surface of a large body of water employs a horizontally deployable continuous pliable oil-resistant wall having parallel upper and lower edges. A multitude of uniformly spaced vertical support members are attached to the wall. A non-extendable cable engages the vertical support members in parallel relationship to the edges of the wall. Floatation devices are attached to the vertical support members adjacent the upper edge of the wall, and weight devices are attached to the vertical support members adjacent the lower edge of the wall. The effect of the flotation and weight devices is to cause the wall to ride vertically in the water with its upper edge extending above the oil level.

Abstract: An absorbent oil collector is used as an oil spill combating apparatus and based on the use of an oil-absorbent material, e.g. a specially prepared wood fiber mass. In order to provide an oil collector of the kind concerned, which is flexible in that sense that its shape/size easily may be adapted to the actual oil spill situation and which may easily be picked up and collected when the absorbent material has been saturated with oil, the oil-absorbent material is encased within cylindrical stockings (1) of liquid-permeable material and which, along at least one longitudinal edge, is provided with catches, hooks or similar couplers (4) for the joining of a plurality of stockings (1), modules, forming a mat (5), which through rolling may be transformed into a section of a boom.

Abstract: A fence for enclosing impurities floating on water including a series of bands of two-ply material with the two plies fused together in selected areas including the entire upper edge and with weighted floating pickets inserted vertically between the two plies up to the fused upper edge with both plies extending beyond each band at both ends of the band, one ply at both ends being wrapped about end pickets which are pressed together to form a juncture between bands and with the other plies extending beyond the bands being folded over one another and sealed together to prevent leakage at the juncture.