David R Lancaster

US Patent:

20120031829, Feb 9, 2012

Filed:

Aug 3, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/197456

Inventors:

DAVID W. LANCASTER - Houston TX, US

International Classification:

E02B 15/04
C02F 1/40

US Classification:

2102423

Abstract:

The oil spill recovery vessel is configured particularly for operations in relatively shallow water. The vessel is of catamaran configuration, with a large number of slowly rotating discs installed on a lateral rotary axle at the bow of the vessel. A wiper bears against each of the two surfaces of each disc, with oil residue running along the wipers being collected in a holding tank or tanks on the vessel. The oil may be pumped to other storage vessels or containers. The lateral axle on which the discs are installed is free to rise upward in the event that the discs contact a solid object or a shallow bottom. Thus, the discs are of relatively large diameter to provide relatively greater surface area across the surface of the water than is the case with vessels operating with smaller diameter discs.