Automatic tilting oil skimmer frame
An oil skimmer includes a frame for attaching a porous collection bag. The frame automatically tilts in response to water flow, relative to the frame, and the frame automatically returns to its original (“neutral”) position when the water flow ceases. In the tilted position, the frame orients a portion of the mouth of the bag below the surface of the water, so the bag collects floating contaminants. However, in the neutral position, the frame orients the mouth of the bag upward and such that the mouth is above the surface of the water to prevent previously captured contaminants from escaping from the bag and floating away. Optionally, the frame may be releasably locked in the neutral position to facilitate bag replacement or when no collection is desired. The skimmer may be mounted between hulls of a catamaran.
1. A tilting skimmer for use with a collection bag defining a mouth configured to collect liquid borne material, the mouth having a perimeter, the liquid having a surface, the tilting skimmer comprising:
a pivot; and
a frame configured to:
detachably receive the collection bag and orient the mouth of the collection bag consistent with orientation of the frame; and
rotate about the pivot at least between first and second orientations of the frame, such that:
in the first orientation of the frame, the perimeter of the mouth of the collection bag is above the surface of the liquid; and
in the second orientation of the frame, the mouth of the collection bag is bisected by the surface of the liquid.
2. A tilting skimmer according to claim 1 , further comprising a dam attached to the frame and configured to extend at least partially into the liquid when the frame is in the first orientation, such that flow of the liquid, relative to the frame and against the dam, urges the frame toward the second orientation.
3. A tilting skimmer according to claim 1 , further comprising a counterweight attached to the frame and configured to urge the frame toward the first orientation.
4. A tilting skimmer according to claim 3 , wherein the counterweight is adjustable.
5. A tilting skimmer according to claim 3 , wherein the counterweight comprises a mass.
6. A tilting skimmer according to claim 3 , wherein the counterweight comprises a mechanical spring.
7. A tilting skimmer according to claim 3 , wherein the counterweight comprises a gas spring.
8. A tilting skimmer according to claim 1 , further comprising a stop configured to prevent rotation of the frame about the pivot beyond the second orientation.
9. A tilting skimmer according to claim 1 , further comprising a releasable lock configured to selectively prevent rotation of the frame about the pivot away from the first orientation.
10. A tilting skimmer according to claim 9 , wherein the first orientation comprises a plurality of predefined first orientations of the frame and the releasable lock is configured to selectively prevent rotation of the frame about the pivot away from a selected one of the plurality of predefined first orientations of the frame.
11. A tilting skimmer according to claim 10 , further comprising:
a dam attached to the frame and configured to extend at least partially into the liquid when the frame is in at least one of the plurality of predefined first orientation, such that flow of the liquid, relative to the frame and against the dam, urges the frame toward the second orientation; and
wherein in at least a different one of the plurality of predefined first orientations of the frame, the frame is oriented such that the dam is out of the liquid.
12. A tilting skimmer according to claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a neck extending proud of the frame.
13. A tilting skimmer according to claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured to detachably receive at least two collection bags and orient respective mouths of the received at least two collection bags in parallel.
14. A tilting skimmer according to claim 1 , further comprising at least two spaced-apart floats, the frame being disposed between the at least two floats and coupled to at least one of the at least two floats, the frame and the pivot being configured such that the frame rotates about the pivot, relative to the at least two floats.
15. A tilting skimmer according to claim 14 , wherein the frame is reliably coupled to the at least one of the at least two floats.
16. A tilting skimmer for use with a collection bag defining a mouth configured to collect liquid borne material, the tilting skimmer comprising:
a pivot; and
a frame configured to:
detachably receive the collection bag and orient the mouth of the collection bag consistent with orientation of the frame; and
rotate about the pivot at least between first and second orientations of the frame, such that:
in the first orientation of the frame, the mouth of the collection bag is directed upward, within an angle of about 45 degrees of vertical; and
in the second orientation of the frame, the mouth of the collection bag is directed sideways, within an angle of about 45 degrees of horizontal.
17. A tilting skimmer according to claim 16 , wherein the mouth of the collection bag has a perimeter and the liquid has a surface, and wherein:
the frame and the pivot are configured such that:
in the first orientation of the frame, the perimeter of the mouth of the collection bag is above the surface of the liquid; and
in the second orientation of the frame, the mouth of the collection bag is bisected by the surface of the liquid.