IP Library Granted Patent US 9,249,549
Granted Patent B2
US 9,249,549 · App. 14/325,489 · Granted Feb 2, 2016

Electromagnetic boom and environmental cleanup application for use in conjunction with magnetizable oil

Inventor: Arden A. Warner (Oswego, IL)
Assignee: Fermi Research Alliance, LLC
E02B15/048C02F1/484C02F1/488C02F1/681C02F2101/32C02F2103/007C02F2201/48
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,249,549
App. No.
14/325,489
Granted
Feb 2, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus are used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom.

Claims (25)

1. A method for collecting spilled oil, said method comprising:

configuring an electromagnetic boom with a plurality of alternating links of floats and solenoids connected by a power carrying a tether to a collection apparatus;

capping said plurality of solenoids with a pole piece on each end of said solenoid;

magnetizing oil associated with an oil spill;

deploying said electromagnetic boom in said oil spill;

inducing a magnetic field around said electromagnetic boom; and

driving said magnetized oil along said induced magnetic field to a collection point, thereby removing said magnetized oil associated with said oil spill from an environment.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

thrusting a distal end of said electromagnetic boom with a thruster; and

sweeping said electromagnetic boom through said oil spill.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of driving said magnetized oil further comprises:

activating a plurality of solenoids periodically to create a pumping effect on said magnetized oil.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising deploying said electromagnetic boom from a dock.

5. The method of claim 2 further comprising deploying said electromagnetic boom from a boat.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein said environment comprises an aquatic environment.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein magnetizing said oil associated with an oil spill further comprises:

inserting a plurality of iron filings in said oil associated with said oil spill.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of driving said magnetized oil further comprises:

activating a plurality of solenoids periodically to create a pumping effect on said magnetized oil.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising deploying said electromagnetic boom from a dock.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising deploying said electromagnetic boom from a boat.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein said environment comprises an aquatic environment.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising deploying said electromagnetic boom from a dock.

13. The method of claim 1 further comprising deploying said electromagnetic boom from a boat.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein said environment comprises an aquatic environment.

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 30, 2024
From: FERMI RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC
To: FERMI FORWARD DISCOVERY GROUP, LLC
Reel/Frame 069795/0347 →
CONFIRMATORY LICENSE Recorded Apr 7, 2022
From: FERMI RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC
To: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Reel/Frame 059533/0610 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 31, 2020
From: WARNER, ARDEN AYUBE
To: FERMI RESEARCH ALLIANCE, LLC
Reel/Frame 052274/0488 →
Continuity (4)
Continuation 13112251 · May 20, 2011
Provisional Application 61368123 · Jul 27, 2010
Provisional Application 61356319 · Jun 18, 2010
Related Publication 20150008188A1 · Jan 8, 2015