Patent ID: 11905671
Assignee: THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
Field: Civil engineering (Other fields)
Classification: CPC E  C  Y | IPC E

Claim 15:
16. A sorbent-based oil skimmer configured to collect oil from an oil layer, the oil skimmer comprising:
an encasing;
a sponge constructed from a silicone polymer impregnated with carbonaceous material, wherein the sponge comprises:
a top sheet in contact with the oil layer;
a vent comprising an opening in the top sheet, wherein the vent is in direct communication with the atmosphere above the oil skimmer; and
a shell connected to the top sheet, wherein the shell extends below the top sheet into the encasing; and
wherein the sponge is configured to absorb oil from the oil layer and passively deposit the absorbed oil into the encasing under the force of gravity.