Patent ID: 7037038

Claim:
A self-powered floating water-skimming vessel for use in collecting debris on or just below the surface of water, the vessel having a waterline and comprising: two parallel laterally-spaced hulls, propulsion means to drive the vessel in either direction, a debris catcher arranged between the said hulls, at least portion of said catcher being arranged below the waterline, and said catcher having first and second lateral end openings into which debris can enter and exit depending upon whether the respective opening is leading or trailing having reference to movement of the vessel, a first flap hinged to close the first opening of the catcher, when said first opening is the trailing opening so as to block the egress of debris from the catcher, and to open when said first opening is the leading opening to permit ingress of debris into the catcher, a second flap hinged to close the second opening of the catcher, when said second opening is the trailing opening to thereby block the egress of debris from the catcher, and to open when said second opening is the leading opening to thereby permit ingress of debris into the catcher.