US Patent 7887700 Level-compensating surface skimming device

An apparatus for skimming the top surface of a pool of fluid with a constant flow rate regardless of level changes of the fluid. A storage tank and a suction port are positioned at opposite ends of a conduit that connects the tank and the port. The conduit pivots about a pivot point such that the storage tank elevation follows the fluid level, which allows the suction port to be positioned at the surface of the fluid. In various embodiments, the pivot for the conduit is attached to a pump resting on the bottom of the tank, is formed by a pair of floats, is a pivot mechanism attached to a wall penetration of a tank, or is a flexible hose that allows the conduit to move.