Here's a patent for a sucker for oil recovery

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/3847816.html

and more - If these links are not in color, click on the full caps link.

US Patent References:
SKIMMING SYSTEM
Prewitt - May 1973 - 3730346

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING OIL SLICK FROM WATER SURFACES
Marocchio - September 1972 - 3688506

BARGE BASED SKIMMING SYSTEM FOR OIL SLICKS
Ayers - August 1972 - 3684095

APPARATUS FOR REMOVING OIL SPILLS FROM THE SURFACE OF A BODY OF WATER
Burroughs - June 1972 - 3667608

METHOD AND APPRATUS FOR CONFINING AND COLLECTING AN OIL SLICK
Garland et al. - May 1972 - 3666098


AND EVEN MORE - HERE'S A GOOGLE SEARCH. HEY - ANYONE AWAKE AT MIT, NOAA,
ANYONE ANYWHERE?

http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&search=search#hl=en&&sa=X&ei=g5gJTNGtFoL-8AbToaiLBw&ved=0CBEQBSgA&q=PATENTS+FOR+OIL+REMOVAL+FROM+SEAWATER&spell=1&fp=bd5d242cb4a6e84c