an automatic pumping system for removal of floating contaminants and oil and gasoline seepage from water wells . a vertically reciprocating cone - shaped member , like an inverted funnel , is moved between positions above and below the water surface . as it submerges , the inverted funnel collects the floating product within its circumference and transfers it to a collection space surrounding the cone . in the upper position , this collection space is sealed so that air may be blown into it while the collected product is driven out through a pickup tube to a collection sump for ultimate disposal . a second embodiment incorporates a hydraulic pumping system which operates in synchronism with the contamination collection and disposal system to create a cone of depression which draws the floating product into the space covered by the circumference of the reciprocating cone .