Abstract: A full height, elevated base, pre-manufactured, retaining wall facing system attached to a separate closed face mechanically stabilized earth retention structure Incorporating a continuous closure beam at the top interface of the panel facing and the separate mechanically stabilized earth retention structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling zebra mussels and other bivalves using UV light from a medium pressure UV lamp which is located in a chamber having therein water in which the bivalves are located. The medium pressure UV lamp provides an intensity of UV light measured at a wavelength of 254 nm of at least approximately 6830 .mu.W/cm.sup.2 in the water. The medium pressure UV lamp provides a dose of UV light measured at a wavelength of 254 nm of at least approximately 0.1 W.sec/cm.sup.2 in the water.

Abstract: A variable-ratio transmission device. A first translational member is pivotally intercoupled to a first rotational member by at least one connecting arm. The connecting arm has a first portion pivotally connected to the first translational member at a first pivot point, and a second portion pivotally and adjustably connected to the first rotational member at a first radial attachment point removed from the center of rotation of the first rotational member. The first radial attachment point and the center of rotation thereby define a first attachment radius. The location of the first radial attachment point with respect to the first rotational member is variable to thereby increase and decrease the first attachment radius, which in turn modifies a ratio of movement between the first rotational member and the first translational member.

Abstract: An automatic lubricant-dispensing device with a piston (3) disposed in a cylinder (4) and an electric motor drive unit (1,2) connected thereto has a circuit closer (21) to protect the device against moisture and/or explosion.

Abstract: A pipeline trenching and laying device is disclosed, having a tractor supported portion, a ripper and a pipe feed chute. The tractor supported portion supports the pipe as it passes over the tractor. A plurality of rollers are spaced and elevated in a manner that carefully controls the curvature of the pipe. A ripper, towed behind the tractor by a rigid fixed connection, cuts a trench. A pipe feed chute is in turn towed by the ripper. The pipe feed chute provides forward and rearward portions separated by an articulating joint. A following roller, having a winch attached, allows pressure to be put on the pipe to cause it to curve in a manner calculated to pass over the tractor supported portion and through the pipe feed chute without bending excessively or kinking.

Abstract: A shock tool includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member and a third tubular member. The first tubular member has an interior bore that extends between a first end and a second end. The second tubular member has an interior bore that extends between a first end and an attachment end. The second tubular member is rotatably supported by both radial and thrust bearings within the interior bore of the first tubular member with the attachment end protruding from the second end of the first tubular member. The third tubular member has an interior bore that extends between a connection end and a second end. The second end of the third tubular member being telescopically received within the interior bore at the first end of the second tubular member with the connection end protruding. The third tubular member is capable of limited reciprocal movement relative to the second tubular member. Shock absorbing medium is disposed between the third tubular member and the second tubular member.

Abstract: A method is provided for installing a tubular member in a porous solid medium beneath the surface of a liquid body. The method is initiated by placing the member in a substantially upright position within the liquid body with an open end of the member positioned upon the solid medium and the opposite end of the member extending above the surface of the liquid body. A downward driving force is applied to the member in the direction of the solid medium, advancing the member into the solid medium. As the member is driven downward into the solid medium, a plug of the solid medium forms in the open interior of the member. The length of the plug corresponds to the depth that the member penetrates the solid medium. At the same time, liquids freely migrate into the open interior of the member from the liquid body or the solid medium respectively, via the open end of the member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for modification of a scraper, or similar heavy equipment, for operation in wet or swampy areas including dredge disposal areas. A floatation tire assembly is described which is removably affixable to the scraper to give the scraper the amphibious capability to operate in the wet, swampy environment.

Abstract: A method of compacting asphalt material having a mix of coarse and fine grains includes providing a paver which has, as compaction assemblies, two strip-shaped tampers which are arranged one directly behind the other in the direction of travel, each tamper being provided with a metering slope and each tamper being provided with a tamping surface thereon, each tamper being vertically reciprocated between an upper and lower terminal position, so as to cause the front tamper lower position to correspond substantially to the rear tamper upper position, whereby coarser grains in the asphalt mix are embedded and undergo minimal longitudinal displacement, as the paver moves.

Abstract: A flood gate for use in a foundation crawl space and the like comprises a frame having side walls defining a fluid passageway therethrough, a door pivotally mounted in the frame for bidirectional rotation between two open positions and a closed position therebetween to permit tidal water flow therethrough, and at least one catching assembly for holding the door in the closed position against a minimum level of pressure of the tidal water flow. Tidal flood waters exceeding the minimum pressure level are automatically vented through the crawl space and the like reducing a risk of structural damage from the tidal flood waters. The flood gate can further comprise a door having a ventilation opening, an automatic louver assembly for controlling air flow through the opening, and a screen covering the opening. The automatic louver assembly opens and closes responsive to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A system for entrenching an underwater pipeline on a water bottom. The system is comprised of an underwater pipeline positioned on a water bottom; a floating vessel; an elongated tubular entrenching tool having a plurality of tool nozzles; a jetting head having a plurality of nozzles attached to the entrenching tool by a flexible jetting head hose; first and second waterlines; means for connecting the first waterline to the rear end of the entrenching tool and means for connecting the second waterline to the front end of said tool; and means for suspending the entrenching tool below the pipeline. A pump supported on the surface vessel is connected to the waterlines and is utilized to pump a volume of water at a desired pressure through the waterlines to the entrenching tool to create a trench on the water bottom for entrenching the pipeline by the jets of water at the tool and jetting head nozzles.

Abstract: Beds for wave dissipation having a lattice frame are arranged near a shore line of a shore and wave dissipating materials are stacked on the beds to make a wave dissipating structure, and sand is accumulated on the land side behind the wave dissipating structure. The wave dissipating structure (20) constructed by placing and stacking wave dissipating materials on a lattice frame (10) sinks in proportion to the amount of sand scoured away around the structure or at the bottom thereof, without scattering of the wave dissipating materials by ocean waves, the sinking stops when the effect of ocean waves is not exerted, ocean waves collide with the head part of the wave dissipating structure, crushed waves containing a lot of sand rushes up, and the carried sand is left in backwashing to be accumulated on the land side behind the wave dissipating structure (20). Thus, the sand ground surface (8) rises to a place (9).

Abstract: A subsurface irrigation apparatus and method, the apparatus including an underlayment of water resistant material which also serves as a mounting surface for the remaining elements of the subsurface irrigation apparatus. Water is supplied to the subsurface irrigation apparatus through a water supply conduit and distributed through a plurality of water distribution conduits. Each water distribution conduit includes a plurality of spaced holes through which the irrigation water distributed by the water distribution conduits. A diffuser is mounted across each hole to diffuse the water into the surrounding soil. Each diffuser includes a layer of fibrous material partially covered by a water resistant overlayment. The fibrous layer diffuses the water outwardly from the hole while simultaneously inhibiting root encroachment into the hole.

Abstract: A cutting bed impeller (10) comprises a body portion and a plurality of paddles (24) projecting from the body portion, one or more of the paddles (24) having a recess (18) on its leading face in the direction of rotation of the impeller (10). The radially outer face (26) of one or more of the paddles (24) may be provided with one or more replaceable wear elements (30, 38). For example the elements may comprise nylon inserts (30) fitted into openings (28) in the radially outer faces (26) of the paddles (24).

Abstract: In an automated temporary roof support and roof bolting machine there are several safety features. The machine has forward operator's stations on each side of the machine. All the controls for operating the machine are in the operator's stations. The machine is pulled forward, a precise distance, by a hydraulic cylinder with a limited stroke. The pulling of the machine is controlled by safety switches requiring both operators to operate the switches in unison.

Abstract: A method of drilling in a stratum and a method of enhancing recovery of a hydrocarbon material from an existing well. The method of drilling generally includes providing a drilling apparatus having at least one laterally oriented nozzle. Part of the drilling apparatus is moved downwardly along an existing bore without drilling until the nozzle is in position and pressurized hydraulic fluid is delivered through the nozzle to define a first generally horizontally oriented secondary bore. The nozzle is reoriented the nozzle is used to bore a second generally horizontal oriented secondary bore. The method of enhancing recovery may employ a similar process to define a first generally horizontally oriented secondary bore. The drilling apparatus is removed and pressurized hydraulic fluid is delivered into the main bore and the secondary bore to fracture the stratum to assist in extracting the hydrocarbon material from the well.

Abstract: A method prevents corrosion of a vessel made of a corrodible material. The vessel has a bottom which has an outer surface. The method includes detecting the appearance of water at the outer surface of the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: A combination boat lift apparatus and piling securable to the bottom of a body of water. The boat lift apparatus includes an elongated upright outer tubular member preferably of p.v.c. tubing which has its lower end portion secured into the bottom and filled with concrete or like curable strengthening material. A drive motor is operably mounted within an upper portion near an upper end of the outer tubular member operably connected to a moveable plate mounted for slidable translation within the upper portion. An elongated longitudinally extending slot is formed through a wall of the outer tubular member for receiving a connecting portion of a boat support which is dependently connected to the moveable plate. An inner tubular member may also be provided and is preferred for added strength. The entire arrangement provides a long-lived piling structure which protectively houses the drive equipment for boat lift and support.

Abstract: A solid pre-cast prestressed concrete foundation pile and associated installation components having a single prestressing strand located on the longitudinal center axis of the pile, reinforced in the ends only with helix shaped wire reinforcement. The prestressing strand extends beyond the concrete face on the end to present an attachment point for a connection device used to transmit forces from a structure foundation and to accommodate the utilization of a unique, reusable cushion block and, where necessary a, particular internal splice device to form a continuous pile composed of multiple segments.The cushion block receives hammer blows applied to the top of the pile necessary to the driving (installation) process, affording protection to the pile top, the exposed strand and the internal splice device. The completed installation may include the optional attachment of the connection device (when required) after removal of the cushion block.

Abstract: A ground anchor device for securing a building foundation and other structures to a ground surface using the subject anchor device. The anchor device is designed to be self advancing when rotated into the ground surface to depths of 10 to 30 feet and greater. The device includes one or more hollow pipe sections coupled together and connected to a pipe extension with drill point. The pipe extension includes a helice therearound for helping advance the anchor device into the ground surface. The pipe extension and hollow pipe sections are driven into the ground using a kelly bar. The kelly bar includes one end having a square drive section which is received inside a square opening in a drive collar. The drive collar is mounted to an inner circumference of the pipe extension. When the kelly bar is rotated, the square drive section of the kelly bar engages the sides of the drive collar for rotating the pipe extension and pipe sections.