Abstract: A liquid-absorbing, liquid barrier bag comprising a liquid-permeable envelope within which a super-absorbent material in powder or granular form is disposed, the absorbent material being characterized in that it greatly increases in volume upon liquid absorption. The super-absorbent material is adhered to one or more of the inner surfaces of the liquid-permeable envelope such that the desired distribution and pattern is maintained during handling, shipping and activation of the liquid-absorbing. Upon contact with liquid, such as by soaking the bag in water, the super-absorbent material releases from the inner surfaces and swells to create a three-dimensional body suitable for stacking to form a liquid-impermeable barrier wall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing waterproof apertured materials or surfaces, and such materials or surfaces, using nanoparticle hydrophobic compositions and treatments, and preferably superhydrophobic compositions and treatments, which possess apertures retaining breeching members possessing liquid wicking properties which would normally render the surface or material water-permeable. By treating the breeching members with the nanoparticle hydrophobic or superhydrophobic compositions, a hydrophobic field extending from the breeching member is created, such that the extended hydrophobic field precludes passage of liquid through the apertures by wicking or capillary action.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing waterproof apertured materials or surfaces using nanoparticle hydrophobic compositions and treatments, and preferably superhydrophobic compositions and treatments, wherein apertures of a size that would normally render the surface or material water-permeable may be provided in the surface or material. The method comprises determining the extent of the hydrophobic field that extends beyond the physical edge of a particular treated intersecting member interwoven to form the material to determine the allowable size of an aperture, such that the extended hydrophobic field present on the intersecting members surrounding an aperture will be sufficient to prevent surface wetting and water permeability by fully overlapping the aperture or by presenting a reduced area effective aperture that precludes passage of water.

Abstract: Fabrics that have been treated to create superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or ice-phobic performance are manufactured or assembled in specific conforming shapes so they can be positioned on or pulled over and around certain objects for the purpose of making those objects superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or ice-phobic so they are self-cleaning, water proof, ice-resistant, oil-resistant, corrosion barriers, etc.

Abstract: A method of lining a metal oil well pipe in situ, by providing a pipe liner composed of a polymer tube having a fabric or mesh reinforcing layer mechanically bonded to its exterior, inserting the pipe liner into the oil well pipe by adding water or other weighting means into the pipe liner, and opening the pipe liner to allow oil to flow therethrough, thereby expanding the pipe liner composite tightly against the oil well pipe.

Abstract: A storm water catch basin hazardous liquid valve that is automatically responsive to the presence of hazardous liquids in storm water run-off, the valve utilizing a hydrophobic barrier member to separate hazardous liquids from water. Collection of a sufficient amount of hazardous liquids across the hydrophobic barrier member initiates a float release member to seal off the catch basin. In the neutral or non-activated status, the storm water run-off enters the catch basin, passes through the valve assembly and out through the storm water conduit system in normal manner. When a hazardous liquid, such as oil, gasoline, chemicals, etc., is present in the storm water run-off above a threshold amount, the valve activates to close off the catch basin such that the storm water run-off is precluded from entering the storm water conduit system.

Abstract: A modular liquid dam comprising a plurality of individual elongated members or segments that can be assembled in an end-to-end relationship to form a temporary liquid retainer or diverter on a substrate surface. The dam members are provided with one or more longitudinal bores or passages that reduce the amount of material in each member, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The bore members are open on at least one end of the dam member such that a stiffener rod or rods of varying rigidity greater than the rigidity of the dam members may be inserted into the dam members to increase and vary the rigidity of the dam member as desired.

Abstract: A modular liquid dam having a plurality of individual elongated members that can be assembled in an end-to-end relationship to form a temporary liquid retainer or diverter on a substrate surface. The dam members are provided with one or more longitudinal bores or passages that reduce the amount of material in each member. The bores may extend completely through the dam member, may be internal bores closed off at each end, or may be bore segments intermittently spaced within the dam member. Preferably the bore members are open on at least one end of the dam member such that a stiffener rod or rods of varying rigidity may be inserted to increase and vary the rigidity of the dam member.

Abstract: A liquid containment berm and its method of creation, assembly and use, wherein the berm has a floor member and an outer wall member created by applying an expandable foam polymer along a desired retention or flow control pathway, the foam polymer expanding to form the liquid impermeable outer wall member. Apertures are provided in the floor member such that the expandable foam polymer passes through the apertures to secure the outer wall member to the underlying base surface.

Abstract: Improved superhydrophobic and/or super-oleophobic multi-layer coating compositions or treatments having increased durability and abrasion resistance, the compositions having a bottom layer with solid particles possessing high abrasion resistance and a top layer with particles imparting the superhydrophobic and/or super-oleophobic properties, wherein the bottom layer particles are significantly larger and significantly more abrasion-resistant than the top layer particles, such that portions of the bottom layer particles are exposed on the surface when part of the top layer is abraded, thereby creating an effective contact surface that significantly reduces further abrasion of the top layer without significantly reducing the superhydrophobic and/or super-oleophobic properties.

Abstract: A method of lining a metal oil well pipe in situ, by providing a pipe liner composed of a polymer tube having a fabric or mesh reinforcing layer mechanically bonded to its exterior, inserting the pipe liner into the oil well pipe by adding water or other weighting means into the pipe liner, and opening the pipe liner to allow oil to flow therethrough, thereby expanding the pipe liner composite tightly against the oil well pipe.

Abstract: Fabrics that have been treated to create superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or ice-phobic performance are manufactured or assembled in specific conforming shapes so they can be positioned on or pulled over and around certain objects for the purpose of making those objects superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or ice-phobic so they are self-cleaning, water proof, ice-resistant, oil-resistant, corrosion barriers, etc.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing waterproof apertured materials or surfaces using nanoparticle hydrophobic compositions and treatments, and preferably superhydrophobic compositions and treatments, wherein apertures of a size that would normally render the surface or material water-permeable may be provided in the surface or material. The method comprises determining the extent of the hydrophobic field that extends beyond the physical edge of a particular treated intersecting member interwoven to form the material to determine the allowable size of an aperture, such that the extended hydrophobic field present on the intersecting members surrounding an aperture will be sufficient to prevent surface wetting and water permeability by fully overlapping the aperture or by presenting a reduced area effective aperture that precludes passage of water. In certain embodiments, the apertured material is provided with a liquid impermeable backing layer.

Abstract: A mat-like drain seal composed of a flexible, compressible, conformable polymer material and having at least a centralized window area and a reinforcing band positioned adjacent the edges of the drain seal, the window area being at least translucent such that liquid passing under the drain seal is visible through the drain seal.

Abstract: A liquid containment berm and its method of creation, assembly and use, wherein the berm has a floor member and an outer wall member created by applying an expandable foam polymer along a desired retention or flow control pathway, the foam polymer expanding to form the liquid impermeable outer wall member. Apertures are provided in the floor member such that the expandable foam polymer passes through the apertures to secure the outer wall member to the underlying base surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing waterproof apertured materials or surfaces using nanoparticle hydrophobic compositions and treatments, and preferably superhydrophobic compositions and treatments, wherein apertures of a size that would normally render the surface or material water-permeable may be provided in the surface or material. The method comprises determining the extent of the hydrophobic field that extends beyond the physical edge of a particular treated intersecting member interwoven to form the material to determine the allowable size of an aperture, such that the extended hydrophobic field present on the intersecting members surrounding an aperture will be sufficient to prevent surface wetting and water permeability by fully overlapping the aperture or by presenting a reduced area effective aperture that precludes passage of water.

Abstract: A liquid containment berm and its method of creation, assembly and use, wherein the berm has one or more interior seal members, a floor member and an outer wall member created by applying an expandable foam polymer along a desired retention or flow control pathway, the foam polymer expanding to form the liquid impermeable outer wall member. The berm is assembled and installed on site about a liquid container.

Abstract: A modular liquid dam comprising a plurality of individual elongated members or segments that can be assembled in an end-to-end relationship to form a temporary retainer or diverter on a substrate surface. The dam members are provided with a magnetic connection system having a magnet disposed within or exposed on the end of at least one adjacent dam member, the other adjacent dam member having a second magnet or metal member disposed within or exposed on its end, such that when the two dam members are abutted, the magnetic connection system maintains the dam members in abutting relationship. Structural mating members providing a mechanical or frictional fit may also be provided in the ends of the dam members to further enhance the connection in conjunction with the magnetic connection mechanism.

Abstract: A modular liquid dam comprising a plurality of individual elongated members or segments that can be assembled in an end-to-end relationship to form a temporary liquid retainer or diverter on a substrate surface. The dam members are provided with one or more longitudinal bores or passages that reduce the amount of material in each member, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The bores may extend completely through the dam member, may be internal bores closed off at each end, or may be bore segments intermittently spaced within the dam member. Intermittent bore segments provide internal bridging structures to increase the structural integrity of the dam member.

Abstract: A secondary or spill containment pallet that is the combination of a base or reservoir member composed of a flexible, non-self-sustaining material, one or more horizontally disposed apertured deck members, and an internal load-bearing support structure capable of supporting the deck member and liquid containers disposed on the deck members. The support structure maintains the deck members a suitable distance above the bottom of the base member such that a large internal volume is created, whereby liquid leaking or spilling from the containers will be received and retained within the base member, the walls of which are suspended from or attached to the deck members.