Abstract: Provided is a water blocking board apparatus which can improve reliability of the operation of a water blocking board, the apparatus having: a water blocking board configured to ascend from a road surface to block water; a water blocking board accommodating pit formed under the road surface so as to accommodate the board; a water collecting pit configured to let water to flow thereinto upon flooding; a water collecting bucket which accumulates water having flown into the water collecting pit and is configured to descend in the water collecting pit by the weight of the accumulated water; and a transmission mechanism which connects the board and the bucket and converts a descending force of the bucket into an ascending force of the board, at least one of the mechanism and the bucket being provided with a device for inhibiting inclination of the bucket.

Abstract: An open-close member control apparatus is to prevent a foreign matter from being trapped to a window glass serving as an open-close member that is driven to open by manipulation of a manipulation switch. When a trapping detection section determines that the foreign matter is trapped to the window glass, power supply to a driving device is stopped to stop opening of the window glass. Then, it is determined whether a predetermined condition is satisfied for approving re-open of the window glass. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the power supply to the driving device is re-started. Opening of the window glass is thereby enabled again.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a furniture part in a movable manner on a furniture body, having a drive unit, a control unit, and a sensor device which interacts with the control unit, wherein the movable furniture part can be moved in an opening direction and a closing direction in a driven manner relative to the furniture body. The drive unit is coupled to the movable furniture part and drives the movable furniture part in a drive mode of the drive unit. The control unit and the sensor device are designed such that, when the apparatus is in the assembled use state, the sensor device identifies an action by an operator on the movable furniture part from the outside as an action with the purpose of moving the furniture part in a manner which can be predefined by the operator and provides a corresponding sensor signal to the control unit.

Abstract: A door closer system is provided that includes a motor, a spring, a reduction gear set, and a rack and a pinion mechanism. The spring and pinion may be coupled to the rack, and the pinion may be selectively coupled to the gear set. The motor may be selectively mechanically coupled to the gear set. The pinion may rotate in a first direction via the rack as the spring is compressed in a second direction opposite the first direction as the spring is expanded. The motor is operable to rotate and act upon the pinion through the gear set, thereby rotating the pinion in the second direction and assist the spring in closing the door.

Abstract: A caution and barrier system for danger of electrical arcing is disclosed. The caution and barrier system includes at least two elongate arms that attach to respective sides of a piece of equipment. The arms carry warning indicia. Some embodiments attach via traditional mounting hardware, while others mount magnetically to the equipment. The arms may also pivot and may comprise separate sections attached together by hinges. Yet other versions of the arms may be mounted on equipment using a multi-position magnetic mount. The caution and barrier system is particularly suitable for use with high voltage apparatus where electrical arcing is likely.

Abstract: A tilt-up door for a building having an opening, a pair of substantially vertically juxtaposed members, cam surfaces extending laterally from the vertical members at the upper portion and a door sized to span the opening. The door can be pivotally coupled to carriages arranged for vertical movement along the vertical members and can have cam followers extending laterally from the upper portion of the door to contact the cam surfaces. An actuator or actuators can be connected to the carriages to move the carriages along the vertical members. When the actuator or actuators are operated to move the carriages vertically along the members the cam followers can move along the cam surfaces to tilt the door to a horizontal position as the door is moved vertically upward into an open raised position.

Abstract: Provided is an opening/closing apparatus with a lock capable of performing the opening/closing and closed lock of a sliding door by a single actuator and arbitrarily setting the timing of a lock operation. In the opening/closing apparatus with a lock, an electric motor is driven and the drive force of the electric motor is input to the sun gear of a planetary gear mechanism and output from the internal gear or the carrier. A pair of sliding doors are opened and closed by the drive force output from the internal gear. While the pair of sliding doors are at a fully closed position, the lock and lock-released states of a lock mechanism are switched by a lock restricting mechanism.

Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes a glass assembly, a lift plate, and an actuator mechanism coupled with the glass assembly by the lift plate. The glass assembly has an aperture formed therethrough, and the actuator mechanism moves the glass assembly by applying a load at the aperture. A fastener may extend at least partially through the aperture from a shoulder at one side of the glass sheet to an end at an opposite side of the glass sheet. The window assembly may also include a coupling layer, such as an adhesive layer, between the fastener and the glass sheet. The window assembly can be constructed in a relatively compact configuration to save space within a vehicle door or panel.

Abstract: A glass run includes a forked outer lip, wherein: one interval between a base root and an intermediate part of the inner lip is swelled and curved toward an inner-cabin side wall side and another interval between the intermediate part and a top end is swelled and curved toward an outer-cabin side wall side; a displacement point is on the connecting wall side compared with a top end of the outer-attaching lip of the outer lip; and the door glass abuts the inner lip and slidably moves toward the top end side and an outer-cabin side surface of the door glass abuts the outer-attaching lip and the inner-attaching lip while an inner-cabin side surface of the door glass abuts the inner lip.

Abstract: The static air dam includes at least one mounting feature, which is preferably at least one hole or slot to allow a fastener, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, weld, or other similar attachment devices, to secure the air dam to a wall of a jamb channel. Air passage through the jamb channel is prohibited or at least substantially inhibited by the static air dam that is designed to approximate the size and dimensions of the cross section of the jamb channel. At least one side of the air dam includes a tab or similar structure for securing the free end of the curl spring of a curl spring balance. The air dam includes integrally formed reinforcing elements that either abut or are adjacent to the side walls of the jamb channel. The air dam preferably includes a pair of flexible projections for engaging ears on the curl spring carrier.

Abstract: A revolving security door includes a drum defining a secure zone between door openings controlled by a revolving door disposed within the drum and wherein light curtain sensors and active infrared sensors may detect an intruder moving from a non-secure side of the doorway to the secure side and detect objects left behind in a secure zone. Methods of operation prevent persons or objects from passing from the non-secure side to the secure side of the doorway.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polishing pad, which may be laminated, with a small number of manufacturing steps, high productivity and no peeling between a polishing layer and a cushion layer includes preparing a cell-dispersed urethane composition by a mechanical foaming method; continuously discharging the cell-dispersed urethane composition onto a face material, while feeding the face material; laminating another face material on the cell-dispersed urethane composition; curing the cell-dispersed urethane composition, while controlling its thickness to be uniform, so that a polishing layer including a polyurethane foam is formed; cutting the polishing layer parallel to the face into two pieces so that two long polishing layers each including the polishing layer and the face material are simultaneously formed; and cutting the long polishing layers to produce the polishing pad.

Abstract: Methods for removing, or leaching, cobalt or other diamond-diamond bonding catalysts from polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) or other structures formed from polycrystalline diamond include leaching under conditions that simulate use of PDCs in a hot hole drilling environment. A leaching agent may be formulated, when used under appropriate conditions, to remove or substantially remove cobalt or another catalyst from polycrystalline diamond without dissolving, degrading or otherwise attacking a substrate that supports or carries the polycrystalline diamond. The leaching agent may include one or more components that mimick the chemicals or conditions to which a PDC would be exposed in a hot hole drilling environment. Polycrystalline diamond structures from which cobalt or another diamond-diamond bonding catalyst has been removed or substantially removed are also disclosed, as are systems for leaching cobalt or other diamond-diamond bonding catalysts from polycrystalline diamond.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.

Abstract: A decorative weather-tight inset to position against a wall for providing aesthetics, covering holes or irregular surfaces, and creating storage space. The inset includes a flange around the perimeter to elevate the inset above the wall. The flange and the wall form a waterproof seal through the use of fasteners and caulk. The flange can bend or be prefabricated to contour flush against the wall. A decorative surface can protrude beyond the inset and include indicia. The decorative surface can be one piece or multiple pieces, and include a variety of shapes, graphics, and text. A space between an opposite mounting surface of the inset and the wall can be filled with insulation for preventing thermal transfer, and for enhancing the water proof seal between the flange and the wall. Items can also be stored or displayed in the space if the decorative surface detaches, and/or is transparent.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore.

Abstract: A mast assembly for a transportable rig which accommodates the height of wellhead equipment such as BOP and/or valve stacks and permits orientation of a top drive rotor in the mast directly over the wellhead as the top drive moves up and down in the mast. In one embodiment, the mast contains a base portion that supports a moveable portion of the mast assembly. In one embodiment, angularly rearwardly oriented supports are utilized to provide an open space to accommodate the height of the wellhead equipment between upright rails on which the top drive moves so that the top drive rotor can be aligned with the bore of the wellhead equipment.

Abstract: A hoisting assembly for precast concrete structures is provided. A shackle is joined to an embedded anchor member by a pin or bolt, and the shackle is provided with load bearing members to accommodate various loads in a manner that reduces risk of damage to concrete and provides for a more efficient anchor.

Abstract: A leveler for a solar module can include a base, a rotatable adjuster, and a follower. The rotatable adjuster can be mounted to the base with a swaging process, or other techniques. The follower can be embedded within a coupler configured to be connectable to solar modules. Turning the rotatable height adjuster changes the relative spacing between the solar module and the base.

Abstract: A system for structural restraint of structures against seismic and storm damage comprises a plurality of structural framing components; a plurality of structural sheathing components; a plurality of structural fasteners; one or more structural foundations; and a structural bonding agent applied to the interior and exterior to prevent failure of structural fasteners.

Abstract: A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one elongated-sheet shape first wing plate and a supporting element connected to and extending from the first wing plate. The at least one returning device is connected to the damping body and has two holding ribbed-plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting ribbed-plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding ribbed-plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting ribbed-plate and connected the holding ribbed-plates in a tension condition.

Abstract: A data centre (100) includes at least one rack room (in for example module 140) having a floor and a plurality of rack storage areas on the floor, each rack storage area being arranged to accommodate a plurality of racks (143) in which a plurality of rack-mountable electronic components may be housed, one or more controllable air circulation systems (in for example module 122), one or more cold aisles (144) in the rack room, each cold aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area, and one or more hot aisles (145) in the rack room, each hot aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area. There may be a large air duct, in the form of a personnel corridor (123), for transporting, under the control of the one or more air circulation systems, cooling air, above the floor, to the one or more cold aisles. The air supply corridor/duct (123) may have a height greater than 1.5 m above the floor and a cross-sectional area of at least 2 m2 and a maximum dimension in the plane of the cross-section of less than 3 m.

Abstract: An improved skylight system comprises a unitary light transmitting skylight lens having a main lens body, an outwardly projecting horizontal support flange, a surrounding downwardly and outwardly extending skirt panel, and a horizontal lower attachment lip extending from the skirt panel. The attachment lip is held in a channel formed by an upper hold-down flange and a cooperating lower flange of a mounting frame. The lens is fitted over a roof curb and attached thereto by driving fasteners through a vertical attachment collar that depends from the inner edge of the lower flange of the mounting frame into the curb.

Abstract: There is provided a window/door system having a hidden rail structure wherein a rail structure is detachably installed at a substructure, the substructure installed where a window/door is to be installed, thereby making it very easy to replace and to maintain/repair the rail. In addition, the rail is hidden so as not to be visible to the outside when a window/door is opened/closed. That is, the present invention is to provide a window/door system having a hidden rail structure, wherein the rail structure is detachably installed at a substructure positioned where a window/door frame is to be installed, thereby making it very easy to replace and to maintain/repair the rail.

Abstract: A floor panel for a floor of a passenger cabin of a mobile platform is provided, which comprises a base body with an integrated cable channel and a cover element covering the cable channel. The base body is realized in the form of a sandwich component including two honeycomb structures, between which the cable channel is arranged. The cover element is firmly attached to the base body, thereby creating a self-supporting floor panel. Since the cover element is firmly attached to the base body, the thickness and weight of the base body may be reduced.

Abstract: A weight reduced and strength enhanced concrete structure in which at least one tubular reinforcing core is embedded in a solid concrete matrix. Each core is a chain of integrally interconnected hollow tetrahedra. Each tetrahedra has triangular faces connected at common edges and vertices. The planar faces of adjacent tetrahedra are spaced from each other, and concrete fills the spaces. The cores are suspended within the concrete and self-anchored, without anchors at the exterior surface of the structure. With the embedded cores the concrete structure becomes more resistant to compressive, tensile, and bending loads. For even greater strength of the structure, the cores can be tensioned and thereby pre-stress the concrete. Impact or other loads are distributed substantially isotropically, thereby reducing local stresses. These advantages can be achieved with cores that are lighter than the concrete material they displace or rebar they replace.

Abstract: A ratcheting take-up device that compensates for imperfect alignment in a tie rod continuity system in the frame of a building wall. The upper ends of the tie rods are tightly clamped within the take-up device by domed segments inserted in a bowl-shaped housing. The segments are also forced together by a compression member in the housing. The domed shape of the segments and the bowl shape of the housing cooperate so that the segments can rotate in any direction to accommodate tie rods that are not perfectly vertical, without a corresponding loss of strength in the connection.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various brackets and systems for forming tiled transitions between surfaces. One bracket embodiment for forming a tiled transition between a first surface and a second surface forming an inside corner includes a first base portion securable to the first surface, a second base portion securable to the second surface, a receiving slot angled with respect to the first and second surfaces for receiving a tile strip to form the tiled transition, and a channel for receiving a filler material adjacent to the receiving slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sealing an above-ground or underground construction. In particular it involves the use of non-reactive hot melt adhesives and flexible polyolefin films. This procedure in particular has the advantages that good and long-lasting adhesion can be achieved very quickly, and that in particular by using polyolefin strips coated with non-reactive hot melt adhesives, insulating strips can be obtained simply which are non-tacky at room temperature and can be processed and bonded easily at the construction site.

Abstract: Wall systems and methods for making such wall systems are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a wall system comprises a plurality of vertically displaced horizontal support members, and a wall panel having at least one inwardly-extending ridge. The wall system also includes at least two foam insulation blocks. Each block has a surface that is adapted to conform to the shape of the inwardly-extending ridge of the wall panel. The blocks are spaced apart along each of the horizontal support members and are fastened between the panel and the support member. The spacing created by the blocks allows for a blanket of insulation between the blocks and the support members to expand, improving the system's insulative properties.

Abstract: A pressure resisting barrier wall resistant to accidental explosions and fires or hydrostatic pressure comprising a corrugated wall member (100) having a series of side by side corrugation which viewed in transverse section each comprise spaced first and second base portions (102, 102?) by a polygonal arch having at least three sides (106, 106?, 108, 108?) within said archacurved or polygonal arch reinforcement wall (124, 124?, 124?, 125) springing from side portions of said polygonal arch.

Abstract: An anchor includes a barrel having a bore extending therethrough. First and second wings extend laterally from the barrel. Further, first and second grooves are provided within the first and second wings, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wall block. The wall block (1) comprises a first wall (11), a second wall (12), a third wall (13) and a rib (14), wherein the first wall (11) is in parallel with the second wall (12), the third wall (13) is securely connected between the two walls, at the two respective ends of the two walls; the rib (14) is connected fixedly between the first wall (11) and the second wall (12), and forms a hollow portion (17) with the third wall (13). With the technical solution, as the wall block has a hollow structure, a load-bearing structure (such as a bearing pillar) may be arranged directly in the hollow structure of the wall block, unlike the traditional wall blocks which need to be piled up around the load-bearing structure (such as a bearing pillar) at a large amount. Therefore, the wall block of the present invention can save time for piling up the same and improve construction efficiency.

Abstract: Deployable support structures include a six-bar linkage structure as a lateral facet of a truncated pyramid. The six-bar linkage structure comprises six articulated struts, each coupled to two others by a revolute joint to form a closed loop. The six-bar linkage structure is convertible from a deployed state into a folded state and vice versa. In the deployed state of one embodiment, the six-bar linkage structure forms a trapezoid with two opposing first and second parallel sides formed by two struts arranged in series and coupled by a revolute joint at the center of the parallel sides. In the folded state, the two struts of each parallel side are pivoted around the joint so that opposing end portions of the struts are located side by side. Scalable and modular deployable structures can be made for space applications as well as civil constructions such as domes, roofs, housing, tents, and bridges.

Abstract: A pergola structure (10), comprising: at least one horizontal rafter (28), comprising a plurality of tilted notches (22) at the top (32) thereof; and a plurality of parallel horizontal purlins (34), each inserted into the tilted notches (22) from above, thereby each of the purlins (34) is disposed at two sides (12A, 12B) of the rafter (28), providing a firm roof, while allowing flow of air and light therethrough.

Abstract: A post member includes a side surface, and a beam member includes a side surface and an underside edge surface. The beam member is attached to the post member using a multi-piece hanger including a first L-shaped bracket with a first mounting flange attached to the side surface of the post member, and a second L-shaped bracket with a second mounting flange attached to the side surface of the beam member. The first L-shaped bracket further includes a first interlocking flange supporting the underside edge surface of the beam member. The first interlocking flange includes an extending tab member. The second L-shaped bracket further includes a second interlocking flange positioned adjacent the first interlocking flange. At a bend of the second L-shaped bracket, at least one slot is provided which is sized and shaped to receive the extending tab member.

Abstract: The coupling includes first gripping members which are connected, facing on one and the same level on corresponding mounting bodies, to respective structures, and second gripping members mounted so as to slide vertically on the first gripping members in order to secure pneumatic covers in two diametrically opposed regions thereof with the collaboration of threaded rods. The gripping members and provide retention walls that extend towards the mounting bodies by means of horizontal retention flanges. The second gripping members have walls with holes for the passage of screws during fitting thereof to the mounting bodies.

Abstract: A hidden fastener for use in assembling a decking structure by attaching a series of grooved deck planks to underlying joists is disclosed. The fastener is configured with a horizontal body between a leading arm and trailing leg. The leading arm transitions to a leading wing while the trailing leg transitions to a trailing foot. At least one prong extends from the body at a downward angle. The leading wing and trailing foot are configured optimally for engagement within the grooves of adjacent deck planks. The body defines a hole for receipt of an elongated securing member that can be driven therethrough, optionally by a power driving tool, to attach the fastener to an underlying joist. The fastener spaces adjacent decking planks an optimal distance for drainage while providing improved resistance to lateral plank movement caused by thermal expansion or physical forces.

Abstract: A wall anchor for use in an insulated cavity wall has an elongated body extending from a driven end to a driving end. The driven end is adapted to be mounted on an inner wythe of a cavity wall structure. A rotation control portion of the elongated body may include teeth formed on the surface. A collar with at least one aperture for a veneer tie is located near the driving end. The collar may have a pawl associated with it and positioned to engage the teeth on the elongated body. The teeth of the elongated body and the pawl of the collar form a ratchet structure. The collar can be rotated relative to the wall anchor only in a single direction, with the interengaging ratchet structure preventing rotation in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An anchor for mounting one or more solar modules to a roof is disclosed. The anchor can comprise a clamp body comprising a central surface and a first arm extending from the central surface. The first arm can have a first clamping face. The clamp body can be sized and shaped to receive one or more webs extending from one or more solar modules. The anchor can include a rotatable clamp device coupled to the clamp body, the rotatable clamp device configured to press a first web of the one or more webs against the first clamping face. The anchor can also include a rotatable height adjustment member coupled to the rotatable clamp device, the rotatable height adjustment member configured to raise or lower at least the clamp body. The rotatable clamp device and the rotatable height adjustment member can be configured to rotate about the same axis.

Abstract: An anchor for mounting one or more solar modules to a roof is disclosed. The anchor can comprise a clamp body comprising a central surface and a first arm extending from the central surface. The first arm can have a first clamping face. The clamp body can be sized and shaped to receive one or more webs extending from one or more solar modules, each web having a hem at a distal end. The first arm can comprise a first recess sized and shaped to receive a first hem of a first web of the one or more webs. A clamp member can be configured to clamp the first web against the first clamping face.

Abstract: An anchor for mounting one or more solar modules to a roof is disclosed. The anchor can comprise a clamp body comprising a central surface and a first arm extending from the central surface. The first arm can have a first clamping face. The clamp body can be sized and shaped to receive at least a first web extending from at least a first solar module such that at least the first web can lie in proximity to the first clamping face. The anchor can further include a clamp member coupled to the clamp body so as to be moveable toward the first clamping face to press the first web against the first clamping face.

Abstract: A building structure including a first building member and a second building member may be connected by a plurality of fasteners, each fastener having a head, a threaded portion having a through hardness of between HRB 70 and HRC 40, a thread-forming portion of at least HRC 50 hardness enabling the fastener to form threads in at least the second steel building member, and a fluted lead portion of at least HRC 50 hardness with a nominal diameter between 70 and 95% of major diameter, such that the fastener is capable of providing a ratio of strip torque to thread-forming torque of at least 3.0 and a ratio of strip torque to drive torque greater than 6.0 when the second steel building member having a thickness of 0.25 inch and the fluted lead portion having at least one diameter within nominal diameter between 80 and 98% of major diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy-absorbing deformable utility pole that comprises a hollow pole, and an insert placed within the pole. The insert is positioned in an area of the pole that is most affected by an impacting vehicle and the length of the insert is such that it substantially includes the affected area of the pole. During an impact, the utility pole provides for a more gradual deceleration of the vehicle, compared to previously known utility poles, resulting in a reduced level of damage to the vehicle and its occupant(s). The invention also provides for a process for increasing the energy absorption of a deformable utility pole by placing an insert composed of a deformable material within the pole in the area most likely to be affected by an impact with a vehicle, and wherein the length of the insert substantially includes the affected area of the pole.

Abstract: A modular fibre reinforced plastic flange for a structural composite beam which comprises a body formed of a plurality of elongate elements arranged in an array, wherein the dimensions of the body are substantially determined by the number and arrangement of the elongate elements in the array, and a skin member at least partially surrounding the array. Also, a structural composite beam comprising the modular fibre reinforced plastic flange and a shear web connected to the skin member of the modular flange. A method of making the modular flange and beams, and a kit of parts for making the modular flange are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular fibre reinforced plastic flange for a structural composite beam which comprises a body formed of a plurality of elongate elements arranged in an array, wherein the dimensions of the body are substantially determined by the number and arrangement of the elongate elements in the array, and a skin member at least partially surrounding the array. Also, a structural composite beam comprising the modular fibre reinforced plastic flange and a shear web connected to the skin member of the modular flange. A method of making the modular flange and beams, and a kit of parts for making the modular flange are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrapping device for enveloping or packing in particular agricultural crop bales, including a wrapping floor for receiving and rotating the pressed crop bale and a guide frame for at least one wrapping material carrier for wrapping the bale on the wrapping floor with wrapping material in the form of webs, wherein the guide frame is height adjustable, in order to set the center of the wrapping material approximately at the location of the center of the crop bale to be wrapped. In order to be able to adapt wrapping devices having a guide frame to bales of different bale diameters, the guide frame should be pivotable about a horizontal axle which is situated parallel to the axis of rotation of the crop bale.

Abstract: The capsule holder intended to be used with a capsule for preparing a beverage, for example coffee, comprises at least one receptacle for containing a capsule, said capsule holder being moved in relation to the capsule in order to move it into said receptacle by way of actuator means, said actuator means comprising weakening means that are able to limit the forces to which said actuator means can be subjected.

Abstract: Stimuli-responsive highly absorbent superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are used to harness water to augment water supply and solve water crisis Rain water, dew or sea water is harnessed in fabric-based sachets or bags partially filled with the polymers. The hydrated polymers are used to store water in warehouses for an extended period of time and the invention may obviate the need to construct controversial huge dams and canals or drill wells. The stored water in superabsorbent polymers is released at the point of use by any stimulus which may be light-induced, electrical, thermal or chemical treatment. SAPs with 2000 g/g of absorbency can yield 99.95% pure water in solid/gel form. An ultra SAP with absorbency of 10,000 g/g of the polymer could hold 10 billion cu.m. of water in one million tonnes of the polymer. This is more than the capacity of a typical large dam over a river.

Abstract: A storage bag includes an upper layer and a lower layer. The lower layer is bonded to the upper layer. A detectable element is coupled to or integrally formed with the upper layer. An internal cavity is formed by the layers. An edge is formed by the upper and lower layers. The edge has an opening to provide access to the internal cavity. A vacuum sealing system and a method of sealing a storage bag are also disclosed.