Abstract: A trench drain system includes first and second channel sections each having side portions, end portions, a bottom portion, and a trough portion, and at least one securing member configured to connect and align the first and the second channel sections such that the first and the second channel sections form an assembly. The assembly having a first end portion and a second end portion at opposite ends, and the connection between the first and the second channel sections is sufficiently rigid such that the first and the second channel sections remain connected and aligned relative to each other when the assembly is supported only by the first and the second end portions.

Abstract: A safety surface for use in a designated area of a playground or other activity area includes a primary shock absorbing layer formed with a plurality of bags, and a border arranged for placement along selected edges of the designated area. The bags are sized and shaped to abut adjacent bags, with a portion of the bags arranged to abut the border. Each of the bags is filled with a plurality of pieces of a shock absorbent material, and includes one or more internal dividers arranged to divide the interior of the bag into a plurality of interior compartments. A top layer is arranged to overlie the bags and arranged for securement to the border. The top layer may be formed by discrete tiles that are joined together along seams by an elongate channel connector. The border may be formed of border sections joined at articulating joints.

Abstract: This invention provides a modular ducting section and a networked utilities ducting system and rain and road water management system formed from two or more modular ducting sections laying end-to-end. Each modular ducting section comprises open-topped utility channels for carrying utility service supply lines such as electricity, gas, water, or communications, an open-topped catchment channel for carrying rain water captured from a building structure or garden, and a supply channel for supplying an end user with utility services via a supply line, while also allowing the end user to feed an end-user generated utility supply back into the corresponding utility service supply line via a return line. Each modular ducting section further comprises a road water runoff flange and a main channel cover, which when combined, form a curb-side structure that functions to keep any contaminated road water from the reusable rain water collected in the catchment channel.

Abstract: Restrictor plates and systems for a catch basin hood are provided. The hood can include a front external surface, a front internal surface and an inlet extending therebetween. The hood inlet can defined by a plurality of surfaces, such as a top surface and a bottom surface oriented so that a height-wise cross-section of a flow channel defined by the hood inlet can be substantially trapezoidal, narrowing from an upstream side towards a downstream side. The restrictor plate can include a curbed inlet defined by a plurality of walls, including a top wall and a bottom wall oriented so that a height-wise cross-section of a curbed flow channel defined by the curbed inlet is substantially trapezoidal, whereby the top and bottom walls of the curbed inlet are disposed against respective top and bottom surfaces of the hood inlet without contacting the hood front external surface when secured thereto.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus comprises a support device including a support segment defining a clamp path, a first clamp member and a second clamp member. At least the second clamp member is configured to be coupled to the support segment while being free to translate along the clamp path. The drainage apparatus further includes a wedge including a drive axis, a first edge and a second edge. The wedge is tapered along the drive axis between the first edge and the second edge, and the wedge is configured to be driven in a direction of the drive axis into a locked orientation of the support device.

Abstract: An automatic delivery system for an infrastructure comprising passenger transportation, freight delivery, electrical grid, oil, gas, water pipelines, communication, sewer removal, etc. The automation at the current state of technology is mostly achieved by enclosing the delivery system inside of an enclosure for achieving automatic weather independent transportation and eliminating costs related to protecting the aforementioned infrastructure components from outside elements. In addition, the system is simple enough to avoid traffic and collisions automatically by processing in real time just a single piece of information: a location of each vehicle; as the result, the system is inexpensive since no hardware is necessary for between-vehicles communications, for road condition detection, for GPS, etc. Plus every person will be able to use transportation on-demand with or without sharing a commute and at a desired comfort level including but not limited to entertainment, exercise, working on the go, etc.

Abstract: The invention integrates the functionality of: kerbs, gutters, pathways, into a surface accessible networked utility ducting system and a a rain and run-off water management system. It is comprised of a base section formed a combination of one or more open topped utility access channels, an open topped water catchment channel, a slopped flange and one or more open sided access and or open topped feeder line distribution channels. The invention includes features for the isolation of electric power channels from contact with other utilities such as gas, water, or communications. The invention includes features for, integration with existing stormwater systems such as overflow points. The invention provides utilities access pathway all the way to an end users premises with minimal need for digging or disturbance of footpaths or paved surfaces this is a major improvement upon the prior art which tranforms the economics of surface accessible utility ducting systems.

Abstract: A water drainage system having an elongated housing constructed from a plurality of identical subhousings which are aligned end to end. The housing is constructed of a flexible material and includes an elongated longitudinally extending interior chamber and at least one inlet open to a top of the housing and the chamber. A drainage pipe is attached to the housing and has one end open to the chamber and its other end at a location which dissipates water collected within the housing chamber.

Abstract: An alignment device is disclosed use in maintaining the alignment of longitudinal frame members of a trench-forming assembly. The alignment device comprises a cross member. Extending in the same direction from opposite ends of the cross member is at least one pair of first lateral extensions. The pair of lateral extensions is spaced apart so as to contact the respective longitudinal frame members of the trench-forming assembly, and thereby maintain the two frame members at a distance relative to each other. The alignment device may further include at least one interior extension extending from the cross member in the same direction as the pair of first lateral extensions. In this embodiment, the interior extension defines a slot between the interior extension and at least one of the first lateral extensions, where the slot is structured is to receive at least a portion of one of the longitudinal frame members.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for raising the elevation of a catch basin during reconstruction or repaving of roadways in order to raise the elevation of existing catch basin grills to that of the new elevation of the modified roadway. The improved catch basin riser utilizes a newly formed catch basin top and spacer that each define a height dimension approximately equal to an elevated roadway dimension. The catch basin top is fabricated from concrete reinforced with galvanized rebar and angle iron. In the field, the existing catch basin grill is removed exposing the grill ledge and a prefabricated spacer is positioned on the grill ledge. The new catch basin top is bonded to the existing catch basin top and the grill is positioned upon the spacer within the new catch basin top and the existing catch basin top at the new elevation of the modified roadway.

Abstract: A trench drain frame, and associated grate, adapted to be mounted atop a commonly available drain pipe, for casting-in-concrete in poured concrete or packed asphalt, or otherwise embedding in a suitably tightly packed supporting material, the frame having a pair of connected side walls, each side wall having a lower base portion with downwardly extending support wall to position and support the trench drain frame over the associated underlying pipe. Once the assembled frame, grate and pipe are cast in concrete, or otherwise supported, the grate is removed, and at least portions of the top of the pipe are removed to expose the interior of the pipe for drainage purposes, and the grate is secured to the trench drain frame. A separable end plate can be used to close off a cut-open end of the trench drain frame, when the later is cut short for a given application.

Abstract: A utility trenching and sidewalk system comprising modular utility sidewalk units which may be assembled together to form a cable trench. The modular units are formed from plastic composite material and include sidewalls, a bottom wall and covers which define a chamber for housing utility cables. A cavity formed in the sidewalls and bottom wall is filled with concrete through apertures in the sidewalls. The covers are removable from the module to provide access to the chamber. The module further includes a recess for receiving a paving material which serves as a sidewalk surface in the installed system.

Abstract: A drainage system design method and apparatus including a computer program that enables a computer user to design and obtain computer-generated stackings of drainage system structures such as manholes. The user inputs dimensional and structural information concerning the drainage system. The program is operable to access a set of predefined drainage system components and, using the inputted dimensional and structural information, the program determines different configurations of the predefined components that represent a structure contained in the drainage system. The program displays different configurations of stackings sorted based on predefined goodness criteria. The program can also determine one or more drainage system designs that comprise a configuration of the predefined components for each of two or more of the structures contained in the drainage system, and can display and output site plans, elevational views, shop drawings, and bills of material.

Abstract: A channel system for forming a trench is disclosed that includes a number of precast drainage channel sections and one or more alignment keys for aligning and interlocking adjacent channel sections. Each alignment key includes a base shaped for laterally bridging across a predetermined exterior portion of adjacent bottom walls of the adjacent channel sections. The alignment key also includes first and second opposed, inwardly facing jaw members shaped for longitudinally bridging across a predetermined exterior portion of adjacent first and second sidewalls, respectively, of the adjacent channel sections. Each pair of the jaw members can be carried by a respective base, and can be positioned in a lateral and longitudinal direction relative to the respective base to thereby substantially align and interlock the adjacent channel sections.

Abstract: A utility trenching and sidewalk system comprising modular utility sidewalk units which may be assembled together to form a cable trench. The modular units are formed from plastic composite material and include sidewalls, a bottom wall and covers which define a chamber for housing utility cables. The covers are removable from the module to provide access to the chamber. The module further includes a recess for receiving a paving material which serves as a sidewalk surface in the installed system.

Abstract: A drainage channel includes a conduit defining a lengthwise extending opening and an inlet defining a passageway in fluid communication with the opening. The inlet may have an exterior surface that defines a plurality of pockets spaced apart in the lengthwise direction. Concrete or another hardenable composition may fill these pockets to secure the inlet in position. The drainage channel may also include at least one saddle for supporting the conduit and an engagement member for preventing relative rotation between the conduit and the saddle. The saddle may extend about a majority of the conduit. In this regard, the saddle may include a base and a pair of upstanding arms extending outwardly therefrom. The arms are disposed on opposite sides of the conduit and converge thereabout so as to engage the conduit and prevent the conduit from floating as concrete or another hardenable composition is poured thereabout.

Abstract: A utility trenching and sidewalk system comprising modular utility sidewalk units which may be assembled together to form a cable trench. The modular units are formed from plastic composite material and include sidewalls, a bottom wall and covers which define a chamber for housing utility cables. The covers are removable from the module to provide access to the chamber. The module further includes a recess for receiving a paving material which serves as a sidewalk surface in the installed system.

Abstract: A roadway marking system includes a first set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a first color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are proceeding along the roadway in the correct direction, and a second set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway to display a second color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are proceeding in the incorrect direction (i.e., against traffic) on the roadway. The system further includes a third set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a third color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that lower speed or other cautionary measures are required, and a fourth set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a fourth color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are approaching a change in roadway conditions, such as a merge, an exit, or an intersection.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for thawing frozen culverts that are blocked with ice and snow. It consists of three parts A pipe or tube that is attached to the inner length of the culvert by clamps or a clamp/bolt assembly and water tight end caps for the pipe. The pipe must me set slightly higher at the inlet end of the culvert than at the outlet end of the culvert. When the culvert becomes blocked with ice or snow and the water at the inlet end of the culvert is as high as the pipe. The end caps of the pipe are removed. Water flows through the pipe and creates friction. This causes the pipe to heat up and melts the ice around the pipe. Once enough ice and snow has melted around the pipe a channel will form around the pipe through which water can flow. At this point the inlet end of the pipe should be capped and the water inside the pipe allowed to drain out. Then the outlet end of the pipe should be capped.

Abstract: A molded synthetic resinous closure into which hose connections between parked vehicles and a water source are positioned to be protected against damage caused by vehicles running over the connector parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a trench which is adapted to receive at least one grate that will cover the trench. The apparatus comprises first and second frame rails that are connected by at least one removable spacer. The spacer is sized and configured to maintain proper alignment and spacing between the first and second frame rails during the formation of the trench. The removable spacer is connected to the first and second frame rails with spacer securing means. In addition to securing the at least one spacer to the first and second frame rails, the securing means also can be used to fixedly secure the at least one grate in place on the first and second frame rails.

Abstract: Ramp apparatus conveying water across a thoroughfare includes a pair of ramp elements spaced apart from each other with a liquid carrying element disposed between them. The ramp elements and the liquid carrying element are secured together as an integral unit, and coupling elements are disposed in opposite ends of the ramp for coupling to hoses, etc. The apparatus is designed to be disposed across the thoroughfare, and accordingly has a relatively low profile for ease of traffic problems as traffic moves over the ramp apparatus and at the same time is able to carry a substantial amount of fluid or liquid, such as water, from one side of the thoroughfare to the other side.

Abstract: A support frame assembly is provided for supporting drainage channel sections adjoined in an end-to-end relationship and for anchoring the drainage channel sections to a support surface. The support frame assembly includes a pair of substantially vertical legs and a channel support piece mounted to the upper end portion of each of the legs for supporting the drainage channel sections. The support frame assembly also includes a cross member extending between the lower end portions of the legs at a position below the channel support pieces. In one embodiment, a pair of aligned openings are provided in the cross member and one of the legs so that an anchor member can be driven through the openings and enter the support surface at an acute angle relative thereto. In another embodiment, hinge members are provided between the cross member and the legs so that the cross member can be oriented to sit flat on a sloped surface. Associated methods also form a part of the invention.

Abstract: A drainage system includes a conduit connector which is integrally molded within a precast drainage system component in order to provide for the interconnection of a variety of drainage system components, such as drainage channel sections and catch basins. The conduit connector can include a connector body which defines an aperture of a predetermined shape and size which are selected to match and snugly engage the conduit. The connector body further includes at least one locking anchor to secure the connector body against movement relative to the precast component. The locking anchor can include a longitudinal movement resisting anchor and/or a rotational movement resisting anchor. In order to further secure the conduit connector within the precast component, the wall of the precast component is substantially continuous about the conduit connector. In addition, the connector body preferably has a predetermined thickness which is no greater than the thickness of the precast component walls.

Abstract: A drainage channel system for forming a trench is disclosed according to the present invention. The drainage channel system includes a number of precast drainage channel sections and one or more alignment keys for aligning and interlocking adjacent drainage channel sections. Each alignment key includes first and second opposed, inwardly facing jaw members shaped for longitudinally bridging across a predetermined exterior portion of adjacent first and second sidewalls, respectively, of adjacent drainage channel sections. Accordingly, each jaw member engages the predetermined exterior portions of the respective sidewalls to longitudinally interlock the drainage channel sections. In particular, each jaw member includes opposed clamping tabs having longitudinally opposed surfaces which apply a longitudinally compressive force to the adjacent drainage channel sections.

Abstract: Drainage gutters for installation in the ground are known which comprise a gutter body at the upper edges of which are integrally cast frames into which a cover can be placed. As they are installed in the ground the drainage gutters are sealed from the ground along their upper edges by means of first sealing devices. To produce a watertight seal between each two drainage gutters that abut one another by their end faces, second sealing devices are provided. These sealing devices each comprise grooves that can be filled with a sealant. The known drainage gutters are not completely watertight with respect to the ground. It is proposed to provide connecting channels between the first and the second grooves, so constructed that the sealant of the first sealing devices can be introduced so as to be continuous with the sealant of the second sealing devices by way of a complete or integral transition region.

Abstract: A modular assembly of channel sections (2) is disclosed which are connected to one another for providing a drainage system by a shutter coupling between a groove 24 formed at one end of any channel section and a rib (6') formed at the other end. Channel section (2) has a modular construction as it is provided with a number of parallel ribs (6') extending in a plane perpendicular to the length of the section at regular intervals so that the length of the final assembled channel can be changed by varying the coupling of the sections. Further anchoring ribs (6) are provided near ribs (6'). A shutter head member (26) coupled at either end of channel section (2) and having a dead but easily pierceable pipe fitting (30) is also provided.

Abstract: Surface drainage apparatus is provided comprising a channel body defining a drainage channel and a cover for the channel. A fixing means is provided for attachment of the cover to the channel body and comprises a first fixing element for attachment to the channel body and a complementary second fixing element for attachment to the cover. The first fixing element comprises a clamping spring defining a receiving opening and the second fixing element comprises a peg formed with an enlarged end that is a leading end for insertion of the peg into the clamping spring. The clamping spring and the peg are constructed so that the peg can be inserted into the receiving opening, thereby elastically deforming the spring, and retained therein after insertion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the cover.

Abstract: A water permeable landscape ditch cover comprising a monolithic body with a paved, water permeable surface comprised of a aggregate material and a synthetic resin binder.

Abstract: A support device for maintaining drainage channel segments at a predetermined elevation above the earth, as surface material is poured and rises from the subgrade level to the finished grade level. Disclosed is an elongated rod with a sharp triangle-shaped tip which is driven into the earth and partially rotated so as to irretractably anchor the rod in the earth. Attached to the other end of the rod is a bracket for securely attaching to a drainage channel segment. Substantial stability is imparted to the support device by means of a flat plate which is forced against the earth with a nut which is threadedly engaged upon a threaded portion of the rod.

Abstract: An improved grate riser assembly for use with catch basins and the like comprising vertically open rectangular frames with two opposing frame sections carrying inwardly projecting horizontally grate support flanges. Cooperating grates have opposite end portions of parallel spaced apart grate members resting on the flanges. The grate riser assembly includes two or more grate risers having vertically open generally rectangular frames coextensive with a catch basin frame and with opposing vertical side and end wall sections of a height substantially equal to the depth of pavement overlay. The frame rests atop a catch basin frame with its top edge substantially level with the top surface of the pavement overlay. At least two horizontally spaced connectors depend from each of two opposing grate riser frame sections to support a pair of elevated horizontal grate support members. The connectors on one frame section are spaced widely apart and on the other frame section narrowly apart.

Abstract: A structural material is disclosed which comprises pieces of shredded rubber bound together using a bituminous binder with the size of the pieces of rubber being big enough for an interconnected void volume to be provided within the structural material in the range of 10 to 50% with the weight of rubber being substantially greater than the weight of binder material. The invention also relates to a roadside drain in which such structural material has been applied as an upper layer above a layer of drainage material such as 30 mm aggregate leading down to a porous drainage pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method have been developed for protecting a hose or other utility conduit from damage caused by traffic crossing over such conduits. Substantially rectangular ramp units with covered conduit channels are interlocked to form an elongate safety ramp with a channel running the length of the ramp for receiving a conduit. The ramp units are interlocked to form a linear or branched safety ramp.

Abstract: A drainage system for location adjacent a pavement subbase includes a tube of a geotextile fabric supported by a self-sustaining water-porous plastic support. An end of the fabric tube and its encased support are compressively received in the flared open end of an outlet connected to a conventional drainpipe. The outlet includes a plurality of projections which trap the fabric tube between the support and the outlet, so as to securely retain it therein. The outlet also preferably includes a plurality of circular beads over which a corrugated drain tube can be frictionally slipped. Alternatively, the outlet can be configured as a flat union or T-shaped junction joining one or more upstream fabric tube-and-support filters with a downstream outlet constructed from an identical fabric tube and support. The downstream outlet can also be in the form of a union for connecting two or more upstream fabric tube-and-support filters in addition to having means for connecting to a drainpipe or the like.

Abstract: A vertical drainage element is constructed and laid in position while at the same time forming a narrow vertical channel in the ground by means of an excavating machine or trencher by performing the following successive operations:a strip of filtering material is unwound from a rotating roll of strip behind the trencher;the strip is introdued within the channel formed in the ground while being shaped in the form of a trough, the bottom of the trough being placed at the bottom of the channel while the side walls of the trough are placed against the channel walls;the top edges of the trough are held in position one against the other while filling the trough with bulk material in granular form which subsequently constitutes a vertical filtration block;the top edges of the trough of filtering material are closed on top of the completed block and are fastened together so as to form a closed jacket around the block.

Abstract: A drainage system located adjacent a pavement subbase includes a tube of a geotextile fabric supported by a self-sustaining water-porous plastic support. An end of the fabric tube and its encased support are compressively received in the flared open end of an outlet connected to a conventional drainpipe. The outlet includes a plurality of projections which trap the fabric tube between the support and the outlet, so as to securely retain it therein. The outlet also preferably includes a plurality of circular beads over which the corrugated drain tube can be frictionally slipped. Alternatively, the outlet can be configured as a flat union of T-shaped junction joining one or more upstream fabric tube-and-support filters with a downstream outlet constructed from an identical fabric tube and support.

Abstract: A frame, for a manhole/access cover and frame assembly, has outer peripheral portions which are generally of inverted U-shape in cross-section, and the outer surfaces of the peripheral portions, forming the outer limb of the inverted U, are formed with a plurality of apertures or cut-outs to facilitate the flow of concrete into the space within the peripheral portions to bed the frame securely into the concrete.

Abstract: A combination roadway and pipeline way for use over permafrost comprising a roadbed and at least one pipeline embedded in a side area of the roadbed, insulation means carried between the pipeline and permafrost and extending laterally from both sides of the pipeline a distance sufficient to prevent substantial amounts of heat radiation from passing from the pipeline around the edges of the insulation means and into the permafrost.

Abstract: A modular cable trench system for receiving cable in a trench excavated in the earth. The system includes one or more tee and/or channel elements of lightweight modular construction, with each of the molded modular units including a bottom frame and opposed side plates secured to opposite side edges of the bottom frame with both side plates and bottom frame molded of lightweight material. Transverse reinforcing elements extend between the side plates at ends of the bottom frame and are molded integrally with the side plates and bottom frame. The geometric configuration of the bottom frame and transverse reinforcing elements is selected to minimize the weight of each modular unit. A removable cover plate engages the upper edges of the side plates in each unit.