Artificial Water Barrier (e.g., Dam, Levee, Etc.) Patents (Class 405/107)
  • Patent number: 8485757
    Abstract: A shape-retention hoisting including a rectangular parallelepiped bag. Base bands are provided along diagonal lines of the rectangular parallelepiped bag. A quadrangular-prism-shaped lift band is secured to a point of intersection of the base bands. One end of a truss band is secured by a fixing band surrounding the quadrangular-prism-shaped lift band, and the other end thereof is secured to the base band at a point spaced apart by a given distance from the center of the lift band. In this way, a plurality of truss bands can be disposed on the lift band in the vertical direction, thereby resolving a weight applied to a single truss band and maintaining the shape of the shape-retention hoisting bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Futoshi Nomoto
  • Publication number: 20130121768
    Abstract: Berms for use with protective liners are disclosed. The berms may be configured to allow vehicular traffic to pass over the berms without causing damage. Such drive-over berms may be rigid and shaped to allow vehicle tires to pass over them, or may be resilient and collapsible such that they collapse when subjected to the weight of a vehicle tire, and then spring back to shape after the vehicle passes. Also disclosed are berms that may be stacked for storage and transportation purposes, and berms that include connectors for connecting multiple sections of the berms end-to-end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: NEW PIG CORPORATION
    Inventor: NEW PIG CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8434967
    Abstract: A protective module for use as a water shielding part of a barrier, said barrier being adapted to be positioned between a body of water and an area of land to be protected. The protective module has a main plane and a first, second, third and fourth side, which sides define a main surface of the protective module, in the main plane of the protective module, the first and second sides being arranged opposite each other. A method of manufacturing a protective module according to the invention, concerning a barrier made up of interconnected protective modules and a barrier system including two or more protective modules, the protective modules being adapted to be joined together in such a manner as to form a barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Inero AB
    Inventor: Ingvar Nero
  • Patent number: 8402875
    Abstract: An armor plated assembly (20) and a protective wall system (120) containing a protective material. The armor plated assembly (20) comprises of a container (22) having opposing walls (26) for encompassing the protective material. The assembly (20) includes an armor device (24) having a first plate (48) and a second plate (50) with one of the opposing walls (26) sandwiched between the first plate (48) and the second plate (50) securing the armor device (24) to the container (22). The armor device (24) impedes the penetration of a projectile through the armor plated assembly (20). The protective wall system (120) includes at least two of the armor plated assemblies (20) with a mechanical connection (140) between the armor devices (126, 134) of the armor plated assemblies (20) for aligning and securing the assemblies (20) in a stacked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Roger DeGreef
  • Patent number: 8388266
    Abstract: An apparatus 40 is used for stabilizing a leak in a dam 20, which was built adjacent a body of water 26 to prevent flooding of the water onto adjacent land areas 24a. Leaks in the dam 20 may occur because of a breach 38 developing undesirably in, and possibly through, the dam. The apparatus 40 includes an elastomeric sheet 44, which is wound onto a spool 48, when the apparatus is in a storage-and-handling mode. When the breach 38 is discovered, the apparatus 40 is placed adjacent the dam 20 and the sheet 44 is unfurled into a breach-sealing mode of the apparatus, where the breach 38 is covered and sealed by the unfurled sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur E. Christensen
  • Patent number: 8382400
    Abstract: The bag has a trapezoidal shape including a pair of parallel edges opposite each other with one longer than the other and a pair of opposite diverging edges. One edge of the bag is defined by a fold to close off an opening providing access into the bag. Other edges of the bag are formed by a seam joining two opposite layers of flexible material together. The opening is preferably provided on a flap which extends beyond the trapezoidal perimeter of the bag. When this flap is folded over, the final trapezoidal shape for the bag is provided. Walls are built utilizing a plurality of such trapezoidally shaped sandbags in alternating parallel orientations for the long edges and short edges of adjacent bags. Joints between adjacent sandbags are longer than with rectangular sandbags and interlock together somewhat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: John M. Powell
  • Publication number: 20130022403
    Abstract: A civil engineering work (1) comprising a front face (9), a facing (3) having a back surface (32) and a front surface (31) that is substantially the same as said front face (9) of the work, a fluid-tight covering (4) on the back surface, a fill (2) arranged behind said fluid-tight covering (4), and an anchoring device (6) ensuring a mechanical linkage between the facing (3) and the fill (2), with said facing (3) comprising a cavity (5) inside of which a portion of the fluid-tight covering (4) is arranged to form a recessed space into which is inserted an anchoring element (16) that is a part of said anchoring device (6), and a method for implementing such a work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: TERRE ARMEE INTERNATIONALE
    Inventors: Nicolas Freitag, Jean-Claude Morizot
  • Publication number: 20130004239
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pile wall system, pile, and method of installation. A pile adapted to be used in a wall system with at least one other pile. Hexagonal polygonal tubes assembled from chevron panels make up the piles. The panels and piles are held together with through connectors. The pile wall system is easily made by stacking the panels against each other and bolting them together. It is just as easily taken apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mathew William Lewis Roberts
  • Patent number: 8272811
    Abstract: A process for grouting a super-thin curtain with polymer, includes: forming a series of V-shaped injecting holes by direct pushing method using a special drilling tool along a dam or dike axis spacedly at a predetermined distance; and injecting a two-component polymer composition into each of the holes, wherein the mixed polymer material expends and coagulates under chemical reaction to form a series of super-thin curtain segments, and the curtain segments connect with each other end to end to form a continuous and impermeable polymer curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zhengzhou U-Trust Infrastructure Rehabilitation Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuming Wang, Jianwu Wang, Mingsheng Shi, Wenting Liu, Chengchao Guo, Qiang Li, Xiaoliang Wang
  • Patent number: 8266845
    Abstract: Flat panels formed by an assembly of wooden plates include arrangements for integrating rigidity inserts for the assembly thereof. Vertical edges of the panels receive profiles for connecting to adjacent panels in a linear and/or angular alignment manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Pierre-Louis Desjoyaux, Dung Hoan Tuan, Jean-Paul Saccucci
  • Patent number: 8235631
    Abstract: A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Beau Adams, Everett Waid, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120148346
    Abstract: A self-deploying apparatus that is constructed onshore as a permanent structure that can protect against intruding seawater and floodwaters without creating a physical and visual obstruction to and from the waterfront during normal times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Shahriar Eftekharzadeh
  • Publication number: 20120087734
    Abstract: The invention is a diversionary device for storm water runoff that will divert water from the center of the street to the sides of the street where filters are in place by others. The diversion device for diverting storm water consists of a length member having a length and a width, the length extending a selected distance, the length having formed a multiplicity of baffles along the selected distance, the width having a selected profile, the profile being selected to divert storm water, the length member having formed on at least one its ends at least one interlocking means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: James P. O'Neal
  • Publication number: 20120076588
    Abstract: A modular berm system and method for installing the berm system about a containment area are provided. The berm system is formed by interconnecting a plurality of panels in an end-to-end arrangement. Corner pieces which enhance the modularity, stability and rigidity of the berm system are also provided. A continuous liquid barrier liner overlies the containment area and the supporting perimeter of panels. The liner blocks any discontinuities between panels. Discontinuities can be overlapped with flaps for protection of the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: STRAD ENERGY SERVICES LTD.
    Inventors: Darcy DUPUIS, Philip David STASIEWICH, James STASIEWICH
  • Publication number: 20120027520
    Abstract: A device for damming and diverting liquid on a spill surface has an elongated, pliable dike having a first end, a second end and an exposed surface. The exposed surface is inherently tacky so that it is adherable to the spill surface to prevent flow of liquid past the dike. The dike is preferably made from a substance, such as polyurethane, that is inherently tacky. The device provides improved tear resistance by one or more additions to the construction of the device. Some of the additions to the construction also improve UV resistance and/or chemical compatibility. A method for creating a liquid control zone on a spill surface utilizing the dike of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: NEW PIG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Beth P. Powell, Robert J. Starr
  • Publication number: 20110311312
    Abstract: The system utilizes a matrix of inflation modules held in position by x-y orthogonal cables. The inflation modules contain hydroscopic materials such as polymer power that swells when wet to produce modules of substantial height. The modules may be stacked in rows and columns to bridge a gap in a levee. Ballast holds the bottom of the matrix down and inflation modules, which may be air filed spheres hold the top of the matrix, on or near the surface of the water. The matrix may be configured to have a levee side that is as narrow as the opening in the levee and a water side that is wider than the gap in the levee to produce a wedging effect. Orthogonally arranged cables maintain the inflation modules in position and are used to anchor the matrix to intact portions of the levee. At points where the cables intersect they are held together by connector modules which a comprised of two halves with groves for cables and provision for holding the halves together with a bolts or other fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Clarence A. Cassidy
    Inventors: Paul J. Bouchard, Sandra S. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8001735
    Abstract: A flood barrier system for temporarily sealing an opening in a wall structure against the inflow of flood waters. The system comprises a plurality of elongated, horizontally disposed barrier elements of a length somewhat greater than the width of the opening. The barrier elements are stacked vertically, one upon the other against the outer face of the wall structure. End clamps engage opposite ends of the individual barrier elements to press them snugly against the outer surface of the wall, providing seals along the opposite vertical side edges of the opening. The barrier elements incorporate a unique interlocking configuration that simplifies and expedites assembly of a flood barrier and strengthens the integrity of the assembled structure. Improved and simplified arrangements are provided for clamping the ends of the barrier elements and for applying downward pressure to the assembled barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The Presray Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne Fisher
  • Publication number: 20110176870
    Abstract: A reusable silt dam having an open frame that defines a generally rectangular prism interior open space, and a series of separate, generally flat, generally rectangular filters arranged side-by-side in the interior, to fill at least most of the interior with filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Robert T. Francis
  • Patent number: 7976240
    Abstract: A flood barrier comprises a plurality of panels attached together. A gasket runs continuously around the exterior periphery of each panel. When a panel is attached to an adjacent panel, the said gasket is compressed and the panels together form a watertight joint. Elongated members are attached to each panel to provide support. The bottom surface of the panel, together with the said gasket, is pressed against the ground from the weight of the floodwater and that of the panel itself. Sandbags and/or weights may be used to assist in pressing the said gasket against the ground as needed. This forms a watertight joint between the bottom surface of the panels and the ground. The attachment of a plurality of said panels together form a flood barrier. Most panels are flat panels and some are angled panels. The flat panels and angled panels can be assembled on site to surround a house or a building to form a barrier against flooding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kam C. Mun
  • Patent number: 7972081
    Abstract: A sea wall system incorporated into a continuous and foundation supported structure, including a plurality of panels which are displaced in either of vertical or horizontal fashion from interior locations associated with the foundation structure. The panels are each constructed of a lightweight and fluid resistant material and are each displaceable from a first retracted position to an extended position, whereby the components collectively establish a heightened water barrier. A fluid communicating opening is defined in the foundation support and, in response to a rising water level, vertically displaces the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Oria Collapsibles, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Patent number: 7967529
    Abstract: An ocean water drawing system includes: a well; a working tunnel disposed underground and having an end segment distal from the well; a pipeline unit including a primary pipeline disposed in the working tunnel, and having one end extending sealingly into the well and the other end extending through the end segment of the working tunnel and into an ocean so as to permit ocean water to flow into the well through the primary pipeline; and an access tunnel isolated from the well and extending downwardly from a ground surface to intersect the working tunnel so as to communicate spatially with the working tunnel and so as to permit access into the end segment of the working tunnel for operation and maintenance of the primary pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventors: Yeh-Huei Kuo, Bing-Sheng Yu
  • Patent number: 7887258
    Abstract: A dam bypass apparatus including a floating inlet and a flexible conduit having a discharge opening adjacent to a dam water intake. The inlet can be laterally offset from the discharge opening, and can include screens to exclude debris from the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Rubbert
  • Publication number: 20110033241
    Abstract: A dam construction method utilizing refrigerating technology is provided, the method takes natural water as the material to construct the dam and constructs an ice dam body by utilizing the refrigerating technology. The method includes the following steps: choosing the forms and quantity of ice unit bodies, determining the positions and quantity of frozen contact points, manufacturing sufficient ice unit bodies by frozen units, choosing heat insulating material with high performance as the heat preservation layer to cover on the outside of the frozen ice unit bodies; temporarily fixing the ice unit bodies; quickly freezing the seams of the ice unit bodies to form a whole ice dam; mounting temporary generating equipment and completing the temporary dam body; thawing the ice dam body after a permanent dam body is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Ju Yang, Guan Yang
  • Patent number: 7857967
    Abstract: The sludge treatment system is comprised of a dam passage penetrated through a dam (D); an induction pipe (11) for discharging a sediment retained by the dam (D) and having an inlet (11a) toward the floor of the dam (D) and an outlet connected to an inner end of the dam passage; an induction force action pipe (13) connected to an outer end of the dam passage and extended in a height for utilizing an atmospheric pressure as an induction force of the sediment; a U shape air control pipe (14) connected to the induction force action pipe (13), and preventing for an air from coming into the induction force action pipe (13); a drain pipe (15) connected to the air control pipe (14) for discharging the sediment; and an air vent pipe (16) connected to a horizontal flat portion of the air control pipe (14) for dissipating the induction action of both the air control pipe (14) and the drain pipe (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Wan Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20100310315
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable flood defence or a water dam, the flood defence structure or water dam includes at least one inflatable chamber (12) having a front face (13), a rear face (15) and a multiplicity of interconnecting members (18) extending between the front and rear faces. This arrangement provides a rigid inflatable structure which is used as a flood defence and performs a reservoir for retaining water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Peter James
  • Publication number: 20100266341
    Abstract: A groundwater barrier system for preventing the generally lateral, subterranean migration of water (including both liquid and gaseous fluids) beyond an established perimeter, while providing controlled collection of same for use. The present system utilizes a barrier wall, which is formed in-ground via non-permeable membrane in sheet/roll/panel or slurry (materials can include bentonite clay). The present system will be configured to intersect the flow path of the groundwater to be routed to enhance containment or collection of the fluid. In use, the barrier of the present invention is installed by first making an excavation to accommodate the barrier system. The excavation and barrier wall is implemented to a depth so as to allow for the maximum interception with the established water table to be contained or collected, and/or processed based on benefit vs cost analysis. The barrier can also be used to prevent contaminants (including saltwater) from entering surficial freshwater aquifers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Wayne Poerio, Malcolm Dubois
  • Patent number: 7815397
    Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion-sealed flood control gate, comprising a water board, a frame structure, two symmetrical constraint tracks, at least one encased expandable sealing tube, and a plurality of adapters. A U-shaped slot is formed between the two symmetrical constraint tracks for plugging in the water board. Each constraint track has a U-shaped expanding compression chamber connecting from one end to the other end to accommodate the tube inside. The adapters are connected with the open ends of the tube and fixed on the constraint tracks at the connected ends. Accordingly, there can be effectively repelled floods that the tube with the characteristics of active filling and uniform packing stress have the higher geometric tolerance, even if the slits between the water board, the constraint tracks and ground emerge the unexpected geometrical change, the encased expandable sealing tubes are ballooned to mend the slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Chen-Yuan Dung
  • Publication number: 20100232882
    Abstract: An improved water absorbing and retention bag has opposing bands about an outer bag. An inner bag has a supply of super absorbent polymer retained therein. The bands can provide loops from opposing ends of the bag while encircling the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Barron Tasker
  • Patent number: 7658572
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a tide apparatus comprising a storage tank connected to a underground pit for normally storing water of a constant amount, a connecting pipe for connecting between the underground pit and the storage tank, and a seismograph releasing apparatus formed on the connecting pipe for sensing a shake in an earthquake and for releasing the water stored in the storage tank into the underground pit, wherein the tide plate can protrude upward from the soil foundation face by operating the seismograph releasing apparatus in an earthquake to make the water stored in the storage tank flow into the underground pit via the connecting pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Spacetech, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Miyao, Isao Banno, Hideki Fujita
  • Patent number: 7614826
    Abstract: A sheathing of elastically deformable waterproofing sheet material (11) is applied and sealingly secured to a surface area of a hydraulic structure (10; 31; 36, 39) to be protected. The seeped water, which collects behind the waterproof sheathing (11), is discharged by gravity through one-way drainage valves (13), provided in pre-established drainage positions of the waterproof sheathing (11); the drainage valves (13) are automatically opened and closed by the differential pressure of the water acting on opposite faces of a flexible sheet like flat valving member (M) of the drainage valve (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: GSI B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Josephus Maria Vriens
  • Patent number: 7614825
    Abstract: A modular dike assembly includes strut and corner members that may be interconnected to form a barrier or dike wall surrounding a primary container. The strut members are stackable for convenience in transporting the system and an alignment web is provided for defining the interior perimeter of the closed barrier or dike wall and to secure assembled members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Polystar Incorporated
    Inventor: David G. Kroger
  • Publication number: 20090274519
    Abstract: A water-fillable flood control device is provided that consists of a waterproof bag with a friction causing outer surface and having a mouth that can be closed with a waterproof seal after filling the bag with water. The bag can be filled by one person at a flood site using a filling/form sleeve and locally-available water. It is not necessary to fill the bag with sand, or add chemicals. The friction causing surface may be achieved by any means or method so long as the purpose is to hold the device in place for facilitating the stacking of a plurality of devices on top of each other to form a stable water control structure without the need for external supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Lee Shaw
  • Publication number: 20090252557
    Abstract: A flood barrier system for temporarily sealing an opening in a wall structure against the inflow of flood waters. The system comprises a plurality of elongated, horizontally disposed barrier elements of a length somewhat greater than the width of the opening. The barrier elements are stacked vertically, one upon the other against the outer face of the wall structure. End clamps engage opposite ends of the individual barrier elements to press them snugly against the outer surface of the wall, providing seals along the opposite vertical side edges of the opening. The barrier elements incorporate a unique interlocking configuration that simplifies and expedites assembly of a flood barrier and strengthens the integrity of the assembled structure. Improved and simplified arrangements are provided for clamping the ends of the barrier elements and for applying downward pressure to the assembled barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Wayne Fisher
  • Patent number: 7568863
    Abstract: In various embodiments, panel forms can be used to control erosion or retain dirt walls. Each panel form can be comprised of a substantially rigid body that is adapted to be mounted to the ground and can include connectors configured to receive mounts which mount the panel form to the ground. A plurality of panel forms can be used to form a fence, or a retaining wall, where the connectors extending from each panel form can be configured to mate and connect the panel forms together. In various embodiments, the mounts can be inserted through apertures in the mating connectors to provide a pivot about which the adjacent panel forms may be hingedly connected. In various embodiments, each panel form may include a tab extending therefrom which is configured to be received in a corresponding slot in the adjacent panel to reduce, or even eliminate, gaps between adjacent panel forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph N. DeNardo
  • Patent number: 7552565
    Abstract: A flood barrier system for sealing an opening in a wall structure against the inflow of flood waters. The system comprises a plurality of elongated, horizontally disposed barrier elements of a length somewhat greater than the width of the opening. The barrier elements are stacked vertically, one upon the other against the outer face of the wall structure. End clamps engage opposite ends of the individual barrier elements to press them snugly against the outer surface of the wall, providing seals along the opposite vertical side edges of the opening. A simplified clamping mechanism is provided above the uppermost barrier element, with provisions to apply vertically downward clamping pressure on the uppermost barrier element, and thus upon the entire series of vertically stacked barrier elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: The Presray Corporation
    Inventor: Jason W. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090142136
    Abstract: A flood defence assembly comprises a support member (2) formed from steel or other rigid material and having a sleeve portion (4) that is adapted to be slidably mounted on a bollard (6). Bollard (6) is set into the ground (8) to an appropriate depth adjacent a body of water that is susceptible to flooding. The support member (2) comprises first and second support panels, which form a slot (14) into which a panel member (16) is slidably mountable. Support member (2) is also provided with a plurality of brackets (19) for supporting restraint members (20) in the form of metal tubes or other members of similar strength. Buttress members (22) are disposed between the sleeve portion (4) and the back panel of support members (2). A rubber sheet (24) can be removably placed along the ground (8) at the point where the panel member (16) contacts the ground (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: James Alan Thompson
  • Publication number: 20090016821
    Abstract: A barrier panel system and a method of installing the barrier panel system is provided. The barrier panel system includes a barrier panel having a top and a bottom. The panel includes at least one channel extending from the top to the bottom of the barrier panel. A removable jet assembly unit can be connected to the panel within the channel. The removable jet assembly unit includes at least one cutter tool pipe which is connected to a jet head and at least one vacuum manifold. The jet head at the bottom of the cutter tool pipe delivers and directs the pressurized stream to transform the ground material into a form which is easily removable by a vacuum connected to the vacuum manifold. As the vacuum removes the ground matter, an opening is formed in the ground allowing the panel to sink. The barrier panel also includes interlocking features on the sides allowing them to be easily attached to one another horizontally to form an interconnected barrier wall system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ENGINEERED STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7445403
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid barrier assembly (1) comprising at least two barriers (2,3) each comprising a substantially rigid container and a front wall (5) against which liquid is intended to be incident. Adjacent barriers (2,3) are linked by a connector (12) which comprises a first relatively rigid portion (13) and a second relatively deformable portion (15). The portions (13, 15) are received in respective recesses defined in neighbouring side walls of adjacent barriers (2,3). The second portion (15) is deformed upon juxtaposition of adjacent barriers (2,3) in a predetermined manner so as to form an effective water-tight seal between the barriers (2,3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventors: Nigel Roy Williams, Richard Samuel Preston, Jamys John Warneford Peacock, Stuart Edward White, Gary John Ralph, Adrian Lee Petty, Christopher John Peacock, David Boast
  • Publication number: 20080247825
    Abstract: A water or flood control and containment system is provided having foundations, sealed bases, supporting structure, and pumping system that gives the user control over water containment and movement either to reduce the water hazard or to store water. The bases are secured and sealed to paved surfaces with foundations that have been preset into the street or other prepared foundation. When deployed on multiple adjacent streets, roadway levee creates a compartmented barrier containment system that mitigates flooding and storm surges. The invention is to be removed and stored off site when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Bonds
  • Patent number: 7431533
    Abstract: A floating levee sheet which prevents the river water from overflowing the levee, and a plurality of which are interconnected to cover the waterside levee slope comprising; a watertight sheet body that forms an internal space by being upwardly folded at the upper end; and a loading bag section constructed at the lower end of the sheet body with an open top portion; and a float which is fixed on the sheet body in the across-the-width direction at the upper part of the internal space, and is filled with air and hermetically sealed; and a plurality of joining members whose one end is secured to the upper end of the sheet body, and whose other end comprises an anchoring section to be anchored to the levee top over the anchoring section of the sheet body, and through the intervals of which the overflowing water enters the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: ENTECH Corporation
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oda
  • Patent number: 7431534
    Abstract: The invention relates to flood protection comprising a plurality of fillable sacks made of flexible fabric material, with mutually adjacent coupling sides of adjacent sacks being connected to one another in a coupling region and with at least one stiffening structure being associated with each coupling region and extending from the base region of the sacks up to their upper marginal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Big Bag Harbeck GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Harbeck
  • Publication number: 20080219772
    Abstract: A berm system for retaining water in flood areas and erosion prevention means against wind and wave action and the like. The berm system basically is obtained of high density polyethylene defining a front side portion, a rear side portion and a top; at least a part of said top of the berm adapted for traction; and a means for holding the berm in place at the center and lap joints. The berm system is adapted for use in conjunction with existing or built earth/sand berms or can also be used on its own without any further earth/sand berm for barrier against flood, or erosion resulting from wind and/or wave action. The berm system is simple and cost effective and can be installed very fast in various flood areas as well as regions requiring erosion control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: James McDonald
  • Patent number: 7422392
    Abstract: The invention relates to improved pneumatically operated spillway gate systems and methods of constructing and operating the same. Methods of installation without the requirement for coffer dams are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Henry K. Obermeyer
  • Publication number: 20080205988
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flood protection wall (1) which substantially comprises ground anchors (2) to be embedded in concrete so as to be flush with the ground and support posts (4) that can be detachably and positively linked with said anchors. The inventive flood protection wall is characterized by coupling elements (3) between the support posts (4) and the ground anchors (2). The respective coupling element (3) is linked with the ground anchor (2) by way of a bayonet connection and has a cross hole that is conically flared at both ends. These flared sections extend in conical cross holes of the support post (4) and receive one spanner each. Said spanners non-positively tighten the coupling element in the ground anchor (2) inside the bayonet connection by means of a screw. At the same time, the support post (4) is pressed against the ground anchor (1). Between two support posts (4) a wall element (17) can be inserted that is preferably designed to bulge towards the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Lutz Barich, Rotger Barich
  • Publication number: 20080138157
    Abstract: A wall-building unit for use in the construction of sandbag-type walls for erosion control, slope stabilization and similar applications comprises an inner bag filled with a fill material and an outer bag extending longitudinally over it so that the bottom of the outer bag is adjacent to and covers the open top edge of the inner bag. The wall-building unit holds more fill material than a conventional sandbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicants: DELTALOK INC., DELTALOK INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Hun S. Kim
  • Patent number: 7364385
    Abstract: A flood control system including panels made from plastic sheeting adhered to a frame and stacked one on top of the other. The panels are held in position by a series of columns, each of the columns having an H-shaped cross section that provides for and defines panel receiving slot adapted and arranged to interact with gaskets on the panels to provide a water tight barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: George Michael Luke
  • Publication number: 20080095581
    Abstract: A water flow control device comprising an outer water permeable bag formed from burlap or an equivalent material which contains internally thereof an inner bag of a close woven cotton fabric containing a minimized quantity of a novel restorable superabsorber. In a preferred embodiment, the inner bag is substantially equal in laid out dimensions as the internal dimensions of a laid out outer bag. Further, desirably, the inner bag is anchored in its laid out position within the outer bag. The present product is readily storable in a dry compact state and may be reused up to as many as 5 or more times. Multiple ones of the present water flow control devices may be stacked in storage for future use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Barron Tasker
  • Patent number: 7341402
    Abstract: A levee barrier panel to form a levee retaining wall has a top and a bottom and a plurality of apertures extending from the top to the bottom of the levee barrier panel. A cutter tool extends through to the bottom of each panel to transform the levee composition into a slush whereby a vacuum removably attached to the aperture sucks out the slush thereby forming an opening in the levee. The levee barrier panel is then lowered into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20080003060
    Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: BBL Falcon Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Larry L. Perkins
  • Publication number: 20070277448
    Abstract: A splash box includes a bottom base having a portion that is generally horizontal to the ground, and a sidewall that substantially surrounds and projects upwardly from the bottom base. The sidewall has an area through which fluid accumulated in the splash box will be directed out of the splash box. The splash box further includes elevation means for adjusting the splash box to a desired height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ron Snider