Means To Expose A Normally Wetted Surface,e.g., Cofferdam, Etc. Patents (Class 405/11)
  • Patent number: 11674393
    Abstract: A method for constructing a dam inside a dump of an inner-dump strip mine includes: taking an upper surface connection line of a primary water-resisting layer as upper filling reference datum boundary of an artificial water-resisting layer; arranging a dam foundation pit and a trapezoidal abutment on a midline of the dam foundation pit; building and reinforcing a step-shaped retaining dam core wall on the artificial water-resisting layer; laying a foundation impervious layer, waterproof geotextile, and an earth blanket on one side, close to the primary aquifer, of the retaining dam core wall; strengthening advance of a dumping working face on one side, away from the primary aquifer, of the retaining dam core wall, and dumping overburden of a strip mine to form a support; filling a space between the earth blanket and the primary aquifer to form a blocker; and proceeding with construction and forming a continuous retaining dam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignees: China University of Mining and Technology, State Energy Investment Group Co. LTD, Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Architectural Technology
    Inventors: Shuzhao Chen, Quansheng Li, Liu Han, Cangyan Xiao
  • Patent number: 11066801
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cofferdam system securable to an underwater structure and across a body of water. The system includes a post support and anchoring assembly securable to the structure, a web support frame which extends upwardly from the post support and anchoring assembly in a spaced apart configuration from a surface defined by the underwater structure, as well as a substantially flexible impermeable web which is positioned across the body of water and which is adapted to cover the post support and anchoring assembly and at least a lower section of the web support frame outwardly therefrom. Such configuration of the system allows to provide a substantially dry enclosure from a dam upstream side between the substantially flexible impermeable web and the underwater structure when mounted thereto and once water is being removed from a dam downstream side. A method for installing the same is further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: AQUAPERA INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Nicolas Rivest-Auger, Louis-Philippe Plante
  • Patent number: 10138616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of construction of underground buildings, specifically to an inverse construction method for a deep, large and long pit assembling structure of a suspension-type envelope enclosure. A method includes design and calculation; engineering construction of foundation piles; control over underground water; construction of a pit enclosure; building of a basement reinforcing and anti-seeping layer; inverse construction; and floor structure construction. By the inverse construction method for a deep, large and long pit assembling structure of a suspension-type envelope enclosure of the present invention, the pit construction quality is easily controlled, the basement is well waterproofed and easily monitored, and the quality control, service and maintenance are easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: WUHAN ZHIHE GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong Hu, Tao Hu, Aihua Yi, Dong Li, Daoyan Peng
  • Patent number: 9309641
    Abstract: Apparatus including fluid motors and a pair of collars for adjustably mounting a coffer dam upon a piling by assembling equipment while operating above the water line thereby avoiding the need for underwater divers to perform dangerous underwater operations. Also included are a plurality of scrapers that are biased against the piling for removing accumulated detritus during upward and downward movement of the scrapers upon the piling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory B Burkhardt
  • Publication number: 20140119830
    Abstract: A dry setting installation for generating a substantially dry working space for carrying out work on part of a partially submerged structure, the dry setting installation comprising a truncated elongated angular-, oval-shaped or part-angular-part-oval-dry setting element, which with the part of a partially submerged structure is capable of forming a cofferdam round the part of the partially submerged structure; and a process for the treatment of part of a partially submerged structure, the process comprising the steps of: closing the dry setting element with the part of the partially submerged structure, sealing the dry setting element on the part of the partially submerged structure; pumping out the water thereby providing a cofferdam round the part of the partially submerged structure; cleaning the surface of the part of the partially submerged structure; curing the curable adhesive coating, filling the dry setting installation with water, removing the dry setting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Belbridge BvBa
    Inventor: Wim Schalley
  • Publication number: 20140112718
    Abstract: One embodiment of Universal Cellular Cofferdam with embedded prefabricated columnar framing (10), embedded rock anchors (16), pile cap (25), cofferdam perimeter skin (15) and granular fill (22) constitutes a hybrid cofferdam structure comprising columnar framing and cofferdam gravity cell. The described structure utilizes resisting mechanisms of structural framing, cofferdam gravity forces and mechanism of rock anchor devices for creation of unique resisting mechanism where all three resisting mechanisms compliment each other, preventing modes of structural failures typical for gravitational or columnar structures alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Vitaly Boris Feygin
  • Patent number: 8545129
    Abstract: A cofferdam module can include first and second side panels, outer support members that are each coupled to the outer side of one of the side panels, and two different types of inner support members that are each coupled to the inner side of each of the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Weekly Bros. Inc.
    Inventors: Todd O. Weekly, Nicholas O. Weekly
  • Publication number: 20130200079
    Abstract: An above ground liquid storage system includes a substantially impermeable liner bounding an interior for receiving a liquid. A plurality of supporting structures and a base support the liner and the liquid when the liquid is received in the interior. The liner extends from the base over a top end of the plurality of supporting structures and descends to the ground to form a cavity under the plurality of supporting structures. A first supporting structure of the plurality of supporting structures includes a leg member supporting the liner and a support member connected to the leg member and holding the leg member upright. At least one of the leg member and the support member includes a releasably attachable extension portion to allow separation of the extension portion from a remainder of at least of the leg member and support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald D. MANN, Julian P. MASON, Daniel E. DEAVERS, JR., John M. RUGGERO, JR., Robert F. GATTA
  • Patent number: 8235626
    Abstract: A dry setting installation (1) for generating a substantially dry working space for carrying out work at an underwater structure. The dry setting installation (1) has two side-walls (2), a back wall (3) and a bottom (4) thus forming a cofferdam. The dry setting installation furthermore has, for each side-wall, a side edge sealing (20) provided on the side-wall (2) edge for providing a substantially sealing contact between the side-walls (2) and the underwater structure. The dry setting installation also has a distance variation system (30) for varying the distance between the side edge sealing system (20) of the two side-walls (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: General Coatings N.V.
    Inventors: Willy Sonck, Eric Van Draege
  • Publication number: 20100067986
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry setting installation (1) for generating a substantially dry working space for carrying out work at an underwater structure. The dry setting installation (1) comprises two side-walls (2), a back wall (3) and a bottom (4) thus forming a cofferdam. The dry setting installation furthermore comprises, for each side-wall, a side edge sealing means (20) provided on the side-wall (2) edge for providing a substantially sealing contact between the side-walls (2) and the underwater structure. According to embodiments of the present invention, the dry setting installation also comprises a distance variation means (30) for varying the distance between the side edge sealing means (20) of the two side-walls (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Willy Sonck, Eric Van Draege
  • Patent number: 7421964
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating structure comprising at least a closed space (10), a hull in the shape of a concrete cofferdam (12) having an external delimiting surface intended to be exposed to surrounding water, and a function for heating of the space comprising a heat pump connected to a closed circuit for circulating heat transport medium. At least one collector hose (14) for the circulating heat transport medium is provided in recesses in the concrete such that the cross section of the collector hose is located entirely within an outer outline of the cofferdam, whereby heat from surrounding water is absorbed by the collector hose and used for heating of the space. The invention also relates to a method of moulding a concrete cofferdam (12) adapted to be a hull of a floating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Aquavilla AB
    Inventors: Arne Johansson, Richard Bergström
  • Patent number: 6652187
    Abstract: A portable cofferdam and method for use in stabilizing the subsurface of box culvert structures. The portable cofferdam is inserted inside the tubular section of large box culverts, which are often used as road crossings over streams, creeks and small rivers. The portable cofferdam is designed as a chamber having an open top end and open bottom end with a floor seal to engage against the box culvert floor. Once inside the culvert, the chamber floor seal is compressed against the culvert floor by an expansion device which extends against the culvert ceiling. Once a proper seal is created against the culvert floor, the chamber is dewatered. With the culvert floor exposed, a hole can be drilled through the culvert floor bottom and grout or other hard curing material is pumped into the subsurface void for stabilization of the box culvert structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: State of North Carolina
    Inventor: Danny Wayne Fowler
  • Publication number: 20020154952
    Abstract: An assembly for forming a trench is described comprising a frame having two elongated members that define a support surface and at least one opening. The assembly also includes a removable grate that is disposed on the support surface and includes a hook that is disposed proximate the opening defined by the elongated frame members. The assembly also includes a removable pin that is slidably inserted through an opening defined by an elongated member and is mechanically engaged by the hook of the grate to secure the grate to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Publication number: 20020110421
    Abstract: A portable cofferdam and method for use in stabilizing the subsurface of box culvert structures. The portable cofferdam is inserted inside the tubular section of large box culverts, which are often used as road crossings over streams, creeks and small rivers. The portable cofferdam is designed as a chamber having an open top end and open bottom end with a floor seal to engage against the box culvert floor. Once inside the culvert, the chamber floor seal is compressed against the culvert floor by means of an expansion device which extends against the culvert ceiling. Once a proper seal is created against the culvert floor, the chamber is dewatered. With the culvert floor exposed, a hole can be drilled through the culvert floor bottom and grout or other hard curing material is pumped into the subsurface void for stabilization of the box culvert structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Danny Wayne Fowler
  • Publication number: 20020018696
    Abstract: A modular dike is used to divide a body of water into two distinct parts. The modular dike uses a plurality of floatable modules. Each module is floated into the body of water and sunk at predetermined locations in the body of water. The modules are aligned in a row within the body of water so that the row of modules forms a dike which effectively segregates the body of water into two distinct parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5961250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a substance mixture for a material for a cofferdam, to the material, and to the use and preparation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: ROEKO GmbH & Co., Dentalerzeugnisse
    Inventor: Werner Mannschedel
  • Patent number: 5567076
    Abstract: A method of positioning a pipeline across a water-course. A first coffer dam is formed to isolate a first area of the water-course and a first part of the pipeline is then positioned in the first area. A chamber is put at the distal end of the first part of the pipeline. The chamber has an upper portion with an open top and a lower portion as opposed ports to receive the pipeline. The first coffer dam is then dismantled. A second coffer dam is formed to isolate a second area of the water-course. The second area includes the chamber. The first and second areas of the water-course are positioned to include the path of the pipeline across the water-course. A second part of the pipeline is located in the chamber and a aligned with the first part of the pipeline. The ports are sealed around the pipeline. Water is removed from the chamber to allow make-up of the pipeline by joining of the first and second parts within the chamber. The upper portion of the chamber is removed and the second coffer dam is dismantled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Arthon Construction Ltd.
    Inventors: Kerry Leong, Dennis A. Connolly
  • Patent number: 5382115
    Abstract: Apparatus such as a cofferdam 1, intended to be partially buried in ground beneath water comprises a hollow structural framework. The framework includes chambers 12 which have inlets 29 via which pressurized water can be supplied to the chambers. Each chamber 12 communicates with a plurality of nozzles 36 from which jets of the pressurized fluid issue to break up the ground below. Each chamber 12 also communicates with a plurality of water operated pumps 25 via inlets 24. The pumps 25 are operated by the pressurized water to draw or suck water-suspended solids from below through the pumps via the inlets 32 and discharged from the pumps via outlets 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: British Gas plc
    Inventors: Brian A. Jones, Derek W. Clarke
  • Patent number: 4991996
    Abstract: A work enclosure for servicing a marine structure which is adapted to be positioned around a support member of the marine structure to enclose the member and at least one riser which extends parallel thereto. The enclosure is watertight and open at the top to the atmosphere whereby the water is pumped from the enclosure when the enclosure is in an operable position on the member to provide a dry, shirt-sleeve environment in which to carry out the service operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Steven H. Tate
  • Patent number: 4872781
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a watertight floodable barge repair box of generally L-shape, viewed from its end, having a leg and a foot. The leg has an open front and the foot has an open top so that the box may be placed against the side of the barge and the foot beneath its bottom. A flexible waterproof membrane strip has one edge secured to a flat bar anchoring plate welded to the repair box adjacent its leg and foot openings upset at an angle thereto. A backing of flat rubber conveyor belt is bolted between the waterproof membrane and flat anchoring plate. The waterproof membrane is of a width to overlap the connection between the barge hull and barge repair box when the repair box is in place against the barge in a flooded down condition in a body of water. Cable harness or other suitable lines or chains are used to maintain the barge in place against the repair box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Joseph B. Childress
  • Patent number: 4643617
    Abstract: A seabed mound creating method suitable for a construction of a large scale offshore structure comprises the steps of setting up a plurality of sheet piles along the outer periphery of a mound creation region in a seabed area of soft ground to form an earth-retaining wall projecting from the seabed, and raising the ground level of the seabed within the earth-retaining wall by depositing soft soil into the earth-retaining wall to heap the deposited soil to a predetermined height. The method further comprises the step of implementing a ground improvement process to both the heaped-up soft soil and the soft ground of the seabed within the earth-retaining wall so that the ground improvement process is provided to a predetermined depth below the seabed, thus to form a seabed mound integral with the improved ground. The seabed mound may be provided at the upper portion with a projection area serving as a shear key with respect to a horizontal external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Takenaka Kohmuten Co., Lt.
    Inventors: Haruki Kanno, Hidekazu Tsuyoshi, Kou Nishinakagawa, Makoto Hara, Tetsuo Mochida, Tsugio Hisaka, Munekazu Miyaki, Minoru Kawarada, Hideaki Kawarabayashi
  • Patent number: 4615641
    Abstract: A portable, floatable barge repair device is disclosed having a water tight box having front, back and side walls and a bottom, and a top opening. A superstructure extends generally upwardly from the back wall of the box, the superstructure having an upper back wall generally adjacent to the back wall of the box, the superstructure also having an upper open top and a side opening opposite the upper back wall. The periphery of the top opening and the side opening form a seal surface for engaging a portion of a barge to be repaired, and gasket means are disposed on the seal surface for providing a water tight seal between the barge and the box. Ballast means are disposed on the front wall of the box opposite the back wall, and ballast tanks surround the box for receiving water therein. Means for securing the repair device to a barge are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Paul L. Novay
  • Patent number: 4522532
    Abstract: A bottom-seated portable cofferdam is disclosed along with a method of using the cofferdam for providing working access to underwater surfaces which are generally horizontal. The cofferdam includes a housing having a bottom opening with a skirt extending about its periphery, first and second seal means being secured to the skirt in spaced-apart relation to form a differential pressure chamber open along its bottom. In use, the cofferdam is first positioned adjacent the underwater surfaces, water then being evacuated from the chamber in order to develop a differential pressure therein for urging the cofferdam into engagement with the underwater surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: Ronald M. Fedrick
  • Patent number: 4408405
    Abstract: An underwater excavator comprising a modular non-metallic cofferdam wherein ater under pressure exits from a plurality of nozzles along at least one side of the base of the cofferdam and a fluid driven eductor driven by pressurized fluid evacuates the suspended solids raised by the pressurized fluid that flows through the nozzles, with a plurality of small barrier nozzles located along one or more horizontal conduits used to sink the cofferdam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Harry S. Williams, Jan B. Yates, John J. Reidy, Ernest Faccini, Terry E. Hill, William K. Shafley
  • Patent number: 4385582
    Abstract: A portable device for closing a breach in a boat hull from the inside or the outside which includes an inflatable shallow dome sortable in a cylindrical form and automatically inflatable by the use of a self-contained cartridge to cause expansion into a non-buoyant shallow dome which can seal against a hull breach and enable a damaged boat to reach port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Inventor: Erwin J. Fuerst
  • Patent number: 4325656
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an off-shore ice island structure in waters which normally freeze in the winter. The ice island is useful as a base for oil field operations, for oil and gas storage, for docking ships during thaw periods, and the like. The structure comprises a plurality of elongated hollow wall elements adapted to be vertically oriented and assembled in open water to form a bounded area. The elements become frozen in place during the winter and the bounded area is intermittently flooded at intervals to permit accumulation of ice sufficient to sink the ice island to the marine bottom. Additional wall elements are added to the first wall elements to form upward continuations to contain the flooding water and accumulated ice. Pumps are provided to convey water to the upper surface of the island for freezing, and to carry off brine during the freezing process. Refrigeration equipment can be utilized to keep the ice island in a frozen condition during seasonal thaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Inventor: Gilbert H. Bishop
  • Patent number: 4288176
    Abstract: An underwater air pocket work unit has a work chamber contained within a double walled flotation chamber, the upper end of which has a resilient gasket to seal against the hull of a vessel, or other submerged structure. The work chamber is open completely through the structure to provide unobstructed access at both ends and the flotation chamber is open at the lower end. Valves are provided for admitting pressurized air to the flotation chamber to control the buoyancy for holding the structure in place, and for admitting air to the work chamber as necessary for working space. Both chambers have dump valves for releasing the air and the work chamber has window ports for holding work lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Inventor: Thomas H. Devine