Connectable Sections Patents (Class 405/114)
  • Publication number: 20120230768
    Abstract: A temporary dam system for containing a body of water is provided. The temporary dam system is constructed with a number of dam sections. Each dam section has three or more supports and a back brace for supporting a resistant membrane backed by a plate. The supports comprise an end support, a middle support, and a top support in an A-frame structure. A membrane backing plate is attached to the front of the assembled support structure. The overall containment dam system is constructed by connecting dam sections together to form a continuous wall of rigid plates facing a body of water. A flexible liquid-impervious membrane is then placed over the rigid plates to contain the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Lyle R. Rowland, Brian Hallick
  • Patent number: 8256168
    Abstract: A structure comprising a plurality of regular hexagonal tubes and a plurality of rhomboid inserts is disclosed. At least one of the tubes can be placed end-to-end relative to another of the tubes in a configuration where the central axes of the tubes are parallel. These central axes can be either collinear or not collinear depending upon the overall configuration of the structure chosen. Each rhomboid insert fits inside at least one section of a hexagonal tube. Those rhomboid inserts that fit into more than one hexagonal tube provide a means for interlocking the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: George S. Bigger
  • Patent number: 8256995
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the treatment of liquid runoff, such as rainfall, irrigation, and waste or produced water, utilizing aboveground, modular, permeable barriers containing reactive media that can immobilize particular solutes of concern, removing them from the liquid runoff. The modular design allows construction of a relatively-uniform barrier, or media volume, that is self-supporting and easily assembled, maintained, modified, and augmented. A permeable reactive barrier constructed according to the present invention provides significant contact between the reactive media and the solutes of concern while allowing the runoff stream to flow through the structure relatively unimpeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: James P. McMahon
  • Publication number: 20120207545
    Abstract: The water barrier is comprised of a number of interconnected modules, that contain expansive material (such as polymer powder). Each module has inlets that allow rising water to enter the interior volume of the module so that it inflates from a flattened configuration to a four sided shape. The shape is wedge shaped and the modules are alternated so that the narrow end of the module is toward the rising water on one module and the wide end is next to the rising water on the adjacent module, so that pressure from the rising water is transferred to adjacent modules from module to module and ultimately to an anchoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Paul J. Bouchard, Robert S. Bouchard, Clarence A. Cassidy
  • 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: 20120195687
    Abstract: A flood wall system and method of constructing same, including providing a first main panel section; attaching sleeves to each side of a main panel prior to configuring the final chamber; providing two sleeves of fabric at the upper opening of each chamber for supporting the chambers while the chambers are being filled with materials such as sane; providing a series of chambers sewn together to define a continuous cellular wall; the final chamber having a horizontal height two feet longer (0.61 meters) than the vertical height further having a front toe portion one foot (0.30 meters) min height; filling each chamber with a quantity of material, such as sand; on each end of a completed chain of chambers, further comprising a set of loops or ties so that a chain of chambers is capable of being tied to other chains of chambers to define the continuous flood wall system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Jean Andre Beard, Daniel R. Schnaars, SR., Everett Leslie Waid, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120163917
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing water from flooding along the length of a super elevation surface having a slope from an upper end to a lower end transverse to a longitudinal direction of the surface. A chain of rigid buoyant gate units of increasing heights is flexibly sealingly laterally linked together side by side for pivotable movement of the gate units about at least one pivotation axis, and if more than one axis, then about coplanar pivotation axes. The gate units are situated in a recess in and transverse to the longitudinal direction of the surface between a pair of walls lining the surface parallel to the longitudinal direction to which the pivot axis or axes is/are transverse. One of the walls is at a lower end of the slope and the other wall is at the upper end of the slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Louis A. Waters, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120121336
    Abstract: A shell shaped barrier and methods thereof. A shell shaped barrier may be configured to increase the stabilizing force between the shell shaped barrier and the ground in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of the shell shaped barrier by distributing at least a portion of a groundward force of a contact body on the receiving side of the shell shaped barrier. A shell shaped barrier may be configured to connect with one or more other shell shaped barriers. A shell shaped barrier may include one or more discontinuities between two or more shell shaped barriers. A shell shaped barrier may include a support member. A shell shaped barrier may include one or more stabilization enhancers. A shell shaped barrier may include one or more energy absorbers. A shell shaped barrier may contain, block and/or impede bulk material, flood material, mechanical objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Tomasz Arciszewski
  • Patent number: 8177457
    Abstract: A levee and barrier module for fluid control and containment is provided including an outer module shell and a module-to-module connection system to attach adjacent outer shells. The outer module shell is formed by opposing side walls and two opposing end walls and is configured to enclose or support filler material. The outer module shell defines a top aperture and a bottom aperture. The bottom aperture allows filler material communication with the earth below the module. The top aperture allows filler material to be added to the module, as well as visual observation of, and maintenance of, the amount of contained filler material. A presented application is directed to protecting pipelines and to allowing pipeline integration or association with levees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: James C Boudreaux, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8173242
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: PRS Mediterranean Ltd.
    Inventors: Izhar Halahmi, Oded Erez, Adi Erez
  • Publication number: 20120087733
    Abstract: Dams are a useful source of energy. An embodiment of a dam according to the present invention includes precast segments configured to be coupled together to form a dam optionally used to generate energy. An embodiment includes a spillway extender to prevent upstream or downstream erosion of a riverbed at the dam. An underpinning system may be employed to assist in maintaining position of the dam or segmental components. Solar panel energy generation systems and battery storage may be associated with the segmental dam to store energy and, optionally, produce auxiliary power for subsystems associated with the dam, such as for supporting automated spillway control gate level control or automated gearing system control to control a gear ratio associated with rotating or other moving parts used to convert kinetic energy of water into electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: French Development Enterprises
    Inventor: William L. French, SR.
  • 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: 20120009019
    Abstract: A liner is formed in an excavated spillway by providing a plurality of rectangular flexible liner sections with each liner section having a parallel series of elongated continuous and adjacent tubular pockets pre-filled with a dry cementitious material or a fine granular material. The liner sections are provided with a surrounding generally flat perimeter boarder. The liner sections are laid into the spillway with their boarders overlapping and the boarders are secured together with the tubular pockets aligned in the same direction to form a continuous liner blanketing the spillway. The tubular pockets are arranged in the spillway with their elongated sides presented to the expected direction of water flow in the spillway. The liner sections may be anchored to the spillway with anchor pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: John J. Breedlove, Michael John Breedlove
  • Patent number: 8066449
    Abstract: A needle-beam cofferdam, needles and associated method for dry isolation of a water passage of a dam, the method comprising providing a support beam which spans between piers of the water passage, providing at least one hollow metal needle having a major axis, and positioning the hollow needle with the major axis substantially vertically oriented, the hollow needle engaging with a sill of the dam and engaging with the support beam. A plurality of vertically positioned needles may thereby isolate the water passage. The method also includes positioning of hollow needles with the major axis in a substantially horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Aubian Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Lux, III
  • Patent number: 8011855
    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, the system 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Bonds
  • Patent number: 7997828
    Abstract: Retaining wall device, comprising at least one first retaining wall member (5) and a support (3, 4) for it, wherein the first retaining wall member and the support have first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, extending in longitudinal direction of the retaining wall, which longitudinal edges have been formed for connection to each other by a tilting or rotary motion about one or several axes that are parallel to the longitudinal edges, wherein the longitudinal edge that is opposite the first longitudinal edge (8) of the first retaining wall member is designed corresponding to the second longitudinal edge, wherein the first and second longitudinal edges can be provided with stop surfaces for limiting the tilting motion to mutual abutment of the first and second longitudinal edges in a retaining position of the first retaining wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Cornelis Elizabeth Rijlaarsdam
  • 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: 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: 7955686
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: PRS Mediterranean Ltd.
    Inventors: Izhar Halahmi, Oded Erez, Adi Erez
  • Publication number: 20110123271
    Abstract: A sealing system for a water flow control gate is provided. Each of a plurality of panels has an upper edge extending the length of the panel with a flat surface rounded upward to a wall at the rear side of the panel. The lower edge of each panel has a central perpendicular foot extending the length of the panel with side flanges and a neck between the central perpendicular foot and the rest of the panel. At each end of each panel is a vertical channel extending across the end of the panel. A horizontal sealing strip on each panel surrounds the central perpendicular foot and extending the length of the panel and a vertical sealing strip is positioned within each vertical channel, so that water flow through the water flow control gate is prevented by the horizontal sealing strips between adjacent stacked panels and by the vertical sealing strips between the ends of each panel and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Bobby K. Walthall
  • Publication number: 20110052323
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Kam C. Mun
  • Patent number: 7841268
    Abstract: There is described a barrage unit comprising a porous bag or sack containing an absorbent core said absorbent core comprising an absorbent crystalline material and an absorbent fibrous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Environmental Defence Systems Limited
    Inventor: Richard J. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20100284747
    Abstract: A hollow block in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped when filled with water, is joined with a plurality of similar water-filled blocks to form a flood barrier. Two opposite sides of each block have connection features that connect with features on the first and third sides of adjacent blocks to form a wall of connected blocks. Top and bottom walls of each block each have an inter-tier connection feature that mates with a block in each adjacent top or bottom wall. Each block includes on each of its top and bottom walls, inter-tier connection features structured to mate with an inter-tier connection feature of a similar block in the adjacent tier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Galen L. Peterson, Ronald A. Peterson, Edward L. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7762742
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus that is designed to hold back flood waters via a series of interconnected long flexible tubular units. Each unit is connected to each other via a sleeve and has a weighted flap portion for additional anchoring. Each unit has its own fill tube and drain plug and is designed to retain water or other liquid to provide an impervious water barrier when in deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Clarence E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7762746
    Abstract: A transportable and reusable silt fencing system for use at a construction site to prevent sediment and soil erosion comprises tension rods, a male section, a female section, and a fencing material having sleeve supports for the rods to slide in and support the fencing material. The tension rods are collapsible. The rods collapse when a truck drives over the fence, but re-assume their original form once the truck has passed. If a fence longer than the fencing section is required, additional fencing sections may be attached by connecting a male section of one fence section with the female section of another fence section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Berenyi
  • Publication number: 20100129156
    Abstract: A barrier for managing and/or controlling water is disclosed that includes a set-up configuration and an in-use configuration. While in the set-up configuration the barrier can be moved and positioned, and while in the in-use configuration the barrier is made to weigh a substantial amount more than in the set-up configuration and to resist the force of flood or other waters. In one embodiment the barrier includes a front wall, a back wall, a top portion, and a bottom portion forming a rigid hollow body with a first end and a second end. A connection member is formed or otherwise placed on the first end, and a connection recess formed or otherwise placed on the second end. The barrier can further include a fill port and a drain port such that the barrier can be filled with, and drained of, a pourable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Jaren Taylor
  • Patent number: 7712998
    Abstract: A portable, inflatable flood wall is characterized by a sheet of synthetic plastic material which is folded back on itself to define a chamber between bottom, rear and front portions of the sheet and within which at least one inflatable bladder is secured. When the bladder is inflated, the rear portion of the sheet is erected to a vertical position which prevents water from passing beyond the sheet. The front portion preferably contains a plurality of openings to allow water to enter the chamber. The weight of the water on the bottom portion of the sheet serves to hold the wall in place. A plurality of such walls may be connected in end-to-end relation to construct a wall of a desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Bernard Salemie
  • Patent number: 7708495
    Abstract: A levee apparatus is constructed of base panels connected end to end and supported by an underlying support such as the earth's surface. Side panels interlock with the base panels and with each other to form a generally triangular transverse cross section and a hollow interior that can be filled with a selected fill material. Interlocking projections on the side panels interlock with apertures of the base and with notches or recesses of other side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Chris Antee
  • Patent number: 7690865
    Abstract: The flood prevention device includes a plurality of barrier walls interconnected around a structure or area to be protected. Each barrier wall includes a base sand tube adapted to be filled with sand. At least one gill tube may be stacked atop the sand tube and stitched together to form a wall of desired height. Each gill tube includes a plurality of reinforced gills adapted to permit water flow to fill the gill tube. A hanging tube is operatively disposed above each wall. A pulley mooring system may be disposed on the sides of the structure with one end operatively attached to interlocking poles disposed in the hanging tubes. Opposing sides of each barrier wall include interlocks that may be selectively attached to a locking corner track or a locking extender track to form the overall barrier. Once assembled, the flood prevention device may be lifted or rapidly deployed by the pulley mooring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Tommy D. Stewart, Kendrah A. Olson
  • Publication number: 20100074687
    Abstract: A levee and barrier module for fluid control and containment is provided including an outer module shell and a module-to-module connection system to attach adjacent outer shells. The outer module shell is formed by opposing side walls and two opposing end walls and is configured to enclose or support filler material. The outer module shell defines a top aperture and a bottom aperture. The bottom aperture allows filler material communication with the earth below the module. The top aperture allows filler material to be added to the module, as well as visual observation of, and maintenance of, the amount of contained filler material. A presented application is directed to protecting pipelines and to allowing pipeline integration or association with levees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: James C. Boudreaux, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100047019
    Abstract: The flood protection wall's shape stabilized segment affords an increased level of protection and is made up of a water fillable bag whose shape, when full, is defined by the plane of the base and the dome-shaped casing with a convex surface that is attached to the base by two plane faces. It is characterized by the fact that the complex convex casing surface (1) consists of three basic convex areas—front foot area (2), central blocking area (3) and rear foot area (4). In the casing's design, the front foot area (2) and rear foot area (4) are connected by straight lines to the central blocking area (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Premysl Hvezda, Pavel Chraska, Petr Holecek, Vaclav Colezal
  • Patent number: 7651298
    Abstract: A levee and barrier module for fluid control and containment is provided including an outer module shell and a module-to-module connection system to attach adjacent outer shells. The outer module shell, being in the general shape of a prism or prism with curvilinear section, is formed by opposing side walls and two opposing end walls, and is configured to enclose or support filler material. The two opposing end walls are configured with end apertures. The outer module shell defines a top aperture and a bottom aperture. When modules are placed end to end in a levee structure the end apertures allow filler material communication horizontally between adjacent modules. The bottom aperture allows filler material communication with the earth below the module. The top aperture allows filler material to be added to the module, as well as visual observation of, and maintenance of, the amount of contained filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: James C. Boudreaux, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7648754
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: PRS Mediterranean Ltd.
    Inventors: Izhar Halahmi, Oded Erez, Adi Erez
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7591611
    Abstract: A fluent material confinement system configured to receive a granular fluent material to form a temporary barrier structure is disclosed, wherein the fluent material confinement system includes a plurality strips, the plurality of strips including a plurality of lengthwise strips and a plurality of widthwise strips coupled with each other to define a plurality of open cells, wherein the plurality of lengthwise strips includes at least one wider lengthwise strip configured to extend into cells of a next-lowest fluent material confinement system when the fluent material confinement system is stacked on the next-lowest fluent material confinement system, and a stacking error indicator associated with the wider lengthwise strip, wherein the stacking error indicator is configured to be effective in low visibility conditions to indicate to a user a location of an error in stacking of the fluent material confinement system on the next-lowest fluent material confinement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Geocell Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin M. Arellanes, Barney Greinke, John Sikora, Aaron Arellanes
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090169306
    Abstract: Retaining wall device, comprising at least one first retaining wall member (5) and a support (3, 4) for it, wherein the first retaining wall member and the support have first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, extending in longitudinal direction of the retaining wall, which longitudinal edges have been formed for connection to each other by a tilting or rotary motion about one or several axes that are parallel to the longitudinal edges, wherein the longitudinal edge that is opposite the first longitudinal edge (8) of the first retaining wall member is designed corresponding to the second longitudinal edge, wherein the first and second longitudinal edges can be provided with stop surfaces for limiting the tilting motion to mutual abutment of the first and second longitudinal edges in a retaining position of the first retaining wall member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Cornelis Elizabeth Rijlaarsdam
  • 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: 20090103981
    Abstract: An expansion device for containing overflows of watercourses, floods and/or inundations and like phenomena, suitable for cooperating with further identical expansion devices for making barriers for containing overflows of watercourses, floods and/or inundations and like phenomena, comprises an enclosure suitable for allowing the water permeability through said enclosure and an expanding and absorbing material inside said enclosure and suitable for increasing in volume following the absorption of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Giancarlo Tagini
  • Patent number: 7491016
    Abstract: A portable dike and floatation device having a lower partition including a water inlet and an upper partition attached to the lower partition. The lower partition is water-fillable via the water inlet. The upper partition includes an air inlet for inflating the upper partition. The lower partition forms a triangular prism having a floor and two sides. The upper partition has two lobes, the lobes cover the two sides, the lobes have a triangular prism shape, and wherein the inner and upper partition forms a square prism shape when the lower partition and the upper partition inflate. At least one support member is positioned within the portable dike and floatation device to provide added rigidity to the portable dike and floatation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Bradford G. Baruh
  • Publication number: 20090041543
    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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: David G. Kroger
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080279634
    Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: James Heselden
  • Patent number: 7448827
    Abstract: A trussed embankment dam and wall structure includes a cantilever structure group and a rod member group, and each cantilever structure of the cantilever structure group includes an anchor supporting pillar and a multidirectional connecting board. The lower portion of the anchor supporting pillar is built at a stratum or foundation to support the cantilever structure, and the upper portion of the anchor supporting pillar installs a multidirectional connecting board to a trussed joint structure. After a force is exerted to a rod member of the invention, the force is acted onto the joints of the cantilever structure and transmitted by other rod members. Therefore, each cantilever structure maximizes the supporting effect and provides a dispersive supporting type structure. Unlike the centralized supporting type truss structure, the invention uses the hollow portion of the structure and the malleability of components to create landscapes, fill soil and plant vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Piao-Chin Li
  • 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: 20080250916
    Abstract: There is described a barrage unit comprising a porous bag or sack containing an absorbent core said absorbent core comprising an absorbent crystalline material and an absorbent fibrous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard J. Bailey
  • 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: 20080240861
    Abstract: A levee apparatus and system for impeding and controlling the flow of fluids, primarily the flow of water as experienced in a flood or storm surge consisting of a light weight concrete structure with reinforcing steel rebar depending on the application. It is constructed from prefabricated sections with the tongue and groove ends designed to fit together which, when used in conjunction with a rubber gasket, will produce a water tight seal. The structure would be hollow with an opening along the unprotected face to provide a location for the surge water to enter. The structure would have flap-gates on the protected side and on the unprotected side. This would allow flood waters from the protected side to push open the flap-gate and exit the protected side based on the pressure equalization of the flood waters. Once inside the structure any water would then drain from the structure through the flap-gate on the unprotected side when the surge water diminishes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Amanda Phillips
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7329069
    Abstract: A bag made from a length of material (10) divided into a series of three or more substantially equal sized sections (12, 14, 16, 18, 20). Every other section is filled with sand (14, 18), or other particulate material and there is an unfilled section (12, 20) at each end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventors: Steve A. Slater, Peter D. Ehrlich