Porous Waterway, E.g., Sand Drain, Etc. Patents (Class 405/50)
  • Patent number: 11818989
    Abstract: The present disclosure is an irrigation device for promoting the deep root growth of a plant. The irrigation device may comprise a tube and a hose, wherein the hose may have one or more slits that allow liquid to seep out if the water pressure in the hose is too high. The water pressure may get too high if the pores of the soaker hose become temporarily clogged, which may happen if a fertilizer solution is put into the irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Deep Root Irrigation, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ciudaj
  • Patent number: 11802389
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ecological seawall water close side embankment slope drainage structure and a construction method thereof. The ecological seawall water close side embankment slope drainage structure includes a seawall, and further includes a wave dissipation ridge and water collecting wells, wherein the wave dissipation ridge is disposed at an upper side of the seawall, a drainage blind ditch is formed in an upper surface of the seawall, and the drainage blind ditch is matched with the wave dissipation ridge; the water collecting wells are distributed at a lower side of the drainage blind ditch at equal intervals, and lower end portions of the water collecting wells communicate with drainage concealed pipes; and pipe seats are disposed at a lower end portion of an inclined plane of the seawall, lower end portions of the drainage concealed pipes are fixedly connected onto the pipe seats, and flap valves are rotationally connected to lower end surfaces of the drainage concealed pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: GUANGDONG POLYTECHNIC OF WATER RESOURCES AND ELECTRIC ENGINEERING
    Inventors: Tie Li, Yimei Yuan
  • Patent number: 11359336
    Abstract: A system of treating installed railroad ties, comprising a conveyance vehicle configured to move along a railroad track, one or more drill carriages slidably attached to the conveyance vehicle to drill one or more holes at predetermined locations in the railroad ties, an air dispenser configured to deliver a blast of air proximate the one or more holes sufficient to remove debris from and around the one or more holes, a preservative dispenser configured to deliver a predetermined amount of preservative material into the one or more holes, and a plug dispenser configured to deliver a plugging material to the one or more holes to seal the preservative material in the one or more holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Archie Hartford Hopkins
  • Patent number: 11352759
    Abstract: A wick drain shoe assembly adapted to be connected to a free end of a length of wick drain material and driven by a mandrel of a wick drain insertion system comprises a base portion, an extension portion secured to the base portion, and a wick drain shoe gasket. The wick drain material is connected to the wick drain shoe by securing the free end to the extension portion. The base portion is sized and dimensioned to engage the mandrel such that displacement of the mandrel in a first direction causes displacement of the wick drain shoe in the first direction. The wick drain shoe gasket is arranged between the mandrel and the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: AMERICAN PILEDRIVING EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Eric C. Legault
  • Patent number: 11345084
    Abstract: A wiring harness assembly includes a plurality of electrical conductors having wires enclosed within insulative sheaths that are integrally formed of an electrically insulative material. The assembly also includes a lattice support structure that is attached to the insulative sheaths at multiple locations. The lattice support structure is configured to maintain a desired shape of the assembly. The lattice support structure is formed of filaments that may be formed using an additive manufacturing process The filaments may be arranged such that lattice support structure defines a plurality of hexagonally shaped apertures. A process for manufacturing the wiring harness assembly and an apparatus configured to manufacture the wiring harness assembly is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventors: David R. Peterson, Joseph Sudik, Jr., Jonathan D. Weidner, Sean P. Krompegel, Jared Bilas
  • Patent number: 10941617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drilling ground along a drilling direction, the method comprising: providing at least first and second drill tubes (40, 42); providing an articulated and motorized manipulator arm (12) having a gripper member (30); using the gripper member (30) to take hold of the first drill tube (40); moving the gripper member in the drilling direction so as to drive the first drill tube into the ground, the gripper member releasing the first drill tube; then taking hold of the second drill tube and fastening the second drill tube to the first drill tube; and moving the gripper member so as to drive the first and second drill tubes into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET
    Inventors: Laredj Benchikh, Daniel Perpezat, Lotfi Beji, Sara Cascarino
  • Patent number: 10808392
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drain trench body having base plates (11, 12), between which columns (13) are arranged vertically. The drain trench body comprises side walls (14) which are connected to the base plates (11, 12). The side walls (14) and the base plates (11, 12) have first and second locking elements (15, 16) which are in engagement with each other. The locking elements (15, 16) are movable relative to one another in the height direction along the longitudinal axis of the columns (13). The invention further relates to a center plate (20) for a drain trench body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: ACO SEVERIN AHLMANN GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ramon Bhatia, Jan Mieze, Marco Wandkowski
  • Patent number: 10808391
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trenching unit having at least two trenching bodies (10a, 10b), which each comprise an upper base plate (11), a lower base plate (12), and hollow columns (13a, 13b), which are arranged perpendicularly between the base plates (11, 12) and form column openings (14) in the base plates (11, 12), wherein the lower base plate (11) of the one trenching body (10a) and the upper base plate (12) of the other trenching body (10b) bear on one another in such a way that the column openings (14) of the two bearing base plates (11, 12) are arranged concentrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: ACO SEVERIN AHLMANN GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ramon Bhatia, Jan Mieze
  • Patent number: 10526764
    Abstract: A porewater pressure dissipater is disclosed. In one example, a disclosed dissipater includes aggregate; a cylindrical receptacle for receiving the aggregate; a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and one or more openings transcending from the top surface to the bottom surface wherein the plate secures and compacts the aggregate in the cylindrical receptacle; and one or more access tubes coupled to the top surface of the plate wherein the one or more access tubes are positioned over the one or more openings thereby forming a passageway to the cylindrical receptacle. The disclosed dissipater allows piles and shafts to be embedded at the optimum depth without concerns of liquefaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
    Inventors: Sherif A. Elfass, Gary M. Norris
  • Patent number: 9988784
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly constructing a structural pier comprising the steps of placing into a soil under a structure to be supported a casing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, positioning an injection tube into the inner diameter of the casing, and injecting an expansive material into the casing. Optional perforations in the casing allow some of the expansive material to be ejected from the casing into the surrounding soil to create fingers or branches for the purpose of adding friction to the structural pier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: URETEK USA, INC.
    Inventors: Brent Barron, Randall W. Brown, Edward Hibbard
  • Patent number: 9656892
    Abstract: A leach field form comprising: a container with an open bottom and an open top, and four exterior walls of a first height, and at least one interior wall; at least one geonet volume with an open bottom and an open top located in the container; at least one granular volume with an open bottom and an open top located in the container; and where any of the at least one geonet volumes is separated from any adjacent granular volume by an interior wall. A method of making a leach field using a leach field form comprising: digging a trench; placing a leach field form in the trench; backfilling the trench, allowing backfill to fill any granular volumes in the form; inserting geonet into geonet volume located in the form; and removing the form from the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: David A. Potts
  • Patent number: 9359755
    Abstract: A water purification and storage system comprises a water storage container, a covering plate and an impermeable wall. The water storage container is formed by a plurality of tangentially connected polygonal water-filtering wells (1). Well walls of the water-filtering wells (1) are of a water-permeable structure, and an impermeable layer (4) is arranged at the bottom of the well, wherein at least one of the water-filtering wells (1) is a water output well (14). The covering plate (2) is arranged at the upper portion of the water storage container, and comprises an impermeable covering plate (21) arranged at the upper portion of the water output well (14) and a water-permeable covering plates (22) arranged at the upper portions of the remaining water-filtering wells. The impermeable wall (3) is arranged around the water storage container. The water purification and storage system is suitable for the collection and purification of rain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Beijing Rechsand Science & Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shengyi Qin, Shengyuan Qin, Zhenbang Wang, Meijuan Chen, Mingyue Dou
  • Patent number: 9278808
    Abstract: An underground water storage system filled without pumps is provided. The underground water storage system comprises a water source at a first elevation and an underground water storage facility at a second elevation, less than the first elevation. The underground water storage facility is in fluid communication with the water source by a piping and valve system. The pressure difference between the water source at the first elevation and the underground water storage facility provides the motive force to fill the underground water storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: William C. McIntyre, Kevin L. Rens
  • Patent number: 9074335
    Abstract: A device, method and kit for keeping humidity/water away from a concrete foundation and provide insulation. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of devices comprising a main body configured so as to be stackable and having opposed upper and lower surfaces each comprising a plurality of drainage openings therethrough, the main body forming a cavity therein encompassing a plurality of particles having a diameter larger than the openings' diameter, and positioning the plurality of devices in contact with a soil-facing surface of the concrete foundation such that the lower surfaces of the devices face downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Marcel Nicolas
  • Patent number: 8985898
    Abstract: A pneumatic anchoring system for installation and anchoring of wick drains in a material to be consolidated such as soil, sand, ore or the like, comprising an excavator or crane having an elongate support mast and a tubular wick drain mandrel supported by the mast for downward penetration of the material/soil. The mandrel is capped at one end. A sled fixedly attached to the mandrel and slidable along the mast rides with the mandrel downward as the mandrel penetrates the material to be consolidated. The sled supports a compressed air storage tank, and the compressed air storage tank supplies compressed air through a venturi into the mandrel to jet compressed air therein. When the mandrel is at its deepest point, the operator releases a jet of air into the mandrel to disengage the wick drain anchor into the material to be consolidated, and then maintains a constant airflow rate into the mandrel during extraction to equalize the pore pressure of the drainage void and prevent collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Dean Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20150056017
    Abstract: A method for building and renovating golf course sand bunkers to improve infiltration of water through a drainage system reduces the chance of contamination of the sand and to reduce erosion and maintenance and provide consistent playable sand for golf. The bunker is built to slopes based on the sand selected for use. A drainage system and a layer of fine pea gravel is installed over the entire floor of the bunker. A pre-polymer is sprayed onto the layer of pea gravel to secure it in place. The polymer sprayed bunker is permitted to cure for approximately 24 hours. A sufficient amount of bunker sand is added and compacted so the entire bunker is covered. Washed sod is placed around the bunker to stabilize the edge of the bunker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Jerry Lemons
  • Publication number: 20140341652
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for draining soil such as dredger sludge using a filtration means, comprising the steps of: forming a support layer for supporting a quantity of soil, placing the filtration means on the support layer such that the periphery of the filtration means essentially connects to the support layer and forms a space between the filtration means and the support layer, filling the space between the filtration means and the support layer with soil, draining the soil under the influence of gravity, removing the filtration means from the at least partly drained soil and removing the at least partly drained soil from the support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Eldert Besseling, Frank De Groot, Hugo Hendrikus Martinus Ekkelenkamp
  • Publication number: 20140227035
    Abstract: A well pad drainage system is provide, which allows for the testing of drainage water collected from the surface of the well pad prior to the release or removal of the drainage water. The drainage system utilizes a French drain in association with one or more catch basins, a drainpipe for release of uncontaminated drainage water and an extraction line for removal of contaminated drainage water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Chesapeake Operating, Inc.
    Inventor: James Lowe Johnson
  • Patent number: 8771506
    Abstract: A pervious concrete slab is pre-cast in a reusable mold or form to define at least one keyway configured and arranged to engage with a complementary keyway of another similar pre-cast pervious concrete slab. The concrete slab is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to an installation site, and installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Percoa, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Eugene Pomerleau, Katherina Theresa Bernhagen, Ryan Eugene Becker
  • Patent number: 8753037
    Abstract: The device is provided with a plurality of intermediate grid plate elements (12) with a top and a bottom surface, which are adapted to be positioned one on top of the other. Each intermediate grid plate element (12) comprises a grate strutting (18, 19) as well as a plurality of support members (20) which are distributed, in particular in a regular manner, over the intermediate grid plate element (12), wherein said support members (20) extend between the bottom face and the top face of an element in a direction substantially transverse to the extension of the intermediate grid plate elements (12) and are supported on the support members (20) of an adjacent intermediate grid plate element (12) arranged below a respective intermediate grid plate element (12), and support the support members (20) of an adjacent intermediate grid plate element (12) arranged above said respective intermediate grid plate element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hewitech GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Hewing, Frank Dirkskoetter
  • Publication number: 20140133913
    Abstract: Polystyrene drainage heads having optimized shapes to provide increased specific gravity and void volume at a given bulk density. Expanded forms of such drainage beads may be used as a geosynthetic aggregate in pre-assembled drainage units. Such pre-assembled drainage units may be used as foundation drains, septic drainage fields, or for other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: RAPAC
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Koerner, Carl David Ring, Jonathan Browning Jackson
  • Patent number: 8696241
    Abstract: A drainage cell comprises a backing plate defining a plurality of holes, a series of conical tubular structures having side walls and a base extending from the backing layer, the tubular structures being in fluid communication with at least some of the holes in the backing plate thereby allowing fluid to pass through the holes into a generally tubular structure. Sides of the tubular structures define apertures permitting fluid flow out of the tubular structures. Typically, the open area of the tubular structures is at least 20% of the area of the side walls of the tubular structures, and most preferably 70 to 75% of that area. Providing apertures in the side walls of the tubular structures significantly improves the rate of flow of the water through the cell and creates a higher internal drain void volume area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Sian Ghee Lee, David Oliver, Henry Greaves
  • Patent number: 8672584
    Abstract: Polystyrene drainage beads having optimized shapes to provide increased specific gravity and void volume at a given bulk density. Expanded forms of such drainage beads may be used as a geosynthetic aggregate in pre-assembled drainage units. Such pre-assembled drainage units may be used as foundation drains, septic drainage fields, or for other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: RAPAC
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Koerner, Carl David Ring, Jonathan Browning Jackson
  • Publication number: 20130279984
    Abstract: A pneumatic anchoring system for installation and anchoring of wick drains in soil, comprising an excavator or crane having an elongate support mast and a tubular wick drain mandrel supported by the mast for downward penetration of the soil. The mandrel is capped at one end. A sled fixedly attached to the mandrel and slidable along the mast rides with the mandrel downward as the mandrel penetrates the soil. The sled supports a compressed air storage tank, and the compressed air storage tank supplies compressed air through a venturi into the mandrel to jet compressed air therein. When the mandrel is at its deepest point, the operator releases a jet of air into the mandrel to disengage the wick drain anchor into the soil, and then maintains a constant airflow rate into the mandrel during extraction to equalize the pore pressure of the borehole and prevent collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 8562250
    Abstract: A method and pumping/drainage channel member for injecting surface water into the soil beneath a ground area includes drilling a series of holes and inserting an elongated pumping/drainage members into each hole extending downwardly into the soil. The pumping/drainage channel members comprise a cluster of integrally joined channel features each formed with a lengthwise extending slot opening. Surface water flows to the pumping/drainage member, enters the channels and drains down the pumping/drainage members to enhance water movement down into the soil to reduce runoff and help to recharge acquifers. Longer members may be installed between shorter members in a pattern to achieve more rapid injection of water deep into the subsoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Niemczyk
  • Patent number: 8479815
    Abstract: A system for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant or horizontally directionally drilled (“HDD”) wells, and for concentrate disposal (e.g., injection of brine). A method for constructing a slant or HDD well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply or to inject concentrate into a subsea aquifer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GEOSCIENCE Support Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8469631
    Abstract: The grilled cover piece for drainage channels has a substantially horizontal wall covering the channel and a longitudinal hollow ridge which extends upwards with its top wall having eyelets or holes. The cover piece is positioned flush with or just below the level of the surface from which the water to be drained must be removed, wherein the water flows down by means of gravity into the underlying channel which conveys the water away. The cover piece is provided transversely at one end with at least one female profile and at its other end with at least one male profile complementing the female profile, so that it is possible to connect and fix together several cover pieces arranged in succession so as to cover the channel along the entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: EUR.EX S.r.l.
    Inventor: Emiliano Santi
  • Publication number: 20130071186
    Abstract: A system for stabilizing moisture content of soil adjacent a building foundation uses a French drain which is dug around a perimeter of the building and grey water produced in the building as a source of irrigating fluid. Grey water sources from within the building are directed to the French drain through conduits which are separate from the normal sewage lines leading to the sanitary sewer system. An overflow conduit diverts any excess overflow from the French drain to the sanitary sewer line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Rod Ekern
  • Patent number: 8388260
    Abstract: A water-permeable and water-absorbable ecological paving is formed of a water-permeable material that is commonly used in pavement construction and is mixed with unique hollow bodies, whereby all constituent components of the engineering material are uniformly mixed and laid to form an ecological paving layer. In addition to the water permeability of the base material, the paving layer also provide the functions of absorbing water, storing water, and retaining water, so as to reduce the likelihood of occurrence of water accumulation on the surface flooding and also to allow water to be greatly retained in the interior of the paving layer, whereby water vapor can be released from the interior to alleviate heat island effect in case of high temperature of the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jui-Wen Chen, Ting-Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20120288331
    Abstract: Polystyrene drainage beads having optimized shapes to provide increased specific gravity and void volume at a given bulk density. Expanded forms of such drainage beads may be used as a geosynthetic aggregate in pre-assembled drainage units. Such pre-assembled drainage units may be used as foundation drains, septic drainage fields, or for other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Koerner, Carl David Ring, Jonathan Browning Jackson
  • Patent number: 8287728
    Abstract: An elevated swale comprising a porous and water-permeable interior zone, a permeable and compressible exterior shell, and vertically oriented cylindrical inserts. The exterior shell surrounds the interior zone, and the cylindrical inserts are placed within cylindrical cavities that are cut vertically into the interior zone. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is an elevated swale comprising stacked layers of polymer matting and vertically oriented cylindrical inserts. The cylindrical inserts are placed within cylindrical cavities that are cut vertically into the stacked layers of polymer matting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Fountainhead L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Frank M. Stewart, David Brian Kroll
  • Patent number: 8236392
    Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of spaced apart, upwardly oriented projections that define channels suitable for water flow along the top side of the core when the underlayment layer is positioned beneath an overlying artificial turf assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Sawyer, Daniel C. Sawyer, Richard R. Runkles
  • Patent number: 8162567
    Abstract: An assembly of hollow frustum-shaped bodies arranged and supported on a horizontal support structure is used to form a core structure for water retention cells. The assemblies are arranged in alternately inverted layers with the ends of the frustum-shaped bodies interconnected to form vertical support columns which are horizontally stabilized by horizontal support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Polyguard Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Obermeyer
  • Patent number: 8152997
    Abstract: A stormwater control system including conveyance, filtration and discharge systems. The conveyance system includes a set of conduits and connections providing a flow path through a compacted soil embankment from an upper inlet to a lower discharge area of an underlying soil infiltration zone. The control system has configurations for transferring stormwater from pervious and impervious surfaces to the soil infiltration zone. The control system optionally includes a media filter device that may be installed within the conveyance system to intercept sediment and other contaminants prior to discharge within the underlying soil infiltration zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: N.L. Olson & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Olson, Wesley R. Johnson, Richard H. Langford, II
  • Patent number: 8100604
    Abstract: A wicking device is an elongated tubular assembly having opposing ends and formed of an elongated, porous, tubular, heat resistant, metallic core suggestedly of interwoven resilient wire, a wicking layer of glass fiber yarns extending generally longitudinally along the outer surface of the metallic core, at least substantially surrounding the metallic core, and an exterior of interwoven glass fiber yarns forming an elongated tubular outer jacket running the length of the device surrounding the wicking layer of glass fiber yarns and the metallic core. The assembly is stripped of organic materials following assembly as part of the manufacturing process, preferably by heating the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Davlyn Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Flasher
  • Patent number: 8070395
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a geosynthetic wicking fabric for transporting water from beneath pavement structures to reduce or prevent damaged caused by frost heave and thaw. Further, the present invention is directed to a wicking drainage system employing the wicking fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventors: David M. Jones, Wilson Harvie, Kevin King, Brett Albert Johns
  • Patent number: 8056629
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant wells. A method is disclosed for constructing a slant well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply. A system of angled wells (slant wells) is constructed. The slant wells obtain a desalination feedwater supply from permeable aquifer systems near and/or beneath a saline water source (i.e., an ocean, sea, or salty inland lake). The slant wells induce recharge of the aquifer system through the floor of the ocean, sea, or inland lake due to the hydraulic head difference between the slant well pumping level and the level of the ocean, sea, or lake. As the supply source is relatively constant, the water supply to such a slant well system generally provides a long-term, sustainable water source for a desalination plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GEOSCIENCE Support Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7988851
    Abstract: A stormwater control system including conveyance, filtration and discharge systems. The conveyance system includes a set of conduits and connections providing a flow path through a compacted soil embankment from an upper inlet to a lower discharge area of an underlying soil infiltration zone. The control system has configurations for transferring stormwater from pervious and impervious surfaces to the soil infiltration zone. The control system optionally includes a media filter device that may be installed within the conveyance system to intercept sediment and other contaminants prior to discharge within the underlying soil infiltration zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: N. L. Olson & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Olson, Wesley R. Johnson, Richard H. Langford, II
  • Publication number: 20110135391
    Abstract: Synthetic rocks are used as a substitute for natural gravel to fill in a water drainage trench. The synthetic rocks may be used around perforated drain tiles in a basement water drainage system, or they may be used without such tile. The synthetic rocks may be of a size and shape that mimics the natural rock they replace, but they are preferably significantly lighter in weight. The synthetic rocks may alternatively be tubular or cubic shaped, for example, and may include one or more lumens or other passageways to facilitate the flow of water through and/or around the rocks. The synthetic rocks may be provided in mesh bags to facilitate placement in a water drainage trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Nordhoff
  • Patent number: 7938597
    Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface is disclosed. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart tubular support members projecting therefrom. The tubular support members are tapered so that the tubular support members are nestable with the tubular support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Airfield Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Charles R. Blackwood
  • Patent number: 7918996
    Abstract: The invention is a particle and sediment filter for stormwater. A long permeable filter bag is laid out horizontally within an enclosure. The bag is formed of at least two layers of parallel tubes that give each layer the pleated look of a typical air mattress. Stormwater is collected from the filter bag by perforated pipes held within the creases between the tubes of the layers of the bag, with the pipes draining to the outside of the enclosure. The bag is also supported above the bottom of the enclosure by additional perforated pipes located within the creases between the tubes, thus allowing the filtered liquid to also drain off beneath the bag. The stormwater input is from a pipe that feeds a manifold formed in the bag and connected to each tube. The top of the enclosure is removable for replacing the filter. The filter bags are constructed of flexible material so that they are flat during initial transport and installation, but they expand as they are filled with liquid and solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Hans de Bruijn
  • Patent number: 7874767
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a geosynthetic wicking fabric for transporting water from beneath pavement structures to reduce or prevent damaged caused by frost heave and thaw. Further, the present invention is directed to a wicking drainage system employing the wicking fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nicolon Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Jones, Wilson Harvie, Kevin King, Brett Albert Johns
  • Patent number: 7857547
    Abstract: A gravelless drainfield and drain panel product for all legal gravity and pressure dosed drain configurations for trenches, beds, mounds and elevated systems and foundation and other drain panel applications. The product allows for appropriate reduction in drainfield sizing. Individual pieces of expanded polymer aggregate with three or more fingers are connected where they touch to form a variety of rigid porous panels and blocks of randomly disposed, interconnected, high-surface-area, high-void space elements of light weight expanded polymer material. For the drainfield product, a main pipe for gravity, low-pressure dosing, or drip irrigation receives a flow of liquid in the form of wastewater effluent, gray water, irrigation water or run-off and is held in place by a positioner. A drain panel may be placed against a structure for structural drainage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Link Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Link E. Summers, Orwill Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7815395
    Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface is disclosed. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels that include a plurality of spaced apart tubular support members arranged to define a unit having a plurality of side edges, the tubular support members having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending there between. The drain structure panels further include at least one strut extending from each support member to another support member to latterly support the tubular support members. An anchor plate is positioned between at least two tubular support members. The anchor plate has an aperture formed there through sized and configured to receive a ground anchoring member for securing the drain structure panel to a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Airfield Systems, L.L.C
    Inventor: Charles R. Blackwood
  • Patent number: 7810291
    Abstract: A drainage tile used on a footing of a foundation to promote drainage of water along the footing and away from a foundation wall. The drainage tile comes in lengths that are less than the length of the footing. The drainage tile can be secured together with other drainage tiles to span the length of the footing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin McPherson
  • Patent number: 7798746
    Abstract: An ornamental planting landscape irrigation distribution and reservoir product and method ecosystem employing a substantially continuous panel on the soil surface on which ornamental landscape plantings are placed or produced, the panel having a primary, lateral water distribution structure which distributes water from a water charging inlet through the lateral area to the panel periphery, where it is restrained, the primary water distribution structure being such that when filled with water or completely submerged in water, air is trapped by the gaps and spaces of the material for ornamental landscape plant usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Joe Don Byles
  • Patent number: 7762740
    Abstract: By providing an easily transported, filler component system, leaching field forming elements for establishing a series of flexible design passageways into which the desired fill material is placed, a highly effective, easily installed, competitively priced with enhanced biological habitat underground fluid distribution system is achieved. In accordance with the present invention, the desired passageways are quickly and efficiently created by employing pre-folded cardboard panels, or other pervious materials, placing the materials in an excavated location or site in cooperating relationship with each other for creating the desired leaching fields. In the preferred embodiment, two, substantially identical, pre-folded cardboard panels are employed and are positioned in juxtaposed, cooperating, spaced, facing relationship with each other, establishing a central passageway therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventors: Wayne Burritt, Robert Butler, Frank A. Schaub
  • Publication number: 20100150654
    Abstract: Provided is an aquifer replenishing pavement formed above soil having a sand lens above the aquifer and a clay layer above the sand lens. The pavement includes an aggregate leach field having an aggregate top surface, and an aggregate bottom surface abutting the clay layer. The pavement further includes a pavement layer having an exposed pavement top surface, and a pavement bottom surface abutting the aggregate leach field. A surface drain extends through the pavement layer to drain fluid from the exposed pavement top surface to the aggregate leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the aggregate leach field into the sand lens through the clay layer to drain fluid from the aggregate leach field into the aquifer. A filter is disposed within one of the surface drain and the aggregate drain. The filter is configured to remove foreign particulates from fluid passing therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Lithocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Shaw, Lee A. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7736091
    Abstract: A device for and a method of inserting a drainage wick into the ground comprising the steps of: providing a drainage wick comprising a transversely permeable filter material surrounding a core adapted to longitudinal water circulation, where a portion of said drainage wick is arranged so as to be transversely and/or longitudinally impermeable; threading said drainage wick through an inserting tube; fixing an anchorage component to the lower end of said drainage wick extending out of said inserting tube; driving said anchorage component, said drainage wick and said inserting tube downwardly into the ground; and pulling up said inserting tube whereby said anchorage component and said drainage wick are permitted to remain into said ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Freyssinet
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Morizot, Seth Pearlman, Martin Taube
  • Patent number: 7699557
    Abstract: A concrete structure for replenishing an aquifer and a method for constructing the same is provided. The structure is comprised of a pavement layer with surface drains that extend through the pavement layer and into an aggregate leach field. The leach field includes leach lines spanning the leach field. An aggregate drain extends from the leach field into a sand lens. Precipitation which falls upon the structure thus flows through the surface drain, absorbed into the aggregate leach field, and transported to the aggregate drains by way of aggregate leach lines. The water is then absorbed into the sand lens, ultimately replenishing the aquifer. Existing conventional pavement structures are retrofitted by the removal of a section of the pavement, and filling the same with porous concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Lithocrete, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Shaw, Ronald D. Shaw