Porous Waterway, E.g., Sand Drain, Etc. Patents (Class 405/50)
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Patent number: 6802669Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a synthetic drainable base course (“SDBC”), and paved structures that may advantageously include an SDBC, are provided. As a key advantage of SDBC's according to the invention, they are of sufficient capacities and structural strength to be used within layered paved structures such as highways, airport runways and parking lots, to provide drainage superior to that afforded by conventional means and methods involving the use of open graded base courses that are typically formed of natural soils and aggregate and are extremely expensive to install. The invention includes means and methods that use conventional heavy equipment for installing an SDBC during the construction of a roadway or other paved surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventors: Peter J. Ianniello, Giovanni Capra, Aigen Zhao
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Publication number: 20040156685Abstract: Method for consolidating an earth stratum situated in a subgrade by withdrawing water that is present in there from it, comprising the stepwise arrangement from the surface of the soil, at some depth, of vertical draining means, such as drainage strips, in the earth stratum, the arrangement of horizontal drainage means, such as drainage pipes, in the upper area of the earth stratum and connecting them to the vertical drainage means for water transfer between them, the arrangement of an air sealing layer directly over the horizontal drainage means and the closing of the surface of the soil, as well as the connection of the horizontal drainage means to a pump for discharge of the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventor: Dirk Albertus Bodegom
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Publication number: 20040146357Abstract: The effectiveness of a prefabricated earth drain installed in a generally vertical manner in soil is improved for enhancing the expelling of pore water from the soil to the surface. The soil surrounding the earth drain is hydraulically fractured either while the drain is in place or while the earth drain is being installed. Propping agents may also be supplied to the surrounding soil after hydraulic fracturing for propping fractures in the soil to maintain continuous flow to the drain. Radially extending fissures may also be formed in the surrounding soil either mechanically or through the use of hydraulic jetting and a propping agent is supplied to these fissures either in the form of particulate material or a continuous ribbon of porous filter fabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: R. Robert Goughnour
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Patent number: 6736569Abstract: A structural module comprises a rigid cell including two substantially parallel planar members, each of which defines an ordered array of circular apertures with a series of columns disposed substantially normally to the two parallel surfaces retaining the two members in a fixed spaced relationship from each other. Male interlocking means which are integral with the module project from two adjacent side edges of the module. Female interlocking means are defined the other two adjacent side edges. The modules can be secured together in side edge to side edge relation, in which relationship the male locking means from a first module engage in a female locking means of a second module.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Inventor: Alan Sian Ghee Lee
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Patent number: 6691472Abstract: A foundation protector for a foundation wall prevents moisture being retained in the foundation wall and also provides drainage for surface water so that water does not rest against the surface of the foundation wall. The foundation protector has a smooth exterior surface so that it remains attached to the foundation if earth subsidence occurs. The foundation protector includes a waterproof dimpled sheet with spaced-apart protrusions and an outer waterproof membrane which covers recesses formed by the protrusions and provides a substantially smooth exterior surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Theodore G. Hubert
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Patent number: 6672015Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reinforcing a ground on which is disposed a loading structure, comprising a series of structural inclusions disposed in the ground and adapted to mechanically reinforce said ground, the inclusions having a diameter D comprised between substantially 0.2 m and 0.6 m, two adjacent inclusions being separated by a distance (A) such as 2D≦A≦10 D, the series of inclusions being made of a material having a Young's modulus of between 500 and 10,000 MPa, a load transmitting layer interposed between the ground and the loading structure, said layer having a Young's modulus less than the Young's modulus of the series of inclusions, a first nominal height between two adjacent inclusions of the series, and a second height less than the first nominal height at locations situated just above the series of inclusions, where the load transmitting layer is plastically compressed by the inclusions which partially penetrate within the load transmitting layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Menard SoltraitementInventor: Jean-Marie Cognon
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Patent number: 6672016Abstract: A sub-floor, perimeter, L-shaped water drainage panel for new construction basements having walls and supporting footings for receiving and draining water running down the walls and/or water entering at the wall/footing interface. The plastic drainage panel is molded with a plurality of spaced frustroconical wells on vertical and horizontal sections thereof, to engage the wall and footing, and space the panels therefrom and to be filled with wet concrete composition, when the floor is poured, to support the wall and footing against the basement floor and prevent relative movement therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Lawrence M. Janesky
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Patent number: 6663321Abstract: A process for producing a pile in the earth with a pipe is provided. The pipe is provided internally with a conduit, which emerges on the bottom side of the pipe, for feeding pile-forming, hardening material into the earth. The pipe is introduced into the earth, and the pipe is removed from the earth while a space created by the removal of the pipe is simultaneously filled with the pipe-forming, hardening material.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Voorbij Groep B.V.Inventor: Adrianus Theodorus Maria Bisschops
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Patent number: 6655876Abstract: Compacted granular or stone columns are constructed in soil to increase the load-bearing capacities or drainage capabilities of the native soil. A vibratory probe is penetrated down into the soil to the desired depth. As the probe is incrementally withdrawn, the cavity is filled with granular material that is compacted in place by the probe. Granular material is transported directly to the tip of the probe through a transfer pipe running along the length of the probe. A material container located at the top of the probe mechanism contains the granular material that feeds the transfer pipe. The rate and quantity of flow of the granular material from the material container is visually monitored in real-time by the operator on a closed-circuit television monitor so that the construction process can continue uninterrupted and the operator can adjust the contents of the material container according to the in situ soil response.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Menard Soil Treatment, Inc.Inventors: Charles Anthony Spaulding, Scott Sorenson
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Patent number: 6648550Abstract: A water-impervious, non-biodegradable, unitary drainage device with multi-directional rollup capability. The invention features a monolithic “sandwich” construction consisting of planar top and base sheets, set apart by an array of supports that are disposed between and integrally joined to the sheets. Selective and off-set through-cuts, in the top and bottom sheets, impart to the invention the multi-dimensional rollup capability. Rods, optionally hollow, are used as splines to connect two or more of the devices, so that their internal drain channels are in an efficient confluent alignment.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventor: Alton F. Parker
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Method of reducing ground disturbance during freeze-thaw cycles and a subsurface insulation material
Publication number: 20030178194Abstract: A method of reducing ground disturbance during freeze-thaw cycles. The steps include excavating soil from an area affected by ground disturbance due to subsurface flow and subsequent freezing of water. A subsurface layer of thermal insulation is then laid over the affected area, thereby thermally insulating the affected area from freezing. The subsurface layer of thermal insulation has a top surface and a bottom surface. A subsurface layer of wick material capable of drawing water away from the affected area by capillary action is also laid parallel to one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the subsurface layer of thermal insulation positioned in a path of the subsurface flow of water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicants: Maxwell Andrews, Diamond J. Industries Ltd.Inventor: Maxwell Andrews -
Publication number: 20030133753Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a foundation and soil irrigation system having multiple independent zones that can be controlled to deliver fluid to surrounding soil. The system can be installed above or below ground, but in a preferred embodiment the system is subterranean and is installed 18 to 24 inches off of the foundation and 12 to 18 inches below ground level. Each independent zone comprises a fluid distribution network that forms a center-fed or end-fed section to ensure proper hydraulic flow throughout the zone. The system further utilizes a wicking material network installed below ground to irrigate a soil region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Alan D. Sowry, Donald J. Turnage, Omar Besim Hakim
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Publication number: 20030123937Abstract: Apparatus to install small diameter columns of granular material in soil which includes a hollow shaft element advanced into soil, a storage hopper containing granular material at or near the base of the apparatus with an elongated system to move granular material to and through the hollow shaft element to fill the cavity formed in soil as the hollow shaft element is withdrawn to form each column. Granular material may be moved from the storage hopper to the hollow shaft element by conveyor, pumping, and by fluid under pressure. A feed tank may be positioned to initially retain granular material moved from the storage hopper and subsequently pass the granular material into and through the hollow shaft element to fill the cavity formed as the hollow shaft element is withdrawn from the soil.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventor: Richard E. Landau
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Patent number: 6561732Abstract: A driving pipe and method for the construction of an essentially horizontal pipeline, whose wall is made at least primarily of concrete polymer. At least sections of the wall of the concrete polymer pipe are made of a liquid-permeable filter material consisting of polymer-bound, gravel-like particles.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Meyer Rohr & Schacht GmbHInventors: Thomas D. Bloomfield, Michael Welzel
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Patent number: 6543966Abstract: A drive system for elongate members comprising a drive plate, a support system, an insertion housing, at least one drive gear, and a vibratory system. The suppression system resiliently opposes relative movement between the support plate and the insertion housing. The drive gear displaces the elongate member along its longitudinal axis. The vibratory forces are transmitted to the elongate member through the at least one drive gear. The drive gear and the vibratory system simultaneously crowd and vibrate the elongate member into the ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: American Piledriving Equipment, Inc.Inventor: John L. White
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Patent number: 6517292Abstract: An apparatus to install multiple small diameter columns in soil which includes a hollow shaft element to form a cavity in soil, a storage hopper to contain granular material at or near the base unit of the apparatus from which an elongated conveyor moves the granular material to a feed tank at the top of the hollow shaft element through which granular material passes as it is withdrawn from the soil to form each column of granular material. The storage hopper, the conveyor, the feed tank and the cavity forming element are arranged and move to successive column locations in a manner to permit granular material to be conveyed from the storage hopper to the feed tank without interrupting the advance and removal of the hollow shaft element from soil without rotation.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Inventor: Richard E Landau
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Publication number: 20020172557Abstract: A geopipe with partial perforated structure is disclosed. The geopipe includes a water permeable portion with a plurality of perforated through holes arranged on an upper arc surface of the geopipe for permitting liquid outside the geopipe permeating into the geopipe through the perforated through holes. A water draining portion formed on a lower arc surface from the first end through the second end of the geopipe for draining the water permeated from the perforated through holes of the water permeable portion of the geopipe. The geopipe is further covered with a net layer, or a reinforced layer thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Shih-Yin Chen
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Patent number: 6467996Abstract: A loose fill lightweight plastic aggregate for a preassembled drainage line unit. The bead comprises a central portion, at least three legs extending from each of the top and bottom of said central portion, a plurality of channels each defined by adjacent ones of said legs, the width of said legs being greater than the width of said channels. A rib protrides laterally from each of the sides of the central portion. In the drainage unit, the beads maintain a substantial void space for flow of waste water and also provide maximum surface area for bacterial breakdown of sewage wastes.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Rapac, Inc.Inventor: Wavern L. Garner
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Patent number: 6464865Abstract: The present invention is a compact water dispersal system located on an outdoor ground site. The system includes a water treatment system resulting in treated water with an organic loading of less than about 20 ppm and a suspended solids concentration of less than about 20 ppm. The water flows from the water treatment system to an interior discharge pipe having a plurality of perforations. Through the perforations, the water flows into an exterior discharge pipe surrounding the interior discharge pipe, the exterior discharge pipe also having a plurality of perforations. The exterior discharge pipe is surrounded by a layer of wicking material. A volume of fill material surrounds the interior discharge pipe, the exterior discharge pipe, and the layer of wicking material, thereby dispersing the water therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: EcoKasa IncorporatedInventors: Gary A. Tipton, Douglas E. Fessel
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Publication number: 20020122695Abstract: Method for consolidating an earth stratum situated in a subgrade by withdrawing water that is present in there from it, comprising the stepwise arrangement from the surface of the soil, at some depth, of vertical draining means, such as drainage strips, in the earth stratum, the arrangement of horizontal drainage means, such as drainage pipes, in the upper area of the earth stratum and connecting them to the vertical drainage means for water transfer between them, the arrangement of an air sealing layer directly over the horizontal drainage means and the closing of the surface of the soil, as well as the connection of the horizontal drainage means to a pump for discharge of the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventor: Dirk Albertus Bodegom
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Patent number: 6431795Abstract: A system for displacing an elongate member relative to the ground. The system includes a drive rack, a support assembly, a vibratory assembly, and a drive assembly. The vibratory assembly comprises a vibratory housing defining a vibratory chamber and a vibratory axis and a vibratory system mounted within the vibratory chamber to generate a vibratory force along the vibratory axis. The drive assembly comprises a drive housing comprising a main portion defining a drive chamber and, in certain configurations, a sleeve portion defining a sleeve chamber, where a drive axis extends through the drive chamber and the sleeve chamber and a drive system mounted within the drive chamber and comprising a drive gear that rotates to generate a drive force along the drive axis. The vibratory housing is mounted onto the support assembly to reduce the transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory housing to the support assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: American Piledriving Equipment, Inc.Inventor: John L. White
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Patent number: 6402963Abstract: A draining wall includes a plurality of panels filled with a granular filtering material and separated from each other by intermediate elements cast in the ground, a member, embedded in the lower part of each intermediate element, enabling communication to be established between the panels of each pair of adjacent panels, and auxiliary devices applied into contact with the end faces of the intermediate elements so as to cover the mouth of the communication-enabling members. Each auxiliary device is open on the side applied against the intermediate element, has a height greater than the diameter of the mouth, delimits a volume around the mouth, and has either perforations over at least a part of its surface whose size is smaller than that of the granules constituting the filtering material or an opening to which a perforated pipe acting as a receiver is connected.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Soletanche Bache FranceInventor: Alain Maurice Deniau
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Patent number: 6375389Abstract: A drainage device and method of inserting drainage devices in the ground characterized in that the ground is drilled in one or more places with a tubular drilling rod fitted with a bit and containing drainage slits in the side wall. When the required depth is reached, the drilling rod is left in the ground in order to act directly as a drainage pipe. A sheath of water-soluble material, designed to prevent debris from clogging the drainage slits during the drilling stage, is applied to the outer surface of the drilling rod.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Cesare Melegari
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Patent number: 6315493Abstract: Filter elements for draining wastewater into the soil in leach fields comprise net sacks filled with scrap rubber or plastic chips and supplied with fabric filter cloth. Leach fields are constructed by excavating trenches, placing a first row of filter elements at the bottom of the trenches, installing a drain pipe on top of the row of filter elements, placing a second row of filter elements on top of the first row and the drain pipe, overlapping the pieces of filter cloth to provide a barrier to the surrounding soil, and backfilling the trench with soil.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: U.S Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Philip G. Malone, Brad L Huntsman, Brent E. Huntsman
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Patent number: 6241421Abstract: A drainage assembly is disclosed for draining water from the vicinity of a subterranean construction surface, such as a subgrade foundation wall. The assembly comprises a hollow drainage panel formed by a sheet-like base and a filter media, the filter media being spaced apart from the base by a plurality of members that project from the inner surface of the base. The base has at least one hinge, and preferably two closely spaced parallel hinges, extending along its entire length between adjacent side edges, thereby allowing the panel to be easily folded and set into place against a foundation, with the portion above the hinge resting against the vertical foundation wall and the portion below the hinge resting atop the foundtion's horizontal footing. The apparatus further comprises a connector assembly that connects the panel to a standard drain pipe to convey water away from the foundation.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Royal Ten Cate (USA), Inc.Inventors: Wilson Harvie, Thomas M. van der Meulen
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Patent number: 6146051Abstract: The paving system has a perforated pavement covering a deep substrate of mainly hard nodules or shells, the whole being surrounded by impervious walls to provide temporary storage in the interstices for chemical spillage or flood water, wherein liquids may be chemically treated or biologically decomposed, and from whence the rate of outflow may be regulated, the pavement consisting of preformed pavings of brick, concrete or other material, laid edge to edge without mortar or cement, and these pavings can be perforated or notched to allow liquids to run down into the substrate. The pavings are laid on a screen which filters out solid particles to reduce clogging. The system allows biological substances to grow, or be introduced, with or without additional nutrients, and allows chemical treatments to be introduced, from above, when needed. The whole pavement system can be lifted out for cleaning or, substitution, and relaid as new.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Conventry UniversityInventor: Christopher John Pratt
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Patent number: 6120210Abstract: A method for providing storage and transportation for water such as natural precipitation collected from a large area comprising the steps of moving water through a porous medium contained within a natural conduit under a hydrologic potential such that the porous medium reduces evaporative loss of the water during storage and transport and moving the water through a network of a hydrologic circuit where it can be directly supplied to end users.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventor: Kenneth J. Hsu
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Patent number: 6089788Abstract: A vertical drain for draining fluid from ground soil, which drain comprises an elongate core having one or more channels extending along the length of the core to receive fluid; electrically conductive means extending substantially along the length of the core; and a filter surrounding the core, wherein fluid from ground being consolidated passes through the filter into the one or more channels in the core.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: RasWILL Representative Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Richard Douglas Sandanasamy
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Patent number: 6082928Abstract: A draining wall comprises a plurality of elementary panels (P) filled with a filtering material (10), wherein the panels are separated from one another by intermediate elements (J) and in that an element (2) connecting each pair of adjacent panels is embedded in the lower part of each intermediate element. The application also discloses a method and an element for its implementation. The invention is particularly useful for landslide areas.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Soletanche Bachy FranceInventors: Alain Deniau, Alain Soriano
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Patent number: 6039508Abstract: A system for inserting elongate members into and removing elongate members from the ground. The system is a bottom drive system that is capable of applying crowding or extraction forces to the elongate member while at the same time vibrating the elongate member along its axis. A vibratory assembly is mounted by a shock absorbing assembly to a support base. A gear or other type of drive assembly is mounted on the vibratory assembly. Vibratory forces generated by the vibratory assembly are applied to the elongate member through the drive assembly, causing the drive assembly to vibrate with the elongate member. The elongate member extends through the center of the vibratory assembly such that the vibratory forces have a vibratory axis that is aligned with the lengthwise axis of the elongate member to prevent torsional or twisting forces from being applied to the elongate member.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: American Piledriving Equipment, Inc.Inventor: John L. White
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Patent number: 5989416Abstract: A filter bed base for the treatment of wastewater discharged from a dwelling, business or like producer. The filter bed base is generally rectangular in shape and includes an upper and lower surface. The upper surface of the filter bed base has a plurality of orifices for distributing filtered effluent into various chambers inside the base. The lower surface of the base has a plurality of orifices which are positioned beneath a select number of the chambers for discharging a portion of the filtered effluent into the soil underlying the base.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventor: Stuart Albert Gorton
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Patent number: 5975797Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a subterranean water and air collection and delivery device for facilitating the collection and delivery of air, natural ground water, manually supplied water, and/or pressurized water from an irrigation system to the roots of plants is provided. The device includes a plastic enclosure member including a plurality of apertures and having an interior volume within which water and air is collected and redirected. A porous insert member is located within the interior volume of the plastic enclosure member and substantially occupies the entire volume for facilitating collection and delivery of water and air while substantially preventing surrounding ground material from entering the interior volume of the enclosure member.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Morgan Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey K. Thomas, Frank J. Walker
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Patent number: 5938372Abstract: A subsurface irrigation apparatus and method, the apparatus including an underlayment of water resistant material which also serves as a mounting surface for the remaining elements of the subsurface irrigation apparatus. Water is supplied to the subsurface irrigation apparatus through a water supply conduit and distributed through a plurality of water distribution conduits. Each water distribution conduit includes a plurality of spaced holes through which the irrigation water distributed by the water distribution conduits. A diffuser is mounted across each hole to diffuse the water into the surrounding soil. Each diffuser includes a layer of fibrous material partially covered by a water resistant overlayment. The fibrous layer diffuses the water outwardly from the hole while simultaneously inhibiting root encroachment into the hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Inventor: William H. Lichfield
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Patent number: 5882508Abstract: An easy clean system (18) for a gutter (20) at the eaves (24) of a roof (26) on a building (28) comprising a leader (34) connected to an aperture (36) in the gutter (20), so that the leader (34) will extend vertically down along an exterior wall (38) of the building (28) and carry rainwater away from the roof (26). A facility (40) within the leader (34) is for separating any dirt and debris (30) that falls into the rainwater in the gutter (20), so that the rainwater will flow without obstruction out through the leader (34).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Inventor: Jean St-Jacques
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Patent number: 5836115Abstract: A system and method for preventing the accumulation of water below and about a building and soil surrounding the building, the building having a foundation built on disturbed soil, which is in turn surrounded by undisturbed soil and the foundation extending to a depth. The system includes at least one trench section about the foundation, the trench being at least as deep as the disturbed soil about foundation and having sides and a bottom. At least one side of the trench being bounded by undisturbed soil. The trench section also includes a first end and a second end, the trench bottom having a slope between the first end and the second end, the second end terminating in a sump pit. An impermeable liner over the sides and bottom of the trench and extending into the sump pit.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Inventors: Randy K. Clay, William H. Grisinger, III
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Patent number: 5803672Abstract: A protective housing (12) is provided for a sheet pile (10) and has a length extending beyond the upper end (10A) and lower end (10B) of the sheet pile (10). A separate force transmitting member (26) is mounted on the protective housing (12) and has a horizontal plate (28) engaging the upper end (10A) of the sheet pile (10) for driving the sheet pile (10) downwardly upon exertion of a downward force from a suitable power source (44) to force the protective housing (12) downwardly. To separate protective housing (12) from sheet pile (10) upon driving of the sheet pile (10) to a desired predetermined depth so that protective housing (12) may be withdrawn, a fluid pressure device (50) is mounted between protective housing (12) and the force transmitting member (26). Upon actuation of fluid pressure device (50), protective housing (12) is moved upwardly while sheet pile (10) remains in position thereby to initially break loose the protective housing (12).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Stab Cat, Inc.Inventors: James O. Glass, Sam M. Glass
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Patent number: 5795100Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a subterranean water collection and delivery device for facilitating the collection and delivery of natural ground water, manually supplied water, and/or pressurized water from an irrigation system to the roots of plants is provided. The device includes a plastic enclosure member including a plurality of apertures and having an interior volume within which water is collected and redirected. A porous insert member is located within the interior volume of the plastic enclosure member and substantially occupies the entire volume for facilitating collection and delivery of water while substantially preventing surrounding ground material from entering the interior volume of the enclosure member.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Morgan Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey K. Thomas, Frank J. Walker
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Patent number: 5780144Abstract: A composite sheet material for use as a planar drain and a protection board. The sheet material has a multi-layer construction formed into a composite by needling. The multi-layer construction preferably has a layer of a soft nonwoven fabric material sandwiched between outer layers of a stiffened fabric material. The composite material may be configured into relatively narrow longitudinal strips for use as a wicking drain. Such longitudinal strips may often have a width of approximately three (3) inches or less in exemplary constructions.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Bradley Industrial Textiles, Inc.Inventor: Anthony S. Bradley
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Patent number: 5775839Abstract: Protective waterproofing membrane particularly for exterior and/or interior coatings, of walls and pavings generally, of the types made in plastic material and comprising a plurality of protrusions all of the same side, in which, limited to the overlapping area or along the vertical junction edges, protrusions (2, 2') are provided having a different configuration in respect to the remaining surface of a sheet from a pre-determined width, said protrusions constituting respectively a male and female closure provided with a seal, which development requires both on the left and right side, an ensemble of cylindrical forms joined in groups of five, where one or the other provides a series of forms (5) also cylindrical but of a smaller diameter to the preceding and interposed in rows that are vertical to said groups.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Tema Technologies & Materials S.R.I.Inventor: Luciano Mazzer
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Patent number: 5771976Abstract: A high production rate water well system combines a horizontal production liner in the aquifer with an existing vertical well or pump that extends down thereto, with one end portion of the liner passing a distance from the vertical well that does not exceed about 5% of the drainage radius of the later. High flow rate recharge also can be accomplished by the same system.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Inventor: Robert R. Talley
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Patent number: 5771643Abstract: A concrete slab and wall spacer with water and radon removal elements. The invention includes a cross-sectionally, L-shaped elongate strip of semi-rigid, nonbiodegradable material. At least halfway up the entire elongate vertical leg of the L-shape is a horizontally disposed projection which is integral with the strip. The spacer projection is placed against a wall, the L base resting on a portion of the footing subtended by the wall in a conventional spacer usage. The underside of the base of the L is generally relieved in order to allow transmigration of water and gaseous substances. Several applications for the strip are disclosed, one being the sealing of the shelf to the abutting wall with placement of a gas impermeable membrane in an overlapping arrangement with the L base so as to form, relative to the strip and the abutted wall, an upper fluid region and a lower gas region.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1995Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Inventor: Alton F. Parker
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Patent number: 5758991Abstract: An underground dam is formed of a water flow preventing wall for blocking a water permeable layer of soil to form a storing portion for storing underground water on an upper stream side relative to the water flow preventing wall. The water flow preventing wall has an opening, and an opening-closing device for opening and closing the opening is provided. Thus, the underground water on the upper stream side can be supplied to a down stream side through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignees: Environmental Assessment Center Co., Ltd, Okada Company Ltd.Inventor: Kunio Shiosaka
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Patent number: 5713696Abstract: An elasticized geosynthetic panel, geofoam composition and method operable for permitting controlled deformation of earth materials adjacent a rigid earth retaining structure or the like. The panel includes a drainage component. a water and gas membrane and a compressible geofoam member. The compressible geofoam member is elasticized and exhibits a cross-anisotrophic characteristic which has enhanced elasticity in a direction normal to the geosynthetic panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Inventors: John S. Horvath, John D. Van Wagoner
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Patent number: 5694723Abstract: A concrete slab and wall spacer with water and radon removal elements. The invention includes a cross-sectionally, L-shaped elongate strip of semi-rigid, nonbiodegradable material. At least halfway up the entire elongate vertical leg of the L-shape may be a horizontally disposed projection which is integral with the strip. The spacer projection is placed against a wall, the L base resting on a portion of the footing subtended by the wall in a conventional spacer usage. An spacer may be provided for additional support of the L-shaped strip. This spacer is easily removable after the floating slab has set, or the spacer may be left in place for use as a decorative molding. Several applications for the strip, are disclosed, one being the sealing of the shelf to the abutting wall with placement of a gas impermeable membrane in an overlapping arrangement with the L base so as to form, relative to the strip and the abutted wall, an upper fluid region and a lower gas region.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Inventor: Alton F. Parker
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Patent number: 5688073Abstract: An earth drain comprising a core consisting of an elongated flexible web having on at least one surface thereof, and preferably on both surfaces, an array of discreet projections spaced transversely across the width of the web, and longitudinally in the lengthwise orientation of the web. The array of projections is interrupted by a plurality of elongated projection-free zones extending in the longitudinal direction of the web, and spaced transversely across the width of the web. A filter of sheet-like water permeable material encases the core, and is adapted to be maintained in spaced relationship to the web by the free ends of the projections thereon.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Inventors: Joseph Clement Brodeur, Vicko M. Von Stedingk, Mark E. Siemonsen
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Patent number: 5658091Abstract: Apparatus for inserting prefabricated drain members downwardly into underlying earth which includes a vertically extending mast that supports an elongated earth penetrating mandrel. The mandrel is adapted to receive a prefabricated drain member for movement with the mandrel down into the earth to insert drain members. A drive is mounted on the mast for driving the mandrel into and out of the underlying earth and the drive includes a rotary drive gear that engages the mandrel and a motor for driving the gear. A vibrator is mounted on the upper end of the mandrel for imparting vibrations to assist in its penetration into the earth. A flexible torsion drive coupler couples the motor to the drive gear for driving the drive gear and for also isolating the motor and the mast from vibrations imparted to the mandrel by the vibrator.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1996Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Geotechnics America, Inc.Inventors: R. Robert Goughnour, C. Russell Joiner
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Patent number: 5647690Abstract: This apparatus includes a hopper large enough to hold material to fill a number of cavities which are backfilled to produce columns in soil by first advancing a hollow shaft attached to the hopper into the soil and flowing sand from the hopper through the shaft and into the cavity formed as the shaft is withdrawn. The material flowing from the hopper through the shaft is stopped after each column is filled by closing a valve in its flow path. The equipment is moved to the next location in the area point without having to fill the hopper, which saves time and avoids waste of material. When sand is the material, the hopper is pressurized to cause the sand to flow, as in the installation of sand drains used in making wet soils safe for the support of construction.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1995Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Inventor: Richard Erwin Landau
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Patent number: 5639364Abstract: A method for manufacturing preassembled drainage line units comprises feeding a length of perforated vent pipe along a direction of manufacture longitudinally through a tubular mandrel, feeding a continuous sleeve of netting concentrically over the vent pipe along the direction of manufacture from a front end of the mandrel and continuously supplying quantities of artificial aggregate into the space between the sleeve of netting and the vent pipe. A low friction coating is applied to the inside surface of the mandrel to reduce the surface friction of the artificial aggregate caused by compaction, and to permit high speed manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignees: Randall J. Houck, Michael H. HouckInventors: Randall J. Houck, Michael H. Houck, Harold J. Houck
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Patent number: 5588777Abstract: A wastewater treatment system provides a leaching field that may be of conventional configuration or may include certain unique features, the present invention relating to a subterranean horizontally oriented in-drain below the conventional leaching field that is adapted to be fed with a soapy solution to improve the biodegradation under anaerobic conditions heretofore possible only with wastewater treatment systems adapted to separate gray water from black water sewage.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Inventor: Rein Laak
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Patent number: 5584603Abstract: A device for inserting a substantially vertical drainage wick, comprising a movable frame; an inserting lance which is provided with a passage for receiving the drainage wick and corresponding with the longitudinal axis of the inserting lance; a standing guide for the inserting lance supported by the frame; a supply mechanism for arranging the drainage wick in unwindable manner; a drive; a transmission connected to the drive; and at least on drive member coacting with the transmission, the inserting lance drive including a closed loop of a flexible element with one part of the closed loop coacting with the transmission and the other part of the loop fixed to the inserting lance.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1995Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Assignee: Geotechnics Holland B.V.Inventor: Nico G. Cortlever