Abstract: A publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex is disclosed, with a man-made tropical, pristine-clear lagoon as the centerpiece of the complex, with surrounding entertainment, educational, sports, and commercial facilities, the complex having controlled public access and providing the look and feel of a tropical beach with clear waters and sandy beaches. In addition a method for efficiently utilizing facilities and land that are vacant, underutilized, have limited uses, or that are contiguous to or nearby recreational, educational, sports, or commercial venues is disclosed. The method providing a publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex with a centerpiece man-made tropical-style pristine-clear lagoon. The method allows for generating revenue and increasing efficiency by pairing vacant sites, underutilized sites, limited use land, or sites that are contiguous to entertainment, educational, sports, and/or commercial venues with urban beach entertainment complexes.

Abstract: Biosafety units, methods of making, and sealing the same are disclosed herein. The units comprise at least one controlled air, sealable, sterilizable cleanroom; and a mechanical system room adjacent to the cleanroom comprising: at least two air handling units in a support room adjacent the cleanroom that provide redundant air to the cleanroom with at least Class 100,000 air purity, the air handling units connected to a one or more supply ducts to the cleanroom, and an exhaust duct in communication with the cleanroom and the air handling unit exhaust, wherein a pressure gradient is formed between the cleanroom and the exterior of the structure; and at least two power supplies that provide redundant power to electrical outlets in the cleanroom, wherein the at least two power supplies are connectable to one or more external power sources and the structure is pre-validatable or validated for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Abstract: Modules for use in an assembly for managing the flow of water beneath a ground surface and assemblies of such modules are disclosed. The modules include supports and a deck portion and the supports are spaced apart and form channels with a main section of the deck portion. The deck portion also includes at least one section extending from a main section.

Abstract: An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive.

Abstract: An underground utility vault replacement method and system which create an inner structural envelope is shown to protect workers and equipment. It restores structural integrity and safety to the area within a decaying underground vault, without major disruptions above and/or below the ground. The system includes a plurality of structural walls, ceiling panels and structural beams and floor track. All structural elements are sized in width/height/thickness and methodically inserted through the existing manhole and maneuvered in place. Wall panels are attached to the floor by way of a secure track. Wall and ceiling panels are connected by way of a tongue and groove connection and an adhesive.

Abstract: A method for sub-division of a plot of land comprises the steps of forming, on a polygonal basic tile shape, a layout of a basic precinct unit comprising an array of occupiable spaces of predetermined shape, at least one access way communicating with each occupiable space and tessellating the polygonal basic tile shapes over an area to be sub-divided whereby respective said at least one access way of each basic precinct unit connects with an access way of an adjacent basic precinct unit to form a network of connecting access ways, said basic precinct unit, together with an adjacent basic precinct unit forming an inter-tile unit of predetermined shape from two or more adjacent occupiable spaces, said inter-tile unit linking adjacent basic precinct units. The tessellation is formed computationally and the computation may include dimensional, boundary and topographical contour data of a plot of land to be subdivided.

Abstract: The facing element for a stabilized soil structure comprises a body of cast material inside which a path is formed for a reinforcement strip between two points of emergence situated on a rear face of the element. This path includes two rectilinear portions which are respectively adjacent to the two points of emergence and are each arranged so as to position the strip in the same plane of emergence perpendicular to the rear face, two curved portions which respectively continue the two rectilinear portions and are arranged so as to deviate the strip from the plane of emergence, and a connection portion which joins the two curved portions to one another and has at least one loop situated outside the plane of emergence.

Abstract: A mixed-use development that includes one or more buildings in an approximate L-shape along a parcel of land wherein one elongate axis of the one or more buildings in an approximate L-shape is positioned substantially parallel to a first edge of the parcel of land. The first edge of the parcel of land may be positioned near a road or sidewalk. A separate building that has an axis that is substantially parallel to one of the axis of the one or more buildings in an approximate L-shape may be positioned near the one or more buildings in an approximate L-shape to form an approximate U-shape of buildings with a green space in the interior of the U-shape of buildings. The green space may be elevated above ground level. A method of designing a mixed-use development is also provided.

Abstract: A dry-stackable masonry brick having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, and opposing side surfaces. The brick is provided with a plurality of channels, which extend along the top, bottom and one side of the brick. The channels are configured and arranged so that they are able to receive a projection from one or more adjacent bricks in an interlocking relation. The brick may be positioned on either of the opposing sides in a vertical orientation, with the bottom side up, or even with the rear surface facing forwardly. The front and rear surfaces of the brick may be provided with different surface treatments to increase the number of differently configured walls that may be constructed. Moreover, the front and rear surfaces may be provided with marginal areas that are configured so that they are able to receive and retain filler material.

Abstract: Cellular foil (3) is unfolded between the surface of earth base course (1) and the first floor layer (5) during building the subsoil, which cellular foil (3) is poured over with fill (4) from loose material at least up to filling the compartments. A bedding (2) from loose material, optimally from sand, is created under the cellular foil (3). Geotextile (6) may be incorporated to the area under the cellular foil (3). Bedding (2) of lower grain size than that of the fill (4) is preferably used, wherein the fill (4) has optimal grain size of 8 to 63 mm. Compaction is done by at least eight travels of roller of 10 to 11 tons weight, also including vibrations when the height of fills is exceeding 25 cm above the cellular foil (3).

Abstract: Methods and modules for use in a modular assembly are disclosed for retaining or detaining storm water beneath a ground surface. A module comprises a substantially horizontally disposed deck portion and at least one substantially vertically disposed side portion extending therefrom. The deck portion and side portion have respective end edges, and the side portion has bottom edges. The side portion and the deck portion define a longitudinal channel which is open at least at an end of the module. The side portion has at least one opening therein and defines a lateral channel in the module. The longitudinal and lateral channels are in fluid communication with one another. Each channel has about the same cross section and extends upwardly from the bottom edges to allow relatively unconstrained flow in the longitudinal and lateral directions.

Abstract: Methods and modules for use in a modular assembly are disclosed for retaining or detaining storm water beneath a ground surface. A module comprises a substantially horizontally disposed deck portion and at least one substantially vertically disposed side portion extending therefrom. The deck portion and side portion have respective end edges, and the side portion has bottom edges. The side portion and the deck portion define a longitudinal channel which is open at least at an end of the module. The side portion has at least one opening therein and defines a lateral channel in the module. The longitudinal and lateral channels are in fluid communication with one another. Each channel has about the same cross section and extends upwardly from the bottom edges to allow relatively unconstrained flow in the longitudinal and lateral directions.

Abstract: Briefly described, the present invention relates to a wale for use in forming a driven wall structure including a plurality of elongated structural panels. The wale includes a base wall, a top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The base wall and the top wall are parallel, the first side wall and the second side wall extend between both the base wall and the top wall such that the wale is of a trapezoidal cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a residential housing unit that is flexible to serve the changing needs in a family life cycle by providing two living units connected by common space. Each living unit is self-sufficient in that it may contain all the amenities necessary for independent living. Each living unit may be built on its own real estate lot and may be financed separately for ease in buying and selling. The common space may be built so as to divide the property line and may further comprise a removable, common wall.

Abstract: A method constructs a concrete building slab by loosening the soil on which the concrete building slab is to be constructed to at least a predetermined loosening depth so as to expand the soil upwards, driving a plurality of piles into the soil in predetermined respective locations to a predetermined founding depth, and subsequently forming a concrete slab on the loose soil to be supported by the piles.

Abstract: This invention relates to store systems laid out with shelves and aisles radiating, out from a central hub area. The arrangement of the shelves and aisles allows a customer to enter and begin shopping at any one of a plurality of places around the periphery of the store and to move easily and directly from any aisle to any other aisle through the central hub area. The arrangement lends itself to having unobstructive checkout lines located at a variety of locations around the periphery of the store. The layout extends to the parking lot, whose lanes are also laid out in a radial fashion. The store layout lends itself to being mounted on a revolving structure, which serves to showcase all sections of the store, attract customers to the store, make every parking space equally convenient and appealing to shoppers, and reduce congestion and danger in the parking lot.

Abstract: This invention relates to store systems laid out with shelves and aisles radiating, out from a central hub area. The arrangement of the shelves and aisles allows a customer to enter and begin shopping at any one of a plurality of places around the periphery of the store and to move easily and directly from any aisle to any other aisle through the central hub area. The arrangement lends itself to having unobstructive checkout lines located at a variety of locations around the periphery of the store. The layout extends to the parking lot, whose lanes are also laid out in a radial fashion. The store layout lends itself to being mounted on a revolving structure, which serves to showcase all sections of the store, attract customers to the store, make every parking space equally convenient and appealing to shoppers, and reduce congestion and danger in the parking lot.

Abstract: A barrier for protection against shock waves comprises, in combination with each other, a plurality of soil containing and reinforcing structures (20, 22) superimposed on each other in such a way as to form two vertical walls (12). Means of absorbing shock waves (30) are positioned inside the said walls (12). The protective barrier also comprises transverse connecting means (14, 50, 80) engaged with the vertical walls (12) to enhance the compactness of the protective barrier.

Abstract: Retaining walls are formed from one or more tiers of concrete blocks. Top projections on all except the uppermost tier of blocks are received in recesses in the bottom of blocks in an adjacent upper tier. The top of the retaining wall may be finished with blocks which have a surface portion recessed below an upper edge of the face of the block for extending top soil or other material up to the block face. Alternately, the top blocks may form a drainage ditch which extends along at least a portion of the top of the retaining wall. Blocks used in tiers below the uppermost tier may have troughs suitable for filling with soil and plants. The exposed faces of the blocks are textured and, optionally, may be colored to simulate the appearance of stone or rocks.

Abstract: A Neighborhood Housing Arrangement with a perimeter road to encircle the neighborhood; blocks of residence buildings to have a substantially U-shaped configuration; blocks of residence placed so as to back up to adjoin the perimeter road with the opening of their U-shape facing inward away from the perimeter road; a plurality of residence buildings designed for elderly residents; every residence to enfront a semi-private space such as front porch, deck, balcony, yard, or garden; one block containing the neighborhood center with neighborhood park and a wholesome hangout or gathering building; the undeveloped land to remains in fields; and residence and other buildings to have vehicle access from the rear by either the perimeter road or smaller back streets so residence buildings face a neighborhood interior consisting of parks, fields, sidewalks, and other pedestrian and neighborhood amenities.

Abstract: A guidance system for protecting a specific zone as a safety zone against flood water while protecting landscapes near the specific zone from deteriorization. According to the described flood water guidance system, a guidance plate (5, 5, . . . ) is positioned under underground in the vicinity (S′1, S′2, S″1) of an upstream side of a specific zone (SI, S2) containing property to be protected and where it is anticipated that flood water will flow, and when flood water is generated, or when there is a possibility that flood water may be generated, the guidance plate (5, 5, . . . ) is raised to a predetermined height above the surface of the earth, in order that a specific zone (S1, S2) is protected as a safety zone by diverting the flood water from the specific zone (S1, S2) by way of the raised guidance plate (5, 5, . . . ), and by guiding the flood water to a retarding basin, a drainage canal, and the like.

Abstract: Office forming equipment includes a partition panel partitioning a residence space of an office and is constructed such that a pair of spaces separated from each other with the partition panel have such a mutual relation that the visibility of one of the spaces from the other through the erected planar member varies with varying view angle with respect to an erected surface of the erected planar member. This construction makes it possible to enhance the efficiency of an organization of a knowledge-intensive type markedly.

Abstract: A residence space forming equipment is provided including a plurality of partition panels to be interconnected for forming a residence space, wherein: some of the partition panels define a gateway therebetween for entry into and exit from the residence space; and the partition panels defining the gateway are interconnected through a guide member having at least one portion protruding horizontally from the partition panels to indicate the presence of the gateway. This construction makes it possible to enhance the efficiency of an organization of a knowledge-intensive type markedly.

Abstract: A multi-unit residential building design has a system of contiguous dwelling units arranged to occupy a single story at a high density. Each unit, whatever the number of bedrooms, is formed from an arrangement of overlapping rectangles, wherein most units assume a T-shape. These T-shaped units are positioned in either outer columns of the building or are embedded in inner columns; however, the layout of each unit is substantially the same. The building is constructed as an interlocking set of units which minimizes exterior wall space and maximizes density. The interlocking character of the design also allows all the rooms of each unit to have suitable window frontage, and provides for up-scale features such as courtyards for the embedded units.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and stabilizing sunken or settled foundations, slabs, footings, etc. includes a lifting plate having a pipe section solidly secured thereto, for passing concentrically over the anchor pier used in such operations. The concentric lifting plate pipe precludes cocking or tilting of the plate relative to the anchor pier and foundation structure, thereby greatly improving the security of the lifting operation. As a result of the increased lifting plate stability provided by the present invention, only a single clamp is needed for securing the lifting assembly to the foundation. The clamp is adjustably positionable as required, to secure to a solid area of the foundation structure. The present system secures the plate to the pier using mechanical fasteners, thus precluding requirement for costly welding and other metal forming equipment. A method of raising or stabilizing a foundation or similar structure using the present apparatus, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A subdivision system providing alternating one-way traffic on all subdivision streets, said system comprising, a plurality of traffic circles, each traffic circle having a traffic lane surrounding the traffic circle, a plurality of development circles, each development circle containing one or more buildings, each development circle having an inner parking lane, and an outer traffic lane, surrounding the development circle, the rotational direction of traffic flow around a traffic circle being opposite to the rotational direction of traffic flow around a development circle, wherein certain parts of the traffic lane of each traffic circle overlap certain parts of the traffic lanes of at least two immediately adjacent development circles, and wherein said certain overlapping parts of the traffic lanes of the traffic circles, and the opposite rotational directions of traffic flow around the traffic circles and around the development circles, provide alternating one-way traffic on all subdivision streets

Abstract: A flood barrier unit is provided for a flood barrier system. Each unit has three pillars attached to pillar footings implanted in the surrounding ground surface. For each pillar a concrete brace member footing is provided for the support of brace members compressively positioned between the pillar tops and the brace member footings. A turnbuckle connects two portions of each brace member, and when properly manipulated, will force the brace member ends into holes in the pillar footings and brace member footings. Barrier panels with tongue-and-groove top and bottom edges form a wall when attached to the pillars using a brace plate and bolts. A water-resistant vapor barrier, with a weighted bottom portion, is draped over the top of the barrier panels for fastening between the pillars and panels using a hook-and-loop fastener and the barrier panel bolts. Alternate embodiments include differing arrangements and numbers of the brace members.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and supporting a foundation of a structure under tension and compression relative to a pier anchored into the ground. The apparatus comprises a support member connected to the foundation by a plate and a V-shaped brace. A rod passes through the support member and is connected to the pier. Two fasteners threadably engage the rod above and below the support member, respectively, so that the central support member remains slidable along the rod between the first and second fasteners. A lift bracket is removably connected to the support member and a jack is inserted between the rod and the lift bracket. The jack is operated to exert a force between the rod and the lift bracket so that the support member slides along the rod between the first and second anchors as the foundation is lifted. The first and second anchors are then tightened against the support member so that it is held firmly in place relative to the rod to support the foundation under tension and compression.

Abstract: A protective barrier comprising a footing which is buried in the ground and supports a frame for supporting one or more panels. The panels internally comprise sound-deadening and/or air-filtering material and are constituted so as to have at least one finely perforated lateral surface, a finely perforated upper surface for collecting rainwater and a finely perforated bottom.