Abstract: A molded thermoplastic domed end cap, for attachment to the end of an arch shape cross section leaching chamber or stormwater chamber, has a multiplicity of buttresses, to provide facet surfaces where pipe connections may be made. The essentially planar surface portions have tear out or cut out regions, for pipe openings. The buttresses face in different directions, relative to the longitudinal axis of the end cap, to conveniently accommodate pipes running in different angular directions. Pipes, which pass through openings in the surfaces of the buttresses, are supported by molded in step-saddles of the buttresses. Molded in stops limit inward motion of pipes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mold component having a conformal thermal management system comprises forming a first mold segment and a second mold segment, each comprising a surface having a profile defined by the surface. A channel pattern is disposed beneath the profile defined by the surface in at least one of the first mold segment and second mold segment. The first mold segment and second mold segment are aligned to form a network of channels. The first mold segment and second mold segment are joined together to form the mold component.

Abstract: A molded plastic seal assembly, for use with a leaching or stormwater system component, comprises at least two embossed, preferentially eccentric, circles. Pulling on a tab tears out the interior portion of the seal, to create a hole which accommodates a first pipe diameter. A remaining crescent portion surrounding the hole has a multiplicity of perforations or other means for thinning. Thus, second larger diameter pipe pushed into said hole, deforms the crescent inwardly, so the hole diameter is increased, sufficient to fit and form a seal with the second pipe outside diameter. A seal assembly article made of polypropylene has a very thin wall at the bottom of the tear-out groove. Part of the injection mold is moved during molding, to enable filling of the mold in vicinity of the thin wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and dispersing stormwater beneath the earth surface is comprised of an array of chambers, preferably having arch shape cross section, buried in crushed stone. Surface stormwater flows first through a diverter, then into a solids retention subsystem (SRS), and then into the array of chambers, which is spaced apart in the stone from the SRS. The SRS chambers are layered with geotextile or other filtering media. Solids entrained in the stormwater are retained in the SRS by a combination of settling and filtering actions. If the stormwater inflow exceeds the capacity of the SRS, the water level rises in the diverter to the point where it flows through a bypass line, directly to the chambers of the array.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pallet substructure comprises: a reinforcement structure, a foot member, and a gusset disposed in mechanical communication with the reinforcement structure and the foot member.

Abstract: A pallet includes an upper deck, a support material disposed within the upper deck, an upper frame member supporting the upper deck, a plurality of foot members disposed on the upper frame member, and a lower frame member disposed on the plurality of foot members. The upper deck includes a first half and a second half disposed in communication with a major face of the first half. Numerous variations in which the pallet is collapsible or includes reinforcement members are within the scope of the pallet disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded article comprises injecting a quantity of molding material sufficient for the preparation of the molded article into a cavity of a mold, injecting a first portion of fluid into the mold cavity, creating a gas channel within the molding material, and forming the molded article within the mold cavity. At least a portion of the first portion of fluid is exhausted through a gas port, a second portion of fluid is injected into the mold material, and the molded article is cooled within the mold cavity to a temperature beneath a softening point of the molding material.

Abstract: The leaching chamber endplate including snap connectors, pipe stops, pipe scores, drill guide(s), and a barrier that facilitates enhanced engagement between the endplate and leaching chamber. This endplate is preferably formed using a blow molding process that forms, in situ, the endplate, including the snap connectors and the barrier.

Abstract: In a system for dispersing stormwaters beneath the earth surface, a pair of arch shaped corrugated molded plastic chambers lie parallel each to the other upon a bed of gravel and are covered with soil. A bridge cover spans the space between the sidewalls of the adjacent chambers, to keep soil above from entering. Abutting base flanges establish the chamber spacing which fits the bridge cover and also protect the gravel at the bottom of the space from erosion. Stormwater is delivered to the space, to then flow through sidewall perforations into the chambers' interiors where it is stored and gradually dispersed into the earth. Debris settles in the pocket at the bottom of the space and is removed by a perforated pipe lying in the space. Chambers have high aspect ratios, of 0.8 to 1 or more, and steep sidewall angles, of less than 15 degrees.

Abstract: The endplate of an arch shape cross section leaching chamber for dispersing liquid in soil has an inlet duct which enables the pipe delivering liquid to the chamber to be at higher elevation than the top of the chamber. Liquid flowing from the duct is guided downwardly by a channel and onto an integral baseplate extending into the chamber, to lessen any erosion of the soil within the open bottom of the chamber. Preferably, the endplate has double walls which, with sidewalls, form the channel. And, a slot opening near the bottom of the inner wall discharges the liquid into the chamber interior.

Abstract: Large leaching chambers having hollow ribs are formed by gas assisted injection molding. The ribs have stepped cross sections with hollow bases and narrower solid upper parts. When the chamber wall is corrugated, as characterizes a typical arch shape cross section leaching conduit, hollow ribs on opposing sides of the wall are positioned to connect to each by means of holes in the undulating walls. Hollow ribs are narrowed along their length and where they interconnect, alleviating problems distortion and shrinkage problems. And, the chamber wall which surrounds the injection molding sprue is thinner than the typical wall, to avoid hollowing there.

Abstract: A leaching chamber for gathering and dispersing liquids in soil has an end with an angled terminus, so that chambers may be connected as a string in a rough curve. An angled chamber end is severable from the chamber at an indicant, to convert the chamber to one having a different angled end, e.g., a square end. Intentional looseness of fit at the joint enables further angular adjustment. Thus, a combination of chambers with original and severed ends, having a basic 6 degree end angle and 3 degree of looseness, can form a chamber string where the alignment angles between adjacent chamber axes range from minus 3 to plus 9 degrees. Such leaching chamber strings may be installed in practically level trenches which follow the contour of a hillside.

Abstract: A molded plastic leaching chamber, for dispersing or collecting liquids in soil, has a corrugated arch shape. The sidewall of the chamber is comprised of alternating slot-perforated peaks and valleys connected by slot-perforated deep webs. The unit surface length of perforated sidewall is greater than the unit length of chamber. A combination of interrelated dimensions and angles provide high leaching capacity, strength, and capability to nest for shipment. The sidewall is reinforced by vertically running ribs; the perforated web is reinforced by zig-zag struts. Ribs and struts are shaped and positioned to minimize blockage of the slot openings.

Abstract: A conduit for dispersing or gathering liquids in the earth has an arch shape cross section and alternating peak and valley corrugations along its length, with cantilever legs extending from one end to interact with the mating portion of a like conduit. The legs, along with a shiplap joint having flange discontinuities for manufacturability, provide a superior rigid joint when the conduits are mated and buried beneath the earth and subjected to vertical loads.

Abstract: Improvements in articles, made by gas assisted injection molding of polyethylene and other materials, such as large arch shaped subsurface leaching conduits, and the processes by which they are made, are disclosed. The improvements involve control of which portions are hollow and which are solid, and include a stepped rib, where the thinner upper rib portion is solid and the wider base is hollow; articles having corrugated surfaces strengthened by ribs on both sides, where the hollows of the opposing side ribs are connected through holes in the undulating walls; articles having ribs which are narrowed where they are solid, compared to their width where they are hollow; and, articles having thinned wall regions surrounding sprues, to avoid undesired hollowing during injection molding.

Abstract: A conduit for dispersing or gathering liquids in the earth has an arch shape cross section and alternating peak and valley corrugations along its length, with cantilever legs extending from one end to interact with the mating portion of a like conduit. The legs, along with a shiplap joint having flange discontinuities for manufacturability, provide a superior rigid joint when the conduits are mated and buried beneath the earth and subjected to vertical loads.

Abstract: A conduit for dispersing or gathering liquids in the earth has an arch shape cross section and alternating peak and valley corrugations along its length. At one end of the conduit is a sub-arch for receiving a pipe. In one embodiment there is a discontinuous valley by the sub-arch and a continuous web on the peak corrugation near the sub-arch in combination with cantilevered legs. In another embodiment the web is discontinuous while the valley is continuous in the region of the sub-arch. Both essential constructions provide a strong joint when conduits are mated to each other and are buried in the earth and subjected to a load.

Abstract: A conduit for dispersing or gathering liquids in the earth has an arch shape cross section and alternating peak and valley corrugations along its length. A more rigid shiplap joint is formed between mating conduits by means of cantilever legs extending from the end of a conduit, forming a female pocket like space for the mating unit, and by having a continuous web on the peak corrugation adjacent the end. A sub-arch at the top of an overlapped valley end, to enable connection of a pipe to the conduit, is spaced apart from the web of the adjacent peak corrugation; there are multiple legs on either side of the sub-arch, with the sub-arch connected by webs to the adjacent legs, and by other webs to the peak corrugation.

Abstract: A thermoplastic device for leaching sewage system effluent into the earth has the shape of an inverted trough. Its sidewalls have slot shaped perforations; above each slot is a lip; beneath each slot is one or more protuberances, preferably rectanguloid in shape. The combination of lips and protuberances prevent compaction of the earth against the sidewalls when the devices are buried without the use of stone fill. They permit the formation of a good biocrust layer and facilitate the exfiltration of liquid into the earth.