Abstract: A liquid-absorbing, liquid barrier bag comprising a liquid-permeable envelope within which a super-absorbent material in powder or granular form is disposed, the absorbent material being characterized in that it greatly increases in volume upon liquid absorption. The super-absorbent material is adhered to one or more of the inner surfaces of the liquid-permeable envelope such that the desired distribution and pattern is maintained during handling, shipping and activation of the liquid-absorbing. Upon contact with liquid, such as by soaking the bag in water, the super-absorbent material releases from the inner surfaces and swells to create a three-dimensional body suitable for stacking to form a liquid-impermeable barrier wall.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbing, liquid barrier bag comprising a liquid-permeable envelope within which a super-absorbent material in powder or granular form is disposed, the absorbent material being characterized in that it greatly increases in volume upon liquid absorption. The super-absorbent material is adhered to one or more of the inner surfaces of the liquid-permeable envelope such that the desired distribution and pattern is maintained during handling, shipping and activation of the liquid-absorbing. Upon contact with liquid, such as by soaking the bag in water, the super-absorbent material releases from the inner surfaces and swells to create a three-dimensional body suitable for stacking to form a liquid-impermeable barrier wall.

Abstract: A compressible liquid retaining berm having a plurality of wall members, the wall members composed of a compressible, resilient material such that the wall members will rebound to a neutral state after being compressed.

Abstract: A compressible liquid retaining berm having a plurality of linear wall members and right angle corner members composed of a compressible, resilient material such that the wall members and corner members will rebound to a neutral state after being compressed. A longitudinal slot is disposed in the top wall of the wall members and the corner members, with the corner member longitudinal slots communicating with a recess positioned in the corner member. A liquid impermeable liner member is disposed on the interior side of the wall members and corner members, the liner member extending across the wall members and corner members. The liner member is secured to the wall members and corner members by positioning elongated anchor members atop the liner member in alignment with the longitudinal slots, such that the weight of the anchor members results in the anchor members being received within the longitudinal slots.

Abstract: Fabrics that have been treated to create superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or ice-phobic performance are manufactured or assembled in specific conforming shapes so they can be positioned on or pulled over and around certain objects for the purpose of making those objects superhydrophobic, oleophobic and/or ice-phobic so they are self-cleaning, water proof, ice-resistant, oil-resistant, corrosion barriers, etc.

Abstract: A method of lining a metal oil well pipe in situ, by providing a pipe liner composed of a polymer tube having a fabric or mesh reinforcing layer mechanically bonded to its exterior, inserting the pipe liner into the oil well pipe by adding water or other weighting means into the pipe liner, and opening the pipe liner to allow oil to flow therethrough, thereby expanding the pipe liner composite tightly against the oil well pipe.

Abstract: A storm water catch basin hazardous liquid valve that is automatically responsive to the presence of hazardous liquids in storm water run-off, the valve utilizing a hydrophobic barrier member to separate hazardous liquids from water. Collection of a sufficient amount of hazardous liquids across the hydrophobic barrier member initiates a float release member to seal off the catch basin. In the neutral or non-activated status, the storm water run-off enters the catch basin, passes through the valve assembly and out through the storm water conduit system in normal manner. When a hazardous liquid, such as oil, gasoline, chemicals, etc., is present in the storm water run-off above a threshold amount, the valve activates to close off the catch basin such that the storm water run-off is precluded from entering the storm water conduit system.

Abstract: A method of using beach wattles formed of straw or like material to replenish and renourish a beach area or to create or replace sand dunes removed by storm erosion or the like, the method comprising the steps of placing wattles to entrap sand to build up a replenished mound, then positioning additional wattles on top of the replenished mound to create a higher mound, and repeating these steps as necessary until a mound or dune of desired bulk and height is created. The wattles entrap blowing or deposited sand within the interstices of the fibrous filler material to define an anchor member. The wattles can be placed end-to-end, arranged in patterns, layered or stacked in pyramidal manner.

Abstract: A deodorizing apparatus for suppressing odor emanating from a cigarette butt containment vessel. The cigarette butt containment vessel includes a partially enclosed basin cavity into which cigarette butts are collected. In accordance with the present invention, the deodorizing apparatus includes an odor absorption device mounted within the basin cavity of the cigarette butt containment vessel. The odor absorption device includes an absorptive material housing constructed of an air-permeable fabric or mesh that retains the odor absorptive material while permitting airflow between the basin cavity and the interior of the absorptive material housing.

Abstract: A macroencapsulation container having in combination an inner container member with an inner lid member and an inner body member, and an outer container member with an outer lid member and an outer body member, the inner container member being composed of a thermoplastic polymer material that can be thermo-welded or thermo-bonded to itself by melting. The outer container is composed of a metal. At least one electric resistance wire is embedded in or mounted onto the inner lid member along the area of contact with the inner body member, such that the inner lid member may be thermo-bonded to the inner body member to create an integral, one-piece inner container member encapsulating any material or containers disposed within.

Abstract: An adjustable curb guard filter apparatus for filtering liquid flowing into a curbside drain and method for deploying the same. In accordance with one embodiment, the adjustable curb guard filter apparatus includes a filter sheet disposed between an upper and a lower of a pair of support bar members. The curb guard filter apparatus is deployed onto the curbside drain such that the ends of each of the support bar members exert an outwardly directed pressure against the inner lateral surfaces of the curbside drain enabling the filter sheet to form a substantially complete seal thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the lower end of the filter sheet is wrapped in a scroll-like manner around the lower support bar member such that when installed onto the curbside drain, the wrapped lower support bar member simultaneously provides dam and liquid filtration functionality along the bottom edge of the curbside drain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaching and venting sealed inner containers disposed within a drum, where the drum is evacuated to created a pressure differential resulting in expansion and rupture of the inner containers. The temperature may also be reduced to below freezing in the drum to reduce the elasticity of the inner containers, and the drum may also be pressurized to implode and rupture the inner containers.

Abstract: A filter vent fitting for a drum which allows for the passage of hydrogen gas but precludes the passage of radioactive particulates, the fitting having evacuation/pressurization conduits which allow the drum to be evacuated or pressurized, and cryogenic/sapling conduits which allow the temperature of the drum to be reduced and samples drawn from the interior which are not filtered. Preferably a cap member is provided with a pressure balancing bore which is active during the evacuation and pressurization steps.

Abstract: A liquid containment device for capturing and retaining any liquid falling into the device, such as from a leak, spill or run-off of another liquid container, where the device is designed to fit between the parallel rails of a railroad track with a railroad car positioned above, comprising a generally rectilinear pan or tray and gasket members sealing the space between the pan and the rails. Multiple pans may be connected in line through connector fittings in their end walls, or drain conduits may be connected to the fittings for removal of the liquid from the pan. Apertured grating members and absorbent mats may be placed within the pans. The pans may be used in conjunction with lateral pans positioned on the outside of the rails.

Abstract: A liquid containment device for capturing and retaining any liquid falling into the device, such as from a leak, spill or run-off of another liquid container, where the device is designed to fit between the parallel rails of a railroad track with a railroad car positioned above, comprising a generally rectilinear pan or tray and a removable cover which directs rain water into a drain opening which corresponds to an apertured drain column rising from the bottom of the pan, such that with the cover in place rain water is directed into the drain column and passed underneath the pan rather than into the pan itself. Multiple pans may be connected in line through connector fittings in their end walls, or drain conduits may be connected to the fittings for removal of the liquid from the pan. Apertured grating members and absorbent mats may be placed within the pans. The pans may be used in conjunction with lateral pans positioned on the outside of the rails.

Abstract: A collapsible liquid containment device having a floor, side walls and peripheral skirt made of a flexible, foldable, liquid-impermeable material, where the side walls are supported by foldable brace members having an angled buttress member and an insertion member joined by a hinge, the buttress members being attached to the skirt. The insertion members are inserted into vertical pockets mounted on the exterior of the side walls, and the upper rim of the side walls is provided with a retention flap having a lower opening which receives the hinged joint between the buttress member and the insertion member. Preferably a rim support tab is affixed to the hinged joint to support the uppermost portion of the side wall. The brace members can be folded into a flat configuration when the insertion member is removed from the vertical pockets, allowing the entire device to be collapsed and folded.

Abstract: A liquid containment apparatus which has an automatically resilient, collapsible wall whereby vehicles can drive into and out of the apparatus. The side walls are supported by brace members having a generally vertically oriented upper member joined by a resistance-type hinge to a base member, such that the upper member can be flexed in either an outward or inward direction. The upper members preferably support the side walls such that they lean inwardly, and preferably the brace members are removable.

Abstract: A vent filter assembly for use with containers containing hazardous chemical or radioactive waste, the assembly having a first stage attached to the container having a first filter media, preferably sintered steel, which allows unaltered passage of pure gas but which blocks passage of particulate matter, and a second stage removably attached to the first stage, the second stage allowing passage of gas but blocking passage of particulate matter and volatile organic solvents. Removal of the second stage from the first stage allows a pure sample of gas to be drawn through the first stage, whereupon the second stage can be reattached to the first stage to provide the required filtering of volatile organic solvents.

Abstract: A handtruck for transporting and supporting in a generally horizontal position liquid dispensing drums, the handtruck having a secondary containment means to retain any spills or leakage, the secondary containment means having one or more expandable containment means connected in fluid communication, such that a large volume of liquid will force the expandable containment means into the expanded state, thereby greatly increasing the liquid retention capacity of the device.