Abstract: A vibration generator includes a weight member, a shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation extending longitudinally therethrough and having a mounting area on which the weight member is mounted, and a positioning arm disposed in engagement with the weight member on the shaft and rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to both the shaft and the weight member. The mounting area engages the weight member and prevents movement of the weight member relative to the shaft in a circumferential direction about the axis of rotation but permits movement of the weight member relative to the shaft in a radial direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation and coplanar with the circumferential direction. The weight member also defines an elongate positioning slot and the positioning arm includes an axially extending portion disposed through the positioning slot for slidable movement within the positioning slot during rotation of the positioning member relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering an aggregate gradation mixture of an asphalt concrete mixture. The apparatus includes a heater for heating a layer of existing roadway materials, a milling and mixing auger for milling the heated layer of existing roadway materials and a hopper and conveyor for providing a predetermined amount of treated new usable aggregates to the milling and auger for mixing with the heated layer of existing roadway materials in order to produce a new asphalt concrete mixture. The auger including a plurality of milling bits extending therearound for receiving the predetermined amount of aggregates and mixing them with the milled layer of existing roadway materials, the milling bits are slanted to direct the aggregates received thereby and milled layer to a center line of the apparatus. A second auger is positioned along the center line of the apparatus and behind the auger for further mixing the new asphalt concrete mixture.

Abstract: A construction unit adapted for constructing a retaining wall to keep a bank of earth from sliding or water from flooding, includes a plurality of U-shaped concrete panels having at least one drain, at least two I-shaped concrete panels each of which is connected to the rear end of one of the U-shaped panels, and at least one concrete shelf plate both ends of which are received by shelf receiving recesses formed in the inner surfaces of the U-shaped panels and the I-shaped panels. The U-shaped panels are vertically piled and further include a vertical engagement means to engage with the plurality of said vertically piled U-shaped panels, and connection members to connect to the I-shaped panels. This vertical engagement means includes an upper hole formed in the top surface of a lower panel of the vertically piled U-shaped panels and a lower hole formed in the bottom surface of an upper panel of the vertically piled U-shaped panels, and a steel bar installed in the upper and lower holes.

Abstract: A flexible film, of which a flexible film weir is composed, has a two-dimensional configuration when expanded, and the total length of the periphery of the flexible film is set longer than the mounting length of mounting faces (a river bed and faces of slopes). Weights are attached on the flexible film at appropriate intervals. Portions left redundant when the flexible film is mounted on the mounting faces are folded and fixed at toes of the slopes in such a way that they are overlapped. The two-dimensional configuration of the flexible film simplifies the structure. Further, as the weights prevents the weir from floating up, there is no need for forming irregularities on the river bed, thereby simplifying the construction.

Abstract: A soil compacting device has a damping system which couples an upper mass and a lower mass together with a spring system in a vibration system. The damping properties of the damping system can be modified while the device is in operation. Therefore, when the soil compacting device passes over soils having different properties, it can constantly be adjusted in an optimal manner to the ground underneath it by acting on the vibration properties of the overall vibration system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a contaminant in situ from soil containing the contaminant, by contacting the soil containing the contaminant with a reagent in situ to remove the contaminant from the soil and form a mixture; removing the mixture from the soil; and removing the contaminant from the mixture, wherein the reagent is not citric acid. The invention further relates to a method for removing a contaminant in situ from soil containing the contaminant, by contacting the soil containing the contaminant with a reagent in situ and mobilizing the contaminant by electroremediation to form a mixture containing the contaminant; and removing the contaminant from the mixture.

Abstract: A culvert end guard for use in surrounding and protecting an exterior end portion of a culvert and which is assembled from first and second like half shell sections is disclosed. Each half shell is T-shaped in configuration and includes a central limb portion, two end limb portions, an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of each half shell is further characterized by an open-ended channel of predetermined size and shape that is centrally disposed in and which extends in a direction along the central limb portion, and contact areas located on either side of the channel. When the first and second half shell sections are brought together in opposed and closed shell relationship, they engage one another along their respective contact areas and form from their respective channels a passageway through which the end of the culvert can extend.

Abstract: A bottom-founded offshore structure in relatively shallow waters is protected against sliding. It uses at least one pile and a suction pump inside the pile. The pile has a length-to-diameter ratio such as to achieve sufficient pile imbedment with the selected suction pump. A dedicated pile lowering and lifting device lowers and lifts the pile as needed. Guides allow the pile's vertical motion and limit its rotational motion during imbedment and extraction. A stop device limits the vertical motion of the pile's top rim during pile extraction. The pile is reusable, light weight, easy to install and to extract, self-contained, and economical in relationship to its high holding power when imbedded.

Abstract: A process of installing piles for supporting a structure upon the earth including the steps of forming a receptacle in a first pile segment, affixing an end of a strand into the receptacle such that the strand extends outwardly from the first pile segment, sliding a second pile segment onto the strand until the second pile segment contacts a surface of the first pile segment, and driving the second pile segment a desired distance into the earth. The receptacle is formed in the first pile segment while the first pile segment is in the earth. The step of affixing an end ofthe strand includes the steps of introducing a structural adhesive into a hole formed in the first pile segment, introducing an end of the strand into the hole such that the adhesive contacts the strand and the pile segment, and solidifying the adhesive around the end of the strand such that the end of the strand is rigidly and non-removably secured within the hole in the pile segment.

Abstract: A non-clogging facility (10) collects debris and sediment carried by water flowing in an open channel (DC) upstream of an inlet (I) to a conduit. A first section (12) provides a transition from the open channel into a second section (13) which allows for collection of large debris and readily settleable sediment. A barrier (16) comprises a base (18) extending from a sidewall (W1) on one side of the channel, substantially across the width of the channel, toward the opposite sidewall (W2). An opening (20) is provided between the end of this barrier and the opposite sidewall. Water flowing at a low rate is diverted through the opening into a bypass channel (22) to flow to the inlet through a third section (14). At higher flow rates, water flows over the barrier and through a screen formed by a series of spaced posts (26) extending the length of the barrier. Sediment settles to a floor (F) of the channel upstream of the barrier and is blocked by the barrier from moving further downstream.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for killing or suppressing a subsea wellbore. The system includes a pressure intensifier adjacent the wellhead. The output of the pressure intensifier is coupled to a “kill” inlet at the wellhead equipment. Power is supplied from the surface to the pressure intensifier, which increases the pressure by a known multiple, usually 3 to 5, and supplies the high pressure fluid to the wellbore. A control unit at the surface controls the operation of the pressure intensifier in response to the predefined criteria or programmed instructions. One or more sensors provide measurements to the control unit of the wellbore conditions, which are used to determine the timing of activation of the pressure intensifier.

Abstract: A floating dock section that is secure, economical and durable and can be coupled together with a similar type section by a connecting member that fits into a socket of the dock section. Each connecting member has flanges that fit into receiving sockets of two adjacent dock sections to form a dock of a preferred configuration so that the dock sections can be arranged in a plethora of configurations. Modular pieces for end posts and other accessories can be added. The bottom surface of the dock section includes a plurality of rectangularly shaped closely spaced apart troughs that are in a parallel alignment with one another.

Abstract: A flexible membrane inflating structural body is fixed to a structure such as a bed and slope sides of a waterway by using a mounting metal fitting comprising a first metal fitting and a second metal fitting. The flexible membrane inflating structural body is erected by supplying a fluid to an interior of a flexible membrane, and is deflated by discharging the fluid within the flexible membrane. The first metal fitting is disposed at a side of the structure at which the flexible membrane inflating structural body is provided and contacts one surface of the flexible membrane. The second metal fitting contacts another surface of the flexible membrane and, together with the first metal fitting, sandwiches a portion of the flexible membrane in a vicinity of an outer peripheral edge of the flexible membrane. The first and second metal fittings, which form the mounting metal fitting, each include at least one convex portion which bends the flexible membrane while the flexible membrane is in a held state.

Abstract: A dowel bar inserter kit has removable attachment to and from a slipform paver. The kit includes a track bolster on each side having a crossbeam tying the bolsters together at the rear of the inserter. Each bolster is provided with two flange attachments to the paver, typically one flange attachment to the frame and one flange attachment to the jacking column of the paver. These paired attachments of each side bolster assure the kit maintains the same overall level maintained by the rectilinear frame of the paver during paver travel. Each bolster defines support car tracks. These support car tracks enabling inserter support cars to travel on the tracks during machine paving. During dowel bar placement, the support cars remain stationary with respect to the formed slab while the slip form paver continues with its required forward motion. These support cars also enable vertical up and down movement to permit insertion and removal of the dowel bar inserters from the recently formed slab.

Abstract: A movable safety tunnel rides on parapets within a bridge. The safety tunnel is locked in place in a respective section of the bridge while maintenance or other operations are performed on that section of the bridge. This allows the traffic to flow through the safety tunnel and along the bridge, and the safety tunnel shields the traffic from any dust or debris. When the maintenance on that respective section of the bridge has been completed, the safety tunnel is unlocked and pushed (and/or pulled) by suitable equipment to the next adjacent section of the bridge; and the safety tunnel is again locked in place as the maintenance is performed. This procedure continues, progressively, along the bridge. In one embodiment, the safety tunnel has a trolley system riding on respective rails constructed on top of the parapets.

Abstract: A water control gate assembly comprises a self-actuating top-hung gate for controlling the flow of water in a waterway. The gate is pivotably mounted on a pair of piers located above an upstream of the gate for allowing the gate to pivot between a closed position and an open position in which water flows beneath the gate. The gate includes a ballast tank having an upstream inlet for charging the ballast tank and a downstream outlet for discharging the ballast tank. The upstream inlet is arranged to start charging the ballast tank with water in the event of the upstream water level reaching a first lower level. The downstream outlet is arranged to start discharging the ballast tank in the event of the upstream water level reaching a second upper level, with the ingress of water into the ballast tank between the first and second levels progressively increasing the closing moment of the gate and maintaining it closed against the progressively increasing opening moment of upstream water pressure against the gate.

Abstract: The method for engaging a geosynthetic or erosion mat including a soil engaging layer to underlying ground includes the steps of feeding a length of twine out over the soil engaging layer of the mat, and pressing a loop of the twine into the ground at intermittent points therealong. If required, an enhancing step of compressing the ground over the pressed in twine may be incorporated into the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising a component of an underground sprinkler including a hydraulic actuator in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source normally associated with an underground sprinkler system, and operably connected to a base of the underground sprinkler. The hydraulic pressure provided by the pressurized fluid source is used to drive the hydraulic actuator and adjust the level of the base of the underground sprinkler within the ground. In a particular embodiment, the hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder and a wand in fluid communication with the pressurized water source. The wand is inserted into the ground around the sprinkler base, thus fluidizing the ground and allowing the operator to more easily move the sprinkler base.

Abstract: An improvement for use with a pier installation apparatus of the type employed in lifting and supporting a foundation is provided. The invention comprises a mounting beam assembly for mounting hydraulic power cylinders in a straddling position around a pier to be driven into the ground by the installation apparatus. The beam assembly is a planar member having a central opening for receiving the pier therethrough. It is comprised of opposing plate members upon which the hydraulic cylinders are mounted. The plate members each have an opening which allows passage through of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The mounting beam assembly allows for lateral placement around a pier in the installation apparatus, and may be completely disassembled for quick and efficient installation and removal.

Abstract: An anti-clogging or anti-bridging mechanism is disclosed which is structurally arranged to engage the nozzle ports in a cutting housing to seal the ports from pulverized road bed material. The mechanism further includes cable members which facilitate movement of the pulverized material through the cutting housing.