Abstract: A construction layout for caverns of an underground nuclear power plant, including: two primary caverns accommodating nuclear reactor powerhouses, combined caverns, electric powerhouse caverns, pressure relief caverns, a first primary traffic tunnel, a second primary traffic tunnel, a third primary traffic tunnel, a top adit system, and a ground adit system. Each combined cavern is disposed on one side of each of the two primary caverns. Each electric powerhouse cavern and each pressure relief cavern are disposed on two sides of each of the two primary caverns perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mountain. Each electric powerhouse cavern is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mountain. The first primary traffic tunnel and the third primary traffic tunnel are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the mountain on outer sides of the two combined caverns, respectively.

Abstract: A three part foundation system for supporting a building is described. Three part foundation systems can include a containment vessel, which constrains a buffer medium to an area above the containment vessel, and a construction platform. A building can be built on the construction platform. In a particular embodiment, during operation, the construction platform and structures built on the construction platform can float on the buffer medium. In an earthquake, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium may experience greatly reduced shear forces. In a flood, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium can be configured to rise as water levels rise to limit flood damage.

Abstract: A process for treating contaminated subsoil is provided that includes arranging at least one hole in contaminated subsoil, inserting at least one piping into the at least one hole, the at least one piping being longitudinally equipped with at least one first valve; inserting or arranging at least one injecting means into the at least one piping, and injecting at least one fluid into the contaminated subsoil through the at least one injecting means and next to the at least one first valve in open configuration; and removing possible residuals present in the at least one piping following the injection of the at least one fluid.

Abstract: A rotational coupling arrangement, such as for use with a vehicle, is provided. The coupling arrangement includes a first rotational component have at least one straight groove, the groove having a sidewall. A second rotational component is coupled to the first rotational component, the second rotational component having at least one projection. The at least one projection having a linear profile between a first end and a second end, the at least one projection having a first section adjacent the first end and a second section adjacent the second end. The first section is sized to define a first gap between the first section and the sidewall, the second section being sized to define a second gap between the second section and the sidewall. The second gap is smaller than the first gap.

Abstract: A casing assembly for forming a cast-in-place pile (CIP) retaining wall based on a CIP method. The assembly comprising: a hollow elongate cylinder having a hollow cylindrical inner space defined therein; a H-beam guide received within the hollow cylindrical inner space of the hollow elongate cylinder; and a first H beam having a vertical column form and inserted into the H-beam guide, wherein the H-beam guide includes: a hollow beam-guide frame having a rectangular cross-section such that the first H beam is insertably guided in and along the hollow beam-guide frame; and an outer rounded frame coupled to an outer face of the hollow beam-guide frame, wherein an outer face of the outer rounded frame conforms to an inner face of the hollow elongate cylinder, wherein a top portion of the outer rounded frame is fixed to a top portion of the hollow elongate cylinder via a fastening flange.

Abstract: An adjustable position limb support for surgical tables consisting of a support arm pivotally mounted at one end to a base which is attachable to the table and an externally powered position actuator pivotally mounted to the support arm and the base at positions spaced apart from the support arm pivot. The actuator is extendable and retractable and may be powered either electrically, hydraulically, or by compressed air. The actuator is controlled by a suitable device within the actuator or remote from it and an appropriate appliance for holding the limb is provided on the support arm.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head-clamping device for surgical purposes, specifically for intra-operatively fixing the patient's head in any anatomically possible position, the center of rotation of the head clamp being in the cervical vertebral region of the patient.

Abstract: A chin support pillow for supporting a person's head in an upright position while sitting. The pillow includes an elongate cushioning body with a cloth covered foam core and a zippered cloth outer cover. A flexible strap extends from one end of the body and is connectable to the other end of the body using interconnecting patches of hook and loop fastener material to bend the body at the center into a V-shaped configuration. The center of the body in such a V-shaped configuration fits between the chin and the upper chest region of the person with the first and second legs extending along and fitting between opposite lower edges of the jaw and the respective shoulder regions to support the person's head. The flexible member extends around the back of the person's neck and is of adjustable length to custom fit the person wearing the chin support pillow.

Abstract: A mitred grate and drain cover comprises a peripheral edge having an upper and lower surface and a substantially elliptical shape which defines a space, and a plurality of cross pieces within the space. Depending sidewalls extend from the lower surface of the peripheral edge, and are constructed with respect to the peripheral edge such that they are at an angle other than 90° to the peripheral edge. The sidewalls define a space for receiving a pipe.

Abstract: A tunnel excavating machine of high-speed construction capable of completely stopping invasion of water and allowing covering members to be assembled easily is provided. This tunnel excavating machine comprises: a cylindrical excavating machine main portion 1 provided with a cutter head 4 and fit to an external periphery of an existing segment S through a tail seal 23; a cylindrical excavating machine auxiliary portion 2 fit to the inside of the excavating machine main portion 1 movably in the back and forth directions and provided with an erector 25 for assembling the segments; a plurality of main propulsion jacks 22 disposed between the main portion 1 and the auxiliary portion 2; and a plurality of auxiliary propulsion jacks 22 mounted on the auxiliary portion 2 and capable of being retracted with respect to the segment S.

Abstract: Device for inserting foreign matters into the soil and/or for compacting the soil, comprising a countersinking unit (22) with a depth vibrator, that is coupled to an articulated arm, in addition to a control device through which the articulated arms (2, 3, 4) can be controlled in such a way that the countersinking unit can be displaced linearly in a predetermined direction along its longitudinal extension.