Abstract: This invention relates to containment booms and more particularly to a device particularly adapted for attaching a containment boom to any ferromagnetic surface at the water line, the device including a base member in the form of an elongated arm having a medial portion and opposite end portions, a float at the medial portion of the arm for imparting buoyancy to the device relative to a body of water, a magnet carried by a first of the opposite end portions for magnetically attaching the device to a ferromagnetic surface, a second of the opposite end portions including a loop for connecting a line thereto for applying a force to the device to detach or disconnect the magnetic connection thereof with an associated ferrometallic surface, and first and second couplers for respectively fixedly and movably connecting a containment boom to the device.

Abstract: A method of lining or relining a tunnel comprises the steps of deforming a collar for insertion into the tunnel, reforming the collar to locate it in the tunnel, overlapping the edges of a pipe having a single longitudinal split to reduce its cross-sectional area for insertion into the tunnel, re-aligning the edges and expanding the pipe in the tunnel for engagement with the sleeve, and securing the edges together to retain the pipe in its expanded form.

Abstract: A light weight hollow run-off trough which can be secured to a down spout while being substantially supported by the ground is disclosed. The trough includes a depression adjacent its rear end for accommodating the distal end of the down spout. The trough body is formed of a resiliently deformable molded plastic and the rear wall thereof includes a separable portion having the shape of an inverted T. In use, the distal end of the down spout is inserted into the depression and the inverted T shaped portion is bent by 180.degree., and the arms thereof are wrapped around a vertical portion of the down spout, and tied.

Abstract: This is a support assembly for underground mine and tunnel roofs. The assembly includes a tubular member comprising two opposed semi-cylindrical portions, the opposed longitudinal edges on one side of the member being connected together. Portions of the edges on the opposite side of the member are provided with one or more complemental mating angular recesses, which together form a tapered opening in the tubular wall for receiving wedge members. A ram successively engages the wedge members to force the same through the tapered opening, to effect expansion of the tubular member into bonding engagement with the roof.

Abstract: A pile hoop for slidably securing the end of a mainwalk or finger float to a marine pile. The pile hoop includes a cylindrical pipe forming a semicircular portion terminating in a pair of parallel legs. A rub shoe extending between the legs allows the semicircular portion and legs to completely surround the pile. The legs are inserted into respective tubes imbedded in the ends of the mainwalk or finger float. Tie rods extending transversely through the float pass through at least a portion of each tube and leg to secure the hoop to the float.

Abstract: A stiff, straight spar is allowed to pivot about an anchor on the seafloor. he location of the bottom with respect to the top is then determined by measuring the tilt of the spar and computing the offset of the bottom relative to the top. The straight member uses its internal buoyancy to remain erect and stable while the weight of the anchor keeps it in place on the seafloor. The top of the spar is tracked by shore stations while the tilt and heading of the spar is monitored by an instrumentation system. Simultaneous readings of the shore instruments and the spar's tilt and heading indicators allow direct determination of the anchor location relative to the shore. An air ballast control enables the apparatus to be easily maneuvered on the ocean bottom by divers or on the surface and an internal plumb bob system allows calibration of the overall system.

Abstract: Induced hydraulic intragardient system for, and method of preventing flow migration of liquid leachate from, a secure landfill arrangement, which contemplatesa low permeability inner primary liner for confining liquid leachate containing waste material landfill and a low permeability outer secondary liner for separating the arrangement from the surrounding subsurface formation thereat, and an intermediate permeable piezometric pressure blanket separating the liners from each other,plus a supply mechanism for supplying sufficient control liquid, e.g.

Abstract: The stabilizer comprises a generally tubular, metal body, the leading end of which has been hardened to rock-cutting strength in order that the stabilizer, according to the method of invention, can be impacted with a high frequency, low-blow actuator to cause the stabilizer to bore its own hole in the earth structure, this to eliminate a pre-boring, stabilizer installation step.

Abstract: A wave-and-tide-pump apparatus and method to provide a continuous flow of water from a large body of water to a small body of water, whereby the wave-and-tidal action of the first larger body of water is funneled into the second smaller body of water by means of a pump which is connected therebetween, the pump apparatus comprising an inlet mouth having a freely pivoted, flap-gate member that opens in the direction of the wave flow or incoming tide, thus allowing water to flow into a receiving reservoir and then pass through a conduit or tunnel which is connected to the second body of water, the water entering at a point opposite the natural inlet/outlet of the second body of water, thereby providing a continuous flow of water through the second body of water and establishing a flushing action.

Abstract: A barrier for impeding the spread of oil spilt on water comprising two angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10) each of which is moulded onto a respective angled stiffener (2 and 5) to form Z-shaped members (1 and 4) in cross-section. The two Z-shaped members (1 and 4) are positioned back to back so that each is a mirror image of the other. The ends of the angled stiffeners (2 and 5) remote from the angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10) are rotatably connected and the two angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10) are releasably joined by a fastener 7. A flexible membrane (3) passes around the ends of the angled stiffeners (2 and 5) remote from the angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10), each end of the membrane (3) being moulded into one of the angled buoyant rigid elements (9 and 10).

Abstract: A system for installing one or more side-by-side submerged pipelines from the shore while preventing abrasive contact between the pipe and any of the ground, the seabed or the equipment used. The line is assembled from joints on shore, clamped between timbers at spaced intervals, hauled down a track supported by the timbers to the water's edge where buoyant spherical wheels are detachably secured to the clamping timbers. The pipeline is pulled into the water, rolling on the wheels which maintain it in spaced relation to the seabed and which when the pipeline reaches its final destination, are released to float to the surface for retrieval. Additional lengths of pipe may be added periodically on the shore so that pipelines of any desired length can be installed. The wheel assemblies are released by pulling buoyed trip lines whose buoys floating on the surface mark the path of travel of the pipeline as it is pulled along the seabed.

Abstract: A corrugated metal open top pipe drain for the collection and removal of surface water from paved areas, such as highways, parking lots, airports and the like.

Abstract: A method and appartus are disclosed for making a subsea flowline connection between two pipelines. A connector assembly having a base plate is positioned on the sea floor to receive the ends of two intersecting pipelines. Once one of the pipelines is attached to the base plate, the base plate is displaced horizontally along the sea floor toward the other pipeline. When the second pipeline is attached to the base plate, the ends of the pipelines are a predetermined distance apart and a prefabricated spool piece is then remotely installed. In this manner, the base plate permits the connection of spatial and axial misalignments which otherwise would require the on-site fabrication and installation of a spool piece.

Abstract: A gutter screen hinge with a lock is disclosed. The hinge includes a clip to engage the edge of a gutter, and the clip carries one or more hinge loops to receive a wire of the gutter screen for hinging the screen. A finger extends from the clip, the finger having a hook at its end to engage a wire of the screen. The hook engages the screen at a point spaced from the hinge axis, thereby preventing hinging of the screen. The hook and screen are movable relative to each other to release the screen.

Abstract: A longwall mineral mining installation has a conveyor and a plurality of roof support units positioned side-by-side on the goaf side of the conveyor. Each roof support unit has a roof shield having an advanceable shield extension. Each unit has a first hydraulic ram for extending its shield extension, and a second hydraulic ram for advancing the conveyor. The extension of each first ram is controlled in dependence upon the retraction of one of the second rams (either the second ram of the same unit or that of an adjacent unit). This control is effected by controlling the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first rams. In one embodiment this is carried out by a control valve which has a spring-loaded plunger which engages with a series of equispaced cams on the movable cylinder of the associated second ram. In another embodiment, the piston rods of the rams are provided with series of equispaced magnets.

Abstract: In a system for leaching septic effluent from a source thereof, a first leach field has an input, a porous bed and means for distributing effluent from the input throughout the bed. A second leach field similarly has an inlet, a pervious bed and means for distributing effluent from that inlet throughout the pervious bed. Distribution means, having an intake coupled to the source, selectively feeds the effluent only to the input until the effluent level in the first field reaches a predetermined depth. Thereafter, the effluent is automatically fed to the inlet of the second leach field. The principle of operation is extended to the use of a third or more leach fields, the distribution means selectively feeding the effluent to the entrance to the third field only after the effluent in the second field reaches a preselected depth and so on.

Abstract: A borehole packer used with the water infusion system to control the movement of methane gas in an underground coal mine. A non-sparking plastic pipe or mandrel is mounted in each of a series of previously drilled generally horizontal boreholes. Normally this pipe is sealed by an encircling packer in the form of an expandable envelope. The mandrel and envelope are put in each borehole to a depth of about 110 to 185 feet with about 15 feet near the end away from the borehole entrance being opened. The flexible expandable envelope extends along almost all of the length of the hollow mandrel. In the volume between the outer surface of the mandrel and the envelope a hardenable fluid grout under pressure is pumped. As the grout fills this cavity the packer's flexible surface expands within the borehole until it forms a tight seal therewith. Because the grout is in an initial fluid state, it is flowable when forced into the packer and it can flow around irregular borehole surfaces.

Abstract: A dock clamp employed in combination with a dock support structure that supports a dock section at an adjusted height by means of post members that are slidable within corresponding sleeve members attached to the dock section, the dock clamp serving to provide a fixed frictional coupling between a pair of corresponding post and sleeve members. The dock clamp includes a pair of rigid pieces each having an open end and a pronged end with a tapered configuration that is wedged between corresponding post and sleeve members at opposing ends and at one side of the sleeve member for applying a radial force in a direction that drives said post and sleeve members together at the side opposite to said one side in response to an applied axial force. The dock clamp further includes fastener means for applying an axial force by forcing facing open ends of said pair of rigid pieces toward one another.