Abstract: A leg stretching apparatus includes an elevation mechanism resting; an elevation structure mounted to the elevation mechanism for lifting and lowering the elevation structure; a first leg support member pivotally connected to the elevation structure and extending from the elevation structure to a support structure in a first direction; and a second leg support member pivotally connected to the elevation structure and extending from the elevation structure to a support means in a second direction; so that operation of the elevation mechanism in one direction lifts the elevation structure so that the first leg support member and the second leg support member pivot progressively downwardly from the elevation structure, and operation of the elevation mechanism in another direction lowers the elevation structure so that the first leg support member and the second leg support member pivot progressively upwardly from the elevation structure.

Abstract: The object is to provide a construction method of an information-communicable underground pipe whereby communication cables can be readily laid in an underground pipeline having a main pipe and branch pipes branched therefrom thereby allowing the underground pipeline to be used as an information-communicable underground pipe, and to provide a construction structure and a construction member therefor.

Abstract: A subsurface drainage assembly for directing fluid drainage from a surface. The subsurface drainage assembly includes a plurality of drain structure panels linked together in a manner that permits movement of one drain structure panel relative to the adjacent drain structure panel. The drain structure panels have a laterally extensive backing grid and a plurality of spaced apart support members projecting therefrom. The support members have at least one fluid flow opening formed through a sidewall so as to intersect a lower end of the support members at two rounded corners. The support members are spaced so that the support members are nestable between the support members of an identical drain structure panel when the drain structure panels are arranged in an inverted relationship with respect to one another. The drain structure panel may be placed on an impermeable liner having an upper surface with a plurality of ridges defining troughs therebetween.

Abstract: A subsurface support includes a soil nail of two-piece construction. The body of the soil nail is constructed of fiberglass. The tip of the soil nail is constructed of a machined metal piece that is secured to the distal end of the fiberglass body. The soil nail is preferably installed by a launching device.

Abstract: A slip joint for a riser between a well and a floating petroleum installation, for example an oil platform. The slip joint includes, an outer pipe and an inner pipe, the pipes arranged to enable telescopic movement relative to one another in order to compensate for a change in distance between the sea bottom and the platform. The inner pipe is connected to a piston, the piston being operable in response to hydraulic pressure for inflicting a tensile force on riser. The outer diameter of the inner pipe is adapted to the diameter of outer pipe so as to form an annulus between the pipes. The piston is fixedly connected to inner pipe at or close to a downwardly directed end thereof, the annulus and the piston being subjected to hydraulic pressure. A protective sleeve is provided below the piston, which is slippingly arranged within outer pipe.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: Panel for aircraft landing strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an embankment block. There are provided a base frame 30 having a center with a through hole, and a plurality of connection members 32 that are downwardly extended from an outer surface of a rim of the base frame 30 wherein a front end of the same has an outwardly bent connection part 38. A plurality of through holes 34 are formed in a rim of the base frame 30 wherein said through holes 34 vertically pass through by the partition plate 36. The connection member 32 is widened in an outer direction of the rim of the base frame 30 and is slanted at a certain slope.

Abstract: A post mounting assembly includes a rod has an upper end, a lower end and a peripheral surface extending between the upper and lower ends. The rod has an upper portion and a lower portion relative to a central area of the rod. The upper portion includes the upper end. The peripheral surface of the upper portion has a first threading and the peripheral surface of the lower portion has a second threading. The upper end is extended into an aperture extending into a bottom end of a fence post and threadably coupled to the fence post. The lower end is extended into a ground surface.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a structure, a vortex induced vibration monitoring system, adapted to monitor a vortex induced vibration level of the structure, a tensioner connected to the structure, and a controller adapted to calculate a tension on the structure to optimize the vortex induced vibration value of the structure.

Abstract: A wale for use in bracing a retaining wall. The wale is comprise of a back wall, a front wall having a channel formed therein, and a plurality connecting walls connecting the back and front walls to form at least one chamber between the back and front walls. In one embodiment, the wale is of unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes top and bottom walls which form a single chamber between the back and front walls. In an alternative embodiment, the wale is of a unitary construction and the plurality of connecting walls includes atop, upper reinforcing, lower reinforcing, and bottom walls, which form a plurality of chambers between the back and front walls. The wale may by made of a pultruded composite material such as a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) resin impregnated composite. A seawall system using such a waler is also described.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of one or more layers of void-maintaining synthetic drainable base courses (“VMSDBC's”) are provided as incorporated into landfills and other waste containment facilities.

Abstract: A molded plastic corrugated arch shape cross section leaching chamber, which is adapted for connection to a like chamber with a pivotable connection, has a hanger for a dosing pipe which is contained within the concavity of a peak corrugation of the end of a mating chamber.

Abstract: A concrete form with a keyway with an opening between opposing keyway lips together with a base that fits through the keyway opening and rotates without restriction in the keyway such that a portion of the base rests behind the keyway lips so when it is pulled as a clamp or tie is exercised to secure a stake to the form the base is secured tight against the form front. The concrete form further has at least one brace wall extending between intermediate the keyway back wall and the form back. Form end connectors securable in form ends are provided that join two forms aligned end to end.

Abstract: A reconfigurable barrier system (10) includes a plurality of support units (100) spaced one from the other, with each support unit (100) having at least one engagement section (110) defining an elongate channel (112). System (10) further includes at least one retention unit (200) that is substantially impervious to liquid, and is supported to extend between a pair of support units (100). Each retention unit (200) is formed with a pair of opposed engagement portions (212) which slidably engage respective ones of the support unit channels (112). Each retention unit (200) is also formed with a seal portion (220) that extends along a longitudinal edge of at least an intermediate portion (214) between the engagement portions (212). A barrier section (15) is defined by each pair of support units (100) and the at least one retention unit (200) supported thereby.

Abstract: A piling anti-lift system utilizes a heat trace cable secured around a piling and extending above and below the water level of the surrounding water. An annular space is formed between the piling anti-lift system. The heated piling anti-lift system prevents the water in the annular space from freezing and thereby prevents the piling from being subject to uplifting or heaving that results from the rising tide of surrounding frozen waters. In the event of extreme water temperatures and the freezing of the water in the formed annular space, the piling anti-lift system keeps the piling independent of the frozen surrounding water. In this situation, the piling anti-lift system will break free from the frozen water in the annular area and rise with the rising tide waters, thus continuing to keep the piling independent from the rising frozen tide waters.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for removing an obsolete drill platform that includes a body having a plurality of caissons embedded in a ground of an ocean or inland sea. The method includes the steps of vibrating at least one of the caissons, and lifting the at least one caisson from the ground while it is still being vibrated. The present invention is further directed to a method for installing a caisson on a floor of an ocean or inland. The method includes the steps of placing an end of the caisson on the floor, vibrating the caisson and forcing a portion of the caisson into the floor.

Abstract: A floating moored oilfield production structure for deepwater application. An apparatus and a method for the construction and installation of floating oilfield production structures, wherein the deck structure is supported by multiple pairs of inclined buoyant legs which in turn support a subsurface damping plate structure for reducing the motions of the platform. The structure initially is initially constructed in a first configuration in relatively shallow water and then towed to a deepwater location where it is reconfigured to its operational configuration. The major structural components are joined by selectably operable pin connections.

Abstract: A method of making a mattress component includes providing a first layer of a first material. Mating patterns are shaped in a surface of the first layer in areas corresponding to a position where hips and shoulders of the user will rest on a mattress. The mating patterns in the surface of the first layer result in a greater effective thickness of the first layer in areas corresponding to the position where the hips and the shoulders will rest, and a lesser effective thickness of the first layer in other areas. A second layer has a second material with different properties than the first material. Mating patterns are shaped in a surface of the second layer in areas corresponding to the mating patterns of the first layer and shaped to substantially match with the mating patterns of the first layer.

Abstract: A lightweight trench shield having side panels spaced apart by spreaders. Each panel has a core formed of a metal honeycomb with the core faces having a fiber in resin matrix layer thereon. The core density varies with regions proximate the spreader supports being increased to provide support for side loads. The spreader supports receive the ends of the spreaders and distribute the applied loads outwardly from the spreader via a mounting ring.