Abstract: A method providing a self-dispensing additive for buffering a projectile trapping medium and passivating spent projectiles trapped therein. The additive is a buffering compound formed as blocks of low-density foamed-concrete that self-dispenses the additive when contacted by the fired projectiles. The blocks contain dry components that may include one or more of low-solubility phosphate compounds, low-solubility aluminum compounds, iron compounds, sulfate compounds, and calcium carbonate mixed with a cementing material, water, and an aqueous-based foam in substantially stoichiometric amounts. The aqueous-based foam is added in a quantity sufficient to adjust the density of the block to neutral buoyancy in the projectile-trapping medium. The additive chemically stabilizes the medium while also passivating projectiles, in particular heavy-metal projectiles, trapped in the medium.

Abstract: A method providing a self-dispensing additive for buffering a projectile trapping medium and passivating spent projectiles trapped therein. The additive is a buffering compound formed as blocks of low-density foamed-concrete that self-dispenses the additive when contacted by the fired projectiles. The blocks contain dry components that may include one or more of low-solubility phosphate compounds, low-solubility aluminum compounds, iron compounds, sulfate compounds, and calcium carbonate mixed with a cementing material, water, and an aqueous-based foam in substantially stoichiometric amounts. The aqueous-based foam is added in a quantity sufficient to adjust the density of the block to neutral buoyancy in the projectile-trapping medium. The additive chemically stabilizes the medium while also passivating projectiles, in particular heavy-metal projectiles, trapped in the medium.

Abstract: A continuous covered area, such as a sidewalk or patio, is formed by vertically interlocking tessellated components. One embodiment, termed PORTAPAVE™, achieves this interlocking via an array of uniquely configured two-sectioned pavers. Each paver has a first section of a first shape and a second section of a second shape impressed upon the first section and bonded together. In one embodiment, first sections of pavers in an installed bottom layer form a cavity between them having the same shape as the second section of a paver that is inverted onto the pavers of the bottom layer, thus providing a top layer. Each inverted paver in this top layer is fitted to interlock in that cavity formed between the un-inverted pavers in the bottom layer. Also provided is a method of making the components, e.g., pavers, and a method of installing them.

Abstract: A modular bullet trap cover element generally includes a shell filled with a projectile trapping medium, preferably a mixture of a resilient granular ballistic medium and a hydrated super absorbent polymer (SAP) gel. The shell may be made of any of a number of fabric or polymeric materials. In embodiments, the shell includes at least two bags, an inner bag and at least one outer bag, each of which has an open end and a sealed end, connected to one another such that the outer bags may be inverted over the inner bag to cover at least a portion thereof. The modular cover element is formed by filling the inner bag with the projectile trapping medium and then inverting the outer bags to produce a multi-layer shell. In embodiments, the outer bags and inner bag are rotatably connected, permitting the outer bags to be rotated with respect to the inner bag such that bullet holes in the inner and outer bags no longer line up with each other.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering particulate materials employs an improved dewatering probe generally including a single non-conducting pipe having a plurality of holes or slots, an anode mounted on the pipe adjacent one end of the pipe, and a cathode mounted on the pipe adjacent the opposite end of the pipe. The pipe serves as both a sonde for mounting the anode and cathode and as a well for extracting water that collects around the outside of the pipe and flows into the interior of the pipe through the holes or slots via gravitational and electro-osmotic forces. A pump may be used to extract both collected water and accumulated electrolytic gases from the pipe's interior. In embodiments, an array of guide electrodes is mounted on the pipe in addition to the anode and the cathode in order to deflect the major current flow out into the body of surrounding particulate materials. The guide electrodes also facilitate rapid depolarization of the probe.

Abstract: The present invention is a simulated stone structure having a base with an upfacing planar surface and a continuous groove formed in the surface. A plurality of mutually interlocking wall sections are engaged with the groove to form a continuous wall extending upwardly from the planar surface. The wall sections may be U-shaped with one leg in the groove and the other in contact with the periphery of the base. The wall sections partially overlap each other. s an abutting one of the wall sections. Additional wall sections may be placed atop the first set and interlocked with them. A topper piece may be placed on the additional wall sections for securement thereof.

Abstract: An additive for buffering a projectile trapping medium and spent projectiles trapped therein is a buffering compound formed as a low density foamed concrete block that will self-dispense via fragmentation or pulverization when subjected to incoming fire. The block combines at least one dry component selected from the group consisting of low solubility phosphate compounds, low solubility aluminum compounds, iron compounds, sulfate compounds, and calcium carbonate with a cementing material, water, and an aqueous based foam in substantially stoichiometric amounts. The aqueous based foam is added in a quantity sufficient to adjust the density of the resulting block to be non-buoyant without sinking in the projectile trapping medium. The additive may be employed in a projectile trapping medium to chemically stabilize the medium and environmentally stabilize projectiles trapped therein.

Abstract: A barrier to fluid passage is embedded within, instead of atop, porous material to retain the durability of the surface of the porous material. In one embodiment, a thin set mortar is applied to a concrete slab. A pleated metal foil is pressed into the wet mortar and a bond is established. The mortar is allowed to set and a top, or finish, section of concrete is then poured over the foil and finished conventionally. Provisions are made for sealing expansion joints in concrete slab floors and at the juncture of floor and wall. The foil may be provided in multiple layers to provide a mechanical bond via mortar oozing through perforations or along pleats in each of the top and bottoms layers, while providing a solid layer through which a fluid will not pass, at least in one direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may be used to form a continuous covered area, such as a sidewalk or patio, by vertically interlocking tessellated components. One embodiment, termed PORTAPAVE™, achieves this interlocking via an array of uniquely configured two-sectioned pavers. Each paver has a first section of a first shape and a second section of a second shape impressed upon the first section and bonded together. In one embodiment, first sections of pavers in an installed bottom layer form a cavity between them having the same shape as the second section of a paver that is inverted onto the pavers of the bottom layer, thus providing a top layer. Each inverted paver in this top layer is fitted to interlock in that cavity formed between the un-inverted pavers in the bottom layer. Also provided is a method of making the components, e.g., pavers, and a method of installing them.

Abstract: An Electro-Osmotic Pulse (EOP) system is used to dewater structure, both natural and manmade. Preferably, the system employs durable, dimensionally stable anodes affixed to structure in a configuration designed to maximize electrical contact with the structure and minimize electrode gas generation. The anodes and cathodes are attached to a DC power supply that provides a voltage potential between them. DC power is cycled until the structure has been sufficiently treated. Select embodiments employ perforated metal pipes as cathodes for the purpose of transport and drainage of fluids. In select embodiments of the present invention, the cathodes are connected to variable resistors designed to reduce opportunity for corrosion of buried metal objects in the vicinity of the EOP system. Select embodiments employ a pre-specified pulse train of DC voltage pulses to migrate water from under a crawl space while moving available cations in the soil. Select embodiments also protect large structures such as concrete dams.

Abstract: Structure incorporating lead is fabricated from specially prepared components such that mobility of the lead is impeded when the structure is exposed to an unprotected environment such as weathering outdoors or saltwater. In a preferred embodiment, a bullet or bullet core is swaged from a number of bunched electroplated fine lead or lead-alloy wires placed in a die. The lead or lead-alloy wires may be fabricated from lead or lead-alloy wool. The lead alloy may comprise zinc and antimony. The electroplating process plates zinc on the fine wires and may plate a zinc alloy such as zinc-aluminum. The plated surface may be coated with a corrosion resistant coating such as molybdenum phosphate. In addition to bullets and bullet cores, fishing weights, lead shielding, counterweights, ballast, and other lead containing structure may be fabricated or treated using methods and materials of the present invention.

Abstract: A backstop for decelerating and trapping projectiles generally includes a support structure having an inclined surface and a projectile trapping medium disposed on the inclined surface. The projectile trapping medium may be either a resilient granular ballistic medium or a combination of a ballistic medium with a hydrated super absorbent polymer (SAP) gel. Preferably, the support structure is made of a shock absorbing, foamed, fiber-reinforced concrete, such as SACON®. In embodiments, the support structure also includes an enclosure. Additives may also be mixed into the projectile trapping medium to control alkalinity and prevent leaching of heavy metals.

Abstract: An additive for buffering a projectile trapping medium and spent projectiles trapped therein is a buffering compound formed as a low density foamed concrete block that will self-dispense via fragmentation or pulverization when subjected to incoming fire. The block combines at least one dry component selected from the group consisting of low solubility phosphate compounds, low solubility aluminum compounds, iron compounds, sulfate compounds, and calcium carbonate with a cementing material, water, and an aqueous based foam in substantially stoichiometric amounts. The aqueous based foam is added in a quantity sufficient to adjust the density of the resulting block to be non-buoyant without sinking in the projectile trapping medium. The additive may be employed in a projectile trapping medium to chemically stabilize the medium and environmentally stabilize projectiles trapped therein.

Abstract: A backstop for decelerating and trapping projectiles generally includes a support structure having an inclined surface and a projectile trapping medium disposed on the inclined surface. The projectile trapping medium may be either a resilient granular ballistic medium or a combination of a ballistic medium with a hydrated super absorbent polymer (SAP) gel. Preferably, the support structure is made of a shock absorbing, foamed, fiber-reinforced concrete, such as SACON®. In embodiments, the support structure also includes an enclosure. Additives may also be mixed into the projectile trapping medium to control alkalinity and prevent leaching of heavy metals.

Abstract: A modular bullet trap cover element generally includes a shell filled with a projectile trapping medium, preferably a mixture of a resilient granular ballistic medium and a hydrated super absorbent polymer (SAP) gel. The shell may be made of any of a number of fabric or polymeric materials. In embodiments, the shell includes at least two bags, an inner bag and at least one outer bag, each of which has an open end and a sealed end, connected to one another such that the outer bags may be inverted over the inner bag to cover at least a portion thereof. The modular cover element is formed by filling the inner bag with the projectile trapping medium and then inverting the outer bags to produce a multi-layer shell. In embodiments, the outer bags and inner bag are rotatably connected, permitting the outer bags to be rotated with respect to the inner bag such that bullet holes in the inner and outer bags no longer line up with each other.

Abstract: Structure incorporating lead is fabricated from specially prepared components such that mobility of the lead is impeded when the structure is exposed to an unprotected environment such as weathering outdoors or saltwater. In a preferred embodiment, a bullet or bullet core is swaged from a number of bunched electroplated fine lead or lead-alloy wires placed in a die. The lead or lead-alloy wires may be fabricated from lead or lead-alloy wool. The lead alloy may comprise zinc and antimony. The electroplating process plates zinc on the fine wires and may plate a zinc alloy such as zinc-aluminum. The plated surface may be coated with a corrosion resistant coating such as molybdenum phosphate. In addition to bullets and bullet cores, fishing weights, lead shielding, counterweights, ballast, and other lead containing structure may be fabricated or treated using methods and materials of the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for dewatering particulate materials employs an improved dewatering probe generally including a single non-conducting pipe having a plurality of holes or slots, an anode mounted on the pipe adjacent one end of the pipe, and a cathode mounted on the pipe adjacent the opposite end of the pipe. The pipe serves as both a sonde for mounting the anode and cathode and as a well for extracting water that collects around the outside of the pipe and flows into the interior of the pipe through the holes or slots via gravitational and electro-osmotic forces. A pump may be used to extract both collected water and accumulated electrolytic gases from the pipe's interior. In embodiments, an array of guide electrodes is mounted on the pipe in addition to the anode and the cathode in order to deflect the major current flow out into the body of surrounding particulate materials. The guide electrodes also facilitate rapid depolarization of the probe.

Abstract: A backstop for decelerating and trapping projectiles includes a support structure having an upper surface and at least one bin region shielded from incoming rounds. A projectile trapping medium, preferably a mixture of a resilient granular ballistic medium and a hydrated super absorbent polymer (SAP) gel, is disposed on the upper surface and within the bins. Bins are defined by one or more transverse baffles spanning substantially the entire width of the backstop. The baffles are preferably constructed of a non-ricochet producing material. Natural or induced vibrations will urge trapped rounds downwards into the bins. In embodiments, the lower surface of one or more bins declines toward either or both sides of the backstop, such that vibration urges spent rounds towards collection points along the sides of the backstop. Access ports may be provided in the backstop sidewalls proximate these collection points to allow for removal of spent rounds.

Abstract: Magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite), suitable for use as a slow-release fertilizer for example, is produced by mixing animal manure with a pre-specified amount of a magnesium-rich compound. A pre-specified amount of an enzyme, such as an urease or uricase, is added to the resultant mixture. The temperature and pH of this mixture are maintained within a pre-specified range to facilitate precipitation of the magnesium ammonium phosphate. Optionally, the enzyme-supplemented mixture may be inoculated with a pre-specified amount of bacteria, such as Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus globisporus, or Bacillus fusiformis, or a species of Bacillus identified as Bacillus sp. SB1. This bacteria-supplemented mixture is then allowed to incubate for about 14 days to form struvite.

Abstract: The present invention is a simulated stone structure having a base with an upfacing planar surface and a continuous groove formed in the surface. A plurality of mutually interlocking wall sections are engaged with the groove to form a continuous wall extending upwardly from the planar surface. The wall sections may be U-shaped with one leg in the groove and the other in contact with the periphery of the base. The wall sections partially overlap each other. s an abutting one of the wall sections. Additional wall sections may be placed atop the first set and interlocked with them. A topper piece may be placed on the additional wall sections for securement thereof.