Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing vegetation in a hot, arid, coastal location includes installing, at or below grade, a mat containing seeds, and/or seedlings, and a super absorbent polymer (SAP), the mat being cooperative with a thermally conductive network in thermal communication with an evaporative panel that is cooled by seawater evaporation, thereby drawing heat away from the mat. A seawater reservoir can collect seawater draining from the cooling panel. A pumping system can recirculate the collected seawater to the cooling panel, thereby converting the seawater into brine, which can be periodically transferred to a drying tray for production of salt. A perforated, transparent or translucent cover sheet can be placed on or suspended above the mat. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cooling panel can be incorporated into a wall of a cooling greenhouse that surrounds and contains the mat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing vegetation in a hot, arid, coastal location includes installing, at or below grade, a mat containing seeds, and/or seedlings, and a super absorbent polymer (SAP), the mat being cooperative with a thermally conductive network in thermal communication with an evaporative panel that is cooled by seawater evaporation, thereby drawing heat away from the mat. A seawater reservoir can collect seawater draining from the cooling panel. A pumping system can recirculate the collected seawater to the cooling panel, thereby converting the seawater into brine, which can be periodically transferred to a drying tray for production of salt. A perforated, transparent or translucent cover sheet can be placed on or suspended above the mat. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cooling panel can be incorporated into a wall of a cooling greenhouse that surrounds and contains the mat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an inhospitable location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; providing a water reservoir below grade at the inhospitable location; placing the mat at the inhospitable location over the water reservoir; extending at least one wick from the mat to the water reservoir; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. The wick can be infused with nutrients and/or fertilizer. Hollow tubes can extend downward from the mat to enable excess water to flow into the reservoir. The hollow tubes can surround the wicks. The transparent cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or fertilizer can be placed between mats in a stack. A water distribution system can be included for supplying additional water to the water reservoir.

Abstract: A device and method for penetrating a hydrophobic layer caused by a fire and introducing new vegetation into a forest floor includes seeds, seedlings, and/or saplings carried within a plurality of tapered containers, possibly mixed with soil, sand, gravel, fertilizer, SAP granules, and/or water. The containers are inserted into the ground through the hydrophobic layer by dropping or propelling them from an aircraft, or manually pressing on them. One or more holes proximate the bottoms of the containers enable rain water and germinating roots to penetrate into soil beneath the hydrophobic layer. A perforated lid can prevent the seeds or seedlings from being ejected upon impact with the forest floor. A weighted tip can improve penetration of the containers into the forest floor. A plurality of tapered containers can extend downward from a tray or frame. The container and/or perforated lid can be made from biodegradable materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; placing the mat at the arid location; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. Most or all of the apparatus can be biodegradable or removable, and the sand or soil can be similar to indigenous sand or soil. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or additional water barriers can be placed between mats in a stack. The opacity of the cover can be increased to emulate shade from natural vegetation. A water distribution system can be included for continued support of the vegetation, and can include a water reservoir and/or at least one solar still.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; placing the mat at the arid location; covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover; collecting urine in a water purification system; and providing purified water extracted from the urine to the mat. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or additional water barriers can be placed between mats in a stack. The opacity of the cover can be increased to emulate shade from natural vegetation. A water distribution system can be included for continued support of the vegetation, and can include a water reservoir and/or at least one solar still.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; placing the mat at the arid location; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. Most or all of the apparatus can be biodegradable or removable, and the sand or soil can be similar to indigenous sand or soil. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or additional water barriers can be placed between mats in a stack. The opacity of the cover can be increased to emulate shade from natural vegetation. A water distribution system can be included for continued support of the vegetation, and can include a water reservoir and/or at least one solar still.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier system includes a plurality of water-fillable modules, each module being internally divided into cells that emulates a section of a sandbag dike or wall. Adjacent modules are interconnected by fastening mechanisms, such as loops attached to fronts or sides of the modules and connected by straps or clamps. Automatic valves can seal openings between the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. In embodiments, the barrier can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. A manifold can be used to simultaneously fill a plurality of cells. A flexible sheet can be installed beneath and in front of the assembled barrier so as to inhibit leakage of water under or between the cells.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier system includes a plurality of water-fillable modules, each module being internally divided into cells that emulates a section of a sandbag dike or wall. Adjacent modules are interconnected by fastening mechanisms, such as loops attached to fronts or sides of the modules and connected by straps or clamps. Automatic valves can seal openings between the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. In embodiments, the barrier can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. A manifold can be used to simultaneously fill a plurality of cells. A flexible sheet can be installed beneath and in front of the assembled barrier so as to inhibit leakage of water under or between the cells.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier system includes a barrier internally divided into cells that emulates a section of a sandbag dike or wall. Automatic valves can seal openings between the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. In embodiments the barrier can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. The system further includes a base with water inflatable front and back panels. The side panels and bottom panel of the base can be water inflatable or flat. The base can be used to increase friction with the ground, protect against stones, and/or to support a leveling wedge or leveling material such as sand or spray foam when located on a sloped surface. A plurality of adjacent bases and barriers can provide an extended barrier system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; placing the mat at the arid location; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. Most or all of the apparatus can be biodegradable or removable, and the sand or soil can be similar to indigenous sand or soil. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or additional water barriers can be placed between mats in a stack. The opacity of the cover can be increased to emulate shade from natural vegetation. A water distribution system can be included for continued support of the vegetation, and can include a water reservoir and/or at least one solar still.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting erosion at a coastal location includes inducing coastal vegetation to take root in a site-compatible mat including a biodegradable mat combined at most with fertilizer, sand, and/or soil. After the coastal vegetation has taken root in the site-compatible mat, the mat is placed on the coastal location, and the coastal vegetation is allowed to take root as the biodegradable mat decomposes. In embodiments, the coastal location can be a flat area of sand, or a constructed or naturally occurring sand dune. The site-compatible mat can include fertilizer and/or coir, which can be brown coir. The mat can include and/or be covered by sand or soil having a composition that is substantially equivalent to sand or soil that is indigenous to the coastal location. Bird roosting stakes can be planted through the mat.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled module suitable for use as a barrier or inclusion in a barrier is internally divided into cells and emulates a section of a sandbag dike or wall without requiring sand or intensive labor to install. Automatic valves can seal openings between the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. Cells can project below the base into a stabilizing trench. Some embodiments can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. Side structures of the module can enable interlocking with adjacent modules. In embodiments, rigid steps span the module to provide structural support and enable traversing of the module. The steps can be attachable to the module. The light, flexible walls of the module can include nanofiber.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier emulates a sandbag dike or wall without requiring sand or intensive labor to install. The barrier is made of a light, flexible material that can include nanofiber. Some embodiments are formed from a plurality of interlocked water-filled cells, with a forward-facing water barrier sheet. Other embodiments are unitary shells that are internally divided into cells, with internal openings that permit water to flow between cells. Automatic valves can seal the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. A row or rows of cells can project below the base into a stabilizing trench. Cells can include internal or external rods or plates that support the horizontal structure. Embodiments can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. Barrier end structures can enable interlocking of adjacent units.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for managing funds in anticipation of paying at least two financial obligations, such as an estimated tax payment and a mortgage payment. The due dates and amounts due are determined from customer financial information. During an escrow period leading up to the first obligation due date, amounts of money are transferred on at least two occasions from a customer account into a second account, whereby the combined value of the transferred amounts substantially matches the estimated tax or other amount due for the first obligation. The transfer amounts and/or timing are adjusted so as to maintain sufficient funds in the customer account for paying the other obligations. The transferred money is used to automatically pay the first obligation on or near the due date. In embodiments, the customer can access the money in the second account until the first financial obligation is paid.