Abstract: A support matrix especially adapted for use with a spill containment pan having a reservoir defined by upstanding walls having upper edges and a generally flat-bottomed wall includes a porous grate that bridges the reservoir, a connection between the grate and the upper edges of the upstanding walls, and support walls connected to the grate and depending therefrom, the support walls having portions that contact the flat-bottomed wall. The lower edges of the support walls may be provided with cut-out portions that permit fluid to flow from one side of the support walls to the other. The support matrix is modular in nature so that one or more can easily be inserted into and removed from the reservoir.

Abstract: Construction blocks for use in constructing retaining walls, embankment stabilizing matrixes, planters, waterway protection walls, and similar structures include a generally C-shaped block, a straight block, a generally Z-shaped block, and a generally S-shaped block. The blocks have a center section having a length X. Except for the straight block, wings project outwardly from each end of the center section. The wings have a length ½X and extend from the centerline of the center section at an angle of 120 degrees. The blocks include grooves on their upper surfaces and tongues that project from their lower surfaces. The grooves and tongues are interconnected when blocks are superimposed so as to provide a stable structure. In addition, the ends of the wings include openings into which dowels can be inserted in order to connect adjacent blocks and thereby provide additional stability. The blocks are attractive, strong, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A spill containment apron is made of a fluid-impervious sheet that forms a receptacle from which side flaps and end flaps extend. A plurality of straps having hook and loop fasteners at each end are passed under the sheet and extend on either side thereof. A plurality of magnets are included as part of the side flaps and end flaps. A drain valve is provided for the bottom of the receptacle. A pair of dams are disposed in the receptacle near the ends thereof. The apron can be folded compactly for storage and transportation, but can be unfolded quickly and attached easily to a leaking container such as a railroad tank car. The straps, magnets, and dams cooperate to minimize or prevent spillage of the contents of the receptacle.

Abstract: Spill containment apparatus especially adapted for use at a railroad siding to catch inadvertent chemical spills includes a shallow, rectangular pan having upstanding, opposed sidewalls and upstanding, opposed endwalls. Flaps are pivotally connected to the sidewalls near the upper edges thereof. The flaps can be moved from a first position where they are stored inside the pan to a second position where they extend laterally outside the pan and over the railroad tracks. A longitudinally movable cover is provided for the pan, the cover being mounted on tracks for back and forth movement between a first position where the pan is covered to a second position where the pan is exposed. In the second position of the cover, the flaps are permitted to move between their first and second positions. Because the flaps can be stored inside the pan, the size of the pan when not in service is relatively small. Because the flaps can be extended in use, the effective surface area protected by the pan is quite large.

Abstract: A transportable spill containment pan includes a reservoir that can be disposed between, and rested upon, conventional railroad rails beneath a stationary railroad tank car. The pan includes a pair of flaps that can be moved from a closed position where they overlie the reservoir and provide a cover therefor, to an extended position where they divert inadvertent spills into the reservoir. A pair of parallel, spaced tubes extend across the reservoir and through opposed sidewalls defining the reservoir. The tubes are of a size and shape to receive the forks of a conventional forklift truck, thereby permitting the pan to be moved conveniently from place to place. The pan includes endwalls connected to the flaps, the endwalls having horizontal ledges that enable another pan to be stacked atop the first.

Abstract: New and improved spill containment devices and methods, for use primarily by the railroads, are provided in one or more lidded catch pans positionable generally around and under a transportation container for collecting and containing spilled or dripping chemical materials. A preferred spill containment apparatus comprises a combination of three catch pans positionable along a railroad siding including an inboard pan disposed between the rails and two outboard pans extending outwardly adjacent and alongside the rails and the inboard pan. The outboard pans have sectional lids that swing back over the railroad rails. This not only protects the area from splashing caused by heavy dropping in the big center pan, but also ensures that drips from above do not land on the rails or the gap between the inboard pan and the rails. When not in use, these sloped sectional lids divert dirt and rainwater away from the outboard receptacle or collecting basin portions of each outer pan.