Abstract: A solar energy system for use with tufted geosynthetics on a substantially flat surface having a racking structure with bases and attachments for frictional seating to a tufted geosynthetic ground cover system, a bifacial solar panel mounted to the racking system and electrically connected to a connection box for communicating electrical current to an electricity power conditioner of an electrical current grid generated upon exposure of the solar panel to ambient light. A method of using a solar energy system with tufted geosynthetics cover system is disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing a photovoltaic module to a tufted geosynthetic cover to collect solar energy, with an attaching harness connected to a support of a photovoltaic module, the attaching harness extending laterally outwardly of the photovoltaic module, and an elongate member disposed between the tufted geosynthetic cover and a geomembrane overlying a ground surface. Fasteners extend through the attaching harness and into the elongate member, for securing the photovoltaic module to the tufted geosynthetic cover. A method of securing a photovoltaic module to a tufted geosynthetic cover is disclosed.

Abstract: A non-woven mat of randomly oriented thermoplastic or polymeric fibers defining interstitial gaps that form interference pathways for non-direct water flow therethrough, whereby the mat being disposed on a ground surface moderates a rate of flow of environmental water for increased seepage of the environmental water into a subground and resists rapid lateral flow of environmental water across the ground cover, and with a stabilization layer in a bottom surface portion of the mat or optionally secured with staples to the ground. A method of forming a stabilized water flow control ground cover is disclosed.

Abstract: A ground cover is disclosed having a non-woven layer or mat of randomly oriented polymeric fibers coupled to an underlying porous or water permeable geomembrane or base layer of a polymeric material. The ground cover may include tufts or strands of the synthetic turf or grass bonded to the base layer.

Abstract: A geoturf tube for stabilization of erodible ground surfaces said geoturf tube formed of a geotextile fabric in a tubular shape and configured to contain sands but allow water to pass through and a tufted tensile elements cover attached to at least a portion of the geotextile fabric. Alternatively, a geoturf cover of a geotextile and a plurality of tufted tensile elements installed as a separate layer above a geotube to serve as a protective barrier and extend the service life of the geotube. A method of stabilization of erodible surfaces with a geoturf tube or a geoturf cover is disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting system 180 for a solar panel 11 includes a rail 114 having an elongated mounting slot 116 secured to a flexible attaching connector 188 with fasteners and the flexible attaching connector for welding to a geomembrane overlying a slope surface, and a photovoltaic module 11 connected with fasteners to the rail, and optionally a ballast system 145 that includes a ballast tray 146 and ballast 152 coupled with fasteners to the rail.

Abstract: A mounting system 110 for a solar panel 11 includes a base plate 114 having an elongated mounting slot 116, a spacer beam 124 with a slot 128, a first T-shaped fastener 131 having a mounting plate 132 with a width slightly smaller than the size of the slot and a length larger than the size of the slot, so that the mounting plate may be passed through the slot and then rotated so that it then cannot pass back through the slot. A second T-shaped fastener 137 having the same configuration couples the solar panel to the spacer. The system optionally has a ballast system 145 which includes a ballast tray 146 and third T-shaped fastener 155 of the same configuration for coupling the tray to the base plate. An anti-creep strip 161 is coupled to the base member through fourth T-shaped fasteners 162 of the same configuration.

Abstract: An integrated photovoltaic module mounting system having a friction member for engagement with a portion of a tufted geosynthetic cover and optionally attaching connectors attached to a photovoltaic module and to the tufted geosynthetic cover, for collecting and utilizing solar energy. A method of securing a photovoltaic module to a tufted geosynthetic cover is disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting system 10 for a solar panel 11 includes a base plate 14 having a mounting channel 16 defined by an elongated base member 17, two oppositely disposed elongated channel walls 18 having clamping tangs 19, and a support wall 20. The mounting system also includes an I-beam 24 having a lower member 25, an upper member 26 and a spanning member 27. A C-shaped bracket 30 is slidably coupled to the upper member and has a mounting post with a staggered clamp 36 having a contact ledge 37. A nut 38 is threadably coupled to the mounting post 32 to force the contact ledge downwardly against the peripheral margin of the solar panel, thus locking the position of the solar panel. The mounting system includes a weld harness or weld harness strip 39 and anti-creep strips 44 which are coupled to the base member.

Abstract: A solar energy system for use with tufted geosynthetics on a substantially flat surface having a racking structure with bases and attachments for frictional seating to a tufted geosynthetic ground cover system, a bifacial solar panel mounted to the racking system and electrically connected to a connection box for communicating electrical current to an electricity power conditioner of an electrical current grid generated upon exposure of the solar panel to ambient light. A method of using a solar energy system with tufted geosynthetics cover system is disclosed.

Abstract: A solar energy system for use with tufted geosynthetics on sloping ground without the use of a traditional racking system. A frame attaches to the tufted geosynthetic cover to provide a flap and a solar panel secures to the flap directly or through a polymeric layer that attaches to the frame positioned between the flap and the tufted geosynthetic land cover with the solar panel adhesively attached to the polymeric layer. The solar panel being attached to the tufted geosynthetic land cover generates energy upon exposure to light. A method of securing a solar panel to a tufted geosynthetic land cover system for generation of energy is disclosed.

Abstract: A textile barrier apparatus includes an inner layer comprising an aqueous super absorbent polymer composition (SAP) and first and second outer textile layers attached to opposite sides of the inner layer. A landfill version includes an odor neutralizer, a biocide and/or a nutrient to support vegetation. A fire barrier version has the first and second outer textile layers including water permeable membrane and a fire retardant treatment. A planting groundcover version includes a patterned thickness of SAP corresponding to a planting pattern and a nutrient to support vegetation.

Abstract: A near-surface wellhead for extracting sub-surface gas from beneath a geomembrane includes a plenum defining an enclosure with an upper portion. A conduit extends upwardly from the upper portion of the plenum, the conduit communicating with the interior volume of the plenum and has external threads for receiving a threaded nut thereon. The conduit is adapted and provided for extending through an aperture in the geomembrane for withdrawing sub-surface gas from within the interior volume of the plenum and through the geomembrane. A gasket having an opening formed therein is slipped over the conduit and above the geomembrane so that the geomembrane is sandwiched between the gasket and the upper portion of the plenum. A threaded nut is fitted to the conduit and above the gasket for securing the gasket against the geomembrane, thereby sealing the geomembrane to the upper portion of the plenum.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure. A gas collection system is located under the cover system for the collection of gas produced by the waste sites.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure. A gas collection system is located under the cover system for the collection of gas produced by the waste sites.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: Disclosed are oxygen concentration and/or pressure sensing devices and methods which incorporate photoluminescent silica aerogels. Disclosed sensors include a light proof housing for holding the photoluminescent aerogel, a source of excitation radiation (e.g., a UV source), a detector for detecting radiation emitted by the aerogel, a system for delivering a sample gas to the aerogel, and a thermocouple. Also disclosed are water resistant oxygen sensors having a photoluminescent aerogel coated with a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for making an insulation layer for use in microelectronic devices, whereby capacitive coupling and propagation delay in the microelectronic devices are reduced. This invention can include the formation of a stable solution of spherical particles consisting of a ceramic core 10 and a non-polar coating 20. This solution can be applied to an microelectronic substrate, and dried to form a continuous, porous layer. Novel methods are disclosed for bonding these particles together into an integral layer. Porous layers formed by the process of this invention possess a very low dielectric constant, and can be produced using equipment and techniques common and available to those skilled in the art of microelectronic fabrication.