Abstract: A modular floor tile is disclosed having a top surface. A plurality of edge surfaces defines a perimeter about the top surface and a support system is disposed at least partially beneath the top surface. A locking system allows for flexible displacement of a laterally extending protrusion having a flexible wall while placing a downward facing protrusion therein and/or allows for flexible displacement of the flexible walls of a downward facing protrusion while placing said downward facing protrusion into the laterally extending protrusion.

Abstract: A modular floor tile is disclosed having a top surface. A plurality of edge surfaces defines a perimeter about the top surface and a support system is disposed at least partially beneath the top surface. A locking system allows for flexible displacement of a laterally extending protrusion having a flexible wall while placing a downward facing protrusion therein and/or allows for flexible displacement of the flexible walls of a downward facing protrusion while placing said downward facing protrusion into the laterally extending protrusion.

Abstract: A modular tile is disclosed having a substantially rigid top surface supported above a ground surface by an understructure. The rigid top surface is defined by sidewalls forming an outer perimeter and four corners. Four modular tiles can be disposed adjacent one another at common adjoining corners. A bottom side of each of the four modular tiles has at least first and second cavities disposed about the corner of the tile. One of two bridge connectors is disposed about the common adjoining corners of the plurality of four modular tiles.

Abstract: A modular floor tile is disclosed having a top surface made of a plurality of rib members defining openings between the rib members. A plurality of edge surfaces defines a perimeter about the top surface and a support system is integrally formed with and disposed at least partially beneath the top surface. The support system is capable of maintaining the top surface elevated above a ground surface when a load is not placed on the top surface. The support system has a primary support member disposed within the openings between the rib members. The primary support member is operably connected to a plurality of arms extending laterally from the structural member to the primary support member and is capable of vertical movement within the opening when a load is applied to the top surface.

Abstract: A self-purifying filter apparatus comprising (1) a filter having a first surface and a second surface; (2) flow control means, such as a vacuum pump, for causing a stream of fluid interspersed with solid particulates to pass from the first surface to the second surface through the filter, thereby removing some of the solid particulates from the first stream of fluid and depositing them on the first surface; and (3) a purging device, such as a small reservoir of water (potentially formed, in part, by water previously filtered by the filter), for causing a second stream of fluid to pass from the second surface to the first surface through the filter without substantially changing the position of the filter, thereby rinsing and removing from the first surface at least some of the solid particulates that were deposited there.