Abstract: A trailer-mounted system and apparatus are provided to improve safety at road construction sites and other locations by allowing drivers to be signaled, and one or more lanes of traffic blocked, without having a flagger stand in or immediately adjacent to a road that is carrying traffic. The system and apparatus may have extensive data and audio and video networking capabilities to allow for remote control of the system and/or observation of the construction site. These networking capabilities may allow the system to further serve to enhance collaboration among remote worksites. A variant apparatus may be mounted on a highway divider such as a K-rail instead of a mobile trailer. Another variant provides a portable kiosk containing apparatus to supply the data networking and collaboration functions without the mechanical apparatus used to block traffic.

Abstract: An integrated system comprising a barrier, such as a weir with movable gates, controllably blocks water flow in a natural or concrete lined channel. Without substantially impeding flow in normal conditions, the barrier is configured to back up flood waters to spill into an upstream prepared detention basin. Water is thus kept from downstream areas until subsequently drained through a controlled spill. Multiple units installed in a watershed can store significant amounts of flood water, e.g., during a hurricane, protecting life and property downstream. The electromechanically-operated gates can be operated locally or from a remote control center. Gauges and sensors positioned near the weir and/or throughout the watershed can provide data used to control one or more barriers in the watershed, and the data may be used to train a machine learning model to control the system.

Abstract: A static floodwall system that includes at least one floodwall section, and may include an access gate. The access gate may include a motor, control box, and drive system for moving a gate panel between open and closed positions. The static floodwall system may further include a plumbing system for transporting rain water from a dry side to a wet side. The floodwall system may be installed such that it is surface mounted, requiring minimal excavation. Methods of installing the floodwall system include creating a shallow excavation, adding compact fill and a top layer to the excavation site, and installing the floodwall section(s) on the top layer.

Abstract: An integrated system comprising a barrier, such as a weir with movable gates, controllably blocks water flow in a natural or concrete lined channel. Without substantially impeding flow in normal conditions, the barrier is configured to back up flood waters to spill into an upstream prepared detention basin. Water is thus kept from downstream areas until subsequently drained through a controlled spill. Multiple units installed in a watershed can store significant amounts of flood water, e.g., during a hurricane, protecting life and property downstream. The electromechanically-operated gates can be operated locally or from a remote control center. Gauges and sensors positioned near the weir and/or throughout the watershed can provide data used to control one or more barriers in the watershed, and the data may be used to train a machine learning model to control the system.

Abstract: A static floodwall system that includes at least one floodwall section, and may include an access gate. The access gate may include a motor, control box, and drive system for moving a gate panel between open and closed positions. The static floodwall system may further include a plumbing system for transporting rain water from a dry side to a wet side. The floodwall system may be installed such that it is surface mounted, requiring minimal excavation. Methods of installing the floodwall system include creating a shallow excavation, adding compact fill and a top layer to the excavation site, and installing the floodwall section(s) on the top layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable floodwall unit that comprises a foundation unit having a plurality of guide tracks along side walls of the foundation unit, a floodwall panel stowed in the foundation unit; a power system for raising and lowering the floodwall panel, and a plumbing system. The plumbing system is configured to remove ground water from a dry-side of the floodwall unit and flood water that becomes located in the floodwall unit.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted system and apparatus are provided to improve safety at road construction sites and other locations by allowing drivers to be signaled, and one or more lanes of traffic blocked, without having a flagger stand in or immediately adjacent to a road that is carrying traffic. The system and apparatus may have extensive data and audio and video networking capabilities to allow for remote control of the system and/or observation of the construction site. These networking capabilities may allow the system to further serve to enhance collaboration among remote worksites. A variant apparatus may be mounted on a highway divider such as a K-rail instead of a mobile trailer. Another variant provides a portable kiosk containing apparatus to supply the data networking and collaboration functions without the mechanical apparatus used to block traffic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable floodwall unit that comprises a foundation unit having a plurality of guide tracks along side walls of the foundation unit, a floodwall panel stowed in the foundation unit; a power system for raising and lowering the floodwall panel, and a plumbing system. The plumbing system is configured to remove ground water from a dry-side of the floodwall unit and flood water that becomes located in the floodwall unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable floodwall unit that comprises a foundation unit having a plurality of guide tracks along side walls of the foundation unit, a floodwall panel stowed in the foundation unit; and a power system for raising and lowering the floodwall panel. The foundation unit includes a first housing unit enclosing an actuator of the power system, and the floodwall panel includes a plurality of guides that mate with the guide tracks of the foundation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable floodwall unit that comprises a foundation unit having a plurality of guide tracks along side walls of the foundation unit, a floodwall panel stowed in the foundation unit; and a power system for raising and lowering the floodwall panel. The foundation unit includes a first housing unit enclosing an actuator of the power system, and the floodwall panel includes a plurality of guides that mate with the guide tracks of the foundation unit.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding tool for heating a metallic workpiece. In the method, the metallic piece is heated in a machine tool by attaching thereto an induction heating tool comprising a permanent magnet structure and by rotating and/or moving the metallic piece to be heated and the induction heating tool relative to each other at a suitable distance. In this case, heating eddy currents are induced in the piece, wherein the energy needed for heating is obtained from the motor of the machine tool.

Abstract: A rapidly constructed floating bridge for emergency deployment to minimize the time required to restore vehicular traffic where a structure crossing over a waterway has been rendered unusable or unsafe due to natural forces or acts of terrorism. The bridge is modular in nature and may be constructed from parts, including assemblies and/or subassemblies, that can be delivered to a staging area from which the bridge is assembled and deployed. The floating bridge can also be constructed as a temporary detour floating bridge at a location where a permanent structure is being repaired, removed or replaced by a new structure. The bridge is also a low cost option for a new location where a useful life of 25 to 30 years is required. The bridge may be continuous without a span that opens or may include one or more spans that pivot to open and provide a navigation channel, and/or the bridge may include an elevated span at a shore side to provide a navigation channel below the elevated span.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting pallets verifies a pallet meets dimensional and structural integrity requirements for transporting a load. The method and automated system verify that a pallet is within tolerances for dimensions, the load-bearing surface of the pallet is free from large voids or damage, and that the pallet is able to withstand stress associated with a load and with transport. Pallets are rejected when one or more defects are found in the pallet as determined by signals from various inspection stations generated in response to performance of structural tests on the pallet.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting pallets verifies a pallet meets dimensional and structural integrity requirements for transporting a load. The method and automated system verify that a pallet is within tolerances for dimensions, the load-bearing surface of the pallet is free from large voids or damage, and that the pallet is able to withstand stress associated with a load and with transport. Pallets are rejected when one or more defects are found in the pallet as determined by signals from various inspection stations generated in response to performance of structural tests on the pallet.