Abstract: A system and method is claimed for protecting sections of a buried utility pipe that will eventually be excavated and exposed for tapping purposes. The system includes a protective collar that is applied to the utility pipe before the utility pipe is buried. When the utility pipe is to be tapped, the utility pipe is excavated directly above the protective collar. The presence of the protective collar provides a physical barrier that prevents the utility pipe from being damaged from the excavating equipment. When the protective collar is removed, a clean, unobstructed area of utility pipe is exposed on which a tapping procedure can be performed.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant enclosure adapted to be recessed below the ground which allows a covering lid to be placed about an opening at the upper end of the housing substantially parallel to the surrounding terrain. The housing is preferably cylindrically shaped, having a larger diameter at the bottom than at the top. However, the housing may take any desired shape, such as rectangular, elliptical, cubic, etc without departing from the intended scope of the invention. The housing also includes a supply of pressurized water which is hooked up to the supply of water previously utilized for the above-ground stored garden hose through any conventional plumbing arrangement. Preferably, valving is utilized within the housing, and a threaded male brass fitting supplied to attach the proximal end of the hose to within the housing.

Abstract: A water pedestal for supplying water to a recreational vehicle. The water pedestal includes a housing having a tubular wall, an open lower end and an open upper end. A flexible conduit is located substantially within the housing, the flexible conduit having a lower end extending below said open lower end of said housing and adapted to be attached to an underground water main. The flexible conduit has an upper end attached to a ball valve. The flexible conduit is formed into a loop between the upper and lower ends thereof. Rigid conduit means communicate the ball valve with an anti-syphon hose bib. The hose bib includes a rigid pipe and a faucet attached to the outer end of the rigid pipe, the rigid pipe extending through the wall of the water pedestal housing adjacent the upper end of the housing. A tubular slip sleeve is located within the housing and attached to the tubular wall of the housing at a mid-portion thereof.

Abstract: A water pedestal for supplying water to a recreational vehicle. The water pedestal includes a housing having a tubular wall, an open lower end and an open upper end. A flexible conduit is located substantially within the housing, the flexible conduit having a lower end extending below said open lower end of said housing and adapted to be attached to an underground water main. The flexible conduit has an upper end attached to a ball valve. The flexible conduit is formed into a loop between the upper and lower ends thereof. A rigid conduit communicate the ball valve with an anti-syphon hose bib. The hose bib includes a rigid pipe and a faucet attached to the outer end of the rigid pipe, the rigid pipe extending through the wall of the water pedestal housing adjacent the upper end of the housing. A tubular slip sleeve is located within the housing and attached to the tubular wall of the housing at a mid-portion thereof.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided for irrigation systems such as automated sprinkler systems. A pre-assembled housing or valve box includes an inlet for receiving water and one or more outlets for distribution of water to other components in the irrigation system, and also includes manifolding and power and valve means for selectively controlling the flow of water from the outlets. Many of the manifold components are integrally molded with each other and provided in modular form so that the system can be relatively compact and can be customized into a variety of configurations. The manifold can consist of or include integrally formed or interconnected valve bases. The electrical power system includes a main terminal box with power lines leading to connectors adjacent each outlet, so that solenoid valves may be readily connected thereto and replaced as necessary. O-rings, non-conducting gel, and similar mechanisms are provided to ensure the water-tightness of the electrical connections.

Abstract: A resilient, deformable sewage back flow stop plug is disclosed that may be comformably compressed within a junction between a structure sewage effluent line and a sewer main. The plug is sized such that, when compressed, it deforms and conformably seals all access conduits to the structure sewage effluent line/sewer main junction. The plug may be deformed around any debris and/or sewage deposits located within the junction, conforming to fill and seal all access conduits and preventing the back flow of sewage into the structure.

Abstract: A sewage ejector system includes a basin and top cover. The basin body includes a generally cylindrical wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. Several features assist in installation, handling and/or performance of the basin. An annular collar projecting from the outer surface of the wall is useful for inhibiting flotation of the basin. Diametrically opposed recesses formed in the outer wall surface facilitate handling of the basin during transport and installation. A raised annular edge at the top of the basin body protects outer edges of the top cover.

Abstract: An arrangement intended for a stop valve (1) comprises a tubular member (9). The stop valve (1) is located in the ground (2) and has a valve housing (11) and a valve bonnet (12) fixed thereto with the aid of a fixing means (14), said valve bonnet having a valve spindle (15) supporting a movable stop means (16), such as a slide. The tubular member (9) extends from the valve (1) up to ground level to enable operation of the valve spindle (15). A collar means (10′) is tightly connected with and supported by the valve housing (11). The collar means (10′) has a collar portion (32) which surrounds the valve bonnet (12) and the fixing means (14) and is tightly connected with the lower end of the tubular member (9), the diameter of the tubular member (9) essentially corresponding to the diameter of the collar portion (32). Moreover, the arrangement comprises a pipe access means (12′), which instead of the valve bonnet (12) from ground level is tightly mountable on said valve housing (11).

Abstract: A booster station having an integral foundation preinstalled prior to shipment to an installation site. An above ground pump enclosure houses at least one pump. Each pump has a pump inlet for receiving water and a pump outlet for discharging water at a predetermined pressure. A relatively rigid concrete foundation is integral to the pump enclosure. The foundation has an inner wall surface forming a chamber, an outer wall surface, a top wall supporting the pump enclosure, and a foundation floor opposite the top wall having an opening therein for allowing drainage of fluid from the chamber. The foundation has at least one inlet port for receiving water and at least one outlet port for discharging water to a water transport system. The inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the foundation ports at a first end and to the purrip at a second end. The inlet and outlet pipes include a relatively flexible synthetic rubber boot located at the first end that extends through the foundation outer wall surface.

Abstract: An extension collar suitable for engagement with an upper ledge of an invert liner positioned within the canal bed of the base of a manhole or catch basin structure. The extension collar is replaceable and is suitable for use in either new construction or rehabilitation of the manhole structure. A plurality of extension collars may be sealably stacked one on top of the other to create a corrosion resistant barrier at a desired height from the bottom of the base of the manhole or catch basin.

Abstract: A sewage lift station comprises a lawn trim ring set having a top cap and a reducer ring. The top cap is removably fastened to the reducer ring, and the reducer ring is fastened to a flange on the tank of the sewage lift station. The top cap has a recess for holding sod so that the sewage lift station only minimally alters the appearance of a homeowner's lawn. In addition to or instead of the lawn trim ring set, the lift station may comprise a gravity flow pump bypass. The gravity flow pump bypass comprises a pipe having an inlet in the tank, the pipe extending outside of the tank for passing sewer water to the outside of the tank.

Abstract: A system for joining an expansion line to a main line of a sanitary sewage or storm sewage system. The system of the present invention joins an expansion line to a main line while reducing the amount of required excavation and minimizing the obstruction of a high capacity drainage line extending vertically within a manhole system.

Abstract: A lockout device is designed for preventing unauthorized use of a valve located below ground level, the valve having a rotatable valve actuator. The device includes an elongated tubular housing of a length to have a lower end at the valve actuator and an upper end accessible generally at ground level. An encapsulating mechanism including a trap door are provided at the lower end of the tubular housing for securing the lower end to the valve and encapsulating the rotatable valve actuator, with the tubular housing being freely rotatable relative to the actuator.

Abstract: A sewage structure in the form of a drain, inspection shaft or the like, consists particularly of one or several hollow concrete with at least one connection for a sewage pipe. The inventive sewage structure is provided at its inner wall with a contacting form region for supporting a test seal in a fluid-tight test position.

Abstract: A riser for use with an access opening in a waste water treatment tank is mounted in a top opening in the waste water treatment tank. The riser includes a top portion and an integral bottom portion wherein the top portion is provided with a downwardly extending side wall and the bottom portion is provided with a downwardly extending skirt. The bottom portion is provided with an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the top portion and a ring connects the bottom portion to the top portion. The bottom portion is also provided with an inwardly extending flange having an inner terminating end engagable with the outer surface of the top portion. The top portion is provided with lugs at circumferentially spaced positions for engaging relation with slots in the flange portion for connecting adjacent risers in tandem.

Abstract: A dirt free valve with a valve (12) of assorted sizes inside of a molded casing (16) with inlet (24) and outlet (26) to accomodate various sized pipe for the flow of different materials, with drainage holes in the bottom (20) and a cover (10) that can be removed by hand.

Abstract: A method of upgrading a below grade fill to prevent accidental release harmful materials from contaminating the soil below grade.

Abstract: A pipe layout system for secondary containment includes alternating deep and shallow penetration holes in containment boxes installed below gasoline dispensers, and a double-walled pipeline inclined downward from each shallow box to an adjacent deep box. Each deep box has a fitting which closes the end of the secondary piping within the containment box. These fittings have apertures positioned to face downward and communicating with a conduit which leads to a sensor mechanism at the low point of the conduit. If there is leaking gasoline within the secondary pipes, it will flow to the deep box, through the hole, and down to the sensor. A small amount of gasoline is all that is necessary to trip the sensor and shut down the primary product pipeline. In the shallow boxes, the same fitting is used to close the ends of the secondary piping, and the aperture therein is preferably positioned upward.

Abstract: A molded, polyethylene wastewater chamber assemblage to be assembled and placed below ground level to receive, collect, and transfer wastewater to a treatment plant. The chamber has pipe spigots extending horizontally from its opposing bottom ends that receive input or output pipes of commercially available pipe design, and a riser base on top of the chamber with riser spigot attached thereto that receives a riser of conventional design, and a molded polyethylene lid to seal the riser to be watertight. Two chamber spigot extensions for attachment to the chamber extend the capability of the chamber to accept input and output pipes of various outside diameter.

Abstract: A support system for use in construction or repair of a fire hydrant installation includes a lower bracket and an upper bracket. The upper bracket has an adjustable hydrant riser clamp which is connected to an adjustable hydrant valve casing clamp by an adjustable spacer. The lower bracket also has an adjustable riser clamp connected by a like spacer to an upright bar. Ends of this bar then join a pair of vertically spaced apart adjustable casing clamps. As constructed in an open hole, the hydrant installation includes a hydrant riser that is positively joined to a water main and a valve casing that merely sits with a gravity fit on a hydrant valve located between the main and riser. For use, the lower bracket spacer is placed in an adjustable state allowing its respective clamps to be attached to respective lower ends of the riser and casing. Then, the lower bracket spacer is secured in place. Next, the upper bracket is attached in a like manner to respective upper ends of the riser and casing.

Abstract: An improved valve coupling method and apparatus is provided that resists the many forces associated with constant insertion and removal of access keys. The coupler apparatus is made of a non-corrosive metal alloy and includes a pair of specially formed integrated vertical wings which extend out in a tangential, as opposed to radial, direction from opposite sides of the coupler. Each of the wings is offset and includes at least one horizontal shelf portion. When buried in the soil, the vertical wings provide the coupler with frictional resistance to the screwing and unscrewing rotational forces imparted whenever a key is inserted or removed from the coupler, or from the movement of a hose attached to the key. Similarly, the horizontal shelf portions provide lateral support to resist the downward and upward forces associated with insertion and removal of a key, or contact with lawn maintenance equipment.

Abstract: A plastic fluid distribution box for installation in a subterranean system for waste water transport includes a first wall having an opening in the wall, and an elastomeric seal mounted in the opening and including a second wall. The second wall is permanently and sealingly attached to the first wall adjacent to and around the opening. The elastomeric seal includes a third planar wall having an annular separation ring defining a second opening dimensioned to provide a watertight fit on a pipe of predetermined dimension. Walls connecting the third planar wall to the second wall are angled with respect to the planar wall by an angle selected from the group of angles consisting of generally 90 degrees and generally 180 degrees.

Abstract: A manhole base comprising a benching portion, an annular wall portion surrounding the benching portion and extending axially therefrom, the annular wall portion having inside and outside surfaces and at least two angularly spaced apart passages extending through the annular wall portion, each passage having inner and outer portions respectively, the inner and outer portions being disposed within the annular wall portion, the inner portions having respective inner openings in the inside surface and the outer portions having respective outer openings in the outer surface, the inner and outer openings being in communication with their respective passages. There is at least one canal in the benching portion for connecting at least two of the passages in communication with each other, the canal having an open top portion.

Abstract: A plastic fluid subterranean distribution box with integral seal for a pipe, permanently and sealingly mounted in an opening in a wall of the box, including a substantially continuous annular bond between the seal and the wall on one side of the wall.

Abstract: A thrust block for an irrigation system enables a high pressure valve or other component connected to the thrust block to be easily replaced without digging out a concrete block and surrounding portion of the ground and sectioning the adjacent pipe sections. The valve includes flanges on each end thereof which are releasably secured to similarly configured flanges on couplings. Braces are partially embedded within a concrete block beneath the valve and an upper end of each brace is secured to the fasteners joining the conventional flanges of the valve and the coupling. A push-on fitting is provided on each coupling for easy assembly of the coupling to the adjacent pipe sections.

Abstract: A sump-riser performing as a collection sump, as a riser for the corresponding tank and as a means for secondary containment for the tank's submersible pump, manway, and fittings. The sump-riser comprises a generally cylindrical sump base with an upright annular lip extending upwardly from an upper support surface; an extension riser including a lower annular riser lip which fits over and round the lip of the sump base; a cover for the extension riser; and an access or observation lid. The riser extension is detachable or removable from the sump base and may be inverted and inserted into the sump base for compact shipping. Score lines may be provided on the riser extension to serve as cutting guides for proper sizing and the sump base may be multi-sided to provide flat walls for accurate hole drilling for pipe and conduit entry.

Abstract: A watertight waste water access fitting that is placed below ground level to mate with a pipe from a waste water source and a pipe from a sewer system and with access to its inside from ground level. The fitting is a preformed, polyethylene, one piece hollow body with three formed extensions from the body. Two of the extensions are formed at the bottom sides of the fitting, and one is formed at the top. The bottom side extensions mate with water pipes, and the top extension can be opened to expose the inside of the fitting for maintenance. The bottom extensions are formed of connected segments of decreasing outer diameter with a cutting guide on each segment. The segments can be cut to mate with various diameters of pipe. The top segment has a cap and cutting guide where the cap can be removed by cutting the segment at the cutting guide.

Abstract: A sewer chimney system for stabilizing and protecting a chimney pipe interconnecting a service pipe and a main sewer line includes a base for bridging a main sewer line, the base having a hole for accommodating the chimney pipe rising from the main sewer line; a hollow casing vertically mounted on the base and having a lower open end aligned with the hole in the base for receiving the chimney pipe; and having an upper open end for receiving fill about the chimney pipe, the case including a lateral hole for receiving a service pipe for interconnection with the chimney pipe, and a device for attaching the hollow casing to the base for securing it during filling of the casing and during backfilling around the casing.

Abstract: An overflow protector for a sump having a wall defining an open top reservoir includes a stop member forming an abutment along the wall of the reservoir, a floating sleeve member movable between a non-operable position contained within the reservoir and an operable position projecting from the reservoir for increasing the storage capacity of the reservoir, and a sealing arrangement for sealing the sleeve member against the abutment when the sleeve member moves to its operable position.

Abstract: A pipeline system is provided for a pumping system for fluid products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and chemicals, and including a pump for pumping such products from a storage tank through through the primary pipeline of the pipeline system to a product dispenser. The pipeline system includes a secondary containment system for the primary pipeline between the tank and dispenser which includes telescoping pipe sections of different diameters. The telescoping piping is installed around the primary pipeline and the pipe sections are, prior to final installation, movable between intermediate and final positions, for enabling completion, testing and inspection of the primary pipeline prior to final completion of the secondary containment system. One section of the telescoping piping is a flexible corrugated pipe which is able to bend around elbows. Compression seals and ring clamps are used to connect the components together.

Abstract: A sewer chimney system for stabilizing and protecting a chimney pipe interconnecting a service pipe and a main sewer line includes a base for bridging a main sewer line, the base having a hole for accommodating the chimney pipe rising from the main sewer line; a hollow casing vertically mounted on the base and having a lower open end aligned with the hole in the base for receiving the chimney pipe; and having an upper open end for receiving fill about the chimney pipe, the case including a lateral hole for receiving a service pipe for interconnection with the chimney pipe, and a device for attaching the hollow casing to the base for securing it during filling of the casing and during backfilling around the casing.

Abstract: A housing for a vacuum valve unit is cylindrical in shape and made of synthetic resin. A vacuum valve assembly is mounted within the housing. The housing is composed of a pair of identical left and right housing halves shaped such that the housing is axially divided. Ribs are attached to the inner surfaces of the left and right housing halves to sandwich the vacuum valve assembly.

Abstract: Fluid collection system for installation underground includes a first housing having a top, a wall extending downwardly from the top, and a first pipe-receiving opening in the wall at a predetermined vertical distance from the top. There is a second housing spaced apart from the first housing that has a top, a wall, and a second pipe-receiving opening in the wall. A number of interconnected segments is defined in the wall of the second housing. A pipe extends between the first and second pipe-receiving openings that has a slope great enough to cause fluids to flow along the pipe from the second housing to the first housing. The slope of the pipe is determined by a ratio defined by the length of the pipe and the difference between the predetermined vertical distance of the first housing and the variably fixed vertical distance of the second housing.

Abstract: A liquid fuel dispensing system with improved means of preventing water and particulate contamination employing an underground fuel storage tank, a pump for moving fuel from the fuel storage tank to a pump fuel outlet, an underground enclosed sump in which at least a portion of the pump is located, a filtration vessel within the sump having a fuel inlet connected to the pump fuel outlet and a fuel outlet, a filter element in the filtration vessel in series with fuel flow therethrough, the filter element having a filter media which intercepts particulate contaminants and which absorbs water to thereby prevent particulate and water contaminants from passing therethrough, a fuel shut-off device in conjunction with the filter element which is moved to the closed position when a predetermined pressure differential develops across the filter media as water is absorbed, the shut-off device serving to, upon actuation, completely block the flow of fuel through the filter element.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in cooperation with a liquid-receiving pipe for catching and temporarily storing spilled or overflowed liquid as the liquid is being transferred into the pipe. An elastic band grips the pipe in liquid-tight relationship, and the band supports the apparatus on the pipe. A flexible sleeve is connected in liquid-tight relationship with the elastic band for fitting over and around the pipe to form an inner liquid-retaining wall. A funnel is connected in liquid-tight relationship with the sleeve for positioning over and around the pipe and over and around the sleeve to form an outer liquid-retaining wall. The funnel cooperates with the sleeve to create a container for catching and temporarily storing the spilled or overflowed liquid.

Abstract: A sump cover containment assembly is provided for use with containment sumps utilized with underground fluid holding tanks having a sump cover with an access hole therein, a frame which communicates with the containment sump to which the sump cover is attached and a sump shield positioned between the containment sump and the frame and having a hole which communicates with the interior of the containment sump as well as with the sump cover access hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for keeping a rain water well unfrozen. The apparatus comprises a cover (12), walls (13) and an outlet (15), which defines an air space (16) of the well above the outlet and a water space (17) of the well below the outlet. According to the present practice, the whole surface area of the water in a rain water well is in contact with open air, which results in that the well freezes relatively easily under the joint influence of wind and frost. This problem is solved according to the invention in such a way that the apparatus comprises a funnel (1) positioned under the cover (12) of the well and a flow tube (5), the cross section of which is substantially smaller than the diameter of the well and which tube extends from the lower part of the funnel (1) under the water surface of the well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuelling system comprising a fuelling arm composed of several pipe elements, which each are connected with one another through a joint having one degree of freedom, and which is connected to a supply line. The supply line is arranged inside a vertically opening enclosed space. The fuelling arm is liftable and lowerable to ground level by means of a lifting and lowering device. In order to assure a fuelling radius which is as large as possible, and on the other hand in order to be able to completely move the fuelling system during nonuse to an out of the way location, the lifting and lowering device includes a plate liftable to a position flush with respect to the ground, on which plate is supported a first joint pivotal about a vertical axis. The respective adjoining pipe elements are horizontally arranged, are angled at their ends and are each connected with one another by means of at least one vertical joint.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser catchment box has a metal casing with an outwardly extending flange for attaching a dispenser housing and an inwardly extending flange for supporting a non-metallic closure member to close the bottom thereof. The closure member is removable and has apertures and seals for entry into the casing of a fuel supply line and an auxiliary line. The seals contain any fuel spillage in the closure member and prevent contamination of the ground, while removal of the closure member enables inspection of the fuel supply line beneath the fuel dispenser catchment box when necessary. A support clamp stabilizes the fuel supply line and an attached shut-off valve.

Abstract: A composable well of right prismatic or right cylindrical shape has a polygonal or circular base respectively, and consists of a plurality of walls (1), the walls having on their lateral borders, on one side a plurality of hooking elements (2) of male type and on the opposite side a plurality of hooking elements (3) of female type. Stable hooking between each wall (1) with the preceding wall and the successive wall is easily achieved. The well may be easily transported and stored in the form of a plurality of walls which are superimposed and occupy little space and is then assembled at the final place. After it is assembled, the well forms a box-type structure, with or without the bottom closure and does not require nails, screws or the like.

Abstract: A self actuating storm or flood pump used with septic tank sewage treatment facilities with leach beds and also used to pump excessive fluids from the lower floors of buildings such as flooded basements in dwellings. A tubular means extends in a vertical direction in said leach bed or from said floor and means are provided for fluid such as surronding water to seek its own level inside of the tubular means. A siphon hose having opposing ends extends from a lower portion of said tubular means up toward the upper portion of the tubular means and then outward from the tubular means to a disposal area. The outward end of the siphon hose terminates at a lower vertical point than the inner end of the siphon house. The inner end of the siphon hose communicates with the inside diameter of the tubular means so that excess fluid levels cause the fluid to flow through the siphon hose to the disposal area until the fluid level surrounding said tubular means reaches a level just below the inner end of the siphon hose.

Abstract: A spill containment device for the fill tube of a liquid storage tank, particularly an underground, liquid storage tank. The containment device has a spill container with a bottom opening for receiving the tank fill tube in liquid sealing relation to the container wall and a top opening through which the fill tube is accessible for filling the tank, whereby the container contains any liquid spill during filling of the tank. The container top opening is closed by a removable cover which cooperates with a water drain arrangement to vent liquid vapor from the container while preventing rain and other ground surface water from entering the container. A drain valve operable from a position adjacent the container top opening is provided for draining liquid spill from the container to the tank.

Abstract: A narrow-accessway sewage collection tank assembly and system using a remote operated, two-part, slide coupling for supporting a sewage pump within an enlarged collection tank for installation outside below normal ground level of residences, commercial and industrial buildings for use in the collection and disposal of sewage produced in the buildings. The narrow accessway tank system can be installed with minimum cost and impact on the environment while maintaining proper operating conditions, good scouring of the collection tank bottom and facilitating below ground installation and subsequent maintenance and servicing of the sewage pump unit form the surface. The system comprises an enlarged sewage collection tank to be planted below level in the ground near a building and connected to suitable gravity drain conduits interconnected between the facility to be serviced and the collection tank for collecting raw sewage.

Abstract: A spill containment device for the fill tube of a liquid storage tank, particularly an underground, liquid storage tank. The containment device has a spill container with a bottom opening for receiving the tank fill tube in liquid sealing relation to the container wall and a top opening through which the fill tube is accessible for filling the tank, whereby the container contains any liquid spill during filling of the tank. The container top opening is closed by a removable cover which cooperates with a water drain arrangement to vent liquid vapor from the container while preventing rain and other ground surface water from entering the container. A drain valve operable from a position adjacent the container top opening is provided for draining liquid spill from the container to the tank.

Abstract: A receptacle for collecting gasoline fuel spills is provided having an outer flexible wall and a bottom pervious wall. The outer flexible wall is provided with a tie string in the neck thereof whereby the receptacle may be sealed by pulling the tie string together. A central aperture is provided in the bottom pervious wall. Secured within the central aperture is a central flexible wall having an upper and extending above an upper end of the receptacle. The upper end of the tubular central wall has a tie string therein for securing the neck of the tubular inner wall against a fill pipe of a gasoline underground tank. The receptacle contains layers of absorbent material for absorbing gasoline which may spill out of the fill pipe during filling of the underground tank. When the absorbent materials absorb sufficient gasoline, the receptacle may be removed from about the fill pipe and the drawing strings pulled together to contain the absorbed gasoline within the receptacle.

Abstract: A system of modular precast encasement sections is provided to protect the outside drop of a manhole structure from damage due to weak ground support and to prevent leakage from said outside drop. Said precast encasement sections are stacked on top of a drop manhole base and on top of each other to a height sufficient to surround and support the outside drop tube. The stack of encasement sections is then capped off with a solid collar which has a circular opening of a diameter sufficient to receive the outside drop tube. This circular opening widens to form a shoulder which is adapted to receive and support thereon the lower most opening of a T-coupler for joining a supply line to the drop tube. The precast encasement sections, the solid collar, and the face of the manhole base which is to receive the stack of encasement sections are each provided with grooves on their upper faces and the solid collar and encasement sections are provided with coaligned projections along their lower faces.

Abstract: When a product such as ammonia, which is liquefiable under pressure and which is miscible with water is stored underground the storage takes place at the liquefaction pressure of the product and inside a double skin which defines an intermediate space (10), with both skins being inserted in a cavity (1) formed in a water-impregnated formation. The depth of the storage is so chosen that the hydrostatic pressure of the water in the formation is greater than the greatest expected pressure of the stored product, with the intermediate space being filled with water and being maintained at a pressure which is lower than the lowest expected pressure of the stored product. If the inner skin is punctured, NH.sub.3 is recovered in the water in the shaft (2) and does not escape to contaminate the water in the surrounding formation.

Abstract: An energy conducting cable loop enclosure which receives and retains an above-ground loop of a flexible conductor cable in an underground energy distribution system, particularly in a system for the supplying of electrical energy. The main body structure, which is upright in normal placement, is of elongate rectangular shape with an above-ground and a below-ground portion and having an open bottom and a closed top. At the junction of these two portions, supporting feet are located which bridge a hole in the ground, in which the below-ground portion is inserted, to rest on the surrounding ground. A removable front plate provides access to the interior of the above-ground portion. The above-ground portion contains a cable hoop having a radius at least as great as the minimum allowable bending radius of the cable on which a loop of cable is trained after being led through the open bottom and out through the open above-ground front.

Abstract: In a sewer manhole construction having a cylindrical bottom section adapted for placement within the ground at a pre-determined depth and having bottom and side walls, there being spaced inlet and outlet openings in the side wall above the bottom wall adapted to receive the ends of sewer conduits. The improvement which comprises a flooring upon the bottom wall including a plurality of pre-formed filler channel elements of polygonal shape and of uniform height which are mounted upon and around the bottom wall adjacent the side wall. Adjacent inner walls and opposing walls of the filler channel elements define a first channel which underlies and interconnects the inlet and outlet openings. Each channel element has a plurality of upright apertures therethrough. A layer of concrete fills the apertures and interstices between the channel elements and between the channel elements and side wall partly fills the first channel and overlies the channel elements extending the floor above the channel elements.

Abstract: A sewer fluid trap is disclosed, consisting of firstly a rigid flat plate permanently secured to a manhole wall surrounding a sewer pipe outlet. This flat plate has a pair of spaced-apart lateral slots. Secondly, an elbow having a lower end submerged in the catch-basin of a manhole and an upper end rigidly secured to a back-plate. The latter is removably inserted into the lateral slots, thereby forming a tight seal between itself and the back-plate. Central holes are formed in both plates and are in registry with the sewer pipe outlet when the trap is installed. A latch locks the two plates together. A ring is fixed to the elbow to lift the same and its back-plate from the manhole without having to descend into the same.