Driftage Control Patents (Class 256/12.5)
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Patent number: 12222331Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for impact testing and monitoring of a high-energy flexible net. The system includes a vertical impact testing unit, a slope impact testing unit, an impact simulation unit, and an impact monitoring unit. The vertical impact testing unit includes a vertically positioned gravity wall. The slope impact testing unit includes a wall slope positioned perpendicularly to a second side of the gravity wall. A first side of the gravity wall and a slope surface of the wall slope are securely provided with a flexible net, respectively. The impact simulation unit includes an impact assembly and a lifting assembly. The impact monitoring unit is configured to monitor a deformation result and an internal force change result of the flexible net.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2024Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignees: RAILWAY ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE, CHINA ACADEMY OF RAILWAY SCIENCES CO., LTD., CHINA ACADEMY OF RAILWAY SCIENCES CO., LTD.Inventors: Yufang Zhang, Kun Yuan, Xiaobing Li, Yong Yao, Tao Jia, Lining Du, Tao Wei, Wenchao Zhang, Jian Cui, Bo Liu, Jian Li, Yu Cheng, Shengyong Zeng, Shuangquan Lei, Shiwen Huang, Wenxin Tan, Junjie Zeng, Hao Lan, Jiawei Fan, Ning Xuan, Peng Zhang, Gongming Chen, Pan Chen, Fei Xian, Zehua Dong
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Patent number: 12146282Abstract: A safety net for rockfall protection barriers includes two outer supports anchored to the slope or rock and at least two inner supports anchored to the slope or rock. Rope guide elements are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the outer and inner supports for respectively two upper net body load-bearing ropes and two lower net body load-bearing ropes. Respectively one of the two upper net body load-bearing ropes runs through a rope guide element of the inner supports and one of the two lower net body load-bearing ropes runs through a rope guide element of the inner supports and is guided past neighboring upper and lower rope guide elements of the inner supports.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Trumer Schutzbauten Ges.m.b.HInventor: Axel Volkwein
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Patent number: 12104338Abstract: A combined type flexible glass net system used for protection against full-particle falling rocks on plank roads in scenic spots includes a supporting layer, an intercepting throwing layer and a flexible glass net isolating layer, wherein the supporting layer is longitudinally arranged above a protective area along a mountain, and includes a supporting steel frame and an oscillating type supporting rod; the intercepting throwing layer is supported on the supporting layer, and includes metal meshes, an along-cross-slope lower connecting rope, an along-cross-slope upper connecting rope, an along-slope connecting rope and a reinforcing rope; and the flexible glass net isolating layer includes glass plates, glass net supporting cables and a hoop type hinged piece, wherein the glass plates are connected to the glass net supporting cables through the hoop type hinged piece, and the glass net supporting cables are hung below the supporting steel frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2021Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Assignee: Southwest Jiaotong UniversityInventors: Zhixiang Yu, Lijun Zhang, Gaohong Ye, Liru Luo, Xu Hu, Xin Qi, Lei Zhao, Shichun Zhao
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Patent number: 12084202Abstract: The present application relates to a sound insulating panel, suitable for use as a deflecting surface in jet blast deflectors. Therefore, it is described a jet blast deflector fence, comprised of detachable sound insulating panels, forming a modular deflecting and noise absorbing surface, covering its entire frontal area that is aligned with the aircraft. This approach favours not only the maintenance procedures of the fence, but also allows noise absorption, in addition to redirecting the high energy exhausted from a jet engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: VALIS-ENGENHARIA E INOVAÇÃO, S.A.Inventor: Vasco Maria Marques Lito Velez Grilo
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Patent number: 12049767Abstract: The invention relates to a fence/railing/gate element comprising a base frame (16) that has a multiplicity of vertical bars (18; 18?) connected to a lower support profile (20; 20?; 20?; 20??; 2??), wherein the lengths of the vertical bars (18; 18?) are greater than the horizontal distance between two adjacent vertical bars (18; 18?). In order to extend the possible uses of such elements, it is provided according to the invention that between two adjacent vertical bars (18; 18?), in each case one flat filling element (24; 24?) is inserted for filling the space between two adjacent vertical bars (18; 18?), the height of which filling element—measured in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the lower support profile (20; 20?; 20?; 20??; 20??)—is greater than its width, wherein the support profile (20; 20?; 20?; 20??; 20??) is arranged vertically below the filling elements (24; 24?) and the region vertically above the filling elements (24; 24?) is open.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: BeGlobal Holdings GmbHInventors: Benjamin Meyer, Dietmar Meyer
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Patent number: 11466413Abstract: A composite silt fence configured for capturing pollutants in one embodiment comprises a silt fence fabric including i) a polymeric geotextile fabric particulate filtering layer defining the hydraulic flow capacity for the silt fence, ii) a pollutant capturing layer coupled to the polymeric geotextile fabric particulate filtering layer and configured to capture some select pollutants in water from flow that has passed through the polymeric geotextile fabric particulate filtering layer, and iii) a backing layer coupled to the pollutant capturing layer; and a plurality of stakes secured to the silt fence fabric at spaced locations. The silt fence fabric yields higher hydraulic flow than existing fence constructions with greater sediment retention and pollutant containment features.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignees: MKB COMPANY, HUESKER, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Zock, Roy G. McClinton
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Patent number: 11391057Abstract: A winged slat for retaining the slat inside a chain link fence. The winged slat may have a body with first and second sides and one or more pairs of fins, joined to each other at a vertex, and longitudinally disposed at a side of the slat body. Some versions of the slat include a dual-winged slat with a first pair of such fins on one side, and a second pair of fins on an opposite side. Some slat versions omit a precise vertex and have fin pairs that attach to the slat body at substantially the same location. Fin pairs may be arranged asymmetrically around the slat body. Each pair of fins may have a combination of straight and/or angled fins.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Privacylink, LLCInventor: Patrick R. Hoggan
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Patent number: 11352754Abstract: A mailbox shield that includes first and second panels connected to one another forming an angle therebetween. The first and second panels are held in place by a plurality of wires therebetween and a post that is adjustable in height and is adapted to be inserted into a ground surface adjacent to a mailbox and is designed to deflect snow and ice being thrown or piled upon the mailbox by a passing snow plow.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Inventor: Harold Emery Parker, III
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Patent number: 11156015Abstract: A chain link fence with retained slats having slats inserted into the chain link fence and running between the top of the fence and the bottom of the fence. Between the top selvages and the top ends of the slats, between the bottom selvages and the bottom ends, of the slats, or between both the top selvages and the top ends of the slats and the bottom selvages and the bottom ends of the slats is inserted an elongate member having sufficient strength to retain the slats while also being sufficiently flexible to permit the chain link fence with the retained slats and the elongate member or members to be rolled in the traditional manner for a chain link fence, but not so flexible as to prevent the elongate member from being pushed into the desired position within the fence.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Inventor: Patrick R. Hoggan
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Patent number: 11015309Abstract: A flexible barrier includes: posts, retaining ropes and a metal net; wherein each of the posts comprises a post body and a post foundation hinged; the retaining ropes includes longitudinal retaining ropes, top retaining ropes, intermediate retaining ropes, and diagonal retaining ropes connected between the posts and the metal net; wherein a lower portion of the metal net is obliquely arranged towards a downstream of a slope; the metal net is loose when no impact is applied and a bottom of the metal net is fixed with short anchors; the bottom of the metal net has a redundancy and is folded towards a upstream of the slope or buried in the slope.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of SciencesInventors: Dongri Song, Gongdan Zhou, Hongsen Hu, Shuai Li
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Patent number: 10753060Abstract: A silt fence patch for repairing damage to silt fence is disclosed. A silt fence patch may comprise geotextile fabric, an adhesive layer, and a backing. The backing may include indicia of patches, such as patch weave direction, user instructions, or logos. A silt fence patch sheet may comprise multiple silt fence patches. The sheet may include a backing with indicia of each patch, or indicia of the patches may be printed directly on the sheet fabric. A method of repairing damage to silt fence may comprise identifying damage to the silt fence. A damage boundary may surround the damage. The method may further comprise identifying a patch size to cover the damage boundary. The method may further comprise selecting a patch having the identified patch size. Additionally, the method may comprise applying the selected patch to the damage boundary and smoothing the patch over the damage boundary.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Chesapeake Environmental Management, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Arthur Hau, Stephanie Novak Hau, Matthew Blair Wiherle
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Patent number: 10738424Abstract: A system of the invention includes at least one barrier layer, a plurality of rockfall attenuators, and two primary anchor points to anchor opposite lateral sides of the barrier layer. The attenuators may be secured to an upper portion of the barrier layer. The attenuators create a gap or separation between the surfaces of the slope upon which the barrier layer is installed. The attenuators may be secured to the barrier mesh by a single cable routed through cable eyes formed on each of the attenuators. Opposite ends of the cable are secured to the sloping surface by the two primary anchor points. The attenuators are free floating members in that they are not attached to the sloping surface. The invention further includes attenuators as a sub-combination and a method of installing the system.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: R&B LEASING, LLCInventor: Daniel Lorne Journeaux
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Patent number: 10435855Abstract: A magnetic stanchion connector assembly that includes a first stanchion connector and a second stanchion connector, wherein the first and second stanchion connectors each have a rear face operably configured to selectively removably couple with a belt connector and a second belt connector of a stanchion connection assembly in stanchion tongue-and-groove locking configuration. The first and second stanchion connectors each have a magnet retained thereon of opposite polarities and disposed proximal to a front face of each stanchion connector, wherein the first and second stanchion connectors are operably configured to magnetically couple together quickly and effectively and adapted for use with conventional belt connectors on a stanchion connection assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2019Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Inventor: Andrew Baxter Cohen
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Patent number: 9624636Abstract: A shoreline protection system comprising a first barrier assembly, which comprises a first pile extending into a bottom of a body of water, a second pile extending into the bottom of the body of water, wherein the first pile and the second pile are spaced apart and essentially parallel relative to each other, and a first screen having an upper edge, a lower edge, and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, wherein the first screen extends between the first pile and the second pile, wherein the lower edge of the first screen is spaced from the bottom of the body of water.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Integrated Shoreline Solutions, LLCInventors: Thomas Mitchell Andrus, James Paul Quackenbos, Jr., Michael Leon Pugh, Jr.
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Patent number: 9309636Abstract: A rock fall barrier including a plurality of support posts and a deformable net spanning the plurality of support posts. Each support post includes: a base fixed to a sloped surface; a first arm pivotally coupled to the base at a first hinge; a first hinge brake for providing friction at the first hinge to provide controlled resistance against pivotal rotation of the first arm relative to the base; a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm at a second hinge; and a second hinge brake for providing friction at the second hinge to provide controlled resistance against relative pivotal rotation between the first arm and the second arm. A guy wire system is attached to the distal end of each support post on one end and anchored to the sloped surface on the other end. The guy wire system includes upper guy wires having cable brakes.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Inventor: Duncan C. Wyllie
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Patent number: 9216339Abstract: A ball net structure includes: a base; two tilted metallic pipes flanking the base and having front ends receiving two resilient rods, respectively, with the tilted metallic pipes longer than the resilient rods, allowing the resilient rods to bend and achieve optimal curvature and produce the evenest and largest tensile force; a net body stretched by and between the resilient rods to keep being flat and tight; a plastic sheet edge-binder disposed at each of four edges of the net body; clamping elements for clamping first and second edges of the net body; two net-clamping shells for clamping the clamping elements, the plastic sheet edge-binder, and the first and second edges of the net body; and at least two nails disposed on each of the net-clamping shells to fix the net-clamping shells in place, achieving uniform distribution of stress and extending the service life of the net body.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Inventor: Benjamin Chen
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Patent number: 9056725Abstract: A static resistant transport mechanism is configured as a set of slats where each slat is manufactured from a static-dissipative or static-resistive material to minimize or eliminate the build-up of an electrical or static charge in the product conveying system. With such a configuration, the static-resistant transport mechanism minimizes the likelihood of product either failing to enter a slat cavity from a hopper, prematurely exiting a slat cavity prior to dispenzation into a container at a dispensing location, or failing to exit a slat cavity and enter the container at the dispensing location. Accordingly, because the product conveying system can deliver product to containers for an extended period of time with a relatively low rate of error, the static resistant transport mechanism minimizes down time associated with the product conveying system.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Inventor: Steven Leupold
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Patent number: 9009977Abstract: A geogrid sand fence for depositing matter moved by wind currents and related methods, are provided. A geogrid sand fence for the control of sand or other particulate matter movement can include support members carrying a fencing material. The fencing material can include a High Density Polyethylene geogrid mesh material having apertures distributed to provide approximately a 50% porosity to maximize sand deposit volume. The geogrid mesh material has sufficient structural weight to be employed with a height of approximately two meters, which can be adjusted to maintain maximum effectiveness.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Nasser S Kahtani, Jonathan J Grosch
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Patent number: 8857795Abstract: A support post structure includes: a ground plate mounted on a support post anchor driven into the ground or a concrete base; a support post; a universal joint for tiltably supporting a lower end of the post; a lower support plate placed on an upper end of the post; a spring; an upper support plate; a bolt inserted through the lower support plate, the spring, and the upper support plate; a nut threaded into the bolt; and a rope hanging between a mooring part of the bolt and a predetermined position near the lower end of the post. The support post is brought to a standing state when the rope is tightened by the nut and is tiltable in all directions when a guard fence receives a falling rock or the like, autonomously restoring to the initial standing state when the rock is removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Protec Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Yoichi Nishita, Toshimitsu Nomura, Shoichi Inoue
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Publication number: 20140252288Abstract: An accessory for a solar panel assembly includes a bracket defining an elongated portion extending in a first direction and including a slot, a connector coupled to the bracket and configured to engage at least one panel frame of the solar panel assembly, and a fence member including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion including a planar surface oriented at an angle relative to the bracket portion, and the second portion includes a projection that removably engages the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.Inventor: Brian Cecil Stearns
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Patent number: 8807535Abstract: A rockfall protection system may include a plurality of supports that each have a support head, along with a catch net, an upper support cable guiding an upper edge of the catch net at the support heads, and an upper central cable and a lower central cable guiding the catch net in a central support area of the supports. The lower central cable may be tensioned using side anchors provided with at least one braking element. The system may also include a lower support cable guiding a lower edge of the catch net and being guided together with the lower edge of the catch net on the downhill side of and separated from the supports. The braking element may be connected to the side anchor and to the central cable by a cable loop. The side anchor and central cable may be connected via a predetermined breaking point.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Trumer Schutzbauten GesmbHInventors: Gernot Stelzer, Ahren Bichler
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Patent number: 8776346Abstract: An elongated web of flexible material having a covering of excelsior across a portion thereof has an elongated edge portion uncovered. The elongated covered portion is folded over upon itself a number of times, and the elongated uncovered side portion (a tail) are wound upon a roll for utilization after unrolling, as a sediment barrier, properly staked into the ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Western Excelsior Corp.Inventor: Chad M. Lipscomb
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Patent number: 8678709Abstract: According to the invention, a security net can be erected in or on water or on the ground and is provided with a net or net-like structure (1) manufactured substantially from wire material, rope material, strand material or plastics material (2). The net (1) is bent together and forms longitudinal flanks (3, 4) and at least one arched region (5). The overlapping longitudinal flanks (3, 4) can be connected together and several stabilizers (8) are associated with the net (1). In cross-section, the net (1) is constructed similarly to a teardrop, with the arched region (5) lying on or at least partially in the water. In this way, a largely double-walled security system is obtained, which is able to intercept impacting objects reliably and moreover gently, because the net and the three-dimensional protective net structure is deformable due to the relative flexibility thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Geobrugg AGInventors: Peter Utz, Stephan Wartmann
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Patent number: 8465231Abstract: An geotextile silt fence has an increasing permittivity with increase in height thereby allowing larger storm events to flow through the fence without overtopping. A stiffening device is provided at the top of the silt fence to reduce sagging and improper overtopping. This stiffening device may be a mono-directional extruded geogrid structure that is a higher mil thickness than the geotextile monofilament structure of the silt fence and which is affixed to the geotextile continuously throughout the silt fence length. An overflow preferential pathway may be provided at the top of the silt fence through large voids within the geogrid providing controlled overflow of impounded water which mitigates structural failure of the silt by eliminating the typical overtopping failure mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Hunt Lee Christopher
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Patent number: 8387546Abstract: The invention provides fences for capture and control of windblown particles such as snow. In preferred embodiments the fences comprise a porous upwind panel and a porous downwind panel which are separated by a gap. The fences are adapted to deposit windblown particles in highly concentrated drifts disposed upwind and/or downwind of the fence with relatively few particles deposited in the gap. Methods for snow capture and land reclamation are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Erica Elizabeth David
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Publication number: 20120132876Abstract: There is provided a guard surface structure excellent in shock-absorbing effect due to an unprecedented structure formed by combining a deformable supporting surface and shock-absorbing members. A guard surface structure comprises a net body 4 supported by support posts 3, such net body 4 comprising a wire mesh 11, and being deformable and provided with shock-absorbing bags 21 filled with sands. By combining the deformable net body 4 and the shock-absorbing bags 21, a force of impact due to rockfall or the like can be effectively absorbed due to deformation behaviors of the shock-absorbing bags 21 and the net body 4. In this case, sands inside the shock-absorbing bags 21 are caused to move when subjected to the force of impact, thereby allowing the shock-absorbing bags 21 to deform and thus absorb the force of impact. Further, the net body 4 deforms after the force of impact has been first applied to the shock-absorbing bags 21, thus allowing the net body 4 to deform less.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Protec Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Youichi Nishita, Toshimitsu Nomura, Shouichi Inoue, Tomohiro Fujii
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Patent number: 8079571Abstract: A shock-absorbing fence comprises: a guard net provided in a stretched state between main posts provided to stand at a predetermined interval; a safety net attached between a skirt of the guard net and a ground; and a member joining an upper rim of the safety net to the skirt of the guard net as well as securing a lower rim of the safety net to the ground, the member including a horizontal support rope member provided along the lower rim of the safety net and a plurality of hillside support rope members connecting between a plurality of points of the horizontal support rope member and a plurality of hillside anchors, the safety net being allowed to deform in an extended manner following deflection and deformation of the guard net, while maintaining a gap below the guard net in a closed state, in case of rockfall.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Protec Engineering Inc.Inventors: Yoichi Nishita, Tomohiro Fujii, Toshimitsu Nomura
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Publication number: 20110297907Abstract: There is provided a shock-absorbing device for a net body of a guard fence, capable of improving a net body's effectiveness of absorbing impact by enlarging the amount of deformation of the net body once the net body has been subjected to a force of impact due to rockfall, mudslide, avalanche or the like. A net body 4 has a net body turn-down portion 24 located on an edge portion thereof and formed by turning down oblique wire members 22 serving as wire members, and a net body intersecting portion 23 in which the oblique wire members 22 intersect with one another. The net body turn-down portion 24 or the net body intersecting portion 23 is linked, by means of a shock-absorbing rope member 40 and a shock-absorbing instrument 30, to an upper transverse rope member 11 or a longitudinal rope member 52, both of which serve as link receiving members of a guard fence 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: PROTEC ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Youichi Nishita, Ryou Ogawa, Tomohiro Fujii, Shouichi Inoue, Toshimitsu Nomura
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Publication number: 20110220857Abstract: Protective barrier for snowstorms, for installation near communication routes in order to prevent the accumulation of snow or sand on the road. The barrier is formed by joining several screens made of a set of blades that are arranged horizontally, superposed on one another at regular distances, joined with vertical posts by anchoring their ends to several rectangular plates that are inserted in the vertical post using a ring on the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2009Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Daniel Castro Fresno, Jorge Rodriguez Hernandez, Luis Angel Sañudo Fontaneda, Juan Jose Del Coz Diaz, Felipe Pedro Alvarez Rabanal, Paulino Jose Garcia Nieto
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Publication number: 20110042636Abstract: The invention provides fences for capture and control of windblown particles such as snow. In preferred embodiments the fences comprise a porous upwind panel and a porous downwind panel which are separated by a gap. The fences are adapted to deposit windblown particles in highly concentrated drifts disposed upwind and/or downwind of the fence with relatively few particles deposited in the gap. Methods for snow capture and land reclamation are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: David Scientific LLCInventor: Erica Elizabeth David
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Patent number: 7857291Abstract: A fence assembly is made up of a plurality of fence sections. Each section is made up of panels with top, bottom and side edges and front and rear surfaces. Slots are spaced from and milled into the panels along one of the sets of edges. A pair of trim extends over and covers the set edges and each trim has projections that snap or slide into the front and rear slots. Alternatively the edges of the panel may be beaded and slid over the slotted side of the trim. The fence sections are coupled pivotably to fence posts such that the panels may pivot, under force of wind, about either their top or bottom end. The panels are restored to generally vertical position by the force of gravity. A counterweight within the fence post linked to the panels can be used to restore panels to their vertical position. In an alternate embodiment, the brackets coupling the panels to the fence posts may slide along the fence posts and the panels bow in response to high winds.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Edward L. Dombroski
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Patent number: 7841378Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for shielding an area from wind is shown. The system, apparatus and method comprise at least one or a plurality of windscreens that yield to a wind to facilitate or reducing or eliminating stresses or forces on a fence to which the at least one or a plurality of windscreens are attached.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Aer-Flo Canvas Products, Inc.Inventor: William W. Henning
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Publication number: 20100243977Abstract: An apparatus comprises a panel supported by a rigid frame, one or more pivoting arms, one or more front legs, and one or more back legs. The one or more pivoting arms are pivotally attached to the frame. Each of the one or more front legs is telescopically coupled to the frame such that each of the one or more front legs can be independently extended from and retracted into the frame. Finally, each of the one or more back legs is telescopically coupled to a respective one of the one or more pivoting arms such that each of the one or more back legs can be independently extended from and retracted into a respective one of the one or more pivoting arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Alanson J. Middlebrook, JR.
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Patent number: 7780148Abstract: A sand dune or snow fence having slats with a substantially triangular cross-section, rather than rectangular slats. The slats are arranged to eliminate parallel surfaces there between such that air moving between the slats is not compressed or accelerated. The non-parallel surfaces provided by the triangular slats disrupt the flow of air and generate vortices. One configuration includes multiple wings radiating from a center post and anchored on each end by an end post. The asterisk-pattern of this configuration provides a robust structure sufficient to survive extreme weather. Accordingly, this design provides the additional benefit of eliminating the cost associated with replacing damaged and lost fences of the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: University of South FloridaInventor: James H. Kirby
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Patent number: 7736097Abstract: An environmental barrier device includes a first member and a second member. The first member may be constructed of a first sheet material. The first member may have a memory retaining shape. The first member may be normally oriented in a generally upright position and resiliently deflectable from the generally upright position. The second member may be secured to the first member. The second member may be constructed of a second sheet material. The second sheet material may be flexible and may define a filter media. The filter media may allow the passage of water and preclude the passage of dirt and silt. The environmental barrier device includes a lower portion for positioning below ground level and an upper portion for positioning above ground level. The environmental barrier device may be driven over or otherwise deflected from a generally upright orientation and the first member may automatically return the environmental barrier device to the generally upright orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: M&D Environmental Barriers, LLPInventors: Mark D'Andreta, Stephen Mini
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Publication number: 20100123112Abstract: An apparatus comprising a geogrid sand fence for depositing matter moved by wind currents including a stand fence and related methods are provided. A geogrid sand fence for the control of sand or other particulate matter movement can include support members carrying a fencing material. The fencing material can include a High Density Polyethylene geogrid mesh material having apertures distributed to provide a 50% porosity to maximize sand deposit volume. The geogrid mesh material has sufficient structural weight to be employed with a height of approximately 2 meters, which can be adjusted to maintain maximum effectiveness.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Nasser S. Kahtani, J.J. Grosch
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Patent number: 7556243Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a collision between a vehicle and an end of a Metal Beam Guide Fence. A transition device is attached to a modified section of the Metal Beam Guide Fence. The transition device and modified section are configured to allow passage of cables of a High Tension Cable Barrier through the Metal Beam Guide Fence and the transition device. The High Tension Cable Barrier redirects the colliding vehicle away from the end of the Metal Beam Guide Fence. The transition device and modified section are also configured to interact with the cables of the High Tension Cable Barrier to transfer and spread the collision load from the high tension cables to the Metal Beam Guide Fence.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Inventor: John P. Williams
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Patent number: 7543801Abstract: A snow fence system made of snow itself, intended for use around construction sites, like raised pads, commonly used in oil, mining and construction. The snow fence is built in stages. After the first significant snowfall, the pad is cleared by pushing the snow all around of the pad. The pile is then shaped to make a steep flat wall surface on all four sides of the pad. As snow accumulates behind the fence, it is cleared by building higher walls in front of the first wall. The new walls are higher than the first wall and are given a steep vertical face. These snow walls are built on the windward and the opposite sides of the pad. As additional snow accumulates, the fence is built out further from the pad, using the material from the excavated trenches to build additional walls.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Inventors: Donald W. Schele, Marvin D. Smith
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Patent number: 7487580Abstract: A snow fence system made of snow itself, intended for use around construction sites, like raised pads, commonly used in oil, mining and construction. The snow fence is built in stages. After the first significant snowfall, the pad is cleared by pushing the snow to the windward side of the pad. The pile is then shaped to make a steep flat wall surface. As snow accumulates behind the fence, it is cleared by building a higher wall in front of the first wall. The new wall is higher than the first wall and it too is given a steep vertical face. As additional snow accumulates, the fence is built out further from the pad, using the material from the excavated trenches to build additional walls. Once the fence is in place, the pad remains virtually snow free from drifting. At the end of the season, the fence simply melts away.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Inventors: Donald W. Schele, Marvin D. Smith
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Publication number: 20090022552Abstract: A transportable and reusable silt fencing system for use at a construction site to prevent sediment and soil erosion comprises tension rods, a male section, a female section, and a fencing material having sleeve supports for the rods to slide in and support the fencing material. The tension rods are collapsible. The rods collapse when a truck drives over the fence, but re-assume their original form once the truck has passed. If a fence longer than the fencing section is required, additional fencing sections may be attached by connecting a male section of one fence section with the female section of another fence section.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventor: Gary Berenyi
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Patent number: 7465129Abstract: A reinforced silt retention sheet and systems for silt retention are provided. The reinforced silt retention sheet includes a non-woven fabric having a series of entangled polymer fibers with a reinforcing material secured within the fabric. The resultant reinforced silt retention sheet further can have openings of a desired size to enable filtering of a flow of fluid passing through the reinforced silt retention sheet.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Silt-Saver, Inc.Inventor: Earl R. Singleton
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Publication number: 20080251775Abstract: A windscreen system for use in water abatement systems such as that found in oil and gas drilling operations. The windscreen system comprises a plurality of independently portable and mountable ten foot wide sections that stand side by side about three feet apart. Each section comprises top and bottom mesh screens secured to a rigid frame that is held in a vertical position by support braces. Relatively narrow screens are hung between the rigid frames to form a continuous windscreen system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: EVAPORITE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Darrin N. Haslem
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Publication number: 20080157044Abstract: A silt fence structure and method of controlling erosion are disclosed. The silt fence structure includes a water permeable fence, an apron having first and second edges, the first edge providing a buried apron toe, the second edge attaching to the water permeable fence, and at least one flow barrier attached to the water permeable fence and to the apron so as to impede lateral runoff flow along the water permeable fence.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: THE BOARD OF REGENTS FOR OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: BILLY J. BARFIELD, KHALED A.M. GASEM, SANDEEP YERI, ELLEN STEVENS, JOHN C. HAYES
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Patent number: 7384024Abstract: A reusable fence post for supporting roll-up safety fencing comprising an elongated hollow post having an outside V-angle disposed along a first exterior side of the hollow post; a stake extending downward from a built-in sliding hammer for installing the reusable fence post in the ground without tools; and an elongated jaw member having an inside V-angle hinged at the lower end of the hollow post. The elongated jaw member swings away from the hollow post to receive the plastic fencing and swings toward the hollow post to be latched to the hollow post and held between inside and outside V-angle clamping surfaces, thereby securely clamping the safety fencing to prevent it from slipping either lengthwise or across the width of the fencing. In an alternate embodiment, the outside V-angle serves as the fence post; and the stake, having a cap at its upper end, slides within pipe sections attached to the post.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Inventor: Dwayne Wink
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Patent number: 7234283Abstract: A method for making knots (4) of retaining nets (1), such as rock and avalanche fences, wherein a knot (4) consists of a first and a second rope (2,3) crossing over each other and a junction binding said ropes (6), comprises the steps of placing a first and a second U element (7,8) astride said first rope (2) and adjacent to said second rope (3) on opposite sides thereof, linking the ends (7d,7e) of the first U element (7) to the ends (8d,8e) of the second U element (8) by means of bridge elements (9d,9e) overlying said second rope (3), and clamping said second bridge elements (9d, 9e) on said second rope (3). With such a method a very strong and simple knot (4) can be speedily obtained.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Sincron S.r.l.Inventor: Vitaliano Russo
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Patent number: 7188825Abstract: A catchment net (1), especially for rockfall blocking, includes a net (2) consisting of elements that engage with each other, and whose two longitudinal sides are each moveably held by a holding rope (3, 4) extending between at least two support bodies (7, 8, 9, 10). The two holding ropes (3, 4) are moveably held by the individual support bodies (7, 8, 9, 10) in their longitudinal direction and tensioned at the side. At least one running rope (37, 38, 39, 40; 47, 48, 49, 50) or suchlike extending alongside the support body on each of the holding ropes (3, 4) preferably within the area of the each support body (7, 8, 9, 10) is affixed with one end on one side and with the other end on the other side to the support body (7, 8, 9, 10). The net (2) is moveably held within the support body area by the running ropes (37, 38, 39, 40; 47, 48, 49, 50). The catchment net (1) therefore guarantees an optimal load distribution as well as a more favorable flow of energy through the net.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Fatzer AGInventor: Marcel Sennhauser
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Patent number: 7097385Abstract: A three-dimensional multi-pod windblown particle control device is used to control the deposition, accumulation and retention of windblown particles. The multi-pod device is formed by connecting beams to create legs which intersect one another at a crossing area. The ends of some of the legs contact the earth surface to support the device while the ends of the other legs extend in three dimensions to interact with the wind. The device may be formed by substantially identical X-shaped frame structures which intersect and connect with one another. The optimal spacing for using the devices in an array is within a range of approximately 0.5–1.5 of a transverse dimension across the surface area occupied by each particle control device.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Inventor: Ronald D. Tabler
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Patent number: 7048474Abstract: A windblown particle control device which, when attached to the surface of the earth assumes a generally tubular cross-sectional shape, stabilizes particle cover and controls deposition and retention of windblown particles. A sheet of netting material is curved in an arched configuration. Webs of the sheet are linked together to define apertures through the sheet. The apertures create aerodynamic effects in the wind which stabilize, deposit and retain the particles on the earth surface. A kit of components, which includes the netting sheet and a plurality of frame structures to support and maintain the netting sheet in the arched configuration may be employed to assemble the control device for use.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventor: Ronald D. Tabler
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Patent number: 7044449Abstract: A reusable fence post for supporting roll-up safety fencing comprises an elongated hollow post having an outside V-angle disposed along a first exterior side of the hollow post; a stake extending downward from a built-in sliding hammer for installing the reusable fence post in the ground without tools; and an elongated jaw member having an inside V-angle hinged at the lower end of the hollow post. The elongated jaw member swings away from the hollow post to receive the plastic fencing and swings toward the hollow post to be latched to the hollow post and held between inside and outside V-angle clamping surfaces, thereby securely clamping the safety fencing to prevent it from slipping either lengthwise or across the width of the fencing. In an alternate embodiment, the outside V-angle serves as the fence post; and the stake, having a cap at its upper end, slides within pipe sections attached to the post.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Dwayne Wink
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Patent number: RE42695Abstract: A reinforced silt retention sheet and systems for silt retention are provided. The reinforced silt retention sheet includes a non-woven fabric having a series of entangled polymer fibers with a reinforcing material secured within the fabric. The resultant reinforced silt retention sheet further can have openings of a desired size to enable filtering of a flow of fluid passing through the reinforced silt retention sheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Silt-Saver, Inc.Inventor: Earl R. Singleton