Artificial Water Barrier (e.g., Dam, Levee, Etc.) Patents (Class 405/107)
  • Patent number: 11566390
    Abstract: A construction method of reclaiming land from the sea based on the basement utilization, which implementation steps are as follows: a. installing a dike along the coastline, enclosing a central reclamation area by the dike and the coastline; b. installing crisscross enclosures in the central reclamation area, dividing the central reclamation area into a mesh area by the enclosure and the dike; c, pumping drainage of seawater in a block area in the mesh area, forming land in the block area; d. constructing the enclosure in the mesh reclamation area, using the enclosure and subsidiary roads to form road arteriality; the block area being lower than the height of the enclosure, constituting a grid-like high-road/low-land land supply mode; e. developing the block area into an underground space area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Wenhou University
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Yuanqiang Cai, Linzhu Sun, Peng Wang, Chuan Gu, Lin Guo, Hongtao Fu, Shihu Gao, Quanyang Dong, Qi Sun, Guohui Yuan, Junfeng Ni, Ziyang Gao
  • Patent number: 11473258
    Abstract: Disclosed is a protective barrier segment for a temporary liquid-damming protective barrier configured for separating a flooded side from a protected side by abutting against a ground surface, the protective barrier segment including a liquid-damming member having a first surface facing the flooded side and a second surface facing the protected side. The protective barrier segment is characterized in that the liquid-damming member includes an opening connecting the flooded side and the protected side and in that the protective barrier segment further includes a pump arrangement, wherein the pump arrangement is located at the opening in sealed engagement with the liquid-damming member and wherein the pump arrangement, in use, pumps liquid from the protected side to the flooded side. Also disclosed is a protective barrier including such a protective barrier segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: NOAQ FLOOD PROTECTION AB
    Inventor: Sigurd Melin
  • Patent number: 11186981
    Abstract: A publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex is disclosed, with a man-made tropical, pristine-clear lagoon as the centerpiece of the complex, with surrounding entertainment, educational, sports, and commercial facilities, the complex having controlled public access and providing the look and feel of a tropical beach with clear waters and sandy beaches. In addition a method for efficiently utilizing facilities and land that are vacant, underutilized, have limited uses, or that are contiguous to or nearby recreational, educational, sports, or commercial venues is disclosed. The method providing a publicly accessible urban beach entertainment complex with a centerpiece man-made tropical-style pristine-clear lagoon. The method allows for generating revenue and increasing efficiency by pairing vacant sites, underutilized sites, limited use land, or sites that are contiguous to entertainment, educational, sports, and/or commercial venues with urban beach entertainment complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CRYSTAL LAGOONS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Fernando Benjamin Fischmann
  • Patent number: 11136247
    Abstract: A nanocomposite composition for controlling water hardness and a method of producing the nanocomposite, is disclosed. The nanocomposite composition comprises a plurality of semi-interpenetrating polymer network/zeolite-silver nanocomposite, including a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix is dispersed with a plurality of zeolite nanoparticles and a plurality of silver nanoparticles. The method of producing semi-interpenetrating polymer networks/zeolite-silver nanocomposite as hydrogel form comprises microemulsion polymerization of monomeric mixture uses methyl methacrylate (MMA) in presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) cross-linker for MMA monomer, acrylamide (AAm), acrylic acid (AAc) and linear poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) monomers in the presence of N,N?-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) cross-linker and TX-100 surfactant. Further, the prepared nanocomposite is a water hardness removal filter and an efficient inhibition of sulfate-reducing bacteria nanocomposite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventors: Farid Mirhoseini, Alireza Salabat
  • Patent number: 10843868
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a floor having an impermeable material, where the floor has multiple edge portions and each edge portion corresponds to one edge of the floor. The apparatus also includes multiple wall sections configured to form multiple free-standing walls around a perimeter of the floor, where each of the multiple walls corresponds to one of the edge portions. The apparatus further includes multiple brackets, where each bracket is configured to fit over one of the multiple walls after the corresponding edge portion of the floor is draped over the wall. Each bracket is configured to fit against sides of the wall so as to hold the corresponding edge portion in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: TitanLiner, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Sillivent, Curtis Lee, Ricky Davalos
  • Patent number: 10822894
    Abstract: A modular fluid containment system has wall segments that are joined at angled corners to form a closed wall. A membrane spans the closed wall and is connected to the closed wall with membrane attachment members. In some embodiments, a truss may span the closed wall and support a second membrane that protects impounded liquids from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Inventor: Jose Guerrero, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10538889
    Abstract: A system and method to create or elevate a berm of a liquid retention facility by placement of lightweight fill material anchored by impervious liner material(s). The liner materials can be part of the liquid retention pond. The system and method can also be used to elevate the height of the berm in combination with impervious liner retention material. By constructing the berm system on an existing berm, earth embankment or levee, the effective height of the system structure can be increased. The liquid impervious liner material provides a watertight surface, joining media, and the anchoring of the lightweight fill material to the existing berm. The system may use solid wall hollow body structures. The system may also use flexible and liquid porous geotextile structures including geotubes. The liquid impervious liners retain the liquid in the retention pond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Larry J Ragsdale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10458084
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water barrier shield foot element for supporting a protective module of a water barrier shield configured to be positioned between a body of water and an area of land to be protected. The water barrier foot element is configured to be arranged against a ground surface and extends in a longitudinal direction, wherein the foot element comprises a base element, a front end, a rear end and a first and a second longitudinal side portion. The front end is configured to be arranged in a direction towards the protective module, characterized in that the base element at one of either the rear end or the front end of the foot element is wider than the other so that the base element has a trapezoidal shape. The invention further relates to a water barrier shield support arrangement, a water barrier shield system and a method for manufacturing a water barrier shield foot element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Inero AB
    Inventor: Ingvar Nero
  • Patent number: 10435898
    Abstract: A structure and its adjacent group-segregated outdoor spaces or an arrangement of structures and their adjacent group-segregated outdoor spaces includes at least one structure comprising at least one a unit and at least one b unit. The areas adjacent to the structure or structures are physically separated into a first group-segregated outdoor space and a second group-segregated outdoor space. The first group-segregated outdoor space is associated with the at least one a unit. The second group-segregated outdoor space is associated with the at least one b unit. The areas adjacent to the structure or structures are physically separated by a barrier, whereby the barrier at least partly limits visibility and access between the first and second segregated outdoor areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Douglas Arthur Webb
  • Patent number: 10240310
    Abstract: A system and method to create or elevate a berm of a liquid retention facility by placement of lightweight liquid impervious. The system and method can also be used to elevate the liquid retention height of the berm in combination with impervious liner retention material. By constructing the berm system on an existing levee, the effective height of the levee can be increased. The lightweight fill material provides the shape of the berm or levee extension. The liquid impervious liner material provides a watertight surface, the media for joining of the lightweight fill material, and the anchoring of the lightweight fill material to the existing berm or levee structure. The system may use solid wall hollow body structures to elevate the berm. The system may also use lightweight frames to support the vertical elevation of a liner above the berm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Larry J. Ragsdale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9995013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an economical debris flow blocking dam structure and a construction method thereof. The structure has an excavated foundation surface, and a dam body of the blocking dam is composed of a key wall arranged at a dam toe, dam body concrete wrapped on an outer surface of the whole blocking dam, concrete masonry block stones filled inside the blocking dam, and a plurality of drain holes formed in the dam body in a top and twin-side bottom shape; an open and centralized overflow weir is arranged on the top of the blocking dam; an overflow surface has a horizontal middle and extends to two sides along a longitudinal slope i of 10-20%; and the key wall is anchored on the foundation surface through joint bars stretching into bedrock, and an anti-scouring pit is formed close to a downstream side of the key wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventors: Gangping Zhang, Dengyin Wang
  • Patent number: 9951488
    Abstract: A shaped barrier comprises a substantially horizontal portion, a ramp portion, a substantially vertical portion, and at least one connector. The substantially horizontal portion is configured to increase the stabilizing force between the shaped barrier and the ground in an effective amount to prevent substantial movement of the shaped barrier by distributing at least a portion of a groundward force of a rolling vehicle on a receiving side of the shaped barrier. The ramp portion is configured to receive the rolling vehicle onto the horizontal portion. The substantially vertical portion is configured to impede the movement of the rolling vehicle. The at least one connector is configured to connect the shaped barrier with at least one other shaped barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Tomasz Arciszewski
  • Patent number: 9915048
    Abstract: A method for river/lake level regulation and a water conservancy system. The method for level regulation employs a non-closure mode; a water reservoir system is built on one side of a river/lake, water from the river/lake enters into the reservoir system when the water level of the river/lake exceeds a warning water level, and the river/lake is replenished with the water stored in the reservoir system when the water level of the river/lake is unduly low; the conservancy system, which employs the non-closure mode, is built on one side of a river/lake waterway and includes the water reservoir system and a first water passage, the water reservoir system communicates with the river/lake waterway through the first water passage. The method for river/lake level regulation and the water conservancy system realize river/lake level regulation during drought and flood periods without any river/lake closure, so that water resources are control effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: FENGHE YINGZAO GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Baoru Jie, Jiangang Jie, Daxin He, Shuangxi Zhou, Jue Li, Jie Fu, Wujin Tao
  • Patent number: 9885163
    Abstract: A system and method to provide water and sediment flow through a dam or rock jetty, including a plurality of flow pipes positioned through the dam or jetty to receive water carrying sediment and a principal flow pipe to receive flow from the plurality of flow pipes and to deposit water and sediment a predetermined distance to the rear of the dam or jetty. A continuous trough may be mounted on the jetty forward face to efficiently capture water and sediment at entrances of the plurality of flow pipes. A system and method is also provided to suppress wave action against a shoreline and to collect sediment to build up the shoreline, comprising shelves extending out from a front wall of each body section, below a plurality of flow pipes, the shelves for shearing a wave and dispersing and using wave energy to direct sediment through the flow pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Webster Pierce, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9758939
    Abstract: A multi-part reusable retaining wall and levee bag. The reusable levee bag includes a top bag section and a bottom bag portion removably affixed to the top bag portion. The combined top bag section and bottom bag portion define an interior space within which fillable material may be received to form a levee bag for use in flooding and other installations. The bottom bag section includes a receiving cell for receiving an end of another levee bag to connect multiple levee bags end to end to form a retaining wall with minimal gaps between levee bags. The bottom bag section is made of a biodegradable material while the top bag section is made of an alternative material. The reusable levee bag, once filled, may be disassembled and the top bag section reused while the bottom bag section may remain in place to biodegrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Beau G. Adams
  • Patent number: 9745708
    Abstract: A device for the damming of a liquid in a liquid basin including a tubular enclosure suitable for arrangement at an edge of the liquid basin, wherein a longitudinal direction of the tubular enclosure extends substantially parallel to the edge, wherein the enclosure encloses a liquid-fillable space, wherein the enclosure, at an exterior side thereof, facing the liquid basin, is provided with a skirt for being supported by a sloping underground of the liquid basin, seen from the edge, wherein the support during use is carried out in such a way, that a contact surface present between the skirt and the underground remains substantially free from liquid from the liquid basin, wherein the enclosure, near the lower side of the side during use facing the liquid basin, is provided with one or more filling openings, arranged above the skirt, that during use create an open liquid connection between the space and the liquid in the liquid basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Rass International B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Max Alt
  • Patent number: 9689130
    Abstract: A bulkhead system and a method of implementing such a bulkhead system in relation to a dam are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a method includes providing a plurality of bulkhead sections assembled together as a bulkhead assembly, and coupling first side, second side, and bottom assemblies respectively to a first end, second end, and bottom surface respectively of the bulkhead assembly. Further, the method includes causing a first of the bulkhead sections to receive a respective amount of ballast within an internal cavity therewithin, receiving water pressure at an upstream surface of the bulkhead assembly such that the bulkhead system is forced against the dam and substantially sealed in relation thereto, and operating to counteract the water pressure and thereby prevent or limit the flow of water past the dam, where the operating is performed at least in part by the side assemblies and bottom assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: J.F. Brennan Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Becker, Daniel C. Wibralski, Michael A. McCullick
  • Patent number: 9573165
    Abstract: A screen having a hydrophobic portion to resist the entry of liquid into an acoustic module and a hydrophilic portion to aid in the removal of liquid from an acoustic chamber is described. The screen is placed in an orifice in the acoustic module between the external environment and the internal acoustic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Weber, Naoto Matsuyuki
  • Patent number: 9518367
    Abstract: A bulkhead system and a method of implementing such a bulkhead system in relation to a dam are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a method includes providing a plurality of bulkhead sections assembled together as a bulkhead assembly, and coupling first and second side assemblies to first and second ends of the bulkhead assembly. Further, the method includes causing a first of the bulkhead sections to receive a respective amount of ballast within an internal cavity therewithin, receiving water pressure at an upstream surface of the bulkhead assembly such that the bulkhead system is forced against the dam and substantially sealed in relation thereto, and operating to counteract the water pressure and thereby prevent or limit the flow of water past the dam, where the operating is performed at least in part by one or more brace members of the side assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: J.F. Brennan Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Becker, Daniel C. Wibralski, Michael A. McCullick
  • Patent number: 9512594
    Abstract: An interconnecting member for a sand or soil bag comprises a plate having a first side and a second side. There is a plurality of projections on the first side of the plate and a plurality of projections on the second side of the plate. There is also a pair of serrations on the first side of the plate. The serrations each include a plurality of teeth arranged in a row and extending away from the plate in a first direction, and an end tooth at one end of the row which extends away from the plate in a second direction which is opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Callewaert Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Callewaert
  • Patent number: 9512581
    Abstract: A rapid deployment barrier which is specifically configured and adapted to be easily transitionable between a stowed configuration during storage and transport, and a deployed configuration when constructing the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Caylym Technologies International, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Goddard, James Tadlock, Kyle Goddard, James Wilson, Edward Kleiman
  • Patent number: 9468905
    Abstract: A composition for an outside surface, includes at least a mixture of a microporous mineral of the zeolite type and a salt in order to allow for an adsorption and/or desorption effect, the composition including a permeable film at least partially coating the microporous mineral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Benoît Pintat
  • Patent number: 9309047
    Abstract: A liquid containment berm and its method of creation, assembly and use, wherein the berm has a floor member and an outer wall member created by applying an expandable foam polymer along a desired retention or flow control pathway, the foam polymer expanding to form the liquid impermeable outer wall member. Apertures are provided in the floor member such that the expandable foam polymer passes through the apertures to secure the outer wall member to the underlying base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Mark D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 9261068
    Abstract: The hydroelectric power generating system incorporates a man-made dam structure configured to completely enclose a body of water. The dam is preferably filled by pumping seawater into the reservoir defined by the encircling dam. A circumferential canal feeds water to one or more penstocks. Each penstock has one or more hydroelectric turbine generators installed therealong. The penstocks feed an enclosed circumferential channel about the base of the dam. The channel delivers water to a pump that pumps the water back into the bottom of the reservoir. An auxiliary hydroelectric power generating system disposed within the dam utilizes the water exiting from the lower end of the penstocks for additional production of energy. While this system results in a net loss of energy, the system can make use of surplus power to drive the return pump during periods of low electrical demand in order to replenish the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Yaser K. Barakat
  • Patent number: 9222273
    Abstract: A structure and its adjacent group-segregated outdoor spaces or an arrangement of structures and their adjacent group-segregated outdoor spaces includes at least one structure comprising at least one a unit and at least one b unit. The areas adjacent to the structure or structures are physically separated into a first group-segregated outdoor space and a second group-segregated outdoor space. The first group-segregated outdoor space is associated with the at least one a unit. The second group-segregated outdoor space is associated with the at least one b unit. The areas adjacent to the structure or structures are physically separated by a barrier, whereby the barrier at least partly limits visibility and access between the first and second segregated outdoor areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Doug Webb
  • Patent number: 9157205
    Abstract: A water containment apparatus includes a straight strut arrangement comprising a plurality of straight strut assemblies forming an alternating v-shape and inverted v-shape pattern; and a curved strut arrangement comprising a plurality of corner strut assemblies forming a desired curvature and connecting two straight strut arrangements to form a closed loop water containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Novotny, Yannick Harvey, Dustin Downing, Robert Davis, Mark Ritchey
  • Patent number: 9085866
    Abstract: A flood wall system and method of constructing same, including providing a first main panel section; attaching sleeves to each side of a main panel prior to configuring the final chamber; providing two sleeves of fabric at the upper opening of each chamber for supporting the chambers while they are filled with materials such as sand; providing a series of chambers sewn together to define a continuous cellular wall; the final chamber having a horizontal height which is two feet (0.6 m) longer than the vertical height further having a front toe portion one foot (0.3 m) in height; filling each chamber with a quantity of material, such as sand; on each end of a completed chain of chambers, further comprising a set of loops or ties so that a chain of chambers is capable of being tied to other chains of chambers to define the continuous flood wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: AMERIGLOBE, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Schnaars, Sr., Everett Leslie Waid, Jr., Jean André Beard
  • Patent number: 8985900
    Abstract: A civil engineering work (1) comprising a front face (9), a facing (3) having a back surface (32) and a front surface (31) that is substantially the same as said front face (9) of the work, a fluid-tight covering (4) on the back surface, a fill (2) arranged behind said fluid-tight covering (4), and an anchoring device (6) ensuring a mechanical linkage between the facing (3) and the fill (2), with said facing (3) comprising a cavity (5) inside of which a portion of the fluid-tight covering (4) is arranged to form a recessed space into which is inserted an anchoring element (16) that is a part of said anchoring device (6), and a method for implementing such a work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Terre Armee Internationale
    Inventors: Nicolas Freitag, Jean-Claude Morizot
  • Patent number: 8979433
    Abstract: A liquid containment berm and its method of creation, assembly and use, wherein the berm has one or more interior seal members, a floor member and an outer wall member created by applying an expandable foam polymer along a desired retention or flow control pathway, the foam polymer expanding to form the liquid impermeable outer wall member. The berm is assembled and installed on site about a liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Mark D. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20150033722
    Abstract: A turbine system that can be releasably anchored in a flow of liquid, like a waterfall, and generate power from the flow includes a runner operable to receive some or all of the flow of liquid and rotate to generate power, a penstock operable to direct some or all of the flow toward the runner, and an intake operable to direct some or all of the flow into the penstock. The runner may be coupled to a generator to generate electric power. The penstock has a length that is adjustable to accommodate changes in the height of the liquid drop or waterfall, which may be desirable if the distance between the top and bottom of the drop fluctuates like an ocean's tide. The turbine system also includes a valve operable to modify the flow of the liquid flowing into the runner, and a control circuit operable to determine an amount of liquid entering the penstock and, in response to the determined amount, move the valve to increase or decrease the flow of liquid into the runner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Layton, James Styner, Brian Peithman, Jason Rota, Dane Roth
  • Patent number: 8915672
    Abstract: The present invention provides a movable breakwater that can do with a small amount of compressed air supplied to raise the buoyant steel pipe. The buoyant steel pipe 6 includes a buoyancy tank 6d in which gas is filled, an air chamber 6e provided above the buoyancy tank 6d, a penetration pipe 19 that penetrates through the buoyancy tank 6d and feeds compressed air supplied from a pressure accumulator tank 13 to the air chamber 6e, and an open chamber 6f, whose top side is open, provided above the air chamber 6e and in the buoyant steel pipe 6 at the upper end portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Bridge & Steel Structures Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Inagaki, Yasuhiro Iida, Keiji Kanai, Makoto Kobayashi, Akira Sakaguchi, Taro Arikawa, Hirohide Kimura, Hisanobu Nagatomo, Kazuyoshi Kihara
  • Publication number: 20140314487
    Abstract: Attenuating element consisting of a head part, neck part and base part. The neck part is narrower compared to the head part and neck parts of adjacent attenuating elements form a continuous channel. Via the head parts, this channel is connected so that the cross-sectional area of the head parts is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the base parts. In this way, a water-control structure, sound-attenuating wall and the like can be provided. Such attenuating elements can be produced in a very simple manner by dividing them vertically and producing each of the vertical parts from concrete in a mould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: HILL INNOVATIONS B.V.
    Inventor: Hans HILL
  • Patent number: 8858120
    Abstract: A liquid containment barrier is formed by corrugated panels connected end to end and supported by upstanding brackets at spaced positions around the peripheral wall and a liner attached to the wall. Each panel has the top edge as a raw edge with a plurality of elongate extruded plastics spring channel members engaged over the top edge. A plurality of additional clamp collars are arranged to surround a part cylindrical portion of the channel members to bridge between panels and to form a local clamping force on the channel member. Each bracket has an inner vertical edge engaging the panels and a rod member hooked to the brace at the lower end and engaging over the channel members at the upper end. The bracket also includes an upwardly extending flange parallel to the inner edge to form a channel for the bottom edge of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Vicwest Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Allen, John Mascarenhas, Michael Fell
  • Patent number: 8840338
    Abstract: A fluid fillable structure has a reservoir body comprising a top surface and at least one fluid fill port at a first end. There is a first connector on the top surface of the reservoir body adjacent to the first end and a second connector spaced from the first end, the first end of the reservoir body being folded back onto the reservoir body and secured by releasably securing the first connector to the second connector such that the at least one fluid fill port remains open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: LAYFIELD Group Ltd.
    Inventors: James Andrew Mills, Gregory Allan Parrent
  • Publication number: 20140227032
    Abstract: A method for developing a piece of land that is in danger of disappearing due to its small size above a seawater level, including covering the piece of land with a sealing dome larger than the piece of land such that a space is created between the piece of land and the sealing dome and such that a lower edge of the sealing dome is in the sea, securing the sealing dome, while leaving a gap between the lower edge of the sealing dome and a sea bottom, reducing the air pressure inside the sealing dome such that the seawater level inside the sealing dome rises above at least a part of the piece of land to allow coral to naturally grow on the at least the part of the piece of land, and returning the air pressure inside the sealing dome to the same air pressure as outside so that the naturally grown coral on the part of the piece of land becomes calcified coral by being exposure to air, and the calcified coral remains as a developed portion of the piece of land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: STATICE Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro HOSHINO
  • Patent number: 8784006
    Abstract: Reinforcement system for concrete panel wall, such as I-type flood wall, includes high tensile strength textile attached to wall by adhesive and reinforced by mechanical fasteners. Most preferred embodiment comprises a strip of fiber reinforced plastic spanning multiple panels, with the grain of the textile material extending horizontally. Alternative embodiment includes vertical FRP with bias-grain textile. Fasteners are preferably ductile fiber anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Fyfe Co., LLC
    Inventor: Edward R. Fyfe
  • Patent number: 8747023
    Abstract: A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The bulkhead having a first wall extending at least 45° with respect to a second wall of said bulkhead so as to have an inverted V-shaped configuration. A crushed stone coating is applied to a surface of the bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Walker
  • Publication number: 20140140770
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to prevent an overflow of water into living spaces and underground spaces, to prevent difficulties in lower the door body when the water level has dropped, and to prevent the door body from suddenly falling. This is achieved by a floating flap gate 11 which is disposed at an opening or at an access way, so as to block the opening or the access way when water w flows in, and comprises a door body 12 with a forward end which is able to swing upwards, within in a plane in a height direction in a direction in which the water flows in around a base end thereof serving as a fulcrum. A rod 13 is attached to the forward end of the door body 12. One end of a wire rope 14 is attached to the rod 13, and the other end is attached to a counterweight 20 via fixed pulleys 16, 17.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyouichi Nakayasu, Yoshito Yamakawa, Toshiaki Morii, Masaki Inui, Yuuichirou Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140110942
    Abstract: A power generating system in a dam or impoundment where a section is removed by precision saw cutting to create a void or a base placed adjacent to the dame or impoundment is inserted for the mounting of a turbine frame with a plurality of power generating cells comprising a turbine and a generator and a second removed section to create voids for outlet draft tubes where the turbine frame is matably inserted in the first void, the turbines in said frame are positioned to permit water flow through the turbines and out the voids for outlet flow, and the turbines are operably engaged to a plurality of generators for generating power from the movement of water across the turbines. The cells may be mounted on top of a dam weir after precision removal to create a base and may have added draft tubes for water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne F. Krouse, Mike Maley
  • Patent number: 8702345
    Abstract: A portable, modular, and dynamically sized and shaped, above-ground, industrial-liquid-containment system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a plurality of elongated curbs, each of which has a substantially inverted-V-shaped cross-section. In variations, each curb can have a flat top surface, from which two walls extend downwardly at a predetermined angle. At the bottom of each of the curb walls, is a foot surface extending substantially parallel to the ground and to the flat top surface. The plurality of curbs are detachably coupled together to define a perimeter for a liquid-containment area. The height of the curbed boundary can be increased by installing curb-height extender members onto the first-layer of curb members. The defined containment-area floor and the plurality of curbs is continuously covered by liquid-impermeable sheeting in order to prevent leakage into the outer-ground environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Allen Leroy Stein
  • Publication number: 20140105686
    Abstract: This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. One implementation includes a support assembly that includes an elongate post member and a stabilization plate. In one instance, a stabilization plate is mounted on the elongate post member to reduce movement of the elongate post member when the stabilization plate is embedded in the ground. Another implementation includes a panel splice assembly including reinforcing members that secure overlapping, corrugated panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ALLIED STEEL
    Inventor: Patrick Southworth
  • Publication number: 20140105687
    Abstract: This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. One implementation includes a support assembly that includes an elongate post member and a stabilization plate. In one instance, a stabilization plate is mounted on the elongate post member to reduce movement of the elongate post member when the stabilization plate is embedded in the ground. Another implementation includes a panel splice assembly including reinforcing members that secure overlapping, corrugated panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ALLIED STEEL
    Inventor: Patrick Southworth
  • Patent number: 8662335
    Abstract: A system including transportable all-terrain berm for receiving and retaining fluid. The berm includes flexible impervious sheeting generally formed of a coated fabric. The sheeting is shaped to include a floor area surrounded with opposed end and side wall sections forming a containment area. The end and side walls include adjacent their outer edges spaced retaining and support members. The berm includes a plurality of A-frame braces arranged in vertical positions about the flooring for supporting the end and side wall sections. Stabilizer members are engaged with the upper ends of adjacent braces. The retaining and support members are engaged with the brace members and the stabilizer members holding the end and side walls in generally elevated positions and in engagement with the braces forming the containment area. A bladder for containing and dispensing fluid may be located in the containment area, in which case the berm protects against bladder spillage while providing structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Basic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward W. Van Romer
  • Patent number: 8636445
    Abstract: A hazardous spill ground containment system having a plurality portable metal frame sections. The frame sections are used to create an angular shaped containment frame received over various types of ground surfaces. The frame sections can be made to different lengths and heights and are used for holding in place a heavy duty liner on top of the ground surface. The liner is adapted for receiving various types of equipment, tanks and containers holding toxic chemicals and the like hazardous materials. The metal frame sections include an elongated, metal, A-shaped lower frame member and an elongated, metal, Z-shaped upper frame member for receiving and holding a side of the liner securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Floyd E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8621740
    Abstract: A water-retaining element (2) for forming a temporary water-retaining structure (1) includes a bottom (6), a plurality of side walls (8, 10), and connections (20). The plurality of side walls are immovably connected to the bottom and extend upwards from the bottom to form a water-fillable container (12). The connections connect the water-retaining element in a water-retaining manner to least one adjacent water-retaining element. The water-fillable container (12) is open at the top to receive a second water-retaining element (2) during transport and/or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Koninklijke BAM Groep N.V., Movares Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Sebastiaan Reedijk, Erik ten Oever, Joachim Matthijs van Gaalen, Peter Gerardes van Duijnen, Herke Gerrit Stuit
  • Patent number: 8602687
    Abstract: This design addresses the problems in areas below sea level adjacent to coastal communities with shallow canals/inlets with high tides/surges entering the discharge piping outlets arranged for normal average mean sea levels from pumping stations with outflow into a reservoir/body i.e., lake, river or waterway that is affected during storms, hurricanes or heavy rains driven by winds and high tides that render pumping inefficient at least and/or inoperable at worst. Included in this design is an inlet of a manifold connected to the pump's discharge, a normal discharge outlet and a second optional bypass discharge piping outlet, elevated over or through a high wall. Also included is automatic/manual shutoff valves and variable speed drive motor. The bypass discharge outlet includes, prior to the distal end, an ancillary piping arrangement that allows portions of the discharge flow directed back into underground aquifers for water table replenishment to aid subsidence maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Paul J. Hubbell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8585318
    Abstract: A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The body has a first tow bar and a second tow bar affixed at an end thereof. A plurality of ports extends through a thickness of bulkhead. The bulkhead and the pontoons have angled surfaces so that one body can nest within an adjacent body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Walker
  • Publication number: 20130259573
    Abstract: An artificial soil structure includes a water shield layer provided on a soil layer and including water repellent sand processed by water repellent treatment, a water retentive layer provided on the water shield layer and including water retentive sand with no water repellent treatment, and a water repellent soil body provided partially in the water shield layer so as to penetrate the water shield layer and be in contact with the soil layer and the water retentive layer, the soil body including sand processed by water repellent treatment, wherein the water shield layer has water infiltration pressure higher than that of the water repellent soil body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Yumi WAKITA, Norihisa MINO, Osamu YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8540456
    Abstract: A modular dike or barrier assembly includes straight and curved members that may be interconnected to form a barrier or dike wall surrounding a primary container. The members are hollow and include opposed side walls having integrally formed reinforcing ribs. The side walls extend at an acute angle relative to the base of the barrier to contain and redirect a surge flow directed toward the dike or barrier assembly. The interior surfaces of the side walls are closely spaced at locations spaced from the ribs and tend to abut for added wall reinforcement upon application of wall deflecting loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Polystar Incorporated
    Inventor: Aaron D. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8496404
    Abstract: Reinforcement system for concrete panel wall, such as I-type flood wall, includes high tensile strength textile attached to wall by adhesive and reinforced by mechanical fasteners. Most preferred embodiment comprises a strip of fiber reinforced plastic spanning multiple panels, with the grain of the textile material extending horizontally. Alternative embodiment includes vertical FRP with bias-grain textile. Fasteners are preferably ductile fiber anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fyfe Co., LLC
    Inventor: Edward R. Fyfe