Flexible Patents (Class 405/115)
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Patent number: 11746488Abstract: Flexible containment tubes form sections of a dike for fluid containment. For example, multiple vinyl-coated polyester tubes with a 19-inch diameter may be filled with water and stacked on top of each other to create a temporary diversion dike. Multiple sections of dike may be abutted together to form longer sections of dike. A vapor barrier or plastic membrane may wrap over dike sections and/or weaved through the flexible containment tubes as they are placed prior to filling. Configurations of the vapor barrier and associated anchoring mechanisms improve the utility of dike sections by reducing hydrostatic pressure of contained fluid on the dike, harnessing the weight of fluid columns, and mitigating seepage through the dike sections.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: P.V. Flood Control Corp.Inventor: Paul Vickers
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Patent number: 11319685Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier system includes a water-fillable module that is internally divided into cells that emulate a section of a sandbag dike or wall, the module being supported by a hollow frame including a base below the module and a rear wall behind the module. Holes allow flood water to enter the frame's interior. A peripheral base rim can surround and restrain the module. At least one brace can extend from behind the rear wall of the frame to underlying terrain, where it can be wedged or staked in place. The frame can be unitary or can comprise separate base and rear wall constructions that can be assembled to form the frame, for example by inserting a portion of one into a trough provided in the other. A fitting can extend between the assembled base and rear wall to allow water to flow between the hollow interiors.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Inventor: Gary E. Abeles
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Patent number: 10760231Abstract: An inflatable water barrier assembly includes a plurality of boundary units. Each of the boundary units can be linked together on a support surface to define a boundary around a selected area to inhibit flood water from entering the selected area. Each of the boundary units has a lower portion that is fluidly discrete from an upper portion. The lower portion is fillable with water to weighing down the boundary units. The upper portion of each of the boundary units is inflatable with air to inhibit the flood water from passing thereover. A plurality of anchors is engages a respective one of the boundary units. Each of the anchors penetrates a support surface to inhibit the respective boundary unit from being moved by flood water.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Inventor: Andrew Klose
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Patent number: 10557239Abstract: The inflatable flood barrier is a temporary dike. The inflatable flood barrier forms a water impermeable barrier that contains and controls the flow of flood water. The inflatable flood barrier is a temporary structure that can move as required for the control of flood water. The inflatable flood barrier comprises a plurality of curtains, a plurality of floating bladders, a plurality of bed bladders, and a plurality of fasteners. The each of the plurality of fasteners attaches a first curtain selected from the plurality of curtains to a second curtain selected from the plurality of curtains. The plurality of floating bladders forms a floatation structure that raises the plurality of curtains to form a vertical barrier that contains and controls the flow of flood water. The plurality of bed bladders anchors the inflatable flood barrier to the flood bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2019Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Inventor: Kevin Malaney
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Patent number: 10378168Abstract: Flexible containment tubes form sections of a dike for fluid containment. For example, multiple vinyl-coated polyester tubes with a 19-inch diameter may be filled with water and stacked on top of each other to create a temporary diversion dike. Multiple sections of dike may be abutted together to form longer sections of dike. A vapor barrier or plastic membrane may wrap over dike sections and/or weaved through the flexible containment tubes as they are placed prior to filling. Configurations of the vapor barrier and associated anchoring mechanisms improve the utility of dike sections by reducing hydrostatic pressure of contained fluid on the dike, harnessing the weight of fluid columns, and mitigating seepage through the dike sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: P.V. Flood Control Corp.Inventor: Paul Vickers
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Patent number: 10024014Abstract: A Nonfloating Oil Fence Boom is disclosed for containing heavy or sinking oils which migrate on an underwater floor. The Non-Floating Oil (NFO) Fence Boom is comprised of a vertical section, a horizontal section that abuts an underwater floor, a buoyant section and a ballast section. The ballast causes the horizontal section to sink and form a seal with the underwater floor, the buoyant section in engineered to provide only enough buoyant force to maintain the vertical section in an upright perpendicular position while not breaking the horizontal sections seal with the underwater floor thus preventing heavy oils from passing below or beyond the fence.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Inventors: David Anton Carter, Kenny Carter Sokolowski
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Patent number: 10011966Abstract: A cabled, non-inflatable type flexible wall dam for restraining or controlling the flow of water is disclosed. The cables and flexible wall of present invention are arranged in a manner that enables present flexible wall dams to open (lower) and close (raise) for controlling the flow of water. Present invention includes a reinforcement method that has a net like reinforcement layer and reinforcement cables, and therefore the dams of present invention can be built to be stronger, larger, and higher than the most commonly used inflatable flexible wall dams.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Inventor: Clifford Chung Chen Shaw
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Patent number: 9816285Abstract: The present invention provides a panel, a flood control assembly, a flood control device and a flood control barrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: JOHNSON & NICHOLSON (M) SDN BHDInventors: Kien Ming Chew, Joon Yip Chew
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Patent number: 9708785Abstract: A portable ground deployed flood barrier for the protection of a structure against tidal or ground surface flooding provides a lower cylindrical ground tube placed on the ground against the structure base, an upper cylindrical float tube and an intermediate sheet material attaching between the ground tube and the float tube which is presented as folded but readily spread vertically as the flood waters rise, causing the float tube to rise to the water level while leaving the ground tube in contact with the ground surface forming a water proof barrier for the structure against the flood waters.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Inventors: Jimmy Bollman, Patrick Han, Connor Begansky, Colton Cammack
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Patent number: 9708786Abstract: An inflatable flood defence structural unit is described for creating an inflatable flood defence arrangement. The unit comprises at least one inflatable chamber comprising a front wall and a rear wall which extend in a substantially parallel orientation. At least one of the front and rear walls provide a water barrier, and a first and second end wall are arranged to couple the front and rear walls together at a respective first and second end of the front and rear walls. The unit further comprises a first inflatable buttress which is rigidly bonded at a proximal end thereof to the rear wall of the chamber, proximate the first end of the chamber and which extends in a direction which is away from the chamber, and a second inflatable buttress which is rigidly bonded at a proximal end thereof to the rear wall of the chamber, proximate the second end of the chamber, and which similarly extends in a direction which is away from the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Cintec International LimitedInventor: Peter James
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Patent number: 9637881Abstract: A stand-atone flood barrier apparatus that bolts to the ground through anchor bolts that connects with other stand-alone flood barrier apparatus to make a circuit to protect a person's desired location they wish to protect against flood waters such as crop fields. The stand-alone zigzag sheeting then is protracted from the stand-alone base unit and opened out for the end of sheeting to then fix into the retractable/expandable floor grip which is to be fully extended from the main unit which the zigzag sheeting fixes into. The stand-alone apparatus & zigzag sheeting can be retracted back into the stand-alone main unit and locked for further use in the future. Also can be detached from the anchor bolts and stored or used elsewhere. Underneath the stand-alone main unit there is a spike running through the center to keep away surface water. There is also a soft large rubber strip along the full base of the stand-alone unit to tolerate any undulations in the earth beneath the stand-alone apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Inventor: Simon S. McNally
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Patent number: 9297136Abstract: This invention relates to an inflatable dam assembly. The assembly includes a combined inflation, sealing and anchoring arrangement for a self-supporting dam. The inflatable dam assembly has an inflatable membrane and structure for inflating the membrane. An anchoring element operably engages with the inflatable membrane. A duct houses the anchoring element and provides at least a part of said membrane. The duct includes retaining structure configured to retain the anchoring element within the duct. In use, the anchoring element is moveable relative to the duct in a first direction towards the retaining means and in a second direction away from the retaining structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventors: Christopher Eugene Lee, Eamonn Henry Lee-Barrett
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Patent number: 9228309Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Davis, Mark Ritchey
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Patent number: 9181669Abstract: A bladder-containing wall assembly for use in containment berms is disclosed. A bladder contained in the wall assembly communicates with the interior area of the containment berm via one or more inlet ports. The bladder self-deploys from the wall upon a substantial spill or leak inside the containment berm in order to increase the fluid containment volume of the containment device. The bladder-containing wall assembly may be substituted for a wall section of either permanent or portable containment berms.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: New Pig CorporationInventor: Justin L. Stroup
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Patent number: 9080369Abstract: A flood barrier device that includes a fluid-tight flexible chamber with front panel, a rear panel, opposite lateral sidewalls, top end walls, bottom end walls and an opening to allow the introduction of fluid into said chamber. The device includes a pair of support members that include a rigid spar connected to the chamber and having a bend at a medial position to orient a first section of the chamber in a first horizontal plane and a second section of said chamber into a second upright plane and a re-sealable waterproof seal device between the chamber and an adjacent fluid tight flexible chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Inventor: Vladimir Rakhmanin
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Publication number: 20150096232Abstract: A novel design and construction method for the creation of a Deployable Flexible Flood Mitigation Device manufactured from textile and membrane materials. The Flexible Flood Mitigation Device comprises a textile/membrane panel configured to be movable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the panel forms a barrier against flood water; and a spool that is manually or electrically operated is used to move the panel from the closed position to the opened position. The spool can also be eliminated and the panel can be manually folded for storage. The Flexible Flood Mitigation Device can be configured for use in many applications including subway tunnels, vehicular tunnels, stairwells, ventilation shafts, and other openings that can be threatened by flooding. It can be used in any orientation (vertical, horizontal or at an angle with respect to gravity), and can stop fluids approaching from either side. It can also be shaped to fit any opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: ILC DOVER LPInventors: David Phillip Cadogan, Jonathan Michael Hinkle, Jeffrey Lewis Roushey, Tony Ray McKee, Ralph Olav Elgesem
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Patent number: 8956077Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier emulates a sandbag dike or wall without requiring sand or intensive labor to install. The barrier is made of a light, flexible material that can include nanofiber. Some embodiments are formed from a plurality of interlocked water-filled cells, with a forward-facing water barrier sheet. Other embodiments are unitary shells that are internally divided into cells, with internal openings that permit water to flow between cells. Automatic valves can seal the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. A row or rows of cells can project below the base into a stabilizing trench. Cells can include internal or external rods or plates that support the horizontal structure. Embodiments can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. Barrier end structures can enable interlocking of adjacent units.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Inventor: Gary E Abeles
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Publication number: 20150023733Abstract: A method of constructing and a system of utilizing a removable flexible bag or cell by providing a flexible bag or container or cell of the type having sidewalls, a sloping front wall and a vertical rear wall to define a space for holding material, such as sand; forming a bottom, which comprises a pair of panels, each panel extending two feet under the bag when the bag is filled with material; folding each panel back onto itself to end at the nearest edge; securing loops onto the end of each panel, which extend from out of the front and rear of the bag; securing the ends of the bag beneath the bag while the bag is being filled with material; pulling the loops away from the bag to pull the panels from under the bag so that the contents of the bag are exposed to the ground beneath the bag; and lifting the bag upward and way from the material contents of the bag, the material contents to remain in place on the ground upon which it had been set to continue to function as a barrier wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Daniel R. SCHNAARS, SR., Everett Leslie Waid, JR.
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Publication number: 20140369761Abstract: A bladder-containing wall assembly for use in containment berms is disclosed. A bladder contained in the wall assembly communicates with the interior area of the containment berm via one or more inlet ports. The bladder self-deploys from the wall upon a substantial spill or leak inside the containment berm in order to increase the fluid containment volume of the containment device. The bladder-containing wall assembly may be substituted for a wall section of either permanent or portable containment berms.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: Justin L. Stroup
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Publication number: 20140363233Abstract: Self-raising drive-over entranceways for containment berms are disclosed. The entranceway includes a horizontal bottom panel and a collapsible sidewall that is held in a partially collapsed position forming a void between the bottom panel and sidewall. During a spill or the filling of the containment berm with a fluid, the void area between the partially collapsed sidewall and the horizontal bottom panel fills with the fluid and exerts hydrostatic pressure against the partially collapsed sidewall, forcing it to rotate upward. The higher the fluid level, the more hydrostatic pressure is applied against the sidewall, forcing it up higher until the sidewall obtains a vertical orientation. The sidewall may be restrained either by straps, braces or the like to prevent the fluid from escaping the containment area.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Justin L. Stroup, Anthony Scott Diminick
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Patent number: 8840338Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: LAYFIELD Group Ltd.Inventors: James Andrew Mills, Gregory Allan Parrent
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Publication number: 20130302092Abstract: The current invention discloses a flood barrier having a first compartment and a second compartment, both compartments being preferably in an elongated shape from a side sectional view and being parallel in position. The flood barrier also includes a blocking membrane disposed in the second compartment, wherein a bottom end of the blocking membrane is attached to the bottom of the second compartment and a top end of the blocking membrane is attached to a floating member. The flood barrier may be positioned in the ground in front of a building, wherein when flood water approaches, the floating member may be kept afloat and pull the blocking membrane upward to block the invasion of flood water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: Agapito Ortiz
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Flotation structure for buoyant flood protection barrier and barrier incorporating, such a structure
Patent number: 8523485Abstract: A flotation structure for a buoyant flood protection barrier includes a flotation body (1) adapted to rise and fall with flood water. A flexible membrane (3) is sealed at an upper region to the flotation body and sealed at a lower region. A plurality of panels (5) are hinged by means of hinge pins about substantially parallel horizontal axes, a topmost panel being hinged to the flotation body, a lowermost panel being hinged substantially at ground level, and intervening panels being hinged to each other. A scissor arrangement (9) is pivotably mounted at an upper end to the flotation body and pivotably mounted at a lower end and provided with a pivot pin (17) at a crossing point of arms (11, 13) of the scissor arrangement, the pivot pin being secured to a member (19) provided on at least one of the hinge pins (23).Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Inventor: Simon John Higginson -
Patent number: 8511937Abstract: The invention relates to improved water control gates and related inflatable actuators, and associated sealing, manufacture and operation apparatus and methods. Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief, inflatable bladder strength enhancement, water gate related slide friction mitigation, abutment and other impounded water seals, gate panel fabrication, traffic accommodating water impoundment structures, and water gate panel system operation efficiency, as well as nappe aeration, hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventors: Henry K. Obermeyer, Robert D. Eckman, Taewon Mo
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Patent number: 8500365Abstract: Among all natural disasters, flood is the most frequent and devastating. It can be caused by variety of natural and man-made reasons at any time. Therefore, there is a need for permanent protection of commercial and residential buildings, and infrastructures, against flood. Typical permanent flood protection constructions, e.g., levees, embankments and concrete dams, cannot be used for this purpose because they are expensive and inconvenient for protection of a specific building. Once installed, they permanently block access to the area being protected. The claimed invention is aimed at solving this problem. It offers a reliable flood protection system that is 1) concealed, i.e., appears only when water is present and invisible otherwise, 2) adaptive, i.e., adjusts its height to match the approaching water level, 3) autonomous, i.e., does not require any human actions to enable the protection, and 4) can operate without any power source, such as electricity.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Inventors: Sergey Nikolaevich Vecherin, Margarita Olegovna Vecherina
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Publication number: 20130149037Abstract: The present invention pertains to a retaining wall construction system for preventing tsunamis and flood damages and a construction method thereof. The retaining wall construction system for preventing tsunamis and flood damages includes hexagonal multi-layered interlocking blocks (10) built in a plurality of lines for forming a retaining wall, wherein S-shaped connection sections (11) are formed on an outer periphery for a plurality of interlocking blocks, and hexagonal multi-layered interlocking blocks (10), which are adjacent to each other and different from each other, are connected to each other via the S-shaped connection sections (11) to be movable in the vertical direction. According to the present invention above, it is possible to semi-permanently maintain a stable state at the basic lower portions of the structure as the vertically interlocked blocks lower like a shutter to block caved-in spaces when the basic portions of the structure are caved in by waves or flowing water.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicants: ECO-TOP CO., LTD., KGC CO., LTD.Inventors: Heung Sik Yu, Seong Kyun Jin
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Publication number: 20130108372Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier emulates a sandbag dike or wall without requiring sand or intensive labor to install. The barrier is made of a light, flexible material that can include nanofiber. Some embodiments are formed from a plurality of interlocked water-filled cells, with a forward-facing water barrier sheet. Other embodiments are unitary shells that are internally divided into cells, with internal openings that permit water to flow between cells. Automatic valves can seal the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. A row or rows of cells can project below the base into a stabilizing trench. Cells can include internal or external rods or plates that support the horizontal structure. Embodiments can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. Barrier end structures can enable interlocking of adjacent units.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventor: Gary E. Abeles
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Publication number: 20130094906Abstract: Water barrier including a frame having tow posts and at least one sill extending therebetween, which posts and sill bound a passage that can be closed off against water, further including a flexible water-retaining cloth, a storage space for the cloth and a transfer element for transferring the cloth from a storage condition accommodated in the storage space, wherein the passage is open, to a water-retaining condition, wherein the passage is at least partially closed off by the cloth.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: Cornelis Elisabeth Rijlaarsdam
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Publication number: 20120269577Abstract: An apparatus 40 is used for stabilizing a leak in a dam 20, which was built adjacent a body of water 26 to prevent flooding of the water onto adjacent land areas 24a. Leaks in the dam 20 may occur because of a breach 38 developing undesirably in, and possibly through, the dam. The apparatus 40 includes an elastomeric sheet 44, which is wound onto a spool 48, when the apparatus is in a storage-and-handling mode. When the breach 38 is discovered, the apparatus 40 is placed adjacent the dam 20 and the sheet 44 is unfurled into a breach-sealing mode of the apparatus, where the breach 38 is covered and sealed by the unfurled sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventor: Arthur E. Christensen
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Patent number: 8287209Abstract: Protective flood barrier system on the base of mobile protective flood barriers is offered. Each of these barriers comprises two or more filled elongate sleeves, a web, connecting theirs web and forming means. Envelops of said sleeves and said web are made from flexible impermeable material. These barriers are convenient for protection of separate houses, the extensive areas, as walls of a water basin. They allow reducing wind-induced waves and can be used for repair of earthen dams. The high-efficiency means accelerating installation of barriers are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventors: Boris Feldman, Alexander Feldman, Michael Feldman
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Patent number: 8011855Abstract: A water or flood control and containment system is provided having foundations, sealed bases, supporting structure, and pumping system that gives the user control over water containment and movement either to reduce the water hazard or to store water. The bases are secured and sealed to paved surfaces with foundations that have been preset into the street or other prepared foundation. When deployed on multiple adjacent streets, the system creates a compartmented barrier containment system that mitigates flooding and storm surges. The invention is to be removed and stored off site when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Ronald Scott Bonds
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FLOTATION STRUCTURE FOR BUOYANT FLOOD PROTECTION BARRIER AND BARRIER INCORPORATING, SUCH A STRUCTURE
Publication number: 20100322712Abstract: A flotation structure for a buoyant flood protection barrier includes a flotation body (1) adapted to rise and fall with flood water. A flexible membrane (3) is sealed at an upper region to the flotation body and sealed at a lower region. A plurality of panels (5) are hinged by means of hinge pins about substantially parallel horizontal axes, a topmost panel being hinged to the flotation body, a lowermost panel being hinged substantially at ground level, and intervening panels being hinged to each other. A scissor arrangement (9) is pivotably mounted at an upper end to the flotation body and pivotably mounted at a lower end and provided with a pivot pin (17) at a crossing point of arms (11, 13) of the scissor arrangement, the pivot pin being secured to a member (19) provided on at least one of the hinge pins (23).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Simon John Higginson -
Patent number: 7762742Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus that is designed to hold back flood waters via a series of interconnected long flexible tubular units. Each unit is connected to each other via a sleeve and has a weighted flap portion for additional anchoring. Each unit has its own fill tube and drain plug and is designed to retain water or other liquid to provide an impervious water barrier when in deployment.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Inventor: Clarence E. Smith
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Patent number: 7762746Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Inventor: Gary Berenyi
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Patent number: 7712998Abstract: A portable, inflatable flood wall is characterized by a sheet of synthetic plastic material which is folded back on itself to define a chamber between bottom, rear and front portions of the sheet and within which at least one inflatable bladder is secured. When the bladder is inflated, the rear portion of the sheet is erected to a vertical position which prevents water from passing beyond the sheet. The front portion preferably contains a plurality of openings to allow water to enter the chamber. The weight of the water on the bottom portion of the sheet serves to hold the wall in place. A plurality of such walls may be connected in end-to-end relation to construct a wall of a desired length.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventor: Bernard Salemie
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Patent number: 7690865Abstract: The flood prevention device includes a plurality of barrier walls interconnected around a structure or area to be protected. Each barrier wall includes a base sand tube adapted to be filled with sand. At least one gill tube may be stacked atop the sand tube and stitched together to form a wall of desired height. Each gill tube includes a plurality of reinforced gills adapted to permit water flow to fill the gill tube. A hanging tube is operatively disposed above each wall. A pulley mooring system may be disposed on the sides of the structure with one end operatively attached to interlocking poles disposed in the hanging tubes. Opposing sides of each barrier wall include interlocks that may be selectively attached to a locking corner track or a locking extender track to form the overall barrier. Once assembled, the flood prevention device may be lifted or rapidly deployed by the pulley mooring system.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventors: Tommy D. Stewart, Kendrah A. Olson
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Publication number: 20100003081Abstract: A water structure that includes at least a pair of sleeves or tubes formed from a puncture resistant flexible material that are each joined to an edge of each of a pair of divider skirt sections that are, in turn, joined to one another along their opposite edges, for installation within an outer sleeve. Which connection of the divider skirt section edges to the sleeves or tubes and to each other is preferably by sewing, but may be provided by heat or adhesive bond, clamping, riveting, or other appropriate method.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: David Doolaege
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Publication number: 20090142136Abstract: A flood defence assembly comprises a support member (2) formed from steel or other rigid material and having a sleeve portion (4) that is adapted to be slidably mounted on a bollard (6). Bollard (6) is set into the ground (8) to an appropriate depth adjacent a body of water that is susceptible to flooding. The support member (2) comprises first and second support panels, which form a slot (14) into which a panel member (16) is slidably mountable. Support member (2) is also provided with a plurality of brackets (19) for supporting restraint members (20) in the form of metal tubes or other members of similar strength. Buttress members (22) are disposed between the sleeve portion (4) and the back panel of support members (2). A rubber sheet (24) can be removably placed along the ground (8) at the point where the panel member (16) contacts the ground (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2006Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: James Alan Thompson
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Publication number: 20090041543Abstract: A modular dike assembly includes strut and corner members that may be interconnected to form a barrier or dike wall surrounding a primary container. The strut members are stackable for convenience in transporting the system and an alignment web is provided for defining the interior perimeter of the closed barrier or dike wall and to secure assembled members together.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventor: David G. Kroger
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Patent number: 7449105Abstract: An erosion control system and method wherein a fabric filter bag is embedded with and/or filled with a flocculating polymer and is positioned on a sloping soil surface to dam and pond water flowing thereacross for settling of the particles in the water, and as the ponding water seeps into the bag the colloidal particles will be filtered or agglomerated for settling. The water then passes through and out of the bag and is further subjected to agglomeration and filtering by a skirt of filter material also impregnated with flocculating polymer, said skirt being anchored to the bag or stacked to maintain the position adjacent and downslope from the bag.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Denny Hastings FLP 14Inventor: Denny Hastings
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Patent number: 7435036Abstract: A flexible water gate is described that is suitable for retaining water in a port, canal or river estuary. The gate is both economical to build and maintain and comprises a gate controller that allows a flexible member to be controllably moved between a closed and open position, as required. A flexible flood control barrier that comprises one or more of the aforementioned flexible water gates is also described. These gates are deployed side to side and provide an economical way of providing flood protection to an area susceptible to flood tides. When not in use the flexible membranes of the flexible water gates can be stored on the riverbed so permitting unrestricted access for marine vessels.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: University Court of Glasgow, Caledonian UniversityInventor: Martin Cullen
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Patent number: 7431533Abstract: A floating levee sheet which prevents the river water from overflowing the levee, and a plurality of which are interconnected to cover the waterside levee slope comprising; a watertight sheet body that forms an internal space by being upwardly folded at the upper end; and a loading bag section constructed at the lower end of the sheet body with an open top portion; and a float which is fixed on the sheet body in the across-the-width direction at the upper part of the internal space, and is filled with air and hermetically sealed; and a plurality of joining members whose one end is secured to the upper end of the sheet body, and whose other end comprises an anchoring section to be anchored to the levee top over the anchoring section of the sheet body, and through the intervals of which the overflowing water enters the internal space.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: ENTECH CorporationInventor: Toshikazu Oda
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Patent number: 7431534Abstract: The invention relates to flood protection comprising a plurality of fillable sacks made of flexible fabric material, with mutually adjacent coupling sides of adjacent sacks being connected to one another in a coupling region and with at least one stiffening structure being associated with each coupling region and extending from the base region of the sacks up to their upper marginal region.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Big Bag Harbeck GmbHInventor: Rudolf Harbeck
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Patent number: 7364385Abstract: A flood control system including panels made from plastic sheeting adhered to a frame and stacked one on top of the other. The panels are held in position by a series of columns, each of the columns having an H-shaped cross section that provides for and defines panel receiving slot adapted and arranged to interact with gaskets on the panels to provide a water tight barrier.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Inventor: George Michael Luke
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Patent number: 7357598Abstract: A geotextile container and system for constructing a water barrier or dam is disclosed. A system for maintaining fill material solids in position to form a barrier comprises an elongated sheet of geotextile material capable of coiling upon itself to form a helical structure. Further, a means for seaming the first elongated sheet into a tubular container and filling the container with solids is presented. Fill material solids may be held in position by a tubular shaped container that forms a barrier or dam. An inner liner also may be employed in the tubular container. Cradle tubes may be deployed on either side to hold the container in position, such as when the container is struck by high energy waves.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Bradley Industrial Textiles, Inc.Inventor: Anthony S. Bradley
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Publication number: 20070243021Abstract: An emergency flood control apparatus is described that includes a row of a plurality of vertically separated cells horizontally arranged formed between at least two continuous sheets of impermeable flexible material, a continuous horizontal tube formed between the sheets and disposed at an end of the cells, and a plurality of necks disposed perpendicularly between the tube and the cells, the necks connecting each of the cells to the horizontal tube in a manner such that the cells may be filled with fluid from the tube at substantially the same time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Inventor: Tim Richard Tyler
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Patent number: 7281879Abstract: A portable flood-barrier-system can include a portable block of substantial mass; and a deflatable bladder, a first portion of which is disposed on a substrate; the block being disposed at least partly on the first portion of the bladder so as to releasably compress the first portion between the block and the substrate and so releasably hold the first portion therebetween due to friction.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Mentor Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yong Min Cho, Philip Yong Kim
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Publication number: 20070237586Abstract: Improved modular damming system takes the place of sand bags being used for erosion control, damming controlling of water run-off and other things, this is done by placing empty bags later filled from a water supply individually or in series in at least one configuration. Owing to ease of set-up and filling, the instant teachings allow for bags to be emptied and stored and easily transported to remote locations without the burdens of weight. Likewise, being able to drain and remove the bags of the present invention obviates the need for leaving them on site where they deteriorate and contribute to contamination of the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventor: Pete Prestininzi
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Publication number: 20070217868Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a coastline from a predicted storm surge. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one inflatable barrier segment for protection against flooding during a hurricane surge; storing the at least one inflatable barrier segment at a first location; transporting the at least one inflatable barrier segment from the first location to a second location corresponding to a coastal location under threat of a future hurricane surge; deploying the at least one inflatable barrier segment at the second location to provide a barrier; removing each at least one inflatable barrier segment from the second location once the threat of the hurricane surge has receded; and depositing the at least one inflatable barrier segment at a third location, wherein the first location is selected from the group consisting of: an ocean floor, an offshore storage platform, and a buoy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventor: Thomas R. Beidle
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Patent number: 7261492Abstract: An anchoring method of fabric panels for flood control and water control, wherein the anchoring method comprises the steps of: attaching a plurality of anchors. Each anchor has a base, a first wall and a second wall disposed on opposite ends of the base, a chamber, and arms attached to the walls projecting away from the walls. An extension is attached to the first arm, wherein the extension projects over the chamber, then a deformable tube goes in the chamber near the first wall, a fabric panel attached to a mooring is then put in the chamber on top of the deformable tube, then inserting a chock into the chamber against the deformable tube, wherein the deformable tube is compressed, then inserting a key into the chamber between the chock and the second wall, wherein the chock engages the key and the deformable tube is uncompressed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Hendee Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Charles C. Hendee