Abstract: A transportation system includes a tube defining an interior channel. A vehicle is configured to travel through the interior channel. At least one tension support couples the tube to ground. The tension support(s) exerts tension force into the tube. The tension force exerted into the tube reduces deflection of the tube when the vehicle travels through the interior channel over the tension support(s).

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a frame and two substantially vertically extending legs. The frame includes a suspension device adapted to suspend a sinking tunnel section. The legs include upper ends connected by a substantially horizontally extending beam and lower ends vertically movable relative to the sinking tunnel section. The legs include clamping members for engaging opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section that are settable substantially in a plane defined by the legs and beam of the frame. The frame is devised for extending with its legs outwardly of the two opposite transverse sides of the tunnel section and extending with the beam above a roof of the tunnel section.

Abstract: An underwater suspended tunnel (6) has a shaft (10) with generally convex upper and lower outer surfaces (12, 13) meeting at longitudinally extending, transversely streamlined and opposed sides (14, 15). One or more apertures (20a, 20b) for carrying traffic extend longitudinally through the shaft (10). The shaft (10) has positive net buoyancy and is tethered at a generally uniform depth below sea level (5) by ties (32) anchored to the sea bed (4).

Abstract: A drain cover portion (100a, 100b) for a linear drainage system which comprises at least two attachment means. The attachment means are provided by at least one a connector attachment means (500) and at least one drain attachment means (700). The connector attachment means (500) is arranged to attach one or more anchor connectors (1002) for connecting an anchor (114) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b) and/or one or more cover portion connector for connecting said drain cover portion (100a, 100b) to another drain cover portion (100a, 100b). The drain attachment means (700) is arranged to attach a drain portion (200) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b). Each attachment means is arranged so as to allow the tool-less attachment of a connector/drain section.

Abstract: An underwater suspended tunnel (6) has a shaft (10) with generally convex upper and lower outer surfaces (12, 13) meeting at longitudinally extending, transversely streamlined and opposed sides (14, 15). One or more apertures (20a, 20b) for carrying traffic extend longitudinally through the shaft (10). The shaft (10) has positive net buoyancy and is tethered at a generally uniform depth below sea level (5) by ties (32) anchored to the sea bed (4).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved transportation functionality. In one aspect, the invention comprises an improved and highly integrated transportation apparatus adapted to bring a plurality of different modalities in close physical proximity for enhanced efficiency. One exemplary embodiment comprises a multi-level structure disposed in a substantially contained low depth body of water (e.g., bay) and proximate one or more land masses to facilitate service via rail, land vehicle, ships, and ferries. Multiple long-length runways are also provided on the substantially planar top surface to accommodate air traffic. A monorail or similar system is also employed to allow ready movement between the various transportation interfaces.

Abstract: A pier-repairing and reinforcing panel is used in a method of repairing and reinforcing a pier. The panel includes locking members, locking ribs, reinforcing ribs, and clips. The method includes the steps of: installing a watertight caisson around a pier and removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier. Impurities are removed from the pier's surface, and a plurality of panels are installed around the pier while sealing the junctions of the panels. A plurality of reinforcing steel bars are arrayed in the gap between the pier and panels, and the panels are then affixed to the steel bars or the pier using anchor bolts. The gap between the pier and the panels are then filled with concrete. The pier is effectively repaired and reinforced while separating the reinforced concrete from water, thus protecting the concrete and steel bars for a desired lengthy period of time.

Abstract: A method of repairing and reinforcing a pier using stones. The method includes installing a watertight caisson around a pier and removing water from the gap between the caisson and pier prior to repairing the pier. The method can also include removing impurities from the pier's surface; arraying a plurality of reinforcing steel bars around the pier; laying stones outside the arrayed steel bars while fixing the stones to the steel bars or the pier, and filling the gap between the pier and the stones with concrete.

Abstract: An integrally formed riser pan member for use as a modular component within an access passageway for an on-site waste disposal system, such as a septic tank, to receivably retain a secondary cover member within, the riser pan member including a cylindrical body having an upper portion having a vertical wall member adapted to receive another modular passageway component thereon, and a lower portion which includes an integral pan portion to seatably receive a secondary cover member. The riser pan member further includes an annular ring between the upper and lower portions. The riser pan member can be employed as a lowermost, a highermost, or as an intermediate component in, for example, an access passageway formed of multiple stackable riser members. In addition, the riser pan member may be formed integrally with a stackable riser member.

Abstract: An underwater tunnel system for vehicular traffic flow, including rail, automobile and truck traffic connecting the shores of opposed land masses separated by a body of water draws heavily from submarine manufacturing and modular construction technology. It is environmentally benign and will not adversely dominate the skyline of the surrounding region. The system of the invention requires minimal, if any, dredging to insure its substantially level installation. A compensating ducting and valve system is utilized for initial tunnel submergence during construction and to provide dynamic stability subsequently during operation. Part of the ducting system utilized during submergence operations is also subsequently used for ventilation airflow throughout the tunnel system during operation. During operation, fresh air is introduced from both shores into the tunnel system and exhaust air may be selectively discharged at both shores or from the tunnel system at a location distant from both shores.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for extracting contaminants from the ground using a vacuum extraction process. Specifically, the invention discloses a circuit that can control the flow of atmospheric air into a vacuum extraction well. By controlling the air flow into the well, the air flow circuit serves to regulate the vacuum that is applied to sub-surface contaminants. This vacuum lifts the contaminated effluent from the ground, so it can be subjected to further processing.

Abstract: An underwater tunnel system for vehicular traffic flow, including rail, automobile and truck traffic connecting the shores of opposed land masses separated by a body of water draws heavily from submarine, manufacturing and modular construction technology. It is environmentally benign and will not adversely dominate the skyline of the surrounding region. The system of the invention requires minimal, if any, dredging to insure its substantially level installation. A compensating ducting and valve system is utilized for initial tunnel submergence during construction and to provide dynamic stability subsequently during operation. Part of the ducting system utilized during submergence operations is also subsequently used for ventilation airflow throughout the tunnel system during operation. During operation, fresh air is introduced from both shores into the tunnel system and exhaust air may be selectively discharged at both shores or from the tunnel system at a location distant from both shores.

Abstract: A plastic stackable riser for providing a grade level access for underground components such as septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drop boxes, including a cylindrical side wall having a top free edge and a bottom edge. The top free edge defines a first end opening and the second bottom edge is connected to a generally inverted U-shaped connecting member which defines a channel shaped to receive the first free edge portion of an adjacent stackable riser. In use, a plurality of stackable risers are interlocked together so that the side walls all extend along common vertical axes to the underground component and provide a gas-tight, liquid-tight column above the underground component.

Abstract: A plastic stackable riser for providing a grade level access for underground components such as septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drop boxes, is disclosed. The stackable riser includes a continuous peripheral side wall having a top free edge and a bottom edge. The top free edge defines a first end opening and the second bottom edge is connected to a generally inverted U-shaped connecting member which defines a channel shaped to receive the first free edge portion of an adjacent stackable riser. In use, a plurality of stackable risers are interlocked together so that the side walls all extend along common vertical axes to the underground component.

Abstract: This invention provides a seismic joint for an underwater floating tunnel having: (a) a joint portion (i) having a transverse section essentially the same as that of the tunnel, (ii) being rigidly fastened to land at one end (A) thereof, and (iii) being elastically constrained to the tunnel at its other end (B) via a plurality of operably affixed means which performs an elastic function and a damping function; (b) a collar welded onto the external surface of the tunnel facing end (B) of the portion, said collar being capable of sliding on and along the external surface of the joint portion; and (c) a means for providing a water-tight seal between the internal surface of the collar and the external surface of the joint portion.

Abstract: An underwater tunnel consisting of: a foundation body moored to the bottom of the water; a support frame erected on the foundation body; and a tunnel body formed integral with the support frame; wherein the tunnel body is formed in a two-layer construction which consists of an outer shell and an inner shell so that spaces formed inside the inner shell and between the outer and inner shells can be used for desired purposes, and the support frame is so formed that its vertical cross section is virtually a regular triangle and that a water tank is formed at the inside bottom of the support frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely disposing hazardous waste in a borehole extending through a seal for a subsurface geopressured formation wherein sealed elongated containers filled with hazardous waste are lowered in the borehole to be positioned within a geopressured formation where the containers are encased in the borehole. In an alternative embodiment, hazardous waste is disposed in the borehole by pressuring the liquid waste and injecting the waste through perforations in a borehole casing directly into the pores of a geopressured formation. The pressurized liquid fractures the geopressure formation and upon release of the pressure on the waste liquid the waste is trapped in the geopressured formation. The seal of the geopressure formation is then restored for providing safe disposal.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of nuclear and toxic waste materials comprising the placing of waste materials into waste repositories radiating from an access tunnel constructed into a subtending tectonic plate adjacent or as near as possible a subduction zone. The waste materials descend within the tectonic plate into the mantle of the earth.

Abstract: A method of construction of tunnels under water by pre-fabricating them in short sections with their ends adapted to make fluid-tight joints with adjacent sections, transporting, sinking and joining them together and forming the sections into sets by installing a bulkhead in the last section of each set and dewatering the sets and tying the sections together.

Abstract: Process for making a modular, underwater, connection of water stretches, wherein the prefabricated modules from different manufacturing yards, freely floating in the water area in front of a floodable basin, are introduced, one at a time, into the basin, through an upper door and, after the basin is emptied, are laid on support saddles. The modules are then aligned and connected with the end of an already installed length, and, after flooding the basin again, are launched by being butt-pushed by means of a driving system, guided by means of thrust roller units.

Abstract: The method of laying an underwater pipeline which is assembled in sections at the shoreline and conveyed from the shoreline along the bottom of a waterway, said pipeline being divided by separation means into a plurality of cylindrical sections provided with regulating means for selectively introducing thereto or removing therefrom ballast water or compressed air, which comprisesflooding at least a portion of the cylindrical sections in sequence as they are introduced into the waterway in order to achieve a desired residual weight,maintaining said desired residual weight by introducing compressed air into said cylindrical sections to displace excess ballast water contained therein, andcontinuing the layering of the pipeline along the bottom of the waterway by selectively supplying or discharging ballast water or compressed air to the cylindrical sections, andcompletely flooding the pipeline to complete its positioning at the bottom of the waterway and removing the cylindrical sections and the compressed air a

Abstract: The invention provides a method of assembling and installing pipes comprising disposing at least one cable between a first station and a second station; attaching and clamping a first pipe to the cable at or adjacent one of said stations; moving the pipe away from said one station with the cable; connecting a second pipe to the first pipe and attaching and clamping the second pipe to the cable at or adjacent said one station; repeating the connecting, attaching and clamping operation to provide an elongate connected sequence of pipes attached to and clamped to the cable; and drawing the cable away from said one station towards the second station to move the sequence of pipes into its desired position between the first and second stations.

Abstract: A novel method of underwater tunnel construction is provided which comprises the employment of a double-layered flexible mold or form and the introduction of both an inert and a reactive fluid into spacings of the mold so as to produce both the shape and the basic structure of the designated tunnel. Upon consolidation of the reactive fluid, the inert fluid will be withdrawn and air is filled in to provide the tunnel spacing for further finishing work and normal function of the tunnel. When completed, the designated tunnel basically consists of a sandwich-like structural body having a least an inner and an outer layer of impermeable fabrics and sandwiched within these fabrics a relatively thick layer of consolidated mass such as concrete which constitutes the main structure or walls of the tunnel. A second layer of consolidated mass may be provided through the use of a third and outer fabric and the corresponding introduction of the reactive fluid into the enclosed spacing thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing articles in which the articles are partially fabricated in a work area which is in portion of a buoyant platform and at least partially below the level of water within which the platform is located, the partially fabricated article being moved rearwardly through a seal or gland into the water, the seal or gland preventing water ingress to the work area. The article is supported by the rearward portion of the platform which fabrication can continue in the work area.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved apparatus and process for manufacture of tunnel modules and tunnel sections used to build underwater tunnel tubes. A collapsible fixture is used to roll up a steel plate into a cylindrical shell. Cables wrapped around channels on the outer ends of fixtures are used to roll up the fixture along the plate. After the fixture with the shell on it is placed on pedestals for further fabrication, cables placed in the channels are used to rotate the shells. After the fixture is collapsed within the shell, it is raised up by pedestal lifting mechanisms, and wheels provided on the fixture are lowered into place to aid in removal of the fixture from the shell, and onto a roll-out table. Roller mechanisms are also used to aid in the removal of the fixture from the shell. The roll-out table is situated between two sets of pedestals and used in the removal of fixtures from single modules or sets of modules.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, constructing a submerged tunnel in situ and a submerged tunnel formed thereby has an inverted arch formation to resist upward buoyancy thrust and a sealed chamber unit mounted on the tunnel and longitudinally displaceable along it for servicing the exterior of the tunnel. The tunnel is constructed in situ by progressively lengthening towards each other two tunnel sections 3, 3' which extend in cantilevered manner from opposed base foundations 1 and 2. Each tunnel section has mounted on the free end thereof of an outer chamber unit 13, 13' and an inner chamber unit 6, 6' within the latter of which the free end of the tunnel section is progressively formed and extended. As the tunnel sections are lengthened their associated chamber units are displaced longitudinally and sequentially to provide clearance for further lengthening, such displacement may be effected by hydraulic rams or mechanical rack and pinion devices.

Abstract: In a tunnelling method, a completely submerged caisson is received in a recess in the floor of a body of water. The caisson includes a pressurized bell-type work chamber that is open at the bottom and closed at the top to trap breathable gas inside it. An access passage extends from the upper end of the caisson which, during the initial excavation stage, communicates with the work chamber below the water level in the chamber. Excavation workers swim down through the access passage to the work chamber and excavate the body floor underneath the work chamber while breathing the gas contained in it. The caisson as lowered progressively further down into the recess formed below the work chamber as excavation proceeds until the desired tunnelling depth is reached. Then the chamber is sealed from the water body and the chamber pressure reduced to atmospheric so that tunnelling in a generally horizontal direction to land beyond the water body can proceed at that pressure.

Abstract: A method of installing a cold water conduit for use with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), fossil or nuclear power plants. The method is comprised of installing a marine railway system on the ocean floor and subsequently using the railway system as an aid to the installation of the cold water conduit and as a support structure for the conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved apparatus and process for manufacture of tunnel modules and tunnel sections used to build underwater tunnel tubes. A collapsible fixture is situated to roll up flat steel plate into a circular shell for the tunnel modules. A hydraulic cylinder is utilized to adjust the diameter of the fixture without collapsing it, in order to close any gaps between the ends of the plate when it is rolled into a shell.

Abstract: An improved collapsible fixture for fabrication of tunnel modules and tunnel sections for building underwater tunnel tubes is provided. The fixture has a series of shell-like support members along its length, each member having a stationary base portion, two rotatable side portions and a connecting foldable linkage portion. A common truss is connected to each of the foldable linkage portions and is activated by a plurality of hydraulically operated cylinders connected to the wheel core member of the fixture. In order to collapse the fixture, moveable radial spoke members in the shell-like support members are connected to sliding plate members which are moveably attached to hub plates on the wheel core member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible joint to be inserted between culvert sections. In a culvert joint which consists of anchor members attached to the opposing culvert sections, a flexible member extending between said anchor members and a large number of strengthening members arranged in parallel at the internal and external positions of said flexible member, said strengthening members being classified into one with projections and one with holes to regulate the distance between them; the projections of said member with projections fit into the holes of said member with holes to overlap each other, thereby regulating the distance between them to follow an expansion and contraction or an uneven subsidence of the culvert and therefore, bearing earth pressure sufficiently.