Abstract: Methods for increasing soil stabilization utilizing an anionic surfactant and a solution. Varying amounts of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (“SDS”) is added to soils along with a solution of calcium chloride. A mixing procedure is then used to mix the SDS-soil matrix with the calcium chloride solution. The micelles surround the soil particles, creating a matrix, and then the calcium ions of the calcium chloride solution bonds the micelle complex together. The resulting calcium dodecyl sulfate (“CDS”) complex is very hard, relatively insoluble, and very strong. This process can be reversed by exposing the CDS complex to seawater. The sodium ions of the seawater exchange with the calcium ions of the CDS complex reforming the SDS surfactant.

Abstract: A polymer geo-injection apparatus for protecting an underground structure is provided. The apparatus includes: a mechanized vehicle for moving on the ground in order to transport the apparatus while the apparatus forms a subsurface polymer layer that protects the underground structure; a polymer supply tank coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to supply solid polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; a polymer melting unit coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to receive and melt the supplied solid polymer and to supply the molten polymer during the forming of the polymer layer; and a subsurface ripper coupled to the mechanized vehicle and configured to move through the ground in response to the movement of the mechanized vehicle while receiving and injecting the supplied molten polymer into the ground above the underground structure in order to form the polymer layer and protect the underground structure.

Abstract: A kit for building sand bunkers for accelerated water removal low maintenance multi-hole golfing facility. The sand bunkers are water permeable and water shuttling. Each kit creates a plurality of sand bunker each having a continuous bunker edge, a drain assembly, a synthetic tufted surface, a continuous integral edge overlapping polymer mesh, a non-woven dual smooth surfaced geo-textile, and a sand layer. Once built with the kit, the water in the sand bunker flows from the continuous bunker edge over the synthetic tufted surface, through the non-woven dual smooth surfaced geo-textile to the drain assembly while preventing the drain assembly from clogging, thereby maintaining an unclogged drain assembly for the water permeable and water shuttling sand bunker.

Abstract: A method to create a water permeable and water shuttling sand bunker by forming a continuous bunker edge, installing a drain assembly, installing a synthetic tufted surface and a continuous integral edge overlapping polymer mesh, depositing a non-woven dual smooth surfaced geo-textile over the mesh and forming a sand layer. Water flows from the continuous bunker edge over the synthetic tufted surface and the non-woven dual smooth surfaced geo-textile to the drain assembly preventing the drain assembly from clogging, thereby forming a water permeable and water shuttling sand bunker.

Abstract: An accelerated water removal low maintenance multi-hole golfing facility a plurality of golf holes and a plurality of water permeable and water shuttling sand bunkers. Each sand bunker has continuous bunker edge, a drain assembly, a synthetic tufted surface, a continuous integral edge overlapping polymer mesh, a non-woven dual smooth surfaced geo-textile, and a sand layer. Water flows from the continuous bunker edge over the synthetic tufted surface through sod the non-woven dual smooth surfaced geo-textile to the drain assembly preventing the drain assembly from clogging, thereby maintaining an unclogged drain assembly for the water permeable and water shuttling sand bunker.

Abstract: A method to manufacture native soil flowable fill includes hydro excavating native soil to form a hole at a first excavation, and transferring the native soil from the first excavation to a mixing tank. The method also includes adding a pozzolan component, cement and water to the mixing tank, mixing the native soil in the mixing tank with the added pozzolan component, cement and water to form the native soil flowable fill, and transferring the native soil flowable fill back to the first excavation and into the hole.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a ground surface treatment system can include a flexible roller system having one or more of rollers arranged in a side-by-side position and include a flexible axle member extending through each row of rollers.

Abstract: A micro-trench filling system and method of filling a trench holding a conduit is provided. The micro-trench filling system includes a trench formed into a covering surface, a conduit disposed in the bottom of the trench, a structural filler disposed on the conduit in the bottom of the trench, the structural filler made of a mesh material and having a plurality of openings; and a flowable filler poured into the trench and over the structural filler and surrounding the conduit. The flowable filler flows through the plurality of openings of the structural filler creating a bond between the flowable filler and structural filler, the flowable filler cures after a predetermined amount of time, and the structural filler and the flowable filler hold the conduit in place.

Abstract: A block for construction of foundation systems retaining walls and gabions and to methods to build walls or gabions from said block. The block is comprised by at least two sides or faces of rectangular and flat configuration (1 and 2); at least one side or face (3) which has at least one of the ends in convex form; at least two sides or faces (4 and 5) which have at least one of its ends in convex form and that together with the convex end of the side or face (3) can provide said block with an apex (6) and respective geodynamic form. The present block is intended for the civil construction sector, more specifically for the construction of retaining walls by means of blocks or applying formwork with the form of the blocks.

Abstract: A rock anchor includes a cartridge positioned in an elongate tubular body and having a rigid tubular housing. First and second compartments are defined within the cartridge. First and second adhesive components are positioned within the respective first and second compartments and are fluidly separated by a partitioning wall. A mixer is positioned within the elongate tubular body at a leading end of the cartridge. A pressing member is positioned within the cartridge towards a trailing end and includes a bladed formation which is operable to sever the partitioning wall when the bladed formation is caused to advance towards the leading end in response to fluid flowing into the cartridge, to thereby force the first adhesive component from the first compartment and the second adhesive component from the second compartment towards the leading end and into the mixer.

Abstract: An open mat system to reinforce turf includes an anchor arrangement to help secure the mat to the turf. The anchor arrangement includes an anchor head embedded in the earth, a cable connected to the anchor head, a cable connector device, and a brace. The cable is inserted into the connector device, which holds the cable against withdrawal from the connector device. The brace includes a receiver, in which the cable connector device is removably oriented in the receiver.

Abstract: An emissions recycling system is used on a vehicle towing an agricultural implement to enrich the fertility of the soil. The system includes an exhaust collector for collecting exhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine of the towing vehicle and an exhaust distribution system for injecting at least a portion of the exhaust emissions collected by the exhaust collector into the ground worked by the ground working tools of the agricultural implement. Fertility of the soil is enriched by bioactivity within the soil's micro flora which consumes the greenhouse gas and emissions.

Abstract: A cutting/mixing tool for thin diaphragm walls is mounted at the end of at least one drilling rod (47) moved by a slidable assembly (42, 62) along a tower (41), carried by an operating drilling machine (40). The tool (45) has a body (10), which bears in its central part two digging/mixing wheels (20a, 20b) provided on the periphery with cutters (82) and set alongside one another at a minimum distance (d) and coaxial about an axis (x) substantially perpendicular to the direction of digging (z). The wheels (20a, 20b) project from slits (81) of the body (10), which contains at least partially means (1-4, 50-52) for transmission of motion to the wheels, the devices being positioned externally with respect to the wheels.

Abstract: A system for and method of remediating existing mud and reducing future mud in an animal stable, pen, paddock, or arena through the use of geocells filled with aggregate matter. A new surface is formed through the placing of a layer of networked geocells filled with compacted aggregate matter on top of the existing stable, pen, paddock or arena ground soil. A geotextile barrier may be placed below the layer of networked geocells. An optional aggregate layer may also be added on top of the aggregate-filled geocells. The geocells distribute loads (weight from the animals) across the soil, preventing soil displacement and mud formation.

Abstract: A device and method for supporting lightly loaded structures on highly expansive soils. A plurality of domes is positioned between the lightly loaded structure and the soil. Each of the domes has a convex side and a concave side. The convex side faces upward against the lightly loaded structure and the concave side faces downward against the soil. The concave side provides a void area for expansion of soil. Each dome also has two soil contact ends. The soil contact ends provide a small contact area with the soil to increase the pressure exerted by the lightly loaded structure at the soil contact area to overcome the swelling effects of expanding soil. In a preferred embodiment each dome is fabricated from PVC pipe.

Abstract: A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover. In addition, the bag may be used for planting individual plants in a planting bed, for establishing a buffer zone around the foundation of a building, or for controlling erosion around a downspout of a building.

Abstract: A method for evacuating transfer air contained in a binding agent from a mixture of pressurized air and binding agent when stabilizing earth masses by adding binding agent. In the method is used an apparatus comprising means for producing pressurized air, a binding agent container, a supply pipe for the mixture of pressurized air and binding agent, and an apparatus for mixing the binding agent into the earth mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in-place soil stabilization. Specifically, the present invention relates a method and device for measuring the increase in subsurface earth pressure during the injection of a stabilizing agent into the soil. The rise in sensor pressure indicates an increase in soil strength and bearing capacity. Therefore, real-time monitoring of these pressures may serve as a guide during the injection process.

Abstract: A pyramidal geotextile fabric comprising two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile. A method of stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation comprises the steps of placing a three-dimensional, high-profile woven fabric into soil, wherein the fabric comprises two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile; securing the fabric to the ground; and, distributing soil and seed onto the fabric such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of degrading organic contaminants in contaminated soil, sediment or wastewater, the method being carried out by treating the contaminated soil, sediment or wastewater with thermophilic bacterium capable of degrading the organic contaminants.

Abstract: A two-stage retaining wall and related systems and methods are disclosed. The wall may include a welded-wire earth wall comprising a plurality of generally horizontal bars. The wall may include a foundation spaced apart from the welded-wire earth wall. The wall may include a plurality of concrete panels positioned on the foundation to form a concrete wall. Each concrete panel may include at least one pair of loop anchors disposed on a back face, wherein the back face faces the welded-wire earth wall. The wall may also include a plurality of connector assemblies, each of which may include a rebar hook and a threaded bar. The rebar hook is adapted for engagement with the generally horizontal bars on the welded-wire earth wall. A first end of the threaded bar may be threadably engaged with the rebar hook and a second end of the threaded bar may be adapted for connection to one of the pair of loop anchors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling tool incorporating first and second ends, a cuttable and/or processable shaft extending between the ends. The first end has a drill bit to penetrate rock. The drill bit and the shaft have complementary threads. The drill bit and the shaft comprise a relative rotation stop means that ensures that the drill bit remains loose during drilling in a first direction. The invention further relates to a self drilling rock bolt, a drill bit, drill shaft and shaft coupling, and an anchoring device per se.

Abstract: A subsurface thermal insulation product for reducing ground disturbance during a freeze-thaw cycle comprises: a plurality of thermal insulation panels each comprising: a foam board and a water wicking sheet attached to one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the foam board. Each foam board has a top surface and a bottom surface and four peripheral shiplap edges each with a notch that permits multiple thermal insulation panels to be placed in adjacent overlapping engagement.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices or systems and a method for remediating a soil comprising contaminants, comprising the steps of:—introducing in said soil at least one perforated column for contaminant extraction from a contaminated region of said soil; in close proximity of said at least one perforated column introducing at least one non-perforated column for providing heat to said contaminated region of said soil; providing heat to said at least one non-perforated column; extracting said contaminant vapor containing said soil contaminants out of said contaminated region of said soil into said at least one perforated column; removing said contaminant vapor from said at least one perforated column, thereby providing remediated soil; wherein said at least one perforated column and said at least one non-perforated column are connectable to at least one surface-located device comprising a combustion, a heating and control unit for heating and thereby cleaning said soil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and processing permafrost gases and for cooling permafrost are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment for processing gas in a permafrost region includes obtaining a gas from a sacrificial area of a thawing permafrost region, dissociating the gas in a non-combustive chemical process, and circulating a constituent of the gas through a savable area of the thawing permafrost region to cool the savable area. In particular embodiments, this process can be used to cool selected areas of permafrost and/or create clean-burning fuels and/or other products from permafrost gases.

Abstract: A multifunctional screw drill and reaming device, for the testing of the structure and composition of various soil types, as well as for sampling and boring, extracting and injecting of gases and various types of chemicals as well as liquids, slurry, granules and solids. Screws can be hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, electrically or manually driven. Dependent upon the operation, the secondary screws (2) can rotate and change position or rotational direction within the primary screw's bore (1), or both primary (1) and secondary screws (2) can be coupled and rotate as one unit.

Abstract: A cutting/mixing tool for thin diaphragm walls is mounted at the end of at least one drilling rod (47) moved by a slidable assembly (42, 62) along a tower (41), carried by an operating drilling machine (40). The tool (45) has a body (10), which bears in its central part two digging/mixing wheels (20a, 20b) provided on the periphery with cutters (82) and set alongside one another at a minimum distance (d) and coaxial about an axis (x) substantially perpendicular to the direction of digging (z). The wheels (20a, 20b) project from slits (81) of the body (10), which contains at least partially means (1-4, 50-52) for transmission of motion to the wheels, the devices being positioned externally with respect to the wheels.

Abstract: A reinforcing element for geo-technical applications may include a monolithic net structure made of a plastic material, having a plurality of first elements distanced from one another and having an elongate conformation in a respective prevalent development direction, a plurality of second elements distanced from one another and also having an elongate conformation, which develop substantially in a transversal direction to the first elements. The second elements are stretched along a development thereof, and the second elements are configured such that the net structure exhibits a substantially arched profile and forms a longitudinal seating having an axis of extension substantially parallel to the first elements. A process of manufacturing the reinforcing element and an artificial or partially artificial structure obtained by consolidating the terrain using the reinforcing element are also described.

Abstract: A recoverable gabion is disclosed. The gabion comprises opposed side walls connected together at spaced intervals by a plurality of partition walls such that spaces between neighboring pairs of partition walls define, together with the side walls, individual compartments of the gabion, adjacent side and partition walls being connected to one another by pivotal connections wherein at least one partition wail comprises at least three partition wall elements, a first partition wall element being pivotally connected to a first side wall and a second partition wall element being connected to a second side wall, and the partition wall comprising at least a third partition wall element between said first and second partition wall elements acting as a spacer element therebetween to extend the width of the gabion compartment and being releasably connected to the first and second partition wall elements.

Abstract: A soil processing tool for delivering a fluid slurry may include a barrel section to define placement of the fluid slurry, a core section being in a spaced relationship to the barrel section, and a flight section formed between the core section and the barrel section. The soil processing tool may include a first cutting tip to reduce debris and the barrel section may include a lower edge including a second cutting tip to reduce debris. The flight section may include a leading edge including a third cutting tip to reduce debris, and the core section may include a fourth cutting tip to reduce debris. The core section may include a first nozzle to dispense the fluid slurry, and the fluid slurry may be concrete slurry. The nozzle may be located approximately in the midsection of the core section, and the core section may include a second nozzle approximately in the bottom of the core section. The flight member may be inclined with respect to the core section.

Abstract: A system for covering various types of ground where water and wind erosion protection are needed comprises a composite of at least one geotextile tufted or knitted with synthetic yarns (forming a synthetic turf), an open grid mesh, and a geo-filter (filter fabric). The filter fabric is positioned in direct contact with the ground surface, the open grid mesh is positioned over the filter fabric, and the synthetic turf is positioned over the open grid mesh. The system provides a beneficial erosion protection that does not require maintenance and can be used to cover slopes without requiring vegetative support and/or a topsoil layer. An optional sand layer can be placed atop the synthetic turf as desired as infill to ballast the material and protect the system against wind uplift.

Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cellular confinement systems (CCSs) with improved friction with infill at low normal pressure. The invention especially presents novel flaps-containing CCS that includes inter alia a plurality of elongated strips arranged in a side by side pattern, each of the strip is segmentally bonded to an adjacent strip in spaced-apart bonding areas, said bonding areas alternating between the sides of each of said strips, such that when the system is stretched across its width, the strips curl to form a web of cells confined by cell walls disposed between the bonding areas, wherein at least one of the cell walls comprises at least one flap hinged to the wall and friction between the walls and the infill material increases.

Abstract: An emissions recycling system is used on a vehicle towing an agricultural implement to enrich the fertility of the soil. The system includes an exhaust collector for collecting exhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine of the towing vehicle and an exhaust distribution system for injecting at least a portion of the exhaust emissions collected by the exhaust collector into the ground worked by the ground working tools of the agricultural implement. Fertility of the soil is enriched by bioactivity within the soil's micro flora which consumes the greenhouse gas and emissions.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for destroying tunnels. A subterraneous, vertical shaft is excavated until a tunnel preventing depth. After liquid is introduced to the shaft, a shaft liner is penetrable by the introduced liquid when a tunnel is present in the vicinity of said shaft, due to the considerably larger pressure of the introduced liquid relative to the bearing capacity of soil interposed between the tunnel and shaft. The tunnel is then flooded and destroyed following passage of the liquid through the liner. A system for detecting and destroying tunnels in the proximity of a security-sensitive facility comprises a hollow member anchored to the upper soil surface adjoining each shaft, a sensor having a unique address mounted on a corresponding hollow member for generating an electrical output when the liquid level has been reduced more than a predetermined level, and a computer in data communication with each of the sensors.

Abstract: An anchoring system to lock posts into housings mounted in the ground, or to lock pipes into housings within holes through walls or foundations uses plastic collets to match post outer profiles to inner housing profiles. The collets have two gently tapered circumferential areas which lock into corresponding tapered areas in the housing. Keys help to lock the post into the collet and in turn into the housing. Customized collets match incompatible posts and housings. The anchored post may be released for re-use, with a security release system that requires the use of special tools.

Abstract: A gabion deployment system comprising: a container (30) for retaining a gabion (22) and a gabion (22) of the folding type comprising hingedly attached, connected side walls (16 & 18) and cross-members (12) such that it can be folded for storage and deployed for use; a retaining means (50) associated with the container (30) for retaining the gabion (20) in the container; and at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentive engaging means (66) for attaching, connecting or retentively engaging at least one part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50); wherein the at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentively engaging means (66) is adapted to attach, connect or retentively engage a part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is folded but to release the gabion (22) from the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is deployed.

Abstract: The invention provides a gabion which may be used to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like, the gabion comprising side walls connected together at spaced intervals by partition walls, the side walls comprising at least one substantially closed side wall element panel, which acts in use of the gabion to prevent a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall, the said action of the substantially closed side wall element panel being effective without the aid of a gabion lining material.

Abstract: A method and system for remediation of a contaminated subsurface area. The method comprises an infiltration operation in which a surfactant containing a fluorescent dye is injected to various depths in the contaminated area. The surfactant dye may be injected using a gravity feed process or pressure injection. Soil samples are taken at various distances from the injection point. The soil samples are analyzed to determine the radius of influence of the surfactant. Flow rates, flow volumes, and flow paths of the surfactant are determined from the soil samples. A remediation surfactant is injected to encapsulate liquid hydrocarbons in the contaminated area. The contaminant is then extracted from the area using a vacuum extraction system. The extraction system comprises flexible tubing inserted through a port in a well-head cap. The tubing is inserted to an appropriate depth to maintain a predetermined vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.

Abstract: A gabion deployment system comprising: a container (30) for retaining a gabion (22) and a gabion (22) of the folding type comprising hingedly attached, connected side walls (16 & 18) and cross-members (12) such that it can be folded for storage and deployed for use; a retaining means (50) associated with the container (30) for retaining the gabion (20) in the container; and at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentive engaging means (66) for attaching, connecting or retentively engaging at least one part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50); wherein the at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentively engaging means (66) is adapted to attach, connect or retentively engage a part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is folded but to release the gabion (22) from the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is deployed.

Abstract: Biodegradable solid soil amendment material such as poultry litter may be disposed of in soil using an apparatus which includes a soil cutter for cutting a trench and a dispenser for transporting the material and simultaneously grinding or shearing the material and distributing it to the trenches in the soil. The receptacle includes a plurality of troughs across its bottom surface, each having an outlet at one end thereof, and corresponding screw augers therein for distributing and transporting the material to the outlets. As the material is transported toward each of the outlets by the augers it is crushed or ground to a small size. This apparatus allows the material to be dispensed through the multiple outlets at a substantially steady, uniform rate.

Abstract: The dual axis grinder includes a support frame with a plate and a mast. The mast is connected to the boom of an excavator and to a hydraulic stick control cylinder. An auger tube is journaled in a bore through the support frame plate for rotation about a vertical axis. Auger flighting may be attached to the auger tube. A central support housing is attached to the bottom of the auger tube. Two cylindrical drums with grinder teeth are journaled on the central support housing for rotation about a horizontal axis that intersects the vertical axis. The auger tube is rotated by a reversible hydraulic motor. The cylindrical drums are driven by one or two reversible hydraulic motors. Hydraulic fluid is provided to drive the two drums cylindrical through a rotary hydraulic manifold. Chemicals to treat environmental contaminates are supplied through a nozzle adjacent to the cylindrical drums.

Abstract: A method for constructing or rehabilitating a marsh or wetland comprises the step of inserting propagatable material into liquid or slurry emerging from a high-pressure spray nozzle to form a mixture. The liquid/ or slurry/propagatable material mixture is then sprayed over a marsh or wetland area desired to be constructed or rehabilitated.

Abstract: A snow fence system made of snow itself, intended for use around construction sites, like raised pads, commonly used in oil, mining and construction. The snow fence is built in stages. After the first significant snowfall, the pad is cleared by pushing the snow to the windward side of the pad. The pile is then shaped to make a steep flat wall surface. As snow accumulates behind the fence, it is cleared by building a higher wall in front of the first wall. The new wall is higher than the first wall and it too is given a steep vertical face. As additional snow accumulates, the fence is built out further from the pad, using the material from the excavated trenches to build additional walls. Once the fence is in place, the pad remains virtually snow free from drifting. At the end of the season, the fence simply melts away.

Abstract: A method of treating a solid matrix containing organic contaminants is provided. The method comprises the steps of a) injecting ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the pulse duration; b) interrupting the injection of ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the gap duration; and c) repeating step a) at least one additional time. Gap durations of from about 2 hours to about 48 hours are disclosed. Pulse durations of from about 0.25 hours to about 8 hours are also disclosed. Recalcitrant organic contaminants are treated.

Abstract: A bolt assembly for insertion into a rock wall including a hole having a diameter an a method thereof are provided. The assembly includes a resilient cylinder for insertion into the hole, a shaft for insertion into the cylinder, a grouting material for retaining the shaft within the cylinder and stiffening the assembly, and coupling means for coupling the extremity of the cylinder to the extremity of the shaft. The cylinder has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the hole when the cylinder is uncompressed. In this manner, the cylinder is radially compressed when inserted into the hole and thereby frictionally engages the hole. The cylinder has an extremity extending outside the hole when it is inserted therein. The shaft includes an extremity which extends outside the hole when the shaft is inserted into the cylinder in an operating position.

Abstract: A ballasting system for an on-site sewage treatment and disposal system for areas having a ground water level above a minimum depth below grade. A perimeter barrier is arranged around a selected subterraneal volume within a ground area. The perimeter barrier has a circumference and a closed end closest to atmosphere. A pump having a gas intake and a discharge side which discharges gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is also provided. The discharge side of the pump is in fluid communication with the selected subterraneal volume to lower the ground water level within the perimeter barrier to a level at or below the minimum depth below grade. A flexible membrane is located adjacent the perimeter barrier end and within the ground area. The flexible membrane extends over substantially the entire circumference of the perimeter barrier. A plurality of ballasting beams is located above the flexible membrane and within the ground area.

Abstract: An apparatus controls the evacuation of volcanic magma to prevent explosions. Magma evacuation is through a single evacuation tube that heats the magma flow within the tube to prevent stickiness of the magma in the tube. The heating may use small combustion chambers to heat steam, which in turn heats and stabilizes the magma flow. Stability is aided by central cooling, where needed, using water jets from nozzles located at the wall of the tube.

Abstract: A method for constructing an automotive vehicle parking lot (10) on a land area (12) is provided. A composite drainage material (20) is provided through which water drains. The composite drainage material (20) comprises a polymeric open mesh core (22) between first and second layers (24 and 26) of a non-woven geo-textile fabric. The land area (12) is covered with the material (20) by placing rolls (28) of the material adjacent one another. The rolls (28) are unrolled over the land area (12) so that longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) of adjacent rolls adjoin one another. A portion (34, 44) of the longitudinal edge portions (30 and 40) are overlapped and secured to each other, and not to the land area (12), to create a gapless and continuous surface (84) of the material (20), with the majority of the land area (12) lying underneath the material. The first layer (24) of each of the rolls (28) contacts the land area (12).