Organic Patents (Class 405/264)
  • Patent number: 11535998
    Abstract: A system for injecting expanding resins into soils to be consolidated, includes a pump apparatus which is operationally associated, at a delivery port, with a tubular element which can be inserted into a respective hole defined in the soil to be consolidated and is adapted to send to the tubular element a mixture at a preset supply pressure. The tubular element has a number of holes, at least two of the holes including respective calibrated holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: THUR S.R.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Birtele
  • Patent number: 11497177
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods relating to functionalized sands or soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Himanshu Mishra, Joel Reihmer, Adair Gallo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10781648
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for reducing lost circulation in a wellbore comprise inserting a conduit comprising a first and second end and an outer diameter and an inner diameter into the wellbore, and pumping a thixotropic cement slurry, wherein the thixotropic cement slurry will increase in viscosity with no shear and decrease in viscosity with shear, and have a power law exponent value of less than or equal to 0.3 when the thixotropic cement slurry has a density of greater than 12.69 pounds per gallon, through the conduit into the wellbore, in which the thixotropic cement slurry comprises at least one cement, at least one viscosifier, mix water, and one or more than one strength accelerating additives. The method further comprises allowing the thixotropic cement slurry to harden in the wellbore to create a plug, removing the conduit from the wellbore, and reducing lost circulation via the plug in the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Shine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10287500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the localized irrigation of crops or planted areas whereby at least one water-soluble polymer having a molecular weight between 10,000 and 500,000 Da and containing at least one acrylamide or methacrylamide monomer is injected into the irrigation water intended for supplying a stationary localized irrigation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: S.P.C.M. SA
    Inventor: Charles Lecointe
  • Patent number: 10196320
    Abstract: The present invention describes a plant growth and soil enhancement formulation, and method of using said formulation for enhanced plant growth and soil enrichment, comprising generally an organic substance such as humus and at least one mineral, preferably a bedrock material known as Geza.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Max Wellness Argo Sp. z.o.o.
    Inventors: Daniel Skowronek, Zygmunt Brogowski
  • Patent number: 9896813
    Abstract: A method of preventing soil erosion in, among areas, seaside locations, includes drilling holes in the ground and filling the holes with a mixture of the soil and gelatin, and then curing the mixture in situ to form a barrier against soil erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas Ford, Gavin Garland, Randy Garland, Albert Kim, Ian Lindberg, John Lindberg, Michael Mirabito, Michael Nogaj, Thomas Rafferty, Rahul Rangarajan, Michael Shepherd
  • Patent number: 9758432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved bentonite barrier compositions having enhanced low permeability over time in containment applications. Of the many embodiments provided herein, one embodiment includes a method comprising: providing a bentonite barrier composition comprising: bentonite; and a polyanionic low molecular weight polymer; and forming a containment using the bentonite barrier composition to provide at least partial separation for a containment from its environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Landis, Jimmy G. Youngblood, Wen-Chin Andrew Liao, Brian L. Coles
  • Patent number: 9731897
    Abstract: A gas containment system can include a gas barrier layer forming a capsule. The gas barrier layer can be made up of a particulate swelling clay, a non-swelling particulate material mixed with the particulate swelling clay, water, and a water-soluble polyol. The water can hydrate the particulate swelling clay and form a continuous liquid phase in the gas barrier layer. The water-soluble polyol can be dissolved in the water. The gas containment system can further include a gas retained inside the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 9458587
    Abstract: Soil erosion in, among other areas, seaside locations, is prevented by the steps of: drilling holes in the ground; filling these holes with a mixture of the soil and gelatin, then curing the mixture in situ to form a barrier against soil erosion. The holes form stabilization walls and are placed seaside to a structure to be protected from erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Nicholas Ford, Gavin Garland, Randy Garland, Albert Kim, Ian Lindberg, John Lindberg, Michael Mirabito, Michael Nogaj, Thomas Rafferty, Rahul Rangarajan, Michael Shepherd
  • Patent number: 9387276
    Abstract: The invention features a composition comprising a self-healing interpenetrating network hydrogel comprising a first network and a second network. The first network comprises covalent crosslinks and the second network comprises ionic or physical crosslinks. For example, the first network comprises a polyacrylamide polymer and second network comprises an alginate polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Seoul National University Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Jeong-Yun Sun, Xuanhe Zhao, Widusha R. K. Illeperuma, Kyu Hwan Oh, Joost J. Vlassak, Zhigang Suo, Jianyu Li, David J. Mooney
  • Patent number: 9085872
    Abstract: Described herein are tools, systems and methods for conditioning, strengthening and/or improving in situ soil geotechnical or agricultural properties while at least temporarily reducing soil density, energy requirements and tool wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Darin R. Kruse
  • Patent number: 9074125
    Abstract: The gelling agent for water shut-off in oil and gas wells is a composition that forms a gel to reduce or eliminate the flow of water in a gas or oil well. The composition is formed by mixing polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, or mixtures thereof with an amino-aldehyde oligomer, such as urea formaldehyde or melamine formaldehyde, with or without a cross-linker. The polymer composition can be used to minimize or completely shut off excess water production with insignificant reduction in hydrocarbon productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: KUWAIT INSTITUTE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventor: Shawqui M. Lahalih
  • Publication number: 20150071713
    Abstract: Surface treatment compositions and their methods of preparation. Such surface treatment compositions can comprise a solid cross-linking agent and a water-soluble polymer. Such solid cross-linking agent can include a plurality of dialdehyde residues, and the water-soluble polymer can include a plurality of pendant groups capable of covalently bonding with the solid cross-linking agent. The surface treatment compositions can further comprise a fibrous material. Applications for such surface treatment compositions include soil erosion prevention, dust control, and landfill cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Gordon Fischer
  • Publication number: 20150056022
    Abstract: Disclosed are soil additives capable of hydrophilizing soil particles and/or increase available water capacity in soil. The soil additive are capable of increasing the available water content/capacity (AWC) in soils, the additive in one embodiment comprising a polymer composition having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, wherein the hydrophobic portion of the copolymer binds with the soil particle surface and the hydrophilic portion of the copolymer can bind with water. This results in the prevention, arrest or decelerated loss of water from the targeted area, for example the plant root zone, which allows for improved water usage efficiency by plants, grasses, vegetation, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Zhiyun CHEN, Jean-Christophe CASTAING, Marie-Pierre LABEAU
  • Publication number: 20150027179
    Abstract: An anaerobic digester is fed a feedstock, for example sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and produces a digestate. The digestate is dewatered into a cake. The cake may be dried further, for example in a thermal drier. The cake is treated in a pyrolysis system to produce a synthesis gas and biochar. The gas is sent to the same or another digester to increase its methane production. The char may be used as a soil enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Josse, Andrew Benedek
  • Publication number: 20140377013
    Abstract: Method of use of at least one polyamine compound selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine: triethylenetetramine (TETA), tetraethylengentemine (TEPA). pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA), hexaethyieneheptamine and heptaethyleneoctamine sticking decreasing additive for soil with a day mineral content o more than 10% by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Alexander Puzrin, Michael Plötze, Lorenz Meier, Rolf Zumsteg
  • Patent number: 8876437
    Abstract: A method of treating an earth formation that includes introducing at least one blocked isocyanate in a liquid phase into the earthen formation; introducing at least one active hydrogen compound into the earthen formation; and contacting the blocked isocyante and the active hydrogen compound form an elastomeric gel is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: David Antony Ballard
  • Publication number: 20140311971
    Abstract: Anaerobic reductive dechlorination processes remove chlorinated solvents from contaminated subsurface soil and ground water. The presence of organic hydrogen donors enables anaerobic microorganisms present in the subsurface soil and groundwater to accelerate the reductive dechlorination process. The present invention provides an alternative method to control the release rate of organic hydrogen donors during dechlorination. The invention utilizes encapsulated substrates to control the release rate of organic hydrogen donors, therefore accelerating the biotic process of anaerobic reductive dechlorination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Innovative Environmental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scalzi, Antonis Karachalios
  • Publication number: 20140303049
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for consolidating an underground formation with a consolidating mineral. The consolidating material is a carbonate and is produced from an alkaline treatment fluid containing, in at least some embodiments, environmentally friendly and inexpensive components. In one embodiment, the process can be applied to consolidation of an underground formation during or following drilling. The present invention also provides a treatment fluid suitable for use in such processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Cleansorb Limited
    Inventor: Duncan Holdsworth
  • Patent number: 8740503
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising: a first tubular mesh enclosure having a first opposing pair of ends, at least one of said first opposing pair of ends sealed; a first filling surrounded by said first tubular mesh enclosure; a first geogrid wrapped at least partially around said first tubular mesh enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Conwed Plastics Acquisition Company V LLC
    Inventor: Rodney Tyler
  • Publication number: 20140126966
    Abstract: A method for at least temporarily retaining moisture in a soil-based substrate includes applying an acrylamide pyranose polymer to the soil-based substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: William Brenden CARLSON, Gregory D. Phelan
  • Publication number: 20140100304
    Abstract: A process allowing the encapsulation of a polymerization accelerator comprising the steps of: a) providing an reverse emulsion containing, in an oil phase, a water solution/dispersion containing the polymerisation activator, the oil phase including a heat curable mixture of an isocyanate and a polyalkyldiene hydroxylated or polyol, b) pouring the reverse emulsion in a water phase to make a multiple emulsion water/oil/water, containing drops of activators as the internal water phase, and then, c) heating the multiple emulsion obtained in step b) at a temperature of between 50 and 95° C., in order to cure the polyisocyanate in polyurethane and obtain drops of activator enclosed in shells of polyurethane dispersed in water. The invention also relates to aqueous gelling systems comprising the encapsulated polymerization accelerator with water soluble or dispersable monomers and a polymerization initiator dispersed in said monomers, useful i.a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Arnaud Cadix, Rabih Rached, Pierre Ardaud
  • Publication number: 20140038266
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing an oil absorbent composition. The method comprises heating and then de-mineralising a precursor plant material under conditions suitable to produce an oil absorbent composition comprising charcoal. The invention extends to oil absorbent compositions per se, such as charcoal-based compositions, and to various uses of the compositions for efficiently and rapidly absorbing spilled oil, for example from water surfaces, or from bituminous sands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Forestry Commission
    Inventors: Franciscus Antonius Anna Maria De Leij, James Stratford, Tony Hutchings
  • Publication number: 20140034581
    Abstract: An emulsifier concentrate for producing a working solution comprising 30-50 Vol % of a natural plant oil, selected from colza oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, 10-25 Vol % of octanol as a solubilizer, and 27-55 Vol % of an emulsifier, consisting of 26.5-45 Vol % of a non-ionic tenside, and 0.5-10 Vol % of an anionic tenside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: MAN OIL GROUP AG
    Inventor: Evgeny Vladimirovitch Belenko
  • Publication number: 20130344558
    Abstract: Wheat bran culture mix is used to inoculate organic waste and produce an inoculated waste material, where the wheat bran culture mix includes soil derived microbes. The inoculated waste material is shredded to produce shredded inoculated waste material which is fermented the shredded inoculated waste material for at least 7 days. Contents from the fermenter are then transferred into a dewatering device to produce dewatered contents which are then separated into soluble and suspended products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: BOKASHICYCLE NVC LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Green
  • Publication number: 20130316433
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for at least partially remediating soil and/or groundwater containing perfluroroalkyl compounds (PFCs). In some embodiments, the systems and methods utilize an oxidase such as laccase, optionally with one or more enzyme-catalyzed oxidative humification reaction (ECOHR) mediators. In some embodiments the method is an in situ method. Optionally, the oxidase can be immobilized on soil, sand, clay, and/or activated carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: QINGGUO HUANG
  • Publication number: 20130316898
    Abstract: The invention relates to composite adsorbent materials, and in particular, to highly porous carbon-based composite materials for the adsorption and stabilisation of inorganic substances. The composite adsorbent material comprises a porous carbon carrier matrix and an adsorbent species, wherein the adsorbent species is precipitated within the pores of the carrier matrix. The invention extends to various uses of such adsorbent materials, for example in water purification, recovery of metals from waste streams and remediation applications, and where the adsorbant material is amended into soil, waste etc. for the purpose of breaking pollutant-receptor linkages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicants: The Forestry Commission, The University of Surrey
    Inventors: Franciscus, Antonius, Anna, Maria De Leij, James Stratford, Helen Sneath, Tony Hutchings
  • Publication number: 20130252287
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions containing enzymes, particularly acting at the interface between two immiscible phases where the rate of enzymatic activity is increased by addition of a blend of surfactant(s) and a mixture derived from yeast fermentation, that contain non-enzymatic exo-proteins released by yeast in response to a non-lethal stress. The enzymes include those that work at the interface between an aqueous solution and a water immiscible phase, liquid or solid, such as oil, fat, cellulose, lignin, etc. including, but not limited to the following or combinations thereof: lipases, polysaccharase, lignase, cellulase and the like, in which the substrate of an enzymatic reaction forms a phase, segregated from the aqueous solution in which the enzymes are typically operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED BIOCATALYTICS CORP.
    Inventors: Michael G. GOLDFELD, Andrew H. MICHALOW, Carl W. PODELLA, John W. BALDRIDGE
  • Publication number: 20130233036
    Abstract: Described herein is a mineral-releasing compost prepared by combining a prebiotic material, a probiotic material, and one or more mineral gluconate salts to form a composting mixture, controlling composting conditions to allow for the composting mixture to decompose, and allowing the composting mixture to fully stabilize and mature, wherein the compost includes one or more minerals as digested products of the respective mineral gluconate salts. The mineral-releasing compost is particularly suitable for remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals and for amendment of soil deficient of certain minerals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jane A. Hoxsey
  • Patent number: 8459354
    Abstract: A method of sealing a leak of fluid from a container comprises introducing a solute to a body of fluid within the container. The solute is selected so as to be soluble in the fluid at the expected conditions prevailing inside the container, and insoluble when the pressure experienced by the fluid is reduced at the site of a leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Heriot-Watt University
    Inventors: Mehran Sohrabi Sedeh, Mahmoud Jamiolahmady
  • Patent number: 8387688
    Abstract: A method of permeating and infusing a formation around the borehole with wax by heating a formation surrounding a borehole and pumping molten wax into the formation, wherein the molten wax flows into and fills voids the formation without disrupting the formation is described. Also, a method of permeating and infusing a formation around the borehole with wax by heating a formation surrounding a borehole, pumping molten wax into the borehole, heating and circulating the molten wax vertically within the borehole for an extended period using a heater and pump attached to a circulation pipe extended to the bottom of a zone of the borehole to be heated, and recovering molten wax from the borehole by displacing it back to the surface with another material of different density is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Ernest E. Carter, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120288335
    Abstract: A soil stabilization composition is provided. The soil stabilization composition includes sulfuric acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, nonlyphenol90, and water. The soil stabilization composition is capable of changing the molecular charges of swelling clays to resist water absorption rather than to attract water due to the positive/negative charges related to them. This ionic exchange prevents the clay from swelling making the clay more stable to build on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Rodney Green
  • Publication number: 20120269584
    Abstract: Method for water tightening of water bearing zones and stabilization of sand in underground constructions, by precipitation of at least one mineral, by introducing into the construction, at the least one aqueous solution of salts comprising Ca2+ ions and urea, and an urease. The urease may be plant based, and made by grounding the plant wherefrom the urease is based, adding water, and soaking at occasional stirring between 2 and 20 h at room temperature. Then the achieved solution is filtrated, and the filtrate is lyophilized. The urease may also be biotechnologically produced by bacteria in an aqueous solution, where after the achieved solution is filtrated, and the filtrate is lyophilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: TEMASI AS
    Inventor: Terje Östvold
  • Patent number: 8256994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to repair a leak in a geological structure or a construction comprising a geological material, comprising administering a liquid nutrient composition, comprising an energy source for anaerobic bacteria and a multivalent metal ion upstream of the leak allowing micro-organisms present in the structure or construction to ferment the energy source and to grow, thereby increasing biomass in and/or around the leak releasing mineral particles upstream of the leak allowing the mineral particles to migrate to the leak; and allowing the mineral particles to settle in the biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Stichting Deltares
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Hendrikus Van Der Zon, Davina Anne Den Hamer, Johny Willem Marie Lambert, Waldo Olaf Molendijk
  • Patent number: 8167514
    Abstract: A submerged or partially submerged structure includes one or more non-cylindrical support columns interconnected at the lower ends thereof by horizontally disposed pontoons. The support columns include one or more strakes mounted thereon. The columns and strakes contribute to the stability of the structure during free floating operations and installation by reducing vortex induced motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Seahorse Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Leverette, Oriol R. Rijken
  • Publication number: 20110318115
    Abstract: A composition for chemical soil improvement includes a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, polyisobutylene, and synthetic fibers, and various combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: MIDWEST INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY, INC.
    Inventor: ROBERT W. VITALE
  • Patent number: 8029619
    Abstract: A grouting material which contains a fine particle material having a Blaine specific surface area of 5000 cm2/g or more, containing 30 to 60% by mass of cement clinker, 40 to 70 % by mass of and blast-furnace slag and 0.5 to 3 parts by mass of gypsum in terms of SO3 based on 100 parts by mass of the total amount of cement clinker and blast-furnace slag, and further contains (i) 4 to 8 parts by mass of calcium-aluminate-based rapid-hardening admixture, (ii) 0.05 to 0.2 parts by mass of setting retarder and (iii) 0.5 to 1.7 parts by mass of high-performance water-reducing agent, based on 100 parts by mass of the fine particle material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Nittetsu Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Sato
  • Patent number: 7934554
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to well bore treatments that comprise swellable particles. An embodiment includes a method that comprises introducing a fluid comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a method of cementing that comprises: introducing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a space between a pipe string and a subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the space. Another embodiment includes a well treatment composition comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig W. Roddy
  • Patent number: 7850401
    Abstract: A method of applying polyacrylamide (PAM) for stabilizing soil particles of a land area from movement about the land area. The slope of the surface of the soil is measured, and a tentative application rate is determined based upon the slope of the land area. The stability of the soil of the land area is determined by placing a sample of the soil in a tray and pouring a liquid over the sample and evaluating the erosion potential of the soil by measuring any movement of the soil in the liquid. The liquid may be water or a mixture of water and PAM. The application rate may be increased above the tentative application rate if the soil sample showed a relatively higher vulnerability to erosion. An application rate is calculated for applying a mixture of PAM and water to the land area. The mixture is misted onto the surface of the land area in one or more mixture applications. An application of the mixture is continued until the top surface of the soil of the land area becomes saturated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Tracy E. Hamblet, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7811466
    Abstract: This invention relates to a preparation and a method for reducing the consumption of water in agriculture and other activities in which plants are cultivated, and which at the same time helps to reduce the seepage of nutrient-rich, fertilizer-saturated water into the ground water. More particularly, the invention relates to an electronegative, antioxidizing powder mixture which, upon application to an upper layer of soil, is capable of forming a biologically degradable membrane in the upper layer of soil, preferably comprising the surface of the soil and a biologically active zone for root and plant formation, wherein the membrane has a combined effect in that it increases the retention time of water and nutrients in the root zone, has an antioxidizing effect on the environment in order to combat ozone and other free radical induced damage to the vegetation, and regulates the albedo of the top soil layer so that the temperature in the root zone is held within the temperature at which the plants thrive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Torfinn Johnsen
  • Patent number: 7717998
    Abstract: To provide an ultrafine particle grouting composition which is excellent in dispersibility and dispersion retainability and can be easily injected into minute spaces between particles of grounds, rock cracks, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignees: Nittetsu Cement Co., Ltd., Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kanazawa, Hirokatsu Kawakami
  • Publication number: 20100080656
    Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a subterranean structure are provided. The method can include, but is not limited to, removing at least a portion of earth disposed above a subterranean structure to provide a foundation; depositing an isolation layer above the subterranean structure; and depositing at least a portion of the removed earth, a fill material or both to at least partially cover the isolation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew C. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20090324344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method to repair a leak in a geological structure or a construction comprising a geological material, comprising administering a liquid nutrient composition, comprising an energy source for anaerobic bacteria and a multivalent metal ion upstream of the leak allowing micro-organisms present in the structure or construction to ferment the energy source and to grow, thereby increasing biomass in and/or around the leak releasing mineral particles upstream of the leak allowing the mineral particles to migrate to the leak; and allowing the mineral particles to settle in the biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Hendrikus van der Zon, Davina Anne den Hamer, Johny Willem Marie Lambert, Waldo Olaf Molendijk
  • Patent number: 7610959
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and material for forming a fluid barrier in the material surrounding a wellbore. The method involves temporarily opening a fracture extending from the wellbore and then depositing particulates in the fracture which will swell when exposed to the fluid. The particles are deposited in the fracture without causing appreciable swelling thereof and then, after the fracture closes, the particles are allowed to swell when contacted with the fluid to form a fluid barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim B. Surjaatmadja
  • Patent number: 7585135
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Troy M. Deal, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7559987
    Abstract: A grouting material which comprises an ultrafine particle material having a maximum particle size of 15 micrometer or less, containing 3 to 40% by mass of cement clinker, 60 to 97% by mass of and blast-furnace slag, 0.5 to 3 parts by mass of gypsum in terms of SO3 based on 100 parts by mass of the total amount of cement clinker and blast-furnace slag, and further comprises (i) 0.7 to 7 parts by mass of calcium-aluminate-based rapid-hardening admixture, (ii) 0.01 to 0.13 parts by mass of setting retarder, and (iii) 0.2 to 1.0 parts by mass of high-performance water-reducing agent, based on 100 parts by mass of the ultrafine particle material can maintain high injectability for long, and rapidly starts to set after injected to thereby exhibit a good short-term strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Nittetsu Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Sato, Tomohiro Kanazawa, Tadashi Hayasaka, Ken Uoya, Akira Takami, Shin-ichiro Tada
  • Publication number: 20080298901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a soil consolidation process using a combination of calcifying bacteria and denitrifying bacteria. The invention further relates to a composition for carrying out said process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Hamelin, Gerard Evers, Sabine Darson-Balleur
  • Patent number: 7438500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier cap material including a blend of: a plurality of aggregate particles, and a plurality of manufactured composite particles including a hydratable sealant material. In a particular embodiment, the segregation of a blend of aggregate particles and composite particles, when dropped through a water column can be controlled by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles. In another embodiment, the permeability of the barrier cap material, when hydrated on a surface, can be controlled from 1×10?3 cm/sec to 1×10?8 cm/sec by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: John H. Hull
  • Patent number: 7357602
    Abstract: A reinforcing device for earthworks comprises at least one reinforcing base element (3) from which extend a front wall (9) and a containment wall (15) which are spaced from each other to delimit, in an operative configuration in which they are erected with respect to the reinforcing base element (3), a facing region which is to be filled with filling material, such as stones or the like. The device also comprises bracket means (23) which can be coupled, in use, to the front wall (9) and to the containment wall (15). It is also possible to produce a second front wall which extends from the reinforcing base element (3) on the side opposite the first. A method for the production of a reinforced earthwork provides for laying on the ground a device of the type indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Officine Maccaferri S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Ferraiolo
  • Patent number: 7306406
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of seepage control which comprises contacting a soil surface with a composition comprising anionic copolymers and a surfactant. This invention provides a method of seepage control for irrigation ditches, drainage ditches, farm ponds, feeder canals, golf course water features, park ponds and lakes, lagoons, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Putnam, William R. Wernsmann