Abstract: A method of providing clear ocean water near a shoreline comprising providing a pump with inlet and outlet piping, locating the inlet to said inlet piping at a distal location from said shoreline where the ocean water is clear, locating one or more outlets on said outlet piping proximate said shoreline, and pumping clear water from said distal location to said proximate location, and displacing the water proximate the shoreline.

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: An area earthquake defense system is disclosed which uses military planning principles; automated command and control systems; the technology of wave manipulation demonstrated in optical engineering, sonar, and anti-tank weapons and their countermeasures; and proven electromagnetic technology. Deeply buried, specially configured, passive devices attenuate, temporally segment, and redirect earthquake shock waves. Such a system, fully integrated into the local geological structure, can reduce the shock reaching the protected area, and, within that area, channel it away from those structures most difficult to protect with single point measures. This is especially true when the plurality of passive devices is complemented by an automated decision and command loop and dynamically reconfigurable active devices embedded at a variety of depths.

Abstract: A new system for underwater waste disposal is disclosed, consisting of a high-speed, hardened penetrator, optional rocket motor (or other compact propulsion device) and alternative mechanisms for eliminating water drag by surrounding the projectile with a gas layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a protection system for hindering the progress of avalanches that fall with high velocity and contain an enormous amount of energy. The method consists mainly in catching the avalanche in a special Avalanche Protection System (1)—the APS—where the protection system is placed in an oblong storage box (16) on a mountain slope, in a canyon, at the foot of a mountain or at other places, where the risk of falling avalanches exists. The APS can be put up in overlapping rows to form a continuous protective wall against a potential avalanche.

Abstract: A farm implement for guiding a barrier material into a layered material comprises a turntable for holding the barrier material, a guide apparatus for guiding the barrier material into the layered material, and a crossbar to which is attached the turntable and a hitch portion for attaching the crossbar to a vehicle. The guide apparatus comprises a vertical support post that attaches the guide apparatus to the crossbar, a guide slot hingedly attached to the vertical support post, a platform and at least one roller attached to the guide slot, and at least one cap hingedly attached to and positioned above the guide slot.

Abstract: The concrete pipe recycling machine is transportable to job sites for breaking apart concrete pipe and recycling the concrete and the steel reinforcement therein. The concrete pipe recycling machine has a mandrel type anvil which presses the top of the pipe upward toward a hammer which impacts the outside of the pipe such that the energy imparted by the hammer is reflected by the anvil and breaks down the concrete. The concrete aggregate processed by the hammer fall through open mesh with a conveyor thereunder to transport the concrete pieces for recycling. The anvil rotates in gear fashion to rotate the pipe and the hammer traverses axially to reach all portions of the surface of the pipe. The anvil support opens to admit a new pipe to be recycled and to release the steel cage inside of the pipe when the concrete is removed therefrom.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the biosequestration and organic assimilation of a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect. In these methods, a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect is introduced into a peat bog where it is thereafter sequestered and organically assimilated. A capture method may be employed in conjunction with the present invention to enable transport of the gas from an industrial site to a processing facility located at or near a peat bog. Once transported to a relevant processing facility, the captured gas may be regenerated and thereafter introduced into the peat bog for its biosequestration and organic assimilation. In the context of the present invention, the gas may be a greenhouse gas (GHG), sulfur oxide (SOx) gas, and/or volatile organic compound (VOC).

Abstract: A conductive polymer backfill composition and method of use for setting or resetting utility poles is described. The backfill material is effective in simultaneously reinforcing and electrically grounding the utility pole.

Abstract: An improved landscape watering system is provided that simplifies the installation and maintenance of multiple underground water control valves, that permits the on-site configuration of valve-electrical boxes, that limits egress of insects and other living creatures into a valve-electrical boxes, and that facilitates labeling of a valve-electrical box. The box includes configurable, sealable openings and a water permeable bottom that prevents egress of insects and other living creatures.

Abstract: A conductive polymer backfill composition and method of use for setting or resetting structures such as utility poles is described. The backfill material is effective in simultaneously reinforcing and electrically grounding the utility pole.

Abstract: A mobile system for manufacturing and installing rock reinforcing members in mining and tunnel construction applications where a plurality of holes are drilled into the rock and each hole receives a reinforcing member and grout. The reinforcing member can be steel strand or some other suitable material. The system has a plurality of cooperating devices, all mounted to a mobile self-propelled platform. The devices comprise a spool of reinforcing material, a motivating device for drawing material from of the spool through the system, a measuring device, a crimping device to give the steel strands a corrugated shape, an articulating arm with a guide head to guide the material into the drill hole and a cutter to cut the material into strands of desired length. A plurality of strands can be installed in a given drill hole. The system also includes apparatus for grouting the drill holes using either a cementacious grout or a polyester resin grout. Methods of making and grouting the reinforcing member are disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatuses for improving the permeability of a fluid containment basin having a plurality of ridges and furrows in the bottom of the basin are configured to disturb sediment that has settled on the ridges so as to place the sediment back into suspension. In one configuration, the apparatus comprises a tool support frame adapted to support one or more ridge cleaning tools on top of the ridges. The tools include dragging, discing and grinding tools. The discing tool is configured with a flexible axle to allow the tool to move in response to changes in the contour of the ridge. In another configuration, a boat or other device is moved across the basin above the ridges to cause wave energy from the boat's propellor to disturb the sediment on the ridges. The tool support frame with one or more ridge cleaning tools can be pulled behind the boat.

Abstract: There is provided a device for securing geo-textile material in place on the ground in the form of a fastener having a top member and at least one elongated leg member. The leg member is driven into the ground in close proximity to the geo-textile material. The top member remains above the ground with at least a portion of the top member being of a color which contrasts with the color of the geo-textile material so that the location of the fastener may be readily determined. Thus, an inspector will know whether or not the geo-textile material has been properly secured to the ground.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to subterranean drilling while maintaining containment of any contaminants released during the drilling. A thrust block installed over a zone of interest provides an overflow space for retaining any contaminants and excess sealant returns. Negative air pressure may be maintained in the overflow space by a ventilation system. Access ports in the thrust block seal the overflow space from the surrounding environment with a membrane seal. A flexible sack seal in the access port may be connected to a drill shroud prior to drilling, providing containment during drilling after the drill bit penetrates the membrane seal. The drill shroud may be adapted to any industry standard drilling rig and includes a connection conduit for connecting to the flexible sack seal and a flexible enclosure surrounding the drill shaft and of a length to accommodate full extension thereof.

Abstract: A drill head capable of attachment to a drilling machine for insertion of rock bolts into rock strata. The drill head comprising: a base block adapted to facilitate attachment to the drilling machine; driving spindle mechanism having a member at one end which receives a proximal end of a rock bolt including an internal cavity; an injection assembly including at least one internal passage for retaining a grouting compound. When the rock bolt is inserted in the member and when the injection assembly engages the member, the passage is in communication with the internal cavity in the rock bolt; whereupon the injection assembly operates to inject a predetermined quantity of the grouting compound into a bolt hole in the rock strata via the internal cavity of the bolt.

Abstract: A conductive polymer backfill composition and method of use for setting or resetting structures such as utility poles is described. The backfill material is effective in simultaneously reinforcing and electrically grounding the utility pole.

Abstract: A revegetation and greening system is used to control erosion and to decorate infertile environments or steep structures. This system comprises one or many revegatation devices. Each device holds self-sufficient materials for growing plant with minimal need for frequent watering or advanced care. A layer of synthetic nets or grids can be placed on the surface of these structures to secure these devices. This system creates a stable and suitable environment for the growth of many plants in various conditions. Furthermore, by using many layers of this system simultaneously, it can provide erosion control and structure decoration in a very short time.

Abstract: A rock bolter has a turret assembly having a positionable base. The base slidably and rotatably engages a cylindrical member on which a feed track support is affixed. A jack rotatably and slidably engages the cylindrical member, but cannot translate with respect to the base. The jack has a piston connected to the feed track support, and extending or retracting the piston translates the cylindrical member relative to the base to move the feed track support toward and away from a rock surface. A stinger assembly connected to the base engages the rock surface to stabilize the turret assembly. A pivot actuator connected between the base and the jack rotates the jack and the feed track support to selectively place either a drill or a bolt driver in alignment with a desired location on the rock surface.

Abstract: A tidal irrigation and electrical system used to harness the power of the ocean tide to generate electricity, create sustainable aquaculture, act as a CO2 sink, and generate hydrocarbons. An artificial atoll is created on the continental shelf to define a lagoon completely isolated from the surrounding ocean. As the tides rise and fall, the natural tidal action draws nutrient-rich, cold seawater into the lagoon to stimulate the growth of biolife. As the ocean tide falls, the natural tidal action draws the lagoon water out of the lagoon and through a biofilter to remove the biolife prior to discharge of the water back to the ocean.

Abstract: A conductive polymer backfill composition and method of use for setting or resetting utility poles is described. The backfill material is effective in simultaneously reinforcing and electrically grounding the utility pole.

Abstract: There is described a method and a liner for in situ renovation of a sewer manhole, e.g., a transition well, where inside the well there is inserted a prefabricated liner in the shape of a glass fiber reinforced stocking of thermosetting polyester or epoxy formed by winding, weaving or braiding externally of a unilaterally suspended mold with a diameter allowing the mold to be lowered through a manhole curb or cone, the rubber coating consisting of a detachable rubber bag that is fastened to a flange to be displaced externally on the mold, the polyester or epoxy liner being wound, woven or braided in such a way that the length/diameter ratio of the liner may subsequently be changed by changing the length/diameter ratio of the liner as the polyester or epoxy impregnated glass fibers are connected with the flange by the winding, weaving or braiding.

Abstract: A world threatening explosion has been assessed as overdue for a supervolcano discovered under the US Yellowstone National Park. Recent proposals give a method for the controlled evacuation of the volcanic magma to prevent the explosion. The present proposals are much simpler. The evacuation would be through a single evacuation tube, 10 and 11. Means for heating the hot volcanic magma evacuation flow prevent an unacceptable increase of stickiness in the very long tube. The heating may use small combustion chambers to heat steam, which in turn heats, drives, and stabilises the magma flow by injection from 16. Stability is aided by central cooling, using water jets from nozzles 15 and 17 at the wall.

Abstract: A bolt centralizer for a rock bolter, which advances a bolt along a work axis, has a hand pivotably mounted on an arm so as to pivot between first and second hand positions. A pair of fingers is pivotably attached to the hand. When the fingers are in a closed position, they form a centralizer passage which is aligned with the work axis when the hand is in the first hand position. The hand is pivoted to the second hand position to remove the fingers from the bolt to allow a bolt plate and bolt driver to be advanced past the hand.

Abstract: A liquid CO2 injection system produces a negatively buoyant consolidated stream of liquid CO2, CO2 hydrate, and water that sinks upon release at ocean depths in the range of 700-1500 m. In this approach, seawater at a predetermined ocean depth is mixed with the liquid CO2 stream before release into the ocean. Because mixing is conducted at depths where pressures and temperatures are suitable for CO2 hydrate formation, the consolidated stream issuing from the injector is negatively buoyant, and comprises mixed CO2-hydrate/CO2-liquid/water phases. The “sinking” characteristic of the produced stream will prolong the metastability of CO2 ocean sequestration by reducing the CO2 dissolution rate into water. Furthermore, the deeper the CO2 hydrate stream sinks after injection, the more stable it becomes internally, the deeper it is dissolved, and the more dispersed is the resulting CO2 plume.

Abstract: A support device for stabilizing a hanging wall above a floating slab. In areas having expansive soils, basement slabs and surface slabs will rise and fall with increases and decreases in soil moisture. Walls mounted on such slabs would be damaged when the slab rises. Therefore, such walls are made to hang from overhead structures such as joists with the bottom wall end spaced from the slab. The support device in mounted on a bottom plate within such a wall above a base plate fastened to the slab. The device includes a bracket having a flange for fastening to the bottom plate and an tubular extension extending downwardly through a hole in the bottom plate. A sleeve slidingly fits through the tubular extension and includes at least one nail (preferably two nails) extending through the sleeve and engaging the base plate. When the nails are hammered into the base plate, the wall can move up and down with the slab, but is stabilized against lateral movement due to lateral forces on the wall.

Abstract: A water circulation apparatus for desratifying a body of water such as in a lake or reservoir is disclosed. Broadly, the apparatus (1) comprises ducting in the form of a draft tube (2) having an upper end (3) positioned towards the surface of the body of water and a lower end (4) positioned towards the bottom of the body of water, and a pump assembly (5) for pumping water through the tube (2). Broadly, the pump assembly (5) comprises an impeller (20) having six to fourteen blades (21) having a diameter of 3 m-5 m driven by an electrical motor. Typically, the apparatus (1) also includes a support in the form of a platform (13) mounted on buoyancy elements (12). Water enters the draft tube (2) through the upper end thereof and is pumped outwardly through the tube (2) and out through the outlet spaced above the bottom of the body of water.

Abstract: A geomembrane comprising a unitary structure fabricated by co-extrusion including a center core, a thermoplastic adhesive layer secured on one side of the center core, and a textured layer secured on the opposite side of the center core. The geomembrane is utilized in the manufacture of a liner for earthen constructions by employing the thermoplastic layer of the geomembrane to secure the geomembrane to a geosynthetic clay liner.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a cured in place lateral seal in an existing main pipeline wherein the lateral seal includes a brim portion bonded to a short tubular portion. The apparatus includes a flexible bladder mounted on a cylindrical housing with the bladder having a recess with an inflatable arm which can be tucked within the housing for receiving the tubular portion of the seal with the brim portion along the outer portion of the bladder. The cartridge is removably mountable on a sled or robot device with positioning motors for positioning the seal at the opening of the lateral pipeline. The use of replaceable bladder cartridges allows an operator to load a second new seal on a cartridge a first seal on a bladder cartridge mounted on the sled is being cured in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising a buried housing or other article includes a frame, a plurality of support leg assemblies, a plurality of lifting members for attaching the frame to the buried housing, and a device for raising the frame, and thereby the buried housing, relative to a supporting ground surface. Preferably, the frame includes a pair of pivotally attached crossbar sections, the lifting members constitute chains, and the support leg assemblies include threaded rods and pivotable support feet. The apparatus is adapted to be supported above a buried article which is attached to the frame through the lifting members. Thereafter, the frame is lifted relative to the support leg assemblies to raise the article to enable back-filling beneath the article in order to maintain the article at a desired height upon disconnection of the apparatus.

Abstract: A foundation forming tool is comprised of an upper base and a lower base wherein the upper base is for resting upon the opposing planks comprising a foundation form well, and the lower base extends below the upper base, into the form well, for purposes of precisely and consistently defining the form well's width. The lower base can be made in 6, 8 or 10 inches in length, to conform to standard widths of foundation form wells. Additionally, this forming tool can be made to be telescoping and adjustable between these standard widths, so that one tool could accommodate a variety of forming needs. Finally, this forming tool further comprises a leveling apparatus for allowing a precise horizontal and vertical level to be achieved across a foundation form.

Abstract: The purpose of this tidal irrigation and electrical system (TIES) is to harness the power of the tide to generate electricity, create sustainable aquaculture and generate hydrocarbons and/or ethonals and/or other products derived from biomass, all the while furnishing a CO2 sink.

Abstract: A method and kit for installing a stopping in a mine opening includes securely fixing in the mine opening a screen of a size of about 2 to 24 mesh, preferably about 10 to 20 mesh, most preferably about 12 to 16 mesh, and applying a mortar to the screen to form a coating on the screen; and continuing the application of the mortar until the stopping is airtight. Preferably the screen is composed of steel wire of a diameter from about 0.010 to 0.030 inches (about 0.025 to 0.075 cms). Preferably the mortar is ready-to-use-mortar. The kit comprises as a first component, a screen of mesh size of about 2 to 24 suitable for installation in an opening in the mine and receiving a mortar and supporting the mortar (having a tensile strength of at least 150 lbs/inch) and, as a second component, a mortar, preferably a ready-to-use mortar, for application to the screen to provide a stopping.

Abstract: A resin nozzle positioner for a rock bolter, having a frame supporting feed tracks traversed by a drill and a bolt driver, has a resin nozzle that guides a resin sausage into a hole drilled along a work axis. A positioner base is fixed to the frame and two arms are pivotably connected to the positioner base and to a nozzle block, to which the resin nozzle is mounted. The arms remain parallel and move such that the resin nozzle remains parallel to the work axis while moving along an arc between a retracted position, where the resin nozzle is spaced apart from the work axis, and an extended position, where the resin nozzle is aligned with the work axis. An actuator operably connected to two elements selected from the arms, the positioner base, and the nozzle block serves to move the resin nozzle.

Abstract: A straight steel curb for the steel curb faced concrete curb of a roadway has a vertical sidewall and a horizontal portion. Two sheet metal or plastic benches, which lie on the floor of the trench, are aligned relative to a string line. Each bench has a bracket which supports a bottom edge of the steel curb at its two ends, to position the steel curb. The front plate and back plate of a bench are welded to the bottom plate by a weak weld which shears under the pressure of the expanding or contracting concrete or has a pleated base which contracts and expands. The bench has front and back flanges which, respectively, hold front and back concrete forms.

Abstract: A light weight foam block being substantially rectangular in shape, having horizontal and/or vertical pairs of tongues and grooves around its perimeter enabling it to interlock with horizontally and/or vertically adjacent blocks to construct a mine stopping wall.

Abstract: A rock bolter has a drill and a bolt driver, both mounted to a turret that rotates relative to a base to align either the drill or the bolt driver with a work axis. A stinger/centralizer has two head elements, each advanced along a curvilinear path. When advanced, the head elements mate to provide a centralizer passage on the work axis. A supplementary stinger affixed to the base extends to engage the rock surface and provide stability as the head elements are retracted. The drill and the bolt driver are mounted on carriages activated by a common mechanism. A drill carriage disabling surface is affixed to the base to block the drill carriage when the drill is off the work axis, and a bolt driver carriage disabling surface is affixed to the base to block the bolt driver carriage when the bolt driver is off the work axis.

Abstract: A liner bag for a manhole can have an improved durability after hardening with a fluid pressure barrier film left on the inner wall of a lined manhole, and a method of lining a manhole using the liner bag is capable of realizing a reduction in the number of steps involved in a manhole lining process to reduce a working time and a working cost.

Abstract: A liner assembly for a manhole or passage comprises a multiple-ply, generally cylindrical tube. The outermost ply includes inner and outer surfaces and is adapted for being impregnated with material for rigidifying and bonding the outer surface of the outermost ply to a manhole or passage. The innermost ply includes inner and outer surfaces and is adapted for being impregnated with a material for rigidifying the innermost ply. An impermeable ply is disposed between the innermost and outermost plies. The impermeable ply includes an impermeable membrane having fibers impregnated on the inner and outer surfaces of the impermeable ply. The fibers of the inner surface of the impermeable ply bond with the epoxy impregnated outer surface of the innermost ply. Likewise, the fibers of the outer surface of the impermeable ply bond with the epoxy impregnated inner surface of the outermost ply, so that the manhole or passage becomes structurally reinforced.

Abstract: A pumping pant which is more compact in size and has reduced total costs required for construction work of the pumping plant and associated civil engineering works and has a shorter term of the entire construction work includes a pump building which is constructed in its entirely as an island-type building in the form of an island in a suction pond serving as a pump well, whereby the need to refill earth and sand around the pump building is eliminated, and the cost of associated civil engineering works is reduced. Water is sucked from all sidewalls of the pump building, and pumps are arranged within the pump building in at least two rows, resulting in a reduced length of the building. Horizontal portions of a suction pipe and a delivery pipe are extended from the pump in the same direction to reduce a width of the building and to make it compact. A total cost required for the construction of the pump building and associated civil engineering works can be thus reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing old, in-ground hydraulic elevator lift cylinders in which a portable tower is erected within the elevator hoistway and a shoring sleeve of larger diameter than the old cylinder is secured to a head plate slidably mounted for vertical movement on the tower and facing downwardly. After loosening the hoistway floor and subsoil surrounding the old cylinder, a drive mechanism such as a winch or hydraulic jack is actuated to lower the shoring sleeve into the ground to surround the old cylinder. The head plate is then attached to the old cylinder, and the drive mechanism is actuated to lift the head plate and cylinder upwardly until the cylinder is raised completely out of the ground. The old cylinder is discarded, and a new cylinder is attached to the head plate and lowered into the area surrounded by the shoring sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are carried by sleeves slidable on spaced stanchions and in other embodiments the screens may be sectional and carried by multiple sleeves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for altering the temperature of a surface of a body of water is disclosed. In an embodiment for the method of the invention, the method includes positioning a conduit below the surface of the body of water (i.e., underwater) substantially perpendicular to naturally occurring ocean currents, dispensing a substance from the conduit, and upwelling water to the surface. In another embodiment, the method includes positioning an upwelling system underwater, the upwelling system having a plurality of valves controllably releasing an upwelling substance, releasing the upwelling substance from a subset of the plurality of valves to upwell water to the surface. In an embodiment for the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus includes a conduit, disposed underwater, the conduit releasably containing an upwelling substance and including an input and a plurality of outputs.

Abstract: A package of rock stabilizer sets and a method for arranging the sets where six sets are provided and each set includes an elongated tube and a bearing plate. Each tube has a tapered end, an end with a flange, and a slit running the length of the tube. Each bearing plate has a flat base and a central domed section having a central aperture therethrough. In a first embodiment, the tubes of four of the sets are arranged in a first or bottom layer so that the flanged and tapered ends of the tubes are aligned alternatively and the slits face downwardly. Next, the plates of three of the sets are placed along the length of the four tubes so that the domed sections face upwardly, thereby forming a second layer. A third layer is formed by placing the three remaining plates on top of the first three plates, respectively, so that the domed sections of the second layer nest within the respective domed sections of the third layer.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus, useful with a vibrated plow, cable layer or the like, includes a housing and a shaft mounted to the housing for rotation about a shaft axis. Counterrevolving first and second eccentric weights are supported by the shaft for rotation about such axis. A drive gear is fixed with respect to the shaft and another drive gear is fixed with respect to the second weight. A transition gear engages both drive gears for counter-rotation of the weights about the same axis of rotation. Most preferably, the weights are configured to “interdigitate” as the shaft and weights rotate. That is, as the weights rotate in opposite directions, the first weight passes through a cavity in the second weight. The drive gears and the transition gear are preferably bevel gears and form what might be termed a differential gear set.

Abstract: An anode installation apparatus has an pilot auger to which an anode may be attached, plus a cylindrical drive tube which engages the pilot auger when rotated in one direction, such that the drive tube is drawn downward into the ground along with the pilot auger. When the pilot auger has been augered to a desired depth below ground, carbonaceous material may be introduced into the drive tube so as to surround the anode. The drive tube is then rotated in the opposite direction, whereupon it will disengage from the pilot auger and may be pulled out of the ground, and the cavity thus formed in the ground may be backfilled. The drive shaft may be re-used for installation of additional anodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying a pipeline. Working and receiving pits are dug out. An active working member is dropped into the working pit at a preselected depth. The active working member is fixed to a vertical knife of a power mechanism. Polyethylene pipeline is secured to an end part of the active working member. Then the power mechanism is energized and simultaneously horizontal pulling forces of the power mechanism are applied to the vertical knife. The active working member may be a drill head with different nozzles (bits) connected with a mud supply unit by a hose passing through a hollow portion of the vertical knife. On a non-working end of the active member the pipeline is fixed by an adapter.

Abstract: A vehicular soil treating machine having a base carrier with a crawler type vehicle drive, an upper rotary body rotatably mounted on the base carrier, and an excavation means mounted on the upper rotary body and equipped with a soil excavating bucket. Provided on the base carrier is an elongated continuous soil processing trough having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the base carrier and internally provided with a tumbling/mixing means for uniformly mixing additive soil improving material into sand and soil which is fed from the excavation means. A soil hopper is provided over one end of the continuous processing trough, and an additive feed means is located behind the soil hopper to feed additive soil improving material to the continuous processing trough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involving forming a transition area along the bed of a body of water in which the natural water depth is altered, and operating a vessel in the course of passage through the transition area such that the vessel speed instantaneously changes from supercritical speed to subcritical speed while substantially avoiding the critical speed range.

Abstract: An apparatus, connectable to a driving machine with an articulated boom system, which is operated by percussion energy and drives into or draws up from the ground piles or walls and grasps with its gripping jaws objects (17) on the ground or objects that are to be driven into the ground characterized in that the apparatus comprises a turning equipment system that transmits percussion energy to the object in order to grip with its jaws (16) the object both with a firm hold of the jaws in the blow direction and an essentially vertical grip of the jaws and that the apparatus transmits the percussion force to the object in line with its travel direction when both grips with the jaws are used.