Interfitted Or Interleaved Members Patents (Class 405/33)
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Patent number: 10533297Abstract: A caisson block construction method, including: manufacturing a plurality of bottom caisson blocks having a plurality of first unit compartments disposed consecutively in a horizontal direction; manufacturing a plurality of upper caisson blocks having a plurality of second unit compartments; forming a bottom caisson block structure by installing the plurality of bottom caisson blocks side by side in the horizontal direction; installing the plurality of upper caisson blocks above the installed bottom caisson blocks; filling with rubble the second unit compartment of the upper caisson block positioned above the first unit compartment for rubble and exposed upward; inserting a vertical reinforcing bar module after the upper caisson blocks are installed; and forming a vertical concrete column for joining by casting concrete into the upper part of the second unit compartment in which the vertical reinforcing bar module is inserted.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: YUJOO CO., LTD.Inventor: Sang Gi Kim
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Patent number: 8678704Abstract: A revetment block with a top surface that is tapered upwardly from the upstream end to the downstream end. Thus, when a number of tapered blocks are installed end to end on a grade, the upstream end of any of the blocks can be raised due to underlying ground irregularities without degrading the safety factor of the blocks. The tapered revetment blocks can also be constructed with positive interlocking arms and sockets to enhance the integrity of a matrix of such blocks.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Erosion Prevention Products, LLCInventors: Lee A. Smith, James S. Kole, Jr., James R. DeShaw
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Patent number: 7878733Abstract: An erosion protection device is described which is made of two or more components. Each component has an edge, surfaces on respective sides of the edge and at least one joining portion (a joining portion of a component comprises a recess in the edge and receiving portions on respective sides of the edge). Each recess has a base which is indented relative to the edge, and sidewalls which diverge as they extend from the base out to the edge. The receiving portions diverge relative to each other with the same slope as the sidewalls as they extend from adjacent the base of the recess away from the edge towards the respective surfaces. When joining two components together, a bonding medium is applied to the joining portion on one or both components.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Francis Stewart Atkinson
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Patent number: 7862253Abstract: A wave protection structure is intended for a slope, such as the slope of a breakwater or a bank, which slope merges into a bed at the location of a toe. The wave protection structure comprises wave protection elements and toe elements. The wave protection elements are each provided with a plurality of projections for engaging in one another and are provided on the slope in a substantially regular imaginary grid, with a horizontal grid spacing between the centers of gravity of the wave protection elements. The toe elements extend along the toe and their shape differs from the shape of the wave protection elements. The centers of gravity of the toe elements are provided at substantially the horizontal grid spacing from one another. As a result of the toe elements being provided at the grid spacing of the wave protection elements, it is easier to position the toe elements. This also allows the use of larger blocks and means that it is no longer necessary to stack the wave protection elements.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Bam Groep NVInventors: Arnoud van den Berge, Jan Sebastiaan Reedijk, Rolf Rainer Canto
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Patent number: 7717643Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophilic revetment block constructed on the slope of seashore, harbor, river, reservoir, dam, etc. Whereas conventional revetment blocks are focused on their individual functional advantages, the revetment block of the present invention offers a variety of functions, namely, space for plants, conservation of ecosystem and protection of lakeshore through wave dissipation and reduction of water flow rate at once. On the block is provided a space for plants. The block is constructed lower than the water surface to offer living space for fish. Projections are formed at the front bottom of the block to prevent collapse of a revetment block by waves or water flow. The projections serve the purpose of stirs, so that people may have easy access to the shore. The space for water outflow and fish growing dissipates the energy of the water which flowed in through the water inlets formed at the bottom of the block, thereby offering better stability.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Inventor: Jae Myung Han
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Patent number: 7717644Abstract: The present invention relates to a stairs-type hydrophilic revetment block having seawater flow ports and a construction method thereof. The existing coastal breakwaters, embankment, revetments, etc. are constructed to pacify the sea areas. However, because of occlusiveness of their structure, seawater flow is significantly reduced and pollutants are accumulated without being diffused to the open sea. As a result, the self-cleaning action is interrupted and the benthic ecosystem is in danger of being destroyed due to oxygen deficiency as the accumulated organic materials are decomposed. And, the conventional structures are designed and constructed mainly to block waves in order to pacify the sea areas and protect harbor facilities.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Inventor: Jae Myung Han
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Patent number: 7704013Abstract: The present invention relates to a breakwater, particularly, to a prefabricated breakwater which is assembled in a stepped manner, having the improvements in the construction workability and prevention of the marine pollution due to the permeability of ocean currents together with the original wave dissipation function for the protection of ships or all kinds of the establishments in the harbor.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventor: Simon Myungkil Kim
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Patent number: 7699560Abstract: Dump element for forming a spatial structure (500, 501) such as a filtering or skeleton construction with such dumped dump elements. The dump element (99) comprises a first elongated, curved hook part (1), a second elongated, curved hook part (2), and a spacer (3) between the first (1) and the second hook part (2), which spacer holds said hook parts (1, 2) spaced apart and interlocks them. With a method for forming a spatial structure, dumped dump elements randomly interlock. In a spatial structure, hook parts of individual dump elements lying near each other interlock while then, the hook parts intersect in their longitudinal directions.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Anome B.V.Inventor: Joseph Maria Hoebe
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Patent number: 7572083Abstract: A floating breakwater system comprises a plurality of modules that are flexibly affixed together. The modules are affixed together to make up a plurality of vertical panels made up of the modules and the vertical panels themselves are flexibly affixed together in generally parallel relationship. Each individual module has a front face that faces the oncoming wave. There are at least two inlets in the front surface and corresponding outlets in the rear surface and passageways between the inlets and the outlets such that the water propelled by the wave passes through the at least two passageways. Each passageway is tapered inwardly in the direction of the flow of the water and each passageway has a main longitudinal axis. The respective axes are angled inwardly toward each other and converge at a point displaced rearwardly from the outlets so that the water that passes through the passageways intersect at the point and the energy of the wave is dissipated.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Elemental Innovation Inc.Inventors: Robert Bishop, Justin Bishop
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Publication number: 20090169302Abstract: A self-adjusting barrier incorporates a series of float units restrained between a primary wall, such as a bulkhead, and a secondary wall, such as sheetpile. The secondary wall may be braced to the primary wall. The float units slidably interconnect along adjacent edges to self-adjust along a perimeter, such as a marina or waterfront lot, based on the height of water within the chamber (stilling basin) provided between the two walls. Mechanisms for deterring vandalism and providing increased environmental integrity are also provided for select embodiments. Methods of employing the barrier are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Robert L. Alpern, Diane S. Rahoy, David N. Rackmales
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Patent number: 7527453Abstract: A ribbed module is provided having a ribbed exterior surface defining a plurality of grooves and channels along the surface for receiving water and directing the water in a direction different from that in which it is received to reduce wave energy. The module is formed as a single integral unit, or as a pair of halves having complementary mating locking elements which when engaged join the halves to form the ribbed module. A buoyancy system is also included to adjust the buoyancy of the module for positioning of same at a select position in the water. A plurality of modules are connected to provide breakwaters which reduce the effects of wave action on the shore.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dennis G. Smith
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Publication number: 20090047071Abstract: Blocks 20 interlock at cutouts 24 to form a row of blocks. Waves with wave crests 44 propagate in the direction of arrow A towards the blocks. When the waves impact the row of blocks 20,the alternating peaks and troughs formed by the edges 22, facets and steps of blocks 20 cause reflection of the waves from a plurality of point sources such that the reflected waves have circular wave fronts 46. The wave interference of the circular wave fronts 46 in the regions shown by reference numeral 48 results in a phenomenon known as near field diffraction. Circular wave fronts 46 also interfere with waves 44. This reduces the wave intensity impacting the blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: TBlocks LimitedInventor: James Alan Thompson
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Publication number: 20090022548Abstract: A module for a wave attenuation system formed by connecting a plurality of panels in a structure positioned in a body of water, causes the dissipation of wave energy. Different configurations of panel, having different flow characteristics, used in the structure, and different types of connector used to connect panels, create different patterns of water flow within the structure, and contribute to wave energy dissipation. Units deployed in harbors, rivers, marinas and the like, help to prevent beach erosion and can facilitate beach nourishment. Embodiments can be utilized as a security barrier, preventing intrusion by trespassers, divers or various sized boats. A variety of sensors can be mounted to the structures, enabling detection of movement, chemical and biological agents, explosives or radiation. A submersible gate, comprising panels and a buoyancy control mechanism, allows for passage of boats and can be controlled remotely.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2004Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventor: Justin Bishop
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Publication number: 20080089743Abstract: The present invention relates to a stairs-type hydrophilic revetment block having seawater flow ports and a construction method thereof. The existing coastal breakwaters, embankment, revetments, etc. are constructed to pacify the sea areas. However, because of occlusiveness of their structure, seawater flow is significantly reduced and pollutants are accumulated without being diffused to the open sea. As a result, the self-cleaning action is interrupted and the benthic ecosystem is in danger of being destroyed due to oxygen deficiency as the accumulated organic materials are decomposed. And, the conventional structures are designed and constructed mainly to block waves in order to pacify the sea areas and protect harbor facilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2005Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventor: Jae Myung Han
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Patent number: 6929422Abstract: A shore protective barrier system for protecting an existing seawall in the face of heavy storms including a plurality of used automotive tires aligned upright in a row substantially side-by-side with one another, filled with concrete to form a single integrated unit sunk horizontally into the ground as a break wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: Frank E. Pearce
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Patent number: 6824327Abstract: An artificial barrier reef has a skeletal frame formed from a plurality of support beams. The frame has a base and a plurality of side panels extending from the base to form a pyramid. A plurality of connectors are used to connect the support beams together. A cap connects the support beams and forms the side panels at an apex of said frame. Also, a plurality of grates, each grate connected to cover a respective one of said side panels and including a plurality of bars connected in a criss-cross pattern allow for fish of a predetermined size to pass therethrough into and out of the skeletal frame. The artificial barrier reef is positioned on the floor of a body of water for aiding in the development of an underwater ecosystem pass therethrough into and out of said skeletal frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventor: David M. Walter
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Patent number: 6669403Abstract: An apparatus and system for dissipating water wave energy and for shoreline control including a module with a generally hollow body, a pair of opposed flanges attached to adjacent corners of the body, a pair of axially aligned mounting apertures in the flanges for connecting the body to similar bodies for forming a wave energy dissipation system, and a recess disposed between the flanges. Each recess contains a plurality of boundary layer interrupting projections for substantially disrupting any laminar flow of water past the surface and creating turbulent flow.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Wave Control Systems Inc.Inventors: John Clark, Timothy R. Dicey
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Patent number: 6579038Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Inventors: Kenneth L. McAllister, Kenny W. McCoy, Derek W. Dice
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Patent number: 6561730Abstract: A block for constructing a breakwater comprises a front wall in which horizontal projections are formed with transverse rectangular-shaped holes therebetween. Side walls extend from both ends of the front wall. A partition wall in which multiple holes are formed to communicate with the transverse rectangular-shaped holes is jointed to the side walls at both ends and spaced from the front wall. A detention area is defined by the front wall, partition wall and side walls for receiving the overflow waves through the transverse rectangular-shaped holes in the front wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
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Patent number: 6497532Abstract: The present invention is a general structural member assembly. A basic structural unit of the present invention has two adjacent shafts, both further having a cross sectionally triangular shape with a longitudinal side completely or substantially mostly removed to form legs. The leg ends are formed or machined such that they present two outward surfaces generally parallel to the open face of a first adjacent shaft. The outward surfaces of the leg ends are then positionally fixed, albeit with some flexible movement in some embodiments, to generally have a parallel and longitudinal interface with the longitudinal outside edges of a solid side of a second shaft. A stacked assembly may be formed from the structural members capable of sediment retention or accumulation.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Inventor: John McGinn
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Publication number: 20020168228Abstract: Porous groynes for land reclamation which includes a plurality of spaced stanchions and at least one screen grid means having a plurality of openings therein through which fluid and fluid conveyed solids may pass and wherein the screen grid means is formed of a self supporting high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polymers, co-polymers, polymer mixtures or laminates.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Charles E. Benedict, James R. Dobbs, Perry L. Ponder
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Patent number: 6464429Abstract: The artificial reef module for coral reef remediation of the present invention includes a central body having an upper settling plate, a middle settling plate, and a lower settling plate. Extending from the central body is a plurality of primary tines which further include a plurality of secondary tines extending from them. The primary tines include the supporting tines, the stabilizing tines, and the space filling tines. The branching of the tines closely replicates the appearance of natural branching coral. Over time the individual artificial reef modules for coral reef remediation would slowly degrade and allow the tines to break off. This degradation closely approximates the fragmentation that occurs with natural branching coral.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Inventor: Michael D. Moore
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Patent number: 6443654Abstract: A spillway for use in a sloped embankment which defines a top and a toe. The spillway is adapted to dissipate the kinetic energy of water flowing downwardly from the top of the embankment to the toe thereof in a primary flow direction. The spillway comprises a plurality of building blocks arranged in rows which are stacked upon each other in a shingle-like overlap such that the building blocks of each row are offset relative to the building blocks of each adjacent row and a series of steps are defined thereby. The building blocks are sized and configured such that water cascading down the steps defined thereby is caused to flow in three dimensions so as to impart velocity components to the falling water that act at generally right angles relative to the primary flow direction and generate turbulence which dissipates the kinetic energy of the water.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Inventor: Frederick J. Kauppi
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Publication number: 20020119006Abstract: The artificial reef module for coral reef remediation of the present invention includes a central body having an upper settling plate, a middle settling plate, and a lower settling plate. Extending from the central body is a plurality of primary tines which further include a plurality of secondary tines extending from them. The primary tines include the supporting tines, the stabilizing tines, and the space filling tines. The branching of the tines closely replicates the appearance of natural branching coral. Over time the individual artificial reef modules for coral reef remediation would slowly degrade and allow the tines to break off. This degradation closely approximates the fragmentation that occurs with natural branching coral.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventor: Michael D. Moore
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Patent number: 6305875Abstract: A three-dimensional net includes front and rear base nets interconnected with connecting yarn with a predetermined space therebetween. The front and rear base nets each include braid parts forming a meshed structure which presents mesh openings bounded by intersections of the braid parts, each of the braid parts including at least one wale. The mesh openings of a first of the front and rear base nets is larger than the mesh openings of a second of the front and rear base nets, and the front and rear base nets are connected together by passing the connecting yarns between all the braid parts of the first base net and a corresponding portion of the braid parts of the second base net in positions opposed to the braid parts of the first net.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Asahi Doken Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koichi Matsumoto
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Patent number: 6250845Abstract: An apparatus for use in erosion control comprising a primary member and a secondary member pivotally connectable to the primary member to form a unit. The unit can be connected to another like unit to form a protective network of such units.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventors: Gary Deaton, Brian T. Baumgartner, Frank Baker
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Patent number: 6168349Abstract: A soil cement bank lining system is provided for substantially reducing or eliminating erosion along the banks of a waterway such as a flood conveyance facility. The system includes at least two soil cement linings arranged at spaced apart locations. One or more over-bank grade control structures are interposed between the first and second linings. The respective linings preferably extend parallel to the body of water, with one lining being disposed farther from the body of water and at a higher elevation than the other lining.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Johan A. Perslow, Mark E. Krebs
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Patent number: 6050745Abstract: WavBrakerSteps is a hydrodynamic structure comprising a main form (20, 22, 24, 26), a series of inclined upward ramped steps in the shape of a sine wave curve. WavBrakerSteps redirect and dissipate the relentless attacks by energizes and forces of sea waves, wind waves, tidal forces, ship and boat wakes. These energies and forces scour and erode the base or toe, the supporting structures, of waterfront bulkheads, seawalls and seacoasts. The action by waves flowing upward and then downward over the inclined, curved and ramped WavBrakerSteps prevents undercutting, undermining and sinking from occurring. These natural actions protect the beach environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Don E. Nolan
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Patent number: 5971658Abstract: An erosion control system is useful for coastlines, riverbeds, and the like, to protect against erosion caused by a wavefront. The system typically includes an integrated armor layer mounted upon and covering an embankment adjacent the shoreline. The armor layer comprises a plurality of blocks connected in a chainlike configuration by connecting members disposed between neighboring blocks. Each chain is linearly aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the shore and wavefront, and each chain abuts neighboring chains, but not affixed in any manner thereto. The connecting members have separate elements for absorbing tension and compression.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventors: Wasi Tri Pramono, John A. McCorquodale
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Patent number: 5895174Abstract: A beach replenishment system comprising a plurality of barriers mutually separated by troughs. Each barrier comprises two arms mutually attached at a barrier arm angle. The intersection of the arms defines a barrier vertex. An extreme of each arm opposite the barrier vertex terminates in a barrier arm end wall. Each arm comprises a descending series of parallel terraces. Each terrace comprises a shoulder and a valley, or, in an alternate embodiment, a land separated from a shoulder by a valley. The lowermost shoulder borders a ramp which is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the barrier rests, whereby receding water is projected away from the barrier and erosion under the barrier is thus minimized. Each arm is supported by vertical and horizontal braces. Runout posts are installed opposite the troughs, and barrier posts are installed opposite each barrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Inventor: George M. Beaver
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Patent number: 5879105Abstract: An energy dissipating assembly for flowing water is provided which consists of a plurality of modules, each one of the modules being a buoyant body consisting of a continuous envelope defining a hollow watertight chamber, the envelope having a plurality of intersecting planar surfaces and an attaching members connected to at least two spaced locations on the continuous envelope to attach the buoyant body in a three dimensional relationship. Parts are also provided to adjust the buoyancy and mass of the buoyant body so that the assembly can be tuned for the wave activity of the water in which the system is disposed. A method of disrupting the wave action is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Inventors: Robert Bishop, Justin Bishop
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Patent number: 5645371Abstract: A bulkhead system to resist waterfront wave forces and reduce or eliminate erosion damage to waterfront property and structures. The bulkhead system is comprised of one or more rows of spaced nominally vertical piles, the piles extending into and above a ground surface in a self-supporting configuration. A stack of annular units, each in the form of a vehicle tire filled with concrete or other ballast material, is positioned on each of a plurality of the piles. Adjacent piles are positioned to have a pile-to-pile spacing to accommodate adjacent stacks of annular units and to form a substantially continuous wall or bulkhead. Intercoupling means, such as cabling, is also provided to couple adjacent groupings of piles so that wave forces incident on one or more piles are distributed to other piles on a shared basis.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Inventor: Raffaele Marzullo
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Patent number: 5586835Abstract: Shore erosion control structure has a plurality of block members laid on a beach along a shoreline to form a wall having a plurality of parallel rows and vertical courses. Each of the block members has substantially horizontal, seaward facing openings within which are spaced apart baffles. The baffles are removably accommodated in the openings so as to be adjustable and provide tortuous passages through the wall through which water and entrained sand may flow. Water containing entrained sand flowing through the tortuous passages has its energy dissipated so as to enable the entrained sand to be deposited at the landward and seaward sides of the wall, as well as in the openings through the block members, thereby preventing the erosion of the beach and, in many cases, enabling restoration of beaches that have been eroded.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Inventor: Samuel S. Fair
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Patent number: 5542779Abstract: A wave-damping underwater truss structure for simultaneously resolving all problems such as the damping of undulation including sluggish waves and the reduction of weight and cost of members. That truss has a number of brims, each having a plurality of openings with rugged rim or rims. The opening is circularly or rectangularly formed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1994Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Inventor: Taisaburo Ono
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Patent number: 5536111Abstract: An adjustable erosion control wall includes a plurality of individual panels, each panel having a tongue projecting from one end and a groove formed in the opposing end. The panels of the retaining wall are pivotally and vertically slidably connected with the tongue of one panel engaged within the groove of an adjacent panel. Preferably, the tongue and groove have a generally cylindrical shape, and the panels have perforations therethrough of a diameter to permit water to flow therethrough but prevent the passage of soil therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Inventor: Jarett Doernemann
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Patent number: 5501546Abstract: A structure for dissipating the energy of waves impinging on a shore is disclosed which includes one or more rows of modules positioned adjacent the shore. Each module incorporates a number of vanes. The vanes are shaped and spaced so that a number of venturi passages are defined between the vanes. Each vane has a frontal portion which faces away from the shore, and is inclined from the vertical so that it slopes away from the shore to define an entrapment chamber which forces an oncoming wave to pass through the venturi passages rather than over the module or be reflected. The sides of the passages converge from front to back. A longitudinally extending hub causes the passages to converge also in the vertical direction. Each vane may be X-shaped and substantially symmetrical about a vertical plane through its center. The modules are cast from a cementitious material and may incorporate a number of vanes joined together at the hub which is located at the center of the X.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Inventor: Donald E. Dorrell
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Patent number: 5429450Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear revetment system comprising interconnecting erosion prevention curbs having connecting means abd fin-like projections extending downward into the soil to prevent erosion.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1994Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Inventor: Louise Meidinger
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Patent number: 5393169Abstract: A modular artificial reef effective to prevent shoreline erosion is constructed of reef-forming modules placed in side-by-side relation and coupled together to prevent relative movement therebetween. The modules, preferably having a triangular prismatic shape, include a gently sloping seaward face, a beachward face and a base which rests on the sea bottom. The modules are configured to deflect currents, approaching from the sea, away from the beachward face. This configuration prevents currents from flowing at high velocity along the beachward face and toward the beachward toe. Accordingly, scouring of the seabed adjacent to the beachward toe of the artificial reef is minimized or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Richard E. CreterInventor: Richard E. Creter
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Patent number: 5238326Abstract: A breakwater that is formed from a plurality of modules, with each module including a base suitable for supporting the module on the seabed, a gently sloping seaward face extending above the base from one end, and a sloping beachward face extending above the base from the opposite end. The tops of the seaward and backward face meet to form a top section and at the top portion of the beachward face at the top section there is a transversely disposed concave cutout that extends across the beachward face. The cutout causes backwash water to swirl in it which removes a significant amount of the nourishment sand that is in backwash water. The cutout has two spaced apart vertically extending concave channels that connect to respective openings in the top of the module.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Inventor: Richard E. Creter
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Patent number: 5190403Abstract: An erosion protection device is provided to control erosion in environments prone to water induced erosion. Each individual device includes a central core area, and six generally equally sized legs projecting outward from the core at equal spacing in each direction. Spacers are provided at the interface of the legs and core. Multiple devices are group together to form a protective nested group to form a protective cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1991Date of Patent: March 2, 1993Assignee: Atkinson-McDougal CorporationInventor: Francis S. Atkinson
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Patent number: 5154542Abstract: An earth-retaining module for use in an interlocked, earth-retaining wall system, and to a method of preparing an earth-retaining wall system, wherein the module comprises a front wall and side walls, to form a structure to receive earth or sand therein, the side walls having a rear, straight, sloped, side section extending from the top of the side walls to a defined height of the rear of the side walls. The side walls have open notches in the top sections therein and longitudinally aligned, to permit the insertion of the front-wall section of another module in a higher row within the open notches. The side walls have inward, rear projections, to retain a dead-man slab element, with the removable dead-man slab element placed on the rear-mounting side walls. The module includes a plurality of holes in the side walls, to permit the side walls of adjoining modules to be secured together by pins or bolts.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1992Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Inventor: Oskar H. Klenert
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Patent number: 5102257Abstract: A modular artificial reef effective to prevent shoreline erosion is constructed of reef-forming modules placed in side-by-side relation and coupled together to prevent relative movement therebetween. The modules, preferably having a triangular prismatic shape, include a gently sloping seaward face, a beachward face and a base which rests on the sea bottom. The modules are configured to deflect currents, approaching from the sea, away from the beachward face. This configuration prevents currents from flowing at high velocity along the beachward face and toward the beachward toe. Accordingly, scouring of the seabed adjacent to the beachward toe of the artificial reef is minimized or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1990Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Richard E. CreterInventor: Richard E. Creter
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Patent number: 5071285Abstract: An artificial reef is designed for replacing and protecting naturally occurring reef structures. The artificial reef comprises multiple vertically stacked concrete panels separated by spacing blocks. The panels and spacing blocks are fixed together by reinforcement rods which are held in place by epoxy grout. The concrete panels of the reef have a flat upper service and an under surface of a waffled configuration and are stacked in a manner to permit substantially all of the surface area to be exposed to the estuarine environment. The waffled configuration provides a complex shape to the reef and encourages both calm and turbulent water flow within the reef so as to avoid areas of water stagnation. The modular nature of the panels permits wide flexibility in size and shape of the reef. The use of concrete provides an inert, non-corroding composition of the reef and permits on shore construction of the reef. Lifting rings embedded in the top surface of the artificial reef permit deployment by a crane.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Inventor: David A. Van Doren
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Patent number: 5024560Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for protection against coastal erosion. The protection barrier is formed from a plurality of protection members which are secured together to form a mat of a desired configuration. Each protection member which is formed as a toroidal body, preferably from a discarded tire casing, is at least partially filled with concrete which is deposited about the circumference of the tire casing and occupies not more than one half of the interior chamber formed by the wall of the tire casing. To facilitate preparation of the protection member for use, a conical insert is provided. The tire casing is lowered down over the conical insert, moving towards the wided base of the insert until a lower bead of the casing rim frictionally contacts the wall of the insert. Concrete is then admitted onto the wall of the insert and moves by gravity into the interior chamber, partially filling it.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1990Date of Patent: June 18, 1991Inventor: Joseph W. Reilly
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Patent number: 5015121Abstract: An offshore erosion protection structure comprising a barrier assembly having an elongated configuration and running substantially parallel in corresponding relation to the configuration of the shoreline and defined by a plurality of spaced apart and successively arranged modules specifically structured, configured and disposed to reverse the erosion of sand by waves of various strength on the shoreline by decelerating the travel of the incoming waves. The sand, held in suspension by the wave caused turbulence, will settle out in the nearshore zone thereby creating a tendency of reversing erosion by adding sand to the shoreline or beaches.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Inventor: Hubert B. Perret-Gentil
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Patent number: 4875804Abstract: A breakwater comprises a base and an interlocking plurality of vertically-oriented elements of generally quadrangular cross-section. The elements are mounted on a vertically-fixed upper surface of the base, form a monolithic horizontally-extending fascine, and define a vertically stepped mosaic crown.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1986Date of Patent: October 24, 1989Inventor: Pedro S. Bores
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Patent number: 4856934Abstract: The specification discloses a beach builder block and a method for using same wherein the beach builder block includes a front face inclined at an angle of from about 20 to about 40 degrees and a horizontal wave divider located above the front face and also including an inclined front face, inclined at an angle of from about 20 to about 60 degrees, therebeing a space between the horizontal wave divider and the first inclined front face. This block is located in the water such that the water level is approximately at the top of said inclined front face or just slightly below it, and such that the inclined face faces seaward, away from the shore.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1987Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Assignee: Nellco, Inc.Inventor: Merlin L. Nelson
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Patent number: 4840516Abstract: An artificial reef for inhibiting beach erosion is formed from a plurality of connected adjacent blocks, each having a base with inclined front and back walls connected by vertical side walls and a flat bottom surface. A plurality of rectangular vertical columns are spaced along an upper surface of the base and are sequentially stepped in height from the front and back walls to a maximum height adjacent a mid-portion of the base. A plurality of vertically spaced saw toothed wave forms extend along the base, in aligned pairs on opposite sides of the columns. A plurality of pairs of aligned triangular surfaces project from front and back walls of each column, spaced vertically along the columns in alignment with the saw toothed wave forms. The blocks are assembled in side by side relation, with each block alternately having downwardly extending trapezoidal prismatic projections or mating recesses.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1988Date of Patent: June 20, 1989Inventor: Thomas A. Rambo
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Patent number: 4801220Abstract: A mosaic seawall comprises a fascine of vertically-elongated structural prisms of generally identical cross-section. Each of the elements has at least one lateral face abutting a lateral face of another of the prisms to define a common lateral face extending substantially the full vertical extent of at least one of the abutting prisms. A plurality of the prisms together define in cross-section a stable mosaic to resist overturning or sliding under the wave action, a plurality of the prisms together defining an echeloned or vertically stepped mosaic crest.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1986Date of Patent: January 31, 1989Inventor: Pedro S. Bores
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Patent number: 4767235Abstract: A prefabricated composite element for building, together with a plurality of similar elements, a breakwater sea wall comprising a pole having a poligonal cross section with a pointed tip, supporting a plurality of breakwater arms threaded in succession upon the pole in a progressively offset manner according to the edges of the pole.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1987Date of Patent: August 30, 1988Assignee: Antonio FerruccioInventors: Giuseppe Caradonna, Antonio Ferruccio