Abstract: A storm water receptor having at least one inlet and an outlet positioned at a discharge level lower than the level of the intake provided with a novel, removable divider which divides the receptor into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, having a float-actuated trap door that permits water entering the upper chamber of the catch basin or field inlet to be diverted and flow into the lower chamber until the lower chamber is filled with liquid, at which point the entrance into the lower chamber closes, and water entering the upper chamber passes directly out of the upper chamber through the discharge pipe. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the float-activated trap door can be replaced with a stationary, removable plate or ramp.

Abstract: Specially-shaped blocks of foam for use underground as aggregate. Because of protuberances on the faces of the blocks, the blocks fit closely together in only a small number of ways. In filling a volume, the overwhelmingly more likely arrangements provide a reasonably certain percentage void. Thus, the blocks can be transported to an application arranged without any significant void, and then used to fill a volume, providing a reasonably well known percentage void and compressive strength. Use of these foam blocks can provide thermal insulation, cushioning and various combinations of compressive strength and void, depending on the size and shape of the blocks and the size and shape of the protuberances relative to the blocks.

Abstract: A fluid drainage and filtering system composed of stocked in-drains and spacers wrapped serpentine fashion with a non-woven fabric of fluid pervious material. Each in-drain has a dimpled core sheet defining spaced lands and surrounding valleys and a thickness related to the pitch distance between these lands. Each spacer has outer sheets of about 1/2 the thickness of the core sheet, but also having lands surrounded by valleys. The pitch distance of the lands in these outer sheets is also about 1/2 that of the thicker core sheets so the spacers and in-drains do not tend to nest into one another when the system is installed.

Abstract: A drain and inspection manhole for liquid conduits, in particular waste water and/or storm water drains, comprises a manhole section which is formed as a composite pipe having a smooth cylindrical internal pipe and a corrugated external pipe. The external pipe is deformed to comprise at least one connecting base with a marginal web. Apertures that are flush with each other are cut into the connecting base and the internal pipe, a connector being inserted in these apertures.

Abstract: Sloping water tunnels and channels interconnect existing sources of water with dry land areas to form new water basins. Turbines are installed in rapidly flowing portions of the water tunnels and channels to generate electricity. Overflow tunnels connected to the sloping water tunnels by water gates communicate with wastewater treatment plants feeding into the sloping water tunnels to open the water gates when the outflow of treated wastewater starts to back up. The water tunnels and channels are formed by removing earth and installing steel frames with sprayed on concrete which is waterproofed. The earth removed is used to fill valleys to create dams and dumped into existing lakes and ocean bays on pontoon railways to create breakwaters and islands. A number of existing sources of water and new water basins are interconnected by a number of open water channels navigable by water vessels to create a transregional navigable water transportation system.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device for connection to a sewage disposal system comprising a manifold pipe having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the inlet being oriented for connection to a source of liquid sewage effluent, and the outlets each being oriented for connection to a lead or header line in a drainfield of the system, the outlets being substantially coplanar with each other and with the manifold pipe, and an orifice in each of the outlets for controlling the flow of liquid through the outlets to the absorption lines.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for forming watering notches through a sidewall of a conventional irrigation ditch.

Abstract: An artificial water cycle system is comprised of one or more water table cells or beds, having a generally horizontally disposed base and one or more generally vertically disposed sidewalls each having an end portion and made from a water impervious material, that are submerged below the surface of the soil. The end portion, that form the outer periphery terminate just below the surface while internal end portions terminate several inches below the surface and overlap adjoining internal end portions. The system allows introduced water to percolate down to the base to form an artificial water table and, through capilarity action, to be pulled upward along with nutrients, to supply the plants within the system. Excess water is discharged from the system through capilarity action.

Abstract: A drip field manifold system comprises an upper manifold, a flush manifold and a plurality of drip lines operatively connected to the upper and flush manifolds. The upper and flush manifolds are disposed vertically above the upper most drip line in a drip field to isolate the drip lines from one another during periods of suspended effluent flow from a waste water treatment system, preventing back flow of effluent through the manifolds to the lower most drip line and resulting over saturation of the drip field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel geosynthetic which in a first embodiment comprises a composite geosynthetic comprising reinforcement material embedded in a drainage material; and in the second embodiment of the invention there is provided an electrically conducting geosynthetic which may be used in isolation or which may, alternatively, form a part of the composite geosynthetic.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a subterranean water and air collection and delivery device for facilitating the collection and delivery of air, natural ground water, manually supplied water, and/or pressurized water from an irrigation system to the roots of plants is provided. The device includes a plastic enclosure member including a plurality of apertures and having an interior volume within which water and air is collected and redirected. A porous insert member is located within the interior volume of the plastic enclosure member and substantially occupies the entire volume for facilitating collection and delivery of water and air while substantially preventing surrounding ground material from entering the interior volume of the enclosure member.

Abstract: A device/apparatus for using a multilayer fabric of varying deniers for the processing and treatment of fluids which must be treated to remove materials so that the resultant treated fluid may be reused and/or returned to the earth and particularly to the water table. More particularly the multilayer fabric, each layer being of selected denier, is used in combination with conduit in a drainage field or leaching system usually associated with a septic tank or septic system. Most particularly the multilayer fabric of varying deniers is wrapped around corrugated plastic pipe of the type well known in the field of drainage or leaching fields. At least one of the multilayer fabric layers is formed from an unstructured assemblage of fibers. The unstructured assemblage of fibers are supported by an outer sheeting.

Abstract: Method of controlling the operation of an irrigation system for irrigating an area of land or other terrain. The method comprising the steps of monitoring a condition of the material of the land by a sensor located below the surface thereof, and controlling irrigation structure for irrigating the land area in response to the monitored condition of the material thereof and disturbing the material of the land in the vicinity of the sensor to maintain the material in operational monitoring contact with the sensor.

Abstract: A leaching field is constructed from a plurality of rectangularly shaped elongated geotextile covered in-drain core elements provided alongside one another. The elements have equally spaced fold lines extending laterally across their adjacent semi-folded portions so that a stack of such elements in a flattened condition occupies a minimal space whereby these elements can be readily transported to the site. When expanded honey comb configuration is achieved so that a self supporting in-drain structure greatly facilitate construction of the leaching field without the need for templates and the like to support the structure during the filling of the voids between the adjacent in-drain elements themselves. If desired, expendable stakes may be used to support the in-drain assemblies in an optimum configuration.

Abstract: A portable water conveyance device for diverting the flow of water and particularly, a stream, includes a collapsible tube for receiving the water and conveying the water downstream to a discharge site. An inlet frame is coupled to the inlet end of the tube to hold the end of the tube open and direct the water into the tube. A pair of pivotally mounted wing walls are attached to the sides of the walls to direct the water into the tube. In embodiments, an outlet frame is coupled to the discharge end of the tube. The outlet frame is mounted on a support structure to adjust the height of the outlet frame with respect to the ground and water level at the discharge end of the tube. A ledge is attached to the lower end of the outlet frame and extends outwardly therefrom in the downstream direction. The shelf extends a distance to inhibit the upstream migration of marine animals that may climb up the support structure. The height of the outlet frame also can be adjusted to control the migration of marine life.

Abstract: A control system for an athletic field coordinates drainage by gravity or vacuum-enhanced and irrigation by monitoring water level with respect to a subsurface membrane, wherein a flow network resides on the membrane and is covered by a fill layer, which in turn supports the field surface thereabove. The flow network includes couplings located at the intersections of some of the pipe rows and conduit rows. The water permeability of the conduit rows allows the flow network to be used for draining, irrigating or heating the field. The heating of the fill layer and the surface thereabove minimizes energy costs and eliminates installation and maintenance costs that would otherwise be necessitated by separate heating and draining systems.

Abstract: A subsurface irrigation apparatus and method, the apparatus including an underlayment of water resistant material which also serves as a mounting surface for the remaining elements of the subsurface irrigation apparatus. Water is supplied to the subsurface irrigation apparatus through a water supply conduit and distributed through a plurality of water distribution conduits. Each water distribution conduit includes a plurality of spaced holes through which the irrigation water distributed by the water distribution conduits. A diffuser is mounted across each hole to diffuse the water into the surrounding soil. Each diffuser includes a layer of fibrous material partially covered by a water resistant overlayment. The fibrous layer diffuses the water outwardly from the hole while simultaneously inhibiting root encroachment into the hole.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated cationic polymers containing mixtures of certain salts as well as processes for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A strap drain material includes a strap having at least a first and a second side and a first and a second end. At least the first side of the material has a plurality of slots arranged in a spaced-apart fashion along a width of the strap and extending along a length of the strap, and a plurality of notches, each of the plurality of notches corresponding to each of the plurality of slots extending from the slots to a surface of the strap. Each notch is sized such that the notch is capable of creating a capillary action and is adapted to draw liquid from outside of the strap and into the slot corresponding to the notch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for growing a plant in soil while irrigating the soil with water which contains deposit forming minerals. According to the present invention, an effective amount of 1-hydroxyethane 1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDPA) is admixed with irrigation water and applied to the soil in which the plant is growing.

Abstract: A cylindrical structure suitable for use as a drainage culvert made from the side walls of discarded motor vehicle tire casings. The side wall sections are stacked and bonded in axial alignment so that the concave face of each of the next adjacent side wall faces the convex face of the next adjacent side wall. One end face of the structure is thus concave and the other end face is convex so that the cylindrical structure can be placed in close alignment with the concave end face of one cylinder in close abutting contact with the convex end face of a second cylinder. Wide kerfs are cut in selected side walls between the outer rim of the side wall and the inner rim so that the selected side walls can expand or contract during banding to provide a rather uniform opening in the cylinder. The kerf also allow the cylinders to weep when water is being conducted therethrough.

Abstract: Below ground drain and conduit member to receive surface water. The member comprises two (2) extruded plastic assemblies that are joined together to form one (1) unit. This unit assembly is attached to a plastic carrier pipe, in a longitudinal fashion. The unit assembly is attached to the carrier pipe by a chemical welding process or other means.

Abstract: There is provided in the present invention a small bore sewer system comprising a clarifier tank for receiving sewage, separating liquid and solid sewage and retaining the solid sewage; and a collection device connected to the clarifier tank for receiving the liquid sewage and carrying it to a sewage treatment plant. The system may further include pumping stations and gravel and sand odor filters.

Abstract: The invention features a multiple compartment drainage conduit with a plurality of diverter pipes connected thereto. The conduit is generally triangular in shape making leveling and burying less labor intensive, and resulting in less settling of fill material. The attached plurality of diverter pipes discharge a portion of the conduits' flow during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, preventing a backup at the conduit inlet. The multiple compartment conduit includes a plurality of knock out plugs for the connection of diverter pipes at desired locations. Snap connections at opposite ends of the conduit are provided so that plural conduits can be interconnected.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting and containing leachate from a landfill uses a submerged drainage sink to develop a flow pattern towards the drainage sink contained within a containment zone, and therefore minimizes the chance of contaminating area groundwater. In a first embodiment of the invention for use in a substantially flat area, a perimeter barrier wall is provided and extends downward into a bottom barrier layer, such as an aquitard, a clay layer, or a synthetic material. The barrier wall and the bottom barrier layer define a containment zone containing the drainage sink, which is disposed below the groundwater level. Leachate and groundwater are permitted to mix within the sink. The desired flow pattern towards the drainage sink is induced by collecting and removing the leachate/groundwater mixture from the drainage sink to lower the leachate level in the drainage sink to a level which is below the groundwater level outside of the wall and below the piezometric level below the sink.

Abstract: A trench liner system used for forming a single or a dual containment trench where expansion and contraction of the liner is controlled. For single containment, the trench system has a primary liner or a primary liner and a separator. For dual containment, the trench system has a primary liner and a secondary liner, or a primary liner, a separator and a secondary liner. Each system also includes anchors spaced along the length of the liner so as to partition the liner into juxtaposed vertical segments. The anchors allow unimpeded contraction and expansion of the liner between anchors within a segment. These embodiments may include a holding element for holding the liners against the trench walls so as to allow each segment to expand and contract along its respective length. Another embodiment of this invention provides laterally extending cavities spaced along the length of the trench.

Abstract: A new rainwater saver system using the principle of water following a line of least resistance, the rainwater saver system being for collecting water and redistributing it for various purposes. The rainwater saver system includes a housing having a lower and upper exit tube. The lower exit tube is connected to a hose leading to a storage container. The upper tube is connected to a regular drainage system for draining water when the storage container is filled.

Abstract: A resilient edge adapter is provided for defining an edge of a drainable athletic playing surface formed of a moldable material. The edge adapter includes a base portion for cooperably engaging an upper portion of a drainage channel and an upstanding portion extending upwardly from the base portion for restraining the moldable material when applied adjacent to the drainage channel, thereby defining an edge of the athletic playing surface. The upstanding portion may be formed of a resilient and elastically deformable material and the base portion may include an elongate continuous plug portion to cooperably engage a corresponding slot defined in the upper edge of the channel. An edge adapter is also provided which has a pair of upstanding portions extending upwardly from a base portion for forming a running track surface over both opposed edges of a grate. Associated methods for forming athletic playing surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided by the invention a subsurface drainage system which promotes efficient and controlled subsurface drainage of fluids, such as irrigation water, applied to the surface of land such as a football field. A drain core apparatus is provided that provides rapid infiltration and later movement of subsurface fluids, but which is resistant to settling, compacting and crushing. The drain core is a thermoplastic mat having crush-resistant support members integrated with and upon a backing grid which holds the support members in spaced relation to one another. Fluid flowing into and through the drain core is collected and stored in a fluid storage container. The fluid storage container is adapted to be buried beneath the ground, and has an easily assembled internal support structure composed of vertically layered thermoplastic mats. The mats permit fluids to flow freely within the container, and yet lend vertical and structural stability to the container.

Abstract: A method of a cold-technology-based irrigation of areas affected by aridity based on restoration of the energy balance (energothasis) of each unit area (square meter, acre, hectare, square kilometer, etc.) by utilizing imported external energy (electric transmission lines diesel generators, solar energy and/or wind energy) to increase the energy intensity of the unit area concerned. The imported energy will be stored in ice or low-temperature soil produced by artificial cooling, creating an artificial temperature gradient within the unit area concerned and resulting in condensation of water from the air and elevation of groundwater to-wards the cold layer.

Abstract: An on-site sewage treatment and disposal system for areas having a ground water level above a minimum depth below grade is provided. The system includes a perimeter barrier arranged around a selected subterraneal volume. A drainage pipe which is adapted to receive fluid is provided. The drainage pipe is at least partially located within the selected subterraneal volume inside the perimeter barrier. A pump having a gas intake and a discharge side which discharges gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is also provided. The discharge side of the pump is in fluid communication with the selected subterraneal volume to lower the ground water level within the perimeter barrier to a level at or below the minimum depth below grade. A method for on-site wastewater disposal is also provided utilizing the treatment and disposal system.

Abstract: A water drainage and collection system and method of construction thereof is disclosed. The system includes a graded channel and a water impervious liner secured within the channel along the channel's wall surfaces. A plurality of scrap tire components are positioned within the channel and on top of the liner. The system includes a drainage reservoir formed at a low point in the channel. The surface water percolates through and around the scrap tire components, runs down the grades of the liner, and collects within the reservoir. A pumping station(s) cooperates with an irrigation system to recycle the water and chemicals back to the surface of the golf course or the like. The result of the system being the collection, storage, and recirculation of water and chemicals used to maintain the field area.

Abstract: An underground drainage system comprising piping and storage tanks (4) made from perforated wall modules (8) to form the desired size and configuration, which is wrapped in a water permeable geotextile (9). The system is preferably buried in clean sand (10 ), whereby rainwater and runoff water is directed to flow through the water permeable geotextile (9) through the perforated wall modules (8) and into the piping (4) where the thus filtered water can travel along the piping (4) to flow back through the walls of the piping (4) into the first available strata where the surrounding ground is not saturated.

Abstract: An elongate drainage channel capable of receiving runoff from an athletic surface is provided which includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the opposed sides of the bottom wall. The drainage channel also includes a projection extending transversely outwardly from the exterior of at least one of the sidewalls and spaced at a predetermined distance below the open top for defining a height to which a subsurface layer is applied adjacent to the drainage channel. The projection is also fracturable from the sidewall so as to act as a mechanical fuse to prevent vibratory or tamping machinery from damaging the drainage channel. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongate channel section is provided which has a bottom surface which includes end portions which are shaped as generally planar reference surfaces.

Abstract: Liquefiable soil is treated for earthquake liquefaction protection prior to erecting a building structure or work. A plurality of substantially vertical prefabricated drains are positioned at spaced intervals in the liquefiable soil and a reservoir is provided and adapted for draining off water which is expelled from the drains during an earthquake. The drains are generally comprised of an elongated plastic core material providing channels for channeling water off or therealong and this core is sometimes or selectively surrounded by a filter fabric as required to provide a composite drain.

Abstract: To retain water on roofs of buildings with a water-retention basin, a vortex-type throttle valve is fitted on the roof and is connected to a drain pipe leading to a drain. The throttle valve makes it possible to control rainwater run-off at a given rate determined by the size of the throttle valve. If rain falls at a high rate, the excess is retained. Overflow protection is provided by fitting on top of the throttle, a length of pipe which permits the unrestricted flow of water through the throttle valve. Alternatively, the drain pipe can be extended upwards to the maximum permitted water-retention level, thus allowing the water which exceeds this level to pass directly into the drain pipe.

Abstract: A method for improving water quality including the steps of providing a supply of water to be treated and decreasing the redox potential of the water principally by supplying thereto atomic hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling water seepage at an interface between a wall supported by a footing and a floor with a side surface adjacent the wall and a bottom surface adjacent the footing using a pliable panel disposed between the wall and the side surface of the floor and between the footing and the bottom surface of the floor to substantially isolate the floor from the wall and the footing. The panel including a water flow path between the wall and the side surface of the floor and between the footing and the bottom surface of the floor, wherein the pliable panel permits expansion and contraction of the floor, walls and footing.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a subterranean water collection and delivery device for facilitating the collection and delivery of natural ground water, manually supplied water, and/or pressurized water from an irrigation system to the roots of plants is provided. The device includes a plastic enclosure member including a plurality of apertures and having an interior volume within which water is collected and redirected. A porous insert member is located within the interior volume of the plastic enclosure member and substantially occupies the entire volume for facilitating collection and delivery of water while substantially preventing surrounding ground material from entering the interior volume of the enclosure member.

Abstract: A drain field container system for use in filtering sewage water from a distribution box. A plurality of separate containers are used to receive equal amounts of sewage water from distribution pipes extending from a distribution box. Sewage water is dispensed from the distribution pipe onto a dispersal tray inside the distribution box. The dispersal tray ensures equal distribution of sewage water across a filter located below the dispersal tray and extending across a lower portion of the drain field container. Sewage water is filtered in the filter before exiting the drain field container from an outlet on the bottom thereof. The drain field containers are made of rugged waterproof materials such as fiberglass. The drain field containers have a removable top portion to allow easy servicing and maintenance. A bubble top may also be employed to prevent dirt from accumulating on top of the drain field container.

Abstract: A composite sheet material for use as a planar drain and a protection board. The sheet material has a multi-layer construction formed into a composite by needling. The multi-layer construction preferably has a layer of a soft nonwoven fabric material sandwiched between outer layers of a stiffened fabric material. The composite material may be configured into relatively narrow longitudinal strips for use as a wicking drain. Such longitudinal strips may often have a width of approximately three (3) inches or less in exemplary constructions.

Abstract: A cellular drainage structure is formed of a predetermined volume of a settable, water permeable, cellular concrete product. A concrete mix is formed of a uniformly graded aggregate in the size range from 1/16 inch to two inches and in a quantity corresponding to the predetermined volume; a cementitious component in the quantity range from 141 to 658 pounds per cubic yard of product; water in quantity sufficient to create a water-to-cement ratio in the approximate range from 0.30 to 0.55 and sufficient to wet the aggregate, establishing a cementitious-component-and-water matrix of determinable volume; a pre-formed surfactant foam, generated from an aqueous surfactant mixture at a dilution of from approximately 3 to 25 grams per liter of surfactant in water, wherein the pre-formed foam is in the density range of from 2.0 to 3.0 pcf, and the foam is added in the quantity range of 5% to 30% of the volume of the cementitious-component-and-water matrix.

Abstract: Protective waterproofing membrane particularly for exterior and/or interior coatings, of walls and pavings generally, of the types made in plastic material and comprising a plurality of protrusions all of the same side, in which, limited to the overlapping area or along the vertical junction edges, protrusions (2, 2') are provided having a different configuration in respect to the remaining surface of a sheet from a pre-determined width, said protrusions constituting respectively a male and female closure provided with a seal, which development requires both on the left and right side, an ensemble of cylindrical forms joined in groups of five, where one or the other provides a series of forms (5) also cylindrical but of a smaller diameter to the preceding and interposed in rows that are vertical to said groups.

Abstract: A septic tank adapted for burial in soil includes a movable anchor that extends near the bottom of the tank to hold the tank in the soil.

Abstract: A method of recycling agricultural chemical rinse water is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a piece of equipment contaminated with an agricultural chemical, rinsing the agricultural chemical contaminated equipment with water to produce a rinse water containing the agricultural chemical, collecting the rinse water, supplying fresh water in a fresh water supply line of an irrigation system in fluid communication with a fresh water supply, injecting the rinse water into the fresh water supply line to produce irrigation water and irrigating vegetation with the irrigation water.

Abstract: A method of producing quantitative criteria for optimizing river water rerces under variable flow conditions is described. The method includes calculating a bivariate frequency distribution from data representing flow conditions of a target reach of river, calculating a bivariate frequency distribution from data representing flow conditions of a standard reach of river, and comparing the target frequency distribution with the standard frequency distribution, thereby to assess the degree of similarity between the target flow conditions and the standard flow conditions. The similarity coefficients serve as the criteria by which water resource decisions are made. Ecosystem level impacts are defensibly assessed while optimizing water resource allocation.

Abstract: In a drainage pump station, a driving machine has a capacity greater than a shaft power necessary for no-discharge operation of a pump, and during severe flooding the pump is operated at an overload exceeding its design capacity. During maintenance operation water is fed from a river on the delivery side of the pump station into the station. When an inflow of rainwater into the pump station is great the pump is operated at the necessary capacity, when it becomes small the water level is kept above a rated value, and when the inflow rate is zero the pump discharge is increased to a capacity at which sediment can be discharged. A suction blower is disposed at the top of a suction sump and interstage valves are disposed in entrances of vertical shafts to effect efficient ventilation of the underground waterway. A feed channel is operated as a pressure channel and the pump is of variable capacity and the water level in the underground waterway is controlled to be constant.

Abstract: Soil adjacent to an elongated furrow is irrigated by flowing the water from a header into and along the furrow, and erosion of the furrow is reduced and infiltration into the soil is increased by dissolving solid flocculant in the header or in the furrow into the water. The solid flocculant is best provided as a block of particulate flocculant bonded by a water-soluble wax. The irrigation process is best conducted on a cyclic basis with the solid flocculant being removed from the header or furrow during the cycle and with the supply of water being continued so that there is subsequent run-off of water from the furrow.

Abstract: A support frame assembly is provided for supporting drainage channel sections adjoined in an end-to-end relationship and for anchoring the drainage channel sections to a support surface. The support frame assembly includes a pair of substantially vertical legs and a channel support piece mounted to the upper end portion of each of the legs for supporting the drainage channel sections. The support frame assembly also includes a cross member extending between the lower end portions of the legs at a position below the channel support pieces. In one embodiment, a pair of aligned openings are provided in the cross member and one of the legs so that an anchor member can be driven through the openings and enter the support surface at an acute angle relative thereto. In another embodiment, hinge members are provided between the cross member and the legs so that the cross member can be oriented to sit flat on a sloped surface. Associated methods also form a part of the invention.

Abstract: An installation for the controlled dosing of an irrigation flow with a herbicide particularly for detecting root growth into the outlets of an underground drip irrigation line, includes a sealed container and a slow release herbicide material wherein a portion of the flow is directed through the herbicide impregnated material so that herbicide is controllably released into the diverted flow, and the diverted flow is reintroduced into the irrigation flow.