Abstract: The invention described herein comprises a passive plant nutrient delivery system that utilizes a hydrophilic porous tube to transfer a liquid nutrient solution from at least one reservoir to the roots of plants. The plants' roots rest on the exterior surface of the tube, where a combination of capillary force, evapotranspiration from the plant, and some evaporation from the surface of the tube draws the nutrient solution passively from the reservoir, or reservoirs, through the tube. The roots uptake water from the tube as needed, requiring no external power source. A flexible cover envelops plants' roots and the tube, whereby the cover has an opening to allow room for plants to grow. The flexible cover is held in place by a securing means, such as a clamp. Both the cover and the securing means are comprised of a material that can expand, allowing the plants adequate room to grow.

Abstract: The emitter attachable to a fluid conduit comprises a fluid inlet portion capable of taking in fluid from the fluid conduit. The fluid from the inlet portion moves to the pressure compensating or reducing portion which comprises a set of teeth which are arranged in a way so as to impede the flow of liquid thereby reducing the pressure. Downstream the pressure compensating portion is the output portion which communicates with an aperture in the fluid conduit to enable distributing the fluid to the environment. The base of the emitter is flexible allowing movement of the base by virtue of the pressure gradient. When the pressure of the fluid is reduced in the pressure compensating portion, a pressure gradient is created across the base and this result in the fluid in the fluid conduit moving the base towards the fluid conduit thereby reducing the volume of the cavity of the emitter.

Abstract: A tree/shrub protector includes a circular underground drip reservoir that may hold about seven gallons of water and extended about eighteen inches underground. It focuses water and nutrients onto a root ball to encourage downward root growth. Above ground modules include a hard shell reservoir that provides pest protection as well. Another above ground module is a wire type protective fence and/or trellis that has reservoirs as well. A second embodiment has a grill or fence having spikes driven into the ground for support. One or more water reservoirs are integrated into the fence. Variable flow drip tubes feed underground drip pipes from the reservoirs. Vertical poles have uses including tree support, holding a winter shroud, and supporting a fence and/or trellis. The fence is modular to fit inside a thin box. An optional anti-rodent spiked ring is included. All embodiments can reduce returns to a tree vendor.

Abstract: Wastewater leaching chambers and leaching channels are disclosed. The chambers may include a recess for receiving a wastewater supply, the recess serving to lower the overall height of the combined chamber and supply. The recess also configured to tightly seat the supply and form a gap therebetween. Leaching channels having a high aspect ratio may also be coupled to or otherwise in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A plant watering system is adapted to provide water to a plant both at and below a ground surface. The plant watering system includes a passive water manifold, connected to a fill tube. A first reservoir is connected to the fill tube. A first reservoir first plurality of water seepage panels and a first reservoir second plurality of water seepage panels are formed within the first reservoir and configured to disperse water from the passive water manifold below the ground surface. A spraying manifold is attached to a sprayer tube. A coupler sprayer is mechanically coupled to the sprayer tube; wherein the coupler sprayer is configured to disperse water from the spraying manifold above the ground surface.

Abstract: A multi-station hydrodynamic catheter includes an outer catheter having a first lumen, the outer catheter having a plurality of orifice stations positioned along a portion of the outer catheter, where each orifice station includes one or more orifices extending from an outer catheter external surface to the first lumen. The multi-station hydrodynamic catheter includes an inner catheter having a second lumen, the inner catheter movable within the first lumen and includes at least one emanator, where the at least one emanator includes one or more fluid delivery ports extending from an inner catheter external surface to the second lumen.

Abstract: A liquid run-off disposal system (10) comprising an elongate tank structure (22) having one or more sections adapted to be arranged end to end in a substantially horizontal orientation below ground. The tank structure (22) also includes a plurality of apertures (14) provided in the side walls thereof wherein, in use, when liquid run-off is piped into the tank structure (22) it can drain away by soaking into the surrounding soil.

Abstract: A liquid run-off disposal system (10) comprising an elongate tank structure (22) having one or more sections adapted to be arranged end to end in a substantially horizontal orientation below ground. The tank structure (22) also includes a plurality of apertures (14) provided in the side walls thereof wherein, in use, when liquid run-off is piped into the tank structure (22) it can drain away by soaking into the surrounding soil.

Abstract: This invention concerns a geocomposite (1, 2) that includes a drainage sheet (4) onto which are placed perforated, girdled mini-drains (5) parallel to each other, and at least one filtration sheet (31) covering the perforated, girdled mini-drains (5), characterized in that the drainage sheets (4) and the filtration sheets are connected together by the needlepunching technique.

Abstract: Disclosed are an even-irrigation apparatus for an underground root zone and an even-irrigation method using the same for evenly supplying water into the root zone of a variety of crops. The even-irrigation apparatus includes a plurality of irrigators buried in the entire underground root zone, to directly and evenly supply water into the root zone. Once water is introduced into a pressure-reduction valve after passing through a main pipe, limb pipe and capillary pipe connected in sequence, the water is supplied to the irrigators by way of a plurality of diverged-capillary pipes. With this even-irrigation of water, unnecessary consumption of water due to adsorption of the water into the surrounding soil except for the root zone is minimized, enabling effective irrigation of water and even growth of roots of crops. Further, even nutrition throughout the roots enables balanced growth of crops.

Abstract: An adjustable coupler is disclosed for interconnecting leaching chambers to create a serpentine pathway for a leaching field. A coupler can connect a first leaching chamber and a second leaching chamber. The coupler can comprise a mating feature and an adjustment feature. The mating feature can be used to mate the coupler between the first leaching chamber and the second leaching chamber. The mating feature can include a swivel connector matable to an end of one of the chambers. The adjustment feature can adjust the angle between the first chamber and the second chamber between a range of angles. The adjustment feature can include a swivel connector. The range of angles can be particularly chosen to be about 45°. More particularly, the range of angles can be about 22.5° in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A device for preventing water seepage over a foundation wall of a building, such device having first and second L-shaped members disposed facing each other with the base of one resting on the base of the other with a conduit resting on the upper base for the receipt and direction of water away from the foundation wall.

Abstract: A thermoplastic chamber for leaching wastewater or other use, which is designed so that when jointed to a like chamber the horizontal plane angle between the chambers can be adjusted, has one or more stops which can be selectively used to prevent rotation, for instance, to make the joined-together chambers lie along a straight line. Preferably, the stop is integral part of the chamber base flange; and it hinges and bends upwardly when moved to its working position, so the stop engages and limits movement of the end of the mating chamber.

Abstract: A leaching device having slots to frictionally engage soil to permit the introduction of water through the slots and into the soil while prohibiting the excessive passage of soil particles through the slots. A method of introducing water into soil by passing water through slots that frictionally engage soil to permit water to pass through the slots and which prohibits the excessive passing of soil particles through the slots.

Abstract: The present invention is an irrigation method and system for providing a user-defined flow rate to a field using variable sized orifices. The irrigation method and system includes providing a source of irrigation water. A first discrete area to be irrigated is defined and the volume of irrigation water to be disbursed to the first discrete area is determined based on the type of crop. A length of continuous irrigation conduit is provided so that the irrigation conduit is in fluid communication between the source of irrigation water and the first discrete area. The required diameter of each orifice is calculated based on the user-defined flow rate. Each orifice is made in the irrigation conduit as the conduit is installed in the field so that the irrigation water is disbursed to the first discrete area in an amount approximate to the user defined flow rate.

Abstract: A leaching chamber, particularly a chamber which lacks ribs and is therefore flexible along its length, has a length in the range 4 to 5 ft, a length to width aspect ratio of between 1.2 and 1.6 and a weight of less than 3 pounds per foot, preferably about 12 pounds for a 4 ft chamber. Since the chamber length is less and the mass is more favorably concentrated, handling of chambers, and installing chambers in trenches is improved. The ability of a string of interconnected chambers to curve is increased.

Abstract: An adapter is used with a leaching chamber or like article to change the invert elevation for a pipe which carries water to the article. The first end of the adapter fits a hole or other port on the article. The body of the adapter rotates about that first end, changing the elevation of the second end relative to the base. Stops on the adapter body limit rotation: in one direction so the first and second ends are vertically aligned; and in the opposing direction so that the lengthwise axes of the first and second ends lie in an inclined plane. Thus, three positive invert elevations can be set for an inlet pipe for a particular article: a first and second at each limit of rotation of the adapter, and a third and lowermost elevation, wherein the adapter is not used.

Abstract: In the subsurface irrigation of crops, using injectors to provide micro-bubbles of useful gases of improvement of delivery of a more uniform stream with lesser variation in gas content and lesser tendency of particulate fines to settle out, thereby reducing the need to flush the system with attendant waste of water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a foundation and soil irrigation system having multiple independent zones that can be controlled to deliver fluid to surrounding soil. The system can be installed above or below ground, but in a preferred embodiment the system is subterranean and is installed 18 to 24 inches off of the foundation and 12 to 18 inches below ground level. Each independent zone comprises a fluid distribution network that forms a center-fed or end-fed section to ensure proper hydraulic flow throughout the zone. The system further utilizes a wicking material network installed below ground to irrigate a soil region.

Abstract: An underground irrigation system which supplies beneath the surface of the soil under or near the roots of a growing crop, water infused with micro bubbles of gas (usually air). A mixer/injector injects and mixes gas into water to form a mixed stream that flows from a header into a plurality of branches. The mixed stream emits from the branches. An air bleed releases gas from the system which has separated from the mixed stream.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use with a gutter system includes at least a first body portion connected to the top of the gutter pipe. The cleaning device includes a downspout, connected to the gutter, with a flexible segment. The flexible segment can be extended or compressed to allow removal or insertion into a storm drainage pipe. The downspout may pivot at the flexible segment to divert water away from the structure while the cleaning device is in use.

Abstract: The present invention is an economical and easily installed irrigation system for agricultural products covering large areas. The invention comprises top and bottom layers of geosynthetic material having a non-cohesive, porous material between the layers. A water distribution system is also placed between the layers. This system can be placed directly on the area to be irrigated without digging a trench or hole. Agricultural products, such as turf or row crops, are placed with top soil directly on the system.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use with a gutter system is disclosed. The cleaning device includes at least a first body portion connected to the top of the gutter pipe. The cleaning device includes a downspout, connected to the gutter, with a flexible segment. The flexible segment can be extended or compressed to allow removal or insertion into a storm drainage pipe. The downspout may pivot at the flexible segment to divert water away from the structure while the cleaning means is in use.

Abstract: A drainage pipe for use in a waterproofing system includes a plurality of openings. The drainage pipe includes a cleaning tube affixed to an interior surface of the drainage pipe. The tube has a plurality of spaced holes which allow fluid such as air or water to be forced out of the tube and clean debris from the drainage pipe. A garden hose, air hose or other fluid source can be attached to the tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact water dispersal system located on an outdoor ground site. The system includes a water treatment system resulting in treated water with an organic loading of less than about 20 ppm and a suspended solids concentration of less than about 20 ppm. The water flows from the water treatment system to an interior discharge pipe having a plurality of perforations. Through the perforations, the water flows into an exterior discharge pipe surrounding the interior discharge pipe, the exterior discharge pipe also having a plurality of perforations. The exterior discharge pipe is surrounded by a layer of wicking material. A volume of fill material surrounds the interior discharge pipe, the exterior discharge pipe, and the layer of wicking material, thereby dispersing the water therefrom.

Abstract: An effluent distribution system for distributing effluent from a source of waste water, wherein the system includes a chamber, a cover or lid for the chamber, an effluent flow system, a pair of curved end sections secured at one end of the chamber for adjusting the position of one chamber in relation to another chamber, and treatment media wherein the chamber may include as an integral component thereof, the cover or lid and alternatively spray nozzles secured to the cover or lid to assist in the distribution of effluent.

Abstract: An underdrain pipe has a pipe wall in which wall portions rectangular in section and wall portions circular in section are disposed alternately in a longitudinal direction of the pipe, in which a number of water collecting small holes are formed in portions of the pipe wall, and in which the whole of the pipe wall is formed of material of synthetic resin or rubber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waste water treatment system which includes a water impervious container, a uniform effluent distribution system for distributing effluent in a uniform manner throughout the container, material fill which is placed within the container, an effluent introduction system for introducing the effluent into the material filled container and an outflow mechanism which permits treated effluent to flow out of the waste water treatment system. Also disclosed is a waste water treatment cell system containing a plurality of individual cells for the treatment of the effluent and a system for dumping substantially all of the filtered effluent from the waste water distribution system. Also disclosed is a process for the treatment of waste water using the waste water treatment system.

Abstract: A basement wall drain unit that extends around the periphery of a basement next to the wall for draining away any potentially damaging moisture. The drain fits securely to a foundation wall before a concrete floor is poured in a basement. The drain further has a removable cap. The cap being removed after the concrete floor has been poured and hardened. The cap is for preventing wet concrete from filling the drain during installation of the basement floor or the like. Another feature of the invention is to provide a device and method that have spaced apart drainage holes in a channel for draining water from the basement area to a location under the basement floor.

Abstract: An on-site wastewater treatment system distributes septic tank effluent over a particulate media filter bed through a distribution manifold at a sufficient volumetric flow rate relative to the cross-sectional area of the distribution conduits to inhibit undesirable biological growth in the conduits and in the filter by creating a scouring effect in the conduits. This effect prevents clogging of the conduits and maximizes the even distribution of effluent in the filter. A mesh fabric intercepts the downward flow of the effluent in the filter to further aid in the even distribution of effluent in the filter. Orifice shields also aid in such distribution by preventing clogging of orifices embedded in the filter media. A high pressure switch in the distribution manifold and a high water alarm in the filter pump basin indicate when required maintenance is necessary, and the switch controlling the high water alarm temporarily disables the septic tank pump as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in conjunction with a silt collecting pond to prevent silt from being washed from adjacent land by rainwater comprises a base adapted to rest on the bottom of the pond and a cylindrical cage defining an upwardly open interior volume extending upwardly from the base. A conduit communicates between the interior volume of the cage and the exterior of the pond. Silt cloth is mounted about the cage and a floatable safety lid is adapted to cover the upper opening of the cage. In operation, silt bearing rainwater enters the pond and rises about the apparatus. Water passes through the silt cloth at a predetermined rate such that the water stands in the pond a sufficient time to allow silt to precipitate therefrom. When the pond has been filled with silt, a sleeve is slipped into the cage and a grated lid placed atop the sleeve so that the device thereafter provides for drainage of surface rainwater from the land.

Abstract: A composite drywell, a drywell system and method employing the composite drywell, which composite drywell comprises a cylindrical drywell having a removable top and bottom section, the drywell composed of a plurality of separate, edge-interlocked, arcuate sections which together form the cylindrical wall of the drywell, each arcuate section having a one side edge with a opening extending substantially the length of the side edge and the other side edge having a beaded side edge extending substantially the length of the arcuate section, the beaded edge of the arcuate section adapted to fit in an interlocking, receiving relationship into the other side edge opening of the adjacent arcuate section so as to have all arcuate sections interlocked to form a cylindrical drywell wall.

Abstract: A sub-surface irrigation system includes a conduit connected to a water supply. A plurality of fluid dispenser units are connected to a conduit or conduits. Each of the fluid dispenser units includes a connector interconnected at one end to the interior of the conduit. The other end of the connector is coupled to a drip emitter positioned in an elongated casing. The elongated casing has an enlarged opening at one end and a reduced opening formed at the other end. Tubing interconnects the other end of the connector to the casing. The drip emitter is positioned in the tubing adjacent the casing reduced opening end. In a different invention, the casing extends up to the surface of the ground, so that inspection may be made relative to the operativeness of the drip emitter.

Abstract: A sub-surface irrigation system includes a conduit connected to a water supply. A plurality of fluid dispenser units are connected to the conduits. Each of the fluid dispenser units include a connector interconnected at one end to the interior of the conduit. The other end of the connector is coupled to a drip emitter positioned at one end of an elongated casing. The elongated casing has an enlarged opening at one end and a reduced opening formed at the other end. Tubing interconnects the other end of the connector to the casing. The drip emitter is positioned in the tubing adjacent the casing reduced opening end.

Abstract: Pipe for watering plants, having an inner feed pipe (1) provided with orifices (5) and of substantially circular cross-section, on the outside surface of which there are one or a plurality of layers of fibrous material (2a, 2b). The feed pipe (1) and the layers of fibrous material covering at least the orifices (5) therein are enclosed by a casing (3) which is impervious to water and which has a longitudinal slit (4) disposed radially outside over the orifices (5) and through which the water, enriched with fertilizer if necessary, can pass into the soil under control.

Abstract: A partial-seepage drainage pipe includes a wall surface of circular profile which is corrugated over the majority of the pipe circumference. Adjoining the circular wall surface is a base having a bottom surface and side wall segments. The pipe has a mating sleeve molded on in one piece at one end, which is adapted to receive the free end of a corrugated pipe segment and has slit-like water seepage openings in the corrugated wall surface.In order to attain a tight mating-sleeve connection, the bottom surface of the base and the corresponding bottom surface of the mating sleeve are embodied such that they arch in a slightly convex fashion.

Abstract: A hollow, cellulose acetate fiber having a wall permeable to water is formed into a coil of constant dimensions. The coil is placed at the root level of the plants to be irrigated. Where the plants are spaced at intervals (as opposed to being immediately adjacent) a number of coil turns are positioned at the plant location and the coil stretched out between plant locations. In this manner, irrigation is concentrated at the plant and minimized in the intervening distance. Consequently, even though the coil is of constant dimensions and porosity, the quantity of water dispensed can be varied as desired. Similarly the spacing between parallel coils can be varied. This spacing variation is desirable where the pressure of the water varies because of height changes, on a slope for example. The subterraneon watering by coil has an additional beneficial effect because the roots of the plants tend to concentrate within the turns of the coil so as to become anchored thereto.

Abstract: A drainage valve for use in pressure systems where pressure surges occur for draining an underground water system when the water pressure in the underground water system is off and for sealing the drainage valve against drainage when the water pressure is on comprising a housing having a first annular support and sealing surface and a second annular support and sealing surface for supporting a member that is nonextrudable through a drain passage in the drainage valve under normal operating pressures and surge pressures encountered in water supply systems and to permit said nonextrudable member to open said drain passage when the water pressure is off.

Abstract: An elongated water distributing hose capable of effectively watering large areas with readily available water pressures and in a matter whereby an essential uniform watering is achieved. This desired uniform watering results notwithstanding sloping ground conditions and the like. The pressure is substantially maintained throughout the length of the hose though a particular arrangement of first, second, and third fluid passages, which enable a maintaining of the relatively high pressure throughout the length of the hose and the reduction of this pressure directly at the point of the passing of the water from the high pressure first fluid passage through a series of first fluid-passing openings to the much smaller second fluid passage, and a further pressure reduction as the water passes within the third fluid passage between a series of second fluid-passing openings and a series of discharge fluid-passing openings.

Abstract: A salt damage preventive irrigation method and its apparatus. In this irrigation method, the poisonous salt contained in irrigation water can be concentrated near the emitting opening of an emitter and the moistened area can be prepared in the soil with water free of salt contained in the irrigation water.

Abstract: A discharge system for a septic tank is disclosed which has a dump valve means at the outlet thereof for controlling the discharge of effluent. Leading from the dump valve is a central pipe that then has a plurality of smaller pipes interconnected therewith, the smaller pipes being interconnected so that the lower wall of the smaller pipes are in line with the lower wall of the larger pipe. Additionally, diverter valve or valve means as the case may be are provided for closing off part of the distribution system, and the distribution system itself is particularly characterized by having particular designed apertures through the lower circumferential section thereof so that the effluent will leach out of the pipes throughout their length by providing apertures at the far end of the pipe at the lower most circumferential portion and then progressively increasing the height of the holes as one goes back toward the central pipe and/or the septic tank.

Abstract: A granular or plate-like calcium aluminum silicate layer stores water beneath fertile soil. The silicate material may be coated with fertilizer or chemicals and may be shipped and installed within a wrapping, at least one surface of which is moisture pervious. A fleece-like material may form the pervious surface. A silicate container with a perforated cover and sidewalls fits within a planter. A filler pipe extends through the soil into the container. The silicate material may be mixed with the fertile soil.