Branched Flow Patents (Class 405/51)
  • Patent number: 12024839
    Abstract: A water-salt regulation system for coastal regions, including an irrigation canal, a plurality of drainage channels, and a shaft. The irrigation canal is arranged on a surface farmland. The drainage channels are provided inside a soil. The irrigation canal and the drainage channels are inclined from inland to sea. The shaft is provided with a water port at which a sluice gate is provided. An inner peripheral wall of the water drainage channel is provided with a plurality of filter mesh frames with an accommodating cavity. A filter filling material is provided inside the accommodating cavity. The shaft is provided with a salinity sensor. The shaft has a first state with the sluice gate on the drainage channel closed and a second state with the sluice gate on the drainage channel opened. A water-salt regulation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Nanjing Hydraulic Research Institute
    Inventors: Xiaojun Wang, Feng Chen
  • Patent number: 11939761
    Abstract: A substantially polygonal drainage channel system is provided. The drainage channel can include a substantially polygonal cross-section that can have rounded corners or edges. More specifically, the cross-section of the drainage channel can be formed to resemble an “upside-down pear.” The drainage channel can have a cross-sectional shape that can be created by first placing two circles of different diameters on top of one another. The “top” circle can be larger than the “bottom” circle. The two circles can then be connected with two tangential lines, one on each side, resulting in a shape in which a top of the drainage channel tapers down toward a bottom of the drainage channel. The drainage channel can also include ribs, drainage slots, and a connector-check valve. A method for installing a drainage channel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Gregory J. Reinhart
  • Patent number: 11839183
    Abstract: Aeration and drying of subsurface soils with a subsurface irrigation system. An air inlet and bypass pressure regulator allow pressurized gas to be introduced into a zone of the system to aerate and dry a field. Pressurized gas or aerosolized agrochemicals are delivered through emitters integrated into the driplines within the system. Emitters integrated into the driplines allow aeration and drying of subsurface soils during times of season when high amounts of precipitation or localized flooding interfere with the systems use for irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Grimm's Gardens, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Grimm, Koertland Beyer
  • Patent number: 11002399
    Abstract: A sewer inspection or maintenance system is provided, at least comprising a carrier system, a satellite system which is movable relative to the carrier system, and a guide device coupled to the carrier system, along which the satellite system can be guided during a movement relative to the carrier system. The guide device can be extended or unfolded or rolled out from a stowed position into at least one position of use, so that the effective length of the guide device can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: iPEK International GmbH
    Inventor: Fabian Zahnd
  • Patent number: 10548268
    Abstract: A soil moisture auto control system which can be used in subsurface irrigation, outer space agricultural farm irrigation, semi-arid and arid agricultural areas irrigation and nutrients addition, as well as auto watering and nutrients addition devices for flower and/or vegetable pots in indoor planting, by an external negative pressure design system responding to soil moisture needs by plants in the agricultural areas by bi-directional flows arrangements to automatically adjust moisture needs for plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: James Cheng-Shyong Lu
  • Patent number: 10117378
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for fertigation comprising: (a) providing an acidic mixture of water and a fertilizer dissolving agent; (b) contacting the acidic mixture with a fertilizer composition in fertigation equipment to dissolve the fertilizer composition and to form a fertigation composition; and (c) contacting the fertigation composition with soil. Also disclosed are a fertigation composition and a fertilizer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SAUDI BASIC INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mohamed Akasha M. Khaleel
  • Patent number: 9512583
    Abstract: A high capacity flood pump system includes a floodwater diversion pathway; a pump assembly above the floodwater diversion pathway, the pump assembly including a flood pump having a pump housing with a pump housing inlet and a pump housing outlet; an impeller housing disposed in fluid communication with the pump housing between the pump housing inlet and the pump housing outlet, the impeller housing disposed beneath the pump housing; at least one impeller disposed in the impeller housing; and a power unit drivingly engaging the at least one impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Rick D. Spargo
  • Patent number: 9206574
    Abstract: An aggregate replacement device may be used to take replace rock aggregate in underground drainage systems. An aggregate replacement device may include a structure having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one face. The at least one face may have a plurality of first openings. A second opening in the structure may extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the structure continuing uninterrupted through at least one of the at least one faces. The second opening may receive a pipe inserted in a radial direction of the pipe. The aggregate replacement device may also include a pipe retainer. An additional embodiment of the aggregate replacement device may include a stake which may be used to secure the aggregate replacement device in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Alton F. Parker
  • Patent number: 9022066
    Abstract: The point of the invention is to evenly distribute water or effluent over an irrigation area or a drain field. Typically the fluid comes from a reservoir or a septic tank and is fed, by gravity, into a number of discharge pipes that would be located underground. The device related to this invention is characterized by a container with an inlet at the top and a number of outlets at the bottom. Inside the container the fluid is directed to the center of a flow splitter surface underneath, via a specifically configured spout. To make the fluid spread radian and uniformly towards the surface's perimeter this surface has hydrophilic properties and is convex shaped. The fluid eventually flows uniformly over the surface's edge and is evenly distributed over the outlets at the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Christ Spoorenberg, Raymond MacCullagh
  • Patent number: 8926218
    Abstract: A structural support system creates and maintains useful void space for the storage or detention of fluids within an underground chamber. The support system includes one or more hollow members that are generally triangular in cross section, with open ends and a plurality of apertures that allow the hollow members to remain in fluid communication when bundled together. Stored or detained fluids flow around and through the support system as the fluid level rises or falls according to the volume of fluids introduced or withdrawn from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Edward W. Savage
  • Publication number: 20140193200
    Abstract: A moisture collection apparatus is provided to collect and store percolating ground water for increased water absorption by foliage growing above the moisture collection apparatus. In one embodiment, the moisture collection apparatus includes a first plurality of strands extending along a first direction, a second plurality of strands extending along a second direction and connected to at least one of the first plurality of strands, a plurality of channels extending along at least one of the first direction and the second direction, and a plurality of openings between adjacent strands of the first plurality of strands and adjacent strands of the second plurality of strands. In another embodiment, the first direction is substantially orthogonal to the second direction, such that the moisture collection apparatus forms a grid-like pattern of channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Wayne Holland, JR.
  • Patent number: 8770890
    Abstract: Modules for use in an assembly for managing the flow of water beneath a ground surface and assemblies of such modules are disclosed. The modules include supports and a deck portion and the supports are spaced apart and form channels with a main section of the deck portion. The deck portion also includes at least one section extending from a main section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: StormTrap LLC
    Inventors: Justin Ivan May, Tom Heraty, Philip J. Burkhart
  • Patent number: 8753036
    Abstract: A liquid retention system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of pipes having a wall defining a pipe conduit, at least some of the pipes having at least one hole through the wall for allowing liquid to enter the conduit. Each of two sets of pipe groups is arranged into a two layers of the pipes. The pipes in one layer are arranged in adjacent proximity along their lengths such that the walls of adjacent pipes define a plurality of gaps while the pipes in the second layer are at least partially seated in the gaps. The cylindrical axes of the pipes in the two pipe groups relative to one another are non-parallel. The pipe groups are arranged in a liquid retention portion, which is at least partially enclosed to retain liquid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas G. Everson
  • Patent number: 8678706
    Abstract: A surface water heating system for irrigation is described. The irrigation apparatus comprises an irrigation manifold, a heat exchanger, a first conduit system, and a second conduit system. A geothermal heated fluid, e.g. water, flows through the first conduit system. A first pump extracts the geothermal heated water from a geothermal source and conducts the heated water through the heat exchanger, and returns the geothermal water, now cooled, to the geothermal water source. Surface water flows through the second conduit system. A second pump extracts water from a higher quality water resource such as a surface water resource and conducts the illustrative surface water through the heat exchanger. Subsequently, the surface water is delivered to the irrigation manifold. Within the heat exchanger, heat is transferred from the geothermal heated water to the higher quality water resource. The geothermal heated water does not come into contact with the illustrative surface water within the irrigation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Edge Technology
    Inventor: Robert A. Luciano, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140064852
    Abstract: A distribution system and method for simultaneously distributing and reclaiming a liquid with a single, multi-directional system pathway. The system pathway follows a circuitous path for both receiving liquid from and returning reclaimed liquid to a reservoir positioned beneath a ground surface. A distribution pathway, such as a pipe, may carry the liquid with pressure from the reservoir to a distribution outlet. A reclamation pathway, such as a perforated pipe, may encapsulate the distribution pathway, and capture runoff and excessive liquid through at least one aperture for returning the liquid back to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the system pathway may include one perforated pipe that forms a barrier between the distribution pathway and the reclamation pathway. A film may cover the perforations to allow for pressurizing the water. A system of pumps, valves, and a control apparatus help regulate the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Tyler Livvix
  • Patent number: 8403596
    Abstract: A groundwater control system and method for regulating the level of groundwater in an agricultural field according to selected criteria including a drainage tile line having a water flow regulator that is computer controlled through a communications link in response to the selected criteria to provide a water table profile for the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Charlie J. Schafer, Britt Dinsdale, William Littler, IV, Phil Algreen
  • Patent number: 8342775
    Abstract: A groundwater control system and method for regulating the level of groundwater in an agricultural field according to selected criteria concerning the purity of the groundwater including a drainage tile line having a water flow regulator that is computer controlled through a communications link in response to the selected criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Agri Drain Corporation
    Inventors: Charlie J. Schafer, Phil Algreen
  • Patent number: 8240950
    Abstract: An embodiment of a water retention and distribution system for use in an underground installation comprises at least one layer of at least one pipe with at least one hole therein. The at least one layer may be fluidly connected to a water source and a means for distribution. A water impermeable cover encloses the at least one layer. Water in the at least one layer may be distributed into the ground through a vertical pipe that includes a divider that separates the vertical pipe into first and second halves for controlling the flow of water into the means for distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas G. Everson
  • Patent number: 8147688
    Abstract: A stormwater detention system includes a containment row for removing and collecting solids from stormwater. The containment row may be surrounded by a water-impermeable membrane, and designed to receive incoming water before other rows of the detention system. The containment row collects solids from the stormwater before the water is redirected into one or more additional rows, which are water permeable and buried in water permeable media. Filter structure may be associated with a flow system that delivers water from the containment row to the additional rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Contech Engineered Solutions LLC
    Inventors: David R. Adams, Daniel W. Aberle, Daniel P. Cobb, Gregory W. Byrne
  • Patent number: 8142106
    Abstract: A modular subsurface sewage disposal and wastewater treatment system is presented for treating effluent from a septic tank. The system includes an elongated member, leach field medium and at least one pipe. The elongated member is arranged in one of a serpentine or a ladder-shaped configuration and includes a core wrapped in a fabric. The medium is disposed about open areas in the configuration. The pipe uniformly distributes effluent from the septic tank to the elongated member. In one embodiment, the core is a pliable plastic membrane and the fabric wrap is a non-woven fabric. In one embodiment, the elongated member is disposed in a box and retained by an adhesive to permit ease of manufacture, shipping, and installation. In another embodiment, the elongated member is disposed in a rigid or semi-rigid frame defining channels retaining the elongated member. The frame is detectable by a non-invasive above surface detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Richard E. Couch, John M. Laudano
  • Patent number: 8062531
    Abstract: An underground stormwater management system includes a receiving tank connected to a source of non-first flush runoff and a storage chamber that accumulates stormwater runoff for discharge to a storm drain. The storage chamber includes a first inlet connected to a source of first flush runoff, a second inlet connected to receive overflow from the receiving tank, a first discharge and a second discharge above the first discharge. First flush is discharged from the first discharge and is filtered before reaching the storm drain. The receiving tank assists in delaying the receipt of non-first flush runoff into the storage chamber during a major rain event. During major rain events runoff is also discharged from the storage chamber directly to the surrounding media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Lane Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward H. LoBello
  • Patent number: 7989119
    Abstract: A fuel diffusion unit including: a fuel diffusion plate; a diffusion sheet disposed on fuel diffusion plate, to evenly distribute a fuel to the fuel diffusion plate; a primary transportation unit disposed on the diffusion sheet; secondary transportation units connected to the primary transportation unit, to distribute the fuel to the fuel from the primary transportation unit to the diffusion sheet. The diffusion sheet has a wetting direction that allows the fuel to flow in a predetermined direction. The fuel diffusion unit can be included in a fuel supply unit and a fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaeyong Lee, Lei Hu, Jin-ho Kim, Kyoung-hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 7914229
    Abstract: A drain cover portion (100a, 100b) for a linear drainage system which comprises at least two attachment means. The attachment means are provided by at least one a connector attachment means (500) and at least one drain attachment means (700). The connector attachment means (500) is arranged to attach one or more anchor connectors (1002) for connecting an anchor (114) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b) and/or one or more cover portion connector for connecting said drain cover portion (100a, 100b) to another drain cover portion (100a, 100b). The drain attachment means (700) is arranged to attach a drain portion (200) to the drain cover portion (100a, 100b). Each attachment means is arranged so as to allow the tool-less attachment of a connector/drain section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: ACO Polymer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair Aubusson, Rob King
  • Patent number: 7887256
    Abstract: A water collection and storage assembly for receipt and gradual dispersion of water comprises a half pipe assembly defining a chamber and having an interior, the half pipe assembly having at least one half pipe having an inlet, an outlet, and a corrugated exterior comprising alternating ribs and valleys, wherein the chamber is defined by the interior of the half pipe assembly and the interior is smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Miskovich
  • Patent number: 7866919
    Abstract: A high altitude pumped-storage system for selectively integrating, storing, and distributing water and energy to increase the regional productivity of existing and future water and energy resources throughout multiple river basins is disclosed. This system addresses in part the increased requirement of supplying energy demands from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or water generated power. The system includes at least one primary reservoir connected to multiple secondary reservoirs by conduits. The system allows for selectively distributing water and energy between secondary reservoirs and at least one primary reservoir. The system may comprise one or more hydroelectric power generation facilities. A method for increasing the regional efficiency of existing and future systems for producing, storing, and delivering energy from sources such as hydroelectric, wind and solar power from the water collected by the system described herein is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Natural Energy Resources Company
    Inventor: Allen David Miller
  • Patent number: 7862254
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventors: Kim Jin Hyun, Cho Doo ho
  • Patent number: 7857546
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling drainage/irrigation of a field includes laying out a network of spaced, interconnected water level-responsive valves coupled to drainage tiles, which typically may include a main line and a number of lateral lines, extending from higher elevations to lower elevations and exiting through a manually controlled main valve to a drainage ditch. When the water level adjacent a valve is below a predetermined level, the valve is open allowing water to flow down to the lowest level. As the ambient water level in the soil rises, the valve's float also rises, causing the valve to close when the water reaches a predetermined level and producing a “terracing” effect wherein the rising water is sequentially stored at increasingly higher elevations for irrigating these elevated areas. Overflow conduits associated with each valve allow water to discharge into the drainage ditch when the sub-surface water level is too high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Brian Scott Furrer, Ronald Gene Schlatter, G. Jason Furrer
  • Patent number: 7744756
    Abstract: An apparatus for diverting wastewater in septic system comprises a top, a side adjoining and extending downwardly from the top, the top and the side form an inner volume and a partially open bottom. The bottom can be fully open. A first opening extends upwardly from the partially open bottom. A second opening, having a perimeter, is also on the side. The apparatus can be placed at outlet end of a trench to receive the trench pipe. The first opening, the open bottom and the inner volume permit the apparatus to be placed over a pipe without adjustments or modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Soil Horizons, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Davis, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100143037
    Abstract: This design addresses the problems of high tide/surges entering the discharge outlets of piping from pumping stations that discharge into a reservoir/body i.e., lake, river or waterway that is affected during storms, hurricanes or heavy rains driven by high tides and wind, that render pumping inefficient at least and inoperable at worst. This is a bypass system of piping into a manifold header that includes an inlet from the pump's discharge pipe, a discharge outlet and a second optional discharge—by pass outlet. It also includes optional automatic shut off valves in the piping scheme and variable speed drives on the pump motors. The by pass discharge outlet piping also includes an ancillary piping arrangement that allows portions of the discharge flow to be directed back into underground aquifers to replenish the diminishing water table level that contributes to subsidence. This system is subject to many possible modifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Paul J, Hubbell, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090297271
    Abstract: A perforated pipe network beneath a playing surface. A blower connected to the pipe network drawing an air flow through the pipe network to create a vacuum. A drain pipe connecting to the pipe network. An air/water separator connected upstream of the blower for separating water from the air flow prior to entering the blower and channeling the water into the drain pipe for discharge. A flow control unit having a unit inlet connected to the drain pipe downstream of the air/water separator and a unit outlet discharging water to a drain outlet. The flow control unit blocking air flow through the unit inlet into the drain pipe when the blower is in the vacuum mode, and opening the unit inlet when a waterhead buildup at the unit inlet exceeds the vacuum level established by the blower to discharge water through the drain outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: George T. Hummert, Fredrick O. Hartenstein
  • Patent number: 7534070
    Abstract: A water collection and distribution system for yard maintenance includes a buried reservoir for collecting water from the roof of a structure and a submersed pump in the reservoir for supplying contained water to a pressurized manifold having outlets available for yard maintenance activities. One of the outlets is connected with a premix catch basin upstream of the reservoir in which additives may be mixed for storage in and dispensing from the reservoir. Another outlet is connected to spray nozzles in the reservoir for agitating the additive mixture. The system may also collect gray water from washing activities to supplement water for ground maintenance or for recycling to a flushing system for operation of toilets in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Mark C. Urban
  • Patent number: 7497946
    Abstract: A subsurface drip wastewater disposal system and method are disclosed that eliminate the need for headworks, reduce the risk of damage to the system, and permit optimal pump sizing by simultaneously dosing, flushing the pipe network and flushing the filter. A tank and pump package provide effluent under pressure to the field piping network comprising a supply manifold, a return manifold, and a plurality of emitter lines. A discharge filter that is capable of simultaneous filtering and flushing is provided on the discharge line, and a first flow restrictor is provided on the filter flush return line. Effluent is discharged at a rate and pressure that permits simultaneous pipe flushing and dosing, with the return manifold returning to the tank through a field return line having a second flow restrictor. The size of the first and second flow restrictors is selected to provide the desired flow splits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: R.C. Worst & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Jessick, Ray Koberstine, Allen Worst
  • Patent number: 7455480
    Abstract: A method for the stabilization of slopes and/or terrain which are unstable or subject to landslides, by inserting drainage devices. A vertical shaft with a concrete lining or a microtunnel (1) is constructed and an automatic drilling unit (8) is position therein. The drilling unit has at least one drilling head (6), a magazine of rods (11), and robotic devices able to pick up the rods (12) from the magazine and take them to the drilling head, the rods (12) being constituted by the drainage pipes (5); the head is controlled to perform drilling operations, with simultaneous laying of the drainage pipe. The drainage pipes are constituted by a tubular steel element, whose walls contain holes which house a microfiltration valve filled with water-soluble material to prevent the passages from becoming obstructed during drilling; when the pipe has been laid, the water-soluble material dissolves, thus cleaning the passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Cesare Melegari
  • Patent number: 7320559
    Abstract: A method for designing and implementing a system for subsurface drip irrigation dispersal of sodic water from a coal bed seam, the method comprising calculating a land surface area below which the sodic water dispersal system is to be placed, determining a concentration of total dissolved solids contained in the sodic water and in the aquifer ground water beneath the land surface area, developing a sodic water dispersal system configuration and dispersal sequence that limits the increase in the concentration of total dissolved solids in the aquifer ground water to no more than five hundred percent. Installing the sodic water dispersal system in the land area in accordance with the developed system configuration and pumping sodic water from the coal bed into the configured dispersal system in accordance with the developed dispersal sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: BeneTerra, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Zupancic, Jacob W. Roenbaugh, Glenn A. Mull, Charles M. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 7207748
    Abstract: A water collection and distribution system for yard maintenance includes a buried reservoir for collecting water from the roof of a structure and a submersed pump in the reservoir for supplying contained water to a pressurized manifold having outlets available for yard maintenance activities. One of the outlets is connected with a premix catch basin upstream of the reservoir in which additives may be mixed for storage in and dispensing from the reservoir. Another outlet is connected to spray nozzles in the reservoir for agitating the additive mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Mark C. Urban
  • Patent number: 7147401
    Abstract: The system contains an infill for drainage by using crusher fine to absorb and dispense water to a piping system that releases the water into a leech field system, using a final pipe to dispense the water out of the artificial turf covered field. The specified crusher fine not only adds to the absorption and the drainage, but it also has the ability to give which enables the turf to have the ability to be safer and drain faster. The drainage system also has perforations in the turf for drainage which is installed with nailers over the prepared filed. In addition, specific mixtures of non-compacting silica sand and a symmetric rubber grind make up the infill system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Richard B. Wickens
  • Patent number: 7040840
    Abstract: Effluent-operated valves provide, in a septic system, distribution of effluent uniformly to a plurality of portions or fingers of a drain field. The installation of such valves in a tank that collects septic system effluent to be distributed to a plurality of fingers permits the uniform distribution of effluent from within the tank to a plurality of portions of a drain field, either simultaneously, or to one portion at a time in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Neal Zook
  • Patent number: 7040839
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Angelo L. Mazzei
  • Patent number: 7021671
    Abstract: A manifold having a tubular body including effluent retention areas formed within the body and conduit portions having opposing ribs extending radially from an outside surface for use with a pipe anchoring mechanism when installing the manifold and connected flexible corrugated pipe within a septic tank drain field. The manifold includes longitudinally opposing input and output ports for connection to a cooperating manifold or pipe. Multiple transverse ports provide connection from the manifold to an effluent source such as a septic tank or drain field distribution pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Dixie Septic, Inc. of Orange City
    Inventor: Kelvin Todd Evans
  • Patent number: 7004677
    Abstract: A valve containment assembly for an irrigation system may have a first side wall unit, a grate, a second side wall unit, and a lid. The first side wall unit may be disposed on the floor of a hole. The grate may be positioned in the first side wall unit to support a manifold. The second side wall unit rests on the first side wall unit to cover the manifold and the lid may be disposed on top of the side wall unit. The first side wall unit and the grate elevate the manifold above the floor of the hole to reduce interference of soil and water with the manifold. Additional side wall units may be used to provide additional height. Any of the side wall units may have frangible portions that break away to permit passage of conduits into the valve containment assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Kevin Day, Christian M. Olsen, Aaron Schapper, Alan T. Ence
  • Patent number: 6986622
    Abstract: A pipework containment system comprising: (i) an outer containment pipe extending between a chamber and a sump; (ii) a fluid-tight seal between the outer containment pipe and the chamber; (iii) a fluid-tight seal between the outer containment pipe and the sump; (iv) a plurality of flexible supply pipes extending between said chamber and said sump; characterized in that the plurality of supply pipes are contained within one and the same outer containment pipe, the arrangement of supply pipes within the outer pipe and the flexibility of the supply pipes being such that each individual supply pipe may be withdrawn from the system and/or replaced after construction of the pipework containment system is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Petro Technik Limited
    Inventors: Jan Ageheim, Glyn A. V. Owens, Wayne Clifton Augustus Wright
  • Patent number: 6953156
    Abstract: A method for providing efficient uniform delivery of a predetermined amount of water needed for a specific crop planted on sloping land using an irrigation system laid out following a topographical map to maintain a constant pressure head for all of the discharge points over the length of the irrigation hose having a gradient drop in the hose to allow delivery of a predetermined amount of water for a specific crop planted on sloping land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Nelson R. Boice, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6890126
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Angelo L. Mazzei
  • Publication number: 20040175235
    Abstract: Devices and methods for streamlining the completion of work functions within a lateral pipe connected to a main pipe. A variety of different lateral devices may be used to aid in the process of relining the main or lateral pipe. A lateral location device is inserted into the lateral pipe prior to relining of the main pipe and is subsequently used to aid in the conventional cutting of the main-lateral interface. A lateral cutting device actually performs the main-lateral cutting process from within the lateral or from within the main. A lateral inspection device crawls up the lateral for inspection via camera. A lateral relining device aids in the placement of a liner used to reline the lateral pipe. Each of these interchangeable work functions may be optional performed by one or more lateral devices, often carried and inserted by a delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: RedZone Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: William Lawrence Whittaker, Adam Slifko, Eric C. Close
  • Patent number: 6709198
    Abstract: An irrigation system comprising a closed-loop piping system, a portion of which is a condensing section extending on or below ground surface, and at least another portion of which is a cool-collecting section buried under ground at a cool ground zone. The closed-loop piping holds a liquid which is propelled by a circulating system through the piping system. The liquid is chilled by heat exchanging at the cool ground zone and then flows to the condensing section where moisture from the vicinity is extracted by condensation over the condensing section. The moisture is readily available for consumption by agriculture growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: International Water & Energy Savers, Ltd.
    Inventor: Boaz Wachtel
  • Patent number: 6616375
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided in a drain water system having a main drain conduit which is designed as a closed ring conduit (19), and pump members (17, 18) are arranged to pump drain media emanating from different buildings (6) to and into the ring conduit for transport therein through pumping action. Devices (27-31) for taking care of drain media are connected to the ring conduit through a branch (12, 13) each. Valve members (24, 25, 32) are arranged in each connection to the ring conduit and optionally controllable so as to either open in the case of a feed connection and allow pumping of drain media into the ring conduit and in the case of a device connection allow drainage of drain media from the ring conduit, or close to stop drain media from flowing into or out of the ring conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Bertil Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20030129043
    Abstract: A portable pipe irrigation system that is used primarily for temporary drip and sprinkler installations includes a unique trailer that comprises a platform which simplifies installation and removal of the irrigation system. The trailer is either self propelled or pulled by a tractor. A magazine in the central portion of the trailer is of a sufficient length to accommodate pipe of various lengths and cross sections. A work platform is located at either end of the magazine, allowing workers to manipulate the pipe in the magazine and load the pipe into one of two installation chutes. Catwalks are located on one or both sides of the magazine. Two chutes or channels are located on the platform at a comfortable work level. A primary chute is located closest to the magazine and is fitted with a fixed stop on the front end and a pushing lever on the rear end. A secondary chute is provided for final assembly of the pipe sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: James Carter Clare, Michael Eugene Conrad, Stewart Bradley Brodie
  • Patent number: 6576130
    Abstract: A wastewater absorption field reclamation and maintenance system, wherein effluent (wastewater) is oxygenated such that BOD is not reduced in the effluent, the oxygenated effluent being delivered to the absorption field. As the oxygenated effluent flows to the absorption field, the enhanced oxygen enables aerobic decomposition of organic matter which has reduced the infiltrative capacity of the absorption field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: North American Wetland Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6565284
    Abstract: A system for maintaining a surcharge on a sanitary sewer collection system to minimize the pressure differential across pipe walls carrying the waste and to offset the buoyant effects of hydrostatic pressure on the outside of the pipe. Pinch valves or other remotely controllable pipe closing devices are employed in combination with a system of monitors and a centralized control system to maintain and periodically release fluid from the surcharged system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
  • Publication number: 20030077123
    Abstract: A subterranean irrigation system comprises a conduit that is attached to a soaker sheet having upper and lower permeable membranes that define a hollow interior there between. The hollow interior facilitates fluid flow there through while minimizing fluid flow resistance. The sheet typically includes a heat welded side seam along three sides of the upper and lower membranes to prevent the flow of water there through, wherein the remaining edge of the sheet is secured to the conduit. The sheet further includes a plurality of holes cut into the upper and lower membranes, wherein the hole pattern extends over the entire sheet. The holes allow the roots of grass or ground cover to grow through the soaker mat and simultaneously define channels of water flow around the holes between the upper and lower membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew E. Moulton