Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil or other pollutants from the surface of water, comprising a platform having a left side wall, a right side wall, a rear wall, a front opening, a floor, and a bottom, one or more ballasts which adjust the platform floor relative to a level of oil on the water surface, wherein the oil flows from the front opening across the floor to the rear wall, a rear location near the rear wall to collect the oil from the platform floor; and a pump connected to the rear location that removes the oil from the rear location to a storage area which does not affect the ballast of the platform. The skimmer vessel can work stationary in the water, and does not require a propeller means, as the oil will continue to flow into the skimmer as the oil is pumped out of the rear by the gravity flow to the rear of the vessel.

Abstract: A system for identifying ponding water located on a field from image data is described. In an approach, an image of an agricultural field is analyzed using a classifier that has been trained based on the spectral bands of labeled image pixels to identify a probability for each pixel within the image that the pixel corresponds to water. A flow simulation is performed to determine regions of the field that are likely to pool water after rainfall based on precipitation data, elevation data, and soil property data of the field. A graph of vertices representing the pixels and edges representing connections between neighboring pixels is generated. The probability of each pixel within the graph being ponding water is set based on the probability pixel being water, the likelihood that water will pool in the area represented by the pixel, the probability of neighboring pixels being ponding water, and a cropland mask that identifies which pixels correspond to cropland.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a canal flow rate, comprising: measuring an actual measure value of an upstream water depth and an actual measure value of a downstream water depth of a target canal; presetting the upstream canal flow rate and surface water infiltration rate of the target canal, and respectively acquiring preset values of each; substituting the actual measured value of the upstream water depth, the preset value of the upstream canal flow rate, and the preset value of the surface water infiltration rate into Saint-Venant equations, so as to solve the equations and obtain a downstream water depth simulation value of the target canal; when the relative error between the downstream water depth simulation value and the actual measured value of the downstream water depth is less than or equal to the preset threshold value, acquiring a viable upstream canal flow rate and a viable surface water infiltration rate; otherwise, optimizing the preset value of the upstream canal flow rate and the preset value of the

Abstract: A centrifugal pump with adaptive pump stages includes an impeller configured to provide kinetic energy to fluid flow through the pump. The impeller has multiple geometric dimensions. The pump includes a diffuser connected to the impeller that is configured to convert the kinetic energy provided by the impeller into static pressure energy to flow the fluid through the pump. The pump includes an adaptive material attached to the impeller that is configured to modify, during operation of the pump, a geometric dimension to modify fluid flow through the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil or other pollutants from the surface of water, comprising a platform having a left side wall, a right side wall, a rear wall, a front opening, a floor, and a bottom, one or more ballasts which adjust the platform floor relative to a level of oil on the water surface, wherein the oil flows from the front opening across the floor to the rear wall, a rear location near the rear wall to collect the oil from the platform floor; and a pump connected to the rear location that removes the oil from the rear location to a storage area which does not affect the ballast of the platform. The skimmer vessel can work stationary in the water, and does not require a propeller means, as the oil will continue to flow into the skimmer as the oil is pumped out of the rear by the gravity flow to the rear of the vessel.

Abstract: Improved equipment bases and methods for making and using same are disclosed herein. The equipment base can include a first coated substrate including a first part having a first thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, a first elastomer coating the first part, a second coated substrate positioned adjacent to the first coated substrate, the second coated substrate including a second part having a second thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, and a second elastomer coating the second part. A first seam can be formed between the first and second coated substrates to allow for moisture to pass between the first and second coated substrates so that moisture is allowed to seep away from the bottom of the equipment.

Abstract: A weather mitigation assembly for reducing the surface temperature of the ocean to mitigate developing oceanic weather systems includes a buoy that is floated on the ocean. An air pump is coupled to the buoy and a plurality of tethers is each coupled between the buoy and the ocean floor for keeping the buoy in a selected spot. A network of bubble pipes is each laid along the ocean floor. A supply pipe is fluidly coupled between the air pump and the network of bubble pipes. In this way the air pump can pump air into the network of bubble pipes. Each of the bubble pipes releases air bubbles upwardly toward the surface of the ocean urge cool water on the ocean floor upwardly toward the surface of the ocean. In this way the surface of the ocean can be cooled thereby reducing thermal energy available for developing weather systems.

Abstract: Improved equipment bases and methods for making and using same are disclosed herein. The equipment base can include a first coated substrate including a first part having a first thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, a first elastomer coating the first part, a second coated substrate positioned adjacent to the first coated substrate, the second coated substrate including a second part having a second thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, and a second elastomer coating the second part. A first seam can be formed between the first and second coated substrates to allow for moisture to pass between the first and second coated substrates so that moisture is allowed to seep away from the bottom of the equipment.

Abstract: Heat storage of the sea is increased during the summer time by pumping relatively warmer surface water with wave-action pumps to the deeper layers with relatively cooler water. In locations where currents are minimal in these deeper layers, the lateral displacement of the warmer water introduced by wave-inertial pumps will be minimized. During the winter season, this additional heat will intensify evaporation from the sea, which will increase precipitation in the nearby continental zone. This “natural desalination process” using the energy of surface waves will bring additional freshwater to arid coastal areas during wintertime.

Abstract: An automated water control device comprises a rotatable housing that can be incrementally positioned to control flow of water over an upper or weir edge of the housing. The device is installed at a control point in an impoundment area, such as a settling pond. The housing is selectively rotated to raise and lower the height of the weir edge to a target gate height. Automatic control is provided for operation of the device by a controller communicating with an actuator. A system of the invention includes one or more water control devices and the controller. A method of the invention includes controlling flow of water from an impounded water source by use of the automated water control device. Manual or semi-automated embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water or other amusement attraction that includes an inflatable portion or material. A cavity of the attraction is located underneath an upper surface, the upper surface configured to support a flow of water and at least one rider thereon. A volume of water is configured to be disposed within the cavity, the upper surface floating upon the volume of water while connected to at least one side wall, floor, and/or nozzle structure. A pump and nozzle assembly, positioned outside of the cavity, communicates with the water within the cavity for flowing a portion of the water over the upper surface. A drainage portion, adjacent to the upper surface, drains the flowing water back into the cavity for recirculation. Support components, such as a plurality of beams or an inflatable grid structure help maintain stability for the attraction.

Abstract: Methods of containing liquid introduced onto a support surface include forming the support surface with at least two mats, the mats forming a perimeter of the support surface. A plurality of berm members is positioned at least partially around or proximate to the perimeter of the support surface and extends upwardly relative to the mats sufficient to prevent liquid introduced onto the top of the support surface from leaking off of the support surface around the perimeter thereof.

Abstract: A wall element for holding back water is formed in one piece and has a planar, rectangular main portion having a first side, a second side parallel to the first side, a third side perpendicular to the first side, and a fourth side parallel to the third side. A first planar bearing portion is connected to the main portion over the first side and perpendicular to the main portion. A second planar bearing portion is connected to the main portion over the second side and perpendicular to the main portion. The second bearing portion is opposite the first bearing portion. The wall element has a planar connecting portion connected to the main portion over the third side and inclined to the main portion. The connecting portion has connecting holes in the longitudinal direction, and the main portion has connecting holes along the longitudinal extent of the fourth side.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sediment from a pond includes: a handle; a vacuum unit connected to the handle, said vacuum unit having a first opening adapted for receiving material sucked into said opening and a second opening for material sucked into said vacuum unit to exit at a point outside said pond, said vacuum unit being submersible, supported by at least one wheel, and having an aperture for receiving a mixture from a bottom of the pond; a hose associated with said second opening; and a storage container, said storage container having a body and a storage film cartridge adapted to be positioned in said body, said cartridge having storage film therein, said storage film being permeable to water and having a mesh, and a sealing mechanism having an actuator operably connected to said cartridge, wherein actuation of said actuator rotates said cartridge causing said storage film to seal.

Abstract: A novel method for storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern is provided. Particularly, the storage process involves confining the high purity hydrogen at a certain pressure in a salt cavern without seepage or leakage of the stored hydrogen through the salt cavern walls. The pressure in the cavern is maintained during storage of the high purity hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water intake system for a floating vessel in a body of water, which includes within the hull of the vessel an intake compartment for taking in water from the body of water and a distribution compartment for distributing and supplying the water to one or more consumer units within the floating vessel. The intake compartment is arranged below a lowest operational draught of the vessel and has an inlet in a bottom region of the intake compartment. The intake compartment is coupled by a conduit to the distribution compartment for allowing water to flow into the distribution compartment. The water intake system further includes a water lift hose that is connected to the inlet and is extendible below the hull of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to floating lakes and to the treatment of the water in such lakes. The present invention further relates to large floating lakes that can be installed within a natural or artificial water body to improve water conditions that are unsuitable for recreational uses. The floating lake can be provided with a chemical application system; a filtration system including a mobile suctioning device and filters; a skimmer system, and optionally a coordination system.

Abstract: An oral appliance cleaning and storage device includes a housing, a top cap, and a bottom cap. The housing includes a first/wet compartment configured for receiving an oral appliance and a second/dry compartment configured for receiving at least one cleaner, breath mint, or other accessory.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for providing drinking water. First, a body of water is selected that has a geothermal floor creating a substantial range of depths where temperatures remain homogeneous, and an oxic to anoxic transition level at about 150 meters depth. Next, a conduit or other device is used to remove water from below the transition level. The removed water is then bottled or otherwise packaged for marketing.

Abstract: A tunnel design used to convey combined or sanitary sewage during wet weather events is disclosed. The design comprises an over chamber and an under chamber in releasable coordination with each other. The over chamber comprises an open canal and the under chamber comprises a box culvert.

Abstract: A water attraction, involving a flowing body of water, for performing board-riding maneuvers is described. A water attraction according to the present invention includes an activity section adjacent a safety chute; opposing sidewalls adjacent to a safety chute; a water delivery section creating water flow towards a safety chute; a water recovery section; and a rideable surface area. The rideable surface area further includes irregularly shaped surfaces with varying angles and elevations to increase difficulty and creativity in board-riding maneuvers.

Abstract: System for containing liquid introduced onto a reusable load-supporting surface includes a plurality of interconnectable berm members configured to releasably sealingly engage the load-supporting surface to prevent leakage of liquid from the load-supporting surface around its perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adsorbing and/or absorbing oil, by bringing oil into contact with a polyurethane sponge with excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method of harnessing geothermal energy to produce electricity without polluting the environment by using universal portable closed loop systems is provided. The Scientific Geothermal Technology, The Self Contained In-Ground Geothermal Generator; The Self Contained Heat Exchanger; and The IN-LINE PUMP consist of several designs and variations complementing each other and/or operating separately in many different applications in energy sectors. The system can be used for harnessing heat from established lava (tube) flows; harnessing the waste heat from the flame on top of flare stacks; and other situation where a source of heat is difficult to access or is not suitable for relatively heavy equipment of a power plant or power unit. Also, included is an exemplary use for restoration of the Salton Sea which implements the Scientific Geothermal Technology for exchanging water from a salty terminal lake with oceanic water and for production of electricity and fresh water.

Abstract: A liquid containment berm and its method of creation, assembly and use, wherein the berm has one or more interior seal members, a floor member and an outer wall member created by applying an expandable foam polymer along a desired retention or flow control pathway, the foam polymer expanding to form the liquid impermeable outer wall member. The berm is assembled and installed on site about a liquid container.

Abstract: A basin for swimming pools, artificial ponds and the like, comprising, within the bed excavated in the ground for its provision, a layer for protecting the internal surface of the bed, a first waterproofing layer, above the protective layer, an internally hollow structure, which is placed on the first waterproofing layer and whose inner face, directed toward the inside of the basin, is contoured or vertical, in order to provide a correspondingly shaped or substantially vertical wall of the central tank of the basin, a protective layer and a waterproofing layer for the outer face of the hollow structure, and a second waterproofing layer for the inner face of the hollow structure.

Abstract: A system for removing ammonia from landfill leachate comprising an economizer for producing high pressure hot water in a hot water circuit from heat exchange with a hot gas stream carrying waste heat; a boiler which is heated by the high pressure hot water to produce steam; and an ammonia stripper. The ammonia stripper has a leachate inlet connected to a leachate flow path, and an ammonia containing gas outlet. A leachate discharge outlet is connected to a leachate discharge flow path, and a steam inlet is provided which is connected to the boiler by a conduit. At a lower end of the ammonia stripper there is a forced air inlet. A randomly packed bed located between the upper end and the lower end. In use there is a flow of steam and air in one direction and of leachate in the opposite direction which releases ammonia from the leachate.

Abstract: A seismic-resistant fluid reservoir cover includes a plurality of panels and a network of flexible membranes coupled to adjacent panels. The flexible membranes are made of a potable water approved material, and the panels and the membranes create a fluid tight seal. Each panel in the reservoir cover is able to move along three directional axes independently of the adjacent panels while maintaining the fluid tight seal, at least in part because of the flexibility or the slack in the flexible membrane. A support member, such as a backer rod, may also be positioned in the spaces between the panels.

Abstract: Described herein is an autonomous fluid spill containment device for a pipeline which has a carrier conduit for transporting a fluid and a containment conduit located around the carrier conduit to define an interstitial space for receiving fluid spilled from the carrier conduit. The device includes a spilled fluid barrier for stopping spilled fluid flow. The fluid barrier is located in the interstitial space and extending between the carrier conduit and the containment conduit. A cable sensor is associated with the containment conduit for detecting spilled fluid flowing in the containment conduit.

Abstract: A method for on-site dissemination and disposal of all wastewaters or leachate, that is generated by a landfill or other wastewater generating site includes collecting the wastewater or leachate which comprises an aqueous solution, having solids, elements and compounds of concern therein. The wastewater or leachate is directed to an “Integrated Mobile Aerosolization System (IMAS)” having a turbine and being integrated and mobile. The turbine is driven so as to generate a fully integrated and mobile system of highly accelerated air that moves through the IMAS. An integrated pump is utilized to move the leachate or wastewater to a series of nozzles that aerosolizes the leachate or wastewater into the path of the system of air to form an air-wastewater mixture or an air-leachate mixture.

Abstract: A container adapted to be placed near a walkway or road and adapted to receive a solid ice prevention composition such as salt pellets. The container has an entrance opening and an exit opening. The entrance opening of the container may be connected to a downspout directly or via a connecting member to direct water from the downspout into the container. Water enters the container through the entrance opening and mixes with the ice prevention composition to create a solution having a reduced freezing point. The solution exits the container through the exit opening where it is able to flow in its liquid state even after the ambient air temperature falls below thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flood control device with direct sensing and control. The flood control device consists of a float which is connected with a flood barrier sheet and the flood barrier sheet will be pulled up by the float according to the flood water level. The flood barrier sheet is fixed at the support frame by having flaps. The flaps are filled by compressed air. The flood barrier sheet has a rounded ball shape protruding edge at four sides of the sheet which will be fully secured from slip out due to the pressure exerted from the flood water by compressed air filled flaps. The flood control device is anchored onto the ground by having a shaft (which is inserted into the hole of the bottom piece through a hard rubber ring at shaft end and groove at the bottom piece). A stand is anchored onto the ground and connected to the support frame of the flood control device with metal structure to prevent from collapsing due to force from the flood water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a canal control system for controlling the water level or water flow in a canal system (2), comprising: (a) a centralized master controller (20), (b) a local slave controller (30), (c) a wireless communication system between the centralized master controller and the local slave controller, (d) a (fixed) reference point (8) or (movable) marker (11) relating to the water level in the canal system, and (e) an adjustable actuator (9) in the canal system, such as agate or pump, whereby the local slave controller comprises a mobile device (13) capable of displaying a human-readable instruction which an operator can act upon to set the adjustable actuator. The operator takes a picture of the water level and/or of the setting of the adjustable actuator. The data of the picture is used for updating a mathematical model of predictive control of the canal system and for calculating the setting of the present actuator and for determining which actuator is to be visited next by the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for sealing a borehole from which oil discharges uncontrolled. Thereby, a hull is filled with cement and the cement mass is lowered around a cone-shaped pipe so that the cone-shaped pipe is simultaneously fixated and also sealed.

Abstract: A barrier for preventing contamination of oil from a well cellar is provided. The barrier includes a bottom ring and a top ring. The bottom ring may include a vertical arm and a horizontal arm. The vertical arm is attached to a top rim of a well cellar and the horizontal arm is extending inward towards the center of the well cellar. The top rim of the well cellar may abut at the inner corner of the bottom ring. A sheet of plastic may cover the bottom ring and the opening to the well cellar. A top ring may align with and may be secured to the bottom ring, thereby sandwiching the plastic sheet in between the bottom ring and the top ring. A hole may be cut in the plastic sheet at the opening of the well cellar.

Abstract: A self-expanding protective covering structure, provided with at least one resilient and collapsible frame element, formed into a continuous planar loop. The entire structure, which stretches a protective covering while in the expanded configuration and collapses into a coiled configuration, can be placed and removed from a pond by one individual.

Abstract: A combination blowout preventer and recovery device, comprising a lower part that is placed over a well pipe, and an upper part having a channel and plates to close it. The large end of the valve is placed over a well pipe through which fluid is flowing out. The small end of the valve is connected to the channel. A sleeve connected to the return pipe is placed over the well pipe. Positioning rings are attached to a high pressure pipe, that can fit inside the well pipe. Grinders remove matter from the well pipe. Pistons are attached to each of the plates. The pistons propel the plates across the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. Flanges may limit the pistons' movement. Gears can engage teeth on the pistons to withdraw the plates from the channel, to reopen it and allow the flow of fluid to resume.

Abstract: A membrane lined structure for storing large fluid volumes comprising a base surrounding by supporting wall structures, and lined with a double membrane sealed at the edges and formed into a plurality of cellular components which can be inflated and deflated to assist in positioning for purposes of constructing the structure and securing the liner to the upper edges of the structural walls. The cellular membranes can further be monitored to ensure the integrity of the membrane liner prior to filling of the structure or during regular operations.

Abstract: A blowout preventer and flow regulator, comprising blocks, each having a channel and plates to close it. The blocks are placed over a pipe through which oil or other fluid is escaping, so that the pipe is in their channels. Alongside the channel in each block are one or more plates, having diameters somewhat larger than the diameter of the channel. One or more pistons are attached to each of the plates. Explosive charges, or other suitable means, move the pistons to propel the plates across the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. Flanges may limit the pistons' movement. Gears can engage teeth on the pistons to withdraw the plates from the channel, to reopen it and allow the flow of oil or other fluid to resume. Plates may be withdrawn part way from the channel, to reduce and control the flow, without cutting it off completely.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing water from entering a containment sump of an underground storage tank. After accessing an interior of the sump and interrupting the flow paths of piping, a form is positioned in the sump. An annular open space formed between the sump's sidewall and the form is substantially filled with a settable material. An inside wall of the form next has applied to it a polymeric material to seal off an source of water seepage. The piping flow paths are reestablished to create a waterproof containment sump.

Abstract: A method of preventing or minimizing contamination to the soil about an oil or gas well, using a kit to install, an impervious and reusable liner and apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A method and system for storing and supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen pipeline in which a compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into a salt cavern for storage and a stored hydrogen stream is retrieved from the salt cavern and reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. A minimum quantity of stored hydrogen is maintained in the salt cavern to produce a stagnant layer having a carbon dioxide content along the cavern wall and the top of a residual brine layer located within the salt cavern. The compressed hydrogen feed stream is introduced into the salt cavern and the stored hydrogen stream is withdrawn without disturbing the stagnant layer to prevent carbon dioxide contamination from being drawn into the stored hydrogen stream being reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline. This allows the stored hydrogen stream to be reintroduced into the hydrogen pipeline without carbon dioxide removal.

Abstract: The device is provided with a plurality of intermediate grid plate elements (12) with a top and a bottom surface, which are adapted to be positioned one on top of the other. Each intermediate grid plate element (12) comprises a grate strutting (18, 19) as well as a plurality of support members (20) which are distributed, in particular in a regular manner, over the intermediate grid plate element (12), wherein said support members (20) extend between the bottom face and the top face of an element in a direction substantially transverse to the extension of the intermediate grid plate elements (12) and are supported on the support members (20) of an adjacent intermediate grid plate element (12) arranged below a respective intermediate grid plate element (12), and support the support members (20) of an adjacent intermediate grid plate element (12) arranged above said respective intermediate grid plate element (12).

Abstract: A method for the construction of an improved tank base. A tank base is constructed for protection against accidental spills and/or leaks associated with a tank battery. The improved tank base comprises at least one part of a suitable substrate, which allows for the adhesion of an elastomer such as polyurea. Polyurea is preferably applied using a spray device which yields an average coverage of about 50-80 mils, and most preferably 60 mils. If more than one substrate is used, one or more substrates can be bound together with a fastening system. Once pressure is applied in the form of weight, the fastening system can be removed, resulting in an improved tank base having at least one seam and impervious to the fluid of the tank battery.

Abstract: A portable, modular, and dynamically sized and shaped, above-ground, industrial-liquid-containment system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a plurality of elongated curbs, each of which has a substantially inverted-V-shaped cross-section. In variations, each curb can have a flat top surface, from which two walls extend downwardly at a predetermined angle. At the bottom of each of the curb walls, is a foot surface extending substantially parallel to the ground and to the flat top surface. The plurality of curbs are detachably coupled together to define a perimeter for a liquid-containment area. The height of the curbed boundary can be increased by installing curb-height extender members onto the first-layer of curb members. The defined containment-area floor and the plurality of curbs is continuously covered by liquid-impermeable sheeting in order to prevent leakage into the outer-ground environment.

Abstract: The invention provides modular units, associated component parts, and assemblies of the modular units and component parts, including storage and filtration systems, that are useful for making and using underground water management systems.

Abstract: A spill containment system is attachable to a riser pipe with an axially moveable seal. The spill containment system allows access to a drop tube in the riser pipe via a removable liquid communication assembly. The spill containment system includes a sealed interstitial space, which remains sealed during installation, service and use of the system. The spill containment system is protected by a weather resistant cover assembly.

Abstract: An underwater oil well blowout spill containment system includes a folded curtain positioned in a magazine around a deep water well head and blowout preventer (BOP). The magazine is positioned around the well-head and BOP and leaves room for required construction and maintenance. In the event of a blowout, the curtain is drawn upward from the magazine and cinched to contain leaking oil. A hose is connected to a port on the magazine to draw the oil to a tanker on the surface.

Abstract: Brine disposal systems are configured to receive brine from a brine source and to passively collect seawater from a nearby ocean during high tide using one or more tidal forces. Tidal movements during high tide, low tide, or both may be used to mix and thereby dilute the brine with the seawater. The mixture of seawater and brine is then passively discharged into the ocean during low tide using the tidal force, thereby minimizing the impacts on the marine ecosystem.

Abstract: A membrane lined structure for storing large fluid volumes comprising a base surrounding by supporting wall structures, and lined with a double membrane sealed at the edges and formed into a plurality of cellular components which can be inflated and deflated to assist in positioning for purposes of constructing the structure and securing the liner to the upper edges of the structural walls. The cellular membranes can further be monitored to ensure the integrity of the membrane liner prior to filling of the structure or during regular operations.