Abstract: A vapor mitigation system includes at least one vacuum pipe constructed and arranged to collect vapors beneath the floor of a building and to vent the vapors and a blower coupled to the at least one vacuum pipe. The blower is constructed and arranged to create a vacuum under the floor of the building. The vapor mitigation system further includes a controller configured to dynamically control a level of power supplied to the blower. The controller adjusts the level of power supplied to the blower in response to one or more environmental measurements.

Abstract: This apparatus protects a radon fan from damage due to falling water, ice, birds and animals and debris and is installed above the radon fan and protects the fan in several ways. It is installed just above the radon fan, thus taking advantage of warm “Earth Temperature” air to reduce ice build-up. Its screen replaces the birds and animals screen often installed at the top of the exhaust pipe where ice is formed. The screen additionally prevents ice and debris from falling into the fan. The water bypass catches back-flowing water and directs it around the fan. The access port serves as an opening for testing, observations and cleaning of any debris that is collected by the screen and the access port is sealed with a removable plug. This apparatus protects and extends the life of a radon fan and is made part of the radon mitigation system.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a concrete form system for building foundations wherein two substantially parallel form walls 12 are constructed using a plurality of retainer sections that can mechanically interlock end-to-end 42, 44 when the retainer sections 14, 16, 18, 20 incorporate a throughbore 22 or butt-up end to end when there is no throughbore. Additionally the present invention provides a separator bar and reinforcement posts whereby the separator bar 24 serves as base for the retainer sections and as spacer between stacked retainer sections 14, 16, 18, 20 which can in cross-section have a circular, oval or polygonal shape and in one additional element a ribbed exterior portion 46, 48 for added strength and a substantially hollow interior 22 that forms a corrugated conduit retainer 20 that is conducive to providing ventilation for effective and efficient radon remediation from the structure being constructed.

Abstract: A combination of a wood stove and radon collection system. A radon collection tube location in the basement of a building is connected via conduits leading into the combustion chamber of a wood stove. Means secure the radon collection outlet to the stove between the stove door and the stove main body. Metal strips extend across gaps formed between the stove door and stove main body when the outlet is in the installed position.

Abstract: A non-intrusive vapor collection and abatement apparatus comprises an above-floor mat with a collection space underneath the above-floor mat within which air can pass freely hut which is surrounded by a substantially vapor-proof barrier. A vacuum or suction may be applied to the collection space to remove undesirable vapors.

Abstract: A waterproofing and humidity control system is provided for a building which includes drain members located in trenches provided in ground beneath and adjacent the basement of the building. A suction and fan and motor assembly is located within a housing positioned within the building. Conduits communicate with the drain members and the motor and fan housing. An exhaust vent is located in the wall of the building spaced from the motor housing and has an air inlet and outlet. A separate conduit or duct communicates with and connects the inlet of the vent with an outlet of the motor and fan housing. The duct may extend between joints in the wall of the building. An adapter conduit is used with the system and is positioned between the motor and fan housing and the duct. The adapter conduit has portions which are offset from each other to allow the fan housing to be positioned in front of a finished basement wall.

Abstract: An environmental protection and detection system includes a vapor and gas impervious barrier extending beneath at least part of the area of an enclosure to prevent fluids leaked or spilled within the enclosure for flowing downwardly into the underlying soil and ground water and to prevent vapors and gases emanating from sources beneath the enclosure from percolating upwardly into the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned above the barrier and are connected to points outside the enclosure for use in detecting and removing contaminants leaked or spilled within the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned beneath the barrier and are vented to the atmosphere for preventing accumulations of fluids emanating from sources beneath the enclosure.

Abstract: An environmental protection and detection system includes a vapor and gas impervious barrier extending beneath at least part of the area of an enclosure to prevent fluids leaked or spilled within the enclosure for flowing downwardly into the underlying soil and ground water and to prevent vapors and gases emanating from sources beneath the enclosure from percolating upwardly into the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned above the barrier and are connected to points outside the enclosure for use in detecting and removing contaminants leaked or spilled within the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned beneath the barrier and are vented to the atmosphere for preventing accumulations of fluids emanating from sources beneath the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting condensate which forms inside an exhaust system. The exhaust system comprises an exhaust side in which condensate may be formed, a suction side, and an exhaust fan between the exhaust side and the suction side and coupled to each of the exhaust side and the suction side to form a conduit through which gaseous fluid may be conveyed. A hollow tube having a first open end and a second open end is provided. The first end is coupled to the exhaust side and the second end is coupled to the suction side so that the hollow tube communicates between the exhaust side and the suction side in a manner bypassing the exhaust fan. A means exists inside the exhaust side for diverting condensate away from the exhaust fan apparatus. The means is positioned to channel condensate into the first open end of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A kit for reducing the level of radon in a dwelling. Containing a rain-proof exhaust vent hood housing an axial fan, and a suction pipe attached to a length of flex-duct. The kit can be easily installed by most homeowners. The installer simply cuts a hole in the band-board atop the foundation wall of the dwelling, inserts the assembled vent hood and suction pipe in the band-board opening, attaches the proximal end of a length of flex-duct and positions the distal end of the flex-duct into a de-pressurization point in the dwelling. An existing sump pump well or drain tile field can serve as a de-pressurization point.

Abstract: A ventilation system for an interior of a motor vehicle including a fan secured to an interior surface of the roof of the motor vehicle. The fan is in communication with the electrical power source of the motor vehicle. A plurality of solar panels are secured to the motor vehicle in a spaced relationship. The solar panels are in communication with the fan. A plurality of vents are disposed within the side windows of the motor vehicle. The vents release hot air from the interior of the motor vehicle upon activation of the fan.

Abstract: A system for use in preventing a flow of gas from a gas-containing region (20) to an adjacent region (22) and/or for collecting or dispersing gas at the interface between the regions, comprising a composite barrier (10) installed so as to separate the two regions (20, 22), the barrier (10) comprising a gas-impermeable layer (11) and a gas-permeable membrane (12) interconnected so as to define an interspace (16) between them and arranged with the permeable layer (12) facing the region containing gas (20) to be dispersed or collected. A method is also described comprising the steps of connecting an aperture (36) or aperture of the barrier communicating with the interspace (16) thereof to pumping means (37) which, in operation, act to pump gas into or out from the interspace (16) by creating a pressure differential across the permeable membrane such as to cause gas to flow therethrough across a major proportion of its surface area.

Abstract: A radon mitigation method and system for mitigating the migration of radon into a building structure which includes an in-ground collection basin (200) formed in the foundation of the building structure. A liner (300) is located within the basin (200) with the liner (300) having both a sub-basin portion (320) and a rim portion (310). The rim portion (310) of the liner (300) forms a plenum chamber (400) between the liner (300) and the basin (200). The liner rim portion (310) is sealed to the basin (200) by a seal (410). A conduit (417) leads out of the building structure to remove gas from the plenum chamber (400). A pump (13) is operatively connected to the conduit (417) to exhaust gas through the conduit (17) to remove any radon within the plenum chamber (400) to the outside of the building structure.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting an underground water drainage sump system to below a floor slab for protecting the floor slab includes the steps of forming a sump hole below a floor slab of a building, drilling into and removing soil from below the floor slab so as to form a plurality of lateral passageways extending from a central location relative to an outer perimeter of the floor slab, extending the lateral passageways outwardly at two different levels and lengths and alternating therebetween to and beyond a footer at the outer perimeter of the floor slab, inserting a plurality of perforated collection pipes into the lateral passageways, placing a perforated drum into the sump hole such that inner ends of the perforated collection pipes are adjacent to the perforated drum, filling the sump hole around at least the lower portion of the perforated drum with drainage stones, placing a sump pump into the perforated drum, connecting the sump pump to a discharge pipe for transporting the drainage water from the perfor

Abstract: An apparatus for exhausting contaminant-laden air from a building area includes a monitoring device for determining when a contaminant level has exceeded a preselected value and which provides an output signal when the contaminant level has exceeded said preselected value, a motor-driven exhaust fan and associated conduit means for expelling air from the building area, and a timer-control circuit for actuating the exhaust fan for a predetermined period of time in response to an output signal from the monitor that the concentration of the contaminant has exceeded the preselected level. The apparatus allows for the removal of contaminants from an occupancy area of a building only when the level of the contaminant exceeds a preselected level, and only for a maximum predetermined period of time effective to reduce the amount of contaminant in the air to a safe level, thereby providing effective, energy efficient means for maintaining contaminant concentrations below a desired level.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing gas from above a floor slab of the interior living space of a structure to below the floor slab. The apparatus includes providing an opening which communicates from the top of the floor slab which communicates through the floor slab to the bottom of the floor slab. Further, this apparatus includes a device for imparting a partial vacuum in the opening to draw gas from above the floor slab to below the floor slab in association with the opening.

Abstract: Testing apparatus and methods are described for determining required vacuum characteristics of a radon evacuation system, wherein the radon evacuation system is of a type which utilizes floor vent holes in a basement floor to evacuate radon from beneath the basement floor. The preferred embodiment comprises an elongated vacuum tube extending from a floor vent hole to a variable vacuum test source. Pressure and air velocity measurement devices are positioned to determine actual static pressure and air flow rate within the vacuum tube. To determine the minimum vacuum required at the floor vent hole, the vacuum test source is adjusted to produce the lowest vacuum which will maintain a negative pressure in nearby test holes. The corresponding static pressure and air flow rate are then noted from the measurement devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing gas from above a floor slab of the interior living space of a structure to the juncture of the floor slab and a foundation wall, down along the foundation wall to and over a footing to below the floor slab. The apparatus includes providing an opening which communicates from the top of the floor slab at the juncture of the floor slab and foundation wall, down along the foundation wall to said footing and extending away from the foundation wall over the footing to at least the distance the footing extends from the foundation wall. Further, this apparatus includes a device for imparting a partial vacuum in the opening to draw gas from above the floor slab to below the floor slab in association with the opening means. In addition a method is provided having the steps of placing an opening between the top of the floor slab to below the floor slab and imparting a partial vacuum to said opening to draw gas from the top of the floor slab to below the floor slab.

Abstract: A heavy gas expeller assembly to be connected to a furnace assembly to collect, direct, and expel harmful heavy gases and fluids, including radon gas, from adjacent a support floor. The heavy gas expeller assembly includes 1) a gas collector duct member connected to an exhaust gas duct assembly from the furnace assembly; and 2) an outside air inlet duct member to transfer fresh outside air into a return air duct member connected to the furnace assembly to replace the air and heavy gases that are to be expelled through an exhaust fluid duct assembly connected to the furnace assembly.

Abstract: A supplementary heat and air supply system for a building includes a solar panel mounted to the exterior of the building, and a solar panel duct extending between the solar panel and the return air manifold of the building's conventional heating system. A fan or blower is positioned within the solar panel duct. The solar panel has a fresh air intake to provide fresh outdoor air to the interior of the solar panel. During daytime hours, when the temperature of air within the solar panel attains a predetermined level, the blower is operated to supply the heated air to the interior of the structure through the solar panel duct, with the heated air being supplied through the return air manifold. When the building's furnace operates, it draws air from the return air manifold, which also acts to draw air from the solar panel through the solar panel duct. The system acts to pressurize the building's interior during operation of the blower, to deter seepage of gases, such as radon, into the building's interior.

Abstract: A below grade heat recovery system discharges air into the drainage system below the floor slab and around the perimeter of a house or building. This air may be warm and moisture laden air ventilated from the building so that a portion of its energy content will be transferred to the surrounding soil, thus raising the soil temperature and reducing below grade heat losses. Pressurization of the sub-soil layer will reduce radon and soil gas transport from the soil, through the floor slab into the basement. Reduced foundation movement will also be reduced by the supply of a relatively constant flow moisture into the soil with the discharged air.

Abstract: A ventilation system allows for a user adjustable minimum inlet fresh air volume inflow rate, a user adjustable minimum exhaust air volume outflow rate, for an enclosed space, and provides for automatic adjustment of the air volume flow rate(s) to maintain the air pressure inside the enclosed space at a user selected level which is measured in relation to the relatively constant soil gas pressure beneath the enclosed space, or pressure under the floor of the lowest occupied level, under which floor, soil gas is present.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for venting soil gas to the atmosphere. Activation of a gas flow means, such as a fan disposed within a housing, directs soil gas from a gas source through a coduit, a housing and a vent to thereby vent the gas to the atmosphere. A shell is disposed about the housing and the vent, thereby defining an annular shell conduit about the housing and vent. A shell outlet at the housing inlet provides fluid communication between the shell conduit and the housing inlet. The gas flow means causes the shell conduit to be under reduced pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. Significant discharge of soil gas from the ventilation system through ruptures or defects in the housing, the vent or the shell is prevented by reduced pressure in the shell conduit, which causes a draft of air or soil gas to be drawn through the apertures into the shell conduit for subsequent ventilation of a substantial portion of the air or soil gas to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A sub-slab depressurization (SSD) radon reduction system uses an existing sub-slab refrigerant line chase as a vent pipe for suction of soil gas from a centrally located sub-slab suction point. A suction pit is excavated proximate the penetration of the slab by the chase, preferably by drilling and removing soil through the chase. The open ends of the chase are sealed with segmented end caps having two tubular sections, one for sealing around the refrigerant lines and the other for connecting externally to a soil gas evacuating air pump and internally to system monitoring instrumentation. A condensate dump assembly is located at the chase exit port.

Abstract: The system for removing the soil gas from the ground surrounding the building structure, includes a clean-out pipe, an air duct system, and a fan. The clean-out pipes are installed inside the building structure, accessible from the ground level and near junctions between the interconnecting pipes and the drain tile. The air duct system is securable to a clean-out pipe, and the fan is installed inside the air duct system. The air duct system is disconnected from the clean-out pipe during the cleaning of the drain tile system. The pressurized fluid projecting through the tip of the rocket nozzle, removes any obstructions in the drain tile, and the pressurized fluid projecting rearward from the nozzle, propels the rocket nozzle through the drain tile system. The air duct system is then connected to the clean-out pipe. The venting of air away from the drain tile system creates a negative pressure, which draws the soil gas into the porous drain tile.