Abstract:
A structurally integrated modular system for energy recovery from vehicular traffic as further disclosed. The system comprises an “X” & “Y” axis horizontal array of Linear Electromagnetic Generators, (LEGs), in a close packed hexagonal or other shaped structural grid, as further disclosed. Each LEG is spring-less, using a high strength main core magnet, and a fixed lower magnet to repel the main core magnet at a designed coercive restoring force. The plurality of LEGs are contained within Modular Prefabricated Structural Sandwich Composite Panels, (MPSSCPs), designed to be placed upon a roadway surface, (whose upper surfaces are flexible and lower surfaces semi-rigid). The resultant energy recovery is thereby converted to electric power and heat. The MPSSCPs, and their accessory panels are thereby installed upon a roadway bearing surface to generate clean electric power and heat, which thaws ice and snow, when and where necessary.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for a porous pavement system are described. The porous pavement system includes paver blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the paver blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The paver blocks may be cabled together to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The porous pavement system provides improved management of stormwater, reducing runoff and facilitating infiltration of stormwater into the subgrade below the paving system.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating and forming a continuous covered area, such as a sidewalk or patio, employing vertically interlocking tessellated components. One embodiment, termed PORTAPAVE™, achieves this interlocking via an array of uniquely configured two-sectioned pavers. Each paver has a first section of a first shape and a second section of a second shape impressed upon the first section and bonded together. In one embodiment, first sections of pavers are installed in a bottom layer to form a cavity between them having the same shape as the second section of a paver that is inverted onto the pavers of the bottom layer, thus providing a top layer. Each inverted paver in this top layer is fitted to interlock in that cavity formed between the un-inverted pavers in the bottom layer.
Abstract:
A pre-fabricated concrete slab system and method have matching rectangular slabs with cooperatively fitting male and female type connectors which fit adjacent to each other in a checkerboard fashion. The slabs include spaced reinforcing rods extending longitudinally and transversely therethrough. In at least some of the slabs, the rods' distal ends protrude outwardly away from one or more side edges of the slabs to form a plurality of male connectors. Correspondingly, at least some of the slabs include a plurality of corresponding female sockets on one or more sides thereof, each female socket receiving a corresponding male connector when dropped therein. Through interconnection of corresponding female sockets and male connectors by steel reinforcing bars extending in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, a continuous tension reinforcement is established between adjacent slabs in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
Abstract:
Flat, portable, structures constructed of boards or treads mounted on a flexible backing for use as straight or curved walkway sections or patio sections which can be rolled up like carpeting and carried by a person of medium strength. The full-size, substantially impervious, flexible backing material is prevents mud, weeds, sand and hazardous or noxious materials and insects from coming through the walkway or floor. The top surface is designed to provide beauty and sufficient stability for pedestrians, even those with some disability in walking, and for wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, etc.
Abstract:
A weldment connector for use with castable concrete slabs, each of the slabs including a length, width and depth and having at least one opposing and extending edge. The weldment connector has a substantially elongated and planar shaped front face and first and second legs which are both integrally formed with and extend from opposite end locations of the front face. The legs further extend in a combined axial and rotationally offset fashion relative the front face and each includes a horizontally extending and vertically spaced apart component with passes either above or below a mesh screen associated with the concrete slab. Additional features of the weldment connector include the width of the extending legs increasing, from a first end associated with the interconnecting and planar shaped front face, to outermost extending ends thereof. Also, pluralities of undulating portions may be formed in substantially width-wise extending fashion and at spaced apart locations along each of the legs and, in combination with the outwardly flaring of the legs, provides for increased gripping and holding forces of the associated concrete slab.
Abstract:
A weldment connector for use with castable concrete slabs, each of the slabs including a length, width and depth and having at least one opposing and extending edge. The weldment connector has a substantially elongated and planar shaped front face and first and second legs which are both integrally formed with and extend from opposite end locations of the front face. The legs further extend in a combined axial and rotationally offset fashion relative the front face and so that, upon being embedded within a first selected slab of concrete with front face extending in exposed fashion along its extending edge, the construction of the legs exhibits greater resistance to cracking. In use, a second weldment connector is likewise embedded within a second selected slab of concrete in similar fashion and so that its corresponding front face extends along an opposing extending edge, in proximate fashion relative to the front face of the first weldment connector. A conventional weldment, such as is provided by an electric weld gun, secures together the front faces of the first and second connectors. In use, the weldment connectors act to redistribute, within the interior body of each concrete slab, load forces applied along its common seamed edge.
Abstract:
Walkable foot plates are laid directly on a concrete slab or a water resistant layer on a roof. Each foot plate has crack inducing grooves which divide the plate into blocks which are connected to each other by weak joint portions defined by the grooves. The foot plate cracks along the grooves to be accommodated to uneven surface portions of the slab or layer. Flexible reinforcing material extends across the weak joint portions to maintain the blocks connected to each other after the weak joint portions are cracked.
Abstract:
The invention relates to road surface matting. It is known to overlay the ground with mats to make a better surface for vehicles to drive on. Known road matting includes beams arranged in parallel, each within its own pocket in a fabric mat. However, inordinate reliance on fabric makes matting vulnerable to wear and tear. The invention aims to go at least some way toward addressing this problem by providing matting having a first mat, a second mat, and a means for pivoting comprising at least two ball joints, each joint comprising a ball adapted to pivot within a housing of the joint. Each mat has a series of substantially parallel beams connected to one another, and the first and second mats are each connected to a respective one of the balls so that each mat is able to pivot with the respective ball.
Abstract:
A prefabricated paving slab includes specialized combinations of substantially vertical passages and cavities to enable “drop in” installation. The paving slab may include retractable coupling rods aligned using spacers having seating surfaces and alignment surfaces. Cavities of the paving slab, each configured for receiving a coupling rod, preferably are arranged in orientation(s) and pattern(s) selected for receiving and transferring the stresses of loads travelling in a pre-determined direction.