Abstract:
A storm water catch basin hazardous liquid valve that is automatically responsive to the presence of hazardous liquids in storm water run-off, the valve utilizing a hydrophobic barrier member to separate hazardous liquids from water. Collection of a sufficient amount of hazardous liquids across the hydrophobic barrier member initiates a float release member to seal off the catch basin. In the neutral or non-activated status, the storm water run-off enters the catch basin, passes through the valve assembly and out through the storm water conduit system in normal manner. When a hazardous liquid, such as oil, gasoline, chemicals, etc., is present in the storm water run-off above a threshold amount, the valve activates to close off the catch basin such that the storm water run-off is precluded from entering the storm water conduit system.
Abstract:
Improved superhydrophobic and/or super-oleophobic multi-layer coating compositions or treatments having increased durability and abrasion resistance, the compositions having a bottom layer with solid particles possessing high abrasion resistance and a top layer with particles imparting the superhydrophobic and/or super-oleophobic properties, wherein the bottom layer particles are significantly larger and significantly more abrasion-resistant than the top layer particles, such that portions of the bottom layer particles are exposed on the surface when part of the top layer is abraded, thereby creating an effective contact surface that significantly reduces further abrasion of the top layer without significantly reducing the superhydrophobic and/or super-oleophobic properties.
Abstract:
A method of lining a metal oil well pipe in situ, by providing a pipe liner composed of a polymer tube having a fabric or mesh reinforcing layer mechanically bonded to its exterior, inserting the pipe liner into the oil well pipe by adding water or other weighting means into the pipe liner, and opening the pipe liner to allow oil to flow therethrough, thereby expanding the pipe liner composite tightly against the oil well pipe.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing waterproof apertured materials or surfaces using nanoparticle hydrophobic compositions and treatments, and preferably superhydrophobic compositions and treatments, wherein apertures of a size that would normally render the surface or material water-permeable may be provided in the surface or material. The method comprises determining the extent of the hydrophobic field that extends beyond the physical edge of a particular treated intersecting member interwoven to form the material to determine the allowable size of an aperture, such that the extended hydrophobic field present on the intersecting members surrounding an aperture will be sufficient to prevent surface wetting and water permeability by fully overlapping the aperture or by presenting a reduced area effective aperture that precludes passage of water. In certain embodiments, the apertured material is provided with a liquid impermeable backing layer.
Abstract:
A method and device for removing a minor portion of carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases of a motor vehicle, wherein less than 20 percent of the carbon dioxide is removed, and further wherein exhaust flow is not impeded such that there is no significant reduction in efficiency of the motor itself.
Abstract:
A methodology, and related systems and structures for accomplishing the methodology, of biological remediation of hazardous or undesirable organic matter, wherein a plurality of carrier members are disposed in a localized retaining member, the carrier members releasing or exposing microorganisms to the undesirable organic matter on a staggered basis over an extended period of time, the microorganisms being capable of biologically remediating the undesirable organic matter by utilizing the organic matter as a food source, thereby converting it into environmentally safe bi-products. Carrier members containing nutrients necessary for the survival of the microorganisms and having release times corresponding to the release times of the microorganisms are also provided to insure that the microorganisms remain viable upon release.
Abstract:
A water purification method and devices, and in particular a purification method effective against microbes, that uses a silane-based antimicrobial, and in particular the AEGIS MICROBE SHIELD antimicrobial, where the antimicrobial is embedded, coated, or otherwise permanently applied to a substrate or carrier, such as a solid, a porous solid, fibers or the like. A volume of microbe contaminated water is exposed to the antimicrobial carrier for sufficient residence time such that sufficient quantities of microbes are eradicated and the water is made potable. The antimicrobial carrier may be an object suspended or placed into a container or reservoir for the water, or the antimicrobial carrier may comprise the container or reservoir itself. Particulate filters or the like may also be combined with the antimicrobial container to remove other undesirable contaminants.
Abstract:
A magnetic bumper guard, the guard being constructed such that it may be magnetically mounted onto a structural member to be protected, such as the corner, post, rail or leg of a structure composed of a suitable metal, the guard having a rear channel or slot bounded by a pair of side flanges, a magnet-receiving recess positioned within the rear channel, a hollow interior, a rounded or curved forward wall, and a magnet, whereby frontal force is absorbed by the guard and lateral or angular forces cause the guard to disengage from the structural member, thereby dissipating the force.
Abstract:
A multiple layer drain seal device for rapidly sealing the apertures in a drain grate, the drain seal having a lower sealing layer and an upper protective cover layer, the lower sealing layer being separable from the upper protective cover layer except at discrete attachment points, wherein the lower sealing layer is softer, more flexible and has lower shear resistance than the upper protective cover layer, such that the lower sealing layer sags into the drain grate apertures but the upper protective cover layer does not.
Abstract:
A secondary containment apparatus for use in combination with primary containers for hazardous wastes such as drums or large barrels, comprising a generally rectangular base member and two generally rectangular lid members of a size sufficient to enclose one or more primary containers. The lid members are moveable only laterally in relation to the base member, the lateral movement allowing access to the drums contained within. The lid members have interlocking means to form a releasable closure, and have engagement means for attachment to the base member. The base member is impermeable to liquids, and is preferably composed of translucent plastic for visual inspection.