Reclamation patents issued
This table shows all Reclamation patents, with links to the full text on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website.
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Pat. No Subject Abstract 6,858,075 Thin Mortar Repair System for AAR Affected Concrete
(PDF printable version)A cement repair composition is provided for repairing thin concrete. The composition comprises, in weight percentages: fine aggregates, 50-80%; Portland cement, 10-20%; reinforcing fibers such as polyethylene, steel and fiberglass fibers, 0-5%; and a plurality of further additives. The additives preferably include a lithium admixture, an air entraining admixture and a water reducing chemical additive, and a shrinkage compensating chemical additive, in a combined weight percentage of 0.01 to 5%. 6,848,231 Steel Support Structure for Retrofitting Wooden Structural Elements
(PDF printable version)A method is provided for enabling an infrastructure, such as pipework or a bundle of electrical cables, to be passed directly through a wooden structural element without significantly weakening the structural element, rather than being routed around the structural element. A throughhole is provided in the structural element which extends between opposed sides. The method includes affixing to the wooden structural element a unitary reinforcement member including two spaced, parallel side plates joined together by a support plate. Each of the side plates has an opening therein as large as or larger than the throughhole. The reinforcement member is affixed to the wooden structural element by securing one of the side plates to each side of the structural element, with the opening of each of the side plates disposed so as to surround the throughhole. The side plates each include a pattern of fastener apertures and a plurality of fasteners penetrate through the fastener apertures into the wooden structural element so as to secure the reinforcement member in place. 6,823,737 Non-contact Inspection System for Large Concrete Dams
(PDF printable version)A method and apparatus are provided for performing non-contact inspection of large concrete structures such as dams. A phrased array acoustic source transmits an acoustic wave onto the concrete structure. A laser transmitter-receiver unit transmits a laser beam onto the surface of the structure such that the beam is modulated by the acoustic wave and reflected back to the receiver portion of the unit. The acoustic wave will be distorted by defects or anomalies in the concrete structure and this will affect the signal content of the received laser beam. The laser beam is ultimately converted into a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional tomographic image for further processing. 6,317,694 Method and Apparatus for Selecting a Sand Pack Mesh
(PDF printable version)A method and apparatus for selecting a filter pack and a well casing slot size for a well which uses soil classification data derived from cone penetrometer test. A user of the method and apparatus utilizes a piezocone or other soil classification sensors to measure soil properties in an area of contaminated soil or non-contaminated soil and then determine the soil type at specific depths within the soil. A multisensor probe generates a laser induced fluorescence intensity plot of the area of soil contamination which is superimposed on a soil boring log identifying the soil type at specific depths within the soil. The soil type for the area of contaminated soil is identified from the load cell data. Contamination within the soil is identified using the laser induced fluorescence intensity plot. 6,779,399 Sprinkler Performance Evaluation Catch Cup
(PDF printable version)A sprinkler measuring cup device is provided for use in evaluating sprinkler performance. The device is of a one-piece construction and allows measurement of depth of water applied. The measuring device is shaped to allow a plurality of devices to be staked one on top of the other. The device includes a central cup and peripheral ground piercing legs.
6,749,680 Thin Concrete Repair System
(PDF printable version)A cement repair material composition is provided for repairing thin concrete. The composition comprises, in weight percentages: fine aggregates, 50-80%; cement, 10-20%, said cement being selected from the group consisting of expansive hydraulic cement, gypsum cement, and magnesium phosphate cement; reinforcing fibers such as polyethylene, steel and fiberglass fibers, 1-5%; and a first water-reducing chemical additive, and a second shrinkage compensating chemical additive, a combined 0.01 to 5%. 6,712,552 Geosynthetic-Sand Irrigation Composite (GSIC)
(PDF printable version)The present invention is an economical and easily installed irrigation system for agricultural products covering large areas. The invention comprises top and bottom layers of geosynthetic material having a non-cohesive, porous material between the layers. A water distribution system is also placed between the layers. This system can be placed directly on the area to be irrigated without digging a trench or hole. Agricultural products, such as turf or row crops, are placed with top soil directly on the system. 6,588,728 MI (Modified Isbester) Gate Valve
(PDF printable version)A gate valve unit is provided for controlling the flow of a fluid through a conduit. The gate valve unit includes a valve body including a conduit connector member or flange. A valve face block affixed to the valve body includes first and second backwardly sloped surfaces. A pair of movable gate leaves are disposed on the first and second surfaces of the face block and are movable away from and toward a central passage through the unit for controlling fluid flow through the unit. A face seal provides a seal between the surfaces of the face block and the gate leaves. A visor seal is attached to the valve body which is movable between an operative position in which the visor seal provides sealing between the gate leaves, and an inoperable position away from the gate leaves so as to not interfere with the operation of the gate leaves. 6,565,644 Micro-encapsulated Crack Resistant Cement
(PDF printable version)A cement mixture is provided for preventing or reducing the formation of micro-cracks during hydration. The cement mixture includes both a conventional cement and a cement micro-encapsulated in a time-release polymer coating. The micro-encapsulated cement does not hydrate until a few hours to a few days after the bulk of the conventional cement has hydrated, thereby allowing for autogenous healing of small cracks. 6,541,106 Shaped Polyurethane Impregnated Hydrophilic Rubber
(PDF printable version)A material provided for sealing leaks in water conveyance systems includes a porous hydrophilic rubber impregnated with a water reactive polyurethane resin. When the material comes into contact with water, the rubber and polyurethane swell and this results in increased adhesion and improved sealing.
6,466,009 Flexible Printed Circuit Magnetic Flux Probe
(PDF printable version)A flexible probe is provided for detecting time-varying magnetic fields produced in an electric generator. The flexible probe is adapted to be disposed within an air gap formed between an iron stator and a rotatable rotor. An electrostatic shield layer is formed on a front face of the probe and a printed circuit forming at least one coil is printed on the back face. When the flexible probe is used for detecting time-varying magnetic fields, a voltage is induced in the coil when the coil is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field. 6,437,554 Laser-Powered, Fiber-Optic-coupled, Air-Core Current Transformer, Alternating-Current Measurement System
(PDF printable version)An air-core current transducer measurement system is provided for measuring current flow in a high voltage transmission line. The system includes a high voltage end including an electrically conductive case for the circuitry at that end and an isolated low voltage end which is coupled by a fiber optic cable to the high voltage end and which provides a scaled output signal. A current transducer located at the high voltage end includes a coil for sensing current flow in the transmission line and for producing a time derivative output signal. An electrostatic shield connected to the electrically conductive case provides electrostatic shielding of the coil. A low pass filter, connected to the transducer and to the input of the electrically conductive case, filters out electrical noise while an integrating and scaling circuit, located in the case, receives the output of the low pass filter and converts the time derivative signal into a scaled signal corresponding to the scaled output signal provided at the low voltage end. 6,427,718 Automated Farm Turnout (AFT)
(PDF printable version)An automated turnout system is provided for controlling water flow through a turnout gate. The system determines the water flow parameters of the open channel and adjusts the size of the gate opening accordingly. The turnout system includes a flow measurement structure such as weir or flume, a water level sensor for measuring the water level at the flow measurement structure, a flow control gate, an actuator for adjusting the gate and a position sensor for determining the gate setting. A controller determines the proper gate setting based on inputs from the water level sensor and position sensor. The system provides a low cost, practical way to control outflow under varying canal water levels so as to improve irrigation operations. 6,386,037 Void Detector for Buried Pipelines and Conduits Using AcoustiResonance
(PDF printable version)A method and system are provided for detecting a void in backfill material such as soil surrounding a buried conduit such as a pipeline. The void is detected by monitoring an acoustic response from the conduit in response to acoustic excitation of the interior of the conduit. An analysis of changes in the acoustic response is then related to the presence or absence of a void in the backfill material. 6,293,223 Semi-Artificial Diet for Mass Production of Insects
A diet for mass rearing of insects that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, e.g., beetles including weevils that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, comprises a homogeneous mixture of first portion which is subjected to sterilization in an autoclave comprising water, agar and salt mix and optionally also yeast extract, casein and a sugar, and of a second portion which is not subjected to sterilization in an autoclave which comprises host plant part fed on by insect larvae, vitamin mix, and antimicrobial agent(s). A method for mass rearing of insects that feed on hard, woody plant tissue, e.g., weevils, e.g., Hylobius transversovittatus or Cyphocleonos achates Fahraeus, comprises placing first instar insect larvae on an artificial diet comprising ground host plant part, incubating the larvae on the diet in darkness at a temperature ranging from 15 to 30.degree. C. and a relative humidity ranging from 50 to 90%, and retrieving adults as they emerge. 6176899 Water Treatment Process to Neutralize Gas Supersaturation
(PDF printable version)A method of degassing a volume of supersaturated liquid is provided which comprises introducing a plurality of microbubbles of gas substantially near the bottom of the volume of supersaturated liquid so that the microbubbles percolate up through the volume of supersaturated liquid to thereby effect removal of dissolved gas in the volume of the supersaturated liquid at the top of the volume. In one embodiment, the step of introducing microbubbles comprises introducing the microbubbles by recirculating deionized water through a hollow fiber microfiltration membrane. In another embodiment, the step of introducing microbubbles comprises introducing the microbubbles through a pipe from the turbine of a dam. In most applications, the volume of supersaturated liquid is water and the microbubbles of gas comprise air. The volume of supersaturated water advantageously comprises a volume of a river, lake or stream which is near a dam with a turbine. 6,105,430 Inspection of Concrete Structures Using Sonic Tomography
(PDF printable version)An acoustic travel time tomography system enables determining of physical properties of a dam, or a like concrete mass. The system includes a plurality of acoustic sensors, positioned on the dam at a plurality of spaced sensor locations which are known relative to each other, for producing output data responsive to the detection thereby of acoustic waves generated in the dam. An impact source produces an impact at an impact location which is known relative to the sensor locations so as to generate acoustic waves in the dam for detection by the sensors. A data processing unit acquires output data from the sensors produced responsive to acoustic waves generated by the impact source and analyzes this output data, together with data related to the relative locations of the sensors and the impact source, to determine physical properties of the dam. 6,042,701 Low-Power PV/EDR Solar Desalting System
Final Title: "Solar-Powered Direct Current Electrolysis Reversal System"
(PDF printable version)An electrodialysis system for desalting water is powered from a direct current power source. The system includes solenoid activated reversing controls and incorporates features which enable the system to operate unattended for continuous (24 hours per day) periods while still using minimal power. A microcontroller unit and a field circuit board control all reversing functions and fail-safe modes. The flow control portion of the system provides for flushing the system electrodes with product water so that chlorine gas generated during the electrodialysis process is picked up by the product water stream. 5,998,634 One-Step Synthesis of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) A method is provided for producing L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin-C) in a single process step. Starting material, particularly a mixture of compounds from the group consisting of glucose, sorbitol, sorbose, and 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, is catalytically oxidized in aqueous solution by hypochlorous acid. L-ascorbic acid then can be separated from the aqueous solution, and the unconverted reactants recycled for greater conversion. The reaction occurs in the aqueous state at ambient temperature near a pH of 5.5 when an optimum amount of hydrous cobalt-oxide is present in the solution. 5,902,749 Chemical Metering & Control System
A chemical metering and control system is provided which maintains a desired level of a pesticide (or other chemical) in any open or closed channel flow stream with fluctuating flow rates. The system dispenses an amount of the pesticide at an injection point of the flow stream along with a fluorescent indicating dye, and then takes a sample downstream from the injection point to determine how much of the indicating dye is present in the flow stream, and therefore how much pesticide is present. At the sampling point a pump extracts a flow stream sample and passes the sample to a fluorometer which measures the amount of fluorescent indicating dye injected upstream. A proportional integral derivative (PID) controller then adjusts the level of the pesticide/dye mixture in order to achieve the appropriate concentration of pesticide in the flow stream 5,863,444 Water Denitrification Process
(PDF printable version)A water denitrification process is provided which comprises stopping the reduction of nitrate at nitrite, lowering the pH of the water, and then gas stripping the nitrite out of the water by using air as the gas in a sparger. This allows considerable savings to be realized based on the reduced chemical removal costs as compared to other water denitrification processes. 5,839,317 Automated Becker Hammer Drill Bounce Chamber Energy Monitor
(PDF printable version)A system and method for providing analysis and evaluation of penetration test data for modifying Becker Hammer drill programs while in progress by measuring the bounce chamber pressure of a diesel hammer. The system comprises a pressure transducer connected to the bounce chamber for sensing the bounce chamber pressure, a data logger for monitoring the pressure transducer, storage means, a control module and a keyboard having a display screen to enable user control of the data logger, a telephone modem, and a series of instructions for controlling the schedule, pressure transducer measurement, control module signal monitoring, computation of data, and data storage operations of the data logger. 5,616,252 Water Treatment Process for Nitrate Removal
(PDF printable version)An ion exchange process utilizes a chemical system in which sodium nitrate is reacted with an acidic solution of urea to selectively precipitate nitrate ions from waste brine in the presence of chloride ions, thereby allowing for the recycling of the brine regenerant. 5,603,844 Instant, Chemical-Free Dechlorination of Water Supplies
(PDF printable version)Chemical-free autodecomposition of chlorine species to chloride ion and oxygen gas by contacting a chlorine containing liquid solution with a decomposition catalyst consisting of transition metals and their compounds in association with a high surface area per mass. The catalyst comprises Raney metals selected from the group including Raney Cu, Raney Ni, and Raney Co, and aluminum doped with transition metals selected from the group including vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc. 5,558,462 Flat Plate Fish Screen System
(PDF printable version)A fish screen device is adapted to be lowered to the bottom of a body of water such as a lake, river or the like and to be raised therefrom. The device includes, a housing unit including an upper flat wedge wire fish screen through which water passes and a discharge outlet for water passing through the fish screen for connection to external discharge piping. A controllable buoyancy arrangement, including a storage tank disposed within the housing unit and a compressor and control valves on shore, enables the housing unit including the fish screen to be lowered to the bottom of the body of water and to be raised therefrom. A pneumatic cleaning unit, also supplied from the compressor on shore, provides cleaning of the screen. 5,544,973 Concrete Step Embankment Protection
(PDF printable version)
A dam spillway system for embankment dam overtopping protection comprising a layer of free-draining, angular, gravel filter material, a plurality of rows of overlapping, tapered, concrete blocks assembled over the filter material in shingle-fashion, from the toe of the dam, up the slope to the top of the dam, and a plurality of fixed concrete toe blocks located at the toe of the dam, usually beneath the tailwater, and supporting each of the rows of concrete blocks. 5,332,509 Chemical Process for Removing Organometallics from Water
(PDF printable version)A chemical process for selectively removing organometallic compounds from water supplies. The process utilizes a combination of a transition metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, copper, iron and zinc, and an electropositive metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium and aluminum to effectively remove organometallic compounds from water whether present in ionic or non-ionic form. 5,322,800 Device for Field Sampling
(PDF printable version)This invention concerns a method and apparatus for collecting and preserving field water samples on site in which a salt solution, contained in a syringe by a rupturable thin film membrane, is injected through a strong acid or base ion exchange filter to produce a required amount of either nitric acid, sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide for sample collection and preservation. 5,244,581 Oxidation of Formaldehyde
(PDF printable version)A chemical process for the catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde and other organic compounds contained in a dilute aqueous solution, particularly waste water. The inventive feature resides in the use of a cobalt catalyst, at ambient temperature, at a pH of 5.5, to increase the rate of oxidation of the organic compounds when hypochlorous acid is the oxidant. The latter may be provided by a chlorine compound, such as sodium hypochlorate, calcium hypochlorite or chlorine gas dissolved in water. 5,196,401 Method of Enhancing Rock Fragmentation and Extending Drill Bit Life
(PDF printable version)A method of enhancing the fragmentation and excavation of hard, solid materials such as rock formations is provided which comprises adding to the rock surface an aqueous solution including a high molecular weight nonionic polymer such as polyethylene oxide which is capable of hydrogen bonding with water to produce charge-neutralizing positive charge dipoles. The nonionic polymeric solution is thus capable of neutralizing the rock surface charge and obtaining a condition of zero surface charge (ZSC) so that the drilling, tunneling, cutting or other similar operation can be conducted with substantial increases in drilling performance and penetration rate. The method is also extremely effective in extending the lives of drill bits, cutting tools, grinding media, or other polishing or drilling tools such that an enormous savings in terms of replacing equipment can be achieved. The method of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that the nonionic polymer solutions of the invention are effective over a wide range of concentrations in neutralizing the rock surface charge, which has not been the case with previously used methods involving cationic compounds which were only effective at very specific concentrations. The method of the present invention provides a means for enhancing performance and achieving substantial cost savings in a wide variety of drilling, tunneling, cutting and other similar operations. 5,189,799 Laser Goniometer The laser goniometer is an apparatus which permits an operator to sight along a geologic feature and orient a collimated lamer beam to match the attitude of the feature directly. The horizontal orientation (strike) and the angle from horizontal (dip), are detected by rotary incremental encoders attached to the laser goniometer which provide a digital readout of the azimuth and tilt of the collimated laser beam. A microprocessor then translates the square wave signal encoder outputs into an ASCII signal for use by data recording equipment.
5,181,479 Fish Egg and Larvae Collection System A system for continuously collecting and preserving fish eggs and larvae by pumping, concentrating, separating, and preserving samples for a specific period of time or volume. Water containing fish eggs and larvae is pumped by a centrifugal pump through smooth-walled plumbing into a headbox. Water flows out of the headbox over a sheet-metal ogee crest down over an inclined panel and then across a wedge-wire screen. Water with retained material drops through smooth-walled plumbing and a swing-joint union into a diverter arm. The swing-joint union is coupled through a chain and sprocket to a stepper motor programmable to position the diverter arm over each of the sample buckets. A peristaltic pump operates on a preset time and delivers a calculated concentration of formalin to a previously filled sample bucket. 5,089,141 Chemical Process for Removing Selenium from Water A chemical process for selectively removing organoselenium compounds and selenate from water supplies. The process utilizes a combination of transition metal selected from the group consisting of nickel and copper and an electropositive metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium and aluminum to effectively remove selenium whether present in the water as organic or inorganic compounds or in ionic or non-ionic form. 5,086,568 Geological Gyrocompass The geological gyrocompass is an accurate, portable instrument useful for geologic mapping and surveying which employs an aircraft gyrocompass, strike reference bars, a pair of sights and leveling devices for horizontally leveling the instrument. A clinometer graduated in degrees indicates the dip of the surface being measured. 5,078,473 Pyramid Beam Splitter The apparatus of the present invention provides means for obtaining accurate, dependable, measurement of bearings and directions for geologic mapping in subterranean shafts, such as, for example, nuclear waste storage investigations. In operation, a laser beam is projected along a reference bearing. A pyramid is mounted such that the laser beam is parallel to the pyramid axis and can impinge on the apex of the pyramid thus splitting the beam several ways into several beams at right angles to each other and at right angles to the reference beam. The pyramid is also translatable and rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the reference beam. 5,069,800 Denitrification A chemical process for the denitrification of water comprising treating water with a metal sufficiently electropositive to decompose the water while regulating the pH within a range effective to permit efficient reduction of nitrate ion. The pH is regulated with alkali in a manner that avoids metal oxide formation and loss of metal by decomposition of water and results in the selective reduction of nitrate ion in the presence of sulfate and chloride ions. 5,050,493 Draining Pore The invention is used to extract pore fluid from porous solids through a combination of mechanical compression and inert-gas injection and comprises a piston for axially compressing samples to force water out, and top and bottom drainage plates for capturing the exuded water and using inert gas to force water to exit when the limits of mechanical compression have been reached. 4,979,846 Contraction Joint A contraction joint for use in forming a layer of concrete is disclosed which comprises a base, a central projection extending from the base having an upper apex section of uniform thickness and a lower triangular section having a cut-out portion to assist in the contraction and expansion of the joint, a plurality of water stops attached to the base, at least one on each side of the central projection, and a plurality of elongated ribs located between the water stops and the central projection. The joint is designed to be positioned so that the tip of the central projection is disposed at or slightly above the level of the surface of the layer of concrete formed above the joint. The use of the joint prevents a bond from forming in two adjoining concrete panels so that deterioration at the panel interface is reduced, stress in the concrete is relieved, and buckling is prevented. The joint is made of a flexible, durable material, and is particularly suitable for use in the preparation of concrete-lined structures for water conveyance systems such as canals or reservoirs. 4,903,163 Directional Harmonic Overcurrent Relay Device
(PDF printable version)A single or multiple phase directional harmonic overcurrent relay device suitable for simultaneously monitoring overcurrents at either of two harmonic frequencies in an electric power system is provided which comprises current and voltage input means, upper and lower harmonic current and voltage filters, a trip means which can enable an appropriate protective or diagnostic device when a condition of harmonic overcurrent exists, and a phase detection means which receives signals from the voltage and current filters and transmits a signal to the trip means only when the phase angle between the harmonic voltage and harmonic current is within a specified range. The two harmonics that are to be monitored simultaneously, such as the 5th and 7th harmonics, can be selected by means of a series of simple filter cards which can be inserted into a card cage in an apparatus housing the relay of the present invention. The relay of the present invention also employs adjustable taps for conveniently setting the minimum level of harmonic current corresponding to a condition of overcurrent, and provides a selection of time-overcurrent characteristic operating curves to delay the operation of the trip means once a condition of harmonic overcurrent has been detected. The relay is advantageous in that extremely low levels of harmonic overcurrent can be monitored so as to or prevent damage to a power system, and in that two harmonic currents may be monitored simultaneously.
4,891,576 Ground Based Transmission Line Conductor Motion Sensor A ground based conductor motion sensing apparatus is provided for remotely sensing movement of electric power transmission lines, particularly as would occur during the wind induced condition known as galloping. The apparatus is comprised of a motion sensor and signal generating means which are placed underneath a transmission line and will sense changes in the electric field around the line due to excessive line motion. The detector then signals a remote station when a conditioning of galloping is sensed. The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous over the line mounted sensors of the prior art in that it is easier and less hazardous to install. The system can also be modified so that a signal will only be given when particular conditions, such as specific temperature range, large amplitude line motion, or excessive duration of the line motion, are occurring. 4,806,264 Method of Selectively Removing Selenium Ions from an Aqueous Solution A method of selectively removing selenium ions from an aequeous solution containing selenium ions comprises contacting the solution with an amount of ferrous ion effective to reduce the selenium ions to elemental selenium. The contacting is preferably conducted at a pH of about 9 and the ferrous ions are preferably provided in situ in the form of ferrous hydroxide. The method may further comprise removing ferric oxides to which the ferrous ions are oxidized, these ferric oxides containing the elemental selenium produced by the reduction of the selenium ions, and separating the ferric oxides from the elemental selenium by adding a strong acid thereto. - 4,489,044 Formation of Tungsten Monocarbide from a Molten Halide Phase by Gas Sparging
(PDF printable version)Tungsten monocarbide is prepared by sparging a molten composition comprising an alkali metal halide and an oxygen compound of tungsten with a gas comprising a gaseous hydrocarbon, particularly methane.
N/A Desalnet Stilling Basin Deflector High Voltage DC Ramp Tester CRADA Red Rock Ranch Irrigation Treatment CRADA DHI Collaboration Membrane/DU/SST PAM Collaboration - Turfgrass Fish Imaging Deluge Testing CRADA MWD CRADA - Small Scale Test MWD CRADA - Pilot Scale Test Disposable Device for Delivery of Accurate and Filtered Liquid Samples Continuous Flow Measurement Recorder & Recording Method (Former title: Flume or Weir Flow Rate Sensor and Recorder) (Stringam/Frizell/Mefford) Multi-Composite Barrier System SHF Radio Communication System For Tunnels & Confined Spaces Battery Cell Float Voltage Equalizer Apparatus for Controlling a Fluid Discharge (Clamshell Gate) Method for Controlling Microorganisms Electric Fan Platform for Modular Office Furniture Snail Suction and Collection Device Thin Mortar Repair System For Normal Concrete Temperature Indicating Device Fish Egg Screen PA Membrane Fong Buoy System Rough Zone Monitoring Retention Pins Battery Cell Float Voltage Equalizer Improvement Rotor Turning Gear Acoustic Barrier Secure Comm System GE Hydro - Genl Stator Winding Fault Locator