US3699685A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Permafrost stabilization for bearing heavy structures
Assignee: Cities Service Oil Co
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Filing: 1970-09-30
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Granted: 1972-10-24
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Expires: 1990-09-30
Abstract
Abstract A process and apparatus are disclosed for improving load bearing capability of permafrost for mounting structures in arctic regions. The structures are loaded upon or within the permafrosted soil with means for melting the permafrost and means for removing water beneath the structures so that water accumulated from the melted permafrost may be drawn from below the structure and removed to the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 J O Scott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:26
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02D; E02D27/00; E02D27/32; E02D27/35; E02D3/00; E02D3/11; E02D3/115
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
51 words
Apparatus for the removal of water from permafrosted soil below a loaded structure, which comprises: a. one or more conduits penetrating the permafrosted soil; b. means for heating the permafrosted soil to melt the water contained therein; and c. means for removing the water from the permafrosted soil through the conduits.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus for the removal of water from permafrosted soil below a loaded structure, which comprises: a. one or more conduits penetrating the permafrosted soil; b. means for heating the permafrosted soil to melt the water contained therein; and c. means for removing the water from the permafrosted soil through the conduits.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which: a. the means for heating water from the permafrosted soil comprise electric heating elements formed within the conduits; and b. the means for removing the melted water comprise a fluid pump with the inlet of the pump positioned in the bottom of the conduit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in which the conduit is packed with an aggregate selected from the group consisting of sand, gravel and porous cement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in which the conduit has a screened bottom to prevent the movement of solids therein.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which the conduit is packed with an aggregate selected from the group consisting of sand, gravel and porous cement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which: a. each conduit comprises two concentric conduits, an outer conduit and an inner conduit forming an annular section there between; b. the means for heating the permafrosted soil comprises a heated gas injected down the annular section of the conduit to form a heated gas-entrained water mixture with the melted water from the permafrosted soil.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which the heated gas is exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 7 in which the inner conduit has a screened bottom to prevent the movement of solids therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
A process for the removal of frozen water from permafrosted soil below a loaded structure, comprising: a. drilling one or more holes in the permafrosted soil below the loaded structure; b. placing conduit in the drilled holes; c. heating the permafrosted soil below the loaded structure; and d. removing the melted water from the permafrosted soil through the conduits.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
59 words
A process for the removal of frozen water from permafrosted soil below a loaded structure, comprising: a. drilling one or more holes in the permafrosted soil below the loaded structure; b. placing conduit in the drilled holes; c. heating the permafrosted soil below the loaded structure; and d. removing the melted water from the permafrosted soil through the conduits.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The process of claim 9 further comprising packing the conduit after its placement with an aggregate selected from the group consisting of sand, gravel and porous cement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-24 | 1976-04-24 | 1976-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-24 | 1980-04-24 | 1980-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-24 | 1984-04-24 | 1984-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |