US3797250A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Capillary device
Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co
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Filing: 1972-02-07
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Granted: 1974-03-19
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Expires: 1992-02-07
Abstract
Abstract A device for sorbing large amounts of liquid by capillary action. The device comprises a multiplicity of cylindrically shaped particles. Each particle comprises a plurality of capillary sized passageways which run the length of the particle. The particles each sorb an amount of liquid, by capillary action, equal to the volume of the capillary passageways. The particles may be used in any application requiring the sorption and retention of liquids. These particles have particular application to sorbing and retention of water from muddy soils so as to improve the load-bearing characteristics of the soil.
Inventors
- 👤 G Canevari
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 13:13
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02D; E02D3/00; E02D3/02; E02D3/10; E02B; E02B11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A process for increasing the load-bearing characteristics of wet soils by sorbing and retaining water therefrom comprising disposing in the wet soil onto which heavy loads are to be disposed a plurality of pre-dried capillary devices having capillary passageways of diameter and length such that removal of water therefrom by external pressure is substantially resisted by capillary forces, said devices having a length of 1/8 to 2 inches and 80,000 to 2,500,000 passageways per square inch of cross section, each passageway having a diameter in the range of 5-50 microns drawing water from said soil into said capillary devices, and retaining the water in said capillary devices by capillary forces, thereby increasing the load-bearing capacity of said soil without removing water therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A process for increasing the load-bearing characteristics of wet soils by sorbing and retaining water therefrom comprising disposing in the wet soil onto which heavy loads are to be disposed a plurality of pre-dried capillary devices having capillary passageways of diameter and length such that removal of water therefrom by external pressure is substantially resisted by capillary forces, said devices having a length of 1/8 to 2 inches and 80,000 to 2,500,000 passageways per square inch of cross section, each passageway having a diameter in the range of 5-50 microns drawing water from said soil into said capillary devices, and retaining the water in said capillary devices by capillary forces, thereby increasing the load-bearing capacity of said soil without removing water therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
134 words
A wet soil stabilizing device for sorbing water from wet soils and retaining said water when subjected to pressure thereby increasing the load-bearing capacity of said soils, said stabilizing device comprising a plurality of contiguous water-free capillary passageways passing in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the device, said passageways being open at their ends to permit access of said water to said passageways thereby withdrawing said water from contact with said soil, said passageways being of sufficiently small diameter and length for retaining said water within said stabilizing device by capillary action when subjected to external pressure, said devices having a length of 1/8 to 2 inches and 80,000 to 2,500,000 passageways per square inch of cross section, each passageway having a diameter in the range of 5 to 50 microns.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
134 words
A wet soil stabilizing device for sorbing water from wet soils and retaining said water when subjected to pressure thereby increasing the load-bearing capacity of said soils, said stabilizing device comprising a plurality of contiguous water-free capillary passageways passing in the longitudinal direction over the entire length of the device, said passageways being open at their ends to permit access of said water to said passageways thereby withdrawing said water from contact with said soil, said passageways being of sufficiently small diameter and length for retaining said water within said stabilizing device by capillary action when subjected to external pressure, said devices having a length of 1/8 to 2 inches and 80,000 to 2,500,000 passageways per square inch of cross section, each passageway having a diameter in the range of 5 to 50 microns.
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) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |