US5538787A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Material and method for forming an underwater barrier layer
Assignee: Aquablok Ltd
•
Filing: 1994-06-30
•
Granted: 1996-07-23
•
Expires: 2014-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A bead for forming a barrier layer over an underwater surface. Generally, a plurality of such beads are required to form an effective underwater barrier layer. Each of the beads comprises a core, preferably formed of a piece of gravel. A sealant layer is provided which at least partially encapsulates this core. The sealant layer includes a clay and a binder. The binder facilitates the adhesion of the sealant layer to the core of the bead. To form such an underwater barrier layer over contaminated sediments beneath a body of water, a plurality of the beads are deposited on top of the contaminated sediments.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas J. Nachtman
- 👤 John H. Hull
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:06
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02B; E02B3/00; E02B3/16; E02B3/04; E02B3/12; E02D; E02D31/00; E02D2300/00; E02D2300/0037; E02D2300/004; E02D2300/0042; E02D2300/0051; E02D2300/0053; E02D2300/0054; E02D2300/0064; E02D2300/0068; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/25; Y10T428/29; Y10T428/2982; Y10T428/2991; Y10T428/2993; Y10T428/2998
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A material for forming a barrier layer over an underwater surface, comprising: a plurality of cores; and a sealant layer formed on a surface of each of said cores which includes a binder and a water absorbent clay in an amount sufficient to cause said sealant layer to swell upon contact with water, each of said cores and sealant layer forming a bead having a specific gravity which is greater than one.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A material for forming a barrier layer over an underwater surface, comprising: a plurality of cores; and a sealant layer formed on a surface of each of said cores which includes a binder and a water absorbent clay in an amount sufficient to cause said sealant layer to swell upon contact with water, each of said cores and sealant layer forming a bead having a specific gravity which is greater than one.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said cores is substantially completely encapsulated by said sealant layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said cores are formed of stone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said cores are formed of gravel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said sealant layer includes a bentonite clay.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A material as defined in claim 5, wherein said sealant layer includes calcium bentonite.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
A material as defined in claim 5, wherein said sealant layer includes sodium bentonite.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said sealant layer includes attipulgite clay.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said sealant layer includes an organo clay.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said binder is a polymeric material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A material as defined in claim 10, wherein said binder includes a cellulosic polymer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said binder includes guar gum.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said sealant layer includes a setting material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
A material as defined in claim 13, wherein said setting material is selected from the group consisting of gypsum and plaster of paris.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
A material as defined in claim 1, wherein said sealant layer includes a bird aversion agent selected from the group consisting of esters of anthranilic acid, esters of phenylacetic acid, and dimethyl benzyl carbinyl acetate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A material as defined in claim 1, further including a protective coating formed on a surface of said sealant layer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
A material as defined in claim 16, wherein said protective coating is formed of an acrylic resin.
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) | 1999-07-23 | 2000-01-22 | 2000-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-23 | 2004-01-22 | 2004-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-23 | 2008-01-22 | 2008-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |