# US 2021/0274767 A1 · Apparatus and method for soil stabilization > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2021/0274767 A1 - Document ID: US20210274767A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 17/194,402 - Filed: 2021-03-08 - Published: 2021-09-09 - Earliest claimed: 2020-03-08 - Assignees: Edward Scott Bell - Inventors: Edward Scott Bell - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20210274767A1 ## CPC - A01M 1/2094: {killing insects by using temperature, e.g. flames, steam or freezing (A01M1/22 takes precedence)} - A01M 21/00: Apparatus for the destruction of unwanted vegetation, e.g. weeds (control of undesirable vegetation on roads or permanent ways of railways E01H11/00) - A01M 21/04: Apparatus for destruction by steam, chemicals, burning, or electricity {(apparatus for burning A01M15/00)} - A01M: CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS (appliances for catching swarms or drone-catching A01K57/00; fishing A01K69/00 - {A01K99/00}; biocides, pest repellants or attractants A01N); APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS ## Abstract An apparatus for solarization of a volume of soil includes a support structure in the form of a frame having a first opening extending therethrough. The apparatus comprises a lid positionable over the frame, a plurality of walls extending under and away from the frame, and an assembly that redirects solar energy attached over the support structure. The lid and walls form a second opening. During operation the support structure is placed on a section of ground and adjusted for solar energy to be directed toward and through the lid. When placed on the ground, the frame, the lid, the walls and the adjoining ground form an enclosed volume that prevents thermal energy from escaping the enclosed volume while directing the solar energy into the volume via the second opening to heat underlying soil. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for defining a volume above a ground plane for the solarization of an underlying volume of ground comprising; a support structure with a first opening; a volume lid; a plurality of volume walls positioned to extend away from the support structure so that when the apparatus is above the ground plane the walls extend toward the ground plane, wherein the plurality of volume walls and the volume lid are attached to the support structure and the volume walls form a second opening, wherein, when the support structure is placed on a section of the ground to receive solar radiation into the volume, the volume lid and volume walls limit escape of thermal energy present in the volume into air surrounding the apparatus and allowing the thermal energy to elevate the ground temperature in the section of the ground via the second opening. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a subassembly positionable to redirect solar radiation toward the volume lid and into the volume. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the subassembly comprises a plurality of reflectors. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the plurality of reflectors are adjustable to be inclined relative to the support structure at an angle of at least 60 degrees to redirect radiation into the volume. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the volume lid is at least partially transparent. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein, during operation, thermal energy resulting from the solar radiation can penetrate into the ground to a depth of at least 6 inches. ### Claim 7 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the plurality of solar reflectors are part of a collapsible reflector assembly. ### Claim 8 (depends on 2) The apparatus of claim 2 wherein reflection caused by the subassembly can raise the temperature of the volume of soil to at least ˜71 C (160° F.). ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the volume of soil reaches a temperature of at least ˜71 C (160° F.) within twenty minutes under ideal conditions. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first opening is square in shape having dimensions 24 inches×24 inches. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The apparatus of claim 7 wherein an angle of incidence of the collapsible reflector assembly can be adjusted by the use of an angle adjustment insert. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the angle adjustment insert is wedge shaped. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The apparatus of claim 11 wherein an adjustable angle of incidence is determined by a height of the angle adjustment insert. ### Claim 14 An apparatus for heating a volume of soil comprising a support structure with: a first opening; a volume lid; a plurality of volume walls, wherein: the plurality of volume walls and the volume lid are attached to the support structure and form a second opening; and when the support structure is placed on a section of the ground, the volume lid and volume walls and the ground define a volume of air for which the volume lid and volume walls limit escape of thermal energy into surrounding air and permit the thermal energy to elevate temperature of the section of the ground. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising a radiation transfer assembly, where the radiation transfer assembly is attached to the support structure; and, when the support structure is placed on the ground the radiation transfer assembly directs solar radiation toward the volume lid. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The apparatus of claim 15, where the radiation transfer assembly comprises a plurality of solar mirrors. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The apparatus of claim 16 where, during operation, the volume of soil can reach a temperature of at least ˜71 C (160° F.) within twenty minutes. ### Claim 18 A method of heating a volume of air above a section of ground comprising the steps of: placing a support structure on a section of ground, and directing an amount of solar radiation onto a volume lid, where the volume lid is attached to the support structure, the volume of air is encased by the volume lid, the section of ground and a plurality of volume walls, wherein: when the support structure is placed on the ground, the volume lid and plurality of volume walls limit escape of thermal energy into the surrounding air. ### Claim 19 (depends on 20) A method of claim 20 further comprising the step of using a subassembly to direct an amount of solar radiation onto the volume lid.