Ground surface contour modifying apparatus and method
OwnerDavid Fleminginventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A ground surface contour modifying apparatus and method which includes a plurality of independent, selectively actuable hydraulic elements positioned below the surface of a defined area of ground. Selective actuation of the hydraulic elements enables modification of the contours of the overlying ground surface.
Claims39
A method for changing contour of the surface of the ground comprising the steps of:
- placing a relatively stiff but somewhat flexible support sheet beneath the surface of the ground;
- placing a plurality of hydraulic elements beneath the support sheet;
- and
- connecting means to independently deliver fluid to and remove fluid from each of the hydraulic elements, wherein the support sheet selectively rises and subsides, thereby changing the contour of the ground surface.
A method for building a defined area of ground with means for changing the surface contour thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
- preparing the defined area with compacted subsoil below the ground surface;
- adding a bed of gravel above the subsoil;
- placing a plurality of hydraulic elements on the gravel bed;
- connecting elongated conduit means to each said hydraulic elements
- placing a relatively stiff support sheet on top of the hydraulic elements;
- completing the defined area by placing growing plant soil material atop the support sheet;
- and
- connecting the conduit means to means for selectively, independently delivering fluid to and removing fluid from each of said hydraulic elements, whereby the support sheet is enabled to selectively rise and subside, thereby changing the contour of the ground surface.
Apparatus for changing the contour of the surface of the ground, said apparatus comprising:
- a relatively stiff but somewhat flexible support sheet beneath the surface of the ground;
- a plurality of hydraulic elements located beneath said support sheet;
- and
- means connected to each of said hydraulic elements to selectively deliver fluid to and remove fluid from said hydraulic elements, thereby selectively raising and lowering the ground surface and causing the contours thereof to change.
Apparatus for building a defined area of ground on an equivalent area of compacted subsoil below the ground level with means for changing the surface contour of the ground, said apparatus comprising:
- a bed of gravel above the subsoil;
- a plurality of hydraulic elements positioned on top of said gravel bed;
- a relatively stiff but somewhat bendable support sheet on top of said hydraulic elements;
- a layer of growing plant soil material on top of said support sheet;
- elongated conduit means individually connected to each said hydraulic element, each said conduit means being adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized fluid;
- and
- means to selectively deliver fluid to and drain fluid from each said hydraulic element, to cause selected areas of said support sheet to rise and subside and thereby change the contour of the ground.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.