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US 5,675,938 AGranted
Desert envitalization system with variable volume pneumatic polydome enclosure
AssigneeFabric Enclosures, Inc.
InventorAnthony Barr McLorg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variable volume pneumatic enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a combination of fixed and ballast anchors for allowing the enclosure to expand and contract in order that a complete hydrologic cycle may be closed. The enclosure also includes a collection system for collecting condensed water vapor within the enclosure and a distribution system for redistributing the collected water.
Claims28
A variable volume enclosure for anchoring to the ground, said enclosure comprising:
- (a) a plurality of membrane panels;
- (b) a reinforcement system for interconnecting said membrane panels;
- (c) anchor means coupled to said reinforcement system for affixing to the ground;
- (d) said anchor means including ballast anchors having means for allowing movement of said reinforcement system in response to pressure changes in the enclosure to vary the volume of the enclosure.
1 more element
A method for irrigating soil in portions of arid regions, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a variable volume enclosure;
- (b) providing an initial water supply inside said enclosure;
- (c) capturing said initial water supply within said enclosure caused by evaporation inside said enclosure and transpiration from plants located inside said enclosure;
- (d) distributing said captured water within said enclosure as irrigation water.
1 more element
A variable volume pneumatic enclosure comprising:
- (a) a flexible membrane forming a surface perimeter of the enclosure;
- (b) prestressed reinforcing means connected to said flexible membrane for supporting the enclosure;
- (c) means for anchoring the enclosure, said means for anchoring including ballast anchor means connected to said prestressed reinforcing means;
- (d) means for collecting condensed water within said enclosure;
- and
- (e) means for generating electrical power from distributing said condensed water vapour.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.