About Horizontal Axis Patents (Class 405/100)
  • Patent number: 11356602
    Abstract: At step ST2, an assign key changing item is selected from menu items. At step ST3, an assign key to which a function is assigned is selected. At step ST4, a function to be assigned is selected. The selected function is assigned to the selected assign key. At step ST5, a setting result indication screen appears. When one of two paired functions is assigned, a message which prompts a user to assign the other function. After the message has appeared for a predetermined time, the latest assigned states appear. At step ST6, the latest assign key information is stored to a non-volatile memory. To quit an assigning process, a menu button 8 is pressed and the menu is closed (at step ST8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Ohashi
  • Patent number: 11261980
    Abstract: A flapper check valve employed to prevent flow up the work string while allowing flow down the work string and into the well is disclosed. The check valve is activated by a compression spring, which then acts on a ball which will further act on a cam profile attached to the back of a flapper. The apparatus causes the flapper to default to the closed position when the flow is stopped, regardless of the position of the valve, even when gravity is acting against the flapper. The compression spring also allows for an apparatus which possesses lower operating stresses on the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Herrera
  • Patent number: 10711419
    Abstract: A walkway including: a foundation base at least partially embedded in ground adjacent to a body of water; first and second supports, at least the first support being connected to the foundation base; a plank having a surface for use by pedestrians to travel along a shoreline, the plank having a first end rotatably connected to the first support and having a second end supported on the second support, the surface being exposed for use by the pedestrians when the plank is in a first position where the second end is supported by the second support, the plank having a length between the first and second supports; and a lifting mechanism operatively connected to the plank to rotate the plank from the first position to a second position where the length of the plank is oriented in a first direction to impede a rising height of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Inventors: Ali Farhadzadeh, Jahangir S Rastegar
  • Patent number: 10697144
    Abstract: An axis positioning mechanism serving as a rotation bearing of a flap gate includes a housing disposed at the bottom of an opening, a first rotating plate rotationally supported by the housing via a first shaft, a second rotating plate rotationally supported by the housing via a second shaft having a different axis from the first shaft, and a synchronizing rod rotationally connected to the rotating plates so as to synchronize the rotations of the rotating plates. The axis positioning mechanism further includes connecting members rotationally connecting a door base and the rotating plates with different axes. The door is laid flat with a pivot at a higher position than the axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kimura, Kunie Miyamoto, Toshiaki Morii, Yoshito Yamakawa, Kyoichi Nakayasu
  • Patent number: 10619318
    Abstract: A wall resident in a subterranean chamber and not obscuring a horizontal ground level view is situated between buoyant panels flanking the chamber and is configured to be passively rotationally raised out of the chamber to an upright position by one or both of the flanking panels when the panels rotationally buoy upward to form a barrier against water invading the position that the wall, chamber and panels occupy. When flood waters recede, the wall passively lowers so the horizontal ground level view is again not obscured. Provision is made for cleaning flood laden debris from the subterranean chamber to allow the wall to be operated repeatedly after recurring floods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Louis A. Waters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10072436
    Abstract: A plurality of flood prevention units are vertically stacked one over another inside a frame mounted over ventilation opening on a wall. Each unit includes a buoyant gate pivotally mounted by one or more pivotation members about a horizontal axis transverse to sidewalls of the frame for pivotation of the gate on rise of water buoyantly lifting the gate rotationally upwardly between said sidewalls for engagement with an upper deck horizontally connecting the sidewalls. A limiter limits the extent of self-actuation rotation of the gate. The gates are open during non-flooding conditions, allowing ventilation through the building opening, and sequentially close from lowest to highest on rise of water activating each gate in order, allowing ventilation to continue until the highest gate is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Louis A. Waters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9926682
    Abstract: To make it possible to raise a door body even if it is damaged by an impact of vehicle traffic or falling objects when it is in a lowered state, and to keep the door body in a raised state even if it is damaged by a water pressure of a tsunami or a high tide when it is in a raised state. A door body 2 of a floating flap gate 1 is disposed at an opening or at an access way. When water flows in, a forward end 2b of which swings upwards, in a direction in which the water flows in and within a plane in a height direction, around a base end 2a thereof which serves as a center of rotation, to block the opening or the access way. The door body 2 is formed from a hard polyurethane foam 4 in the form of a sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Arai, Hideyuki Niizato, Koji Kitamura, Jun Okada, Satoshi Ashida, Kyouichi Nakayasu, Yoshito Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 9745795
    Abstract: An inflatable flood barrier includes a board having a side plate and a peripheral plate attached to the side plate. The board being provided with a charging port, the peripheral plate has rounded corners, and the side plate has corner portions. The rounded corners and the corner portions are positionally corresponding. The corner portion has guiding grooves. A flexible seal embraces at least a part of the peripheral plate and has an internal channel, a gas inlet and a gas discharging port. When the flexible seal is inflated at the internal channel, a watertight combination between the inflatable flood barrier and a contacting surface of a gate it protects is achieved. The inflatable flood barrier is structurally simple, watertight, convenient to use and store, apparently pleasing, and functionally versatile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: NAN DAO ENGINEERING CORP.
    Inventor: Allen Su
  • Patent number: 9551153
    Abstract: A scupper door system includes a frame defining a passageway. A door is mounted within the frame at a pivot and is therein rotatable about the pivot within the passageway between a closed position, blocking the passageway, and an open position wherein the passageway is open to permit passage of water therethrough. A latch mechanism is configured to retain the door in the closed position and is triggerable in response to a preset water condition at one side of the passage to release the door from the closed position and allow the door to rotate to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Smart Vent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr., Tom Little, James Rycek, Michael J. Graham
  • Patent number: 9267253
    Abstract: A land-mounted flap gate formed by arranging and connecting a plurality of door bodies alongside one another is disclosed. The front side of each of the plurality of door bodies is raised and lowered using the back end side of each door body as a support point. One end of a rope is attached to the back end surface of the door body and the other end of the rope is attached to a counter weight. At least one fixed pulley for guiding the rope is disposed below the back end side of the door body such that the counter weight assists the raising or lowering when starting the raising or lowering and acts as a resistance against the raising or lowering before completing the raising or lowering. The waterproof film that seals a space between neighboring door bodies in a waterproof manner is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyouichi Nakayasu, Yuuichiro Kimura, Ryouta Yoshiki, Toshiaki Morii
  • Patent number: 9255373
    Abstract: Methods and systems for use in the removal of trunnion pin sleeves and the supporting of lock and/or dam gate structures (e.g., tainter or roller gates) are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a method of trunnion pin sleeve removal includes causing either a constriction of at least one part of the sleeve or an application of a torque with respect to the at least one part of the sleeve, and subsequently applying a force to the at least one part of the sleeve so as to pull out the sleeve. Also, in another example embodiment, a system for supporting a lock and/or dam gate assembly includes a support assembly having a at least one pedestal assembly. The support assembly further includes a trunnion arm support structure, configured to be supported at least in part by the at least one pedestal assembly and to at least partially support a trunnion arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Steiber, Steven D. Becker, Rodger W. Bean, Daniel C. Wibralski, Michael A. McCullick
  • Patent number: 9170650
    Abstract: A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology, keyboard, braille display, and audio speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Novasentis, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Ramstein, Li Jiang, Brian C. Zellers, Shihai Zhang, Richard Ducharme, Stephen Davis, M. Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos
  • Patent number: 9028170
    Abstract: The invention relates to improved water control gates and related inflatable actuators, and associated sealing, manufacture and operation apparatus and methods. Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief, inflatable bladder strength enhancement, water gate related slide friction mitigation, abutment and other impounded water seals, gate panel fabrication, traffic accommodating water impoundment structures, and water gate panel system operation efficiency, as well as nappe aeration, hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Henry K. Obermeyer
  • Patent number: 8945375
    Abstract: A fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Denis Friezner, Scott Alberts
  • Patent number: 8939677
    Abstract: A low head power generating system is disclosed including a wall pivotably attachable to a structure for moving between a generally upright position and a generally flat position. In the upright position, the structure or wall impounds water, and has a power generating cell connected to the wall, which rotates by movement of water there-through and is operably connectable to a generator for generating power. A support braces the wall in the upright position. The support is adjustable with a first end connected to the wall and a second end extended against a structure, and can be an inflatable bladder, a pressurized piston or other mechanism to move the wall. The cell can be mounted on the surface of the wall or integrated within the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro Green Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne F. Krouse
  • Patent number: 8876430
    Abstract: Methods and systems for use in the removal of trunnion pin sleeves and the supporting of lock and/or dam gate structures (e.g., tainter or roller gates) are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, a method of trunnion pin sleeve removal includes causing either a constriction of at least one part of the sleeve or an application of a torque with respect to the at least one part of the sleeve, and subsequently applying a force to the at least one part of the sleeve so as to pull out the sleeve. Also, in another example embodiment, a system for supporting a lock and/or dam gate assembly includes a support assembly having a at least one pedestal assembly. The support assembly further includes a trunnion arm support structure, configured to be supported at least in part by the at least one pedestal assembly and to at least partially support a trunnion arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Steiber, Rodger W. Bean, Daniel C. Wibralski, Michael A. McCullick
  • Patent number: 8870493
    Abstract: A gate assembly for use on a pipe, such as a culvert pipe. The assembly having an adjustable engagement band defining an opening. The opening having a nominal diameter sized to engage a culvert pipe. The diameter of the opening being adjustable by up to plus or minus 30 percent the nominal diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Machine Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Haire
  • Publication number: 20140193202
    Abstract: To make it possible to raise a door body even if it is damaged by an impact of vehicle traffic or falling objects when it is in a lowered state, and to keep the door body in a raised state even if it is damaged by a water pressure of a tsunami or a high tide when it is in a raised state. A door body 2 of a floating flap gate 1 is disposed at an opening or at an access way. When water flows in, a forward end 2b of which swings upwards, in a direction in which the water flows in and within a plane in a height direction, around a base end 2a thereof which serves as a center of rotation, to block the opening or the access way. The door body 2 is formed from a hard polyurethane foam 4 in the form of a sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroaki Arai, Hideyuki Niizato, Koji Kitamura, Jun Okada, Satoshi Ashida, Kyouichi Nakayasu, Yoshito Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8714875
    Abstract: The invention is for a mooring device (11) for a flap-gate breakwater (1) having a water blocking door body (2) that pivots about a horizontal axis. The mooring device (11) comprises a mooring hook (15) that controllably engages and disengages a gate mooring member (2b) of the door body (2) during mooring and raising operations. The mooring hook (15) is operated by a control device (21), making it possible to adjust the mooring hook position in a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Morii, Kyouiti Nakayasu, Yuitirou Kimura
  • Patent number: 8366348
    Abstract: To make it possible to hold a door body in an immobilized state without oscillating when the raising operation has been completed. A raised state holding mechanism of a flap gate for a breakwater provided with a two-folding support rod which immobilizes and supports a door body the front end side of which is supported to freely rise or lower with a rotating shaft as a supporting point, and a stay which supports this and to which is attached a guide roller the movement of which is guided by a guide rail. Between a two-rod double-acting cylinder device and an oil tank there is a raising side oil supply pathway which supplies oil to a raising side oil chamber, a raising side oil discharge pathway which discharges oil from the raising side oil chamber, and a lowering side oil pathway which supplies/discharges oil to a lowering side oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Morii, Kyouiti Nakayasu, Yuitirou Kimura
  • Patent number: 8308396
    Abstract: A flood vent is provided that allows the unimpeded flow of floodwater in a shuttered duct formed in a housing installed in a structure such as a building. A lower region of the duct is angled down between two and eight degrees from a horizontal plane to form a sill that sheds water to an exterior of the structure, and an upper region of the duct is pivotally fixed to a shutter positioned within the duct. The shutter is capable of swinging between a closed position and an open position in response to the presence of floodwater within at least a portion of the duct. Movement of the shutter to, from or through a closed position is hampered by a releasable coupling of the shutter to the sill by a fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Ted Shook
  • Publication number: 20120219360
    Abstract: To adjust a mooring hook position in a short period of time. A mooring device 11 for a flap-gate breakwater 1. A mooring hook 15 is attached in a position to engage with a gate mooring member 2d of the torque shaft 14 which is provided in a position corresponding to a gate mooring member 2d of a gate body 2 in a mooring state. A counterweight 16 which rotates the mooring hook 15 in a direction to release engagement with the gate mooring member 2d. A rod member 17 having one end connected in a position toward the other end of a torque arm 18 with one end attached to the torque shaft 14, and having the other end of the rod member 17 having a first vertical rod 17a provided with a slot 17aa at one end and a spherical bushing 17ab at the other end, is pulled above the surface of the water via two link members 12, 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Morii, Kyouiti Nakayasu, Yuitirou Kimura
  • Publication number: 20120148346
    Abstract: A self-deploying apparatus that is constructed onshore as a permanent structure that can protect against intruding seawater and floodwaters without creating a physical and visual obstruction to and from the waterfront during normal times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Shahriar Eftekharzadeh
  • Patent number: 8033753
    Abstract: Embodiments are described for preventing downward flow of substantial surface water into an underground ventilation duct communicating upwardly to a ground surface opening. The embodiments comprise a support having a top opening and an opening in a lower portion above a floor. The opening in the lower portion is for venting communication with a proximate portion of the ventilation duct. The support supports at least one seat and paired buoyant gate set. The seat is mounted perpendicularly relative to the gate and a portion of a passageway under the seat for fluidly communicating beyond such portion to the top opening of the support and to the proximate portion of the ventilation duct. The buoyant gate is positioned lower than the seat and the passageway, is of sufficient size to block the passageway, and is responsive to water rising in the support by floatingly pivoting upwardly until engaging the seat, thereby blocking the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Louis A. Waters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7648310
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a soil inflow prevention apparatus in which an angular-rotation opening/closing plate is adapted to be inclined within a predetermined angle by virtue of opening stoppers to prevent a rear portion of the opening/closing plate from being excessively lowered in the beginning that an inflow amount of sewage increases due to rainfall, thereby preventing soil from entering an intercepting sewer in the beginning of an inflow of sewage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Mirae Green Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-woo Lee, In-jae Jeon
  • Patent number: 7614824
    Abstract: A control gate is adapted to be installed across a channel for liquids. The control gate has a barrier member capable of vertical or tilting movement and it is either slidingly or pivotally mounted to a frame of the control gate. In one instance, the control gate has at least one side member attached to the barrier member. A drive member co-operates with the side member(s) to allow raising and lowering of the barrier member to regulate flow of liquid through the control gate. The drive member includes a spool and an engagement member that is secured under tension and winds around the spool. As the spool turns it causes, with the engagement member, movement of the barrier member. Also described is a method of measuring flow rate through a control gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Rubicon Research Pty, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Aughton, Iven Mareels, Erik Weyer
  • Patent number: 7467911
    Abstract: A gate system for an opening through which fluid flows, such as the opening to a storm drain typically found in the curb of an urban street. The system is biased to a closed condition to keep trash out of the drain during dry and low fluid flow situations, then automatically converts to an open condition during heavy fluid flow situations, and then returns to a closed condition when the heavy fluid flow condition abates. The system has a gate portion that rotates between an open position and a closed position adjacent the opening, being biased to the closed position, and a trip plate, which is also biased to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald J. Flury
  • Patent number: 7422392
    Abstract: The invention relates to improved pneumatically operated spillway gate systems and methods of constructing and operating the same. Methods of installation without the requirement for coffer dams are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Henry K. Obermeyer
  • Patent number: 7244078
    Abstract: A control gate is adapted to be installed across a channel for liquids. The Control gate has a barrier member capable of vertical or tilting movement and it is either slidingly or pivotally mounted to a frame of the control gate. In one instance, the control gate has at least one side member attached to the barrier member. A drive member co-operates with the side member(s) to allow raising and lowering of the barrier member to regulate flow of liquid through the control gate. The drive member includes a spool and an engagement member that is secured under tension and winds around the spool. As the spool turns it causes, with the engagement member, movement of the barrier member. Also described is a method of measuring flow rate through a control gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Rubicon Research Pty, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Aughton, Iven Mareels, Erik Weyer
  • Patent number: 7121764
    Abstract: A portable flood barrier section is located on a ground (2) to form a barrier (3) against flooding water (4), comprising an erectable wall (5) which along one of its edges (6) is hinged to a basis. The hinge (7) enables a rotating erection (A) of the wall (5) from an essentially horizontal position to an erected position. A flexible or rigid tie (8, 9), which extends from the basis to the wall (5) on the flooded side (10) of the wall (5), prevents an erection of the wall (5) beyond the erected position. A seal (12) is in the erected position of the flood barrier section (1) located between the flood barrier section and the ground (2). The flood barrier section (1) is adapted to, prior to flooding, to expose the seal (12) to a positive sealing pressure exceeding a pressure caused by the weight of the flood barrier section (1). The invention also relates to a flood barrier (3) comprising flood barrier sections (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Thor Olav Rørheim
  • Patent number: 7083359
    Abstract: A control gate is adapted to be installed across a channel for liquids. The Control gate has a barrier member capable of vertical or tilting movement and it is either slidingly or pivotally mounted to a frame of the control gate. In one instance, the control gate has at least one side member attached to the barrier member. A drive member co-operates with the side member(s) to allow raising and lowering of the barrier member to regulate flow of liquid through the control gate. A flow control member allow the liquid to flow over the gate substantially parallel to the floor of the channel. Also described is a method of measuring flow rate through a control gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Rubicon Research Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: David Aughton, Iven Mareels, Erik Weyer
  • Patent number: 7033112
    Abstract: Device for retaining water comprising a foundation, a retaining wall movably attached to the foundation and a shore movably, particularly hingingly, attached to the foundation, in which the shore and the retaining wall are movably, particularly hingingly, attached to each other, and in which the retaining wall is provided with at least an internal longitudinal hinge about which the retaining wall can be turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Cornelis Elizabeth Rijlaarsdam
  • Patent number: 6779947
    Abstract: A tidal gate system for a regulating the flow of tidal waters between a first side and a second side of a main opening. The tidal gate system comprises a primary door member defining a regulated opening, a secondary door member sized and dimensioned to cover the regulated opening, a door float, and a regulation float Gravity biases the primary and secondary door members into their closed positions. The door float causes the secondary door assembly to move out of its closed position when a primary water level on the first side of the main opening exceeds a predetermined regulated opening level. The regulation float is operatively connected to the secondary door assembly such that the regulation float forces the secondary door assembly into its closed position when the primary water level exceeds a predetermined regulation float level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Buchanan, Percy N. Hazel
  • Publication number: 20040151547
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems for leaching liquid waste, particularly waste water. More particularly this invention relates to a specially designed cylindrical conduit or pipe for use in leaching systems. Even more particularly the invention relates to cylindrical conduit which has apertures/skimmer tabs created either during the manufacture/forming/extrusion of the conduit or by punching after the forming of the conduit. Most particularly the invention is an apparatus and method for perforating corrugated plastic pipe or smooth walled plastic pipe while the pipe is in the process of extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: David W. Presby
  • Patent number: 6719491
    Abstract: A fluid level control system, particularly useful for controlling the level of water flowing in an open channel. The fluid level control system includes a gate having a flap portion interconnected to a lever portion. The flap portion is rotatable about a first pivot point. The system further includes a frame which is fixed with respect to the flap portion. A linkage interconnects the flap portion and the lever portion, and is connected to the frame at a second pivot point different than the first pivot point. Under changing flow conditions in the channel, the present system operates by both: (i) absolute movement of the lever portion and the flap portion, and (ii) relative movement between the lever portion and the flap portion. A fluid treatment system and a method for controlling the level of a flowing fluid may also use such a fluid level control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Dusko Antonio Kezele, Jason J. Cerny, Alan J. Royce, Fariborz Taghipour, George Traubenberg, Edward P. Kambulow
  • Patent number: 6663318
    Abstract: A fluid level control system, particularly useful for controlling the level of water flowing in an open channel. The fluid level control system includes a gate having a flap port on interconnected to a lever portion. The flap portion is rotatable about a first pivot point. The system further includes a frame which is fixed with respect to the flap portion. A linkage interconnects the flap portion and the lever portion, and is connected to the frame at a second pivot point different than the first pivot point. Under changing flow conditions in the channel, the present system operates by both: (i) absolute movement of the lever portion and the flap portion, and (ii) relative movement between the lever portion and the flap portion. A fluid treatment system and a method for controlling the level of a flowing fluid may also use such a fluid level control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dusko Antonio Kezele, Jason J. Cerny, Alan J. Royce, Fariborz Taghipour, George Traubenberg
  • Patent number: 6623209
    Abstract: A horizontally pivoted structurally rigid buoyant flood gate, in a housing for the gate arranged in front of an opening to a construction, is pivotally floated out of the housing by rising water entering a portal to the housing, and rotates buoyantly upward toward the opening, rising between two side walls longitudinal to the opening and separated from each other by little more than the side-to-side distance of the gate, allowing little water through any gap separating the gate from the side walls, which preferably is sealed by a compression seal, the hydrostatic pressure of water dammed behind the rising gate urging completed closure of the gate through at least the upper half of the closing arc, pressing the gate sealingly against the jambs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Floodbreak LLC
    Inventor: Louis A. Waters, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030161687
    Abstract: A mobile agricultural machine for achieving improvement in travel performance during direction change. In a combine where right and left travel crawlers (3) and (4) supported by drive sprockets (39) and tension rollers (42) are installed to right and left track frames (1) and (2) through track rollers (40), and where the right and left travel frames (1) and (2) are provided through crawler elevation arms (31) and (32) in an elevation action controllable manner tension rollers (42) are provided in a ground contact direction of the travel crawlers (3) and (4) in a movable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Toshinori Kirihata
  • Patent number: 6478954
    Abstract: A floating debris removal system has a bypass or overflow grate that is hinged at the top and positioned to swing downstream under certain conditions. The grate is fastened with a shear ring that will break when sufficient force is generated against the grate by the flow of overflow water and debris through the system. A plow-shaped member pivots off upwardly as flow increases. The member has a plow-shaped blade that spreads the flow across the inlet of the trap of the system to reduce the velocity of the flow. The shape and weight of the blade are selected for optimal function under a range of water levels and flow velocities, and can be altered to perform best for different installations. Debris pits are provided before or after the traps of the system to collect small suspended debris that is not removed by the traps. The pits are sized and configured to slow the velocity of the flow of that the suspended debris settles into the pits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Fresh Creek Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Turner, Jr., Robert Kircher, Dennis R. Moran
  • Patent number: 6390730
    Abstract: The invention concerns a protective element (1) comprising a plate (2) with a first longitudinal edge (3) and a second longitudinal edge (4) spaced by a distance (D) from each other, and a pivot bearing (5, 5′) arranged substantially parallel to the first longitudinal edge and/or the second longitudinal edge, designed for transferring forces, whereby the plate (2) is arranged mobile on a substructure (6) to absorb the forces exerted on the protective element, in particular on a protection system against floods and avalanches, and capable of being arranged mobile relative to said substructure (6), in a pivot zone (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Klaus Wolfgang Scheibe
  • Publication number: 20020021941
    Abstract: A flood gate is provided which includes a frame defining a fluid passageway therethrough, a door pivotally mounted in the frame for movement between a plurality of open positions to permit flow of fluid therethrough, and at least one latching mechanism for holding the door in the closed position. The latching mechanism can sense a fluid force acting on the door and can release the door when the fluid force meets a preset level. In addition, the latching mechanism can reset the door to the closed position when the fluid force acting on the door drops below the preset level. The door can include a ventilation opening, an automatic louver assembly for controlling air flow through the ventilation opening and a screen covering the ventilation opening. The automatic louver assembly can contain at least one louver, a temperature sensitive actuating device and a member connecting the louver to the temperature sensitive actuating device and can open and close in response to ambient temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Martin J. Montgomery, E. Carl Sprengle,
  • Patent number: 6270287
    Abstract: A leaching chamber for burial in the ground includes biased ends which permit a series of chambers to arch clockwise or counterclockwise or to continue straight to form a leaching field. Each chamber is identical to every other chamber and includes identical mating flanges. For tighter arches, short adaptors can be used which have ends identical to the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: PSA, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrance H. Gray
  • Patent number: 6210072
    Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method for protecting part of a coastline against erosion. The method uses the device as an elongated fin with a longitudinal axis lying generally in a horizontal plane. The fin is supported by a suspension arrangement so that it can swing in the horizontal plane. Adjusting the longitudinal axis of the fin, in the horizontal plane, causes the fin to deflect from the water flow a component that counteracts with a generally coast-parallel water flow component. This component originates from the water flow and/or from a wave that is not parallel with the coastline. The fin is carried by a suspension arrangement which enables the fin to swing in the horizontal plane. The suspension arrangement is constructed to increase the fin angle relative to the coastline when the direction of the waves relative to the coastline increases, and to decrease the fin angle relative to the coastline when the direction of the waves relative to the coastline decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Fredrick Marelius
  • Patent number: 6196764
    Abstract: An automatic flashboard (10) comprises a wall (12) installed on a hydraulic structure (11) so as to be capable of passing from an erect position in which it retains a mass of water to a lowered position in which it allows the water to pass substantially without obstruction, and at least one elongate retaining member (13) for holding the wall (12) in its erect position against horizontal thrust (P1) from the mass of water (25). The retaining element (13) extends between the wall (12) and a reaction point to which it is connected by a connection (15) that can be automatically eliminated when the water reaches a certain level. The flashboard (10) also includes a massive element (16) movably mounted on the structure (11) and coupled to the mass of water so as to be in a stable state so long as the water remains below a predetermined level (N) and to pass into an unstable state and to be moved when the water reaches the predetermined level (N), the connection (15) being eliminated by the massive element moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hydroplus
    Inventor: Julien Bayssiguier
  • Patent number: 6171023
    Abstract: A water control gate assembly comprises a self-actuating top-hung gate for controlling the flow of water in a waterway. The gate is pivotably mounted on a pair of piers located above an upstream of the gate for allowing the gate to pivot between a closed position and an open position in which water flows beneath the gate. The gate includes a ballast tank having an upstream inlet for charging the ballast tank and a downstream outlet for discharging the ballast tank. The upstream inlet is arranged to start charging the ballast tank with water in the event of the upstream water level reaching a first lower level. The downstream outlet is arranged to start discharging the ballast tank in the event of the upstream water level reaching a second upper level, with the ingress of water into the ballast tank between the first and second levels progressively increasing the closing moment of the gate and maintaining it closed against the progressively increasing opening moment of upstream water pressure against the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Douglas Townshend
  • Patent number: 5984575
    Abstract: A flood flow modulator system including a dam positioned across a watercourse so as to restrict water flow therein and thereby create a retained water body; the dam having an upstream surface facing the water body, an oppositely directed downstream surface, and a top surface joining the upstream and downstream surfaces. Defined by the dam is a slot having substantially vertical side surfaces and a substantially horizontal bottom surface. A gate is pivotally mounted in the slot for movement between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position; the gate being U-shaped in section and having a front wall with edges disposed adjacent to the side and bottom surfaces so as to substantially close the slot when in the closed position, and sidewalls projecting transversely from the front wall toward the water body and each closely adjacent to a different one of the side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: James M. Knott, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5758989
    Abstract: A hurter for use in conjunction with a wicket dam prop at a downstream side f a wicket, the hurter comprising a block having therein on an upper surface thereof a bearing for receiving a free end of the prop, a ramp disposed downstream of the block on a base plate and inclined from the base plate to a top surface of the block and adapted to support the free end of the prop, a first trough wall on a first side of the ramp and the block hingedly connected to the base plate, a cover portion of the first trough wall extending over a first portion of the block, and a second trough wall on a second side of the ramp and the block hingedly connected to the base plate, a cover portion of the second trough wall extending over a second portion of the block, the first and second trough wall cover portions being engageable by the prop as the prop moves up the ramp, to cause the first and second trough walls to pivot away from each other to permit the prop to pass between the cover portions and into the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Ralph B. Snowberger
  • Patent number: 5642963
    Abstract: A spillway gate system for use as a navigation dam in which individual spillway gates may be serviced. The spillway gate system comprising a spillway including abutments at opposite ends thereof; wherein at least one of the abutments includes a cavity therein having a bottom surface; a removable bulkhead covering the cavity in the abutment; a plurality of water control gates hinged to the spillway; a service crane movable along the spillway and including a dewatering caisson; and a seal for sealing the caisson to the gates and to the bottom surface of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventor: Henry K. Obermeyer
  • Patent number: 5577863
    Abstract: A sluice gate for controlling the discharge of water through a gateway in a flood irrigation system mounted with stub axles defining a hinge axis upstream of the gateway, and comprising a closure element mounted for swing movement about that axis and able to swing from a lower position wherein it blocks the gateway to an upper position wherein it allows water to flow through the gateway, a chamber integral with the closure element, a filler opening through which water from the upstream side of the gateway may enter the chamber, a drain opening that is larger than the filler opening through which water may drain from the chamber to the downstream side of the gateway, and a battery powered solenoid valve, having an actuator responsive to a radio signal from a remote water sensor, controlling the flow of water from the chamber through the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Murray K. Nottle
  • Patent number: 5516230
    Abstract: A self-actuating water control gate comprised of a stepped radial gate face 14 mounted on hinge arms 19 extending downstream to a pivot shaft 12 and to a counterweight 11 and support system. The gate face 10 includes a hydraulic thrust surface 15, and radially shaped end plates 17. The gate face has an upper section 14 and lower section 16 whose radii differ by predetermined amount. The support system for the counterweight 11 includes a pattern of holes 26 and eccentric cams 27 providing for adjustable sensitivity. The radial endplates 17 in combination with matching fixed jambs provide a small constant clearance in operation, confining the flow to the area below the gate. A fixed viscous damping vane 33 extends from the front of the gate into the approaching flow. The vane has an irregularly castellated vortex dispersing leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventors: Richard J. Bargeron, Robert G. Bartlett