Abstract: A dynamic fluid flow control structure is provided that allows precise control over fluid flow using a series of two or more orifices, at least one of which may be reconfigured to change its flow characteristics. A flood control system and a flood control process are provided that emulate a preset discharge profile over time. Some versions of the structure, process, and system can be used to provide controlled storm discharge patterns in a developed area that emulate the natural pre-development discharge patterns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable floodwall unit that comprises a foundation unit having a plurality of guide tracks along side walls of the foundation unit, a floodwall panel stowed in the foundation unit; and a power system for raising and lowering the floodwall panel. The foundation unit includes a first housing unit enclosing an actuator of the power system, and the floodwall panel includes a plurality of guides that mate with the guide tracks of the foundation unit.

Abstract: A salmon migration lift device including a lift cable loop between two bullwheel terminals and a plurality of gondola buckets suspended from the lift cable loop which are filled with water and fish at a loading station on a downstream side of a waterway obstacle and which are emptied at an unloading station into a fish exit chute connected to the upstream side of the waterway obstacle.

Abstract: An opening/closing device 1 according to the present invention includes a gate 10 that receives a flow of a sewage W in an upright state, and can fall toward a downstream side of the flow and a first spring 52a that generates a force for bringing the gate 10 into an upright state, wherein the first spring 52 generates a force insufficient for bringing the gate 10 into the upright state if the gate 10 is in a fallen state, and generates a force sufficient for bringing the gate into the upright state if the gate 10 is tilted by an angle equal to or less than a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The invention provides an undershot sluice gate (17) to control flow of liquid through an open channel (10). The gate (17) includes a gate leaf (18) adapted to be raised and lowered by a control means (22) to allow flow of liquid along open channel (10). Gate leaf (18) has at least a pair of opposing liquid level sensors (44, 46) on, or in, gate leaf (18) to provide measurement of liquid level upstream and downstream of gate leaf (18). The sensors (44, 46) are located at a predetermined distance from the lowermost edge of gate leaf (18) to allow said measurements without disturbance from the fluid flow profile resulting from movement of liquid beneath the lowermost edge of gate leaf (18).

Abstract: An opening/closing device includes a gate that receives a flow of a sewage, and can fall toward a downstream side of the flow, a fall prevention unit that prevents the gate from falling by supporting the gate, a support release unit that releases the support for the gate by the fall prevention unit, a first float that is arranged on the upstream side of the gate, and is smaller in specific gravity than the sewage, a surfacing prevention unit that prevents the first float from surfacing, a second float that is arranged on the upstream side of the gate, above the first float, and is smaller in specific gravity than the fluid, and a surfacing-prevention release unit that releases, resulting from surfacing of the second float, the prevention of the surfacing of the first float by the surfacing prevention unit. Further, the support release unit is activated resulting from surfacing of the first float.

Abstract: The invention provides an undershot sluice gate (17) to control flow of liquid through an open channel (10). The gate (17) includes a gate leaf (18) adapted to be raised and lowered by a control means (22) to allow flow of liquid along open channel (10). Gate leaf (18) has at least a pair of opposing liquid level sensors (44, 46) on, or in, gate leaf (18) to provide measurement of liquid level upstream and downstream of gate leaf (18). The sensors (44, 46) are located at a predetermined distance from the lowermost edge of gate leaf (18) to allow said measurements without disturbance from the fluid flow profile resulting from movement of liquid beneath the lowermost edge of gate leaf (18).

Abstract: A sea wall system incorporated into a continuous and foundation supported structure, including a plurality of panels which are displaced in either of vertical or horizontal fashion from interior locations associated with the foundation structure. The panels are each constructed of a lightweight and fluid resistant material and are each displaceable from a first retracted position to an extended position, whereby the components collectively establish a heightened water barrier. A fluid communicating opening is defined in the foundation support and, in response to a rising water level, vertically displaces the panels.

Abstract: A flexible water gate is described that is suitable for retaining water in a port, canal or river estuary. The gate is both economical to build and maintain and comprises a gate controller that allows a flexible member to be controllably moved between a closed and open position, as required. A flexible flood control barrier that comprises one or more of the aforementioned flexible water gates is also described. These gates are deployed side to side and provide an economical way of providing flood protection to an area susceptible to flood tides. When not in use the flexible membranes of the flexible water gates can be stored on the riverbed so permitting unrestricted access for marine vessels.

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.

Abstract: Holding apparatus for supporting a dam unit, wherein the apparatus includes a frame structure including at least one support member. The at least one support member is arranged to support the dam unit when the dam unit is raised from a lowered position to a holding position. The at least one support member is at least one of detachably connected to the dam unit and removably engagable with the dam unit. The at least one support member essentially experiences compression forces when the dam unit is supported in a holding position. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

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.

Abstract: A slide gate sealing system including a seal mounting frame disposed between the longitudinal rails and the intermediate and horizontal end frame members of a slide gate frame, a ball seal disposed in the seal mounting frame and having a mounting tail with a mating surface, a seal retainer to control the deformation of the ball seal under pressure, at least one isolation dam on the mating surface of the ball seal, and a ramping mechanism affixed to the interior side of the horizontal end frame member.

Abstract: A guidance system for protecting a specific zone as a safety zone against flood water while protecting landscapes near the specific zone from deteriorization. According to the described flood water guidance system, a guidance plate (5, 5, . . . ) is positioned under underground in the vicinity (S′1, S′2, S″1) of an upstream side of a specific zone (SI, S2) containing property to be protected and where it is anticipated that flood water will flow, and when flood water is generated, or when there is a possibility that flood water may be generated, the guidance plate (5, 5, . . . ) is raised to a predetermined height above the surface of the earth, in order that a specific zone (S1, S2) is protected as a safety zone by diverting the flood water from the specific zone (S1, S2) by way of the raised guidance plate (5, 5, . . . ), and by guiding the flood water to a retarding basin, a drainage canal, and the like.

Abstract: A water gate opened and closed by oil pressure includes a gate frame having a vertical guide rail on top for an elevating rod to slide up and down. The elevating rod has its lower end connected to the top of a gate body and its upper end inserted in the guide rail and pivotally connected with a swing lever, having rollers provided on a roller shaft for the elevating rod to slide smoothly in the guide rail. The gate body has pulleys provided on two opposite sides to engage the rails of the gate frame, permitting the gate body to smoothly slide up and down along the rails. Then, an oil pressure system controls the piston rod of an oil pressure cylinder to drive the swing lever and the elevating rod to move up and down, synchronously forcing the gate body open and close.

Abstract: A manual light water gate includes a water gate and an opening and closing device as main components combined together. A transmitting rod having its lower end connected to the water gate and its upper portion inserted in the opening and closing device is controlled by stop members of the opening and closing device so as to move the water gate to open and close. Such a design is easy in handling and capable to be provided across a ditch, an irrigation canal, etc. available for adjusting its water level.

Abstract: A fixable-seal sluice gate has a valve vise (18, 19, 25, 26, 31, 32) that forces a sluice-gate valve uniformly and tightly in sealing-surface contact with a domed seal ring (4) that is fixable conveniently and removably intermediate a sluice-gate plate (3) and a sluice-gate wall (1) of a sluice-gate flange that encompasses a valve side of a sluice-gate aperture (2). A plate locator on the valve vice sets the sluice-gate plate in predetermined sealing-contact position for select structure of the fixable-seal sluice gate. The domed seal ring is a plastic material such as Hypalon® having predetermined toughness to resist particle embedment in combination with having predetermined softness for select uses and objectives. A dome flange (5, 6) on one or both sides of a base of the domed seal ring is bracketed removably to optionally the sluice-gate wall or the sluice-gate plate for rigid, reliable, long-enduring and yet quick and convenient attachment and detachment of the domed seal ring.

Abstract: A novel side seal assembly for a slide gate is provided that essentially comprises a seal member having first, second and third mutually spaced sections formed integral with a base section, the first and second sections defining a slide-receiving channel and the second and third sections defining a tapered wedge-receiving channel, said second section being capable of flexing away from said first section toward said third section under a flexing force applied thereto; a tapered wedge member for disposition in said wedge-receiving channel; and attachment means for attaching said seal member and said wedge member to a gate slide guide, said attachment means including fastener means for retaining said wedge member at a selected depth in said wedge-receiving channel, said wedge member acting on said said second and third sections to produce a flexing force that causes said second section to flex toward said first section whereby to cause said first and second sections to engage and form a watertight sliding seal w

Abstract: A wireless communications system comprising a first transponder having a plurality of selectable antennas, and having a stack including locations holding data representing antennas, the stack defining an order in which antennas will be used to attempt communication; a second transponder configured to communicate with the first transponder, wherein the first transponder uses an antenna defined by data in one location of the stack for communication with the second transponder, and, if successful communication with the second transponder is not established, the transponder uses an antenna defined by data in another location of the stack.

Abstract: The weir gate includes a pair of spaced juxtaposed guides that are disposed vertically on either side of an opening between the interior of a spa and a filtration cavity. A lower gate is fixed to and spans the guides in a generally vertical plane. A floating gate is disposed between the guides, and can be placed in an upper position to regulate the flow of surface water into the filtration cavity and in a lower recessed position adjacent the lower gate to provide access to the filter cavity. An upper latch mechanism holds the floating gate in the upper position so that it pivots in a plane generally orthogonal to the lower gate and its upper edge floats near the surface of the water in the spa. A lower latch mechanism holds the floating gate in the lower position adjacent the lower gate so that a user can access the filters without having to hold the floating gate down.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crane for moving an object such as a water dam gate having an attachment device, e.g., a hook, to be engaged by a hookup link. The link is mounted on the crane lifting block for link movement between a first position for engaging the gate hook and a second position for releasing the hook. Aspects of the invention involve a first apparatus for detecting when the link is within a predetermined location near the hook and a second apparatus for determining whether the link is in the first position or the second position. Other aspects of the invention involve a unique cable reel and link line arrangement whereby the hookup link is engaged or disengaged from the hook. A method for moving an object, e.g., a gate of a dam, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water tight seal for water slide gates, and more particularly to a seal which is made from an elastomer such as reinforced plastic. Said seal comprises a first portion and a second portion whereon slides the gate and a resilient means so as to clasp the gate between said first and said second portions of said seal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a weir with an on a horizontal axis tilting gate (1). The control is automatic and completely mechanical and operates without an external source of energy. The control uses a float/counterweight (4) placed in an enclosure (5) which is in connection with the upstream level. The float/counterweight (4) is connected to the equator (13) on the gate (1) by a transmission mechanism consisting of (7), (10) and (11). The float/counterweight (4) is in balance with the hydraulic forces on the gate (1). The tilting axis is placed about 0.4 of the height of the gate (1) from the underside.During large discharges the gate (1) tilts further to increase the flow. This enables the weir to establish within shorter time the desired level. A horizontal submerged grate (15) prevents choking of the weir.The gate (1) can adjusted vertically by a leadscrew (16) to set the weirlevel. A threshold-beam (20) is connected to guidings (17) to the gate-equilibrium by every adjusted height.

Abstract: A linkage lifting apparatus is disclosed in which a linkage means is mounted on a lifting beam and includes link pivotal connections which may be connected and disconnected from load hooks comprising part of an object to be lifted. The linkage lifting apparatus includes a latching means which holds two link pairs in a position in which the link pivotal connections may engage the load hooks. The latching means is releasable from the link pairs in response to downward movement of the lifting beam against the link pairs. The pivotal connections move into a lifting position in engagement with the hooks in response to force provided by the weight of links comprising part of the two link pairs. The two link pairs and the pivotal connections movable out of the lifting position and the link pairs are again latched by the latching mechanism to hold them free of the load hooks also in response to downward movement of the lifting beam against the link pairs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an upstream water level by adjusting the elevation of a trough assembly of a weir. The weir is a open frame within which is slidably mounted a trough assembly, which may be raised or lowered by means of a tandem screw jack assembly, which caps the open frame. The perimeter of the open frame is lined with a continuous J-shaped neoprene seal, which provides a smooth slidable surface for movement of the trough assembly. The J-shaped seal also provides a substantially water tight barrier between the trough assembly and the open frame. Two vertical screw shafts extend downwardly from the tandem screw jack assembly and are bolted to the trough assembly. By rotating a hand crank, the vertical screw shafts raise or lower the trough assembly.

Abstract: A slide gate has a frame assembly with a pair of side guides, a bottom member and a top member that define an opening through which fluid flows. A movable slide plate is mounted to the frame assembly and constrained for movement between unblocking and blocking positions for regulating fluid flow through the opening. A side seal, which is seated within each side guide of the frame assembly, has a lip seal portion and bulbous portion, the side margins of the slide plate being received in sealing engagement between the lip seal portion and the bulbous portion. A bottom seal, which is seated in the bottom member, has a flat sealing surface which is in sealing contact with the bottom of the slide plate when the gate is closed. An adjustable lip seal, which is seated in the top member, is in sealing contact with the slide plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quieting flowing waters in which a wall supported by a barge crosswise of water flow with structural members of the wall engaging an underwater obstruction to prevent the wall and barge from moving with the flow of water whereby the wall is adapted to divert water flow around the wall to provide a quiet water working area ahead of the wall. The wall comprises a plurality of gates supported by the structural members for movement relative thereto so that the wall may be raised under adverse conditions to allow the floating platform to rise with high waters with the structural members of the wall being maintained in engagement with the obstruction to prevent or aid in preventing the floating platform from moving with the flow. Under normal conditions, the floating platform will rise and fall with the wall in its water quieting position and the structural members of the wall maintaining engagement with the underwater obstructon.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward improved liquid sealing assemblies. The sealing assemblies are particularly useful in water control gates and in one embodiment have an elastomeric seal strip with a U-shaped cross-section defined by a web and a pair of arms extending transversely from the web. The seal strip is adapted to be fastened to a sealing location by mounting means located between the arms of the seal strip. The web of the seal strip is sandwiched between the mounting means and the sealing location, with the arms of the seal strip projecting just past the mounting means to effect sealing with their free ends.In another embodiment, the sealing assemblies have first and second elastomeric seal strips adapted to be mounted on two relatively movable members.

Abstract: A damper for ducts of large cross sectional areas has an upstream seat surrounding the flow path and a blade which consists of upstream and downstream skins of a high quality nickel allow steel and an internal reinforcement. The thickness of the skins is such that, given the size and shape of the seat, they are relatively flexible. The skins are welded to opposite sides of the reinforcement which is in the form of a grid or lattice of substantially the size and shape of the seat and both renders the skins rigid and establishes the wanted blade thickness. Members marginally of the grid and welded thereto are exposed to be operatively engaged by the mechanism by which the blade is reciprocated between positions permitting or blocking flow through the damper.

Abstract: An improved penstock for water-flow control provides the capability of establishing a constant water level within a levee or a dike and is continuously adjustable between a high and a low water level. The penstock has an erosion-resistant flow channel which is embedded and buried in an earthen levee dike or dam which has leakage prevention and seepage prevention protrusions extending around its outer periphery. In the throat of the flow channel is a pivoted, sealed level-control gate which can be adjusted and latched at any position from a horizontally flat position, permitting unrestricted flow through the channel, to a vertical position, blocking off flow through the channel. This pivoting gate is provided with edge seals to prevent the leakage of water. Once adjusted, the gate will maintain a constant water depth within the body of water enclosed by the levee while passing overflow over the gate.

Abstract: An open channel gate valve in which the gate blade is slidably received in parallel grooves in a frame. The gate blade carries a sealing member of truncated V-shape, which engages a seat of truncated V-shape provided on the frame. Both the seat and sealing member are disposed in axially offset relation to the plane of the gate blade.

Abstract: A system for controlling and preventing flooding of areas adjacent a waterway includes a multiplicity of interconnected flood gates located in the banks of the waterway. The system includes water level sensors and devices for moving the floodgates in response to signals from the water level sensors.

Abstract: A new and improved type of aluminum stoplog for use in stoplog gates. The stoplog is made of extruded channel members, has lifting hooks on its top end to facilitate removal, and has a recessed region running along its bottom end to accommodate the lifting hooks of an adjacent and lower stoplog of like design. The stoplog also includes improved sealing means about a part of its perimeter.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling fluid flow through a gate opening includes frame means that define the opening, and guide means which are adapted to retain a gate disc in slidable relation with the opening. Drawing means for laterally displacing the disc relative to the opening are pivotably connected to lever means having long and short ends. A fulcrum between the ends is pivotably connected to the disc. The short end is disposed to bear against a fixed portion of the guide means when the disc is closed, and the long end is connected to the drawing means to obtain a mechanical advantage in drawing pressure when displacing the disc to a partially open position. The lever means may be a single lever, but a preferred embodiment discloses a pair of levers to apply a uniform drawing pressure on the disc via a hydraulic cylinder that is anchored in a wall of a closed tank which contains the apparatus.

Abstract: A slide gate mechanism embodying novel seal means for providing a watertight seal between a sliding gate member and its supporting members.

Abstract: A valve installation for a flume wherein a preinstalled liner is cast in place at the time of flume construction. The valve body with sealing gasket is later installed within the liner. Wedge plates and associated force-applying bevelled washers are installed around the periphery of the valve body within the cast groove which receives the liner. The bevelled washer can be actuated to force the valve body against a gasket compressing the gasket to form a seal and for locking the valve body in the liner. Removal for servicing is easily accomplished by the removal of the bevelled washers.