Abstract: A vessel barrier system to prevent vessel movement through a passageway includes a flexible vessel barrier element coupled to one or more energy dissipating units. The vessel barrier element may be a single, typically large diameter element, for example a large diameter, high strength synthetic rope, or alternatively may be a barrier net suspended on a number of floats. The vessel barrier element is coupled by a cable to the energy dissipating unit(s), which may be large weights suspended from a frame. When a vessel contacts and moves the vessel barrier element, placing it in tension, the weights are moved from a first, lower position, to a second, elevated position. The kinetic energy of the vessel is transferred to an increase in the potential energy of the weights, and the vessel is brought to a stop. The system is particularly suitable for Large Displacement Vessels or LDVs.

Abstract: An Herodotus machine, or bottom-source, up-stair, hybrid pump and step lock system, includes synchronized reciprocating cross-gate displacers with commonly synchronized gates and floating body movers; specifically including a sequence of ascending adjacent step locks separated by gates with reciprocating gears on axles aligned over respective gates. A chain over each reciprocating gear has a displacer on each end, with one displacer in the upper lock and the other displacer in the lower lock. Rotating first, the downstream displacer descends to raise the lower lock water level, while the upstream displacer rises to lower the upper lock water level, and vice versa on the reverse gear rotation. Displacers are sized such that water levels in alternate pairs of upper lock and lower lock are made the same. The gate is then opened and a watercraft can be transferred from the lower lock to the upper lock or vice versa.

Abstract: A system for recirculating lock water includes a sealable storage area located near a lock for receiving water from the lock. The storage area is large enough to house the lock water with excess space between a maximum water level and the ceiling. The system also includes at least one compressor connected to the storage area to create a vacuum to withdraw the water from the lock into the storage area.

Abstract: A two-lane ship lock having center-wall tanks that hold water drained from one lane for use in filling the second lane as the unit is operated. The method reduces transit water-use where a lock connects a waterway to a sea with large daily tides by capturing seawater in a lagoon at high tide for use at start of chamber refilling during lower tides.

Abstract: A two-lane ship lock having center-wall tanks that hold water drained from one lane for use in filling the second lane as the unit is operated. The method reduces transit water-use where a lock connects a waterway to a sea with large daily tides by capturing seawater in a lagoon at high tide for use at start of chamber refilling during lower tides.

Abstract: A watercraft transport lock includes a walled structure that can be filled and emptied of water received from two separate bodies of water for the purpose of transporting a boat or other watercraft between the two bodies of water. The system prevents the water of one body from mixing with the water of the other body. This is accomplished by removing the water of the first body of water from within the structure prior to filling the structure with the water from the other body. A boat support may be used to support the boat during the emptying and filling processes.

Abstract: An improved watertight gate for use in a port or canal is described. The watertight gate generally comprising two gate leaves and associated with each gate leaf is a foldable support structure and a gate position controller. The gate position controller interacts with the foldable support structure so as to move the associated gate leaf between an open and a closed position. By employing the gate position controller and the foldable support structure to control the gates the efficiency of the watertight seal provided by the gate is independent of water pressure produced by the surrounding bodies of water. Adjustable mounts attach the foldable support structures. These adjustable mounts provide for adjustment of the alignment of the watertight gate so minimizing the problems of installation alignment and reduced efficiency through wear and tear.

Abstract: A canal lock system for recirculating water between a reservoir and canal lock that uses air pressure to change the water level in the canal lock. The canal lock system comprises at least one canal lock, at least one reservoir for holding recirculated water connected to the bottom of the at least one canal lock, and at least one air pump connected to the at least one reservoir for pressurizing the at least one reservoir with air to force the water into the at least one lock to thereby change a first water level in the at least one canal lock to a higher second water level, wherein the at least one reservoir maintains a constant volume and wherein the at least one reservoir is depressurized to thereby change the second water level to a lower third water level.

Abstract: A method of assembling a lock and dam system is disclosed to minimize the rate of structural fatigue associated with closing of the lock and dam system. The lock and dam system includes one or more gates that may include a plurality of girders, plates and associated support or reinforcing members. The gate has a miter end and a quoin end. On the miter end a miter block, and thrust plate transfer impact forces associated with closing of the gate from the point of impact to the remainder of the gate. The thrust plate is preferably a substantially uniformly thick member that is secured vertically to the gate through a slot cut or formed in the end of the horizontal plate on the miter and quoin end. Preferably, the thrust plate is secured using a fillet weld.

Abstract: A system for transferring a vessel between a first body of water having a first water level and a second body of water having a second water level includes a barrier separating the first body of water from the second body of water. The system also includes a transfer structure adjacent the barrier for receiving the vessel to be transferred between the first and second bodies of water, and a transfer apparatus adjacent the barrier for moving the transfer structure between a first position and a second position. The upper portion of the barrier includes a barrier door that is movable between an opened position when the transfer structure is in the second position to allow the vessel to move into and out of the transfer structure, and a closed position when the transfer structure is in the first position.

Abstract: An in situ soil remediation system may be used to remove or reduce levels of mercury contamination within soil. The soil remediation system may also remove or reduce levels of other contaminants within the soil. Mercury may be vaporized within the soil by a heating system. The vaporized mercury may be removed from the soil by a vacuum system. The vaporized mercury may pass through heated risers that elevate the vaporized mercury. After the vaporized mercury passes from the heated risers, the vaporized mercury may be allowed to cool, condense, and flow downward to a treatment facility. Removing mercury from the soil as a vapor may provide an economical, safe, and efficient way to remediate mercury contaminated soil.

Abstract: The invention employs the principle that the force of buoyancy received by a body immersed in a liquid is determined by the density of the liquid and the extent or depth of immersion in the liquid and is unrelated to the displacement of the liquid by the body, thereby reducing the total size and weight of devices providing buoyant support. Buoyant support is provided to bodies in a manner that permits devices to be made for the measurement of both small and large weights and for support of the human body for the purpose of relieving the pressure induced trauma and skin abrasion otherwise incurred by bedridden patients, such as burn victims and those requiring extended or continual bed rest. A tub-like cavity that closely conforms in size and shape to the part of the body to be immersed is made to contain and float a human body on a volume of liquid that equals only a fraction of the body's weight.

Abstract: A process for raising or lowering ships from one elevation to another within a locks chambers and simultaneously recycling the water using a hydraulic storage tank. The hydraulic storage tank is located adjacent to the locks chambers and below the minimum level that the ship is to be lowered to within the locks structures. The hydraulically pressurized water storage tank system fills the locks chambers and raises the ship. The ship is lowered in the locks chambers by water flowing by gravity back into the empty water storage tank. The water flow is directed by an energy system that applies hydraulic power, compressed air or any other device that is capable of moving a stainless steel plate or similar device inside the storage tank. The energy system directs the flow of water from the storage tank to the locks chamber to raise the water level. The empty hydraulic storage tank will then receive the flow of water from the locks chamber by gravity when a ship is lowered.

Abstract: A method of operation of marine locks includes the steps of supporting a first column of water within a lock chamber upon a vertically movable first floor, supporting a second column of water within a balance chamber upon a vertically movable second floor, supporting the first and second floors upon a confined volume of compressed air communicated between the lock chamber and the balance chamber and causing the first floor to rise or fall by application of upward or downward hydraulic pressure on the first floor while causing the second floor to move in the opposite direction by application of contrary hydraulic pressure on the second floor. Lock systems to perform the new methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The method and equipment for keeping locks free of ice utilizes the natural energy resources of the waterway itself. Gravity is utilized to conduct warm water from the depths of the upper waterway via a pipe (1) into the lock where it is distributed by a network of pipes punctuated with holes (3) along the lock floor and around the lock gates. Cooled water is discharged through outlets (6) located in the lower lock gates or lock wall just below the level of the upper waterway. Warm water can effectively be brought to the surface by the use of compressed air conducted to the lock floor either through a special network of pipes or through the existing system (3). The piping may be laid on or under the lock floor. Heatloss can be reduced by insulating the sides of the lock and by fitting the lock with a cover the underside of which is coated with a heat-reflecting material.

Abstract: A lock using lock chambers and lock gates capable of reducing the water consumption in the operations of raising or lowering the boat passing through the lock from one level to another. The lock includes flexible air chambers capable of being inflated with air, located on bases of the lock chambers which are connected by a pipe equipped with a valve for controlling a flow of air between the air chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the adjustment of the water level in a lock comprises at least one fluid chamber arranged on a bottom or a bottom and a sidewall of a lock room between lock gates. The adjustment of the water level is performed by the supply and discharge of air in the fluid chamber through an air supply and discharge pipe.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly is disclosed for regulating the flow through two ts to control the filling and emptying of a lock. The valve assembly includes a plurality of planar elements, rotatable about a vertical axis within a cylindrical housing, and disposed at predefined angles as viewed in a horizontal plane, determined by the angles of intersection with the housing of a plurality of fluid conduits. Controlled rotation of the valve positions the planar elements relative to the fluid conduits, to direct flow from a source conduit into a lock chamber to fill it with water, to direct flow from the chamber to empty the lock, or to prevent flow altogether.

Abstract: A ship lock system having a ship lock interconnecting two bodies of water at different water levels. The system includes one or more underground hydroelectric pumped-storage units connected by one or more penstocks with the ship lock which serves as the upper reservoir to the pumped-storage units so that water can be drained from the ship lock through the penstocks to drive one or more reversible pump-turbines of the pumped-storage units which generates electrical energy, particularly during high demand hours for electrical energy. A lower reservoir adjacent to the pump-turbines is used to store the water which drives the turbines. The lowering of the water in the ship lock permits ships which entered the lock at the upper water level to leave the lock at the lower water level. By a pumping action, the pump-turbines can pump the water from the reservoir upward into the ship lock through the penstocks, particularly during periods of low power demand.

Abstract: The installation enables an internal waterway to pass through a changing level by means of a water ramp connecting through a channel two water reaches respectively situated upstream and downstream and including basins for the storage of boats awaiting their turn before entering the water ramp. The upstream reach is provided with a tilting gate for the retention of the water, while a pusher provided with a transverse mask retaining a water-wedge on which the boat to be moved floats is movable along the channel to ensure the transfer of this boat from the downstream reach to the upstream reach and vice versa. The retaining gate for the upstream reach is located at a certain distance beyond the upstream end of the water ramp and a second retractable gate is arranged substantially at the end of the water ramp, these two gates bounding between themselves an intermediate horizontal reach, separating the upstream end of the water ramp and the upstream basin.