Abstract: A structure for mounting a flexible membrane weir to banks 2 and a crest 1 formed on a river bed between the above-mentioned banks and having a crest surface 1a of arc shape in cross-section. A trigonal-pyramid-shaped fillet 3 is provided at an intersecting portion between a crest surface on the upstream side of the top of the crest and the bank, and an upstream side edge of a toe of slope 5a of a flexible membrane 5 is fixed to this fillet 3.

Abstract: A levee gate and the process for the production thereof. The levee gate of the invention includes a rectangular sheet of thermoplastic material with a rectangular sleeve located on one edge of the thermoplastic material, the rectangular sleeve being a portion of the rectangular sheet fused to the rectangular sheet. The process for the production of the levee gate includes extruding a cylindrical tube of thermoplastic material, inflating the cylindrical tube as it is extruded to provide an inflated length of tube, flattening the inflated length of tube without fusing the opposed walls of the tube to each other, and continuously fusing a portion of the opposed walls together to form a seam.

Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid confinement structure to control the depth of water contained by earthen levees in a rice field or the like and to allow excess water to flow through a gate therein to prevent overflow and washout of the levees. The structure includes a horizontally elongated panel of rigid sheet aluminum for placement in a gap in an earthen water containment levee. The panel has a central cutaway portion closed by a rigid gate about eight inches high by about four feet wide articulated by a flexible strip joining the bottom of the gate to the horizontal edge of the cutaway portion. When the gate is tilted downward to permit water flow to lower the level of the water, the water is prevented from flowing around the ends of the gate by flaps forming seals between the edges of the gate and the edges of the opening in the panel.

Abstract: A fully portable flume for a canal or water channel comprising a horizontal sill across the width of said flume; means to raise or lower the sill while maintaining it in a horizontal position; a movable transverse wall connected at its upper edge to the sill's upstream edge, and, at its lower edge, to the channel's floor. Flow measuring means such as a stilling well may be operatively associated with the sill.

Abstract: An air inflation/deflection weir having an air bag made of a flexible film attached to the bed and the vertical bank of a river. The weir is adapted to be inflated and deflated by charging and discharging air into and out of the air bag, wherein the effect of the change of the atmospheric air temperature on the inner pressure of the air bag is eliminated and the inner pressure of the air bag is always maintained at predetermined valve. This inflates and raises the weir to a predetermined height in accordance with the detected water levels upstream and downstream of the weir. Maintaining the pressure inside the air bag, avoids abnormally high or low inner pressure of the air bag that would otherwise cause the air bag to burst or buckle resulting in a flood.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making and using barriers formed from water filled bags that are suitable for damming water, directing water flow, dissipating water energy and for other purposes, wherein the apparatus comprises at least a pair of elongate, flexible and impermeable bags interlocked in side-by-side relationship and that may incorporate additional flexible, impermeable, water filled bags in the ends thereof as anchors.

Abstract: A moveable flood barrier requires a permanent channel in the path of expected flood waters and is normally closed by a removeable cover. The barrier consists of a series of units dimensioned to be removeably seated in the channel and detachably interconnected. Each unit includes at least one panel disposed to face flood waters and a reenforcement to which the panel or panels are attached. The junctions between panels are sealed and seals extend lengthwise of the barrier and are secured to the panels thereto and detachably secured to the channel wall first in the path of the flood waters. Where required, a brace for each unit is detachably secured thereto and to a permanent normally covered socket on the leeward side of the channel.

Abstract: Several panels are pivotably mounted on top of a dam spillway for movement by air pressure provided through bladders downstream of these panels. The bladders are made from an elastomeric sheet that is folded so that edge portions overlap one another. A clamping bar secures these overlapping portions to the dam spillway. The sheet is also secured to the panel and defines the pivot or hinge joint for the panel. Abutments or stops on the clamping bar engage a strap, that also secures the bladder to the panel, so that the panel will not move upwardly beyond a limit position. An air operating system is disclosed for moving the panels in response to changes in the height or head of water upstream of the panels.

Abstract: A collapsible sheet dam comprises a bag of flexible rubber sheet fixed onto a riverbed and riverbank portions of a river, and a fluid supply and discharge port formed in the bag. In such a dam, an end portion of the bag is fixed onto the riverbed and riverbank portions at upstream side and at the same time a portion of the bag located behind the fluid supply and discharge port is fixed onto the riverbank portion and a region ranging from the riverbank portion to the riverbed portion around the fluid supply and discharge port.

Abstract: A coupling sleeve arrangement and method for joining or interconnecting water structure sections into a dam or other water or liquid containing barrier where each water structure section consists of at least two closed water filled inner sleeves or bags that are contained within an outer sleeve. A coupling sleeve of the invention is for joining the water structure sections together and is an open outer sleeve that contains a water filled plug. The coupling sleeve, in one configuration and prior to water filling, receives ends of water structure sections that are fitted therein, abutting the connecting sleeve plug, which inner sleeves and plug are then filled with water through filler spouts that are then closed.

Abstract: A containment structure for controlling flood water or spilled liquids comprising an elongated, triangular flexible container to be placed where needed to form a stable, water-tight barrier. The containment structure has a spout for introduction of water into the container, a front flap for anchoring the container, and has end pieces adapted to be used for sealing the end of the container against irregular objects or another container. A floating pump assembly can be provided for filling the container with flood waters.

Abstract: A water inflatable structural module for constructing temporary dikes and related structures includes two identical elongated flattened cylinders sealed at opposite lateral ends to form a sealed, water-tight chamber within a cylinder. The cylinders are joined along a horizontal mid-plane to opposite longitudinal edges of a thin, flexible, elongated, rectangular web. A sealable inlet port in each of the two cylinders permits the cylinders to be inflated with water to form two relatively stiff, parallel, elongated cylinders attached at facing inner mid section lines to the flexible web. In a preferred version of the module the width of the web, and therefore the minimum spacing between the two cylinders with the web flat, is of the proper dimension to make the ratio of minimum spacing to inflated cylinder diameter lie in the approximate range of 1.75 to 1 to 2 to 1.

Abstract: A fluid containing barrier having a frame with a plurality of legs and a flexible container supported by the frame. The flexible container has a high point vent and a low point drain. The flexible container is capable of holding a fluid. A series of individual frames and flexible containers interlock to form a wall or flood barrier which is used as a dam structure.

Abstract: A flexible wall dam assembly, or the like, comprising two opposite elongated flexible walls with balanced inclination towards each other, water filling the space between them and counterbalancing ties joining the upper edge of the walls. Balanced cable beams support the flexible walls and transfer their loads to each other or to the waterbed through equally balanced anchoring ties.

Abstract: A set-up/down plural-span weir assembly is made of flexible sheets and comprises a plurality of single-span weirs coupled to each other through pillars across the stream of a river. A pressure medium is introduced into the bags of the single-span weirs to inflate them to set up the single-span weirs and also discharged therefrom to deflate them to set down the single-span weirs. The upstream water of the weir assembly is directly introduced from an upstream water level detection pipe into a bucket or float container of at least one of the single-span weirs, and is indirectly introduced from the upstream water level detection pipe into the bucket or float container of at least another one of the single-span weirs through the bucket or float container of the former one of the single-span weirs or through that of still another one of the single-span weirs.

Abstract: A flexible sheet dam is secured to the riverbed along two securing lines at upstream and downstream sides. In this dam, at least one concave and/or convex region is made in the plane of the riverbed between the two securing lines in a direction parallel to the securing lines, whereby the complete deflation of the dam can be attained without trouble.

Abstract: A crest gate for a dam spillway has a plurality of pivotably mounted panels provided end-to-end across the spillway structure and each hinge joint is a flexible neoprene strip. Strips are also provided between adjacent panels for sealing the spaces between panels. These panels are raised by inflatable elongated tubular bladders secured to the spillway by a harness. The hinge strip and harness are secured in place by common clamping means.

Abstract: An irrigation channel gate uses flexible members which once released use the power of water flow to open and shut the gate. When flow in the channel is desired both an upstream gate and downstream gate are open. To stop flow the upstream gate is released. To reset the gates the down stream gate is closed and the upstream gate is opened. Opening of the downstream gate permits flow again. The gates essentially comprise a main member hinged on a horizontal axis at the base of the channel and flexible side pieces to connect the main member to a central frame.

Abstract: A dam with a flexible cover attached to a bottom sheet by fittings with corrugations formed between the fittings so that upon deflation the cover conforms to the surface of the corrugations, minimizing any floating cover portion. The corrugations may be formed as pipe-like members, as molded portions integral with the bottom sheet or as part of the concrete foundation. Preferably the length between the fittings measured along the corrugation surfaces is at least 1.1 times the linear length therebetween. The corrugations are also preferably recessed to extend no higher than the bottom of the riverbed.

Abstract: An inflatable and collapsible dam arrangement including a flexible membrane weir element positioned so that when it is inflated, it will block a flow of water. The control chamber for the weir is divided into upper and lower sections. The upper section has at least a portion above ground and contains an apparatus for inflating the dam and making the weir element self-supporting. The lower control section includes at least a portion positioned underground and includes an apparatus for collapsing the dam.

Abstract: A dam with a flexible cover atached to a bottom sheet by fittings with corrugations formed between the fittings so that upon deflation the cover conforms to the surface of the corrugations, minimizing any floating cover portion. The corrugations may be formed as pipe-like members, as molded portions integral with the bottom sheet or as part of the concrete foundation. Preferably the length between the fittings measured along the corrugation surface sis at least 1.1 times the linear length therebetween. The corrugations are also preferably recessed to extend no higher than the bottom of the riverbed.

Abstract: A water-bag dam or dike comprises elongate tubes adapted to be filled with water. The tubes have three equal sides and are supported by longitudinal and lateral support members so that, when filled with water, they assume the shape of a substantially equilateral, triangular prism. The tubes can be stacked to make a dam or dike twice as tall and wide on the individual tubes. The tubes and support members can be transported to a flood situs and there be erected into an effective dam or dike just by filling the tubes with water.

Abstract: A flexible membrane-type rising and falling weir is anchored at the curved crest of a concrete structure in a body of water. A drain discharge pipe has an opening positioned at the lowest portion of the interior of the envelope to provide complete discharge of water accumulated so that the weir deflates completely to permit smooth flow of water over it.

Abstract: The present invention deals with flexible wall dams used for restricting the flow of rivers, seawaters, or the like, using in combination: an upstanding, continuous, impermeable, inextensible, reinforced, flexible wall having elongated upper and lower peripheral edges, with the lower edge positively and substantially sealingly secured to the base of the waterbed by being inserted into a curvaceous longitudinal channel anchored to the waterbed, and the upper edge supported by means of floating vessels, transferring their loads through anchoring cables to points upstream.

Abstract: An interconnected and/or interconnectable frame structure supports a flexible web for use as a barrier surface in a temporary dam spanning across a waterway. The support frame includes a plurality of elongate members which are tilted away from a vertical plane in alternating senses or directions along the spanning direction of the barrier (e.g. transverse to the water flow). The thus resulting zig-zag or sawtooth elongated members are interconnected at their ends to mutually oppose further tilting movements and thus stabilize the frame and barrier structure. Pairs of the elongate members may be hinged (preferably at their lower ends) to facilitate storage and/or erection of pairs the elongate frame members from a flat storage position to an open V-shaped erected position.

Abstract: A collapsible rubber dam secured to a riverbed portion and slope portions of both riverbanks is inflated and deflated by supply and discharge of a fluid. A pipe for supply and discharge of a fluid is communicated with the inside of the rubber dam from the shape portion of at least one riverbank except the riverbed portion securing the rubber dam. Preferably, the pipe for supply and discharge of the fluid is located in a region defined by a top end of the rubber dam located in the slope portion, a line connecting the top end of the rubber dam to substantially a middle position of a deflated width of the rubber dam at a toe of the slope portion, and a securing position of the rubber dam at the toe of the slope portion.

Abstract: Heat is stored in a closed basin having a net inflow of relatively fresher water connected by a strait to a larger body of relatively saltier water by selectively controlling the exchange of water between the body and the basin as a function of the season of the year. In summer, the exchange of water is promoted thereby permitting relatively warmer and saltier water outside the basin to flow through the strait into the depths of the basin. In winter, the exchange of water between the basin and the body of water is suppressed thereby trapping warm, relatively saltier water in the lower regions of the basin, the warm water being available during the winter and being protected against heat loss by a surface layer of relatively fresher water. The heat thus stored can be utilized in various energy conversion processes such as heat pumps to raise the temperature to useful levels.

Abstract: The invention is an improved weir means for use in algae growing reactors in a controlled natural purification system for advanced waste water treatment and algae farming. The invention is a pneumatic device that eliminates the need for a mechanically operated lift-type rigid weir for controlling the level of liquids and increasing the algal concentration in an algae growing reactor and separation of suspended solids in the effluent therefrom. The pneumatic toroidal weir consists of a toroid or doughnut shaped means that can be inflated and deflated. The device rests in and is affixed to a circular ring-like base. The interior periphery of the toroid or doughnut configuration is convoluted to improve controlled inflation and deflation; to reduce interior overhang, and to increase toroidal height without increasing volume.

Abstract: An inflatable flexible envelope type dam including members having large specific gravity attached to said envelope. The members allow said envelope to fall down in its deflating state by overcoming buoyancies given by residual fluid in said envelope.

Abstract: A collapsible dam comprising a flexible substantially rectangular substantially water repellant web stretched across the width of a waterway with one edge fixed to the bottom of the waterway and the opposite edge supported by a rigid rod adjacent to the water surface. The rigid rod is hinged with respect to the bottom of the waterway and connected at one end to a pressure actuated piston-cylinder assembly which moves the opposite end of the rod and attached web upwardly while the fixed edge remains submerged against the bottom of the waterway.

Abstract: A deformable dam made of an impermeable flexible membrane secured in a water tight manner to the bottom and side walls of a river. The flexible membrane is inflatable using either air or water, or a combination to vary the overall effective length of the dam.

Abstract: A dam for a waterway comprises a plurality of panels of flexible and inextensible sheet material such as rubberized fabric extending vertically from the bottom to adjacent the surface of a waterway. The edges of the panels overlap and are removably fastened together to provide a series of attached panels which extends across the waterway. Each sheet is attached to a separate concrete base on the bottom of the waterway and to a separate floating cylindrical member ajdacent the surface of the water. Each panel can be repaired or replaced independently of the other panels.

Abstract: An artificial dam or barrage which is adapted to be moved vertically from e bottom of the waterway in which it is installed is provided with a sheet of flexible material fixed to the bottom of the waterway and suspended with flexible cables above the bottom of the waterway.