Abstract: The present disclosure provides a water-blocking device including a water-blocking plate installed on a floor of a passage, rails installed on both sidewalls of the floor, and a driving part configured to lift and lower the water-blocking plate, wherein, when the driving part is operated, the water-blocking plate is lifted and lowered along the rails.

Abstract: A fusegate for a hydraulic structure includes a trough with walls for attaching the normal barrage at a predetermined height, a pressure chamber provided between a base of the fusegate and the upper surface of the spillway, a means for pressurising the chamber according to a maximum predefined height of a water level upstream of the fusegate, the fusegate further comprising systems for breaking ice which are attached to the gate.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic installation includes an upper water tank, a lower water tank, a water way system which has a plurality of partial water ways and which connects the upper water tank to the lower water tank. A hydraulic machine is arranged in the water way system, a water protection is arranged in a partial water way, and an electric drive provided for actuating the water protection. The electric drive is constructed in such a manner that it also ensures safe closing of the water protection in the event of a power failure without an emergency power supply being provided to this end.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent includes a frame configured to form a fluid passageway through an opening in a structure. The flood vent further includes a panel configured to be coupled to the frame in the fluid passageway so as to at least partially block the fluid passageway through the opening in the structure. The flood vent also includes one or more connectors configured to couple the panel to the frame. The one or more connectors are further configured to uncouple the panel from the frame when 0.5-5.0 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure is applied to a portion of the panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid, so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway provided by the panel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a plurality of insulation pieces coupled together to form at least a portion of the flood vent panel. The flood vent panel further includes one or more insulation piece connectors coupled to the plurality of insulation pieces, and configured to couple the plurality of insulation pieces together. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure, so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The one or more insulation piece connectors are further configured to uncouple one or more of the plurality of insulation pieces from the panel when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the flood vent panel by one or more of a fluid or an object carried by the fluid.

Abstract: Some examples provide methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus related to reducing and/or restricting water from entering underground transportation system, and more Specifically, to reducing and/or restricting water from entering underground transportation systems via vents based on the weight of the water, while not restricting ventilation airflow when water is not present. Some example systems for restricting water flow in a surface vent may include a frame that receives water, a door pivotally coupled to the frame(where the door may pivot between a first position and a second position), and a reservoir pivotally coupled to the door. The reservoir may collect the received water and may cause the door to pivot between the first position and the second position based on weight of the collected water.

Abstract: A series of self-actuating flood guard units each including a buoyant gate flanked by a pair of the boundary walls and pivotable about a horizontal axis transverse to the flanking boundary walls runs along a shoreline of an adjacent body of water The axis is located at a selected elevation above ground inundated by the body water and is selected to cause the gate to buoyantly rotate upwardly between the boundary walls on rise of water above the selected elevation. The extent of rotation is limited by a restraint acting on the gate. The series of units may be continuous or contiguous and act as a whole to prevent onshore flooding from a rise of the body of water at the shoreline.

Abstract: A flow control system of the present invention includes a movable riser slideably engaged with a stationary riser and having a flange. The stationary riser is interfaced to a downstream drainage system. The movable riser is made buoyant by one or more floats such that, as the water level around the flow control system changes, the movable riser follows the changes based upon the buoyancy of the float(s), thereby maintaining the flange at a constant depth. The gap between an upper edge of the flange and the inner perimeter of the stationary riser coupled with an area of the gap defines a flow rate that is constant. Vents couple an inner cavity of the movable riser to air above the fluid, the inner cavity being in communication with the drainage system as well.

Abstract: An agricultural/aquacultural system for use with a plurality of growth reservoirs containing a fluid. The system involves a main control unit for receiving feedback and providing control, at least one pump control unit in electronic communication with the main control unit, and at least one gate control unit in electronic communication with the main control unit.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a fusible shutter for a water structure such as a river sill, or a spillway on a dam or on a protective dyke, including a solid element disposed on the top of the structure and held on top by gravity, forming a watertight or substantially watertight wall, installed on the water structure and being able to retract so as to allow water to pass without obstruction when the level of the reservoir or watercourse reaches a predefined level, a chamber being formed at the base of the solid element between the latter and the surface that supports it, pressurization means enabling the chamber to be filled with water in order to create under the solid element a thrust directed upwards when the water in the reservoir or watercourse reaches the predefined level.

Abstract: In a water storage system with water conduits, water pumps, drain valves, discharge valves, for storing a first volume of water, a method of maximizing water availability monitors a second volume of water within the system. Data regarding forecasted precipitation predicted to occur at some point in the future, including a predicted duration, intensity and volume are received and an expected time-dependent volume of water to be added to the system during the forecasted precipitation is estimated. If at least one of: a first sum of the predicted volume and the second volume and a second sum of the expected time-dependent volume and the second volume is greater than the first volume then the water pumps, drain valves, and discharge valves are controlled to discharge water until each of the first and second sums is not greater than the first volume.

Abstract: A flood flaps vent for sealing a building crawlspace includes: (a) a vent box portion including open opposite front and rear ends on either end of a vent passageway, the vent box including a top box portion with at least one flap slot adjacent a rear end portion of the vent box, and an opposite bottom box portion; (b) at least one flexible flood flap extending across the open rear end portion, with its upper edge seated in the flap slot, other side flap edges of the flood flap being unattached; and (c) a grate portion over the open front end portion of the vent box; the flood flap occluding the rear end portion of the vent box when it is in an at rest, home position. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: An actuated spill barrier, comprises a chassis having a first pier and a second pier, a sump disposed within the chassis, the sump structure having a first angled wall at a first side and a second angled wall at an opposite second side, a door pivotally connected to the first pier and the second pier, the door having an angled first end surface and an angled second end surface, the first angled wall and the angled first end surface being supplementary angles and the second angled wall and the angled second end surface being supplementary angles inhibiting binding of the door, wherein thermal expansion of the door causes the first end surface to climb upwardly along said first angled wall and said second end surface to climb upwardly along said second angled wall inhibiting binding of said door in said sump, the door being biased to pivot from a first actuated position to a second position sealing against the first pier and the second pier.

Abstract: An aqueduct assembly is provided as having a front gate assembly and a rear gate assembly. The front gate assembly has a front gate which will open to let water into the aqueduct assembly. When water begins to rise in the aqueduct assembly, a rear gate of the rear gate assembly opens to let water flow out of the aqueduct assembly. A method for diverting water is also provided. A front gate assembly opens for allowing water to flow into the aqueduct assembly. Subsequently, rear gate assembly opens for permitting water to flow out of the aqueduct assembly.

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.

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 self-actuating flood guard for a construction holds a buoyant gate at an elevation spaced from ground between flanking spaced vertical boundary walls adapted for connection to the construction. The gate is pivotable on pivotation members about a horizontal axis normal to the boundary walls for buoyant rotation upwardly between the boundary walls on rise of water above the elevation. Optionally, flexible lip seal gaskets along the sides of the gate sealingly wipe the boundary walls, and a flexible strip gasket across the pivotation members along the base of the gate prevents passage of water between the base of the gate and the construction. A restraint acts on the gate to prevent the gate from rotating about the axis more than a predetermined extent when the gate is pivoted upwardly above said elevation.

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.

Abstract: A flood vent access door assembly having a frame assembly defining a fluid entrance aperture; a door pivotally mounted in said frame assembly, where in the door includes at least one ventilation opening formed through the door; and at least one latching/release mechanism for releasably maintaining the door in a fixed position relative to the frame assembly if a level of fluid is not above a determined level and releasing the door to pivot relative to the frame assembly if the level of fluid is above the determined level, wherein the at least one latching/release mechanism comprises a float means coupled to an elongate release arm for determining the level of fluid and releasing a latch of the at least one latching/release mechanism.

Abstract: A self-adjusting barrier incorporates a series of float units restrained between a primary wall, such as a bulkhead, and a secondary wall, such as sheetpile. The secondary wall may be braced to the primary wall. The float units slidably interconnect along adjacent edges to self-adjust along a perimeter, such as a marina or waterfront lot, based on the height of water within the chamber (stilling basin) provided between the two walls. Mechanisms for deterring vandalism and providing increased environmental integrity are also provided for select embodiments. Methods of employing the barrier are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a tide apparatus comprising a storage tank connected to a underground pit for normally storing water of a constant amount, a connecting pipe for connecting between the underground pit and the storage tank, and a seismograph releasing apparatus formed on the connecting pipe for sensing a shake in an earthquake and for releasing the water stored in the storage tank into the underground pit, wherein the tide plate can protrude upward from the soil foundation face by operating the seismograph releasing apparatus in an earthquake to make the water stored in the storage tank flow into the underground pit via the connecting pipe.

Abstract: The flood vent of the invention provides a frame configured for installation in a concrete block foundation wall in place of a single block. The frame includes an angularly oriented window. A gate is pivotally mounted at an upper end thereof within the frame to rest against the window, causing the gate to reside at an angle and be held closed by gravity. A float is mounted to the gate and positioned at rest below the lower edge of the frame to cause the gate to pivot toward an open position when flood water rises to a level approaching the wall opening.

Abstract: A flood and combustion air vent includes a louvered panel supporting a rodent screen for placement across an opening in a wall or door of an enclosed space in a building. The apertures in the louvered panel and rodent screen are sized to accommodate ingress and egress of flood water at a rate of water flow sufficient to prevent destructive hydrostatic forces from acting upon either the exterior or interior surfaces of the wall. Additionally, the rodent screen will prevent intrusion of rodents, vermin and reptiles into the enclosed space.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring flow rate of a liquid through a gate in a channel. The device having a first pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the liquid at a first position upstream of the gate. A second pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the liquid at a second position downstream of the gate. An opening sensor for measuring the position of opening of the gate and a processor for calculating the flow rate using an algorithm based on the measurements.

Abstract: An anti-flooding device with possible displacement of the waters for the exploitation of water energy includes a double closing system with an outer or inner cylindrical element with automatic, semi-automatic or manual operation, a pipe-line provided with an opening at the surface level which assures a constantly equal water level in the basin, and below which there are a plurality of pipes which come out above the surface for the air passage and for being guided to a float connected to a tubular sluice-gate that closes an opening on the bottom of the main pipe-line.

Abstract: An automatic trip gate for installation in a gate support structure at a bank of an impounded body of water. The automatic trip gate controls a release of an overflow of water through the gate support structure upon the occurrence of an overflow event. The automatic trip gate includes a plate supported by a hinge assembly that attaches to the support structure. A trough attached to the plate catches and retains overflow water. When the level of overflow water in the trough reaches a tipping level, the plate pivots from a substantially vertical orientation wherein the impounded body of water is maintained behind the plate, to a tipped position wherein the impounded body of water is released o through the gate support. A plunge pool is located below the automatic trip gate that absorbs the energy imparted by the plate when tripped.

Abstract: An anti-flooding device with possible displacement of the waters for the exploitation of water energy includes a double closing system with an outer or inner cylindrical element with automatic, semi-automatic or manual operation, a pipe-line provided with an opening at the surface level which assures a constantly equal water level in the basin, and below which there are a plurality of pipes which come out above the surface for the air passage and for being guided to a float connected to a tubular sluice-gate that closes an opening on the bottom of the main pipe-line.

Abstract: The flood vent has an elongated box-shaped frame having a top end, a bottom end including a floor, and opposing sidewalls that define a fluid passageway. The frame has an open front and a track formed in the rear of the frame. A door is slidably mounted in the track so that a normally closed position blocks the fluid passageway. The door is sufficiently buoyant to permit floodwater to float the door in the track and, thus, to automatically vent excess water through the fluid passageway. Installed in a crawl space, basement, or similar structure, the venting action of the flood vent limits hydrostatic pressure buildup against the walls of the structure when floodwaters rise, thus preventing structural damage from occurring.

Abstract: This invention discloses a simple and convenient method of floods control and with great discharge capacity. This invention is a method of speeding up the river floods water discharge ability into the sea by means of the natural tidal range. This is done by the following technical proposals. To set up the PTCCG between the tidal current limit of the estuary and the coast tangent or narrower part of the estuary; the said PTCCG should be built across the river from the banks theoretically. When there is a danger of flood during the floods seasons, we can close the PTCCG and prevent the tidal current from entering into the inner river. When the tide ebbs, we can re-open the PTCCG and discharge the freshwater withheld into the sea. The PTCCG is normally open when it is not used. This invention is applicable to all tidal estuaries, which are affected by the astronomical tide range.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling water flow into a reservoir such as a farm pond (100) to prevent silting of the pond due to sediment deposits during heavy rains. A gate assembly (10) has a reservoir gate (12) to let water into the pond when the water is clear and block water flow into the reservoir when the water is sediment laden. The assembly (10) also has a diverter gate (14) which opens to allow the turbid flow to flow around the pond in a diverter channel (104) The gates work in opposite directions so that the water flow is either permitted into the reservoir or diverted around the pond in the diverter channel. A turbidity detector (50) upstream of the gate assembly senses the turbidity of the water to control the gate assembly. The apparatus is preferably powered by a battery recharged by a solar cell. The battery can be buried underground to resist overheating of the battery.

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.

Abstract: A flood gate is provided that includes a frame defining a fluid passageway, 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 release the door when the fluid force meets a preset level, by floatation, or by flow actuation. 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 flood gate may include a retention mechanism for preventing the door from opening when the structure in which the flood gate is mounted, such as an overhead garage door is rotated or otherwise moved.

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 gate is constructed to include a casing mounted in the ground of a gateway entry, two hollow posts fixedly fastened to two opposite sidewalls of the gateway entry and connected to the ends of the casing, an inflatable shutter received in the casing, an air pump selectively controlled to pump air into/out of the inflatable shutter, and detector switch means adapted to drive the air pump to pump air into the inflatable shutter, for lifting the inflatable shutter between the hollow posts to stop the flow of water upon a flood of rain.

Abstract: A structure for detecting an inflated state of a dam formed by a flexible membrane disposed in a conduit, with the detection unaffected by pressure resulting from fluid flow through the conduit when the flexible membrane is not completely inflated. The structure includes a metal plate mountable at a center of the flexible membrane and covered by a covering sheet and a metal detector for detecting the metal member only when the flexible membrane has been inflated to a desired state.

Abstract: A flood gate is provided that includes a frame defining a fluid passageway, 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 release the door when the fluid force meets a preset level, by floatation, or by flow actuation. 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 flood gate may include a retention mechanism for preventing the door from opening when the structure in which the flood gate is mounted, such as an overhead garage door is rotated or otherwise moved.

Abstract: There is described a novel fluid level control system, particularly useful for controlling the level of water flowing in an open channel. The fluid level control system comprises a gate having a flap portion interconnected to a lever portion. The flap portion is rotatable about a first pivot point. The system further comprises 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: 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 comprising the fluid level control system and a method for controlling the level of a flowing fluid are also described.

Abstract: A system for monitoring maintenance information in a hydroelectric power generation facility comprises sensors coupled to a controller. The sensors detect actual levels of operating parameters for a desired operating period at an operating condition. The detected parameters include a stressor capable of affecting a life span, or mean time between failures, of the turbine or one of its components. The controller determines the amount of the life span used up. A method for monitoring maintenance information in a power generation facility includes the steps of monitoring levels of operating parameters including a stressor for a desired operating period at an operating condition. The stressor affects the life span of the turbine or one of its components, and the amount of the life span used up over the operating period is calculated.

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.

Abstract: An automated turnout system is provided for controlling water flow through a turnout gate. The system determines the water flow parameters of the open channel and adjusts the size of the gate opening accordingly. The turnout system includes a flow measurement structure such as weir or flume, a water level sensor for measuring the water level at the flow measurement structure, a flow control gate, an actuator for adjusting the gate and a position sensor for determining the gate setting. A controller determines the proper gate setting based on inputs from the water level sensor and position sensor. The system provides a low cost, practical way to control outflow under varying canal water levels so as to improve irrigation operations.

Abstract: An automated turnout system is provided for controlling water flow through a turnout gate. The system determines the water flow parameters of the open channel and adjusts the size of the gate opening accordingly. The turnout system includes a flow measurement structure such as weir or flume, a water level sensor for measuring the water level at the flow measurement structure, a flow control gate, an actuator for adjusting the gate and a position sensor for determining the gate setting. A controller determines the proper gate setting based on inputs from the water level sensor and position sensor. The system provides a low cost, practical way to control outflow under varying canal water levels so as to improve irrigation operations.

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.

Abstract: A movable barrier wall system includes a housing assembly 12 that has an interior chamber 32. A barrier member 14 is made of a buoyant material having a selected density. The barrier member 14 floats vertically within the chamber 32 when a liquid is present. The barrier member 14 may be made from a closed cell foam core 34 that is clad with a fiberglass mesh material then the assembly is infused with a resin material. Alternatively, the core 34 may be made from a plurality of elongated rods 38 that are individually clad and reinforced with a shear layer. The individual barrier member modules 15 may be assembled in an end to end relationship with an elongated vertical seal member therebetween. The barrier member 14 may be selectively raised prior to and in anticipation of a flood situation of a nearby body of water by a pump and control system that may be automatically or manually controlled. At least one passive backup system is provided for filling the chamber when the pump or control system fails.

Abstract: A flood gate for use in a foundation crawl space and the like comprises a frame having side walls defining a fluid passageway therethrough, a door pivotally mounted in the frame for bidirectional rotation between two open positions and a closed position therebetween to permit tidal water flow therethrough, and at least one catching assembly for holding the door in the closed position against a minimum level of pressure of the tidal water flow. Tidal flood waters exceeding the minimum pressure level are automatically vented through the crawl space and the like reducing a risk of structural damage from the tidal flood waters. The flood gate can further comprise a door having a ventilation opening, an automatic louver assembly for controlling air flow through the opening, and a screen covering the opening. The automatic louver assembly opens and closes responsive to ambient temperature.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fish migration past dams and other water barriers. A preferred embodiment 100 comprises a conduit 101 passing from downstream side 22 of water barrier 10 to upstream side 21 of the barrier, flow-controlling valves 102 and 105 disposed in series within conduit 101, and actuators 103 for opening valves 102 and 105 in the presence of fish. Fish 30 are attracted by flow 130 passing through conduit 101 at controlled rates by means of flow-through devices in valves 102 and 105. On entering forechamber 104 and swimming upstream the fish pass actuators 103, which cause first valve 102 to open. As first valve 102 opens, water flow through conduit 101 remains controlled and substantially uniformly turbulent under action of second valve 105. With valve 102 open fish 30 may swim to mid-span section 140 of the conduit. When no further fish are present in forechamber 104 or passing actuators 103, or enough fish are present in section 140, the first valve closes.

Abstract: A telescoping weir for the controlled drainage of contaminated bodies of water, such as confined disposal facilities (CDF), which selectively releases only the relatively clean water while leaving behind a contaminated portion. The weir includes a foundation that is anchored to the bottom of the body of water and connected with a discharge pipe, a cylindrical telescoping portion connected with the discharge pipe and extending upwardly from the foundation and terminating adjacent to the surface of the body of water, and a set of mechanical jacks for selectively extending and retracting the upper end of the telescoping portion above and below the water surface in order to selectively drain a top layer of clean decant water therefrom.

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.

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.

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.

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.