Abstract: An actuator is provided for opening and closing a miter gate. The actuator includes a base, a slider, a yoke, a shaft, a damper and swing arms. The base supports the miter gate as a pair of doors each hinging on respective posts. The base includes a tunnel into which the slider translates. The yoke has a clevis and prongs extending therefrom that pivot on the base and a clevis. The shaft turns in the clevis. The damper has a tube that houses a spring into which a tang inserts. The tang pivots on the shaft within the clevis. The tube pivots on the slider. The first and second swing arms pivotably connect to the slider and to the doors. The doors open by translating the slider towards the doors. The doors close by translating the slider away from the doors.

Abstract: A leaf for a mitre gate is provided. The leaf for a mitre gate may include: a skin plate intended for withstanding a pressure exerted by a liquid; and at least two uprights respectively located on either side of the skin plate, the uprights being secured to the skin plate. The skin plate is in the overall shape of a cylinder portion, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder being essentially parallel to the uprights. Each upright extends overall according to a generatrix of the cylinder. Each upright includes at least one bearing element, arranged to project relative to the skin plate and each bearing element includes a bearing surface, for supporting the bearing element against a lock wall or another leaf of the mitre gate. The bearing surface of each bearing element is aligned with a plane that is tangential to the skin plate.

Abstract: A dual pumping system for use on a movable flood control barrier structure to allow the structure to be swung into the opening of a waterway and sunk to prevent flooding during storms and then floated and swung out of the waterway after the storm is disclosed. A buoyant generally rectangular barge may be employed as the movable flood control barrier. A centrifugal pumping system pumps water into compartments within the barrier structure so it sinks to the bottom of the waterway while the same pumping system pumps water back to the waterway to float the structure. A hydraulic pumping system operates hydraulic winches to move the structure into and out of the channel using cables. The two pumping systems are capable of operating both the water pumping system and hydraulic winch system simultaneously or independently with a single engine.

Abstract: A gate assembly for controlling runoff. In one embodiment the gate assembly comprises an opening disposed in a front wall and a cover sized for sealing said opening. The gate is moveable between an open and a closed position. The gate may further comprise a latch for retaining the gate in a closed position. The gate assembly can be installed within a berm to control collected runoff. Thus, the runoff can be contained within a berm, for example, until the operator is ready to dispose of the runoff.

Abstract: A leaf for a mitre gate is provided. The leaf for a mitre gate may include: a skin plate intended for withstanding a pressure exerted by a liquid; and at least two uprights respectively located on either side of the skin plate, the uprights being secured to the skin plate. The skin plate is in the overall shape of a cylinder portion, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder being essentially parallel to the uprights. Each upright extends overall according to a generatrix of the cylinder. Each upright includes at least one bearing element, arranged to project relative to the skin plate and each bearing element includes a bearing surface, for supporting the bearing element against a lock wall or another leaf of the mitre gate. The bearing surface of each bearing element is aligned with a plane that is tangential to the skin plate.

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 water amusement ride system is disclosed. The system may include a device or apparatus, including a water bypass channel in fluid communication with a channel of water. The water bypass channel may include a water entrance, a water exit, and an adjustable valve. The water entrance is in fluid communication with water upstream of the apparatus. The water exit is in fluid communication with water downstream of the apparatus. The adjustable valve may be located between the water entrance and the water exit. The adjustable valve may be adjusted to control an amount of water exiting the water bypass channel. The water bypass channel may increase the flow rate of water between the water entrance and the water exit of the water bypass channel. The water bypass channel may assist in controlling a water effect.

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: An irrigation gate system installed in a channel (such as a ditch or canal) for controlling the flow of water through the channel maintaining a desired level of water upstream from the irrigation gate system or for controlling water flow downstream from the irrigation gate system. The irrigation gate system includes a gate which is maintained in a closed position for preventing water flow past the gate or alternatively, in one of a plurality of open positions for allowing desired amounts of water in the channel to flow past the gate. The gate is vertically hingedly connected to a pipe shaft supported by a frame installed in the channel. A gate actuator moves the gate between its various positions upon receiving signals from an electronic programmable controller which in turn may receive signals from a variety of sources.

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 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 fluid level control system, particularly useful for controlling the level of water flowing in an open channel. The fluid level control system includes a gate having a flap portion interconnected to a lever portion. The flap portion is rotatable about a first pivot point. The system further includes a frame which is fixed with respect to the flap portion. A linkage interconnects the flap portion and the lever portion, and is connected to the frame at a second pivot point different than the first pivot point. Under changing flow conditions in the channel, the present system operates by both: (i) absolute movement of the lever portion and the flap portion, and (ii) relative movement between the lever portion and the flap portion. A fluid treatment system and a method for controlling the level of a flowing fluid may also use such a fluid level control system.

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: The invention provides a control gate (10) adapted to be installed across a channel (12) for liquids. Control gate (10) has a barrier member (22) that is pivotally mounted at or adjacent the base (20) of flow channel (12) and at least one side member (26) attached to barrier member (22). A drive means (34) co-operates with the at least one side member (26) or central member to allow raising and lowering of barrier member (22) to regulate flow of liquid through control gate (10). Also described is a method of measuring flow rate through a control gate.

Abstract: Device for retaining water comprising a foundation, a retaining wall movably attached to the foundation and a shore movably, particularly hingingly, attached to the foundation, in which the shore and the retaining wall are movably, particularly hingingly, attached to each other, and in which the retaining wall is provided with at least an internal longitudinal hinge about which the retaining wall can be turned.

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 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 pump device includes a motor, a pump body having a first body portion and a second body portion, a shaft connected to the motor and extending into the pump body and an impeller mounted on the shaft between the first and second body portions. A four valve assembly is provided in the pump body. The first and second valves are provided in the first body portion, and the third and fourth valves are provided in the second body portion. This pump device may be used to move an attached gate through fluid. When the gate door is to be moved through the fluid in a first direction, the first valve and the fourth valve are opened (and the second and third valves are closed) so that the fluid moves through the pump body from the fourth valve to the first valve. When the gate door is to be moved in a second direction, the second valve and the third valve are opened (and the first and fourth valves are closed) so that the fluid moves through the pump body from the third valve to the second valve.

Abstract: A sluice gate for controlling the discharge of water through a gateway in a flood irrigation system mounted with stub axles defining a hinge axis upstream of the gateway, and comprising a closure element mounted for swing movement about that axis and able to swing from a lower position wherein it blocks the gateway to an upper position wherein it allows water to flow through the gateway, a chamber integral with the closure element, a filler opening through which water from the upstream side of the gateway may enter the chamber, a drain opening that is larger than the filler opening through which water may drain from the chamber to the downstream side of the gateway, and a battery powered solenoid valve, having an actuator responsive to a radio signal from a remote water sensor, controlling the flow of water from the chamber through the drain opening.

Abstract: A self-actuating water control gate comprised of a stepped radial gate face 14 mounted on hinge arms 19 extending downstream to a pivot shaft 12 and to a counterweight 11 and support system. The gate face 10 includes a hydraulic thrust surface 15, and radially shaped end plates 17. The gate face has an upper section 14 and lower section 16 whose radii differ by predetermined amount. The support system for the counterweight 11 includes a pattern of holes 26 and eccentric cams 27 providing for adjustable sensitivity. The radial endplates 17 in combination with matching fixed jambs provide a small constant clearance in operation, confining the flow to the area below the gate. A fixed viscous damping vane 33 extends from the front of the gate into the approaching flow. The vane has an irregularly castellated vortex dispersing leading edge.

Abstract: A collapsible safety prop for supporting a waterway dam gate comprising first and second links, each of which has a longitudinal axis and an inner and outer end. The inner ends of the links are provided with a lateral member extending laterally from the longitudinal axis of the links. Each of the lateral members further includes a pivot substantially offset from the longitudinal axis of the links. A pivot pin connects each of the pivots and thereby interconnects the two links. Shear engaging mechanism are provided on the inner ends of the links and positioned on the longitudinal axis of the links and spaced a substantial distance from the pivot pin. Shear mechanism for connecting the shear engaging means are provided and positioned on the inner ends of the links for normally locking the prop links against pivotal movement. The outer ends of each of the links are also provided with pivot mechanism.

Abstract: A wicket gate for providing a dam in a navigable waterway is described. A cket gate is connected at one end to an axle which permits rotation of the wicket gate from a horizontal to a vertical position. The axle is supported on first and second carrier bearing, connected to a concrete sill within the navigable waterway. The wicket gate may be raised and lowered by a motor located within a gallery of the concrete sill. The motor is connected via a drive shaft to the axle of the wicket gate. This structure permits movement of the gate without props or other protrusions which could collect and hold debris.

Abstract: A movable dam gate hydraulically driven through a fixed strut to maintain regulate a pool of water upstream of a dam, the present gate structure is placed in series as a plurality of units to form a desired length of movable dam. The dam gates of the invention are operated from within a dry gallery which contains a single hydraulic cylinder and associated electric motor-drive hydraulic pump and oil reservoir for each gate. The dry gallery allows ready inspection and maintenance of the hydraulic equipment and prevents silting of the equipment such as occurs in prior art wet recesses within which hydraulic cylinders and associated apparatus have been previously operated. The present gate and gate system can be operated remotely, thereby providing greater safety and convenience to personnel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a hydraulic lifting module hich is removable as a unit from a wicket dam. A hydraulic cylinder is pivotably mounted about an axis in the frame and extends outwardly of an apertured cover between extreme positions. A slidable shield is secured and is pivotable with a portion of the cylinder extending out of the cover for closing the aperture and the extreme positions of the cylinder. A flexible boot interior of the frame renders the housing water and silt resistant.

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: 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: An upstream canal flow control device comprising a gate depending down into the flowing stream from a pivotal axis transverse to the stream and an arm extending downstream from the axis and gate containing a ballast to force the gate against stream flow, the ballast adjustable along the arm to cause the gate to retain an upstream water level as a function of the ballast position therealong.

Abstract: A sluice gate is provided in the form of a vane wheel on a horizontal shaft mounted transversally across the sluice in which it is installed, said vanes being distributed about the shaft and being partially immersible for the purpose of gate operation, same said vanes providing different sluice closing surface areas and said sluice gate comprising wheel locking means to maintain the vanes fixedly in the sluice. Application in small irrigation sluices is suggested.

Abstract: A gate for an irrigation ditch includes a rectangular frame, in which a pair of gates are pivotally mounted on shafts for rotation around vertical axes at the sides of the frame; helical springs connected to the top ends of the shafts and to the frame for regulating the water pressure required to open the gates; and tensioning elements for changing the length and consequently the tension of the springs, so that the pressure required to open the gates can be adjusted.