Water Control Gate

Abstract

A water control gate pivotable about a horizontal axis. Control may be by a combination of inflatable actuators and ballast chambers in combination with means for preventing over-rotation. Sealing between gate panels and between gate panels and abutments may be by means of seals inflated hydrostatically. The present invention is bottom hinged water control gate actuated by a combination of ballast chambers and inflatable actuators. The invention further includes an inflatable sealing means. The invention is particularly suited for use as a navigation lock gate system or as a flood control gate in a watercourse such as a navigation canal.

1 . A water control gate comprised of at least one gate panel with an edge pivotably connected to the channel bottom, at least one ballast chamber, and restraining means to prevent over-rotation of the gate panel(s) against the force of the water. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an inflatable actuator. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one inflatable seal along at least one gate panel edge adjacent the gate panel pivot edge. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising at least one inflatable seal along at least one gate panel edge adjacent the gate panel pivot edge. 
     
     
         5 . A water control gate including at least one inflatable seal positioned to seal the clearance between at least one moving and at least one stationary portion of said water control gate. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said inflatable seal is inflated with a fluid so as to provide a hydrostatic pressure distribution within the seal. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said inflatable seal is configured to resist leakage in either direction. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for blocking flow of water in a watercourse comprising one or more gate panels with ballast chambers and rotation limiting means for each gate panel. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further including inflatable actuators for assisting rotation of the gates about their horizontal pivot axis. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the rotation limiting means includes one or more tensile retraining elements. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising a reinforced elastomeric hinge. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8  further comprising at least one inflatable seal at at least one marginal edge of at least one gate panel. 
     
     
         13 . A bottom hinged water control gate including an inflatable seal along at least one marginal edge. 
     
     
         14 . The water control gate of  claim 13  wherein the inflatable seal in inflated with a liquid. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a fluid filled stand pipe for maintaining seal pressure. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the inflatable seal includes a hinged portion.