The invention relates to improved water control gates and related inflatable actuators, and associated sealing, manufacture and operation apparatus and methods. Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief, inflatable bladder strength enhancement, water gate related slide friction mitigation, abutment and other impounded water seals, gate panel fabrication, traffic accommodating water impoundment structures, and water gate panel system operation efficiency, as well as nappe aeration, hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are disclosed herein.

A flood barrier (100) is disclosed, which comprises at least two supporting posts (104a, 104b) for positioning at an entrance (102) of a building; and at least one panel (108) removably arranged intermediate a pair of the supporting posts to form the flood barrier, wherein the panel includes a plurality of seals having corrugated surfaces to interface with the supporting posts to provide a water-tight arrangement against entry of flood waters into the building. A method of operating said flood barrier is also disclosed.

A flood barrier (100) is disclosed, which comprises at least two supporting posts (104a, 104b) for positioning at an entrance (102) of a building; and at least one panel (108) removably arranged intermediate a pair of the supporting posts to form the flood barrier, wherein the panel includes a plurality of seals having corrugated surfaces to interface with the supporting posts to provide a water-tight arrangement against entry of flood waters into the building. A method of operating said flood barrier is also disclosed.

The invention provides a cable drive device (10) including a linear drive member (12), and a cable drum (14) attached to a support bracket (30, 32) adapted to be affixed to a surface. The cable drum (14) has an axle (26) supported by the support bracket (30, 32) to allow rotation of the cable drum (14). The cable drum (14) has a cable (42) affixed at either end of said linear drive member (12) and tautly wrapped around the cable drum (14). The cable drum (14) is located between the ends of the linear drive member (12) to, in use, allow the linear drive member (12) to be guided through the bracket (30, 32) to move the linear drive member (12) longitudinally when the axle (26) is rotated.

The invention provides a cable drive device (10) including a linear drive member (12), and a cable drum (14) attached to a support bracket (30, 32) adapted to be affixed to a surface. The cable drum (14) has an axle (26) supported by the support bracket (30, 32) to allow rotation of the cable drum (14). The cable drum (14) has a cable (42) affixed at either end of said linear drive member (12) and tautly wrapped around the cable drum (14). The cable drum (14) is located between the ends of the linear drive member (12) to, in use, allow the linear drive member (12) to be guided through the bracket (30, 32) to move the linear drive member (12) longitudinally when the axle (26) is rotated.

A flood barrier system includes vertical elements and panels extending between such vertical elements, the foregoing components having various features for inhibiting passage of flood water therethrough. One or more vertical elements may have a multi-layer base plate which forms a watertight seal with vertical gaskets disposed on the vertical elements. One of the vertical elements of the system may comprise a stanchion post which may be formed of extruded aluminum. Another vertical element which may find potential use in certain applications may be secured to a store front mullion. The panels in such system may include specially adapted gaskets to reduce instances of leakage. The vertical elements and panels allow the present flood barrier system to be flexible and readily deployable as a barrier to flood or flood risk.

A flood barrier system includes vertical elements and panels extending between such vertical elements, the foregoing components having various features for inhibiting passage of flood water therethrough. One or more vertical elements may have a multi-layer base plate which forms a watertight seal with vertical gaskets disposed on the vertical elements. One of the vertical elements of the system may comprise a stanchion post which may be formed of extruded aluminum. Another vertical element which may find potential use in certain applications may be secured to a store front mullion. The panels in such system may include specially adapted gaskets to reduce instances of leakage. The vertical elements and panels allow the present flood barrier system to be flexible and readily deployable as a barrier to flood or flood risk.

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.

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.

A pressure-tight door allowing movement of hinges includes: a hinge fixating part including a fixed member having one surface with a movable groove formed therein and the other surface fixed to a door frame, and a movable member having one surface inserted into the movable groove so as to slide bidirectionally on the movable groove and a hinge attached to the other surface of the movable member, connected to a door and sliding together with the movable member. The movable member of the hinge fixating part slides inwardly together with the hinge only when the pressure due to flooding or explosion is applied to the pressure-tight door, whereby the pressure-tight door is able to effectively block any leakage by compressing the gasket.