A flood control system for remotely and automatically controlling flooding and water storage on reservoirs. The flood control system generally includes a central computer that controls the water level by controlling or communicating with flow control gates positioned near a number of culverts, wherein each flow control gate typically includes: (a) a control unit communicatively coupled to the central computer, the control unit capable of sending local condition data to the central computer via a wireless connection and further capable of receiving control commands from the central computer; (b) an input/output interface capable of receiving signals or data regarding physical conditions proximate the flow control gate, the input/output interface coupled to the control unit; and (c) a water shutoff valve controllable by the control unit and positioned to selectively allow or block the flow of water through each culvert, wherein each control unit controls each water shutoff valve.

A passive sequential pump system for use in moving a fluid is provided. The system comprises a plurality of valves. Each valve of the plurality of valves is positioned adjacent to another valve of the plurality of valves. Each of the plurality of valves includes an opening and an inner surface. The inner surface is expandable towards the opening. The system also comprises a conduit defined by the opening of each of the plurality of valves. The system further comprises an air source providing air to each of the plurality of valves and a controller controlling the air source to each of the plurality of valves. The system generates peristaltic motion to move a fluid through the conduit by increasing the air in each of the plurality of valves, thereby correspondingly closing each opening in sequence, peristaltic motion is generated to move a fluid through the conduit.

A passive sequential pump system for use in moving a fluid is provided. The system comprises a plurality of valves. Each valve of the plurality of valves is positioned adjacent to another valve of the plurality of valves. Each of the plurality of valves includes an opening and an inner surface. The inner surface is expandable towards the opening. The system also comprises a conduit defined by the opening of each of the plurality of valves. The system further comprises an air source providing air to each of the plurality of valves and a controller controlling the air source to each of the plurality of valves. The system generates peristaltic motion to move a fluid through the conduit by increasing the air in each of the plurality of valves, thereby correspondingly closing each opening in sequence, peristaltic motion is generated to move a fluid through the conduit.

Apparatus and method of inflating, sealing and deflating an inflatable body including a support structure with an opening, a piece with a hole from one end to the other end, the inflatable body is secured to the support structure with an opening and the piece with a hole from one end to the other end, and the piece with a hole from one end to the other end is secured to the support structure with an opening creating an air passageway channel to inflate, seal and deflate an inflatable body. The apparatus and method can be used to inflate, seal and deflate an inflatable body when the neck or opening portion of the inflatable body is inaccessible or unexposed as well as when the neck or opening portion of the inflatable body is accessible and exposed.

Apparatus and method of inflating, sealing and deflating an inflatable body including a support structure with an opening, a piece with a hole from one end to the other end, the inflatable body is secured to the support structure with an opening and the piece with a hole from one end to the other end, and the piece with a hole from one end to the other end is secured to the support structure with an opening creating an air passageway channel to inflate, seal and deflate an inflatable body. The apparatus and method can be used to inflate, seal and deflate an inflatable body when the neck or opening portion of the inflatable body is inaccessible or unexposed as well as when the neck or opening portion of the inflatable body is accessible and exposed.

A flow rate control device having features for selectively controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates is provided. In particular, a flow rate control device including an inflatable flow restrictor is provided, where the flow restrictor is selectively inflatable to occlude a flow path of a fluid to thereby control the flow rate of the fluid. A flow rate control mechanism comprising a flow restrictor also is provided, the flow restrictor having an inflatable balloon for occluding a flow path of a fluid to selectively control the flow rate of the fluid.

A flow rate control device having features for selectively controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates is provided. In particular, a flow rate control device including an inflatable flow restrictor is provided, where the flow restrictor is selectively inflatable to occlude a flow path of a fluid to thereby control the flow rate of the fluid. A flow rate control mechanism comprising a flow restrictor also is provided, the flow restrictor having an inflatable balloon for occluding a flow path of a fluid to selectively control the flow rate of the fluid.

An exhaust gas sampling system includes a main conveying line, a main throughput pump which conveys a sample gas in the main conveying line, a first Venturi nozzle, a second Venturi nozzle, a first control valve, and a second control valve. The first Venturi nozzle and the second Venturi nozzle are connected in parallel and are arranged in the main conveying line upstream of the main throughput pump. The first Venturi nozzle is assigned the first control valve. The second Venturi nozzle is assigned the second control valve. Each of the first control valve and the second control valve are provided as a pinch valve. Each pinch valve has a flexible, hose-like control element and a pressure chamber which is filled with a fluid and which is arranged to surround the flexible, hose-like control element.

A method for isolating a first region maintained at a first environment and a second region maintained at a second environment, wherein the first and second environments are different from each other. The method includes forming an airlock between the first region and the second region, in which the airlock includes a plurality of chambers, which are separated by gate valves, successively arranged along a guide path between the first region and the second region. The method also includes maintaining environments in the plurality of chambers so that an environment in one chamber is different from an environment in an adjacent chamber.

A method for isolating a first region maintained at a first environment and a second region maintained at a second environment, wherein the first and second environments are different from each other. The method includes forming an airlock between the first region and the second region, in which the airlock includes a plurality of chambers, which are separated by gate valves, successively arranged along a guide path between the first region and the second region. The method also includes maintaining environments in the plurality of chambers so that an environment in one chamber is different from an environment in an adjacent chamber.