A valve for inflating and deflating an inflatable element includes a valve housing fluid connected to the inflatable element, an at least one hole extending through the valve housing and accommodated to let a fluid flow in and out the valve housing for inflating and deflating the inflatable element, and a flap disposed next to the at least one hole inside the valve housing, such that the flap covers the at least one hole and behaves as a flap when inflating the inflatable element. The flap is inflatable and is fluid connected with a nozzle disposed outside the valve housing. The inflatable flap, when inflated, uncovers the at least one hole releasing a fluid flow through the at least one hole for deflating the inflatable element.

A flow stopping tool for pipelines is disclosed, wherein the flow stopping tool comprises an inflatable balloon-like element that is in connection to a pressure rod. A hose is used for inflating the balloon-like element with a gas or a fluid, such that the balloon-like element can block a flow in a pipeline. A first end of the hose is in connection to the pressure rod and a second end of the hose is in connection to the balloon-like element. A part connecting the hose with the inflatable balloon-like element, but outside said balloon-like element, comprises a shock absorber for securing the hose-balloon connection.

A flow restriction system for restricting fluid flow through a pipe includes an anchor and an inflatable plug. The anchor includes an alignment body, a shield body, and a first fluid passage defined in the alignment body and the shield body. The shield body extends from the alignment body and has an upstream face and a downstream face. The downstream face is opposite the upstream face. The shield body is configured to block at least a portion of the fluid flow through the pipe. The inflatable plug is coupled to the downstream face of the shield body. The inflatable plug includes an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage.

A flow restriction system for restricting fluid flow through a pipe includes an anchor and an inflatable plug. The anchor includes an alignment body, a shield body, and a first fluid passage defined in the alignment body and the shield body. The shield body extends from the alignment body and has an upstream face and a downstream face. The downstream face is opposite the upstream face. The shield body is configured to block at least a portion of the fluid flow through the pipe. The inflatable plug is coupled to the downstream face of the shield body. The inflatable plug includes an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage.

Example embodiments relate to microfluidic devices for controlling pneumatic microvalves. One embodiment includes a microfluidic device for independently controlling a plurality of pneumatic microvalves. The microfluidic device is couplable to a pressure source. The microfluidic device includes a first substrate. The microfluidic device also includes a flexible membrane covering the first substrate. Additionally, the microfluidic device includes a second substrate covering the flexible membrane. Further, the microfluidic device includes one or more fluidic channels at least partially defined in the first substrate. In addition, the microfluidic device includes a pressure couplable to the pressure source and branching into a plurality of pressure channels. Still further, the microfluidic device includes at least one pressure control switch per pressure channel.

Example embodiments relate to microfluidic devices for controlling pneumatic microvalves. One embodiment includes a microfluidic device for independently controlling a plurality of pneumatic microvalves. The microfluidic device is couplable to a pressure source. The microfluidic device includes a first substrate. The microfluidic device also includes a flexible membrane covering the first substrate. Additionally, the microfluidic device includes a second substrate covering the flexible membrane. Further, the microfluidic device includes one or more fluidic channels at least partially defined in the first substrate. In addition, the microfluidic device includes a pressure couplable to the pressure source and branching into a plurality of pressure channels. Still further, the microfluidic device includes at least one pressure control switch per pressure channel.

Actuators having electroactive valves are described herein. The actuators can move from a first position to a second position and lock in the second position using an electroactive valve. The device can include an actuator having a fluid-impermeable membrane. The fluid-impermeable membrane can define a compartment, the compartment having a central region, an edge region extending from and fluidly connected with the central region, an electroactive valve between the central region and the edge region, and a dielectric fluid. When actuated, the actuators can force fluid through the electroactive valves and into the edge region. Once in the edge region, the electroactive valves can prevent return flow until receiving an actuation signal.

Actuators having electroactive valves are described herein. The actuators can move from a first position to a second position and lock in the second position using an electroactive valve. The device can include an actuator having a fluid-impermeable membrane. The fluid-impermeable membrane can define a compartment, the compartment having a central region, an edge region extending from and fluidly connected with the central region, an electroactive valve between the central region and the edge region, and a dielectric fluid. When actuated, the actuators can force fluid through the electroactive valves and into the edge region. Once in the edge region, the electroactive valves can prevent return flow until receiving an actuation signal.

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 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.