Water-level control device
AssigneeSpace Biospheres Ventures
InventorJohan A. Perslow
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A water-level control device is provided for controlling water levels between a high-tide level and a low-tide level. The water-level control device comprises a tiltable pipe connected to a drain pipe by a flexible joint. Tilting of the pipe allows flow of water from a high-tide point to a low-tide point. Water is pumped into a pond continuously, and the variable-height weir cyclically varies the outflow to simulate a tidal cycle.
Claims19
A water-level control device comprising:
- a diagonally-tiltable pipe having an open upper end;
- a tilt connector at a lower end of the tiltable pipe;
- a drain pipe attached to the tilt connector;
- an actuator shaft connected to an upper portion of the drain pipe;
- and
- means for retracting and extending the actuator shaft for cyclically tilting the pipe between an upper level and a lower level, respectively.
A method gradually raising and lowering an overflow weir in accordance with a desired tidal cycle for simulating a tidal cycle in a first pond simulating an ocean and in a second pond simulating a marshland tidal estuary comprising:
- continually pumping water from the first pond to a portion of the second pond;
- and
- returning the water from the second pond to the first pond at a variable rate.
A method tilting an overflow pipe with an open upper end between a high-tide elevation and a low-tide elevation for simulating a tidal cycle in a first pond simulating an ocean and in a second pond simulating a marshland tidal estuary comprising:
- continually pumping water from the first pond to a portion of the second pond;
- and
- returning the water from the second pond to the first pond at a variable rate.
A method for simulating a tidal cycle in a first pond simulating an ocean and in a second pond simulating a marshland tidal estuary comprising simulating high tide in the first pond while simulating low tide in the second pond, and vice versa by continually pumping water from the first pond to a portion of the second pond;
- and
- returning the water from the second pond to the first pond at a variable rate.
A tidal simulator comprising:
- a first tidal reservoir;
- a second tidal reservoir;
- means for continually pumping water from the first tidal reservoir to the second tidal reservoir;
- means for periodically varying the rate of return of water from the second tidal reservoir to the first tidal reservoir;
- and
- means for controlling the periodicity for returning the water to the first tidal reservoir.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.