US 5,472,293 AGranted

Multipurpose automatic gate control

OwnerLenton D. Rollerinventor

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Abstract

A device with a gate release door and other water release openings to attach to the mouth of outlet pipes of flood control structures and similar reservoirs to control the storage and release of water, comprising a gate release door in initial closed position permitting the reservoir to rise during rainfall, above the intake of the stand tower or stand pipe in the reservoir. A float control switch mounted at a predetermined height above the surface of the reservoir, closes as the rising water reaches this maximum level, activating an electric winch, opening the gate release door, permitting the reservoir to return to normal pool level, and continue to serve the primary function of flood control. A pressure control switch mounted on the device, responding to the increasing hydrostatic pressure, provides a dual means to open the gate release door by activating a parallel circuit to the electric winch. The primary mechanical method to assure gate opening is provided by lever arms and computed counterweights exerting torque forces upon the gate release door, which are overcome when the hydrostatic pressure reaches the predetermined level. Multiple outlets provide water under hydrostatic pressure to agriculture/aquaculture uses and to feed a turbine for generation of electrical/mechanical energy. The combined use of the outlet pipes with the drain valve in the stand tower permit high nutrient waters to flow to the agriculture plots establishing a biological/nutrient cycle.

A multipurpose automatic gate control device structured as a container and mounted over the end of an outlet pipe of a flood control lake or reservoir, and having sufficient exterior surface area to mount a gate release door to the front and other electrical/mechanical components on the sides, all functioning together to provide multiple means for said gate control device to control the storage and release of waters from said flood control lake or reservoir, comprising:

(a) a structural device made of durable materials sufficiently strong to provide a designed means to withstand hydrostatic pressures and deterioration from the elements,
(b) said multipurpose automatic gate control device comprising an attachment means consisting of a collar capable of adapting to various size outlet pipes and providing a water seal and release capability,
(c) a gate release door mounted on the front of said gate control device hinged on the top edge to automatically swing out and upward as hydrostatic pressures increase overcoming a restraining forces on the bottom edge, said restraining force created by mechanical means comprising a plurality of retaining toes connected by a shaft under torque to a lever arms with weights, said gate release door being of sufficient size so that when it is fully open to permit unrestricted discharge of outflow waters from said outlet pipe, thereby permitting said flood control lake or reservoir to function as designed,
(d) said gate release door containing a sliding hatch door for partial release of outflow waters,
(e) said gate release door when returned to closed position and retaining force components consisting of the toes connected to the torque shaft and lever arms with weights, allowing water to fill said gate control device, outlet pipe and stand tower, and permitting said flood control lake or reservoir to increase in depth to a predetermined level, creating additional water storage for multiple uses.

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Abstract

Claims6