US 5,857,805 A · Flow modification apparatus, system, and method

Abstract

A method for modifying the flow of water in a channel includes creating a flow modifier by first obtaining a plurality of rigid substantially linear posts and obtaining at least one prefabricated brace configured for connection to the posts. The prefabricated brace is configured with two spaced apart rigid anchor ends, one of which has at least two spaced apart anchor sites. A plurality of rigid cross beams connect the anchor ends, with the cross beams and the anchor ends all substantially coplanar. A plurality of vertically extending vanes may also be arrayed across the prefabricated brace. The method also includes driving at least two of the posts into the channel bed and securely connecting at least one prefabricated brace to the posts at the anchor sites. An agglomeration matrix may be positioned against the prefabricated brace for supporting and accumulating materials which amplify the flow modification effect of the prefabricated brace and matrix. The flow modifier modifies the flow of water by creating a weir, by diverting the flow of water, by reinforcing the channel bank, by creating a favorable habitat for plant life, or by some combination of these effects. An apparatus and system for modifying the flow of water in a channel are also disclosed.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A method for modifying the flow of water in a channel having a channel bed and a bank, said method comprising the steps of:

obtaining at least one prefabricated brace configured for connection to one or more posts, the prefabricated brace including:
two spaced apart rigid anchor ends;
and
at least one rigid cross beam connecting the anchor ends, the cross beam and the anchor ends being substantially coplanar;
obtaining a plurality of rigid substantially linear posts and driving at least two of the posts into the channel bed;
placing the prefabricated brace in the channel between the posts such that the prefabricated brace modifies the resistance offered to the flow of water and thereby reduces the velocity of the flow of water immediately downstream from the prefabricated brace;
and
securing the prefabricated brace in position with respect to the channel bed by securely connecting one anchor end to one of the posts and securely connecting the second anchor end to a second post, wherein the prefabricated brace is securely connected to two of the posts and is substantially coplanar with the posts between which the prefabricated brace is secured.

5 more elements

A flow modification system for modifying the flow of water in a channel, said system comprising:

a plurality of rigid substantially linear posts;
at least one prefabricated brace configured for assembly with said posts to form said system, said prefabricated brace comprising:
two spaced apart rigid anchor ends;
at least one rigid cross beam connecting said anchor ends, said cross beam and said anchor ends being substantially coplanar;
and
a plurality of vanes attached to the at least one rigid cross beam and disposed between the two spaced apart rigid anchor ends, the vanes being coplanar with the prefabricated brace for partially obstructing the flow of water in a channel in which the system is located to reduce the velocity thereof and to thereby reduce erosion in a bank of the channel in front of which the prefabricated brace is disposed;
and
a plurality of connectors for securely connecting said prefabricated brace between two of said posts, said prefabricated brace being substantially coplanar with said posts between which said prefabricated brace is secured.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flow modification apparatus, system, and method

Life of this patent

Flow modification apparatus, system, and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32