Title of Invention

AN INFLATED BLADDER STRESS REDUCTION APPARATUS AND A METHOD THEREOF

Abstract [A w] Water control gates ([24, ]014) and related inflatable actuators (203.903). and associated sealing (500[2}4), manufacture and operation apparatus and methods. Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief (2). inflatable bladder strength enhancement [(2)], water gate related slide friction mitigation, abutment and other impounded water seals (73), gate panel ([24]3000) fabrication, traffic accommodating water impoundment structures ([612,614]40l), and water gate panel system operation efficiency, as well as nappe aeration (9500), hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are some of the advancements disclosed herein.
Full Text WATER CONTROL GATE AND ACTUATOR THEREFORE
This application claims the benefit of and priority from United States Provisional
Application No. 60/304,263 filed July 9, 2001, United States Provisional Application No.
60/329,090 filed October 13, 2001, United States Provisional Application No. 60/334.870
filed October 18, 2001, United States Provisional Application No. 60/343.834 filed
October 19, 2001, and United States Provisional Application No. 60/379,401 filed Ma> 9,
2002, each hereby incorporated by reference.
I. Background of the Invention
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to water control gates and inflatable dams for control
of water for use in conjunction with, but not limited to, dam spillways, hydroelectric
projects, flood control structures, river diversions, irrigation canal check structures,
roadway water barriers, levee crossings, parking garage water barriers, to inflatable
actuators therefore, to inflatable actuators in general, to reinforced elastomeric hinges
therefore, and to inflatable articles in general such as actuators for machines such as
presses, dunnage bags, inflatable jacks, collapsible hoses and the like. The inflatable
actuators herein disclosed may have many other applications, particularly where low cost,
long life and reliability are important.
2. Description of Related Art
Various attempts have been made to develop economical water control gates. In
many instances, the most economic water control gates are air actuated bottom hinged
gates and inflatable dams. As but one advantage, the position of a plurality of water
control gates can be infinitely adjusted by adjustment of the inflatable actuator pressures.
Various patents relating to air-actuated bottom hinged gates and relating to inflatable dams
are attached to this application and are hereby incorporated by reference. Various other
materials relating to what may be prior art are also attached and are also hereby
incorporated by reference. Hydraulically or mechanically operated gates are generally
more expensive than the aforementioned air operated gates and inflatable dams.
particularly if the cost of construction of required associated piers, equipment platforms,
service cranes and bridges is accounted for. The limitations heretofore of inflatable dams
have included high stresses at the downstream fold. In the case of inflatable dams
manufactured from a single flat sheet, these stresses in the elastomeric material occur with
the inflatable dam in the inflated configuration. Failure may result due to a combination
of tensile stresses in the outermost layers due to bending of the dam body in conjunction
with flow induced vibration associated with a rounded flexible surface from which flow
may separate in an oscillatory manner. In the case of inflatable dams manufactured as a
folded sheet, high tensile stresses may result in both the elastomeric inner-liner and in the
inner most plies of reinforcing fabric when the dam is inflated. These high stresses in the
reinforcing fabric may dictate that a high elongation fiber such as nylon be used even
though nylon may have inferior long term water resistance compared to polyester, for
example. The high stresses may generally lower the factor of safety or increase the overall
cost of such an inflatable dam. Furthermore, even if reinforcement failure is avoided, high
tensile stresses in the elastomeric inner-liner may result in cracking which may cause air
leakage into the fiber reinforcement. This fiber reinforcement may be exposed at other
locations resulting in gradual but undesirable air loss from the inflatable dam.
Furthermore, inter-ply pressures may be increased, which may result in long-term oxygen
degradation of the dam body and the susceptibility of the outer cover to blistering.
The limitations heretofore of bottom hinged air actuated gates have been the
requirement for custom field fitting of seals, the requirement for heating of abutment
plates during icing conditions, and the somewhat higher cost, relative to benefits, of gates
for low damming heights such as 2 meters or less. Specifically, with respect to gates for
low damming heights such as 2 meters or less, the designs of the prior art have generally
fallen into two categories. In the first category are designs such as those described in U.S.
Patent 5,092,707 to Obermeyer, U.S. Patent 5,538,360 to Obermeyer, and U.S. Patent
5,713,699 to Obermeyer et al. The designs of this first category call for a secondary
vulcanization process for joining of the seam under the clamp bar. Secondary
vulcanization processes (an additional, second vulcanizing process) may entail extra
expense and may result in joints, which are less reliable than those created using a single
stage vulcanization (merely one vulcanizing process) used in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, said secondary vulcanization process
can, at best, provide an elastomeric seal under the clamp bar. Continuit\ of
circumferential reinforcement around the inflatable portion of the air bladder may not be
accomplished by simply bonding and sealing the clamped joint in a secondary
vulcanization step. Although the use of a wedge type clamping system as disclosed in U.S.
Patent 5,709,502 to Obermeyer eliminates the requirement for a vulcanized joint under the
clamp system, the clamp system itself may become relatively expensive as damming
heights become lower.
A disadvantage common to both inflatable dams with clamped unvulcanized joints
and to air actuated bottom hinged gates with vulcanized joints is the phenomenon of creep
of the elastomer compressed under the clamp system. Proper functioning of each system
may generally rely on sufficient compressive stress under the clamp to prevent air leakage.
The higher the compressive stress, the higher the associated shear stress becomes which,
in turn, may lead to increased creep rates. Thus, the more securely such a clamp is
tightened, the more often it may require re-tightening. Proper maintenance requires a
careful balance between insufficient tightening which may result in leakage or system
failure and excessive tightening which may lead to high rates of creep and also to system
failure.
Conventional inflatable dams may also be subject to vibration during over-topping
conditions. Attempts have been made to aerate a nappe, leaving a fin by varying the
dimensions of the fin or by providing discrete fins. Even with these mitigative measures,
vibration may still be a problem under certain flow conditions.
Additionally, the air fittings most commonly used in conjunction with air actuated
bottom hinged gates and inflatable dams of the prior art may require protection during
installation and may include sharp-machined edges. These sharp edges of these air fittings
may damage or even penetrate adjacent air bladders if several air bladders are stacked for
shipment or if such a fitting were to be installed prior to rolling up a long inflatable dam.
Additionally, air actuated bottom hinged gates and inflatable dams of existing
systems may generally not be well suited for vehicle or pedestrian traffic when in the
lowered or deflated position. Conventional bottom hinged water control gates may be
fitted with irregularly shaped hinges and reinforcing ribs which may not obstruct water
flow but may pose a hazard or even a barrier to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Conventional bottom hinged water control gates have also incorporated restraining
straps, which may protrude from beneath the lowered gate panels. The protrusion of said
restraining straps may be hazardous to pedestrian traffic. Such protruding restraining
straps may be damaged by vehicular traffic. Furthermore, the protrusion of these
restraining straps may be undesirable in certain water control applications even where
traffic is not a design criterion.
Conventional bottom hinged roadway and walkway water barriers have in some
cases utilized mechanical hinges, which may be subject to leakage of water and corrosion
and in some cases have used mechanical actuators, which may be subject to corrosion.
Additionally, such mechanical hinges may require precise alignment, which may be
expensive.
Inflatable articles such as lifting bags (inflatable jacks), dock bumpers, hoses,
inflatable dams and spillway gate actuators are typically manufactured by one of two
methods. In the first method an internal mandrel or tool is used to define an internal
surface with rounded edges. This method requires a secondary bonding operation or
special device to seal the opening through which the mandrel or tool may be removed. In
the second method, the interior is allowed to simply fold flat while the interior surfaces are
prevented from bonding by means of a release film. This results in extreme stress
concentrations of the inner liner in the inflated condition and, with multiple layers of
reinforcement, extremely uneven load sharing between the layers of reinforcement. A
third method utilizes three dimensional soluble mandrels of eutectic salts, aluminum,
paper mache, etc. This type of soluble mandrel is expensive, time consuming, and in the
case of salt, very fragile.
Conventional spillway and navigation dam gates may be fitted with individual
actuators or, in some instances, may be lifted to raised and locked positions one by one
from a work boat or overhead cable hoist. Lifting the gates from overhead with either a
boat or cableway may require dangerous work by highly skilled operators. Individual
actuators may be too expensive for some projects. The use of very long spans of actuated
water control gates in lieu of levees has often been cost prohibitive with existing systems.
Conventional spillway gates often use nappe breakers to prevent vibration under
conditions of small amounts of over-topping. Such nappe breakers are generally made of
steel and are easily damaged by winter ice flows.
II. Summary of Invention
It is an object of this invention to provide a low-cost alternative to current water
control gates for tow damming heights, which is easy to transport and install, and which
does not require heated abutment plates for winter operation. It is another object of this
invention to provide, in one type of embodiment, a gate system which may be driven over
or walked upon without undue hazard or damage to the gate system. It is another object of
this invention to provide a low cost flood control barrier, which may be suitable for
spanning long distances.
In accordance with at least one of this invention, an air bladder is provided which
may be inflated, for quality control purposes for example, without the requirement that this
air bladder be secured to a spillway or special test fixture.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention, air bladders may contain plies
of reinforcement which are continuous, except for any splices, around the circumference
of said inflated air bladder and which may cross the joint connecting the inflated portions
of said air bladders to the clamped portions of said air bladders. Said plies of
reinforcement which are continuous may prevent de-lamination of the bonded layers of
reinforcement which extend under the clamp bar while the air bladder is pressurized and
the clamp is either not yet installed or is not clamped tightly. De-lamination, which can
occur in some conventional designs, may reduce structural integrity or cause leakage.
According to another aspect of the invention, air bladders may be vulcanized in a
single stage vulcanization process and may not require any secondary vulcanization steps.
Such single stage vulcanization may enhance overall structural integrity and may
minimize manufacturing costs.
According to another aspect of this invention, air bladders may be secured to a dam
spillway, for example, with a simple rectangular clamp bar. This simple rectangular
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damp bar may be less expensive, easier to install and require less space than alternative
clamping systems. Space on existing spillways to which such gate systems may be
retrofitted may be severely restricted.
According to another aspect of this invention, air bladders may be provided with
precisely molded ends to which matching inter-panel seals and abutment seals may be
fitted to create a leak tight assembly with minimal installation time.
According to another aspect of this invention, an integral hinge flap may be
provided which may conform tightly to the downstream face of aforementioned clamp bar.
With such a configuration, the trapping of sand or gravel between the hinge flap and the
clamp bar may be avoided. Sand and gravel trapped between the hinge flap and the clamp
bar may, during actuation of a gate system over time, damage the hinge flap or remove
corrosion protection from the clamp bar.
According to another aspect of this invention, air bladders may be provided with
air fittings which lack damaging or damageable protrusions. This may be accomplished
with a fitting, which may be entirely contained within the lower membrane of an inflatable
air bladder as herein disclosed.
According to another aspect of this invention, air fittings may be generally disk
shaped and may feature a connection such as pipe threads at a centrally located through-
hole.
According to another aspect of this invention, air fittings may feature a tapered
profile which may limit undesirable changes in direction of reinforcing fabric. Excessive
changes in direction of reinforcing fabric may cause delamination of the layers of the
reinforcing from each other or disbonding of the reinforcing from the embedded air fitting.
According to another aspect of this invention, air fittings may feature rounded
outer edges, which may prevent the fitting from cutting aforementioned reinforcing fabric.
According to another aspect of this invention, the radius of the rounded outer edges
may be sufficiently small such that the formation of voids in the elastomer and the direct
contact of reinforcing cords with the air fitting may be avoided.
According to another aspect of this invention, the air fittings may be made of (in
part or whole) or coated with a material which bonds to the elastomeric body of said
inflatable bladder during vulcanization.
According to another aspect of this invention, said air fittings may be made of
brass.
According to another aspect of this invention, inter-panel seals may be provided
with a bend in cross-section to enhance flexibility in installations where the distance
between adjoining gate panels varies with gate actuation angle, such as on a spillway
which is curved in plan view.
According to another aspect of this invention, interpanel seals may be provided
which may be identical or similar in profile to the clamped edge of the associated air
bladder. In this manner, the inter-panel seals and air bladder may be simultaneously
secured to a dam spillway with the same clamp arrangement.
According to another aspect of this invention, abutment seals may be provided
which may be identical or similar in profile to the clamped edge of the associated air
bladder. In this manner, the abutment seals and air bladder may be simultaneously
secured to a dam spillway with the same clamp arrangement.
According to another aspect of the present invention, elastomeric abutment seals
may be provided with a bonded low friction wear surface such as polyethylene or PTFE,
for example.
According to another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene wear surface is co-
vulcanized to a reinforced elastomer containing EPDM (ethylene-propoylene-diene-
methylene rubber).
According to another aspect of the present invention, a polyethylene wear surface
is co-vulcanized to a reinforced elastomer comprised of a blend including EPDM and
Chlorobutyl.
According to another aspect of this invention, an abutment plate may be provided
which has low thermal conductivity and low adhesion to ice.
According to yet another aspect of this invention, said abutment plate may be
provided with a large number of fasteners and may have a relatively large thickness so as
to prevent buckling (including warping) which might otherwise result due to the low
modulus and high coefficient of thermal expansion of materials such as polyethylene.
According to another aspect of this invention, the fastener spacing to thickness
ratio may be approximately 20 to 1 or less, and is preferably no greater than 12 to I
(perhaps 8 to 1). In this manner, buckling of the abutment plates when exposed to direct
sunlight may be* avoided. Buckling is generally undesirable because a leak path may be
opened up behind the abutment plate. This leak path may not entirely re-close due to
creep of the abutment plate material or the lodging of debris. Buckling is also undesirable
because it may interfere with free travel of the adjoining gate panel and seal assembly.
According to another aspect of this invention the fasteners may be recessed below
the surface of said abutment plates.
According to another aspect of this invention, the fasteners may be covered with a
polyethylene plug or auto body filler like material to leave a smooth surface against which
a gate abutment seals may travel.
According to another aspect of this invention, a groove may be provided around
the periphery of each of several abutment plate segments so as to allow the placement and
retention of sealant.
According to another aspect of this invention, the abutment plate material may
contain a dark pigment such as carbon black to facilitate solar heating and to block
ultraviolet radiation, which could damage a polymer such as polyethylene.
8
According to another aspect of the invention the abutment plate material may be
ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene.
According to another aspect of this invention the abutment plate may be comprised
of high density polyethylene.
According to another aspect of this invention, the abutment plates may incorporate
reinforcement such as fiberglass which has low thermal conductivity yet ma\ confer
stiffness to the abutment plates.
According to another aspect of this invention, a heated seal assembly or other
heating means (or, perhaps even, heating element) may be attached to and movable with a
gate panel associated with the aforementioned low thermal conductivity abutment plate.
According to another aspect of this invention, an inflatable dam may be provided
which, although vulcanized in a folded "deflated" position, features a prescribed finite
internal radius along the interior of the downstream edge. This internal radius may be
formed, for example, with a removable tool, a soluble tool, or with an extruded
elastomeric profile which may be left in place after manufacture.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the undamped edges of an
inflatable article such as an inflatable actuator for a water control gate or the body of a
rubber dam may incorporate an elastomeric profile which may be extruded and pre-cured
and then subsequently bonded over a portion of its profile to the interior marginal edges of
the inflatable article. This elastomeric profile may be "tear drop" shaped and may feature
a hole through its center. This hole may be used to locate the profile during manufacture,
or may be used as a crush-resistant air supply manifold. The elastomeric profile may be
bonded to the interior of the inflatable article along one side, while the rounded surface
and opposite flat side remain un-bonded. In this manner, the article may be inflated
without being constrained by the profile. Furthermore, a desirable as-molded rounded
shape is imparted to the interior of the inflatable article, and the need to remove a tool
used for the same purpose is eliminated. Portions of said profile may be selectively
bonded with rubber cement, for example, or selectively caused to not bond by the use of
9
release film or agent, in accordance with the compounds and methods used for
manufacture.
The economics of some projects may prohibit the use of individual actuators for
each gate panel. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a water control
gate system that may provide the safe remote actuation capability of more expensive
systems with individual gate actuators, while retaining the economy of simple manualloperated gates.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a method of construction that may
be economical for large scale gates.
It is another object of this invention to provide gate panels that may be adapted to
also serve as a roadway, walkway, or railroad bed surface.
It is another object of this invention to provide a water control gate system that
may provide for easy and reliable pneumatic actuation yet may also provide a smooth and
safe upper surface for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
It is another object of this invention to provide a method of construction that may
be economical for a wide range of gate heights.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a gate hinge mechanism that may
have a high load rating without the requirement for precision rotating bearings, which
might require time consuming and expensive field alignment procedures.
It is another object of this invention to provide a hinge mechanism that may also
serve as a seal which may prevent fluids, particles or contaminates from passing through
the hinge assembly.
It is another object of this invention to provide a flexible barrier, which may
protect the hinge mechanism from corrosive fluids or gasses and may protect the hinge
mechanism from abrasive or damaging particles.
10
It is the further object of this invention to provide a hinge that may allow shear
loads between the two hinged objects to be transmitted from the flexible cable, cord or
fibrous elements to the rigid elements by a bonded chemical connection.
It is the further object of this invention that said bonded chemical connection
provides an elastic connection, which serves to reduce stress concentrations and optimize
the ability of the assembly to accommodate misalignmeni and absorb dynamic loads
without damage. Such an elastic connection may be manufactured using a vulcanizable
elastomer such as EPDM, butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, nitrite
rubber, chloroprene rubber or blends thereof.
It is the further object of this invention to configure flexible and preferably twisted
cords, cables or other means so as to resist loads in any direction in the plane normal to the
hinge axis and to be able to resist shear loads parallel to the hinge axis, while providing
little resistance to rotation about the hinge axis within the angular design limits of the
hinge.
It is the further object of this invention to utilize pre-assembled groups of cords
such as strips of unidirectional tire cord fabric, preferable embedded in rubber or other
elastomer.
It is the further object of this invention to provide an un-bonded zone between the
rigid hinge elements and the flexible elements in the region of rolling contact.
It is the further object of this invention to provide smooth rounded edges adjacent
the flexible cord elements both in the zone of rolling contact and at the edges where the
flexible elements reverse directions.
It is the further object of this invention to provide robust mechanical support to the
portion of the rigid elements around which the flexible elements wrap, preferably by
approximately SO % solid material for support and approximately 50% slotted length for
wrapping of the reverse bend of said flexible elements.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a low friction and low wear
robust hinge mechanism which does not require hard metallic or ceramic surfaces but for
which the rigid elements may be fabricated of light weight fiber reinforced composites
such as carbon fiber, aramid fiber, ceramic fibers or glass fibers in a matrix of epoxy.
polyester, etc.
A still further object of this invention is to provide the lowered gate panels with
mechanical support through transmission of compressive bearing loads through the
deflated air bladders.
A further object of this invention is to provide a smooth upper surface in
conjunction with a water control gate so as to prevent the entrapment of sediment, debris
or other solids, which could hinder the free flow of water.
A further object of this invention is to provide a smooth surface, which does not
present a danger to recreational water uses such as raft, kayak, and canoe passage.
A further object of this invention is to provide a smooth and safe surface for users
of swimming facilities and amusement park water features. Such a smooth surface may be
molded of vulcanizable elastomers such as EPDM, Butyl rubber, natural rubber, styrene
butadiene rubber, nitrite rubber, or blends thereof, for example.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a compact enclosed hinge
mechanism which requires no sliding surfaces subject to contamination by abrasives and
wear.
Another object of this invention is to provide a smooth surface fixed to the bottom
of a concrete gate panel against which the air bladder can slide without excessive wear or
friction. Such a smooth surface may be manufactured from UHMW polyethylene in
conjunction with suitable concrete anchors, for example.
Another object of this invention is to provide a smooth low friction corner under
the upstream edge of the gate panel around which the inflated air bladder can slide without
12
excessive friction or wear. Such a corner piece may be manufactured from nylon or
UHMW polyethylene rod, for example.
A further embodiment of this invention is an articulated gate mounted by a hinge
to a mounting element within a roadway or walkway and actuated by inflatable actuators
located under the articulated panels of said gate system. The inflatable actuators may be
shimmed after installation to transmit compressive loads from the lowered gate panels
downward to the foundation slab. For large scale installations, the gate panels are
preferably constructed in place of reinforced concrete. This eliminates the need not only
for transport of heavy gate panels to the site, but also to relocate the completed gate panels
after they are manufactured.
Another aspect of this invention is to provide a water control gate system wherein
the restraining straps may be located between the ends of adjacent air bladders and,
optionally, between air bladders adjacent abutments and these abutments. This
arrangement may allow the simultaneous use of large low pressure air bladders in
conjunction with restraining straps which may be sufficiently short to remain covered and
protected by the gate panels when said gate panels are in a fully lowered position. Large
low pressure air bladders may be generally desirable in that their use generally reduces
reaction forces at the associated hinge assembly, reduces gate panel loading, and reduces
loads within said air bladders themselves.
Another aspect of this invention is to provide dummy inserts, made of elastomeric
material similar to that from which the air bladders are manufactured, for example, within
the clamping system to replace the air bladders at locations where said air bladders may be
truncated to provide clearance space for restraining straps. In some cases, a radius which
may be provided in the as-manufactured shape in conjunction with the inflated radius of
adjoining air bladders may provide sufficient clearance for said restraining straps.
A further object of this invention is to provide a flood protection barrier means (or.
perhaps even, flood protection barrier element) for a railroad which may lie below flood
level, such as in the case of a railway passing through a levee. Specifically this invention
may allow for rails to be attached to and supported by gate panels which may, in turn, be
supported through an inflatable actuator by the underlying foundation.
13
It is another aspect of this invention to provide articulated segments of rail which
can slide over the fixed rails as the gate panel and its rail segments are raised.
A further object of this invention is to provide a smooth surface out of cast-in-
place polyurethane, for example, over a gate clamp system which would otherwise not be
flat.
A further object of this invention is the use of a cover plate to provide a smooth
surface over the clearance gap above the hinge, which gap may be necessary for the
hinged angular upward motion of the gate. Said cover plate may be Fixed with a hinge at
one edge and may be supported at the opposite edge in such a manner that it may slide as
the gate is raised and lowered. The preferred arrangement is to provide a cover plate
which may be pivotably mounted to the gate panel and which may be able to slide in an
upstream direction over the clamp area as the gate panel is raised.
A still further object of this invention is to provide sufficiently large gate panels
such that seal leakage between individual gate panels may not be a significant problem.
Another aspect of this invention is a movable actuator that may be positioned and
operated safely from a remote dry location. A single actuator may be used to lift,
sequentially for example, a large quantity of individual gate panels or segments. After
lifting, each gate panel or segment may be held in the raised position by a restraint such as
an inexpensive mechanical strut, latch or tension member. These restraints may be
designed to release automatically in response to high upstream levels or increased
hydrostatic loads on the gate.
For some flood control applications, the gate panels may preferably be constructed
in place of reinforced concrete, thus eliminating the need, not only for transport to the site,
but also possibly eliminating the need to relocate or lift the gate panels at all once they are
manufactured.
Another aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is the casting of
concrete gate panels so as to incorporate the associated hinge elements into said gate
14
panels. The expense of hinge fasteners and the expense of labor otherwise required for
fastening hinges to finished gate panels may be thus avoided.
Another aspect of the present invention is the provision of flexible nappe breakers
(or aerators) which may resist damage due to ice flows. These flexible nappe breakers
may be manufactured from reinforced elastomers, for example.
A further aspect of the present invention is the provision of vertically extended
inter-panel seals or abutment seals which may also serve as flexible nappe breakers.
III. Brief Description of the Drawings
Note that the following drawings relate to one or more embodiment only and arc
not in any way to limit the invention, embodiments thereof, claims, or elements thereof.
Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the present invention will become apparent
as the description proceeds taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a cut-away view of an inflatable jack. Inflatable membrane 3 wraps around
extruded member 2. Air may be supplied through pre-molded shape 1 through hose
Figure 2 is a cut-away plan view of the inflatable jack depicted in Figure 1. Inflatable
membrane 3 encloses extruded member 2
Figure 3 is a section identified in Figure 2. Extruded member 2 is bonded along surface 8
to inflatable membrane 3, but not bonded along surface 7, nor along the circular surface of
contact 9. Hole S allows transmission of pressurized fluid (e.g. pressurized air) around the
periphery of the inflatable jack. The air may pass from continuous, longitudinal hole 5 out
through vent holes 6
Figures 4, S, 6, and 7 depict an optional pre-molded elastomeric fitting, which adapts an
external hose to the internal stress relief profile.
Figure 8 shows a cross section of an inflatable jack in a deflated condition.
15
Figure 9 shows an inflatable jack in the inflated condition with the stress relief profile
secured to the side of the inflated device.
Figure 10 shows an inflatable dam body in the deflated condition. Inflatable membrane 3
is secured by wedges lla, lib, lie, lid, and lie at upstream end 10. Insert (or
circumferentially continuous, or integrally adjoined, or joint traversing) layer 12 prevents
tearing if the envelope is inflated without external clamping forces. Fin 14 includes fin
insert IS under reinforcement layer 16.
Figure 11 is the inflatable dam of Figure 10 in the inflated configuration. Inflatable
membrane 3 holds fin 14 and stress relief extrusion 2 in position. Dam-to-spillway clamp
17 holds the inflatable dam to spillway foundation 18 (a spillway).
Figure 12 shows another embodiment of an inflatable dam, using a simple rectangular
clamp 118 in conjunction with "comma" insert 21 and anti-tear reinforcement 12. The
thickened portion of the inflatable membrane 3 containing stress relief shape 2 and fin
insert IS lies within a recess in the spillway 22. Nut 20 holds clamp 118 onto anchor bolt
19. The air connection 24 to the inflatable dam may be connected to hollow extrusion S
by means of a molded groove 23 that provides a clearance space for air between upper and
lower adjacent portions of deflated membrane 3. Expressed in more general terms, a
segment of at least one layer of the inflatable bladder membrane 1002 may be adapted to
surround a spatial void (that may be termed a membrane spatial void) that is fluidically
responsive to a spatial void 1003 formed by the air supply fitting (or pressurized fluid
element) 24 and to a longitudinal spatial void S enclosed by the longitudinal spatial void
enclosing insert element 1004. The membrane spatial void may also be fluidicly
responsive to a bladder interior-to-longitudinal spatial void fluid conveyance hole. The
inflatable dam may be rendered less prone to flow induced vibration damage when
deflated by lowering the internal pressure to below atmospheric pressure by means of a
vacuum system connected to air supply fitting 24. This causes tight adherence of
membrane 3 to insert 2, resulting in a stiffer structure at a location known for damage
problems with conventional designs.
16
Figure 13 is an inflatable dam similar to that shown in Figure 12 in the inflated
configuration. Insert 21 provides positive engagement to clamp bar 118. Recess 22 can
be seen on spillway 18.
Figure 14 is a cross section of a pneumatic spillway gate in accordance with the present
invention. Relief groove 23 connects air fitting 24 to hollow stress relief extrusion 2.
Gate panel 24 is secured to hinge flap 25 by means of hinge retainer 26.
Figure IS shows the deflated air bladder of the spillway gate shown in Figure 14.
"Comma-" type Insert member 21 is located upstream of flat portion 28. Holes 29 through
flat portion 28 permit assembly with the clamp bar 118 of Figure 14. The enlarged portion
27 of the hinge flap 25 prevents the hinge flap from pulling out from under the hinge
retainer 26 of Figure 14. Anti tearing layer 12 prevents rupture of the air bladder under
undamped or loosely clamped conditions.
Figure 16 shows an air supply groove 23 molded into inflatable membrane 3.
Figure 17 and Figure 18 show an inflatable hose in accordance with the present invention.
Figure Bl is a perspective view of a frame across which four wires are stretched. The
wires define the edges of an inflatable article of which the innermost layer is shown
positioned on the wires. The subsequent layers are indicated in the exploded view.
Figure B2 is a perspective view of a corner of an inflatable article showing a positioning
rod (or wire) within stress relief inserts.
Figure B3 is a sectional view of the edge of an inflatable article in its deflated
configuration.
Figure B4 is a sectional view of the edge of an inflatable article in its inflated
configuration.
Figure B5 is a perspective view of the release fabric layer only of a rectangular box shaped
inflatable article positioned on tight wires or cables which define the article's shape and
dimensions.
Figure B6 is a sectional elevation view of a spillway gate actuator as it would be
manufactured by the method of this invention.
Figure B7 is a sectional elevation of the inflatable actuator of Figure B6 shown in
conjunction with other elements of a spillway gate system and shown in the inflated
position.
Figure B8 is a section A-A of Figure B7 showing an air supply groove molded into
interior surface of the inflatable air bladder.
Figure B9 shows an arrangement of edge defining wires in conjunction with auxiliary
wires, the purpose of which is to limit the deflection of the edge defining wires.
Figure BIO shows an arrangement of four wires used to define the edges of a rectangular
inflatable air bladder as well as a fifth wire used to define the position of a hinge flap
manufactured integral to the air bladder.
Figure Bl 1 shows the use of a single wire rope to define all four edges of a rectangle for
use in manufacturing a rectangular inflatable "pillow shape".
Figure B12 is a perspective cut-away view of the edge of an inflatable article in
conjunction with a mold in which said article might be vulcanized.
Figure B13 shows the outline of a bias ply layer in relation to the wires around which it
would be subsequently folded.
Figure B14 is a perspective view of a double ended hose nipple positioned on an edge
defining wire in conjunction with a removable tube used to keep an open fluid passage
during cure.
18
Figure B15 is a cross-sectional view of a positively conformed, inflated stress reduced
deflated bladder fold membrane element.
Figure B16 is a cross-sectional view of one type of conventionally designed inflatable
elastomeric dam in the vicinity of the deflated bladder fold. Figure B16a is a deflated
configuration, figure B 16b is a inflated configuration.
Figure C( is a sectional elevation of a traffic compatible roadway flood protection barrier
shown in the raised position.
Figure C2 is a detailed sectional elevation of the gate shown in Figure C\ showing the
details of the hinge and air bladder connections.
Figure C3 is a sectional elevation of the present invention showing a gate in its lowered
position in association with the actuating air bladder deflated.
Figure C4 is a sectional elevation of the present invention showing the gate of Figure C3
in its raised position with the actuating air bladder inflated.
Figure C5 is a plan view of a hinge assembly with the rubber covering not shown.
Figure C6 is sectional view A-A of the hinge of Figure C5, with the rubber covering
shown.
Figure C7 is a hinge as it might be configured from lightweight composite materials.
Figure C8 is a roadway flood barrier gate assembly shown in its raised position.
Figure C9 is the gate of Figure C8 shown in its lowered position.
Figure CIO is a sectional elevation view of a gate configured for a railroad flood barrier
shown in its lowered position.
Figure C11 is a sectional view of the gate of Figure CIO.
19
Figure C12 is a sectional elevation view of the gate of Figure CIO shown in its raised
position.
Figure C13 is an end view of the gate shown in Figure C12.
Figure C14 is a perspective view of the gate of Figures C3 and C4 shown in its raised
position.
Figure CIS is a cross-sectional view of different types of clamps.
Figure Dl is a sectional elevation of a traffic compatible roadway flood protection barrier
shown in the raised position.
Figure D2 is a detailed sectional of the side seal of the gate shown in Figure D1.
Figure D3 is a cut-away plan view of the gate shown in Figure Dl.
Figure D4 is a sectional elevation B-B of Figure D3.
Figure DS is a plan view of a the embedded frame for the gate system of Figure D1.
Figure D6 is sectional view of an alternate air bladder connection configuration.
Figure D7 is a detailed sectional elevation of the hinge area of Figure Dl, with the gate
lowered.
Figure El is a perspective view from the downstream side of one embodiment of the
present invention as it might be installed on a dam spillway.
Figure E2 is a close-up perspective view from the downstream side of the embodiment of
the present invention of Figure El as it might be installed on a dam spillway.
Figure E3 is a sectional elevation of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
Figures El and E2, showing a gate in its raised position in association with the actuating
air bladder inflated.
Figure E4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in the form of
a flood protection barrier.
Figure ES is a sectional elevation view of the embodiment of Figure E4 in its raised
position.
Figure E6 is a sectional elevation view of the embodiment of Figures E4 and ES with the
gate panel in its lowered position.
Figure E7 is a sectional elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention
featuring an automatic tripping mechanism.
Figures E8, E9, and E10 are views of portions of Figure E7.
Figure El 0 is a view from upstream of a portion of said automatic tripping mechanism.
Figure El 1 is a perspective view of an example hinge portion of the embodiment of the
present invention depicted in Figures E4 .through E6.
Figure El2 is a plan view of the of the example hinge portion of the embodiment of the
present invention as depicted in Figures E4 through E6 and Ell.
Figures 60a, 60b, and 60c show a cross section of an air bladder in accordance with one
aspect of the present invention.
Figure 60d is a cutaway view of an air bladder in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention.
Figures 63, 64, and 65 show a cross section of an air fitting in accordance with one aspect
of the present invention.
21
Figures 66 and 67 show a portion of an air bladder and its associated air fitting in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Figure 68 shows a portion of a partially constructed air bladder and its associated air
fitting in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Figure 69 is a plan view of an air fitting in accordance with one aspect of the present
invention.
Figure 70 is an elevation view of the air fitting of Figure 69 in accordance with one aspect
of the present invention.
Figure 71 is a cross section view of the air fitting of Figures 60 through 70 in accordance
with the present invention.
Figure 72a is an elevation view of an abutment plate in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention.
Figure 72b shows the water and gate side of an abutment plate in accordance with one
aspect of the present invention.
Figure 72c shows the concrete side of an abutment plate in accordance with one aspect of
the present invention.
Figure 72d shows the concrete anchor assembly associated with an abutment plate in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Figure 73 is a plan view of the abutment plate of Figure 72 in accordance with one aspect
of the present invention.
Figure 74 is a detail cross section of the abutment plate of Figures 72 and 73 in accordance
with one aspect of the present invention.
22
Figure 76 is an exploded view of a spillway gate assembly in accordance with one aspect
of the present invention.
Figure 77 is a perspective view of the spillway gate system of Figure 77 in accordance
with one aspect of the present invention.
Figure 78 is a cross section of an inter-panel seal in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention.
Figure 79 is an elevation view of one embodiment of an abutment seal in accordance with
one aspect of the present invention.
Figure 80 is a perspective view of the seal of Figure 79 in accordance with one aspect of
the present invention.
Figure 81 is a perspective view of an interpanel seal in accordance with one aspect of the
present invention.
Figure 82a is a perspective view of the abutment facing side of one embodiment of an
abutment seal in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Figure 82b is a perspective view of the water side of one embodiment of an abutment seal
in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
Figure 82c is a close up view of a portion of Figure 83.
Figure 82d is a close up view of a portion of Figure 82.
Figure 86 is an exploded view of a gate system incorporating the abutment seal of Figures
82 through 85.
Figure 87a is a cross section view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the
gate in the raised position.
23
Figure 87b is a cross section view of the gate of Figure 87a showing the gate in the
lowered position.
Figure 88 is a plan view of an inflatable dam in its deflated position in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 89 is a sectional elevation view of the inflatable dam of Figure 88 in its deflated
position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 90 is a cross section schematic of water flow over the inflatable dam of Figures 88
and 89 with said inflatable dam in its inflated position.
Figure 91 is a perspective cutaway view of the inflatable dam of Figures 88 through 90
illustrating the effect of surface texture features on disbursement of the nappe.
Figure 92 is a sectional elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention shown
in the raised position.
Figure 93 is a sectional elevation of the embodiment of Figure 92 shown in the lowered
position.
Figure 94 is an elevation view facing upstream of the embodiment of Figures 92 and 93.
Figure 95 is a plan view of a portion of the embodiment of Figures 92,93, and 94.
Figure 101 shows an impounded water-side overtop trafficable (roadway, e.g.) inflatably
actuated water impoundment apparatus. Figure 101a shows a raised configuration. Figure
101b shows a lowered configuration.
Figure 102 shows a sea (or storm) surge inflatably actuated water control apparatus.
Figure 102a shows a plan view. Figure 102b shows a raised configuration. Figure 102c
shows a lowered configuration.
Figure 103 shows a floatably raisable overtop trafficable water impoundment element.
Figure 103a shows a raised configuration. Figure 103b shows a lowered configuration.
Figure 104 shows a plurality of abutment plates (in this case a tiled arrangement) in an
inflatably actuated spilling water gate panel apparatus (or system).
Figure 105 shows a nappe aeration apparatus whose flex is supplied by the material ot
which the nappe breaker is made. Figure 105a shows an angled view as unattached.
Figure 105b shows a side view as attached.
Figure 106 shows a nappe aeration apparatus whose flex is provided by an impact flexure
element.
Figure 107 shows inconspicuous restraining straps located between an inflatable water
gate panel actuator apparatus and a proximate foundation (in this case a dam abutment).
IV. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
At least one embodiment of the present invention may utilize an inflated bladder
stress reduction apparatus such as an extruded profile or insert which may be elastomeric
in at least one embodiment and which may remain secured to the interior surface of an
inflatable article (a general term used to define any inflatable object, apparatus, structure
or product) when the article is inflated. This configuration may eliminate the need to
remove or dissolve a profiled tool or mandrel during the manufacturing process (but the
insert may indeed be removable (as simply by force, or dissolvable) if such is desired - the
fact that the element is termed an insert does not preclude its removal or dissolving from
the inflatable apparatus because in all cases it serves as an insert, although when it is
dissolved or removed it serves as an insert only temporarily). One face on a tear drop
shaped extruded profile, which may be more generally referred to as a substantially
elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane
insert element (which may be as indicated by part (2) in at least one embodiment) or an
inflated stress relief insert (2) (or just stress relief insert, or longitudinal insert element)
may remain bonded to a part of the interior surface (a part of the inner deflated bladder
fold membrane surface) (8) of the inflatable article, while the curved surface (9) and
25
remaining face (7) (which may be flat) may be prevented from bonding during
manufacturing by use of a release film, use of a release agent, or by omission of a bonding
agent, as but a few examples. The term elastomeric as used herein and throughout this
discussion is defined to have an elastic limit of greater than or equal to 10%, meaning that
it has a reversible elongation of at least 10% (or, in other words, a less than 10 %
elongation will not cause plastic deformation). Relatedly, it is important to understand
that the term bladder is intended to include any apparatus that substantially expands (i.e..
expands beyond mere de minimus expansion of certain pressurizable but non-expanding
articles such as metallic oxygen tanks) upon internal pressurization. When an element is
limited as elastomeric, it need not be elastomeric in every possible elongation direction,
but merely at least one. Indeed, an elastomeric material can include materials that are not
elastomeric, as long as the resultant product is elastomeric in at least one direction.
It is important to understand that every reference to a part of a figure (as 2 above)
is intended only to indicate but one example of the part or element that the reference seeks
to clarify. The reference is not intended to indicate that the referenced part or element is
the only shape, size, type or configuration that would suffice to accomplish the desired
function but instead is merely intended as an example of a part or element that would
adequately perform the desired task or properly serve or function as that element. The
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element (2) (or simply inflated stress relief insert element or stress relief
insert element) may operate in the capacity of a minimum deflated bladder fold membrane
curvature radius increase element. The term drop shaped (in cross-section) is intended to
represent a wide variety of shapes, with the only requirement being that one portion of the
drop is substantially curved while the opposite side of the drop is substantially an
intersection of two lines (although that intersection need not be a point). Further, the term
drop-shaped is intended to encompass drops that are not symmetric about any cross-
sectional axis (in addition to those that are symmetric about one cross-sectional axis). The
term substantially elongated is intended to include elements that, either alone or in
combination with other similar adjacently positioned elements, are longer than they are
cross-sectionally widest, and includes straight and curved elements. It is also important to
note that the term element is intended to include not only one of the indicated type of
structure or otherwise, but also a plurality of the indicated type of structure or otherwise.
For example, the substantially elongated substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped,
26
deflated bladder fold membrane insert element may be one insert along one edge and a
second insert along a second edge. This intended use of the term element applies
throughout the application.
The deflated bladder fold is one of the possibly plural number of folds that may
appear in the inflatable membrane when the inflatable article is deflated. The term is
intended to refer to that portion of the inflatable membrane that folds in a deflated
configuration and thus exists even in an inflated configuration, referring in that situation to
the membrane portion that folds in a deflated configuration. This definitional approach is
taken precisely because it is the cross-sectional shape and size of the deflated fold that
governs the nature, magnitude and concentration of the stresses that the internal
pressurized fluid imparts to the deflated fold membrane in an inflated configuration.
Indeed, as one might expect, the smaller the radius of curvature of the deflated fold
membrane, the greater the stresses at that membrane in an inflated configuration. Further,
given that the deflated fold membrane exhibits perhaps the sharpest of all cross-sectional
curves in the deflated configuration, and given that these bends represent the relaxed
configuration shape that the pressurized internal fluid must reconfigure and from which
the pressurized article must deviate, the deflated fold membrane is typically the most
prone to an excessive internal pressure induced failure, one reason for this being that its
eventual inflated shape represents the greatest deviation from its relaxed, deflation
configuration shape. In at least one embodiment of the invention,, a minimum deflated
bladder fold membrane curvature radius increase element seeks to prevent or at least delay
failure at the inflatable bladder's (or inflatable bladder element's) most vulnerable area -
the deflated bladder fold membane - by increasing the radius of curvature of the deflated
fold membrane in its inflated configuration by increasing it in its deflated configuration.
Relevantly, one cause of the tight cross sectional deflated bladder curve may be
considered to be manufacturing methods that vulcanize the bladder in a deflated,
substantially flat configuration that may necesssarily (or intentionally) include tight folds,
each with a small radius of curvature. Also, in a deflated configuration of at least one
embodiment of the invention, the substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element 2 may be viewed as a
deflated bladder storage facilitation element because it may enable a deflated
configuration manufacture of the bladder (that otherwise, without the insert 2, would not
be possible because of the unacceptably tight, inflation failure inducing folds) that in turn
27
results in a bladder that relaxes into deflated configuration and assumes a roughly similar,
predictable deflated configuration. Further, the substantially elongated, substantially
cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element 2 may act to
facilitate storage also in that it allows the expanded profile, deflated bladder fold (in a
deflated configuration) to withstand pressures arising from abutting or adjacently stored
deflated bladders (as in a coil), or that arise from the placement of any items proximately
to the deflated bladder. Without insert 2, (or if the deflated fold membrane has not been
positively conformed to have an increased minimum radius of curvature) the storage
pressures (e.g., arising from a coil) may cause structural damage to the deflated fold
membrane. It is important to realize that some manufacturing processes may create non-
linear folds in order to create the desired inflatable article shape.
Again, any figures or description thereof appearing in this application are of at
least one embodiment and are not to be read to limit in any way the invention or
embodiments thereof or any claims that may appear or elements thereof. Referring now to
Figure 1, a cut-away view of such an inflatable article is shown. Inflatable bladder
membrane 3 wraps around the substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element (which may be an extruded
member or extrusion) 2. Air may be supplied through pre-molded shape 1 through hose
(or more generally, pressurized fluid conveyer) 4. In at least one embodiment, the insert
element 2 may be elastomeric, but other suitable materials (such as polymers, e.g.) are
deeemed within the ambit of the inventive subject matter.
Referring now to Figure 2, a cut-away plan view of the inflatable article depicted
in Figure 1 is shown. Inflatable membrane 3 encloses extruded member 2. Extruded
member 2 preferably extends around the perimeter of inflatable article 3a. Corner member
(or, termed differently, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder corner
fold membrane insert element) 1 may act to relieve inflated stresses at the corners. Air or
other fluid may be introduced through corner member 1 or by other means such as tubes,
hoses or bulkhead type fittings or, alternatively, through an improved fitting hereinafter
described.
The substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
28
bladder fold membrane insert element may be viewed as comprising several parts.
Specifically, it may comprise a substantially elongated, smooth cross-sectionally curved,
half-cylinder shaped, inner deflated bladder fold membrane surface contactable element
(which is that surface part of the insert that can contact the half-circular inner fold
membrane in a deflated configuration); two substantially opposing, substantially planar,
inner deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface contactable elements 1006 that are
responsive to the substantially elongated, smooth cross-sectionally curved, half-cylinder
shaped, inner deflated bladder fold membrane surface contactable element; an inner
deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface contactable element intersection vertex
element that is responsive to said two substantially opposing, substantially planar, inner
deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface contactable elements; and a deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element body element established internally of each said
substantially elongated, smooth cross-sectionally curved, half-cylinder shaped, inner
deflated bladder fold membrane surface contactable element, said two substantially
opposing, substantially planar, inner deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface
contactable elements, and said inner deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface
contactable element intersection vertex element. The substantially elongated, smooth
cross-sectionally curved, half-cylinder shaped, inner deflated bladder fold membrane
surface contactable element 9 is a part that contacts the inner deflated fold membrane
surface and that is half-cylinder shaped (where such cylinder is not restricted merely to
circular cross-sections). It also has a smooth cross-sectional curve that the inner deflated
bladder fold membrane surface may contact, at least in a deflated configuration. The two
substantially opposing, substantially planar, inner deflated bladder fold adjacent
membrane surface contactable elements 1006 are each configured to contact a surface(s)
of the inner deflated bladder membrane that is adjacent 1008 to the inner deflated fold
membrane 1007 (typically these surfaces would run alongside the deflated bladder fold
membrane). Even an undulating surface may be substantially planar, as long as all curves
are smooth in cross-section (also note that each of the elements is substantially planar - it
is not necessarily the case that the two elements are substantially of the same plane). The
two elements may be substantially opposing even though their planes are tilted with
respect to one another. The inner deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface
contactable element intersection vertex element is the intersection of the two inner
deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface contactable elements at a vertex several
of which together may be substantially linear (possibly even curved). Note that all surface
29
contactable elements refer to the part of the insert that is located at the surface of the
insert. The deflated bladder fold membrane insert element body element may be
established internally of the other above-mentioned insert parts. The deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element is intended to cover not only the case where there is clearly a
structure internal of the surface contactable elements (and the intersection vertex element,
which may contact an inner membrane surface or not), but also the case where the
required structural rigidity of the insert element is provided by, e.g.. strong material
surface contactable elements (and the intersection vertex element) of a hollow insert. In
such a case, the surface contactable elements would be the very surface of the strong
material. The deflated bladder fold membrane insert element body element would, in the
case of a hollow insert, be the sub-surface material.
Cross section 3-3 identified in Figure 2 is shown in Figure 3. Extruded shape 2 (at
majority surficial portion of one of the two substantially opposing, substantially planar,
inner deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface contactable elements) is bonded (or
adhered) along surface 8 to a portion' 1005 of inner deflated bladder fold membrane
surface 3 (that portion being a deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface), but is not
bonded along surface 7, nor along the possibly circular arc surface 9. Note that a majority
surficial portion of one of the two substantially opposing, substantially planar, inner
deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface contactable elements may also be
adhereable to a deflated bladder fold membrane surface (i.e., the inner membrane of the
fold bend itself). Hole S, more generally a longitudinal spatial void may be used to allow
transmission of inflation gas or fluid around the periphery of the inflatable article via a
longitudinal spatial void enclosing deflated bladder fold membrane insert element 1009.
Thus, the insert element may be a compressed fluid conveyable, longitudinal spatial void
enclosing deflated bladder fold membrane insert element. Said gas or fluid may pass from
continuous hole S out through vent holes 6, or what may be termed a bladder interior-to-
longitudinal spatial void fluid conveyance hole that is fluidicly responsive to the
longitudinal spatial void that may be found in insert element 1009.
Different types of inflatable articles may have stress relief insert(s) along different
numbers and configurations of deflated bladder fold membranes. For example, inflatable
bladders of each of the following: fluid conveyance hose 1010; inflatable elastomeric dam
1011; expansion hose 1010; inflatable jack (a type of apparatus used in elevate an item
30
upon inflation); dock bumper; inflatable water gate panel (perhaps inflatable bottom-
hinged water gate panel) actuator apparatus 1012; dunnage bag; and the inflatable seal
(some type of apparatus that seals upon inflation) may each have stress relief inserts along
two longitudinal, substantially parallel deflated bladder fold membranes, or along four
rectangularly situated deflated bladder fold membranes, or along one smooth continuous
(a circle, or oval, as but two examples) deflated bladder fold membrane; or along one
deflated bladder end fold membrane and two parallel, deflated bladder fold membranes
orthogonal to the one end fold membrane, as but a few examples. The inflatable
eiastomeric dam and the inflatable water gate panel (perhaps inflatable bottom- hinged
water gate panel) actuator apparatus may further (in alternate embodiments) have stress
relief inserts) along the following: one overflow orthogonal, longitudinal (meaning
having a length) deflated bladder fold membrane; one overflow orthogonal, longitudinal
deflated bladder fold membrane and two parallel, overflow aligned deflated bladder end
fold membranes. The term overflow orthogonal (or overflow aligned) is defined to
indicate an orientation that is orthogonal to (or aligned with) the direction of overflow if it
were to occur. An inflatable water gate panel actuator membrane 1013 may be configured
to rotate a water gate panel about an upstream leading edge of the gate panel (see Figure
14) or a downstream leading edge of the gate panel (see Figure 101).
Referring now to Figures 4, S, 6, and 7, an optional pre-molded eiastomeric fitting
1, which adapts an external hose to the internal stress relief profile, is shown.
Referring now to Figure 8, a cross section of an inflatable article 3a in a deflated
condition is shown, illustrating the position of stress relief profile 2 relative to inflatable
article 3a.
Referring now to Figure 9, said inflatable article 3a is shown in the inflated
configuration with the stress relief profile 2 secured to the inside of said inflated article.
As for definitions of certain terms the dock bumper element may merely be the
expandable portion of the dock bumper ; an inflatable seal element may merely be the
expandable portion of the inflatable seal; the inflatable jack element (may be smooth
perimeter or substantially rectangular, e.g.) may merely be the expandable portion of the
inflatable jack.
31
Figure 14 is a cross section of a pneumatic spillway gate in accordance with the
present invention. Relief groove 23 may be provided to connect air fitting 24 to hollow
stress relief extrusion 2. Gate panel 24 may be secured to hinge flap 25 by means of hinge
retainer 26.
It is important to understand that the stress relief insert 1014 may be removable
(such as a removable, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element) as by force or by
dissolution (i.e., a dissolvable, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element) after a
manufacturing process (such as vulcanization) so that it does not remain in the final
inflatable product, but instead is used to positively conform the deflated bladder fold
during the manufacturing process (such as vulcanization), with the intent that such shape
will be retained after manufacture and the minimum curvature radius of the deflated fold
membrane in a deflated configuration will be greater than what it would be without use of
a positively conforming insert, and thus the inflated stresses at the deflated fold membrane
will be less than what they otherwise would be during inflation. Such a positively
conformed inflatable bladder apparatus 1015 may be termed a strength enhanced inflatable
bladder apparatus and may include at least one positively conformed, inflated stress
reduced (or distributed) deflated bladder fold membrane element 1016 that is positively
conformed to have an inflated bladder stress reduction significant increase in a minimum
curvature radius 1017 and where a deflated bladder fold proximate membrane profile (the
profile of the bladder membrane that is near the deflated bladder fold) 1018 exhibits an
approximately thirty degree or greater deflation configuration spatial void profile point
angle 1020. The deflated bladder fold membrane element 1016 that is positively
conformed to have an inflated bladder stress reduction significant increase in a minimum
curvature radius 1017 may be positively conformed using a dissolvable or removable
insert so that the minimum curvature radius 1017 of the deflated bladder fold membrane
1016 is increased to the point where there is a noticeable or functionally significant
increase in the inflation pressure that causes failure at the deflated bladder fold. The
bladder structure is such that an increase in the minimum curvature radius of the deflated
bladder fold membrane may result in an increase in what is termed the deflation
configuration spatial void profile point angle 1020 of the deflated bladder fold proximate
membrane profile 1018, and that the use of a removable or dissolvable stress relief insert
to positively conform the deflated bladder fold membrane may^ cause this point angle 1020
32
to be approximately thirty degrees or greater. Importantly, the strength enhanced
inflatable bladder apparatus may be manufactured during a single stage vulcanization.
Manufacturing processes related to a positively conformed deflated bladder fold may be
termed inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement methods and may include the
step of dissolvedly removing (or simply removing) a longitudinal relief element, which, in
order to facilitate dissolution, may be a eutectic salt stress relief element or an aluminum
stress relief element, as but two examples. Methods related to the stress relief insert may
be termed inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement methods, regardless of
whether the stress relief insert is removed or dissolved. Note that the term inflatable water
gate panel actuator element (or inflatable gate panel actuator element) may be used to refer
to an inflatable bladder used to actuate water gate panel(s). A water gate panel actuator
element (or a gate panel actuator element) refers to any type of actuator (pneumatic,
hydraulic, etc.) that actuates water gate panels (which may include overtop trafficable
gates in addition to other water control gates such as spillway gates or canal or weir gates).
Referring now to Figure 10, an inflatable elastomeric dam is shown in the deflated
condition. Inflatable elastomeric dam bladder 3 is secured by an inflatable dam-to-
foundation attachment element (or inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment
element) that may include a wedge-shaped clamp retention element 1021 (or wedge-
shaped inflatable membrane (or bladder)-to-foundation clamp retention element) that may
consist of parts 1 la, lib, 1 lc, 1 Id, and I le at upstream end 10) or an attachment element
that alternatively may comprise an inflatable membrane-to-foundation clampable retention
element 1022 that may be substantially flat 1022 and an inflatable membrane-to-
foundation clamp retention enhancement element 1023 that may include a comma-type
insert 21. Further, a pressurized fluid inlet element 24 may be added to render the item
activatable. Insert plies 12 may prevent tearing or leaking if the envelope is inflated with
zero or insufficient external clamping force. Fin (or termed differently, inflatable
elastomeric dam overtop flow-deflection fin, or an overflow deflection fin) 14 is any
protrusion that may divert the overtop flow away from the elastomeric dam and may
include a stress relief insert IS that is established co-radially (radius of the inflated
bladder) and internally of reinforcement layer 16. Note that any reinforcement layer (in
any inflatable article) may also be referred to as reinforced bladder ply, or reinforced
layer, e.g., and may include a fibrous or fabric material such as kevlar, nylon, polyester, as
but a few examples, or any type of twisted cord, wire rope, braided rope, knitted fabric, or
33
woven fabric, each of which may be embedded in or covered with an eiastomeric material.
Reinforcement 16 of fin 14 increases the strength and stiffness of fin 14. The fin may be
established such that a minimum bladder fold membrane curvature radius occurs co-
radially and internally of the inflatable eiastomeric dam overtop flow deflection fin
(indeed, it may be termed an overtop flow deflection fin proximate bladder fold
membrane). The inflatable membrane to which the stress relief insert may be attached, or
which may be positively conformed to have an increased minimum curvature radius, may
be termed a flow deflection fin proximate inner bladder section, and may exhibit not only
an approximately thirty degree or greater void profile point angle, but also a substantially
circular arc inner bladder curvature 1024 and a rounded, inwardly pointing curvature
1017. This represents an improvement over those designs that, for example, had such a
sharp fold that the deflated bladder fold appeared to have a bracket (}) shape 102S, with
extreme stress concentrations arising at the right point of the } 1026. Related methods
may be termed inflatable eiastomeric dam failure resistance enhancement methods.
Figure 11 shows the inflatable dam of Figure 10 in the inflated configuration.
Inflatable membrane 3 holds fin 14 and stress relief extrusion 2 in position. Clamp 17
holds the inflatable dam to spillway 18. The interior surface of the bladder membrane 3
may be designed to stay within safe stress and strain limits by virtue of lack of stress
concentrations which might be present were the deflated membrane 3 not shaped to
conform to stress relief insert 2. Recess 18a in foundation or spillway 18 allows the
thickened downstream portion of said inflatable dam including inserts 2 and IS to lie flat
against foundation 18 in the deflated configuration.
Referring now to Figure 12, another embodiment of an inflatable dam, using a
simple rectangular clamp 18 in conjunction with "comma" insert 21 and anti-tear
reinforcement 12 is shown. The thickened portion of the inflatable membrane 3
containing stress relief shape 2 and fin insert IS lies within a recess in the spillway 22.
Nut 20 holds clamp 18 onto anchor bolt 19. The air connection 24 to the inflatable dam
may be connected to hollow extrusion 2 by means of a molded groove 23 that provides a
clearance space for air between the upper and lower portions of deflated membrane 3.
The inflatable dam may be rendered less prone to flow induced vibration damage when
deflated by lowering the internal pressure to below atmospheric pressure by means of a
vacuum system connected to air supply fitting 24. This causes tight adherence of
34
membrane 3 to insert 2, resulting in a stiffer structure at a location known for damage
problems with conventional designs.
Figure 13 is an inflatable dam similar to that shown in Figure 12 in the inflated
configuration. Insert 21 provides positive engagement to clamp bar 18. Step 22 can be
seen on spillway 118. Said step 22 may allow the inflatable dam to be continuously
supported from the underside while a level profile of the upper surface of said inflatable
dam may be maintained.
As to manufacturing processes, the term extrudedly manufacturing indicates using
a type of extrusion manufacturing process, while the term moldedly manufacturing
indicates using a type of mold manufacturing process.
Figure IS shows the deflated air bladder (or deflated inflatable water control
bladder element) of the spillway gate shown in Figure 14. Insert member 21 is located
upstream of flat portion 28. Holes 29 through flat portion 28 permit assembly with the
clamp bar 118 of Figure 14. The enlarged portion 27 of the water gate panel hinge flap (or
gate pane hinge flap element) 25 may prevent the hinge flap from pulling out from under
the hinge retainer 26 of Figure 14. Anti tearing layers 12 (or circumferentially continuous,
integrally adjoined inner bladder layer) may prevent rupture of inflatable actuator bladder
203 under undamped or loosely clamped conditions in that, instead of following the path
of external bladder layers that perhaps loop 1030 to provide support to the attachment
element, anti-tearing layers 12 traverse the abutment joint 1031 between the upper and
lower installed configuration bladder layers that form an extended loop to provide support
for the attachment element 1032. Note that the term inner bladder layer indicates any
layer other than the outermost bladder layer. The circumferentially continuous, integrally
adjoined inner bladder layer may comprise a layer that is continuous (i.e., does not form
an abutment joint 1031 as it continues on to loop around another part) along a
circumference (which need not be circular) located within a plane that is parallel to a
bladder expansion axis (the axis of primary expansion and usually vertical as installed)
and whose normal vector is substantially perpendicular to a retained water horizontal force
component (the overflow direction). The anti-tearing layers may be an innermost
reinforced bladder ply 1033 and/or may be at least one overflow orthogonal (or upstream
or downstream), deflated bladder joint traversing ply 1034 (perhaps at least one
35
reinforcement ply, and/or perhaps an overflow orthogonal deflated bladder joint traversing
ply, meaning upstream or downstream). The integrally adjoined inner bladder layer may
have longitudinal central axis in an installed configuration (i.e., an installed inflated
configuration longitudinal central axis) 103S that is horizontal and normal to an impending
flow direction. The water control bladder element may be adapted for attachment to a
water control gate panel bottom edge as installed, which merely means that the water
control bladder element can be attached to a water control gate panel edge (that, in an
installed configuration, is the bottom edge). Gate panel actuator-to-foundation attachment
element 1032 (or inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment element, or inflatable
bladder-to-foundation attachment element) is shown in figure IS as having a gate panel
actuator-to-foundation clampable retention element (or perhaps inflatable bladder-to-
foundation clampable retention element) 1022, which may be a flat clampable section as
shown in Figure 1S, and a gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement
element (or perhaps inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement
element) 1023, which may be a comma-type clamp retention enhancement element 21 in
at least one embodiment, but the gate panel actuator-to-foundation attachment element
1032 may also be a wedge-shaped gate panel-to-actuator clamp retention element (or
wedge-shaped bladder-to-foundation clamp retention element) 1021 as shown in Figure
10. As its name suggests, the gate panel actuator-to-foundation attachment element serves
to attach the entire water gate panel actuator apparatus to a foundation such as a spillway
(103S of Figure 92) or roadway foundation, or watercourse foundation, or floodpath
foundation, as but a few examples. The gate pane actuator apparatus may further
comprise a pressurized fluid inlet element. Together with at least one water gate panel,
and perhaps an excessive water gate panel rotation prevention element, the inflatable water
gate panel actuator apparatus (which may be bottom hinged) comprises an inflatably
actuated water gate panel system.
Inflatable article strength enhancement methods are also considered within the
ambit of the inventive technology. One such method may comprise the step of
establishing at least one reinforced expandable inner layer (a flexible fiber reinforced
elastomeric layer, e.g) 1036 to have a continuously adjoined vertically planar perimeter
(another manner of describing the integrally adjoined inner bladder layer) 1033;
establishing an inflatable article end section (that may form the end of the longitudinal
bladder section); establishing only a portion of at least one reinforced expandable outer
36
layer 1037 (where outer layer is defined as all layers other than the innermost layer)
externally of and in direct contact with the reinforced expandable inner layer 1036;
establishing a pressurized fluid inlet element 24 to create a fluid travel port 1038 through
the at least one reinforced expandable inner layer 1036 and the portion of the at least one
reinforced expandable outer layer 1037; diverging a remaining portion of the at least one
reinforced expandable outer layer 1039 from the at least one reinforced expandable inner
layer 1036 along a layer divergence line 1039 (which comports with the above mentioned
abutment joint); and establishing an inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment element
1040 with at least the remaining portion of the at least one reinforced expandable outer
layer 1041.
The stress relief insert 2 may be used with or without an air supply hole through
the center. The portions of the inflatable envelope which must separate from stress relief
insert 2 during inflation may be prevented from bonding during vulcanization by such
means as water soluble paper, silicone coated nylon release film or fabric, or by omission
of bonding agent, for example.
Referring to Figure B3, stress relief insert 2 containing hole S is bonded at location
8 to release ply 206 which is in turn bonded to inner liner 210. Bonded to inner liner 207
are reinforced plies 208 and 209, followed by outer cover 210. The stress relief insert 2
remains un-bonded except in region 8.
Referring to Figure B4, the cross section of Figure B3 is shown in the inflated
configuration.
Referring now to Figure B6, depicting a deflated air bladder of the spillway gate
shown in Figure B7, insert member 21 is located upstream of flat portion 28. Holes 29
through flat portion 28 permit assembly with the clamp bar 118 of Figure B7. The
enlarged portion 27 of the hinge flap (or water gate-to-inflatable water gate actuator
attachment element) 25 prevents the hinge flap from pulling out from under the hinge
retainer 26 of B7. Holes S through extruded shapes 2, 21, and 27 accommodate locating
wires used to position said extruded shapes during the assembly phase of the
manufacturing process.
37
Referring now to Figure B7, a cross section of a pneumatic spillway gate system is
-depicted, mounted to a dam spillway 18, utilizing an inflatable actuator bladder 203
manufactured in accordance with the present invention. Relief groove 23 connects air
fitting 24 to hollow stress relief extrusion 2. Gate panel 24 is secured to hinge flap 25 by
means of hinge retainer 26. The inflatable actuator bladder 203 is clamped to the dam
spillway 30 by clamp bar 118.
Referring to Figure B8, section A-A of Figure B7, air supply groove 23 is molded
into interior surface 119 of the inflatable article membrane 3.
Figure 16 shows an air supply groove 23 molded into inflatable membrane 3 at
section A-A of Figure 14.
Referring to Figures 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d, a cross section of an air bladder in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Clamped portion 861
may be fixed to a dam spillway with a simple rectangular steel clamp bar, for example.
The vertical face 86S of air bladder 8S3 may be molded to conform tightly to said clamp
bar throughout the range of motion of hinge flap 862. In this manner the trapping of sand
and gravel between said clamp bar and hinge flap 862 may be avoided thus prolonging the
life of said air bladder 8S3. Inflatable cavity 866 may extend upstream to approximately
position 866a. Reinforcement may preferably be oriented at approximately 54 degrees and
44 minutes from the axis of the air bladder. With said cord angle there is no significant
tendency for said air bladder to either elongate or contract during pressurization. Said
reinforcing cord plies are preferably used in pairs of one left hand and one right hand. The
inflatable portion of said air bladder preferably has continuous reinforcement, including
sufficient overlap at any splices, at approximately the aforementioned angles in both the
right hand and left hand orientations around the full circumference of said air bladder. In
the configuration depicted, a total of three plies of said reinforcement act together to meet
this requirement. Ply 807 serves to reinforce said air bladder in a first direction. Ply 807
simply encircles inflatable cavity 866 and overlaps itself to form a spliced tubular shape.
Ply 808 serves to reinforce said air bladder in a second direction. The upper and lower
portions of ply 808 may also extend across clamped portion 861, hence around upstream
insert 821, hence back downstream across flat clamped portion 861, hence across hinge
flap 862, hence around hinge flap insert 827, hence back upstream across hinge flap 862.
38
hence further upstream across clamped portion 861, terminating near insert 21. Plies 807
and 808 together provide for continuous reinforcement around inflatable cavity 866 except
for a discontinuity where ply 808 extends upstream under clamped portion 861. Said plies
807 and 808 might sufficiently reinforce inflatable cavity 866 when clamped portion 61 is
tightly clamped. In order to provide sufficient reinforcing during undamped or loosely
clamped conditions, ply 860 may be added to provide continuous reinforcement in the
same ply direction as ply 808 at the upstream end of inflatable cavity 866. In this manner
said air bladder may be safely inflated without being clamped and may not be subject to
premature failure due to being loosely clamped to a dam spillway.
Figure 17 and Figure 18 show an inflatable hose in accordance with the present
invention. Stress relief insert 2 may be used to facilitate manufacture of said hose and
may be used to prevent complete collapse of said hose under high external pressure
conditions such as during deep sea immersion. Said complete collapse may impart
damaging stress to a flat hose of prior art lacking stress relief insert 2. Note that the term
inflatable hose is defined to include not only expansion hoses (whose inflatable character
allows them to serve as mechanical pressure imparting apparatus), but also fluid
conveyance hoses, whose primary function is to convey fluid and as to whom inflation
may be merely incidental, but nonetheless does occur (albeit usually not to the extent of,
e.g., expansion hoses) and justifies their inclusion as among the group of inflatable hoses.
Both types of hoses, and all inflatable articles for that matter, can be termed as
pressurizable articles.
The fluid conveyance hose 1010 includes as a part a fluid conveyance element
1042 that serves to directionally and pressurizedly convey the pressurized fluid, a
pressurized fluid inlet element; and a discrete (meaning different from the inlet element at
a given point in time) pressurized fluid outlet element that allows exit of the conveyed
pressurized fluid. The expansion hose (or inflation hose) may comprise an expansion hose
element 1042 (that, when sufficiently pressurized, expands the hose to impart external
pressure or outer inflatable membrane displacement) and a pressurized fluid inlet element
that may also serve as a pressurized fluid outlet element.
Another aspect of the inventive technology is an integral water gate panel hinge
flap 10S0 (of the inflatable water gate panel actuator apparatus) that is configured to
39
conform tightly to an abutting face 10S1 of the inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp 118
(clamps the clampable retention element 1022 of the inflatable bladder-to-foundation
attachment element 1040). Preliminarily, the integral water gate hinge flap is a flap that is
integral with the water gate panel actuator apparatus and that serves as an attachment
element for the gate panel to the water gate panel actuator apparatus; it may be termed an
integral water gate panel hinge flap attachment element. Essentially, the integral water
gate panel hinge flap 10S0 may comprise an overflow orthogonal, vertical, inflatable
bladder-to-foundation clamp face abutting, corner-augmented edge element 10S2 which is
a edge element that is augmented to have a corner 1053 that abuts an overflow orthogonal
(e.g., downstream) vertical face I0S1 of an inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp 118.
This edge element may be configured to abut substantially all proximate portions of the
overflow orthogonal, vertical inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp face 1051. An
associated method may comprise the step of corner-augmenting an upper edge of the
integral water gate panel hinge flap attachment element 1050 to conform to an overflow
orthogonal, vertical, inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp face 1051.
An inflatable article manufacturing method may comprise the steps of establishing
a bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element 201 (which serves as a
firm support around which to bend an elastomeric material layer in order to create a
deflated bladder fold) responsive to an inflatable bladder manufacture frame 211; folding
at least a portion of at least one elastomeric layer 207 around the bend resistant deflated
bladder fold creation facilitation element 201 to create at least one inner-most bladder
layer 207 (contact between the facilitation element and the layer is not required); creating
an oppositely facing inner most layer 1060 ; preventing adjoining of the oppositely facing
inner-most bladder layer 1060 (as by insertion between the innermost layers of a cotton or
other non-adherable sheet 206, as but one example, so that the inflow of pressurized fluid
has a cavity to expand); and removing the bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element 201 from at least one created elastomeric fold. Note that the term
bend resistant indicates a resistance to bending that might occur orthogonally to the length
of the bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element (as might be caused
by the pressure of the manufacturing process (perhaps a manual process) that may seek to
tightly bend the elastomeric layer around the bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element). To be bend resistant, as defined, the bend resistant deflated bladder
fold creation facilitation element need not be able to resist all deflection or displacement
40
associated with bending, but rather only that amount which impairs the integrity and shape
of the finished bladder product.
The bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element may be a
substantially straight, bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element 201;
it may be a tensionable wire (or cable), bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element 201; it may be a tensionable rod, bend resistant deflated bladder fold
creation facilitation element 1061; it may be a metal bend resistant deflated bladder fold
creation facilitation element 201. The step of tensioning a bend resistant deflated bladder
fold creation facilitation element may include the step of tensioning the deflated bladder
fold creation facilitation element either manually or automatically. The tensioning may
also be accomplished hydraulically (either automatically or not), either alone or in addition
to another mode of tension creation. The step of establishing at least two bend resistant
deflated bladder fold creation facilitators may comprise the step of establishing at least
two parallel bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitators 1062, which step itself
may comprise the steps of establishing a substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element 2 around at least
one of the at least two parallel, bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
elements 1062; and establishing a bladder-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement
insert 1023 (which is any insert that serves to enhance the clamp retention of the bladder
to the foundation) around a different at least one of the at least two parallel bend resistant
deflated bladder fold creation facilitators 1062. This method may further comprise the
step of establishing a panel-to-panel actuator element clamp retention enhancement insert
1065 (which is any insert that serves to enhance the clamp retention of a water gate panel
to its actuator element, which may be inflatable) around a different at least one of said at
least two parallel bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitators 1062. The step
of establishing at least two parallel bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitators
1062 may comprise the step of establishing at least four rectangularly arranged bend
resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitators 1067 (note that this step does not
preclude an addition of steps that create more parallel (or other oriented) bend resistant
deflated bladder fold creation facilitators). The general method may further comprise the
step of establishing a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped,
deflated bladder fold membrane insert element 2 around at least a portion of the bend
resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element, which step may be performed
41
before the step of folding at least a portion of at least one elastomeric layer 207 around the
bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element 201. The general method
may further comprise the step of establishing a clamp retention facilitation insert element
1068 (which is any insert that serves to enhance the clamp retention or any element by
providing some sort of obstruction that counteracts forces that the clamped part may be
subjected to) around at least a portion of the bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element 201. This step may be performed before the step of folding at least a
portion of at least one elastomeric layer 207 around the bend resistant deflated bladder
fold creation facilitation element 201.
Referring to Figure Bl, rigid frame 211 positions wires 201, which are tensioned
by tightening element 204. A release ply 206, which bonds to an inner liner 207, is shown
secured to wires 201. An opening 212 is left in each of the four corners of release ply 206
to allow the inner liner 207 to bond to itself and form a seal at each corner of the inflatable
article. First reinforcement ply 8 is later wrapped around inner liner 207, followed by
second reinforcement ply 209, followed by outer cover 210.
Referring now to Figure B2 stress relief inserts 2 are positioned on wires 201.
Inflatable membrane 3 is wrapped tightly around stress relief inserts 2.
Referring now to Figure BS, wires 201 position release ply 206 which in turn
defines a rectangular box shape to which subsequent plies may be added. Note that the
release ply 206 does not extend into corner areas 212 so that said corner areas 212 may
bond closed and provide a permanent seal during the vulcanization process.
Referring to Figure B9, edge defining wires 212 may be attached to edge defining
wires 201 and may be configured to limit the deflection of edge defining wires I.
Referring to Figure BIO, support frame 211 positions wires 201 secured by
tightening means 204. The set 229 of three parallel wires 201 provide for locating an
auxiliary feature such as the hinge flap insert 27 depicted in Figure B6.
Referring to Figure B11, a single wire rope 228 may be used to provide location
control of all four edges of inflatable article 218. Tightening means (or, perhaps even,
42
tension element) 304, such as an air cylinder, in combination with fixed attachments 214
may be used to keep the wire rope 228 tensioned. Rings 223 may be used to connect the
adjacent runs of wire rope 228 at the comers 226 of the inflatable article 218.
Referring to Figure B12, inflatable article 218 is positioned within mold 314.
Grooves 315 in mold 314 may be used to help keep stress relief insert 2 in position in
mold after positioning wires 201 (in other figures) are withdrawn from holes 5.
Alternatively, a groove similar to groove 315 may be provided on only one side of such a
mold. Alternatively a flat tool in more or less continuous contact with the flat surface of
inflatable article 318 with a beveled edge may be used.
Referring to Figure B13, bias ply reinforcement layer 222 is shown in position
relative to wires 201 before said reinforcement layer 222 is folded around said wires 201.
Referring to Figure B14, air fitting 216, such as a standard double ended barbed
hose nipple, may be located on tube 217 which is in turn located on wire 201. This may
be used to secure the air fitting 216 in its correct position relative to inflatable article 318.
A water impoundment apparatus that may accommodate overtop traffic may
comprise an inflatable water impoundment element actuator element 2000 (e.g. an
inflatable actuator); an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment element 1032 to which
the inflatable water impoundment element actuator element is responsive and that
comprises a cross-sectionally-enlarged, inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
improvement element 2001 (which may be a wedge-shaped inflatable actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention element 1021 or include a circular cross-sectional shaped (such
as a comma-type), inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element
insert 21, as but a few examples); an overtop trafficable water impoundment element 401
(such as a water control gate that when lowered can support overhead traffic of at least one
of a variety of types) responsive to the inflatable water impoundment element actuator
element 2000; a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element (which may be an S-type flexible
hinge 2002, an integrated figure eight flexible hinge 2003, a modular figure eight flexible
hinge 2004, a W-type flexible hinge 2005, and a compression hinge 2006) to which the
overtop trafficable water impoundment element is responsive; a hinge-to-impoundment
element attachment element 2007 (which is any element that serves to enable attachment
43
of the flexible fiber reinforced hinge to the impoundment element) responsive to the
flexible fiber reinforced hinge element; and a hinge-to-foundation attachment element
2008 (which is any element that serves to attach the opposite side of the hinge to the
foundation, which may be an abutting roadway, walkway, railway track support, as but a
few examples) to which the flexible fiber reinforced hinge element is responsive, wherein
an axis of rotation of the overtop trafficable water impoundment element 401 (which may
precisely coincide with that of the hinge) is substantially at an overtop trafficable water
impoundment element end 2011, and wherein the overtop trafficable water impoundment
element 401 has a flush upper trafficable surface 2012 (meaning that the overtop
trafficable water impoundment element is not only flush along its trafflced length, but also
that its traffic direction orthogonal ends 2013 are flush with the proximate non-
impoundment structure surfaces). Note that the attachment element may include a clamp.
Flush need not mean entirely without gaps, ridges and/or valleys, but merely that those
that may exist are not substantial enough to impair or render unsafe the passage of traffic
along that surface. The apparatus may further comprise an elastomeric hinge cover which
may substantially surround at least the upper half of the hinge (such as the integrated
figure eight flexible hinge). The flexible fiber of the flexible fiber reinforced hinge
element may be a flexible fiber selected from the group of flexible fibers consisting of
twisted cord, wire rope, braided rope, knitted fabric, woven fabric, twisted cord embedded
in an elastomer, wire rope embedded in an elastomer, braided rope embedded in an
elastomer, knitted fabric embedded in an elastomer, woven fabric embedded in an
elastomer, twisted cord covered with an elastomer, wire rope covered with an elastomer,
braided rope covered with an elastomer, knitted fabric covered with an elastomer, and
woven fabric covered with an elastomer, each of which may be further covered in or
embedded by or layered with an elastomer, as but a few examples. The apparatus may
further comprise a surface hinge cover 422 that is pivotally responsive to the overtop
trafficable water impoundment element and that may serve to provide a flush surface
above the hinge and that may pivot in order to not obstruct rotation of the impoundment
element 401. The overtop trafficable water impoundment element 401 may be an overtop
vehicularly trafficable water impoundment element 20IS (meaning that it can support
vehicular traffic), an overtop pedestrian trafficable water impoundment element (meaning
that it can support pedestrian traffic), and an overtop railway trafficable water
impoundment element 2016 (meaning that it can support railroad traffic). The inflatable
water impoundment element actuator element 2000 may be a downflow-side positioned or
44
an impounded water-side (or upflow) positioned 2018 (with respect to the impoundment
element) inflatable water impoundment element actuator element (see Fig. 101). Further,
an excessive impoundment element rotation prevention element, or raised water
impoundment element position maintenance element 421 (which acts to prevent undesired
excessive rotation of impoundment element) may be at least one stationary excessive
rotation obstruction stop (as shown in Figure 102a). which may be any impoundment
element rotation obstructing part, perhaps located on foundation parts (such as an
abutments) adjacent the impoundment structure in a raised position. In the configuration
where the inflatable water impoundment element actuator element is an impounded water-
side positioned inflatable water impoundment element actuator element (see Figure 101),
the overtop trafficable water impoundment may be a floatable overtop trafficable water
impoundment element, or the apparatus may further comprise a floatable water
impoundment element actuator element to which the overtop trafficable water
impoundment element is floatably responsive (meaning the buoyancy of the floatable
actuator element causes the water impoundment element to raise. This floatable water
impoundment element actuator element may be established substantially beneath the
overtop trafficable water impoundment element and/or it may form a part of the overtop
trafficable water impoundment element.
Another water impoundment element apparatus may comprise a floatably raisable
overtop trafficable water impoundment element (see Fig. 103) (which, e.g., is a water
impoundment element such as a gate that can support overhead traffic in a lowered
configuration and which can be raised by a floatable element); a flexible fiber reinforced
hinge element to which the floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment
element is responsive; a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element 2007
responsive to the flexible fiber reinforced hinge element; a float element 2009 (which may
form a part of overtop trafficable water impoundment element or which may be located
externally of the overtop trafficable water impoundment element) and a hinge-to-
foundation attachment element 2008 to which the flexible fiber reinforced hinge element
is responsive, wherein the floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment
element has a flush upper surface. The axis of rotation of the floatably raisable overtop
trafficable water impoundment element (which may coincide precisely with that of the
hinge) may be substantially at a water impoundment element end 2010. Further, the
floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element may be a floatably
45
raisable, overtop vehicularly trafficable water impoundment element, a floatably raisable,
overtop pedestrian trafficable water impoundment element, and/or a floatably raisable,
overtop railway trafficable water impoundment element. The hinge-to-impoundment
element attachment element 2007 may comprise a cross-sectionally enlarged clamp
retention improvement element 2001 (which may be a wedge-shaped clamp retention
element 1021 or include a circular cross-sectional shaped 21, such as a comma-type clamp
retention enhancement element insert 21, as but a few examples). Similarly, the hinge-to-
foundation attachment element 208 may comprise a cross-sectionally enlarged clamp
retention improvement element 2001. The flat element may form a part of the overtop
trafficable water impoundment element or it may be located externally to it.
Another water impoundment apparatus, one which may be particularly adapted for
protection from sea-surge flooding, may comprise an inflatable water impoundment
element actuator element (see Fig. 102); an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment
element to which the inflatable water impoundment element actuator element is responsive
and that comprises a cross-sectionally-enlarged, inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention improvement element 2020; a water impoundment element 2021 responsive to
the inflatable water impoundment element actuator element 2000; a flexible Tiber
reinforced hinge element to which the water impoundment element 2021 is responsive; a
hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element 2007 responsive to the flexible fiber
reinforced hinge element and a hinge-to-foundation attachment element 2008 to which the
flexible fiber reinforced hinge element 202S is responsive, wherein an axis of rotation of
the water impoundment element (which may coincide precisely with an axis of rotation of
the hinge) is substantially at a water impoundment element end. The inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element may be a seaward positioned inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element, or a river-ward positioned inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element.
It is important to note that the overtop trafficable gate can be made of numerous
and various composite materials such as fiberglass, trusses, resins, and/or concrete with
composite resin, as but a few examples, in order to reduce weight and road salt effects and
to improve strength, e.g.
Referring now to Figure Cl, gate panel 401 may be fixed by hinge means 48 to a
fixed frame 406 which may be embedded in roadway 407. Actuator element such as air
bladder 403 may support gate panel 401 in the raised position against the pressure of water
49.
Referring now to Figure C2 a detailed cross section is shown, in the gate-lowered
position, of the hinge shown in the gate assembly of Figure CI. Gate panel 401 may
incorporate slots 402 through which cord 45 may pass in a "figure 8" pattern, thereby
connecting the gate panel 401 to a fixed element 49. Fixed element 49 may have rounded
edges so as to not cut cord 45 and may be fixed to embedded frame 406 by mounting bolts
416.
Referring now to Figure C3, gate panel 401 is filled with concrete 415 and is
shown in its lowered position. The outer perimeter of the gate panel 401 may be defined
by frame members 413 and 414 as well, as corresponding similar members on the ends of
the gate panel not shown. Fixed hinge element 409 may be connected to movable hinge
element 412 by flexible cords identified in Figure C6.
Referring now to Figure C4, gate panel 401 is shown in its raised position. Low
friction surface 427 is shown secured to the concrete by anchor assemblies 450. Anchor
bolt 416 may secure clamp bar 417, which may in turn secure air bladder 333 by its
enlarged end 418.
Referring now to Figures and C5 and C6, Figure C5 shows a plan view of a gate
assembly hinge; fig C6 shows an edge on side view of a gate assemly hinge. Fixed
structural member 409 may be connected to movable structural member 442 by means of
flexible tensile member 445 which may pass through rounded edge slots 402 in structural
members 409 and 442. Upper elastomeric cover 412 may be bonded to structural members
409 and 442 as well as flexible tensile member 445. Flexible tensile member 445 may
also be bonded to structural members 409 and 442 except where rolling contact may occur
between structural members 409 and 442.
Referring now to Figure C7, flexible tensile member 445 may be wrapped around
tubular members 438 and bonded thereto in the region without rolling action 440 but not
47
bonded to the tubular members 438 in the region of rolling contact 441. Tubular members
438 may be connected to structural members 439 which may in turn be part of or attach to
the remainder of the hinged and fixed structures.
Referring now to Figures C8 and C9, showing a cross section of a gate assembly in
the raised and lowered positions respectively, a gate panel 401 is shown filled with
concrete 415 and attached to foundation 426 by anchor bolts 416 holding clamps 437
which may in turn hold hinge flap 436, to which gate panel 401 may be connected.
Hinged cover 422 in combination with filler material 423 may be used to provide a smooth
surface flush with roadway 407 and gate panel 401.
Referring now to Figure CIO and CU, railroad rails 429 are fixed to gate panel
401. Rail segment 430 is pivotably mounted to the foundation by bracket 43S. Gate panel
401 is supported against rail loads by deflated air bladder 403 and bearing pads 42S.
Restraining chain 421 limits the movement of gate panel 401.
Referring to Figures C12 and C13, gate panel 401 is shown in its raised position
supported by air bladder 3 and restrained by restraining means 421.
Referring to Figure C14, gate panel 401, in its raised position, is supported by air
bladder 333 and attached to embedded frame 406 by hinge 448. Frame 406 is embedded
flush with roadway 407.
Referring now to Figures Dl, D2, D3, D4, DS, and D7, gate panel 401 may be
supported by air bladder 333 against side seal 56. Fixed hinge element 61 may retain
enlarged edge of air bladder 333 in groove comprising frame S06, groove element SI and
screed 52. Fixed hinge element 61 may be secured to embedded frame S06 by fastening
means SS. Seal 56 may be secured to wall 59 by retainer 57 which may in turn be secured
by fasteners 58. Connection block-out 54 may be an integral part of the embedded frame
shown in Figure D5. The embedded frame 506 of Figure D5 may comprise upper edge
560, frame elements 506, frame element 51, screed 52, and air connection block-out 54.
Referring to Figure D6, an alternate design of enlarged air bladder edge is show in cross-
section. Wedges 62 may retain reinforcement layers 63 of air bladder 333.
48
Referring now to Figure 87a (gate raised) and 87b (gate lowered), a drive-over
flood control gate in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is
shown. Gate panel 914 may be actuated by air bladder 333. When the gate 914 is in the
lowered position, it may transmit traffic loads through air bladder 333 to foundation
portion 426. Shims, cut from rubber sheet for example, may be used to facilitate uniform
load transfer. In this manner, vibration and noise levels may be minimized while gate cost
and weight may be kept at reasonable levels. Hinge element 90 may preferably be
manufactured from reinforced rubber materials. Hinge element clamping portions 92, 91,
an 914a may preferably be shaped to place the hinge pivot axis as high as possible to
minimize tensile stresses in hinge element 90 while providing a flat upper surface which
may be safe for pedestrian and vehicular traffic with the gate panel 914 lowered. Seal
element 92 may be used to seal the periphery of gate panel 914, thereby minimizing the
intrusion of dirt, sand, water, road salt, etc. which might shorten the life or reduce the
reliability of the system.
An impounded water control system that involves a movable actuator may
comprise a plurality of water gate elements (such as water gate panels) 614a, 614b, 614c; a
translatable, water gate actuator element 612 repositionably locatable substantially beneath
the plurality of water gate elements; a reposition element (which can be used to relocate
the water gate actuator element under different water gate elements) 608 to which the
translatable, water gate actuator element 612 is operationally responsive; and a plurality of
support elements 7 (which may serve to maintain a raised water gate in a raised position,
thus allowing the translatable, water gate actuator element 612 to be relocated beneath
another water gate element in order to raise it), each to which at least one individual gate
element of the plurality of water gate elements is responsive. The translatable water gate
actuator element 612 may comprise two vertically stacked water gate actuator elements
(which may be inflatable) in at least one embodiment. The reposition element 608 may
comprise a water gate actuator reposition hose assembly 608 or any other type of system,
perhaps including a guide or track for the translatable water gate actuator element, that can
be operated to move the translatable water gate actuator element as desired. The plurality
of support elements may comprise at least one strut element, which may comprise an
upper strut member and a lower strut member pivotally responsive to the upper strut
member by a horizontally longitudinal torque tube adjoining at least two adjacent strut
elements.
49
Referring now to Figure El a, gate panel 14a is fixed by hinge means 601 to a
spillway 60S and is depicted in its lowered position, which position is required for the
efficient passage of flood flows. Gate panel 614b is depicted in its raised position in
association with an air bladder actuator 612 comprising upper chamber 612a and lower
chamber 612b. Gate panels 614c and 6l4d are depicted in their raised positions where
they are kept raised by struts 607. The actuator 612 is able to be positioned under any gate
panel by means of hose assembly 608. Hose assembly 608 serves as a positioning cable
which passes around pulleys 608b, 608c, 608d, 608e, and 608f. Pulley 608f is connected
to a drive mechanism 608f. Access pit 609 within abutment or pier 611 allows for repair
or replacement of actuator 612 away from flows over spillway 605. Although the
preferred actuating means is a dual chambered air bladder 612 as shown in Figure El,
alternative lifting devices such as screw jacks or hydraulic cylinders may be used, if they
are configured to be of sufficiently low profile to fit under the lowered gate panels.
Referring now to Figure E2, a detail of the same arrangement of equipment as
Figure El is depicted.
Referring now to Figure E3, gate panel 614 can be seen to be supported by strut
607., which strut support means is conventional and is by itself not part of this invention.
The air bladder 612 comprising chambers 612a and 612b may be fixed from moving
downstream by embed 604, while gate panel 614 may be fixed to the spillway 60S by
hinge means 601. Positioning hose 608, which could also be wire rope, or combination of
wire rope and hose, may move through conduit 608a in a direction opposite to the
movement of the actuating means such as air bladder 612.
Referring now to Figure E4, depicts the same arrangement of equipment as Figure
E3, but with the gate panel 614 in the lowered position.
Referring now to Figure ES, another embodiment of the present invention is shown
wherein gate panel 614e is held in its raised position by strut means comprised of elements
607d, 607g, and 607f.
Referring now to Figure ESa, the embodiment of Figure ES is shown with an
actuating air bladder 612 in its inflated configuration.
Referring now to Figure E6, gate panel 614e, of Figure E5, is shown in its lowered
position where its top surface is flush with the top edges of foundation 605a. This flush
surface can provide a roadway, walkway, or railroad bed surface which may render this
configuration eminently suitable for use as a floodwater barrier in lieu of permanent
immovable concrete flood walls or earthen levees. The strut means depicted comprises
upper elements 607d coordinated by torque tube 607g and pivotably connected to lower
elements 607f. Although two support points are shown for gate panels 614f, 6l4g and
614h, lesser or greater numbers of support points may be used as economics and
engineering considerations dictate.
Referring now to Figure E6a, the embodiment of Figure E6 is shown with air
bladder 612 in its deflated configuration.
Referring now to Figures E7a and E7b, the embodiment of Figures ES, ESa, E6,
and E6a is again shown from downstream (the flood protected side) and upstream (the
flooded side) respectively. Gate panel 614f is shown lowered. Gate panel 6l4g is shown
raised with an actuating air bladder 612 beneath. Gate panels 14h and 14i are shown
raised and supported by strut assemblies 607. The folding of upper strut members 607d
relative to lower strut members 607f may be coordinated by torque tube 607g.
Another water control apparatus may involve concrete gate panels and may
comprise a concrete water control gate panel body element 3000; a slide friction reduced
actuator-side water control gate panel surface element 3001 (a smoothed concrete surface
or a polyethylene surface, e.g., to reduce sliding friction with an actuator such as, e.g., a
water gate panel actuator bladder) responsive to said concrete water control gate panel
body element; and a horizontal axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment element
3002 (that allows attachment of the concrete gate panel to a horizontal axis rotation hinge)
fixedly positioned at an overflow orthogonal installed water gate panel bottom edge 3003
and to which said concrete water control gate panel body element is responsive. The slide
friction reduced actuator-side water control gate panel surface element may be a
downstream installed water control gate panel surface element 3004. The apparatus may
51
further comprise an elastomeric horizontal axis rotation hinge element. The horizontal
axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment element may comprise a concrete water
control gate panel body encased attachment element. The concrete water control gate
panel body element may be a fiber or rebar or post-tensioned rod reinforced concrete
water control gate panel body element. An associated method may involve the step of
creating a concrete water control gate panel body element 3000. establishing a slide
friction reduced, actuator-side water control gate panel surface element 3001: and
establishing a horizontal axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment element 3002,
each of which may be performed at a concrete water gate panel installation site (thus
obviating transportion of a heavy, bulky item).
The generally preferred material for the gate panels 14 may be reinforced concrete,
however, steel, fiberglass, or other construction may be preferred for certain projects. The
use of reinforced concrete may allow for simple field (on-site) fabrication of large gate
panels that might be difficult to transport if they were manufactured at another location.
The preferred method of casting the concrete panels may be to insert concrete form pieces
into foundation 605a to form the underside of gate panel 614e, and then place the concrete
with any necessary reinforcement, embedding movable hinge element 606 into the gate
panel 614e, while fixing wire rope 601 b to hinge tube 601 c.
Referring now to Figures 8a, 8b, 8c, and 8d, an automatic tripping system is
shown. Strut 707h, which may be tubular, supports gate panel 714 against the pressure of
upstream water. The lower end of strut 707h is supported against a step in spillway 705
by rocking shoe 707k. Rocking shoe 707k is connected to a paddle 707j by connecting
rod 707i. High water acting on paddle 707j acts to pull connecting rod 707i and rotate
rocking shoe 7k toward a horizontal position, thereby releasing strut 707h and causing
gate panel 714 to lower. In this manner multiple gate panels may be automatically
lowered to protect against upstream flooding. Actuators with spillway 705 could
optionally be used to force rocking shoes 707k to their horizontal positions, thereby
lowering gate panels 714 by remote control.
Referring now to Figures 63 through 71, an improved air fitting (or more generally,
a pressurized fluid inlet element) 965 in accordance with one aspect of the present
invention is shown. Air fitting 965 lacks damaging or damageable protrusions. Said fitting
52
965 may preferably be located between reinforcing plies 806, 807, and 808 within the
lower membrane of an inflatable air bladder as herein disclosed.
Said air fitting 86S may preferably be generally disk shaped and may feature a
connection means such as pipe threads 865b at a centrally located through-hole.
Said air fitting 963 may feature a tapered profile 965c which may limit undesirable
changes in direction of reinforcing fabric plies 906, 907 and 908. Excessive changes in
direction of reinforcing fabric might otherwise cause de-lamination of the layers of said
reinforcing from each other or dis-bonding of said reinforcing from the embedded air
fitting 96S.
Said air fitting 965 may feature a rounded outer edge 965a which may prevent said
fitting from cutting aforementioned reinforcing fabric.
The radius R of said rounded outer edges may be sufficiently small, .0625 inches
for example, such that the formation of voids at location 965d in the elastomer and the
direct contact of reinforcing cords with said air fitting 965 may be avoided.
Air fitting 965 may be comprised of or coated with a material which bonds to the
elastomeric body of said inflatable bladder during vulcanization.
Air fitting (or more generally, pressurized fluid inlet apparatus) 965 may comprise
a pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element 3050 (which element can engage in
some manner a pressurized fluid conveyer such as a hose or pipe); a thickness enhanced
interior edge element 3051 (which element is an interior edge portion of the apparatus that
is thicker than the remaining portion of the apparatus); a thickness reduced, exterior edge
element 3052 (which is the radially exterior edge portion that is thinner than the thickness
enhanced interior edge element) that is installed configuration contactable with an
inflatable membrane separation curve 3053 proximate membrane 3054 (which is the
inflatable membrane(s) that separates at the outer edge of the apparatus when the contact-
adjacent layers diverge to pass around the apparatus); and a thickness varying body
element 3055 located between said thickness enhanced interior edge element and said
thickness reduced exterior edge element (which element forms the body of the apparatus
53
and connects the exterior edge element to the interior edge element 30S2 of the apparatus).
The thickness enhanced interior edge element 30S1 may be a thickness enhanced,
pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element proximate, interior edge element 30S7 in
the case where the pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element 3050 is located at or
near the center of the apparatus (as is the case if the pressurized fluid conveyer
engagement element 3050 is a threaded engagement element 3060). The pressurized fluid
inlet apparatus 3061 may also operate as a pressurized fluid outlet apparatus. The
thickness reduced exterior edge element may be substantially circular (a descriptive term
that applies even if there are notches 3062 in the exterior edge element). Further, the
thickness reduced exterior edge element may be externally rounded 3064 to have an
exterior edge radius of curvature 3065 that is sufficiently small to preclude void formation
at the inflatable membrane separation curve 3053 (e.g., the radius of curvature may be
approximately 0.0625 inches. The thickness reduced exterior edge element may also be
rectangular (a descriptive term that includes square) in plan view. The thickness varying
body element need not contact the interior edge element and/or the exterior edge element
in order to be between the two and may have a frustral (truncated conical) internal
(meaning closer to the inflatable cavity of the bladder) inflatable membrane contacting
edge 3058 and an oppositely facing planar (substantially flat), annular, external inflatable
membrane contacting edge 3059 (meaning this edge is towards the external atmosphere).
Importantly, it is the above-mentioned shape of the apparatus that enables it to be
positioned between contact-adjacent layers of an inflatable article, thereby resulting in a
pressurized fluid inlet apparatus that is recessed from the outer surface of the inflatable
article and that consequently can not be damaged by (nor damage) external parts over
which, e.g., the bladder may slide.
Related methods are also included in the ambit of the inventive technology. One
such method of conveying pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable article comprises the
steps of: dimensioning (e.g., shaping as, e.g., by molding) a pressurized fluid inlet element
3061 having a pressurized fluid inlet element hole 3070; establishing the pressurized fluid
inlet element 3061 between two contact-adjacent (meaning side-by-side and touching in
sections) inflatable article layers (or inflatable membrane layers) 3071; and establishing an
inflatable article layers hole co-axial with the pressurized fluid inlet element hole. The
layers may be elastomeric or reinforced elastomeric layers; the inflatable article layers
hole may thus be an elastomeric inflatable layers hole.
54
An abutment plate apparatus (or water gate panel slide friction abatement
apparatus) may comprise a polymeric plate element 4000 dimensioned to contact a planar
abutment seal face (which may be vertical, e.g.) 4001 throughout a possible water gate
position edge sweep 4002 (a range of possible contact motion); and a plate-to-foundation
surface attachment element 4020 (such as fastener holes 4004). The polymeric plate
element 4000 may be a polyethylene plate element (ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene plate element and/or high density polyethylene plate element); may be a dark
colored polymeric plate element 4005 (for thermal heating benefits); may be a high
density polymeric plate element and/or an ultra-high molecular weight polymeric plate
element); and may be a reinforced polymeric plate element (such as fiberglass) as but a
few examples.
Referring now to Figures 72a, 72b, 72c, 72d, 73 and 74, an abutment plate 966 of
UHMW polyethylene and its associated anchor system is shown. Said abutment plate 66
may feature low thermal conductivity, low ice adhesion, and a low coefficient of friction
against the associated gate panel seals. Hole spacing dimensions X (of horizontally
aligned fastener holes), and Y (of vertically aligned fastener holes) relative to thickness T
may preferably be kept below 20 to I, or 12 to 1, and preferably at 8 to 1. The horizontal
or vertical fastener hole separation distances divided by a polymeric plate element
thickness (or the related horizontal fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness
ratio and the vertical fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio) may be less
than approximately 20 (or less than approximately 20:1 expressed as a ratio), less than
approximately 12 (or less than approximately 12:1 expressed as a ratio), or approximately
equal to eight (or approximately 8:1 expressed as a ratio). A related index, the average,
nearest fastener hole separation distance (measure of the average of the nearest fastener
hole separation distances) divided by the thickness of the polymeric plate element (or the
related average nearest fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio) may be
less than approximately 20 (or less than approximately 20:1 expressed as a ratio), less than
approximately 12 (or less than approximately 20:1 expressed as a ratio), or approximately
equal to eight (or approximately 8:1 expressed as a ratio). Of course, to determine the
average, nearest fastener hole separation distance, all nearest fastener hole separation
distances are measured and an average is calculated from the total. The method may
55
further comprise the step of recessing edges of fastener holes in order to retain a plate
element surface flush, low thermal conductivity material, fastener recession filler.
All fastener holes 4004 may have recessed fastener hole edges 400S in order to
accommodate a plate element surface flush, low thermal conductivity material, fastener
recession Filler, which may be, e.g., a plate element surface flush polyethylene, fastener
recession filler. Plate element surface flush means that the filler material, as installed, will
be level and flush with the abutment plate surface. The polymeric plate element may
comprise a thermal plate buckling effect mitigative significant number of fastener holes
(which is that number of fastener holes separated by only approximately even distances
that is sufficient to prevent an operation impairing thermal plate buckling under expected
operational environment conditions). The polymeric plate element may have a thermal
plate buckling effect mitigative thickness (which is the thickness that is sufficient to
prevent an operation impairing thermal plate buckling under expected operational
environment conditions). The actual thickness dimension depends on whether the plate is
attached through use of a thermal plate buckling effect mitigative significant number of
fastener holes. Possible thickness dimensions may be approximately IS mm and
approximately 25, but others dimensions are also possible.
The polymeric plate element may be a unitary polymeric plate 4008 (i.e., one plate
element) or may be a plurality of polymeric plates 4009, at least two of which may be
adapted for separation in an installed configuration by a sealant accommodating groove
4010. Anchoring may preferably be by means of countersunk bolts which may engage
threaded concrete anchors 968. Bolts 967 may preferably be covered with a removable
low thermal conductivity material such as polyethylene plugs or auto-body filler after
installation.
Related water gate slide friction abatement method may comprise the steps of
dimensioning a polymeric material to form a substantially planar polymeric plate element
4000 able to contact an abutment seal face 4015 throughout a possible water gate edge
sweep 4002; and establishing a plate-to-foundation surface attachment element 4020 to
which said substantially planar polymeric plate element 4000 is responsive. The
polymeric material may be dark-colored, ultra high molecular weight, high density.
polyethylene, or reinforced, e.g. The polyethylene material may be dark-colored, ultra
56
high molecular weight, high density, or reinforced, e.g. Reinforcement may be by
fiberglass, e.g. Other steps include establishing a plurality of fastener holes separated by
an average, nearest fastener hole separation distance.
One embodiment of the interpanel seal (or more generally, impounded water
leakage prevention apparatus) 73 may comprise an interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp
retention enhancement element S001; an interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention
element S002 responsive to said interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention
enhancement element 5001; an upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge
conforming water seal hinge element S003 responsive to said interpanel seal-to-foundation
clampable retention element S002; and an interpanel seal element S004 fixedly attachable
to a first edge proximate portion 5006 of a first water gate panel S007 and a second edge
proximate portion S008 of a second water gate panel S009, wherein said first edge
proximate portion S006 of said first water gate panel S007 is situated adjacent to said
second edge proximate portion 5008 of said second water gate panel S009 and said first
water gate panel S007 is situated adjacent to said second water gate panel 5009. As is the
case with all clamp retention enhancement elements, the interpanel seal-to-foundation
clamp retention enhancement element 5002 may be an expanded cross-sectional area part
5010 (maybe having a comma-shaped insert 5011) that serves to enhance the clamp action
by providing an obstruction to movement of the clamped surface (of course, the interpanel
seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element 5001, as well as the interpanel
seal-to-foundation clampable retention element 5002 operate to attach the interpanel seal
73 to the foundation 5012, which may be, e.g., a dam spillway surface). The upper,
overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming water seal hinge element 5003 is
the part of the apparatus that acts as the hinge and conforms to the overflow orthogonal
(upstream, e.g.) water gate panel edge 5016 that, in an installed configuration, is the upper
of the two upstream, e.g., water gate panel edges 5017. The interpanel seal element
fixedly attachable to a first edge proximate portion 5006 of a first water gate panel 5007
and a second edge proximate portion 5008 of a second water gate panel 5009 is the part
that accomplishes most of the sealing between two adjacent (in an installed configuration)
water gate panels (the first and the second water gate panel). The edge proximate portion
of the water gate panels are those portions of the water gate panels that are near the edges
of different water gate panels that are adjacent one another in an installed configuration.
57
Note that the interpanel seal element may be a substantially elongated interpanel seal
element (meaning it has a length).
The profiles) (cross sectional shape and size) of interpanel seal attachment
elements may be approximately the same as the profiles of adjacent (or installed-
configuration-adjacent) attachment elements (such as the installed-configuration-adjacent
inflatable water gate actuator-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element (see
Figure 77), or the installed-configuration-adjacent water gate actuator-to-foundation
clampable retention element (see Fig. 77)). Further, parts may be dimensioned to fit
compression seal-tight against adjacent impounded water seal elements (see Figure 77)
upon installation, meaning that an interference fit is created by sizing the parts so that their
abutting edges compress against one another during installation. The term compression
seal tight can also mean applying enough clamping pressure so that the clampable
retention element S002 below the clamp S020 expands to tightly fit against an abutting
installed clamp retention element. An overflow orthogonal, water gate actuator hinge flap
element adjacent portion of the interpanel seal element S004 (that portion of the interpanel
seal element that is adjacent the water gate actuator hinge flap element in an installed
configuration) may be dimensioned to fit compression seal tight against an installed-
configuration-adjacent inflatable water gate actuator hinge flap element. The foundation
may be a spillway, e.g., and thus the interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention
element 5002 may be an interpanel seal-to-spillway clampable retention element 5002.
The upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming water seal hinge
element 5003 may comprise an overflow orthogonal, vertical, interpanel seal-to-
foundation clamp face abutting, corner-augmented edge element 5050, which is an edge of
the hinge element that is augmented so as to form a corner 5051 that, in an installed
configuration, abuts an overflow orthogonal (downstream, e.g.) vertical face 1051 of an
interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp 118. Ideally, this edge element will be configured to
abut substantially all proximate portions of the overflow orthogonal, interpanel seal to
foundation clamp face 118 so as to effectively exclude seal and clamp operation
compromising sand and other flow entrained particles and debris. A related method may
include the step of corner augmenting (adding, e.g., elastomeric material to form a corner)
an upper overflow orthogonal edge of the interpanel seal hinge element to conform to an
overflow orthogonal, vertical interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp face edge (relatedly, see
parts 1051 and 1052).
58
The interpanel seal element 5004 may project beyond a gate panel downstream
limit S0S2 to form a nappe break element S0S3 or nappe breaker S0S3 (which serves to
aerate any nappe that might form, thus avoiding the negative effects of oscillating nappes).
This nappe break element may be an overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible
nappe breaker (see Fig. 76) and may be, e.g., a reinforced elastomeric nappe breaker. The
term overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe breaker means that a nappe
break element is made sufficiently flexible so as to absorb and flex without failure or
substantial plastic deformation impacts from dynamic objects that one would expect to
find flowing in an overtop flow.
Rubber rafts and other small water craft (with and without passengers) are also
possible items that one might expect to find flowing with an overtop flow. Here, the
concern is for the safety of the passengers, and a sufficiently flexible nappe breaker (or
one responsive to an impact flexure element) will flex when struck by a rubber raft instead
of puncturing or cutting it as many conventional nappe breakers will. A related method
may involve installation projecting (resulting in projection upon installation) the
substantially elongated interpanel seal element beyond a gate panel downstream limit to
create a nappe break element.
Referring now to Figures 76 and 77, a dam spillway gate installation in accordance
with one aspect of the present invention is shown in perspective view and exploded view
respectively. Inter-panel seal 73 (a type of impounded water leakage prevention
apparatus) may have the same profile under clamp bar 76 (the interpanel seal-to-
foundation clampable retention element S002) as does air bladder clampable retention
element (the inflatable water gate actuator-to-foundation clampable retention element).
The adjoining faces of air bladder 903 and inter-panel seal 73 as well as the adjoining
faces of air bladder 903 and abutment seal 75 and the adjoining faces of abutment plate
966 and abutment seal 75 may preferably be shaped to fit tightly, perhaps with a slight
interference fit, during installation. In this manner the subsequent application of clamping
force from clamp bar 76 may cause the aforementioned adjoining elements to expand
tightly against each other in a horizontal direction, thereby creating tightly sealed joints.
The sealing of said joints may be supplemented by the use of thin flexible waterproof
sheets (or thin waterproof seal supplement sheets) 70 and 74.
59
Referring now to Figure 78, a cross section of inter-panel seal 73 of Figures 76 and
77 is shown. This inter-panel seal may function best if it is identical in profile to its
associated, adjacent air bladder.
Referring now to Figure 81, a perspective view of the interpanel seal 73 of Figures
76 and 78 is shown.
Referring now to Figures 79 and 80, an abutment seal 75 of Figures 76 and 77 is
shown. The abutment seal apparatus (or impounded water seal apparatus) 75 may
comprise an upper, impounded water seal element 6000 that is fixedly attachable to a
foundation slide surface adjacent water gate panel 6001, which seal element itself features
a flexible flap portion (or more generally a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded
water seal element) 80 which may be held tightly against its corresponding abutment plate
or abutment (or more generally foundation slide surface) 6002 by a combination of water
pressure and possible also elastic action; a water gate panel conformable seal element
6003; and a longitudinal corner seal element 6004 and a thickness reduced, hingeable,
upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming seal element 6006, and an
abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element 82. The term foundation slide surface
6002 is intended to include any material that, as either part of the foundation or as an
attachment to it (e.g., an abutment plate), is the surface against which the impounded
water seal (more specifically the foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal
element 80) slides during rotation of the water gate panel. Note that the foundation in a
dam setting is the body of the dam (usually concrete) such as the spillway or the abutment;
in the case of much smaller water impoundment application, the foundation is the body
(underlying and side). In any water control application, the foundation is essentially the
solid body parts that exist before the addition of supplemental water control parts and is
what the supplemental parts may be attached to. The elastic action may be enhanced by
the provision of reinforcing cords 79. A flexible portion (or termed differently, a
thickness reduced, hingeable, upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge
conforming water seal element) 81 allows the abutment seal to bend with its associated
bladder hinge flap (portion 862 in Figure 60a). Portion 82 may preferably match its
associated air bladder in thickness (D) and length (B). The abutment seal apparatus may
further comprise an abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element 82 which serves to
60
attach it to the foundation such as the spillway of a dam. This attachment element may
comprise an abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element (which may be
substantially flat, e.g.) and an abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement
element. Note that the abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element 6005 is
termed substantially flat if it has a substantially flat upper or lower surface (a
terminological definition that applies to any substantially flat clampable retention
element). Flexible flap portion 80 may incorporate a low friction facing material such as
polyethylene for use against abutments, faced with stainless steel or epoxy for example.
Said facing may be unnecessary in the case of UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight)
polyethylene abutment plates. The abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention
enhancement element 6007 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional insert, such
as a comma-type insert 21. The abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element 82 may
comprise a wedge-shaped abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention element (see
relatedly, part 10 of Figure 10), and may be configured to have an installed-configuration-
adjacent wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-foundation attachment element profile.
The foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element may be an
abutment plate adjacent impounded water seal element (meaning it is capable of being
positioned adjacent to (or is actually so positioned) an abutment plate), or a concrete
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element (meaning it is capable of
being positioned adjacent to (or is actually so positioned) a concrete foundation slide
surface). The abutment plate may be polymeric (such as polyethylene, e.g.) or stainless
steel, or rubber, or any low friction wear material. Certain limitations as to the
compatibility of sliding surfaces do exist, however - polyethylene (and polymers in
general) slide best (i.e., with minimal friction) against rubber, stainless steel, and concrete.
The foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element may comprise a low
friction wear impounded water seal element that may be a polymeric (such as
polyethylene) seal element. The polyethylene may be an ultra high molecular weight
polyethylene seal element and/or may be a high density polyethylene seal element. The
polymeric seal element may be co-vulcanized to a reinforced elastomer containing EPDM
(ethylene propylene diene methylene) rubber, or may be co-vulcanized to a reinforced
elastomer comprising EPDM rubber and chlorobutyl. Additionally, the foundation slide
surface adjacent impounded water seal element may instead comprise a rubber seal
element or a stainless steel seal element. It may also be elastically angularly biased,
61
perhaps with a reinforcement ply enhanced bias, in order to improve the seal with the
foundation slide surface. The thickness reduced, hingeable, upper, overflow orthogonal
water gate panel edge conforming seal element may comprise a vertical, overflow
orthogonal, abutment seal-to-foundation clamp face abutting, corner-augmented edge
element 6010 that may be configured to abut substantially all proxmiate portions of an
abutment seal-to-foundation clamp face 1051. Further, the thickness reduced, hingeable,
upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming seal element and the
abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element may be interference seal width
dimensioned, meaning that the widths of these elements may be slightly oversized
(perhaps by a quarter inch, e.g.) in order to allow tight compressive fitting upon
installation. A heat element 6012 that may be any type of heater (electric, e.g.) may be
installed (perhaps by integrally vulcanizing it into or substantially along the length of the
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element) so that the foundation
slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element is thermally responsive to it and thus
can prevent the formation of slide obstructing ice. The term substantially along the length
includes substantially along only a majority portion of the length.
Referring now to Figures 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d, and 86, an abutment seal is show in
accordance with one aspect of the present invention which may be configured for use in
conjunction with a wedge type clamping system as is depicted in Figure86. Wedge
portion 84 may be configured to match the adjoining hinge member 86 in cross section.
Bendable portion 81 permits abutment seal 75 to flex with hinge member 86 as gate panel
914 is lowered and raised. Reinforced portion 85 may be clamped to gate panel 914.
Flexible portion 80 may ride against adjoining abutment plate 966 while held in a tightly
sealed position by a combination of elastic forces and water pressure. Face 87 is
preferably fitted to adjoining hinge member 86 with a slight interference fit. Flexible
portion 80 may feature a low friction surface 88 comprised of UHMW polyethylene for
example. Sealing face 89 is preferably designed to tightly fit the adjoining abutment plate.
Due to the small distance of travel of this portion of the abutment seal, low friction facing
88 may generally not be required or desirable, but may be included nonetheless, in certain
applications, for certain reasons.
Referring now to Figures 88, 89, 90, and 91, an inflatable dam (or inflatable
elastomeric dam) in accordance with one aspect of the present invention is shown. Swirl
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inducing ribs 93 may be provided in alternating directions such that the direction flow of
water over said inflatable dam may be altered to include a horizontal component normal to
the primary direction of flow. In combination said horizontal flow components will in
turn form opposing circulating flow patterns 96 and 97 which include velocity components
normal to the body of the inflated dam. In this manner the effect of the fin 95 may be
augmented. Stable operation may be possible at higher degrees of overtopping than would
be possible with a fin arrangement only. Stress relief shape 94 may reduce internal
stresses in the inflated dam and may increase the stiffness of the cantilevered fin feature
95. Inflatable dam 983 may be fixed to dam spillway or foundation 995 by means of
clamp 101 and spillway groove 102.
A nappe aeration apparatus that avoids the nuisance and potentially destructive
effects of oscillating or vibrating nappes while remaining resistant to destruction by debris
overflowing impoundment structure and remaining relatively harmless to water craft is
also within the ambit of the inventive technology. A nappe aeration apparatus may
comprise an overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe break element
9500; and a disengagable, flexible nappe break element-to-water impoundment element
attachment element 9501 to which said overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible
nappe break element is responsive. The term disengagable, flexible nappe break element-
to-water impoundment element attachment element 9501 refers to a part (which could
even comprise magnets and/or bolt holes, e.g.) that allows removal of the nappe breaker.
The term overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe break element means
that a nappe break element is made sufficiently flexible (elastically, meaning after an
impact it returns substantially to its pre-impact configuration) so as to absorb and flex
without failure or substantial plastic deformation impacts from dynamic objects that one
would expect to find flowing in an overtop flow. Rubber rafts and other small water craft
(with and without passengers) are also possible items that one might expect to find
flowing with an overtop flow. Here, the concern is for the safety of the passengers, and a
sufficiently flexible nappe breaker will flex when struck by a rubber raft instead of
puncturing or cutting it as many inflexible nappe breakers will. The nappe break element
may be an a rein forced, elastomer ic nappe breaker.
Another nappe aeration apparatus may comprise a nappe break element 9505; a
disengagable nappe break element-to-water impoundment element attachment element
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9S06 to which said nappe break element is responsive; and an overtop flow mode dynamic
object impact flexure element 9S07 to which said nappe break element is responsive.
Essentially, in this second apparatus, the flex upon impact is provided not by the nappe
breaker itself (such type of flex would be allowed by nappe breakers made from
elastomers), but instead by a discrete flexure element such as a helical spring element or a
flexible mounting stem (as but a few examples) to which the nappe breaker is responsive
(as by attachment, e.g.) and which flexes (elastically, meaning after an impact it returns
substantially to its pre-iinpact configuration) so as to absorb without failure or substantial
plastic deformation impacts from dynamic objects that one would expect to find flowing in
an overtop flow. Even if what appears to be the attachment element serves to allow
flexure upon impact (e.g., in the case of a flexible stem), the attachment element is defined
to be merely that part that enables attachment (perhaps there are fastener holes at the
bottom of the stem or a surface at the bottom of the stem that can be epoxied and later
removed), thus maintaining the discreteness of the different elements of the apparatus.
An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus
may involve an excessive water gate panel rotation prevention element that, in a storage
configuration, does not aesthetically impair the impoundment structure's (such as a dam)
appearance. The improved impounded water control system operation maintenance
apparatus may comprise a tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element 7020 (any material that is tension strong such as restraining straps that
are made from nylon or an elastomeric material or an elastomeric cord, as but a few
examples, and able to prevent excessive rotation of a water gate panel); a lower, excessive
gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element 7001 (which serves to
attach the tensionable excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention
element to the foundation) to which the tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate
panel rotation prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established between
oppositely facing ends 7002 of end-proximate water gate panel actuators 7003; and an
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-gate panel attachment element (which serves
to attach the tensionable, excessive, bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention
element 7020 to a portion of the water gate panel 70S2) responsive to the tensionable,
excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element 103. The end-
adjacent water gate panel actuators 7003 may be end-adjacent inflatable water gate panel
actuation bladders 700S, and a downstream-most edge of the end-adjacent inflatable water
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gate panel actuation bladders 7006 may be located substantially at a drip plane 106.
Further, each of the end-proximate water gate panel actuators 7003 may be responsive to
at least one water gate actuator to foundation attachment element 7007, which may be a
wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp retention element 7008. In such a
case, the apparatus may further comprise a wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention element substitute insert 105 positioned substantially between
opposing ends of proximate, wedge-shaped gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention elements 7009. Such an insert may be termed an adjacent water gate actuator-to-
foundation profile mimicking insert I OS. The end-proximate water gate panel actuators
may be end-proximate water gate panel floatation elements instead of inflatable actuators.
A tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element
length 7010, an upper, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-gate panel
attachment element location 7011, and a lower, excessive gate rotation prevention
element-to-foundation attachment element location 7012 may be correlated so that a
downstream-most end of said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel
rotation prevention element 7020 is located substantially under a water control gate panel
element 70S2 in a lowered configuration (Fig. 93) thus precluding the unsightly
appearance of protruding excessive gate panel rotation prevention apparatus in a lowered
configuration 104. The tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element 7020 may be a tensionable, collapsible excessive bottom hinged water
gate panel rotation prevention element 103, meaning that it can be folded or telescoped or
coiled, e.g., or somehow amenable to reconfiguration from its tension mode shape to a
different storage configuration when the tension is relieved. An actuatable water gate
panel water control system (i.e., the water gate pane actuator, the gate panels and any
sealing apparatus) that further comprises any of the above-mentioned improved
impounded water control system apparatus is also deemed within the ambit of the
inventive technology.
A separate improved impounded water control system operation maintenance
apparatus that address the inventive out-of-the way configuration of excessive water gate
panel rotation prevention elements in the area of abutments may comprise: a tensionable.
excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element; a lower, excessive
gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element 7012 to which said
tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element 7020 is
65
responsive and that is fixedly established between a water gate panel actuator and a
substantially vertical foundation surface (see Fig. 107); and an upper, excessive gate
rotation prevention element-to-gate panel attachment element 7011 responsive to said
tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element 7010.
The apparatus may comprise a wedge-shaped, gate panej, actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention element substitute insert I OS positioned substantially between a wedge-shaped
gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp retention element 9S72 and a substantially
vertical foundation surface 9571. Of course this and other substitute inserts are intended
to take the place of the length of inflatable water gate panel actuator-to-foundation
attachment element(s) that do not exist because of the shortening of the inflatable bladders
that may take place in order to accommodate out-of-sight placement of the excessive gate
panel rotation prevention element substantially below the gap between adjacent water gate
panels. This placement is preferable to those approaches that reduce the cross-sectional
size of the inflatable bladders to insufficient levels so that the length of the excessive gate
panel rotation prevention elements (such as restraining straps, e.g.) positioned downstream
(or upstream in a system whose actuator is on an impounded flow side) of the inflatable
bladder need not exceed that length that results in protrusion of the straps, e.g., in a
lowered configuration.
A related method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water
control gate system comprises the steps of dimensioning (meaning shaping as by some
manufacturing process, e.g.) a tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel
rotation prevention element 7020; establishing a lower, excessive gate rotation prevention
element-to-foundation attachment element 7012 to which said tensionable, excessive
bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element 7020 is responsive and that is
fixedly established between proximate ends 7029 of proximate, vertically projecting flow
control elements 7030; and establishing an upper, excessive gate rotation prevention
element-to-gate panel attachment element responsive to said tensionable, collapsable,
excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element 7020. The
vertically projection flow control elements 7030 may be any flow control elements that
project vertically, such as water gate panel actuators (such as inflatable water gate panel
actuator bladders, or floatable water gate panel actuators), or foundation slide surfaces
such as abutment surfaces. In one embodiment, the method may further comprise the step
of establishing a wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp retention element
66
substitute insert substantially below a wedge-shaped interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp
retention element and between impounded flow proximate (meaning upstream in a
configuration where the actuator is on the downstream side of the gate panel; and
downstream in a configuration where the actuator is on the upstream side of the gate
panel) opposing ends (oppositely facing) of proximate, vertically projecting flow control
elements. The method may further comprise the step of correlating the length of the
tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element 7020
with a location of each of the lower, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-
foundation attachment element 7012 and the upper, excessive gate rotation prevention
element-to-gate panel attachment element 7011 so that a downstream-most end 7021 of a
detensioned, non-restraint configuration (e.g., collapsed and/or folded), tensionable,
excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element 7040 is located
under a lowered water control gate panel 914.
Referring to Figures 92, 93, 94, and 95, a bottom hinged air actuated gate in
accordance with the present invention is shown. Restraining straps, e.g. 1003 may be
located at the ends of air bladders 333 so that the air bladder size may be maximized or
optimized. Generally, for gates over 2.S meters high, the air bladder should be made as
large as possible without extending beyond drip line 106. This results in a conventional
restraining strap 104 which protrudes from beneath lowered gate panel 914. Protruding
restraining straps may be deemed undesirable by some customers or owners. Gate panel
914 is preferably convexly curved to provide sufficient bending strength to accept the
restraining strap loads at it ends. Air bladders 334 may be shortened enough to allow
clearance for restraining straps 103 in both the raised and lowered positions. Insert 10S,
which may be made from reinforced rubber for example, may be used to fill the clamping
system between air bladders 334 which do not directly adjoin due to the extra clearance C
that may be provided for restraining straps 103.
Referring now to Figure El 1, the details of the preferred hinge means are shown.
Movable gussets 806 are welded to movable hinge tube la. Fixed gussets 804 are welded
to actuator guide tube 804a and to fixed hinge tube 801c. Hinge tubes 801a and 801c are
held in proper relationship by wire rope 801b, which may follow a spiral Figure 8 around
hinge tubes 801a and 801c. The wire rope 801 b is prevented from slipping by embedment
in concrete between gussets 806 and gussets 804. The zone of rolling contact between
67
wire rope 801b and hinge tubes 801a and 801 c is left clear of concrete or other fixing
means. In the case of a wire rope fixed with concrete, should the need arise to repair the
hinge, the concrete between gussets may be selectively removed with a high pressure
water jet.
Referring now to Figure El2, a plan view of the arrangement depicted in Figure
El I is shown.
Referring now to Figure C2 a detailed cross section is shown, in the gate-lowered
position, of the hinge shown in the gate assembly of Figure Cl. Gate panel 401 may
incorporate slots 402 through which cord 45 may pass in a "figure 8" pattern, thereby
connecting the gate panel 401 to a fixed element 49. Fixed element 49 may have rounded
edges so as to not cut cord 45 and may be fixed to embedded frame 406 by mounting bolts
416.
Referring now to Figures and C5 and C6, Figure C5 shows a plan view of a gate
assembly hinge; fig C6 shows an edge on side view of a gate assemly hinge. Fixed
structural member 409 may be connected to movable structural member 442 by means of
flexible tensile member 445 which may pass through rounded edge slots 402 in structural
members 409 and 442. Upper elastomeric cover 412 may be bonded to structural members
409 and 442 as well as flexible tensile member 445. Flexible tensile member 445 may
also be bonded to structural members 409 and 442 except where rolling contact may occur
between structural members 409 and 442.
Referring now to Figure C7, flexible tensile member 445 may be wrapped around
tubular members 438 and bonded thereto in the region without rolling action 440 but not
bonded to the tubular members 438 in the region of rolling contact 441. Tubular members
438 may be connected to structural members 439 which may in turn be part of or attach to
the remainder of the hinged and fixed structures.
Referring now to Figures 96, 97 and 98, three different hinges are depicted - an
"S" hinge, an integrated figure eight hinge, and a modular figure eight hinge - each of
which is within the ambit of the inventive subject matter. The hinge depicted in Figures
87a and 87b may be termed a "W" hinge. The hinges themselves, in a general context that
68
includes many applications in addition to water control, are inventive and each considered
patentable.
As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present
invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both water control and
actuator techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate water control or
actuation. In this application, the water control techniques are disclosed as part of the
results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are
inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as
intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be
understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a
number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be
understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic
description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly
describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully
explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature
or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of
alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure.
Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the
device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the
device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the
functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the
terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims included in this patent application.
M
It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without
departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in
the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure
encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit
alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are
encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon for the claims for this patent
application. It should be understood that such language changes and broad claiming is
accomplished in this filing. This patent application will seek examination of as broad a
69
base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and will be designed to yield a patent
covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system.
Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be
achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each
such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method
or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it
should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words
for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms - even
if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic
terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or
action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad
coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood
that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which
causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to
encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding
this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a "means for actuating" or an
"actuator" should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "actuating" ~
whether explicitly discussed or not — and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of
the act of "actuating", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of
an "actuator" and even a "means for actuating". Such changes and alternative terms are to
be understood to be explicitly included in the description.
Any acts of law, statutes, regulations, or rules mentioned in this application for
patent; or patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent
are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be
understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such
interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for
each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the
Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated
by reference. Finally, all references listed in the list of References To Be Incorporated By
Reference In Accordance With The Patent Application or other information disclosure
statement or citation filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby
incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such
70
information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with
the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered
as made by the applicants).
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the water
control actuator devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods
disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of
these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the
functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods
which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is
disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and
independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or
components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or
components, and ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and
with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and
permutations of each of the elements disclosed, and xi) each potentially dependent claim
or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts
presented. In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to
avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant may eventually present claims
with initial dependencies only. Support should be understood to exist to the degree
required under new matter laws — including but not limited to European Patent
Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws--
to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented
under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other
independent claim or concept. Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase
"comprising" is used to maintain the "open-end" claims herein, according to traditional
claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood
that the term "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", are intended
to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the
exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should
be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest
coverage legally permissible.
VI. Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus comprising a substantially
elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element.
2. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element is a minimum deflated bladder fold
membrane curvature radius increase element.
3. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim I wherein said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element is a removable, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element.
4. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element is a cross-sectionally drop shaped, minimum
deflated bladder fold membrane curvature radius increase element.
5. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element is an extrusion.
6. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim I wherein said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element is elastomeric.
7. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim I wherein said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element comprising a substantially elongated,

smooth cross-sectionally curved, half-cylinder shaped, inner deflated bladder fold
membrane surface contactable element; two substantially opposing, substantially
planar, inner deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface contactable
elements responsive to said substantially elongated, smooth cross-sectionally
curved, half-cylinder shaped, inner deflated bladder fold membrane surface
contactable element; a substantially linear, inner deflated bladder fold adjacent
membrane surface contactable element intersection vertex element responsive to
said two substantially opposing, substantially planar, inner deflated bladder fold
adjacent membrane surface contactable elements: and a deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element body element established internally of each said
substantially elongated, smooth cross-sectionally curved, half-cylinder shaped,
inner deflated bladder fold membrane surface contactable element; said two
substantially opposing, substantially planar, inner deflated bladder fold adjacent
membrane surface contactable elements; and said substantially linear, inner
deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface contactable element intersection
vertex element.
8. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein at
least a majority surficial portion of one of said two substantially opposing,
substantially planar, inner deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane surface
contactable elements is adherable to a deflated bladder fold adjacent membrane
surface.
9. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element is a longitudinal spatial void enclosing
deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
10. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 9 wherein said
longitudinal spatial void enclosing deflated bladder fold membrane insert element
is a compressed fluid conveyable, longitudinal spatial void enclosing deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element.
I [. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 10 wherein
said compressed fluid conveyable, longitudinal spatial void enclosing deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element comprises at least one bladder interior-to-
longitudinal spatial void fluid conveyance hole fluidicly responsive to a
longitudinal spatial void established by said longitudinal spatial void enclosing
deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
12. An in Hated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 further
comprising an inflatable bladder membrane responsive to said substantially
elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element at at least one deflated bladder fold membrane; and a
pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable bladder membrane.
13. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element is a dissolvable deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element.
14. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 13 wherein a
segment of at least one layer of said inflatable bladder membrane is adapted to
surround a membrane spatial void that is fluidicly responsive to a spatial void
formed by said pressurized fluid inlet element and to a longitudinal qMtial void
enclosed by said longitudinal spatial void enclosing insert element.
15. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 14 wherein
said membrane spatial void is also fluidicly responsive to at least one bladder
interior-to-longitudinal spatial void fluid conveyance hole.
16. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 further
comprising a substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder corner
fold membrane insert element.
17. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 further
comprising a pressurizablc article having at least one deflated bladder fold

membrane that is responsive to said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
18. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 17 wherein
said pressurizable article is a single stage vulcanized pressurizable article.
19. An inilatcd bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 17 wherein
said pressurizable article is a fluid conveyance hose.
20. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 17 wherein
said at least one deflated bladder fold membrane is two longitudinal, substantially
parallel deflated bladder fold membranes.
21. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 20 wherein
said pressurizable article is a fluid conveyance hose that comprises a pressurized
fluid inlet element, a fluid conveyance element to which said pressurized fluid inlet
element is responsive, and a discrete pressurized fluid outlet element responsive to
said fluid conveyance element, wherein said fluid conveyance hose is responsive to
said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element at said two longitudinal, substantially
parallel deflated bladder fold membranes.
22. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 further
comprising an inflatable article having at least one deflated bladder fold membrane
that is responsive to said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
23. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein
said inflatable article is a single stage vulcanized inflatable article.
24. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein
said inflatable article is an inflatable article selected from the group of inflatable
article* consisting of: inflation jack, expansion hose, inflatable elastomeric dam,

inflatable seal, inflatable bottom-hinged water gate panel actuator, fluid
conveyance hose, and dock bumper.
25. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein
said at least one deflated bladder fold membrane is two longitudinal, substantially
parallel deflated bladder fold membranes.
26. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 25 wherein
said inflatable article is an expansion hose that comprise an expansion hose
element and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said expansion hose
element, wherein said expansion hose element is responsive to said substantially
elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element at said two longitudinal, substantially parallel deflated
bladder fold membranes.
27. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 25 wherein
said inflatable article is a dock bumper that comprises an inflatable dock bumper
element and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable dock
bumper element, wherein said dock bumper is responsive to said substantially
elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element at said two longitudinal, substantially parallel deflated
bladder fold membranes.
28. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 25 wherein
said inflatable article is a fluid conveyance hose that comprises a fluid conveyance
hose element and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said fluid
conveyance hose element, wherein said fluid conveyance hose element is
responsive to said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element at said two longitudinal,
substantially parallel deflated bladder fold membranes.
29. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 22 said at least
one deflated bladder fold membrane is one smooth continuous deflated bladder
fold membrane.

30. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 29 wherein
said inflatable article is an inflatable seal that comprises an inflatable seal element
and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable seal element,
wherein said inflatable seal is responsive to said substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
element at said one smooth continuous deflated bladder fold membrane.
31. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 29 wherein
said inflatable article is an inflation jack that comprises an inflatable jack element
and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable jack element,
wherein said inflatable jack element is responsive to said substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
element at said one smooth continuous deflated bladder fold membrane.
32. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 29 wherein
said inflatable article is a dock bumper that comprises an inflatable dock bumper
element and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable dock
bumper element, wherein said dock bumper is responsive to said substantially
elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element at said one smooth continuous deflated bladder fold
membrane.
33. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein
said at least one deflated bladder fold membrane is four rectangularly situated
deflated bladder fold membranes.
34. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 33 wherein
said inflatable article is an inflation jack that comprises a substantially rectangular
inflatable jack element and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said
substantially rectangular inflatable element, wherein said inflation jack is
responsive to said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element at said four rectangularly
situated deflated bladder fold membranes.

35. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 33 wherein
said inflatable article is a dock bumper that comprises an inflatable dock bumper
element and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable dock
bumper element, wherein said dock bumper is responsive to said substantially
elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element at said four rectangularly situated deflated bladder fold
membranes.
36. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein
said at least one deflated bladder fold membrane is one overflow orthogonal,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane.
37. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 36 wherein
said inflatfioniable article is an inflatable, bottom hinged water gate panel actuator
apparatus that comprises an inflatable actuator bladder, a gate panel actuator-to-
foundation attachment element; a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said
inflatable actuator bladder; and a water gate panel hinge flap responsive to said
gate panel actuator-to-foundation attachment element, wherein said inflatable,
bottom hinged water gate panel actuator apparatus is responsive to said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element at said one overflow orthogonal,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane.
38. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 36 wherein
said inflatable article is an inflatable elastomeric dam that comprises an inflatable
elastomeric dam bladder; an inflatable dam-to-foundation attachment element to
which said inflatable elastomeric dam bladder is responsive; and a pressurized
fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable elastomeric dam bladder, wherein
said inflatable elastomeric dam is responsive to said substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
element at said one overflow orthogonal, longitudinal deflated bladder fold
membrane.
39. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein
said at least one deflated bladder fold membrane is one overflow orthogonal,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane and two parallel, overflow aligned,
deflated bladder end fold membranes.
40. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 39 wherein
said inflatable article is an inflatable, bottom hinged water gate panel actuator
apparatus that comprises an inflatable actuator bladder, a gate panel actuator-to-
foundation attachment element: a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said
inflatable actuator bladder; and a water gate panel hinge flap responsive to said
gute panel actuator-to-foundation attachment element, wherein said inflatable,
bottom hinged water gate panel actuator apparatus is responsive to said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element at said one overflow orthogonal,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane and said two parallel, overflow
aligned, deflated bladder end fold membranes.
41. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 39 wherein
said inflatable article is an inflatable elastomer dam mat comprises an inflatable
elastomeric dam bladder; an inflatable dam-to-foundation attachment element to
which said inflatable elastomeric dam bladder is responsive; and a pressurized
fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable elastomeric dam bladder, wherein
said inflatable elastomeric dam is responsive to said substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
element at said one overflow orthogonal, longitudinal deflated bladder fold
membrane and said two parallel, overflow aligned, deflated bladder end fold
membranes.
42. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 22 wherein
said at least one deflated bladder fold membrane is one deflated bladder end fold
membrane and two parallel, deflated bladder fold membranes orthogonal to said
one deflated bladder end fold membrane.
43. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 42 wherein
said inflatable article is an expansion hose that comprises an expansion hose
element and a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said expansion hose
element, wherein said expansion hose element is responsive to said substantially
elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold
membrane insert element at said one deflated bladder end fold membrane and two
parallel, deflated bladder fold membranes orthogonal to said one deflated bladder
cud fold membrane.
44. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein a
minimum deflated bladder fold membrane curvature radius occurs co-radially and
internally of an inflatable elastomeric dam overtop flow-deflection fin.
45. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim I further
comprising an inflatable water gate panel actuator apparatus responsive to said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element at at least an overflow orthogonal
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane, wherein said inflatable bottom-
hinged water gate panel actuator apparatus comprises an inflatable bladder, a gate
panel actuator-to-foundation attachment element; a pressurized fluid inlet element
responsive to said inflatable bladder; and a water gate panel hinge flap responsive
to said inflatable bladder.
46. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 45 wherein
said gate panel actuator-to-foundation attachment element a gate panel actuator-to-
foundation clampable retention element and a gate panel actuator-to-foundation
clamp retention enhancement element responsive to said gate panel actuator-to-
foundation clampable retention element.
47. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 46 wherein
said inflatable bottom-hinged water gate panel actuator apparatus is formed using
single stage vulcanization.
48. An inflated bladder stress reduction apparatus as described in claim 1 further
comprising an inflatably actuated water gate panel system responsive to at least
one plurality of water gate actuator that comprises the substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
element described in claim 1.
49. An inflated bladder stress reduction method comprising the steps of:
- creating a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
50. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 49 wherein said
step of creating a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element comprises the step of
creating a minimum deflated bladder fold membrane curvature radius increase
element.
51. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 49 wherein said
step of creating a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element comprises the step of
moldedly manufacturing a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
52. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 49 wherein said
step of creating a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element comprises the step of
extrudedly manufacturing a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
53. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 49 further
comprising the step of creating a substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped,
deflated bladder corner fold membrane insert element.
54. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 49 further
comprising the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially

cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element
along at least one deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable
bladder membrane.
55. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 further
comprising the step of single stage vulcanizing said inflatable bladder membrane.
56. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 further
comprising the step of establishing a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to
said inflatable bladder membrane.
57. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 56 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at least one
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable
bladder membrane
58. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 57 wherein the
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one longitudinal
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable
elastomeric dam.
59. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 57 wherein the
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one longitudinal
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-

sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable
bottom-hinged water control gate actuator.
60. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at least one
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along two
longitudinal, substantially parallel deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces
of an inflatable bladder membrane.
61. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 60 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along two
longitudinal, substantially parallel deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces
of an inflatable bladder membrane comprises the step of establishing said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element along two longitudinal, substantially parallel
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces of a fluid conveyance hose.
62. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 60 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along two
longitudinal, substantially parallel deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces
of an inflatable bladder membrane comprises the step of establishing said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element along two longitudinal, substantially parallel
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces of an expansion hose.
63. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 wherein said
siep of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at least one

deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface and two parallel
deflated bladder end fold membrane interior surfaces that are each orthogonal to
said one longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface.
04. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 63 wherein said
sicp of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one longitudinal
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface and two parallel deflated bladder
end fold membrane interior surfaces that are each orthogonal to said one
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface comprises the step of
establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one longitudinal
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface and two parallel deflated bladder
end fold membrane interior surfaces of an inflatable bottom-hinged water control
gate actuator.
65. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 63 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one longitudinal
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface and two parallel deflated bladder
end fold membrane interior surfaces that are each orthogonal to said one
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface comprises the step of
establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along one longitudinal
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface and two parallel deflated bladder
end fold membrane interior surfaces of an inflatable elastomeric dam
66. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at least one
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane

comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along four
rectangularly situated longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior
surfaces of an inflatable bladder membrane.
d7. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 66 wherein said
slop of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along four
rectangularly situated longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior
surfaces of an inflatable bladder membrane comprises the step of establishing said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element along four rectangularly situated
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces of an inflation jack.
68. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 66 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along four
rectangularly situated longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior
surfaces of an inflatable bladder membrane comprises the step of establishing said
substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element along four rectangularly situated
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces of a dock bumper.
69. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at least one
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along two
parallel, longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces and one
orthogonal bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder
membrane.
70. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 69 wherein the
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along two parallel,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces and one orthogonal
bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
scctionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along two
parallel, longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces and one
orthogonal bladder fold membrane interior surface of fluid conveyance hose.
71. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at least one
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along a
smoothly curved perimeter deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces of an
inflatable bladder membrane.
72. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 71 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along a smoothly
curved perimeter deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces of an inflatable
bladder membrane comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
element along a smoothly curved perimeter deflated bladder fold membrane
interior surfaces of an inflatable seal.
73. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 71 wherein said
slop of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along a smoothly
curved perimeter deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces of an inflatable
bladder membrane comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert

element along a smoothly curved perimeter deflated bladder fold membrane
interior surfaces of a dock bumper.
74. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 71 wherein said
sicp of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along a smoothly
curved perimeter deflated bladder fold membrane interior surfaces of an inflatable
bladder membrane comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
clement along a smoothly curved perimeter deflated bladder fold membrane
interior surface of an inflation jack.
75. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 wherein step
ol" establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at least one deflated
bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at
least one deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable article
selected from the group of inflatable articles consisting of: inflation jack,
expansion hose, inflatable elastomeric dam, inflatable seal, inflatable bottom-
hinged water gate panel actuator, fluid conveyance hose, and dock bumper.
76. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 49 wherein said
step of creating a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element comprises the step of
creating an elastomeric, substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
77. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 54 wherein said
step of establishing said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally
drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element along at least one
deflated bladder fold membrane interior surface of an inflatable bladder membrane
comprises the step of adhering a portion of said substantially elongated,

substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
element to a deflated bladder fold membrane proximate surface.
78. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 49 further
comprises|ing the step of establishing a longitudinal insert element spatial void
within the tear-drop external borders of said substantially elongated, substantially
cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element.
79. An inflated bladder stress reduction method as described in claim 78 further
compris[es|ing the steps of adapting a segment of at least one layer of said
inflatable bladder membrane to surround a membrane spatial void that is fluidicly
responsive to a spatial void formed by a pressurized fluid inlet and to said
longitudinal spatial void.
80. An inflated bladder stress reduction method comprising:
- Creating a deflated bladder fold membrane insert element body element;
and
- establishing a substantially elongated, smoothly curved, half-cylinder
shaped, inner deflated bladder fold membrane surface contactable element
contiguously with and externally of said deflated bladder fold membrane
insert element body element; establishing two substantially opposing,
substantially planar, substantially elongated, inner deflated bladder fold
membrane proximate surface contactable elements contiguously with and
externally of said deflated bladder fold membrane insert element body
element; adjoining each said two substantially opposing, substantially
planar, inner deflated bladder fold membrane proximate surface contactable
elements to an opposite portion of said substantially elongated, smoothly
curved, half-cylinder shaped, inner deflated bladder fold membrane surface
contactable element: and adjoining said two substantially opposing,
substantially planar, inner deflated bladder fold membrane proximate
surface contactable elements at a substantially linear, inner deflated bladder
fold membrane proximate surface contactable elements intersection vertex
element.
81. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus comprising:
- [A]an inflatable membrane element having at least one positively
conformed, inflated stress reduced deflated bladder fold membrane
element; and - a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said at least
one positively conformed, inflated stress reduced deflated bladder fold
membrane element, wherein said at least one positively conformed, inflated
stress reduced deflated bladder fold membrane element is positively
conformed to have an inflated bladder stress reduction significant increase
in u minimum curvature radius, and wherein a[n] deflated bladder fold
proximate membrane profile exhibits an approximately thirty degree or
greater deflation configuration spatial void profile point angle.
82. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
minimum curvature radius occurs co-radially and internally of an inflatable
elastomeric dam flow deflection fin.
83. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
at least one positively conformed, inflated stress reduced deflated bladder fold
membrane element is conformed during a single stage vulcanization.
84. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus is manufactured during a single
stage vulcanization.
85. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 further
comprising a minimum deflated bladder fold membrane curvature radius increase
insert positioned along said at least one positively conformed, inflated stress
reduced deflated bladder fold membrane element.
86. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of an inflatable article selected from
the group of inflatable articles consisting of: inflation jack, expansion hose, fluid
conveyance hose, inflatable elastomeric dam, inflatable seal, inflatable bottom-
hinged water gate panel actuator, and dock bumper.

87. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said inflatable membrane is an elastomeric inflatable membrane.
88. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said at least a portion of said at least one positively conformed, inflated stress
reduced, deflated bladder fold membrane element is a substantially straight,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane.
89. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 88 wherein
suid inflatable membrane element forms a part of an inflatable bottom-hinged
water gate panel actuator apparatus.
90. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 88 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of an inflatable elastomeric dam
apparatus.
91. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said at least one positively conformed, inflated stress reduced deflated bladder fold
membrane element comprises a substantially straight, longitudinal deflated bladder
fold membrane and two parallel deflated bladder end fold membranes orthogonal
to said substantially straight longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane.
92. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 91 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of an inflatable bottom-hinged
water gate panel actuator apparatus.
93. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said at least one positively conformed, inflated stress reduced, deflated bladder fold
membrane element is two substantially straight, parallel, longitudinal deflated
bladder fold membranes.
94. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 93 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of a fluid conveyance hose.

95. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 93 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of an expansion hose.
%. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said at least one positively conformed, inflated stress reduced deflated bladder fold
membrane clement is a smooth, curvilinear deflated bladder fold.
l)7. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 96 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of a inflatable seal.
98. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 96 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of an inflation jack.
99. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said at least one positively conformed, inflated stress reduced deflated bladder fold
membrane element is four rectangularly situated deflated bladder edges.
100. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of an inflation jack.
101. A strength enhanced inflatable bladder apparatus as described in claim 81 wherein
said inflatable membrane element forms a part of an expansion hose.
102. The inflatable article indicated in claim 86 that said inflatable membrane element
forms a part of.
103. An[s] inflaiably actuated water gate panel water control system having at least one
inflatable bladder that has the inflatable membrane element of claim 81.
104. A rubber dam that has the inflatable membrane element described in claim 88.
105. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method comprising the steps
of: positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold membrane to have a

reduced inflated bladder stress and go that a deflated bladder fold proximate
membrane prefilo exhibits -an approximately thirty degree or greater deflation
configuration spatial void profile point angle; establishing an inflatable membrane
element responsive to said deflated bladder fold membrane and to include said
deflated bladder fold membrane; and establishing a pressurized fluid inlet element
responsive to said inflatable membrane element.
1 o6. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
105 wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane to have a reduced inflated bladder stress comprises the step of
increasing a minimum curvature radius of said at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane.
107. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
105 wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane to have a reduced inflated bladder stress comprises the steps of:
positioning a longitudinal insert element along at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane of said inflatable membrane element, vulcanizing said inflatable
membrane, and dissolvedly removing said longitudinal insert element.
108. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
107 wherein said insert element is a eutectic salt insert element.
109. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
107 wherein said insert element is an aluminum insert element.
110. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
105 wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane and said step of establishing an inflatable membrane element are each
performed during a single stage vulcanization.
111. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
105 wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold

membrane comprises the step of positively conforming one substantially straight,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane.
112. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
111 wherein said step of positively conforming one substantially straight,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane comprises the step of positively
conforming an inflatable elastomeric dam membrane.
113. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
111 wherein said step of positively conforming one substantially straight,
longitudinal deflated bladder fold membrane comprises the step of positively
conforming an inflatable, bottom-hinged water control gate actuator membrane.
114. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
I OS wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane comprises the step of positively conforming two parallel deflated
bladder end fold membranes and one substantially straight, longitudinal deflated
bladder fold membrane substantially orthogonal to each of said two parallel
deflated bladder end fold membranes.
115. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
114 wherein step of positively conforming two parallel deflated bladder end fold
membranes and one substantially straight, longitudinal deflated bladder fold
membrane substantially orthogonal to each of said two parallel deflated bladder
end fold membranes comprises the step of positively conforming an inflatable,
bottom-hinged water control gate actuator membrane.
116. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
114 wherein step of positively conforming two parallel deflated bladder end fold
membranes and one substantially straight, longitudinal deflated bladder fold
membrane substantially orthogonal to each of said two parallel deflated bladder
end fold membranes comprises the step of positively conforming an inflatable
elastomeric dam membrane.
117. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
10S wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane comprises the step of positively conforming one smooth, curvilinear
deflated bladder fold membrane.
118. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
117 wherein said step of positively conforming one smooth, curvilinear deflated
bladder fold membrane comprises the step of positively conforming an inflatable
seal membrane
119. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
117 wherein said step of positively conforming one smooth, curvilinear deflated
bladder fold membrane comprises the step of positively conforming an inflation
jack membrane.
120. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
117 wherein said step of positively conforming one smooth, curvilinear deflated
bladder fold membrane comprises the step of positively conforming a[n] dock
bumper membrane.
121. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
I OS wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane comprises the step of positively conforming two parallel, longitudinal
deflated bladder fold membranes and one orthogonal deflated bladder end fold
membrane.
122. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
121 wherein said step of positively conforming one smooth, curvilinear deflated
bladder fold membrane comprises the step of positively conforming an expansion
hose.
123. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
I OS wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold

membrane comprises the step of positively conforming four rectangularly situated
deflated bladder fold membranes.
124. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
123 wherein said step of positively conforming four rectangularly situated deflated
bladder fold membranes comprises the step of positively conforming an inflation
jack membrane.
125. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
123 wherein said step of positively conforming four rectangularly situated deflated
bladder fold membranes comprises the step of positively conforming a dock
bumper membrane.
126. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
I US wherein said step of positively conforming at least one deflated bladder fold
membrane comprises the step of positively conforming two parallel, longitudinal
deflated bladder end fold membranes.
127. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
126 wherein said step of positively conforming two parallel, longitudinal deflated
bladder end fold membranes comprises the step of positively conforming an
expansion hose membrane.
128. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
126 wherein said step of positively conforming two parallel, longitudinal deflated
bladder end fold membranes comprises the step of positively conforming a fluid
conveyance hose membrane.
129. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
126 wherein said step of positively conforming two parallel, longitudinal deflated
bladder end fold membranes comprises the step of positively conforming a dock
bumper membrane.
130. A inflatable bladder failure resistance enhancement method as described in claim
I OS wherein said step of establishing an inflatable [A inflatable bladder failure
resistance enhancement method] membrane element comprises the step of
establishing an elastomeric inflatable water gate actuator membrane configured to
rotate at least one water gate panel about an upstream leading edge of said at least
one water gate panel.
l.il. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus comprising an inflatable membrane; an
overtop flow deflection fin responsive to said inflatable membrane; and an
inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment element to which said inflatable
membrane is responsive; wherein said inflatable membrane comprises an
longitudinal insert element positioned substantially co-radially with and internally
of said overtop flow deflection fin.
132. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus as described in claiml31 wherein said
longitudinal insert element is a tear drop cross-sectionally shaped insert element.
133. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus as described in claim 131 wherein said
inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment element comprises an inflatable
membrane-to-foundation clampable retention element to which said inflatable
membrane is responsive; and an inflatable membrane-to-foundation clamp
retention enhancement element to which said inflatable membrane-to-foundation
clampable retention element is responsive.
134. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus as described in claim 131 wherein said
inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment element and said inflatable
membrane are each elastomeric.
135. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus comprising an inflatable membrane; a
How deflection fin responsive to said inflatable membrane; and an inflatable
membrane-to-foundation attachment element: wherein said inflatable membrane
comprises a flow deflection fin proximate, inner bladder section positively
conformed to have an inflated bladder stress reduction significant increase in a
minimum curvature radius and wherein a deflated bladder, flow deflection fin

proximate profile exhibits an approximately thirty degree or greater void profile
point angle and a substantially circular arc inner bladder curvature.
136. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus as described in claim 13S wherein
inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment element comprises a wedge-shaped
inflatable membrane-to-foundation clamp retention element.
l.>7. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus as described in claim 135 wherein said
inflatable mcmbrane-to-foundation attachment element comprises a substantially
flat, inflatable membrane-to-foundation clampable retention element and an
inflatable membrane-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element to which
said substantially flat, inflatable membrane-to-foundation clampable retention
element is responsive.
138. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus comprising an inflatable membrane; a
flow deflection fin responsive to said inflatable membrane; and an inflatable
membrane-to-foundation attachment element; wherein said inflatable membrane
comprises a flow deflection fin proximate, inner bladder section positively
conformed to have a rounded, inwardly-pointing radius of curvature and wherein a
deflated bladder, flow deflection fin proximate profile exhibits an approximately
thirty degree or greater void profile point angle and a substantially circular arc
inner bladder curvature.
139. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus as described in claim 138 wherein
inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment element comprises a wedge-shaped
inflatable membrane-to-foundation clamp retention element.
140. An inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus as described in claim 138 wherein
inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment element comprises a substantially
flat, inflatable membrane-to-foundaiion clampable retention element and an
inflatable membrane-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element to which
said substantially flat, inflatable membrane-to-foundation clampable retention
clement is responsive.

141. An inflatable elastomeric dam failure resistance enhancement method comprises
the steps of: positively conforming an overtop flow deflection fin proximate
bladder fold membrane to have a reduced inflated bladder stress and so that an
overtop flow deflection fin proximate bladder fold membrane profile exhibits an
approximately thirty degree or greater deflation configuration spatial void profile
point angle; establishing an inflatable membrane element responsive to said
overtop flow deflection fin proximate bladder fold membrane; and establishing a
pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable membrane element.
142. An inflatable elastomeric dam failure resistance enhancement method comprises
the steps of: positively conforming an overtop flow deflection fin proximate
bladder fold membrane to have a reduced inflated bladder stress and so that an
overtop flow deflection fin proximate bladder fold membrane profile is positive
circular arc in profile; establishing an inflatable membrane element responsive to
said overtop flow deflection fin proximate bladder fold membrane; and
establishing a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable
membrane element.
143. An inflatable article apparatus comprising:
- An inflatable bladder element; a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive
to said inflatable bladder element; and an inflatable bladder-to-foundation
attachment element to which said inflatable bladder element is responsive;
wherein said inflatable bladder element comprises at least one
circumferentiaUy continuous, integrally adjoined inner bladder layer.
144. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 wherein said at least one
circumferentiaUy continuous, integrally adjoined inner bladder layer [inner
bladder] is a reinforced bladder ply.
145. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 wherein said at least one
circumferentiaUy continuous, integrally adjoined inner bladder layer is an
innermost reinforced bladder pl\.
146. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 wherein said at least one
circumferentially continuous, integrally adjoined inner bladder layer is at least one
[upstream,] overflow orthogonal deflated bladder joint traversing ply.
147. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 146 wherein said at least one
overflow orthogonal, deflated bladder joint traversing ply is at least one joint
traversing reinforcement ply.
148. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 147 wherein said at least one
joint traversing reinforcement ply is two joint traversing reinforcement plies.
149. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 wherein at least one
circumferentially continuous, integrally adjoined inner bladder layer comprises a
layer that is continuous along a circumference located within a plane that is parallel
to a bladder expansion axis and whose normal vector is substantially perpendicular
to a retained water horizontal force component.
150. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 further comprising a gate
panel hinge flap element responsive to said inflatable bladder.
151. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 wherein said inflatable
bladder-to-foundation attachment element comprises an inflatable bladder-to-
foundation clampable retention element and an inflatable bladder-to-foundation
clamp retention enhancement element to which said inflatable bladder-to-
foundation clampable retention element is responsive.
152. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 wherein said inflatable
bladder-to-foundation attachment element comprises a wedge-shape bladder-to-
foundation clamp retention element.
153. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 wherein said inflatable
bladder is an inflatable bladder selected from the group of inflatable bladders
consisting of: inflatable water gate actuator bladders and inflatable dams.

154. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 143 wherein said inflatable
bladder is an inflatable bladder selected from the group of inflatable bladders
consisting of: dock bumpers and inflatable seals.
155. An inflatably actuated gate water control system that comprises the inflatable
article apparatus described in claim 147.
156. A rubber dam that comprises the inflatable article apparatus described in claim
147.
157. An inflatable article apparatus comprising:
An inflatable water control bladder element: a pressurized fluid inlet
element responsive to said inflatable water control bladder element: and an
inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment element to which said
inflatable water control bladder element is responsive: wherein said
inflatable water control bladder element comprises at least one integrally
adjoined inner bladder layer having an installed, inflated configuration
longitudinal central axis that is horizontal and normal to an impending flow
direction.
158. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 1S7 wherein said at least one
integrally adjoined inner bladder layer [inner bladder] is a reinforced bladder ply.
159. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 157 wherein said at least one
integrally adjoined inner bladder layer is an innermost reinforced bladder ply.
160. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 157 wherein said at least one
integrally adjoined inner bladder layer is at least one [upstream,] overflow
orthogonal deflated bladder joint traversing ply.
161. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 160 wherein said at least one
overflow orthogonal, deflated bladder joint traversing ply is at least one joint
traversing reinforcement ply.

162. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 161 wherein said at least one
joint traversing reinforcement ply is two joint traversing reinforcement plies.
163. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 1S7 wherein said at least one
integrally adjoined inner bladder layer comprises a layer that is continuous along a
circumference located within a plane that is parallel to a bladder expansion axis
and whose normal vector is substantially perpendicular to a retained water
horizontal force component.
164. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 157 further comprising a gate
panel hinge flap element responsive to said inflatable water control bladder.
165. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 157 wherein said inflatable
bladder-to-foundation attachment element comprises an inflatable bladder-to-
foundation clampable retention element and an inflatable bladder-to-foundation
clamp retention enhancement element to which said inflatable bladder-to-
foundation clampable retention element is responsive.
166. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 157 wherein said inflatable
bladder-to-foundation attachment element comprises a wedge-shaped bladder-to-
foundation clamp retention element.
167. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 157 wherein said inflatable
water control bladder is an inflatable water control bladder selected from the group
of inflatable water control bladders consisting of: inflatable water gate actuator
bladders and inflatable dams.
168. An inflatable article apparatus as described in claim 157 wherein said inflatable
water control bladder is an inflatable water control bladder selected from the group
of inflatable water control bladders consisting of: inflatable water gate actuator
bladders and inflatable dams.
169. A water control apparatus comprising:

- Inflatable, water control bladder element adapted for attachment to a water
control gate panel bottom edge as installed; a pressurized fluid inlet
element responsive to said inflatable, water control bladder element; and an
inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment element to which said
inflatable, water control bladder element is responsive; wherein said
inflatable, water control bladder element comprises at least one overflow
orthogonal deflated bladder joint traversing ply.
170. A water control apparatus as described in claim 169 wherein said inflatable, water
control bladder clement comprises an integrally adjoined inner bladder layer.
171. A water control apparatus as described in claim 169 wherein said at least one
overflow orthogonal deflated bladder joint traversing ply is at least one overflow
orthogonal joint traversing reinforcement ply.
172. A water control apparatus as described in claim 171 wherein said at least one
overflow orthogonal joint traversing reinforcement ply is two joint traversing
reinforcement plies.
173. An inflatable article strength enhancement method comprising the steps of:
establishing at least one reinforced expandable inner layer to have a continuously
adjoined vertically planar perimeter; establishing an inflatable article end section
responsive to said at least one reinforced expandable inner layer; establishing a
portion of at least one reinforced expandable outer layer externally of and in direct
contact with said at least one reinforced expandable inner layer; establishing a
pressurized fluid inlet element to create a fluid travel port through said at least one
reinforced expandable inner layer and said portion of at least one reinforced
expandable outer layer; diverging a remaining portion of said at least one
reinforced expandable outer layer from said at least one reinforced expandable
inner layer along a layer divergence line; and establishing an inflatable bladder-to-
foundation attachment element with at least said remaining portion of said at least
one reinforced expandable outer layer.
174. An inflatable article strength enhancement method as described in claim 173
wherein said step of establishing an inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment
element with at least said remaining portion of said at least one reinforced
expandable outer layer further comprising the step of establishing a water gate-to-
inflatable water gate actuator attachment element with said at least said remaining
portion of said at least one reinforced expandable outer layer.
175. An inflatable article strength enhancement method as described in claim 174
wherein said inflatable article is an inflatable, water gate panel control actuator
clement.
176. An inflatable article strength enhancement method as described in claim 173
wherein said inflatable article is an inflatable elastomeric dam bladder.
177. An inflatable article strength enhancement method as described in claim 173
wherein said step of establishing at least one reinforced expandable inner layer
comprises the step of establishing at least one reinforced elastomeric inner layer
and said step of establishing only a portion of at least one reinforced expandable
outer layer comprises the step of establishing only a portion of at least one
reinforced elastomeric outer layer.
178. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus comprising:
a pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element;
a thickness enhanced, interior edge element responsive to said pressurized
fluid conveyer engagement element;
a thickness reduced, exterior edge element responsive to said thickness
enhanced, [pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element proximate,]
interior edge element and installed configuration contactable with an
inflatable membrane separation curve proximate membrane; and
a thickness varying body element located between said thickness enhanced,
[pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element proximate,] interior edge
element and said thickness reduced exterior edge element.
179. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element is a pressurized air conveyer
engagement element.
180. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
pressurized tluid inlet apparatus is also operational as a pressurized fluid outlet
apparatus.
IK I. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element is a threaded engagement element.
182. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
thickness varying body element is a brass thickness varying body element.
183. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element, said thickness enhanced, interior
edge element, and said thickness reduced exterior edge element is each made of
brass.
184. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
thickness reduced exterior edge element is substantially circular.
185. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
thickness varying body element comprises a frustral inflatable membrane
contactable edge and an oppositely facing planar, annular inflatable membrane
contactable edge.
1X6. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 185 wherein said frustral
inflatable membrane contactable edge is an external membrane contactable edge.
1X7. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
thickness enhanced interior edge element is a thickness enhanced, pressurized fluid
conveyer engagement element proximate, interior edge element.

188. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
thickness reduced, exterior edge element is an externally rounded exterior edge
element having an exterior edge radius of curvature,
189. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 188 wherein said exterior
edge radius of curvature is sufficiently small to preclude void formation at said
inflatable membrane separation curve.
190. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 189 wherein said exterior
edge radius of curvature is approximately 0.0625 inches.
191. An elastomeric inflatable article having the pressurized fluid inlet apparatus of
claim 178.
192. A dock bumper having the pressurized fluid inlet apparatus of claim 178.
193. An inflatable elastomeric dam having the pressurized fluid inlet apparatus of claim
178.
194. An inflatable water gate panel actuator having the pressurized fluid inlet apparatus
of claim 178.
195. A pressurized fluid inlet apparatus as described in claim 178 wherein said
pressurized fluid inlet apparatus is installed in an eiastomeric inflatable article
membrane during an initial vulcanization.
196 An inflatably actuated water gate water control system comprising at least one
inflatable water gate actuator having the pressurized fluid inlet apparatus of claim
178.
197. a method ol" conveying pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable article
wmprisumg the steps of: dimensioning a pressurized tluid iniet element having a
pressurized fluid inlet element note; establishing said pressurized fluid inlet
element between two contact-adjacent inflatable article layers; and establishing an

inflatable article layers hole co-axially with said pressurized fluid inlet element
hole.
198. A method of conveying pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable article as
described in claim 197 wherein said step of establishing said pressurized fluid inlet
element between two adjacent inflatable article layers comprises the step of
establishing said pressurized fluid inlet element between two contact-adjacent
reinforced elastomeric inflatable article layers and said step of establishing a
inflatable article layers hole comprises the step of establishing an elastomeric
inflatable article layers hole.
199. A method of conveying pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable article [an
inflatable article| whose pressurized fluid inlet hole is established using the method
of claim 198.
200. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article comprising the steps of:
creating a pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element; establishing a
thickness enhanced, interior edge element responsive to said pressurized
fluid conveyer engagement element;
establishing a thickness reduced exterior edge element responsive to said
thickness enhanced, interior edge element and contactable with at least one
inflatable membrane separation curve proximate membrane; and
establishing a thickness varying body element between said thickness
enhanced, interior edge element and said thickness reduced exterior edge
element.
201. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 200 further comprising the step of establishing a
pressurized fluid inlet element made from said pressurized fluid conveyer
engagement element, said thickness enhanced, interior edge element, said
thickness reduced exterior edge element and said thickness varying body element
between two contact-adjacent layers of an inflatable membrane.

202. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 201 wherein said inflatable membrane is a water
control gate actuator element inflatable membrane.
203. A water gate control actuator element having a pressurized fluid inlet element
made according to the method of claim 200.
204. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 200 wherein said step of creating a pressurized fluid
conveyer engagement element comprises the step of creating a pressurized air
conveyer engagement element.
205. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 200 wherein said step of creating a pressurized fluid
conveyer engagement element comprises the step of creating a threaded,
pressurized fluid conveyer engagement element.
206. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 200 wherein said step of establishing a thickness
enhanced, interior edge element comprises the step of establishing a brass,
thickness enhanced, interior edge element, said step of establishing a thickness
reduced exterior edge element comprises the step of establishing a brass, thickness
reduced exterior edge element, and said step of establishing a thickness varying
body element comprises the step of establishing a brass, thickness varying body
element.
207. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 200 said step of establishing a thickness varying body
element comprises the step of establishing a frustral internal inflatable membrane
contacting edge and an oppositely facing planar, annular, external inflatable
membrane contacting edge.
208. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 207 wherein said step of establishing a frustral internal

inflatable membrane contacting edge and an oppositely facing planar, annular,
external inflatable membrane contacting edge comprises the step of establishing a
frustral, external inflatable membrane contacting edge.
209. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 200 wherein said step of establishing a thickness
reduced exterior edge element comprises the step of establishing a substantially
circular, thickness reduced exterior edge element.
210. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 200 wherein said step of establishing a thickness
reduced exterior edge element comprises the step of establishing an externall>
rounded exterior edge element having an exterior edge radius of curvature.
211. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 210 wherein said step of establishing an externally
rounded exterior edge element having an exterior edge radius of curvature
comprises the step of establishing an externally rounded exterior edge element
having an exterior edge radius of curvature sufficient to preclude void formation at
said at least one inflatable membrane separation curve.
212. A method of facilitating conveyance of pressurized fluid to and from an inflatable
article as described in claim 211 wherein said step of establishing an externally
rounded exterior edge element having an exterior edge radius of curvature
comprises the step of establishing an externally rounded exterior edge element to
have an exterior edge radius of curvature of 0.062S inches.
213. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus comprising:
an interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element;
an interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention element responsive to
said interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element;
an upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming water seal
hinge element responsive to said interpanel scal-to-foundation clampable
retention element: and

an interpanel seal element fixedly attachable to a first edge proximate
portion of a first water gate panel and a second edge proximate portion of a
second water gate panel, wherein said first edge proximate portion of said
first water gate panel is situated adjacent to said second edge proximate
portion of said second water gate panel and said first water gate panel is
situated adjacent to said second water gate panel.
214. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
wherein said interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention element responsive
to said interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element is
installable adjacent an inflatable water gate actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
enhancement element.
1IS. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
wherein the profile of said interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention
enhancement element substantially approximates an installed-configuration-
adjacent, inflatable water gate actuator-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement
element profile.
216. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
wherein said interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element,
said interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention element, and said upper,
overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming seal hinge element is each
dimensioned to fit compression seal-tight against adjacent impounded seal
elements upon installation.
217. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 216
wherein an overflow orthogonal, water gate actuator hinge flap element adjacent
portion of said inter panel seal element is dimensioned to fit compression seal-
tight against an installed-configuration-adjacent, inflatable water gate actuator
hinge flap element.
218. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 216
wherein said compression seal-tight fit is an interference fit.

219. An impounded water leakage prevention npparatus as described in claim 213
wherein each said interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention element, said
upper overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming seal hinge element,
and said interpanel seal element is elastomeric.
220. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
further comprising thin waterproof seal supplement sheets sealably affixed under
an installed said interpanel seal element.
221. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
wherein said interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention element is a
substantially flat, interpanel seal-to-spillway clampable retention element.
222. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
wherein said interpanel seal-to-foundation retention enhancement element
comprises a comma type insert.
223. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
further comprising said first water gate [gate] panel and said second water gate
panel.
224. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
further comprising an installed-configuration-adjacent, inflatable water gate
actuator apparatus.
225. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
wherein said interpanel seal element projects beyond a gate panel downstream
limit.
226. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 225
wherein said projecting interpanel seal element is a nappe break element.
227. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 226
wherein said nappe break element is a overtop flow mode dynamic object impact
flexible nappe breaker.
228. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 227
wherein said overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe breaker is a
reinforced elastomeric nappe breaker.
229. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213
wherein said upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming seal
hinge element comprises an overflow orthogonal, vertical, interpanel seal-to-
foundation clamp face abutting, corner-augmented edge element.
230. An impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 229
wherein said overflow orthogonal, vertical interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp
face abutting, corner-augmented edge element of said upper, overflow orthogonal
water gate panel edge conforming seal hinge element is configured to abut
substantially all proximate portions of an overflow orthogonal, interpanel seal-to-
foundation clamp face.
231. An actuated water gate panel water control system that comprises at least one
impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 213.
232. An inftatably actuated water gate panel water control system that comprises at least
one impounded water leakage prevention apparatus as described in claim 222.
233. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system comprising the steps of:
creating a substantially elongated interpanel seal element;
adapting said substantially elongated interpanel seal element for fixed
attachment to a first edge proximate portion of a first water gate panel and a
second edge proximate portion of a second water gate panel, wherein said
first edge proximate portion of said first water gate panel is installed
adjacently to said second edge proximate portion of said second water gate

panel and said first water gate panel is situated adjacent to said second
water gate panel;
establishing an interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention element to
which said substantially elongated interpanel seal element is responsive;
establishing an interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement
element to which said interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention
element is responsive;
establishing an interpanel seal hinge element responsive to said
substantially flat, interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention
element; and
conforming a profile of said interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable
retention element to the profile of an installed-conftguration-adjacent, water
gate actuator-to-foundation clampable retention element.
234. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system as described in claim 233 wherein said interpanel seal hinge element
further comprises the step of establishing an upper, overflow orthogonal water gate
panel edge conforming interpanel seal hinge element.
235. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system as described in claim 233 further comprising the step of conforming said
interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element to an installed-
configuration-adjacent, water gate actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
enhancement element.
236. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system as described in claim 233 further comprising the steps of interference seal
installing said interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention element; and
interference seal installing said interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp retention
enhancement element between proximate water control actuator attachment
elements.
237. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system as described in claim 233 wherein each said substantially elongated

interpanel seal element, said interpanel seal-to-foundation clampable retention
element, and said interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp[able] retention enhancement
element is elastomeric.
238. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system as described in claim 233 further comprising the step of establishing at least
one thin waterproof seal supplement sheet between said substantially elongated
interpanel seal element and underlying water gate panels.
239. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system as described in claim 233 further comprising the step of installation
projecting said substantially elongated interpanel seal element beyond a gate panel
downstream limit.
240. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system as described in claim 239 wherein said step of installation projecting said
substantially elongated interpanel seal element beyond a gate panel downstream
limit comprises the step of projecting said substantially elongated interpanel seal
element sufficiently to create a nappe break element.
241. A method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate
system as described in claim 240 wherein said nappe break element is an overtop
flow mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe break element.
242. An inflatably actuated water gate panel impoundment system that seals impounded
water through use of the method of preventing leakage of water impounded by a
water gate system as described in claim 233.
243. An inflatably actuated water gate panel impoundment system as described in claim
242 further comprising the step of corner-augmenting an upper, overflow
orthogonal edge of said interpanel seal hinge clement to conform to an overflow
orthogonal, vertical, interpanel seal-to-foundation clamp face edge.
244. An inflatable water gate actuator apparatus cumprising:

an inflatable bladder element;
a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable bladder
element;
an inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment element to which said
inflatable bladder element is responsive; and
an integral water gate panel hinge flap element responsive to said inflatable
bladder-to-foundation attachment element and comprising:
an overflow orthogonal, vertical, inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp
face abutting, corner-augmented edge element.
245. An inflatable water gate actuator apparatus as described in claim 244 wherein said
inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment element comprises an inflatable
bladder-to-foundation clampable retention element; and an inflatable bladder-to-
foundation clamp retention enhancement element to which said inflatable bladder-
to-foundation clampable retention element responds.
246. An inflatable water gate actuator apparatus as described in claim 244 wherein said
inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment element comprises a wedge-shaped
bladder-to-foundation clamp retention element.
247. An inflatable water gate actuator apparatus as described in claim 244 wherein said
overflow orthogonal, vertical, inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp face abutting,
corner-augmented edge element of said integral water gate panel hinge flap
element is configured to abut substantially all proximate portions of an overflow
orthogonal, vertical, inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp face.
248. An inflatable water gate actuator apparatus as described in claim 244 wherein each
said inflatable bladder element, said inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment
element, and said integral water gate panel hinge flap element is elastomeric.
249. An inflatably actuated water gate water control system that comprises at least one
inflatable water gate actuator apparatus as described in claim 244.
250. An inflatable water gate actuator system enhancement method comprising the steps
of:
creating an inflatable bladder element:
establishing a pressurized fluid inlet element responsive to said inflatable
bladder element;
establishing an inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment element to
which said inflatable bladder element is responsive;
establishing an integral water gate panel hinge flap attachment element
responsive to said inflatable bladder-to-foundation attachment element; and
corner-augmenting an upper, overflow orthogonal edge of said integral
water gate panel hinge flap attachment element to conform to a vertical.
inflatable bladder-to-foundation clamp face.
251. An inflatable water gate actuator system enhancement method as described in
claim 2S0 wherein said step of establishing an inflatable bladder-to-foundation
attachment element comprises the step of establishing an inflatable bladder-to-
foundation clampable retention element and the step of establishing an inflatable
bladder-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element to which said
inflatable bladder-to-foundation clampable retention element is responsive.
252. An inflatable water gate actuator system enhancement method as described in
claim 2S0 wherein said step of establishing an inflatable bladder-to-foundation
attachment element comprises the step of establishing a wedge-shaped inflatable
bladder-to-foundation clamp retention element.
253. An inflatable water gate actuator system enhancement method as described in
claim 250 wherein said step of creating an inflatable bladder element comprises the
step of creating an inflatable elastomeric bladder element
254. An impounded water seal apparatus comprising:
an upper, impounded water seal element that is fixedly attachable to a
foundation slide surface adjacent edge proximate portion of a foundation
slide surface adjacent water gate panel and that comprises:
a water gate panel conformable seal element;

a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
responsive to said water gate panel conformable seal element; and
a longitudinal corner seal element established substantially between said
water gate panel conformable seal element and said foundation slide
surface adjacent, impounded water seal element:
a thickness reduced, hingeable, upper, overflow orthogonal water gate
panel edge conforming water seal element responsive to said upper.
impounded water seal element; and
an abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element to which said thickness
reduced, hingeable. upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge
conforming water seal element is responsive.
255. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element comprises an abutment seal-to-
foundation clampable retention element and an abutment seal-to-foundation clamp
retention enhancement element to which said abutment seal-to-foundation
clampable retention element is responsive.
256. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 255 wherein said
abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element has a profile that is
substantially approximate to an installed-configuration-adjacent inflatable water
gate actuator-to-foundation clampable element profile.
257. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 256 wherein said
abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element is elastomeric and
substantially flat.
258. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 256 wherein said
abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element has a profile
that is substantially approximate to an installed-configuration-adjacent, inflatable
water gate actuator-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element profile.
259. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 255 wherein abutment
seal-to-foundation clampable retention element is a substantially flat abutment
seal-to-foundation clampable retention element.
260. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 259 wherein said
abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element exhibits an installcd-
configuration-adjacent inflatable water gate actuator-to-foundation clampable
clement profile.
261. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 255 wherein said
abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element comprises a
substantially circular cross-sectional insert.
262. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 261 wherein said
abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element comprises a
comma-type insert.
263. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element comprises a wedge-shaped
abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention element.
264. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 263 wherein said wedge-
shaped abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention element is configured to have
an installed-configuration-adjacent wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-
foundation attachment element profile.
265. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element is a concrete
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
266. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element is an abutment
plate adjacent impounded water seal element.

267. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 266 wherein said
abutment plate adjacent impounded water seal element is made_of stainless steel.
268. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 266 wherein said
abutment plate adjacent impounded water seal element is polymeric.
269. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 268 wherein said
abutment plate adjacent impounded water seal element is polyethylene.
270. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 2S4 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element comprises a low
friction wear impounded water seal element.
271. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 270 wherein said low
friction wear surface impounded water seal element comprises a polymeric seal
element.
272. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 271 wherein said
polymeric seal element comprises an polyethylene seal element.
273. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 272 wherein said
polyethylene seal element comprises an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
seal element.
274. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 272 wherein said
polyethylene seal element comprises a high density polyethylene seal element.
275. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 271 wherein said
polymeric seal element is co-vulcanized to a reinforced elastomer containing
EPDM rubber.
276. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 271 wherein said
polyethylene seal element is co-vulcanized to a reinforced elastomer comprising
EPDM rubber and chlorobutyl.

277. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 276 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element is a stainless steel
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
278. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 276 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element is a rubber
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
279. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element comprises a
rubber seal element.
280. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 279 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element is a polymeric
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
281. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 2S4 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element comprises a
stainless steel seal element.
282. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 281 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element is a polymeric
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
283. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element is a concrete
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
284. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 283 wherein said
concrete foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element is a
painted concrete foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
285. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element is elastically
angularly biased
286. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 285 wherein said elastic
angular bias is a reinforcement ply enhanced bias.
287. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 further comprising
said foundation slide surface adjacent water gate panel.
288. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 further comprising
an installed-configuration-adjacent water gate panel actuator apparatus.
289. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 further comprising
an installed-configuration-adjacent foundation slide surface.
290. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
thickness reduced, hingeable, upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge
conforming seal element comprises a vertical, overflow orthogonal, abutment seal-
to-foundation clamp face abutting, corner-augmented edge element.
291. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 290 wherein said vertical
abutment seal-to-foundation clamp face abutting, corner-augmented overflow
orthogonal edge element is configured to abut substantially all proximate portions
of an abutment seal-to-foundation clamp face.
292. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
thickness reduced, hingeable, upper overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge
conforming water seal element and said abutment seal-to-foundation attachment
element is interference seal width dimensioned.
293. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 further comprising a
heat element to which said foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal
element is thermally responsive.

294. An impounded water seal apparatus as described in claim 254 wherein said
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element comprises an
integrally vulcanized heating element established substantially along the length of
said foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
295. An actuated water control system that comprises at least one impounded water seal
apparatus as described in claim 254.
296. An impounded water seal method comprising the steps of:
creating a water gate panel conformable seal element;
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal
element to which said water gate panel conformable seal element is
responsive;
establishing a longitudinal corner seal element substantially between said
water gate panel conformable seal element and said foundation slide
surface adjacent, impounded water seal element;
wherein said water gate panel conformable seal element; said foundation
slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element; and said longitudinal
corner seal element together form an upper impounded water seal element;
adapting said upper impounded water seal element for Fixed attachment to a
foundation slide surface adjacent, edge proximate portion of a foundation
slide surface adjacent water gate panel;
hingedly attaching a thickness reduced, hingeable, upper, overflow
orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming seal element to said upper,
impounded water seal element; and
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element to which
said thickness reduced, hingeable. upper overflow orthogonal water gate
panel edge conforming seal element is responsive.
297. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element comprises the
steps of establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element

and an abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element
responsive to said abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element.
298. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 297 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element comprises
the step of establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention
element [that] whose profile is substantially approximate to an adjacent inflatable
water gate actuator-to-foundation clampable element profile.
299. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 298 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element comprises
the step of establishing an elastomeric, substantially flat abutment seal-to-
foundation clampable retention element.
300. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 298 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element
comprises the step of establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention
enhancement element that has a profile that is substantially approximate to an
installed-configuration-adjacent, inflatable water gate actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention enhancement element profile.
301. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 297 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element comprises
the step of establishing a substantially flat abutment seal-to-foundation clampable
retention element.
302. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 301 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention element comprises
the step of establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clampable retention
clement that has an installed-configuration-adjacent inflatable water gate actuator-
to-foundation clampable element profile.
303. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 297 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element
comprises the step of establishing a substantially circular cross-sectional insert.
304. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 303 wherein said step of
establishing a substantially circular cross-sectional insert comprises the step of
establishing a comma-type insert.
305. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element comprises the step
of establishing a wedge-shaped abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention
clement.
306. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 305 wherein said step of
establishing a wedge-shaped abutment seal-to-foundation clamp retention element
comprises the step of establishing a wedge-shaped abutment seal-to-foundation
clamp retention element that has an installed-configuration-adjacent, wedge-
shaped, gate panel actuator-to-foundation attachment element profile.
307. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing a concrete foundation slide surface adjacent,
impounded water seal element.
308. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing an abutment plate adjacent, impounded water
seal element.
309. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 308 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment plate adjacent, impounded water seal element comprises
the step of establishing a stainless steel abutment plate adjacent, impounded water
seal element.
310. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 308 wherein said step of
establishing an abutment plate adjacent, impounded water seal element comprises
the step of establishing a polyethylene abutment plate adjacent, impounded water
seal element.
311. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing a low friction wear, impounded water seal
element.
312. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 311 wherein said step of
establishing a low friction wear impounded water seal element comprises the step
of establishing a polymeric seal element.
313. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 312 wherein said step of
establishing a low friction wear, impounded water seal element comprises the step
of establishing a polyethylene seal element.
314. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 313 wherein said step of
establishing a polyethylene seal element comprises the step of establishing an
ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene seal element.
1IS. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 314 wherein said step of
establishing a polyethylene seal element comprises the step of establishing a high
density polyethylene seal element.
316. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 31S wherein said step of
establishing a polyethylene seal element comprises the step of covulcanizing said
polyethylene seal element to a reinforced elastomer containing EPDM rubber.
317. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 316 wherein said step of
establishing a polyethylene seal element comprises the step of covulcanizing said
polyethylene seal element to a reinforced elastomer comprised of EPDM rubber
and chlorobutyl.

318. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 317 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded
water seal element made from stainless steel.
319. An impounded water seal method as described in claim [318] 3J7 wherein said
step of establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal
clement comprises the step of establishing a [stainless steel] rubber foundation
slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element.
320. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing a rubber impounded water seal element.
321. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 320 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing a polyethylene foundation slide surface
adjacent, impounded water seal element.
322. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing a stainless steel impounded water seal element.
323. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 322 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing a polyethylene foundation slide surface
adjacent, impounded water seal element.
324. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element to
which said water gate panel conformable seal element is responsive comprises the
step of angularly, elastically biasing said foundation slide surface adjacent.
impounded water seal element.

325. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 324 wherein said step of
angularly, elastically biasing said foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded
water seal element comprises the step of reinforced elastomer ply enhanced
biasing said foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element.
326. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 further comprising the
step of corner augmenting an upper, overflow orthogonal edge of said thickness
reduced, hingeable, upper overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming
seal element to substantially abut substantially all proximate portions of a planar
abutment seal-to-foundation clamp face.
327. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 further comprising the
step of interference seal width dimensioning said thickness reduced, hingeable,
upper, overflow orthogonal water gate panel edge conforming seal element and
said abutment seal-to-foundation attachment element.
328. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 further comprising the
step of establishing a heat element to which said foundation slide surface adjacent,
impounded water seal element is thermally responsive.
329. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 328 further comprising the
step of integrally vulcanizing said heat element as part of said foundation slide
surface adjacent, impounded water seal element.
330. An impounded water seal method as described in claim 296 wherein said step of
establishing a foundation slide surface adjacent, impounded water seal element
comprises the step of establishing a substantially vertically coplanar, vertical
foundation slide surface adjacent impounded water seal element.
331. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus comprising:
a polymeric plate element dimensioned to contact a planar abutment seal
face throughout a possible water gate position vertical edge sweep: and

a plate-to-foundation surface attachment element to which said polymeric
plate element is responsive.
332. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element is a polyethylene plate element.
333. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 332
wherein said polyethylene plate element is an ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene plate element.
334. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 332
wherein said polyethylene plate element is a high density polyethylene plate
element.
335. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element is a dark colored polymeric plate element.
336. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element is an ultra-high molecular weight polymeric
plate element.
337. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element is a high density polymeric plate element.
338. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element is a reinforced polymeric plate element.
339. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 338
wherein said reinforced polymeric plate element is fiberglass reinforced polymeric
plate element.
340. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said plate-to-foundation surface attachment element comprises a pluralin
of fastener holes separated by an average, nearest fastener hole separation distance.

341. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 340
wherein said average, nearest fastener hole separation distance divided by a
polymeric plate element thickness is less than approximately 20.
342. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 341
wherein said average, nearest fastener hole separation distance divided by said
polymeric plate element thickness is less than approximately 12.
343. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 342
wherein a plurality of fastener hole edges are recessed fastener hole edges.
344. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 342
wherein said average, nearest fastener hole separation distance divided by said
polymeric plate element thickness is approximately eight.
345. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said plate-to-foundation surface attachment element comprises a plurality
of horizontally and vertically aligned fastener holes separated by approximately
equal horizontal fastener hole separation distances and approximately equal
vertical fastener hole separation distances.
346. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 34S
wherein each of said fastener hole separation distances divided by a polymeric
plate element thickness is less than approximately 20.
347. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 346
wherein each of said fastener hole separation distances divided by said polymeric
plate element thickness is less than approximately 12.
348. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 347
wherein a plurality of fastener hole edges arc recessed fastener hole edges.
349. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 347
wherein each of said fastener hole separation distances divided by said polymeric
plate element thickness is approximately eight.
350. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said plate-to- vertical foundation surface atlachment element comprises a
plurality of recessed fastener hole edges.
351. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 350
wherein a majority of said plurality of recessed fastener hole edges is each adapted
to retain a plate element surface flush, low thermal conductivity material, fastener
recession filler.
352. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 351
wherein said plate element surface flush low thermal conductivity material,
fastener recession filler is a plate element surface flush polyethylene, fastener
recession filler.
353. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element is a unitary polymeric plate.
354. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 353
wherein said unitary polymeric plate is a polyethylene plate.
355. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element comprises a plurality of polymeric plates.
356. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 355
wherein at least two of said plurality of polymeric plates are adapted for separation
in an installed configuration by a sealant accommodating groove.
357. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 355
wherein said plurality of polymeric plates are fixed 1> attached to said vertical
foundation surface.

358. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 357
wherein said fixedly attached plurality of polymeric plates are separated by a
sealant accommodating groove.
359. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 355
wherein said plurality of polymeric plates is a plurality of polyethylene plates.
360. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 359
wherein at last two of said plurality of polyehtylene plates are [adjusted] adapted
for separation in an installed configuration by a sealant accommodating groove.
361. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 359
wherein said plurality of polyethylene plates are fixedly attached to said foundation
surface.
362. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 361
wherein said fixedly attached plurality of polyethylene plates are separated by a
sealant accommodating groove.
363. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element comprises a thermal plate buckling effect
mitigative significant number of fastener holes.
364. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 363
wherein said polymeric plate element has a thermal plate buckling effect mitigative
thickness.
365. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 364
wherein thermal plate buckling effect mitigative thickness is approx 15 mm.
366. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 364
wherein said thermal plate buckling effect mitigative thickness is approx 25 mm.

367. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 331
wherein said polymeric plate element has a thermal plate buckling effect mitigative
thickness.
368. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 367
wherein thermal plate buckling effect mitigative thickness is approx 15 mm.
369. A water gate panel slide friction abatement apparatus as described in claim 367
wherein said thermal plate buckling effect mitigative thickness is approx 25 mm.
370. A water gate slide friction abatement method comprising the steps of:
dimensioning a polymeric material to form a substantially planar polymeric
plate element able to contact an abutment seal face throughout a possible
water gate edge sweep; and
establishing a plate-to-foundation surface attachment element to which said
substantially planar polymeric plate element is responsive.
371. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polymeric material comprises the step of
dimensioning a dark-colored polymeric material.
372. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polymeric material comprises the step of
dimensioning an ultra high molecular weight polymeric material
373. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polymeric material comprises the step of
dimensioning a high density polymeric material.
374. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polymeric material comprises the step of
dimensioning a reinforced polymeric material.
375. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 374 wherein
said step of dimensioning a reinforced polymeric material comprises the step of
dimensioning a fiberglass reinforced polymeric material.
376. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polymeric material comprises the step of
dimensioning a polyethylene material.
377. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polyethylene material comprises the step of
dimensioning a dark-colored polyethylene material.
378. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polyethylene material comprises the step of
dimensioning an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material.
379. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polyethylene material comprises the step of
dimensioning a high density polyethylene material.
380. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polyethylene material comprises the step of
dimensioning a reinforced polyethylene material.
381. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 380 wherein
said step of dimensioning a reinforced polyethylene material comprises the step of
dimensioning a fiberglass reinforced polyethylene material.
382. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of establishing a plate-to-foundation surface attachment element to which
said substantially planar polymeric plate element is responsive comprises the step
of establishing a plurality of fastener holes separated by an average, nearest
fastener hole separation distance.

383. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 382 wherein
said step of establishing a plurality of fastener holes separated by an average,
nearest fastener hole separation distance comprises the step of separating said
plurality of fastener holes to have an average, nearest fastener hole separation
distance to plate thickness ratio that is less than approximately 20:1.
384. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 383 wherein
said step of separating said plurality of fastener holes to have an average, nearest
fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio that is less than
approximately 20:1 comprises the step of separating said plurality of fastener
holes to have an average, nearest fastener hole separation distance to plate
thickness ratio that is less than approximately 12:1.
385. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 384 wherein
said step of separating said plurality of fastener holes to have an average, nearest
fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio that is less than
approximately 12:1 comprises the step of separating said plurality of fastener
holes to have an average, nearest fastener hole separation distance to plate
thickness ratio that is approximately 8:1.
386. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 382 wherein
said step of establishing a plate-to-foundation surface attachment element to which
said substantially planar polymeric plate element is responsive comprises the step
of recessing edges of said fastener holes.
387. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 386 wherein
said step of establishing a plate-to-foundatioh surface attachment element to which
said substantially planar polymeric plate element is responsive further comprises
the step of adapting said recessed fastener hole edges to retain a plate element
surface flush, low thermal conductivity material, fastener recession filler.
388. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 387 wherein the
step of adapting said recessed fastener hole edges to retain a plate element surface
flush, low thermal conductivity material, fastener recession filler comprises the

step of adapting said recessed fastener hole edges to retain a plate element surface
flush, polymeric, fastener recession filler.
389. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 382 wherein
said step of establishing a plurality of fastener holes separated by an average,
nearest fastener hole separation distance comprises the step of separating said
plurality of fastener holes by approximately equal horizontal fastener hole
separation distances and approximately equal vertical fastener hole separation
distances.
390. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 389 wherein
said step of separating said plurality of fastener holes by approximately equal
horizontal fastener hole separation distances and approximately equal vertical
fastener hole separation distances comprises the step of vertically separating said
plurality of fastener holes to have a vertical fastener hole separation distance to
plate thickness ratio of less than approximately 20:1 and the step of horizontally
separating said plurality of fastener holes to have a horizontal fastener hole
separation distance to plate thickness ratio of less than approximately 20:1.
391. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 390 wherein
said step of vertically separating said plurality of fastener holes to have a vertical
fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio of less than approximately
20:1 comprises the step of vertically separating said plurality of fastener holes to
have a vertical fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio of less than
approximately 12:1 and said step of horizontally separating said plurality of
fastener holes to have a horizontal fastener hole separation distance to plate
thickness ratio of less than approximately 20:1 comprises the step of horizontally
separating said plurality of fastener holes to have a horizontal fastener hole
separation distance to plate thickness ratio of less than approximately 12:1.
392. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 391 wherein the
step of vertically separating said plurality of fastener holes to have a vertical
fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio of less than approximately
12:1 comprises the step of vertically separating said plurality of fastener holes to

have a vertical fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio of
approximately 8:1 and said step of horizontally separating said plurality of fastener
holes to have a horizontal fastener hole separation distance to plate thickness ratio
of less than approximately 12:1 comprises the step of horizontally separating said
plurality of fastener holes to have a horizontal fastener hole separation distance to
plate thickness ratio of approximately 8:1.
393. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 382 wherein
said step of establishing a plurality of fastener holes separated by an average,
nearest fastener hole separation distance comprises the step of establishing a
thermal plate buckling effect mitigative significant number of fastener holes.
394. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 further
comprising the step of attaching said substantially planar polymeric plate element
to a foundation slide surface through use of said plate-to-foundation surface
attachment element.
395. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning said polymeric material to form a substantially planar
polymeric plate element able to contact an abutment seal face throughout a
possible water gate edge sweep comprises the step of dimensioning said polymeric
material to form a unitary polymeric plate.
396. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning said polymeric material to form a substantially planar
polymeric plate element able to contact an abutment seal face throughout a
possible water gate edge sweep comprises the step of dimensioning said polymeric
material to form a plurality of polymeric plates.
397. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 396 further
comprising the step of attaching said plurality of polymeric plates to a foundation
slide surface through use of said plate-to-foundation surface attachment element.
398. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 397 wherein
said step of attaching said substantially planar polymeric plate element to a
foundation slide surface comprises the step of separating at least two of said
plurality of polymeric plates by a sealant accommodating groove.
399. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 further
comprising the step of establishing a heating element to which said substantially
planar polymeric plate clement is thermally responsive.
400. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polymeric material comprises the step of dimensioning
said polymeric material to form a unitary polymeric plate.
401. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning a polymeric material comprises the step of
dimensioning a polymeric material to form a plurality of polymeric plates.
402. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 401 further
comprising the step of attaching said plurality of polymeric plates to a foundation
slide surface through use of said plate-to-foundation surface attachment element.
403. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 401 wherein
said step of attaching said substantially planar plate element to a foundation slide
surface comprises the step of separating at least two of said plurality of polymeric
plates by a sealant accommodating groove.
404. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 370 wherein
said step of dimensioning said polymeric material to form a substantially planar
polymeric plate element able to contact a vertically planar abutment seal face
throughout a possible water gate position vertical edge sweep comprises the step
of dimensioning said polymeric material to have a thermal plate buckling effect
mitigative thickness.
405. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 404 wherein
said step of dimensioning said polyethylene material to have a thermal plate
buckling effect mitigative thickness comprises the step of dimensioning said
polymeric material to have a thickness of approximately 15 mm.
406. A water gate slide friction abatement method as described in claim 404 wherein
said step of dimensioning said polyethylene material to have a thermal plate
buckling effect mitigative thickness comprises the step of dimensioning said
polymeric material to have a thickness of approximately 25 mm.
407. A water control apparatus comprising:
a concrete water control gate panel body element;
a slide friction reduced, actuator-side water control gate panel surface
element responsive to said concrete water control gate panel body element;
and
a horizontal axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment element
fixedly positioned at an overflow orthogonal installed water gate panel
bottom edge and to which said concrete water control gate panel body
element is responsive.
408. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 wherein said slide friction
reduced, actuator side water control gate panel surface element is a slide friction
reduced, actuator side, downstream installed water control gate panel surface
element.
409. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 further comprising an
elastomeric, horizontal axis rotation hinge element to which said horizontal axis
rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment element is responsive and to which
said concrete water control gate panel is rotationally responsive.
410. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 wherein said slide friction
reduced, actuator side water control gate panel surface element is a smoothed
concrete surface.
411. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 wherein said slide friction
reduced, actuator side water control gate panel surface element is a UHMW
polyethylene surface.
412. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 wherein horizontal axis
rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment element comprises a concrete water
control gate panel body encased attachment element.
413. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 wherein said concrete water
control gate panel body element is a fiber reinforced concrete water control gate
panel body element.
414. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 wherein said concrete water
control gate panel body element is a rebar reinforced concrete water control gate
panel body element.
1IS. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 wherein said concrete water
control gate panel body element is a post-tensioned rod reinforced concrete water
control gate panel body element.
416. A water control apparatus as described in claim 407 further comprising an
inflatable water control gate actuator to which said concrete water control gate
panel body element is elevationally responsive at said slide friction reduced,
actuator side water control gate panel surface element.
417. An actuatable water gate water control system comprising at least one water
control apparatus described in claim 407.
418. A method of controlling impounded water comprising the steps of:
creating a concrete water control gate panel body element;
establishing a slide friction reduced, actuator-side water control gate panel
surface element responsive to said concrete water control gate panel body
element; and

establishing a horizontal axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment
element at an overflow orthogonal, installed water gate panel edge and to
which said concrete water control gate panel body element is responsive.
419. A method of controlling impounded water as described in claim 418 wherein said
step of establishing a horizontal axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment
element at an overflow orthogonal, installed water gate panel edge and to which
said concrete water control gate panel body clement is responsive comprises the
step of establishing an elastomeric, horizontal axis rotation hinge element to which
said horizontal axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment element is
rotational ly responsive.
420. A method of controlling impounded water as described in claim 418 wherein said
step of establishing a slide friction reduced, actuator-side water control gate panel
surface element responsive to said concrete water control gate panel body element
comprises the step of establishing a smooth concrete surface.
421. A method of controlling impounded water as described in claim 418 wherein said
step of establishing a slide friction reduced, actuator side water control gate panel
surface element responsive to said concrete water control gate panel body element
comprises the step of establishing a polymeric surface.
422. A method of controlling impounded water as described in claim 418 wherein said
step of establishing a horizontal axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment
element at an overflow orthogonal, installed water gate panel bottom edge and to
which said concrete water control gate panel body element is responsive comprises
the step of concreted ly encasing at least a portion of said horizontal axis rotation
hinge-to-water gate panel attachment element.
423. A method of controlling impounded water as described in claim 418 wherein said
step of creating a concrete water control gate panel body element comprises the
step of establishing a fiber reinforced concrete water control gate panel bodelement.
424. A method of controlling impounded water as described in claim 418 wherein said
step of creating a concrete water control gate panel body element comprises the
step of establishing a rebar reinforced concrete water control gate panel body
element.
425. A method of controlling impounded water as described in claim 418 wherein said
step of creating a concrete water control gate panel body element comprises the
step of establishing a post-tensioned rod reinforced concrete water control gate
panel body element.
426. A method of controlling impounded water as described in claim 418 further
comprising the step of establishing an inflatable water control gate actuator to
which said slide friction reduced, actuator-side water control gate panel surface
element is elevationally responsive.
427. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus
comprising:
a tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention
element;
a lower, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation
attachment element to which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged
water gate panel rotation prevention element is responsive and that is
fixedly established between oppositely facing ends of end-proximate water
gate panel actuators; and
an upper, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-gate panel
attachment element responsive to said tensionable, excessive bottom-
hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element.
428. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 427 wherein said end-adjacent water gate panel actuators are
end-adjacent inflatable water gate panel actuation bladders.
429. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 428 wherein a downstream-most edge of said end-adjacent

inflatable water gate panel actuation bladders is located substantially at a drip
plane.
430. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 427 wherein each of said end-proximate water gate panel
actuators is responsive to at least one water gate actuator=to;foundation attachment
element.
431. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 430 wherein a water gate actuator-to-foundation attachment
element to which each of said end-proximate water gate panel actuators is
responsive is a wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
element.
432. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 431 further comprising a wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention element substitute insert positioned substantially
between opposing ends of proximate, wedge-shaped gate panel actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention elements.
433. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 427 further comprising an adjacent water gate actuator-to-
foundation profile mimicking insert.
434. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 427 further comprising the impounded water leakage prevention
apparatus of claim 213.
435. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 427 wherein said end-proximate water gate panel actuators are
end-proximate water gate panel floatation elements.
436. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 427 wherein u tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate

panel rotation prevention element length, an upper, excessive gate rotation
prevention element-to-gate panel attachment element location, and a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element
location are correlated so that a downstream-most end of said tensionable.
excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element is located
substantially under a water control gate panel element in a lowered configuration.
437. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 427 wherein a tensionable. excessive bottom hinged water gate
panel rotation prevention element is a tensionable, collapsible excessive bottom
hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element.
438. An actuatable water gate panel water control system that comprises the improved
impounded water control system apparatus of claim 427.
439. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus
comprising:
a tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention
element;
a lower, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation
attachment element to which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged
water gate panel rotation prevention element is responsive and that is
fixedly established between a water gate panel actuator and a substantially
vertical foundation surface; and
an upper, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-gate panel
attachment element responsive to said tensionable, excessive bottom-
hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element.
440. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 439 wherein said water gate panel actuator is an inflatable water
gate panel actuator.
441. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 440 wherein a downstream-most edge of said end-adjacent

inflatable water gate panel actuation bladders is located substantially at a drip
plane.
442. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 439 wherein a water gate actuator-to-foundation attachment
element to which said water gate panel actuator is responsive is a wedge-shaped,
gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp retention element.
443. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 442 further comprising a wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention element substitute insert positioned substantially
between a wedge-shaped gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
element and said substantially vertical foundation surface.
444. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 439 further comprising an adjacent water gate actuator-to-
foundation profile mimicking insert.
445. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus
further comprising the impounded water leakage prevention apparatus described in
claim 213.
446. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 439 wherein said water gate panel actuator is a water gate panel
floatation element.
447. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 439 wherein said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water
gate panel rotation prevention element is a tensionable excessive bottom-hinged
water gate panel rotation prevention element.
448. An improved impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus as
described in claim 447 wherein a tensionable. excessive bottom-hinged water gate
panel rotation prevention element length, an upper, excessive gate rotation

prevention element-to-gate panel attachment element location, and a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element
location are correlated so that a downstream-most end of said tensionable,
excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element is located
substantially under a water control gate panel element in a lowered configuration.
449. A[s]n actuatable water gate panel water control system that comprises the
impounded water control system operation maintenance apparatus described in
claim 439.
450. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system comprising the steps of:
dimensioning a tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel
rotation prevention element;
establishing a lower, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-
foundation attachment element to which said tensionable, excessive
bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element is responsive
and that is fixedly established between proximate ends of proximate,
vertically projecting flow control elements; and
establishing an upper, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-gate
panel attachment element responsive to said tensionable, excessive
bottom-hinged water gate, panel rotation prevention element.
451. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 450 wherein said step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element to
which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established between proximate
ends of vertically projecting flow control elements comprises the step of
establishing a lower, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation
attachment element to which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate
panel rotation prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established
between proximate ends of water gate panel actuators.

452. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 451 wherein said step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element to
which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established between proximate
ends of water gate panel actuators comprises the step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element to
which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established between proximate
ends of inflatable water gate panel actuator bladders.
453. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 451 wherein said step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element to
which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established between proximate
ends of water gate panel actuators comprises the step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element to
which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established between proximate
ends of floatable water gate panel actuators.
454. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 450 wherein said step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element to
which said tensionable, collapsible, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel
rotation prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established between
proximate ends of vertically projecting flow control elements comprises the step
of establishing a lower, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation
attachment element to which said tensionable, collapsible, excessive bottom-
hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element is responsive and that is
fixedly established between a foundation slide surface and a proximate end of a
water gate panel actuator.

455. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 450 wherein a water gate actuator-to-foundation
attachment element to which at least one of said proximate, vertically projecting
flow control elements is responsive is a wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention element.
456. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 4S5 further comprising the step of establishing a
wedge-shaped, gate panel actuator-to-foundation clamp retention element
substitute insert substantially below a wedge-shaped, interpanel seal-to-foundation
retention enhancement element and between impounded flow proximate opposing
ends of proximate, vertically projecting flow control elements.
457. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 4S0 further comprising the step of establishing a
functional, adjacent water gate actuator-to-foundation profile mimicking insert.
458. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 450 further comprising the steps of the method
of preventing leakage of water impounded by a water control gate system as
described in claim 233.
459. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 450 wherein said step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element to
which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element is responsive comprises the step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element
substantially at a drip plane.
460. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 450 further comprising the step of correlating the
length of said tensionable. excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element with a location of each of said lower, excessive gate rotation

prevention element-to-foundation attachment element and said upper, excessive
gate rotation prevention element-to-gate panel attachment element so that a
downstream-most end of a detensioned, non-restrained configuration, tensionable,
excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element is located
under a lowered water control gate panel.
461. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 450 wherein said step of establishing a lower,
excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-foundation attachment element to
which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation
prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly established between proximate
ends of proximate, vertically projecting flow control elements comprises the step
of the step of establishing a lower, excessive gate rotation prevention element-to-
foundation attachment element to which said tensionable, excessive bottom-hinged
water gate panel rotation prevention element is responsive and that is fixedly
established between oppositely facing ends of end-adjacent inflatable water gate
panel actuator bladders.
462. A method for improving the appearance of a lowered configuration water control
gate system as described in claim 450 wherein said step of obtaining a tensionable,
excessive bottom-hinged water gate panel rotation prevention element comprises
the step of obtaining a tensionable, collapsible, excessive bottom-hinged water gate
[paten] panel rotation prevention element.
463. A nappe aeration apparatus comprising:
an overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe break element;
and
a disengagable, flexible nappe break element-to-water impoundment
element attachment element to which said overtop flow mode dynamic
object impact flexible nappe break element is responsive.
464. A nappe aeration apparatus as described in claim 463 wherein said overtop How
mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe break element is a reinforced
elastomeric nappe breaker.

465. A nappe aeration apparatus as described in claim 463 wherein said water
impoundment element is a water impoundment element selected from the group of
water impoundment elements consisting of: inflatably actuated water gate panel,
inflatable elastomeric dam, and concrete dam.
466. A nappe aeration apparatus as described in claim 463 wherein said water
impoundment element is a water gate panel.
467. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe comprising the steps of:
creating an overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe break
element; and
establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-water impoundment
element attachment element to which said overtop flow mode dynamic
object impact flexible nappe break element is responsive.
468. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 467 wherein said
step of creating an overtop flow mode dynamic object impact flexible nappe break
element comprises the step of creating a reinforced elastomeric nappe breaker.
469. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 467 wherein said
step of establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-water impoundment
element attachment element to which said overtop flow mode dynamic object
impact flexible nappe break element is responsive comprises the step of
establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-inflatably actuated water gate
panel attachment element.
470. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 467 wherein said
step of establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-water impoundment
element attachment element to which said overtop flow mode dynamic object
impact flexible nappe break element is responsive comprises the step of
establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-concrete dam attachment
element.
471. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 467 further
comprising the step of attaching said overtop flow mode dynamic object impact
flexible nappe break element to an upper water impoundment structure surface
through use of said disengagable, nappe break element-to-water impoundment
element attachment element.
472. An impounded water control system comprising:
a plurality of water gate elements:
a translatable, water gate actuator element repositionably locatable
substantially beneath said plurality of water gate elements:
a reposition element to which said translatable, water gate actuator element
is operationally responsive; and
a plurality of support elements, each to which at least one individual gate
element of said plurality of water gate elements is responsive.
473. An impounded water control system as described in claim 472 wherein said
plurality of water gate elements are bottom-hinged water gate elements.
474. An impounded water control system as described in claim 472 wherein said
translatable, water gate actuator element comprises at least one inflatable water
gate actuator.
475. An impounded water control system as described in claim 474 wherein said at least
one inflatable water pate actuator comprises two inflatable, water gate actuator
elements.
476. An impounded water control system as described in claim 475 wherein said two
inflatable, water gate actuator elements are vertically stacked.
477. An impounded water control system as described in claim 472 wherein said
reposition element comprises a water gate actuator reposition hose assembly.
478. An impounded water control system as described in claim 472 said plurality of
support elements comprises at least one strut element.

479. An impounded water control system as described in claim 478 said at least one
strut element comprises an upper strut member; and a lower strut member pivotally
responsive to said upper strut member by a horizontally longitudinal torque tube
adjoining at least two adjacent strut elements.
480. The translatable, water gate actuator element that the impounded water control
system of claim 472 comprises.
481. An impounded water control method comprising:
establishing a plurality of water gate elements on a foundation;
establishing at least one translatable, water gate actuator element
repositionably locatable substantially beneath said plurality of water gate
elements;
establishing a reposition element to which said at least one translatable.
water gate actuator element is operationally responsive; and
establishing a plurality of support elements, each to which at least one
individual gate element of said plurality of water gate elements is
responsive.
482. An impounded water control method as described in claim 481 wherein said step
of establishing a plurality of water gate elements comprises the step of
establishing a plurality of bottom-hinged water gate elements.
483. An impounded water control method as described in claim 481 wherein said step
of establishing at least one translatable, water gate actuator element repositionably
locatable substantially beneath said plurality of water gate elements comprises the
step of establishing at least one translatable, inflatable water gate actuator element.
484. An impounded water control method as described in claim 483 wherein said step
of establishing at least one translatable, inflatable water gate actuator clement
comprises the step of establishing two inflatable, translatable water gate actuator
elements.
485. An impounded water control method as described in claim 484 wherein said step
of establishing two inflatable, translatable water gate actuator elements comprises
the step of establishing two inflatable, translatable, vertically stacked water gate
actuator elements.
486. An impounded water control method as described in claim 481 wherein said step
of establishing a reposition element comprises the step of establishing a water gate
actuator reposition hose assembly.
487. An impounded water control method as described in claim 48] wherein said step
of establishing a plurality of support elements comprises the step of establishing at
least one strut element.
488. An impounded water control method as described in claim 487 wherein said step
of establishing at least one strut element comprises the step of establishing an
upper strut member; and establishing a lower strut member pivotally responsive to
said upper strut member by a horizontally longitudinal torque tube adjoining at
least two adjacent strut elements.
489. A water impoundment apparatus comprising:
an inflatable water impoundment element actuator element;
an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment element to which said
inflatable water impoundment element actuator element is responsive and
that comprises a cross-sectionally-enlarged, inflatable actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention improvement element;
an overtop trafficable water impoundment element responsive to said
inflatable water impoundment element actuator element;
a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element to which said overtop trafficable
water impoundment element is responsive;
a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element responsive to said
flexible fiber reinforced hinge element; and
a hinge-to-foundation attachment element to which said flexible fiber
reinforced hinge is responsive,

wherein an axis of rotation of said overtop trafficable water impoundment element
is substantially at an overtop trafficable water impoundment element end, and
wherein said overtop trafficable water impoundment element has a flush upper
trafficable surface.
490. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said cross-
sectionally-enlarged, inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
improvement element is a wedge-shaped inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention element.
491. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said cross-
sectionally-enlarged. inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
improvement element includes a comma-type inflatable actuator-to-foundation
clamp retention enhancement element insert.
492. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises an integrated figure eight flexible hinge.
493. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 492 further comprising an
elastomeric hinge cover to which said integrated figure eight flexible hinge is
responsive.
494. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises a modular figure eight flexible hinge.
495. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises an S-type flexible hinge.
496. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises a W-type flexible hinge.
497. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein at least one
flexible fiber of said flexible fiber reinforced hinge element is a flexible fiber
selected from the group of flexible fibers consisting of: twisted cord, wire rope.

braided rope, knitted fabric, woven fabric, twisted cord embedded in an elastomer,
wire rope embedded in an elastomer, braided rope embedded in an elastomer,
knitted fabric embedded in an elastomer, woven fabric embedded in an elastomer,
twisted cord covered with an elastomer, wire rope covered with an elastomer,
braided rope covered with an elastomer, knitted fabric covered with an elastomer,
and woven fabric covered with an elastomer.
498. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 further comprising a
traffic surface hinge cover pivotally responsive to said overtop trafficable water
impoundment element.
499. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said overtop
trafficable water impoundment element responsive to said inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element is an overtop vehicularly trafficable water
impoundment element.
500. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said overtop
trafficable water impoundment element responsive to said inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element is an overtop pedestrian trafficable water
impoundment element.
501. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said overtop
trafficable water impoundment element responsive to said inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element is an overtop railway trafficable water
impoundment element.
502. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said inflatable
water impoundment element actuator element is a downflow- side positioned
inflatable water impoundment element actuator element.
503. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 further comprising an
excessive impoundment element rotation prevention element to which said overtop
trafficable water impoundment element is responsive in a raised configuration.

504. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim S03 wherein said excessive
impoundment element rotation prevention element is a tensionable, collapsible
excessive impoundment element rotation prevention element.
505. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 503 wherein said excessive
impoundment element rotation prevention element is at least one stationary
excessive rotation obstruction stop.
506. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 489 wherein said inflatable
water impoundment element actuator element is an impounded water side
positioned inflatable water impoundment element actuator element.
507. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 506 wherein said overtop
trafficable water impoundment element is a floatable overtop trafficable water
impoundment element.
508. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 506 further comprising a
floatable water impoundment element actuator element to which said overtop
trafficable water impoundment element is floatably responsive.
509. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 508 wherein said floatable
water impoundment element actuator element is established substantially beneath
said overtop trafficable water impoundment element.
510. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 508 wherein said floatable
water impoundment element actuator element forms a part of said overtop
trafficable water impoundment element.
511. A water impoundment apparatus comprising:
a floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element;
a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element to which said floatably raisable.
overtop trafficable water impoundment element is responsive; and
a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element responsive to said
flexible fiber reinforced hinge element;

a float element to which said floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water
impoundment element is floatably responsive; and
a hinge-to-foundation attachment element to which said flexible fiber
reinforced hinge is responsive,
wherein said floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element
has a flush upper surface.
512. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 wherein an axis of
rotation of said floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element
is substantially at a water impoundment element end.
513. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 wherein said floatably
raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element is a floatably raisable,
overtop vehicularly trafficable water impoundment element.
514. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 wherein said floatably
raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element is a floatably raisable,
overtop pedestrian trafficable water impoundment element.
515. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim SI 1 wherein said floatably
raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element is an floatably raisable,
overtop railway trafficable water impoundment element.
516. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 further comprising a
traffic surface hinge cover pivotally responsive to said floatably raisable, overtop
trafficable water impoundment element.
517. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises an integrated figure eight flexible hinge.
518. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 517 further comprising an
elastomeric cover to which said integrated figure eight flexible hinge is responsive.

SI9. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim SI 1 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises a modular figure eight flexible hinge.
320. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim SI I wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises a S-type flexible hinge.
521. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises a W-type flexible hinge.
522. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 wherein at least one
flexible fiber of said flexible fiber reinforced hinge element is a flexible fiber
selected from the group of flexible fibers consisting of: twisted cord, wire rope,
braided rope, knitted fabric, woven fabric, twisted cord embedded in an elastomer,
wire rope embedded in an elastomer, braided rope embedded in an elastomer,
knitted fabric embedded in an elastomer, woven fabric embedded in an elastomer,
twisted cord covered with an elastomer, wire rope covered with an elastomer,
braided rope covered with an elastomer, knitted fabric covered with an elastomer,
and woven fabric covered with an elastomer.
523. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim SI 1 further comprising an
excessive water impoundment element rotation prevention element to which said
floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element is responsive to
in a raised configuration.
524. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 523 wherein said excessive
water impoundment element rotation prevention element is a tensionable,
collapsible excessive water impoundment element rotation prevention element.
525. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 523 wherein said excessive
water impoundment element rotation prevention element is at least one stationary
excessive rotation obstruction stop.
526. A water impoundment apparatus comprising:
an inflatable water impoundment element actuator element:

an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment element to which said
inflatable water impoundment element actuator element is responsive and
that comprises a cross-sectionally-enlarged, inflatable actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention improvement element;
an water impoundment element responsive to said inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element;
a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element to which said water impoundment
clement is responsive;
a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element responsive to said
flexible Tiber reinforced hinge element; and
a hinge-to-foundation attachment element to which said flexible Tiber
reinforced hinge is responsive,
wherein an axis of rotation of said water impoundment element is substantially at a
water impoundment element end.
527. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein said cross-
sectionally-enlarged, inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
improvement element is a wedge-shaped inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention enhancement element.
528. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein said cross-
sectionally-enlarged, inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp retention
improvement element includes a comma-type inflatable actuator-to-foundation
clamp retention enhancement element insert.
529. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein said flexible
Tiber reinforced hinge element comprises an integrated figure eight flexible hinge
530. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 529 further comprising an
elastomeric cover to which said integrated figure eight flexible hinge is responsive.
531. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein said flexible
Tiber reinforced hinge element comprises a modular figure eight flexible hinge.
164
532. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises an S-type flexible hinge.
533. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element comprises a W-type flexible hinge.
534. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein at least one
flexible fiber of said flexible fiber reinforced hinge clement is a flexible fiber
selected from the group of flexible fibers consisting of: twisted cord, wire rope,
braided rope, knitted fabric, woven fabric, twisted cord embedded in an elastomer,
wire rope embedded in an elastomer, braided rope embedded in an elastomer,
knitted fabric embedded in an elastomer, woven fabric embedded in an elastomer,
twisted cord covered with an elastomer, wire rope covered with an elastomer,
braided rope covered with an elastomer, knitted fabric covered with an elastomer,
and woven fabric covered with an elastomer.
535. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein said inflatable
water impoundment element actuator element is a seaward positioned inflatable
water impoundment element actuator element.
536. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 wherein said inflatable
water impoundment element actuator element is a riverward positioned inflatable
water impoundment element actuator element.
537. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 further comprising an
excessive impoundment element rotation prevention element, to which said
inflatable water impoundment element is responsive in a raised configuration.
538. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 537 wherein said excessive
impoundment element rotation prevention element is a tensionable. collapsible
excessive impoundment element rotation prevention clement.
539. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 537 wherein said excessive
impoundment element rotation prevention element is at least one stationary
excessive rotation obstruction stop.
540. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 526 further comprising a
raised water impoundment element position maintenance element to which said
water impoundment element is responsive.
541. A water impoundment method comprising the steps of:
securing an inflatable water impoundment element actuator to a foundation
through use of an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment element that
includes a cross-sectionally-enlarged inflatable actuator-to-foundation
clamp retention improvement element;
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element responsive
to said inflatable water impoundment element actuator;
configuring said overtop trafficable water impoundment element to have a
flush upper trafficable surface;
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element to which said overtop
trafficable water impoundment element is responsive;
securing a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element substantially
at an overtop trafficable water impoundment element end; and
securing a hinge-to-foundation attachment element to which said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element is responsive.
542. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
securing an inflatable water impoundment element actuator to a foundation
through use of an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment element that
includes a cross-sectional ly-enlarged inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention improvement element comprises the step of securing an inflatable water
impoundment element actuator to a foundation through use of an inflatable
actuator-to-foundation attachment element that includes a wedge-shaped inflatable
actuator-to-foundation clamp retention element.
543. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
securing an inflatable water impoundment element actuator to a foundation
through use of an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment element that
includes a cross-sectionally-enlarged inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention improvement element comprises the step of securing an inflatable water
impoundment element actuator to a foundation through use of an inflatable
actuator-to-foundation attachment element that includes a comma-type inflatable
actuator-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement insert element.
544. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing an integrated figure eight flexible hinge.
545. A water impoundment method as described in claim 544 further comprising the
step of establishing an elastomeric hinge cover responsive to said integrated figure
eight hinge.
546. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a modular figure eight flexible hinge.
547. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a S-type flexible hinge
548. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a W-type flexible hinge.
549. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element that comprises at least one
flexible fiber selected from the group of flexible fibers consisting of: twisted cord.
wire rope, braided rope, knitted fabric, woven fabric, twisted cord embedded in an

elastomer, wire rope embedded in an elastomer, braided rope embedded in an
elastomer, knitted fabric embedded in an elastomer, woven fabric embedded in an
elastomer, twisted cord covered with an elastomer, wire rope covered with an
elastomer, braided rope covered with an elastomer, knitted fabric covered with an
elastomer, and woven fabric covered with an elastomer.
550. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 further comprising the
step of establishing a traffic surface hinge cover pivotally responsive to said
overtop trafficable water impoundment element.
551. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element comprises the step
of establishing an overtop vehicularly trafficable water impoundment element.
552. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element comprises the step
of establishing an overtop pedestrian trafficable water impoundment element.
553. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element comprises the step
of establishing an overtop [vehicularly] railway trafficable water impoundment
element.
554. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element responsive to an
inflatable water impoundment element actuator element comprises the step of
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element responsive to an
downflow-side inflatable water impoundment element actuator element.
555. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 further comprising the
step of establishing an excessive impoundment element rotation prevention
element to which said overtop trafficable water impoundment element is
responsive in a raised configuration.

556. A water impoundment method as described in claim 555 wherein said step of
establishing an excessive impoundment element rotation prevention element
comprises the step of establishing at least one tensionable, collapsible excessive
impoundment element rotation prevention element.
557. A water impoundment method as described in claim 555 wherein said step of
establishing an excessive impoundment clement rotation prevention element
comprises the step of establishing at least one stationan excessive rotation
obstruction stop.
558. A water impoundment method as described in claim 541 wherein said step of
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element responsive to an
inflatable water impoundment element actuator element comprises the step of
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element responsive to an
upflow side positioned inflatable water impoundment element actuator element.
559. A water impoundment method as described in claim 558 wherein said step of
establishing an overtop trafficable water impoundment element comprises the step
of establishing a floatable overtop trafficable water impoundment element.
560. A water impoundment method as described in claim 558 further comprising the
step of establishing a floatable water impoundment element actuator element to
which said overtop trafficable water impoundment element is floatably responsive.
561. A water impoundment method as described in claim 560 wherein said step of
establishing a floatable water impoundment element actuator element comprises
the step of establishing said floatable water impoundment element substantially
beneath said overtop trafficable water impoundment element.
562. A water impoundment method as described in claim 560 wherein said step of
establishing a floatable water impoundment element actuator clement comprises
the step of establishing said floatable water impoundment clement as part of
overtop trafficable water impoundment element.

563. A water impoundment method comprising the steps of:
establishing a floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment
element responsive to a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element;
establishing a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element
responsive to said flexible fiber reinforced hinge element;
configuring said floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment
element to have a flush upper trafficable surface; and
securing a hinge-to-foundation attachment element to which said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element is responsive.
564. A water impoundment method as described in claim S63 wherein said step of
establishing a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element comprises the
step of establishing a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element
substantially at a water impoundment element end.
565. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 wherein said step of
establishing a floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element
comprises the step of establishing an overtop vehicularly trafficable water
impoundment element.
566. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 wherein said step of
establishing a floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element
comprises the step of establishing an overtop pedestrian trafficable water
impoundment element.
567. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 wherein said step of
establishing a floatably raisable, overtop trafficable water impoundment element
comprises the step of establishing an overtop [vehicularly] railway trafficable
water impoundment element.
568. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 further comprising the
step of establishing a traffic surface hinge cover pivotally responsive to said
floatably raisable. overtop trafficable water impoundment element.

569. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 further comprising the
step of establishing an elastomeric hinge cover responsive to said integrated figure
eight hinge.
570. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a modular figure eight flexible hinge.
571. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a S-type flexible hinge.
572. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a W-type flexible hinge.
573. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element that comprises at least one
flexible fiber selected from the group of flexible fibers consisting of: twisted cord,
wire rope, braided rope, knitted fabric, woven fabric, twisted cord embedded in an
elastomer, wire rope embedded in an elastomer, braided rope embedded in an
elastomer, knitted fabric embedded in an elastomer, woven fabric embedded in an
elastomer, twisted cord covered with an elastomer, wire rope covered with an
elastomer, braided rope covered with an elastomer, knitted fabric covered with an
elastomer, and woven fabric covered with an elastomer.
574. A water impoundment method as described in claim 563 further comprising the
step of establishing an excessive water impoundment element rotation prevention
element to which said floatably raisable, overtop trafilcable water impoundment
element is responsive to in a raised configuration.
575. A water impoundment method as described in claim 574 wherein said step of
establishing an excessive impoundment element rotation prevention clement

comprises the step of establishing at least one tensionable, collapsible excessive
impoundment element rotation prevention element.
576. A water impoundment method as described in claim 574 wherein said step of
establishing an excessive impoundment element rotation prevention element
comprises the step of establishing at least one stationary excessive rotation
obstruction stop.
577. A water impoundment method comprising the steps of:
securing an inflatable water impoundment element actuator element to a
foundation through use of an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment
element that includes a cross-sectionally-enlarged inflatable actuator-to-
foundation clamp retention improvement element:
establishing a water impoundment element responsive to said inflatable
water impoundment element actuator element;
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element to which said water
impoundment element is responsive;
establishing a hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element
substantially at a water impoundment element longitudinal end; and
securing a hinge-to-foundation attachment element to which said flexible
fiber reinforced hinge element is responsive.
578. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a modular figure eight flexible hinge.
579. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a S-type flexible hinge.
580. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a W-type flexible hinge.

581. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element comprises the step of
establishing a flexible fiber reinforced hinge element that comprises at least one
flexible fiber selected from the group of flexible fibers consisting of: twisted cord,
wire rope, braided rope, knitted fabric, woven fabric, twisted cord embedded in an
elastomer, wire rope embedded in an elastomer, braided rope embedded in an
elastomer, knitted fabric embedded in an elastomer, woven fabric embedded in an
elastomer, twisted cord covered with an elastomer, wire rope covered with an
elastomer, braided rope covered with an elastomer, knitted fabric covered with an
elastomer, and woven fabric covered with an elastomer.
582. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
establishing a water impoundment element responsive to an inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element comprises the step of establishing a water
impoundment element responsive to a seaward inflatable water impoundment
element actuator element.
583. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
establishing a water impoundment element responsive to an inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element comprises the step of establishing a water
impoundment element responsive to a riverward inflatable water impoundment
element actuator element.
584. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 further comprising the
step of establishing an excessive impoundment element rotation prevention
element to which said inflatable water impoundment element is responsive in a
raised configuration.
585. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
establishing an excessive impoundment element rotation prevention element
comprises the step of establishing at least one tensionable, collapsible excessive
impoundment element rotation prevention element.
586. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
establishing an excessive impoundment element rotation prevention element
comprises the step of establishing at least one stationary excessive rotation
obstruction stop.
587. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 further comprising the
step of establishing a raised configuration water impounded element position
maintenance clement.
588. A water impoundment method as described in claim 577 wherein said step of
securing an inflatable water impoundment element actuator element to a
foundation through use of an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment element
that includes a cross-sectionally-enlarged inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention improvement element comprises the step of securing an inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element to a foundation through use of an inflatable
actuator-to-foundation attachment element that includes a wedge-shaped inflatable
actuator-to-foundation clamp retention element.
589. A water impoundment method as described in claim 588 wherein said step of
securing an inflatable water impoundment element actuator element to a
foundation through use of an inflatable actuator-to-foundation attachment element
that includes a cross-sectionally-enlarged inflatable actuator-to-foundation clamp
retention improvement element comprises the step of securing an inflatable water
impoundment element actuator element to a foundation through use of an inflatable
actuator-to-foundation attachment element that includes a comma-type inflatable
actuator-to-foundation clamp retention enhancement element insert.
590. An inflatable article manufacturing method comprising the steps of:
establishing a bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element responsive to an inflatable bladder manufacture frame;
folding at least a portion of at least one elastomeric layer around said bend
resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element to create at least
one inner-most bladder layer;
creating an oppositely facing inner most layer:

preventing adjoining of said oppositely facing inner-most bladder layer;
and
removing said bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element from at least one created elastomeric fold.
591. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 590 wherein said
step of establishing a bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element comprises the step of establishing a substantially straight, bend resistant
deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element.
592. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 590 wherein said
step of establishing a bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element comprises the step of establishing a tensionable wire, bend resistant
deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element.
593. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 590 wherein said
step of establishing a bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element comprises the step of establishing a tensionable rod, bend resistant
deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element.
594. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 590 wherein said
step of establishing a bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element comprises the step of establishing a metal bend resistant deflated bladder
fold creation facilitation element.
595. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 590 wherein said
step of establishing a bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element comprises the step of tensioning a deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element.
596. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 595 wherein said
step of step of tensioning a deflated bladder fold creation facilitation elemer.:
comprises the step of manually tensioning a deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element.

597. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 595 wherein said
step of step of tensioning a deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element
comprises the step of automatically tensioning a deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element.
598. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 595 wherein said
step of step of tensioning a deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element
comprises the step of hydraulically tensioning a deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element.
599. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 590 wherein said
step of establishing a bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element comprises the step of establishing at least two bend resistant deflated
bladder fold creation facilitators.
600. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 599 wherein said
step of establishing at least two bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation
facilitators comprises the step of establishing at least two parallel bend resistant
deflated bladder fold creation facilitators.
601. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 600 wherein said
step of establishing at least two parallel bend resistant deflated bladder fold
creation facilitators comprises the steps of: - establishing a substantially elongated,
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert
element around at least one of said at least two parallel, bend resistant deflated
bladder fold creation facilitation elements; and - establishing a bladder-to-
foundation clamp retention enhancement insert around a different at least one of
said at least two parallel bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitators.
602. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 600 wherein said
step of establishing at least two parallel bend resistant deflated bladder fold
creation facilitators comprises the steps of: - establishing a substantially elongated.
substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert

element around at least one of said at least two parallel, bend resistant deflated
bladder fold creation facilitation elements; - establishing a bladder-to-foundation
clamp retention enhancement insert around a different at least one of said at least
two parallel bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitators; and -
establishing a panel-to-panel actuator element clamp retention enhancement insert
around a different at least one of said at least two parallel bend resistant deflated
bladder fold creation facilitators.
603. An in datable article manufacturing method as described in claim 599 wherein said
step of establishing at least two bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation
facilitators comprises the step of establishing at least four rectangularly arranged
bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitators.
604. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 590 further
comprising the step of establishing a substantially elongated, substantially cross-
sectionally drop-shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element around at
least a portion of said bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation
element.
605. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 604 wherein said
step of establishing a substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-
shaped, deflated bladder fold membrane insert element around at least a portion of
said bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element is performed
before said step of folding at least a portion of at least one elastomeric layer around
said bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element.
606. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 590 further
comprising the step of establishing a clamp retention facilitation insert element
around at least a portion of said bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation
facilitation element.
607. An inflatable article manufacturing method as described in claim 606 wherein said
step of establishing a clamp retention facilitation insert element around at least a
portion of said bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element is

performed before said step of folding at least a portion of at least one elastomeric
layer around said bend resistant deflated bladder fold creation facilitation element.
608. The inflatable bladder manufacture frame that the inflatable article manufacturing
method of claim S90 describes.
609. The method as described in claim 54 and further comprising the step of removing
said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element.
610. The method as described in claim 609 and further comprising the step of dissolving
said substantially elongated, substantially cross-sectionally drop-shaped, deflated
bladder fold membrane insert element.
611. The inflatable elastomeric dam apparatus as described in claim 133 wherein said
inflatable membrane-to-foundation attachment element comprises a wedge-shaped
inflatable membrane to foundation clamp retention element.
612. The method of controlling impounded water as in claim 418 wherein each the steps
of: creating a concrete water control gate panel body element; establishing a slide
friction reduced, actuator-side water control gate panel surface element; and
establishing a horizontal axis rotation hinge-to-water gate panel attachment
element at an overflow orthogonal, installed water gate panel edge is performed at
a concrete water gate panel installation site.
613. A nappe aeration, apparatus comprising:
a nappe break element; and
a disengagable nappe break element-to-water impoundment element
attachment element to which said nappe break element is responsive; and
an impact flexure element.
614. A nappe aeration apparatus as described in claim 613 wherein said nappe break
element is a reinforced elastomeric nappe breaker.

615. A nappe aeration apparatus as described in claim 613 wherein said water
impoundment element is water impoundment element selected from the group of
water impoundment elements consisting of a concrete dam, an inflatable
elastomeric dam and water gate panels
616. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe comprising the steps of:
creating an nappe break element;
establishing a disengagable, nappe break clement-to-water impoundment
element attachment clement to which said nappe break element is
responsive; and
establishing an impact flexure element to which said nappe break element
is responsive.
617. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 616 wherein said
step of creating a nappe break element comprises the step of creating a reinforced
elastomeric nappe breaker.
618. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 616 wherein said
step of establishing an impact flexure element to which said nappe break element is
responsive comprises the step of establishing an elastomeric impact flexure
element.
619. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 616 wherein said
step of establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-water impoundment
element attachment element to which said nappe break element is responsive
comprises the step of establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-
inflatably actuated water gate panel attachment element.
620. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 616 wherein said
step of establishing a disengagable, nappe break clement-to-water impoundment
clement attachment element to which said nappe break element is responsive
comprises the step of establishing a disengagable. nappe break elemcnt-M-
indatable elastomeric dam water gate panel attachment element.

621. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 616 wherein said
step of establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-water impoundment
element attachment element lo which said nappe break element is responsive
comprises the step of establishing a disengagable, nappe break element-to-concrete
dam water gate panel attachment clement.
622. A method of aerating an dam overtop nappe as described in claim 616 further
comprising the step of attaching said overtop flow mode dynamic object impact
flexible nappe break element to an upper water impoundment structure surface
through use of said disengagable. nappe break element-to-water impoundment
element attachment element.
623. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim S11 wherein said float
clement forms a part of said overtop trafficable water impoundment element.
624. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 wherein said float
element is located externally of said overtop trafficable water impoundment
element.
625. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim 511 wherein said hinge-to-
impoundment element attachment element comprises a cross-sectionally enlarged
clamp retention improvement element.
626. A water impoundment apparatus as described in claim S11 wherein said [a] hinge-
to-foundation attachment element comprises [comprises] a cross-sectionally
enlarged clamp retention improvement element.
627. A water impoundment method as in claim 563 wherein said step of establishing a
hinge-to-impoundment element attachment element comprises the step of
establishing a cross-sectionally enlarged clamp retention improvement element.
628. A water impoundment method as in claim 563 wherein said step of securing a
hinge-to-foundation attachment clement to which said flexible fiber reinforced
hinge element is responsive comprises the step of establishing a [hinge-to-

impoundment element attachment element comprises the step of establishing at
cross-sectionally enlarged clamp retention improvement element.


[A w] Water control gates ([24, ]014) and related inflatable actuators (203.903). and
associated sealing (500[2}4), manufacture and operation apparatus and methods.
Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief (2).
inflatable bladder strength enhancement [(2)], water gate related slide friction mitigation,
abutment and other impounded water seals (73), gate panel ([24]3000) fabrication, traffic
accommodating water impoundment structures ([612,614]40l), and water gate panel system
operation efficiency, as well as nappe aeration (9500), hinges, and bladder manufacture
technology are some of the advancements disclosed herein.

Documents:

159-kolnp-2004-abstract.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-CLAIMS-1.1.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-claims.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-correspondence.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-description (complete).pdf

159-kolnp-2004-drawings.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-examination report.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-form 1.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-FORM 18 1.1.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-form 18.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-FORM 2-1.1.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-form 2.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-FORM 26 1.1.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-form 26.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-FORM 3 1.1.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-form 3.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-FORM 5 1.1.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-form 5.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-OTHER PCT FORM.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-OTHERS.pdf

159-KOLNP-2004-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

159-kolnp-2004-specification.pdf


Patent Number 250452
Indian Patent Application Number 159/KOLNP/2004
PG Journal Number 01/2012
Publication Date 06-Jan-2012
Grant Date 04-Jan-2012
Date of Filing 06-Feb-2004
Name of Patentee OBERMEYER HENRY K.
Applicant Address 303 WEST COUNTY ROAD 74, WELLINGTON, CO
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 OBERMEYER HENRY K. 303 WEST COUNTY ROAD 74, WELLINGTON, CO 80549
2 ECMAN ROBERT D. 1638 CHARLESTON WAY, FORT COLLINS, CO 80526
3 MO T.W. 273-45 SSANGUM 1 DONG DOBONG GU, SEOUL, 132-370
PCT International Classification Number E02B
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2002/21766
PCT International Filing date 2002-07-09
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/334,870 2001-10-18 U.S.A.
2 60/379,401 2001-05-09 U.S.A.
3 60/329,090 2001-10-13 U.S.A.
4 60/304,263 2001-07-09 U.S.A.
5 60/343,834 2001-10-19 U.S.A.