FONTAINE Henri (20 Calixa Lavallée, Magog, Québec J1X 1A7, CA)
BRETON, Erick (3635 Ch. Albert-Mines, Canton de Hatley, Québec J0B 2C0, CA)
BEAULIEU, Jean-Pierre (1334 St-Gérard, Sherbrooke, Québec JIX 3E7, CA)
FONTAINE Henri (20 Calixa Lavallée, Magog, Québec J1X 1A7, CA)
BRETON, Erick (3635 Ch. Albert-Mines, Canton de Hatley, Québec J0B 2C0, CA)
CLAIMS
1. A stop log for use in a gate in a channel, the gate comprising a first guide coupled to a first wall of the channel and a second guide coupled to a second wall of the channel, said stop log comprising:
- a main structure having a front side and a rear side, said main structure forming a first recessed space on said front side and a second recessed space on said rear side; - a first end portion for engaging the first guide coupled to the first wall of the channel; and a second end portion for engaging the second guide coupled to the second wall of the channel.
2. A stop log as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main structure comprises a top part, a bottom part, and a center part between said top part and said bottom part, said center part being narrower than said top part and said bottom part.
3. A stop log as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said top part comprises a front flange projecting forwardly of said center part and a rear flange projecting rearwardly of said center part; said bottom part comprises a front flange projecting forwardly of said center part and a rear flange projecting rearwardly of said center part; said front flange of said top part, said front flange of said bottom part and said center part define said first recessed space; and said rear flange of said top part, said rear flange of said bottom part and said center part define said second recessed space.
4. A stop log as claimed in claim 2, wherein said main structure has an I-shaped cross-section.
5. A stop log as claimed in claim 4, wherein said main structure comprises an extruded member having said I-shaped cross-section.
6. A stop log as claimed in claim 4, wherein said top part and said bottom part are distinct from and joined to said center part.
7. A stop log as claimed in claim 6, wherein said center part is a plate member welded to said top part and said bottom part.
8. A stop log as claimed in claim 2, wherein said top part forms a third recessed space on said front side and a fourth recessed space on said rear side, and said bottom part forms a fifth recessed space on said front side and a sixth recessed space on said rear side.
9. A stop log as claimed in claim 8, wherein: said top part comprises a first front flange and a second front flange that project forwardly of said center part, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange that project rearwardly of said center part; said bottom part comprises a first front flange and a second front flange that project forwardly of said center part, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange that project rearwardly of said center part; said first front flange of said top part, said second front flange of said top part, and a center portion of said top part define said third recessed space; said second front flange of said top part, said first front flange of said bottom part, and said center part define said first recessed space; said first front flange of said bottom part, said second front flange of said bottom part, and a center portion of said bottom part define said fifth recessed space; said first rear flange of said top part, said second rear flange of said top part, and said center portion of said top part define said fourth recessed space; said second rear flange of said top part, said first rear flange of said bottom part, and said center part define said second recessed space; and said first rear flange of said bottom part, said second rear flange of said bottom part and said center portion of said bottom part define said sixth recessed space.
10. A stop log as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first end portion comprises a front sealing element located on said front side and a rear sealing element located on said rear side, and said second end portion comprises a front sealing element located on said front side and a rear sealing element located on said rear side.
1 1. A stop log as claimed in claim 10, wherein said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion are part of a first common sealing member, and said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion are part of a second common sealing member.
12. A stop log as claimed in claim 11, wherein said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first common sealing member define a slot in which is received a first end section of said main structure, and said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second common sealing member define a slot in which is received a second end section of said main structure.
13. A stop log as claimed in claim 10, wherein: said first end portion comprises a pair of guiding members between which are disposed said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion, said guiding members, said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion being connected to said main structure via at least one fastener; and said second end portion comprises a pair of guiding members between which are disposed said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion, said guiding members, said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion being connected to said main structure via at least one fastener.
14. A stop log as claimed in claim 2, wherein said top part includes a first sealing element extending towards said front side and a second sealing element extending toward said rear side.
15. A stop log as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first sealing element and said second sealing element are part of a common sealing member received in a slot provided on said top part.
16. A plurality of stop logs as claimed in claim 1, for use in a gate in a channel.
17. A gate for a channel, said gate comprising: a first guide coupled to a first wall of the channel; a second guide coupled to a second wall of the channel; and a plurality of stop logs installed in said first guide and said second guide, each stop log comprising: a main structure having a front side and a rear side, said main structure forming a first recessed space on said front side and a second recessed space on said rear side; a first end portion engaging said first guide; and - a second end portion engaging said second guide.
18. A gate as claimed in claim 17, wherein said main structure of each stop log comprises a top part, a bottom part, and a center part between said top part and said bottom part, said center part being narrower than said top part and said bottom part.
19. A gate as claimed in claim 18, wherein, for each stop log: said top part comprises a front flange projecting forwardly of said center part and a rear flange projecting rearwardly of said center part; said bottom part comprises a front flange projecting forwardly of said center part and a rear flange projecting rearwardly of said center part; said front flange of said top part, said front flange of said bottom part and said center part define said first recessed space; and said rear flange of said top part, said rear flange of said bottom part and said center part define said second recessed space.
20. A gate as claimed in claim 18, wherein said main structure of each stop log has an I-shaped cross-section.
21. A gate as claimed in claim 20, wherein said main structure of each stop log comprises an extruded member having said I-shaped cross-section.
22. A gate as claimed in claim 18, wherein said top part and said bottom part of each stop log are distinct from and joined to said center part of said stop log.
23. A gate as claimed in claim 22, wherein said center part of each stop log is a plate member welded to said top part and said bottom part of said stop log.
24. A gate as claimed in claim 18, wherein, for each stop log: said top part forms a third recessed space on said front side and a fourth recessed space on said rear side; and said bottom part forms a fifth recessed space on said front side and a sixth recessed space on said rear side.
25. A gate as claimed in claim 24, wherein, for each stop log: said top part comprises a first front flange and a second front flange that project forwardly of said center part, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange that project rearwardly of said center part; said bottom part comprises a first front flange and a second front flange that project forwardly of said center part, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange that project rearwardly of said center part; said first front flange of said top part, said second front flange of said top part, and a center portion of said top part define said third recessed space; said second front flange of said top part, said first front flange of said bottom part, and said center part define said first recessed space; said first front flange of said bottom part, said second front flange of said bottom part, and a center portion of said bottom part define said fifth recessed space; said first rear flange of said top part, said second rear flange of said top part, and said center portion of said top part define said fourth recessed space; said second rear flange of said top part, said first rear flange of said bottom part, and said center part define said second recessed space; and said first rear flange of said bottom part, said second rear flange of said bottom part and said center portion of said bottom part define said sixth recessed space.
26. A gate as claimed in claim 17, wherein, for each stop log: said first end portion comprises a front sealing element located on said front side and a rear sealing element located on said rear side; and said second end portion comprises a front sealing element located on said front side and a rear sealing element located on said rear side.
27. A gate as claimed in claim 26, wherein, for each stop log: said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion are part of a first common sealing member; and said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion are part of a second common sealing member.
28. A gate as claimed in claim 27, wherein, for each stop log: said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first common sealing member define a slot in which is received a first end section of said main structure; and said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second common sealing member define a slot in which is received a second end section of said main structure.
29. A gate as claimed in claim 26, wherein, for each stop log: said first end portion comprises a pair of guiding members between which are disposed said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion, said guiding members, said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion being connected to said main structure via at least one fastener; and said second end portion comprises a pair of guiding members between which are disposed said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion, said guiding members, said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion being connected to said main structure via at least one fastener.
30. A gate as claimed in claim 18, wherein said top part of each stop log includes a first sealing element extending towards said front side of said stop log and a second sealing element extending toward said rear side of said stop log.
31. A gate as claimed in claim 30, wherein said first sealing element and said second sealing element of said top part of each stop log are part of a common sealing member received in a slot provided on said top part of said stop log.
32. A stop log for use in a gate in a channel, the gate comprising a first guide coupled to a first wall of the channel and a second guide coupled to a second wall of the channel, said stop log comprising: a main structure having a front side and a rear side; - a first end portion for engaging the first guide coupled to the first wall of the channel, said first end portion comprising a front sealing element located on said front side and a rear sealing element located on said rear side; and a second end portion for engaging the second guide coupled to the second wall of the channel, said second end portion comprising a front sealing element located on said front side and a rear sealing element located on said rear side.
33. A stop log as claimed in claim 32, wherein said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion are part of a first common sealing member, and said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion are part of a second common sealing member.
34. A stop log as claimed in claim 33, wherein said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first common sealing member define a slot in which is received a first end section of said main structure, and said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second common sealing member define a slot in which is received a second end section of said main structure.
35. A stop log as claimed in claim 32, wherein: said first end portion comprises a pair of guiding members between which are disposed said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion, said guiding members, said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion being connected to said main structure via at least one fastener; and said second end portion comprises a pair of guiding members between which are disposed said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion, said guiding members, said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion being connected to said main structure via at least one fastener.
36. A stop log as claimed in claim 32, wherein said main structure comprises a top part that includes a first sealing element extending towards said front side and a second sealing element extending toward said rear side.
37. A stop log as claimed in claim 36, wherein said first sealing element and said second sealing element are part of a common sealing member received in a slot provided on said top part.
38. A stop log as claimed in claim 32, wherein said main structure forms a first recessed space on said front side and a second recessed space on said rear side.
39. A stop log as claimed in claim 38, wherein said main structure comprises a top part, a bottom part, and a center part between said top part and said bottom part, said center part being narrower than said top part and said bottom part.
40. A stop log as claimed in claim 39, wherein: said top part comprises a front flange projecting forwardly of said center part and a rear flange projecting rearwardly of said center part; said bottom part comprises a front flange projecting forwardly of said center part and a rear flange projecting rearwardly of said center part; said front flange of said top part, said front flange of said bottom part and said center part define said first recessed space; and said rear flange of said top part, said rear flange of said bottom part and said center part define said second recessed space.
41. A stop log as claimed in claim 39, wherein said main structure has an I-shaped cross-section.
42. A stop log as claimed in claim 41, wherein said main structure comprises an extruded member having said I-shaped cross-section.
43. A stop log as claimed in claim 39, wherein said top part and said bottom part are distinct from and joined to said center part.
44. A stop log as claimed in claim 43, wherein said center part is a plate member welded to said top part and said bottom part.
45. A stop log as claimed in claim 39, wherein said top part forms a third recessed space on said front side and a fourth recessed space on said rear side, and said bottom part forms a fifth recessed space on said front side and a sixth recessed space on said rear side.
46. A stop log as claimed in claim 45, wherein: said top part comprises a first front flange and a second front flange that project forwardly of said center part, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange that project rearwardly of said center part; said bottom part comprises a first front flange and a second front flange that project forwardly of said center part, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange that project rearwardly of said center part; said first front flange of said top part, said second front flange of said top part, and a center portion of said top part define said third recessed space; said second front flange of said top part, said first front flange of said bottom part, and said center part define said first recessed space; said first front flange of said bottom part, said second front flange of said bottom part, and a center portion of said bottom part define said fifth recessed space; said first rear flange of said top part, said second rear flange of said top part, and said center portion of said top part define said fourth recessed space; said second rear flange of said top part, said first rear flange of said bottom part, and said center part define said second recessed space; and said first rear flange of said bottom part, said second rear flange of said bottom part and said center portion of said bottom part define said sixth recessed space.
47. A plurality of stop logs as claimed in claim 32, for use in a gate in a channel.
48. A gate for a channel, said gate comprising: - a first guide coupled to a first wall of the channel; a second guide coupled to a second wall of the channel; and a plurality of stop logs installed in said first guide and said second guide, each stop log comprising: a main structure having a front side and a rear side; a first end portion for engaging said first guide, said first end portion comprising a front sealing element located on said front side and a rear sealing element located on said rear side; and - a second end portion for engaging said second guide, said second end portion comprising a front sealing element located on said front side and a rear sealing element located on said rear side.
49. A gate as claimed in claim 48, wherein, for each stop log: said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion are part of a first common sealing member; and said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion are part of a second common sealing member.
50. A gate as claimed in claim 49, wherein, for each stop log: said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first common sealing member define a slot in which is received a first end section of said main structure; and said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second common sealing member define a slot in which is received a second end section of said main structure.
51. A gate as claimed in claim 48, wherein, for each stop log: said first end portion comprises a pair of guiding members between which are disposed said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion, said guiding members, said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said first end portion being connected to said main structure via at least one fastener; and said second end portion comprises a pair of guiding members between which are disposed said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion, said guiding members, said front sealing element and said rear sealing element of said second end portion being connected to said main structure via at least one fastener.
52. A gate as claimed in claim 48, wherein said top part of each stop log includes a first sealing element extending towards said front side of said stop log and a second sealing element extending toward said rear side of said stop log.
53. A gate as claimed in claim 52, wherein said first sealing element and said second sealing element of said top part of each stop log are part of a common sealing member received in a slot provided on said top part of said stop log.
54. A gate as claimed in claim 48, wherein said main structure of each stop log forms a first recessed space on said front side and a second recessed space on said rear side.
55. A gate as claimed in claim 48, wherein said main structure of each stop log comprises a top part, a bottom part, and a center part between said top part and said bottom part, said center part being narrower than said top part and said bottom part.
56. A gate as claimed in claim 55, wherein, for each stop log: said top part comprises a front flange projecting forwardly of said center part and a rear flange projecting rearwardly of said center part; said bottom part comprises a front flange projecting forwardly of said center part and a rear flange projecting rearwardly of said center part; said front flange of said top part, said front flange of said bottom part and said center part define said first recessed space; and said rear flange of said top part, said rear flange of said bottom part and said center part define said second recessed space.
57. A gate as claimed in claim 55, wherein said main structure of each stop log has an I-shaped cross-section.
58. A gate as claimed in claim 57, wherein said main structure of each stop log comprises an extruded member having said I-shaped cross-section.
59. A gate as claimed in claim 55, wherein said top part and said bottom part of each stop log are distinct from and joined to said center part of said stop log.
60. A gate as claimed in claim 59, wherein said center part of each stop log is a plate member welded to said top part and said bottom part of said stop log.
61. A gate as claimed in claim 54, wherein, for each stop log: said top part forms a third recessed space on said front side and a fourth recessed space on said rear side; and said bottom part forms a fifth recessed space on said front side and a sixth recessed space on said rear side.
62. A gate as claimed in claim 61, wherein, for each stop log: said top part comprises a first front flange and a second front flange that project forwardly of said center part, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange that project rearwardly of said center part; said bottom part comprises a first front flange and a second front flange that project forwardly of said center part, and a first rear flange and a second rear flange that project rearwardly of said center part; said first front flange of said top part, said second front flange of said top part, and a center portion of said top part define said third recessed space; said second front flange of said top part, said first front flange of said bottom part, and said center part define said first recessed space; said first front flange of said bottom part, said second front flange of said bottom part, and a center portion of said bottom part define said fifth recessed space; said first rear flange of said top part, said second rear flange of said top part, and said center portion of said top part define said fourth recessed space; said second rear flange of said top part, said first rear flange of said bottom part, and said center part define said second recessed space; and said first rear flange of said bottom part, said second rear flange of said bottom part and said center portion of said bottom part define said sixth recessed space. |
GATE COMPRISING STOP LOGS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to gates for interacting with liquid (e.g., water, wastewater, or other liquid media) and, more particularly, to gates comprising stop logs.
BACKGROUND
A channel in which liquid (e.g., water, wastewater, or other liquid media) flows or can flow is sometimes provided with a gate comprising stop logs. The stop logs, which are stacked on one another in guides of the gate, serve to control a flow or level of liquid in the channel, isolate different sections in the channel, or perform any other liquid blocking function for the channel.
While they have been used for some time, existing gates comprising stop logs suffer from several drawbacks. For example, in an existing gate, each stop log typically has a closed configuration that forms an interior cavity in which liquid can accumulate and be trapped. This may be inconvenient, particularly when one or more stop logs need to be removed from the gate. Furthermore, each stop log is typically designed to have liquid contact and apply pressure on only one of its front side and its rear side and is thus accordingly installed in the gate. In particular, each stop log is typically sealed at its interfaces with guides of the frame, one or more other stop logs in the gate, or a sill at the gate's bottom, on only one of its front and rear sides, namely that side on which liquid applies pressure. This may result in inadequate sealing of the gate. Inefficiently, this may also require each stop log to be turned around in the gate when liquid is expected to flow in a reverse direction.
For these and other reasons, there remains a need for improvements in gates comprising stop logs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a stop log for use in a gate in a channel, the gate comprising a first guide coupled to a first wall of the channel and a second guide coupled to a second wall of the channel. The stop log comprises a main structure having a front side and a rear side. The main structure forms a first recessed space on the front side and a second recessed space on the rear side. The stop log also comprises a first end portion for engaging the first guide coupled to the first wall of the channel and a second end portion for engaging the second guide coupled to the second wall of the channel.
The present invention also provides a gate for a channel. The gate comprises a first guide coupled to a first wall of the channel and a second guide coupled to a second wall of the channel. The gate also comprises a plurality of stop logs installed in the first guide and the second guide. Each stop log comprises: a main structure having a front side and a rear side, the main structure forming a first recessed space on the front side and a second recessed space on the rear side; a first end portion engaging the first guide; and a second end portion engaging the second guide.
The present invention also provides a stop log for use in a gate in a channel, the gate comprising a first guide coupled to a first wall of the channel and a second guide coupled to a second wall of the channel. The stop log comprises a main structure having a front side and a rear side. The stop log also comprises a first end portion for engaging the first guide coupled to the first wall of the channel. The first end portion comprises a front sealing element located on the front side and a rear sealing element located on the rear side. The stop log also comprises a second end portion for engaging the second guide coupled to the second wall of the channel. The second end portion comprises a front sealing element located on the front side and a rear sealing element located on the rear side.
The present invention also provides a gate for a channel. The gate comprises a first guide coupled to a first wall of the channel and a second guide coupled to a second wall of the channel. The gate also comprises a plurality of stop logs installed in the first guide and the second guide. Each stop log comprises: a main structure having a front side and a rear side; a first end portion for engaging the first guide, the first end portion comprising a front sealing element located on the front side and a rear sealing element located on the rear side; and a second end portion for engaging the second guide, the second end portion comprising a front sealing element located on the front side and a rear sealing element located on the rear side.
These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is provided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a front view of a gate in a channel, the gate comprising a plurality of stop logs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the gate shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of part of the gate shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a stop log of the gate shown in Figure 1 ;
Figure 5 shows a front view of the stop log shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 shows a top view of the stop log shown in Figure 4;
Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the stop log shown in Figure 4;
Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an end portion of the stop log shown in Figure 4;
Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the stop log shown in Figure 4;
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a stop log of a gate in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 shows a front view of the stop log shown in Figure 10;
Figure 12 shows a top view of the stop log shown in Figure 10;
Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the stop log shown in Figure 10;
Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an end portion of the stop log shown in Figure 10;
Figure 15 shows an exploded perspective view of the stop log shown in Figure 10;
Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a stop log of a gate in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 shows a front view of the stop log shown in Figure 16;
Figure 18 shows a top view of the stop log shown in Figure 16;
Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the stop log shown in Figure 16;
Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional view of an end portion of the stop log shown in Figure 16; and
Figure 21 shows an exploded perspective view of the stop log shown in Figure 16.
It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustration of example embodiments of the present invention and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Figures 1 to 3 show a gate 10 in a channel 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In various exemplary applications, the gate 10 may be used to control a flow or level of liquid (e.g., water, wastewater, or other liquid media) in the channel 12, to isolate different sections in the channel 12, or for various other purposes.
The gate 10 comprises a pair of guides 16 ls 16 2 coupled to walls 18 l5 18 2 of the channel 12, and a plurality of stop logs 14j-14 3 installed in the guides 1O 1 , 16 2 and stacked on one another. The gate 10 also comprises a sill 19 at a bottom of the channel 12 (e.g., fixed on or embedded in a floor of the channel 12) on which rests the stop log 14 j. The pair of guides 16i, 16 2 and the sill 19 are thus part of a frame in which are disposed the stop logs 14 ! -14 3 .
Each of the guides 1O 1 , 16 2 receives and engages an end portion of each of the stop logs 14 1 -14 3 - This allows proper positioning of the stop logs H 1 -H 3 on one another and maintains the stop logs H 1 -H 3 in position in the channel 12. Each of the guides 1O 1 , 16 2 may comprise an extruded member defining a slot in which is inserted an end portion of each of the stop logs H 1 -H 3 . This extruded member may be made of any suitable material (e.g., metallic material such as aluminum or stainless steel, polymeric material, etc.). While in this embodiment each of the guides 16 l5 16 2 has a
particular configuration, the guides 16 ls 16 2 may have various other configurations in other embodiments.
The guides 16 ls 16 2 may be coupled to the walls 18 ls 18 2 of the channel 12 in various manners. For example, in some embodiments, the guides 16 1? 16 2 may be embedded into the walls 18i, 18 2 of the channel 12 (e.g., in grout or concrete in these walls). In other embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 1 to 3, the guides 16i, 16 2 may be mounted on surfaces of the walls 18i, 18 2 of the channel 12 (e.g., surfaces in the channel 12 or surfaces at an entrance or exit of the channel 12). In these cases, the guides 16i, 16 2 may be mounted on the surfaces of the walls 18i, 18 2 of the channel
12 via suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts) and possibly other elements (e.g., mounting brackets).
The stop logs H 1 -H 3 , which are arranged in the guides 16i, 16 2 , serve to impede or prevent flow of liquid in the channel 12, control a level of liquid in the channel 12, isolate different sections in the channel 12, or perform any other liquid blocking function for the channel 12. A flow or level of liquid in the channel 12 may be controlled by selectively removing one or more of the stop logs H 1 -H 3 from the guides 16i, 16 2 or adding one or more additional stop logs above the stop logs Hi- H 3 . While three (3) stop logs are shown in the gate 10, any suitable number of stop logs may be used in various situations, depending on a size of the channel 12, a desired flow or level of liquid in the channel 12, etc.
With additional reference to Figures 4 to 9, a stop log H j (1 < j < 3) of the stop logs Hi-H 3 will be described in further detail. The stop log 14, has an overall length L
(which can be viewed as being substantially parallel to a width of the channel 12), an overall height H and an overall width W. These dimensions may take on various values in various embodiments, depending on factors such as the size of the channel
12, etc. The stop log 14, comprises a main structure 20, a first end portion 22 and a second end portion 24.
The main structure 20, which serves to block passage of liquid therethrough, has a front side 28 and a rear side 30. In use, liquid in the channel 12 may contact and apply
pressure on the front side 28, the rear side 30, or in some instances, on both the front side 28 and the rear side 30 of the main structure 20.
In this embodiment, the main structure 20 forms a first recessed space 34 on its front side 28 and a second recessed space 36 on its rear side 30. The first recessed space 34, which is open on the front side 28 of the main structure 20, and the second recessed space 36, which is open on the rear side 30 of the main structure, are such that the main structure 20 is open on its front side 28 and open on its rear side 30. The main structure 20 can thus be viewed as having an "open" configuration.
The open configuration of the main structure 20 provides several benefits. For example, this open configuration may result in the stop log 14 j having a lower weight than a comparatively-sized conventional stop log having a "closed" (e.g., tubular or rectangular) configuration. Also, in use, this open configuration may prevent liquid in the channel 12 from flowing into, accumulating and getting trapped in the main structure 20. More particularly, the open configuration of the main structure 20 is such that the main structure 20 lacks any area that, in use, could form an interior cavity in which liquid in the channel 12 could flow into and accumulate. This ability to inhibit liquid from accumulating and getting trapped in the stop log 14 j may facilitate removal of the stop log 14 j from the gate 10 when such removal is desired.
In this embodiment, the main structure 20 has an I-shaped cross-section. More particularly, the main structure 20 includes a top part 38, a bottom part 40 and a center part 42 between the top part 38 and the bottom part 40, whereby the center part 42 is narrower than the top part 38 and the bottom part 40. That is, the center part 42 has a width Wc that is less than a width Wγ of the top part 38 and a width W B of the bottom part 40 (where, in this embodiment, the width W T of the top part 38 and the width W B of the bottom part 40 each correspond to the overall width W of the stop log 14,).
The top part 38, the bottom part 40 and the center part 42 of the main structure 20 form the first recessed space 34 and the second recessed space 36, which respectively extend longitudinally along the stop log 14 j . More particularly, in this embodiment, the top part 38 includes a front flange 48 projecting forwardly of the center part 42
and a rear flange 50 projecting rearwardly of the center part 42. Similarly, the bottom part 40 includes a front flange 52 projecting forwardly of the center part 42 and a rear flange 54 projecting rearwardly of the center part 42. The front flange 48, the front flange 52 and the center part 42 define the first recessed space 34, while the rear flange 50, the rear flange 54 and the center part 42 define the second recessed space 36.
With the center part 42, the flanges 48, 50, 52, 54 provide strength to the main structure 20 while minimizing its weight. In addition to providing strength to the main structure 20, the front flange 48 and the rear flange 50 of the top part 38 provide convenient means for handling the stop log 14, when it is lowered in or removed from the guides 16 ls 16 2 . Also, owing to its symmetry about the center part 42, the main structure 20 has a center of gravity located on the center part 42, which further facilitates handling of the stop log 14, when it is lowered in or removed from the guides 16 l 5 16 2 .
The center part 42 has a first longitudinal end section 39 and a second longitudinal end section 41 that are respectively connected to the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 of the stop log 14 j . Connection of the first longitudinal end section 39 and the second longitudinal end section 41 to the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 of the stop log 14 j will be further described later on.
In this embodiment, the main structure 20 is an extruded member having the I-shaped cross-section. This extruded member may be made of any suitable material (e.g., metallic or polymeric material). For example, the main structure 20 may be made of aluminum. In other embodiments, the main structure 20 may be constructed in various other manners and may comprise individual components joined (e.g., welded) to one another. Examples of such embodiments are presented later on.
A groove 49 is provided on the bottom part 40 to receive a sealing member 55. The sealing member 55 serves to seal an interface between the stop log 14, and another one of the stop logs 14 ϊ -14 3 , or the sill 19, on which rests the stop log 14,. The sealing member 55 may be extruded and made of a suitable elastomeric material (e.g.,
ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)). More specifically, in this embodiment, the sealing member 55 has a T-shaped cross section with a vertical portion extending into the groove 49, a first sealing element 25 projecting forwardly of the vertical portion, and a second sealing element 27 projecting rearwardly of the vertical portion.
With the first sealing element 25 extending towards the front side 28 of the main structure 20 and the second sealing element 27 extending toward the rear side 30 of the main structure 20, the sealing member 55 implements a bi-directional sealing function. Specifically, the first sealing element 25 serves to seal the interface between the stop log 14 j and the other one of the stop logs 14j-14 3 , or the sill 19, on which rests the stop log 14, from the front side 28 of the main structure 20, while the second sealing element 27 serves to seal the interface between the stop log 14, and the other one of the stop logs H 1 -H 3 , or the sill 19, on which rests the stop log 14, from the rear side 30 of the main structure 20. This bi-directional sealing function allows the stop log 14, to properly seal its interface with the other one of the stop logs H 1 -M 3 , or the sill 19, on which it rests regardless of whether liquid in the channel 12 contacts and applies pressure on the front side 28 of the main structure 20, the rear side 30 of the main structure 20, or both, without having to turn the stop log \4 } around in the gate 10.
While in this embodiment the sealing member 55 has a particular form, it may take on various other forms in other embodiments. Also, while in this embodiment the first sealing element 25 and the second sealing element 27 are part of a unitary sealing member (i.e., the sealing member 55), in other embodiments they may be part of separate sealing members.
In a similar manner, a groove 47 is provided on the top part 38 to receive a sealing member (not shown) similar to the sealing member 55. This allows the stop log \4 3 to be turned upside-down, if desired, with the top part 38 acting as the bottom part 40.
Continuing with Figures 4 to 9, in this embodiment, the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 are connected to the main structure 20. More particularly, the first end portion 22 is connected to the first longitudinal end section 39 of the center
part 42 of the main structure 20 and the second end portion 24 is connected to the second longitudinal end section 41 of the center part 42 of the main structure 20. In other embodiments, each of the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 may be integral with the main structure 20.
The first end portion 22 is received in and engages the guide 16] coupled to the wall 18i of the channel 12. Similarly, the second end portion 24 is received in and engages the guide 16 2 coupled to the wall 18 2 of the channel 12. In that way, the stop log 14, is properly positioned in the gate 10 and maintained in position in the channel 12.
When installing the stop log 14, in the gate 10, the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 are respectively aligned with an upper region of the guides 1O 1 , 16 2 and lowered into position, either on another one of the stop logs 14rl4 3 already installed in the gate 10 or on the sill 19 at the bottom of the channel 12. During lowering of the stop log 14 j5 the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 respectively move downward and are guided by the guides 16i, 16 2 . When it is desired to remove the stop log 14 j from the gate 10, an inverse procedure is effected to raise the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 which are guided by the guides 16j, 16 2 .
In addition to linking the stop log 14 j to the guides 1O 1 , 16 2 of the gate 10, the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 of the stop log 14, also serve to seal interfaces between the stop log 14, and the guides 16 1; 16 2 .
More particularly, in this embodiment, the first end portion 22 comprises a sealing member 57 and a pair of guiding members 59], 59 2 , which are connected to the first longitudinal end section 39 of the main structure 20 via one or more suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts). The sealing member 57 may be extruded and made of a suitable elastomeric material (e.g., EPDM). The sealing member 57 comprises a front sealing element 61 located on the front side 28 of the main structure 20 and a rear sealing element 63 located on the rear side 30 of the main structure 20.
The front sealing element 61 and the rear sealing element 63 define a groove in which is inserted the first longitudinal end section 39 of the main structure 20. The guiding members 59 l5 59 2 are respectively held against the front sealing element 61 and the rear sealing element 63 via one or more fasteners, which interconnect the first longitudinal end section 39 of the main structure 20, the front sealing element 61, the rear sealing element 63, and the guiding members 59 1; 59 2 . In addition to assisting in retaining the sealing member 57 on the main structure 20, the guiding members 59j, 59 2 interacts with the guide 1O 1 when the stop log 14 j is installed into or remove from the gate 10. In order to minimize frictional effects and wear, the guiding members 59i, 59 2 may be made of a suitable polymeric material such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Optionally, in some embodiments, a small plate member 67 may be inserted in an upper region of the groove defined by the front sealing element 61 and the rear sealing element 63 and in the groove 47 of the main structure 20 in order to enhance rigidity of the sealing member 57 in that corner area.
By virtue of the front sealing element 61 and the rear sealing element 63, the first end portion 22 of the stop log 14, implements a bi-directional sealing function. Specifically, the front sealing element 61 serves to seal the interface between the stop log 14 j and the guide 16i from the front side 28 of the main structure 20, while the rear sealing element 63 serves to seal the interface between the stop log 14 j and the guide 1O 1 from the rear side 30 of the main structure 20. This bi-directional sealing function allows the stop log 14, to properly seal its interfaces with the guides 16i, 16 2 regardless of whether liquid in the channel 12 contacts and applies pressure on the front side 28 of the main structure 20, the rear side 30 of the main structure 20, or both, without having to turn the stop log 14, around in the gate 10.
While in this embodiment the sealing member 57 has a particular form, it may take on various other forms in other embodiments. Also, while in this embodiment the front sealing element 61 and the rear sealing element 63 are part of a unitary sealing member (i.e., the sealing member 57), in other embodiments they may be part of separate sealing members respectively located on the front side 28 and the rear side 30 of the main structure 20.
The second end portion 24 is constructed in a manner similar to the first end portion 22 and will thus not be described in further detail.
It will thus be appreciated that the stop logs M 1 -H 3 present several desirable features and benefits. For example, owing to its open configuration, each of the stop logs H 1 - H 3 is relatively light and easy to handle when being lowered in or removed from the guides 16], 16 2 . In particular, the open configuration of each of the stop logs H 1 -H 3 prevents accumulation of liquid therein and thus facilitates removal of that stop log from the gate 10. Also, each of the stop logs H 1 -H 3 is bi-directionally sealed at its interfaces with the guides 16 l5 16 2 and with another one of the stop logs H]-H 3 , or the sill 19, on which it rests. This can avoid having to turn each of the stop logs H 1 - H 3 around in the gate 10 depending on whether liquid in the channel 12 contacts and applies pressure on the front side 28, the rear side 30, or both sides 28, 30 of the main structure 20 of that stop log.
It will also be appreciated that various modifications and variations may be made to the stop logs H 1 -H 3 in other embodiments.
For example, Figures 10 to 15 illustrate another embodiment in which the main structure 20 of the stop log H j comprises distinct components joined (e.g., welded) to one another. More particularly, in this embodiment, the main structure 20 includes a top part 38', a bottom part 40' and a center part 42' between the top part 38' and the bottom part 40'. Here, each of the top part 38' and the bottom part 40' is an extruded member having an I-shaped cross-section. This extruded member may be made of any suitable material (e.g., metallic or polymeric material). For instance, each of the top part 38' and the bottom part 40'may be made of aluminum.
In this case, the center part 42' is a plate member. This plate member may be made of any suitable material (e.g., metallic or polymeric material). For example, it may be made of aluminum. The center part 42' is joined to the top part 38' and the bottom part 40'. For instance, the center part 42' may be welded to the top part 38' and the bottom part 40'.
In this embodiment, the main structure 20 forms three (3) recessed spaces 34i-34 3 on its front side 28 and three (3) recessed spaces 36i-30 3 on its rear side 30. The recessed spaces 34i-34 3 , which are open on the front side 28 of the main structure 20, and the recessed spaces 36 ! -36 3 , which are open on the rear side 30 of the main structure, are such that the main structure 20 is open on its front side 28 and open on its rear side 30. The main structure 20 can thus be viewed as having an open configuration, which, as discussed previously, provides several benefits.
Here again, the main structure 20 can be said to have an I-shaped cross-section. More particularly, the center part 42' is narrower than the top part 38' and the bottom part 40'. That is, the center part 42' has a width Wc that is less than a width W T of the top part 38' and a width W B of the bottom part 40' (where, in this embodiment, the width W T of the top part 38' and the width W B of the bottom part 40' each correspond to the overall width W of the stop log 14 j ).
In this embodiment, the top part 38' includes two (2) front flanges 48i, 48 2 that project forwardly of the center part 42', as well as two (2) rear flanges 5O 1 , 5O 2 that project rearwardly of the center part 42'. Similarly, the bottom part 40' includes two (2) front flanges 52 l5 52 2 that project forwardly of the center part 42', as well as two (2) rear flanges 54], 54 2 that project rearwardly of the center part 42'. The front flanges 48 15 48 2 and a center portion of the top part 38' define the recessed space 34^ the front flange 48 2 , the front flange 52 1 and the center part 42' define the recessed space 34 2 ; the front flanges 52 1; 52 2 and a center portion of the bottom part 40' define the recessed space 34 3 ; while the rear flanges 5O 1 , 5O 2 and the center portion of the top part 38' define the recessed space 3O 1 ; the rear flange 5O 2 , the rear flange 54] and the center part 42' define the recessed space 36 2 ; and the rear flanges 54 ls 54 2 and the center portion of the bottom part 40' define the recessed space 36 3 .
By having the center part 42' as a distinct component that is joined to the top part 38' and the bottom part 40', it is possible, when manufacturing the stop log 14 J5 to customize the overall height H of the stop log 14, by selecting the center part 42' so that it has a desired height Hc- This enables a manufacturer of stop logs such as the stop logs 14 i-l 43 to provide stops logs with customized overall heights H by having in
inventory top parts 38' and bottom parts 40'in one or a few different heights and by using center parts 42' that have desired heights. Naturally, this may also enable the manufacture to provide stop logs customized in other respects (e.g., in widths W T , W C ,
W B ).
As another example, Figures 16 to 21 illustrate yet another embodiment in which the main structure 20 of the stop log 14 j comprises distinct components joined (e.g., welded) to one another. More particularly, in this embodiment, the main structure 20 includes a top part 38", a bottom part 40" and a center part 42" between the top part 38" and the bottom part 40". Here, each of the top part 38" and the bottom part 40" is an extruded member having an I-shaped cross-section. This extruded member may be made of any suitable material (e.g., metallic or polymeric material). For instance, each of the top part 38" and the bottom part 40 "may be made of aluminum.
In this case, the center part 42" comprises an extruded member 71 having an I-shaped cross section and joined (e.g., by welding) to an upper plate member 73 and a lower plate member 75. The extruded member 71 and each of the upper plate member 73 and the lower plate member 75 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., metallic or polymeric material). For example, each of these components may be made of aluminum. The center part 42" is joined to the top part 38" and the bottom part 40". For instance, the center part 42' may be welded to the top part 38" and the bottom part 40".
In this embodiment, the main structure 20 forms five (5) recessed spaces 34p34 5 on its front side 28 and five (5) recessed spaces 36i-30 5 on its rear side 30. The recessed spaces 34^34 5 , which are open on the front side 28 of the main structure 20, and the recessed spaces 3O 1 -So 5 , which are open on the rear side 30 of the main structure, are such that the main structure 20 is open on its front side 28 and open on its rear side
30. The main structure 20 can thus be viewed as having an open configuration, which, as discussed previously, provides several benefits.
By having the center part 42" as multiple distinct components that are joined to the top part 38" and the bottom part 40", it is possible, when manufacturing the stop log
14 j , to customize the overall height H of the stop log 14 j by selecting these components so that the center part 42" has a desired height Hc- Naturally, this may also enable the manufacture to provide stop logs customized in other respects (e.g., in widths W τ , W C , W B ).
Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
Next Patent: CROSSCUT GRAIN SAMPLER