Patent ID: 7156578
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: E03B,E21B

Abstract:
1. An aquifer recharge valve assembly comprising: a pipe section comprising a wall with an interior surface and an exterior surface; at least one aperture extending through the wall; and a valve positioned within the interior of the pipe section and movable between a first closed position in which the valve overlies a portion of the interior surface of the wall and the at least one aperture and at least one open position wherein the valve is shifted so as to no longer overlie the at least one aperture at least in part such that aquifer recharge water may flow through the aperture and into the aquifer, wherein the valve has flexibility such that when the valve is in the closed position, a head of water pressure within the pipe section forces the valve outwardly against the overlaid at least one aperture; a valve actuator for moving the valve between the first closed position and the at least one open position, the valve actuator comprising first and second hydraulic pistons coupled to the valve, a first hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the first piston and a second hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the second piston, one of the first and second pistons being movable in a direction to urge the valve toward said first closed position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with said one of the first and second pistons, the other of the first and second pistons being movable in a direction to urge the valve toward the at least one open position upon delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid chamber associated with the said other of the first and second pistons.