Combined Patents (Class 119/247)
  • Patent number: 10168027
    Abstract: An improved structure of a lighting display device includes a lower fixing element, an upper fixing element, a projection device, a transparent bottle, and an assembling element. The projection device is disposed inside the lower fixing element and the transparent bottle is disposed thereon and fixed by a positioning annulus on an inner surface of the lower fixing element. The assembling element has a depression surface atop to be engaged a positioning plate of the upper fixing element and an upper engaging space to mount on the transparent bottle. A spring is further disposed between the upper engaging space and the transparent bottle. Thereby the transparent bottle is able to display attractive visual effects by lighting projection and to be easily engaged and disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Su-Fang Ho
  • Patent number: 10064397
    Abstract: An aquarium device having a compartment for a video playing device that is viewable through an aquarium tank for conveniently enhancing the viewing experience. The device includes a filtration system that is concealed from the viewer and that filters the water around the video device without exposing the device to water or any other elements of the aquarium's habitat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Edward Hanson
  • Patent number: 9897275
    Abstract: A three-way bulb including light emitting diodes is used to achieve a variety of light output colors and/or intensities. In some embodiments, the inputs to a three-way bulb are configured to perform other functions, such as power a motor. In some embodiments, a bulb including light emitting diodes includes a replicable cover and/or a replicable LED. This cover may be configured to project images or support a shade made of a heat sensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Steven Michael Colby
  • Patent number: 9719652
    Abstract: A three-way bulb including light emitting diodes is used to achieve a variety of light output colors and/or intensities. In some embodiments, the inputs to a three-way bulb are configured to perform other functions, such as power a motor. In some embodiments, a bulb including light emitting diodes includes a replicable cover and/or a replicable LED. This cover may be configured to project images or support a shade made of a heat sensitive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Michael Colby
  • Publication number: 20150101540
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a first surface having a first contour and arranged to contain a quantity of water. The apparatus further includes a base structure positioned adjacent the housing and including a second surface having a second contour that closely matches the first contour. The housing is positioned such that the first surface and the second surface are disposed immediately adjacent one another. The apparatus further includes a lighting element supported by the base and positioned to selectively illuminate the housing. The apparatus further includes a storage compartment having an open cavity for receiving and holding an object and a third surface having a third contour that closely matches the first contour, the storage compartment supported by the base structure such that the first surface and the third surface are disposed immediately adjacent one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Elive LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Allen, Thomas Lutz
  • Patent number: 8875660
    Abstract: A habitat enclosure comprising a removably disposed housing or outer covering shaped or otherwise configured to represent an animate object is presented. Furthermore, the outer covering is disposed in a removable, yet confronting engagement with a container, the container being viewable through a display area of the outer covering. The container also comprises a lid removably disposed relative to a basin in order to allow at least temporary access into said interior portion thereof. The enclosure further comprises one or more access channels disposed through the outer covering and into a communicative relation with the interior portion of the container in order to facilitate feeding, breathing, and/or draining or other maintenance. A lighting assembly is disposed in an illuminating relation with the container such that the apparatus may be used as a night-light or other soothing accent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Teddy Tank Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Spencer Grabois
  • Patent number: 8747075
    Abstract: Fluid level in an aquarium or other container containing a fluid is managed using a mounted fluid level sensor that includes a heating element mounted to a heat conductive sensor housing and a temperature sensor mounted to the housing at a location spaced from the heating element. A controller collects temperature readings from the temperature sensor and operates a pump to add fluid to the container when temperature readings from the fluid level sensor housing exceed a threshold temperature for a prescribed period of time, representing a drop in fluid level in the container. The controller can include a pump control unit that controls operation of the pump and a microprocessor configured to receive temperature readings from the temperature sensor, control the temperature of the heating element, and control the pump control unit based on the temperature readings received from the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Nicola Gandini
  • Patent number: 8733385
    Abstract: A cleaner for the inside of a water tank utilizing a siphoning action is provided, in which the interior of a water passage (24) between an upstream-side one-way valve (Vu) and a downstream-side one-way valve (Vd) is pressurized or depressurized by a pressing operation of a suction operation tool (A) provided in a bent connecting part between a main body portion (1) and a grip portion (2) of a suction pipe (P), and water-tank water of the main body portion (1) is sucked into the suction pipe (P). This enables waste material such as leftover food within water-tank water to be sucked up together with dirty water by a very simple operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Soichi Ogawa, Yutaka Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20140102376
    Abstract: An aquarium with wireless power transmission devices, comprising a tank body; a pump which is a wireless power transmission device driven by electrical power, and including an inlet and an outlet; a receiver; and a transmitter including a power source, a resonance transmission driving circuit and a transmitting circuit; wherein the resonance transmission driving circuit converts an electrical power supplied by the power source into an resonating energy; the receiver is disposed within the aquarium and electrically interconnected to the pump, the receiver collects the resonating energy, and the receiver further transfers the resonating energy to the pump; and the fluid worked by the pump enters the pump from the inlet and discharged from the outlet of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FETON Limited
    Inventors: Chih Chun Li, Cheng Hsiu Wu
  • Patent number: 8695536
    Abstract: A child's toy for collecting fish includes a clear bowl with a rope handle attached to it. Tethered to the rope handle is a lid with a water and air permeable mesh. The handle preferably includes a buoyant member such as a wooden cylinder hand grip which will keep the apparatus from sinking if let go. The apparatus is preferably made from a plastic fish bowl into which two diametrically opposed holes are created to receive ends of the rope handle which is held in place by tying. The fish bowl has an upper lip and a ring dimensioned to fit over the lip. A circular mesh screen is attached to the ring and the ring is attached by a tether to the bowl or to the rope handle. A kit and a method of assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Richard S. Hendey, III
  • Publication number: 20140033984
    Abstract: A water tank structure with wireless power transmission devices is disclosed. The water tank structure includes a water tank, a passive device, and a transmitter. The passive device is disposed in the water tank and includes a receiver. The transmitter transmits electric energy to the receiver through resonance between the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter transforms electricity first into electric signals and then into resonance energy, before transmitting the resonance energy. The receiver and the transmitter have corresponding characteristics in electrical resonance so that the receiver can receive the resonance signals output from the transmitter and then transform the resonance signals into electricity to be consumed by the electrical load of the passive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FETON LIMITED
    Inventors: Chih Chun Li, Cheng Hsiu Wu
  • Publication number: 20130186346
    Abstract: A decorative water display includes a container for holding water, an art piece adapted to be immersed in the water, and a sound module mounted on the container operable to play a prerecorded audio recording through a speaker device. The water display may further include a light source, the light may further be varied in coordination with the audio recording to produce a synergistic artistic expression. The water display may comprise an aquarium. The invention also encompasses storing the audio recording on a removable memory component to accommodate different tastes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: KOLLER ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Milford, J. David Wharton, Chunlin Xiao
  • Publication number: 20130092093
    Abstract: A fish tank has an integral or attached active display. The fish tank provides an area for live creatures (e.g. fish, mollusks, reptiles, birds, etc.) and the display is filled with, for example, a background image or video, adding to the depth of view, the complexity of view and aesthetics of the fish tank. Any type of display is anticipated as well as any type of image displayed on the display, including television, computer screens, still images, video images, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Dale G. Potts
  • Patent number: 8267047
    Abstract: In order to generate waves in a volume of water of an aquarium, it is proposed that a storage container which extends beyond the surface of the volume of water should be provided in the aquarium. Using a pump, water is periodically pumped from the water container into the storage container and returned from the storage container into the aquarium. The energy delivered to the water during this leads to fluctuations in the position of the free surface of the volume of water and in-phase operation of the pump provides stronger surface displacements in the aquarium, which are comparable with a wave in open water and which expose the plants and living beings in the aquarium to an alternating mechanical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tunze Aquarientechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Tunze
  • Publication number: 20120048202
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aquaculturing marine life forms such as coral utilizing a rotating tray that exposes the marine life forms to variable water flow conditions during each revolution of the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Karen R. Spartz
  • Publication number: 20110297097
    Abstract: An aquaponic method and apparatus used to raise fish in fish rearing tanks is combined with hydroponic channels for growing crops, in which fertilizer nutrients from the aquaculture effluent are utilized as fertilizer. The aquaponic method and apparatus produce a first water circulation system during the day in which water is repeatedly cycled from a sump, bypassing fish rearing tanks, to a clarifier for removing solids, a degasifier for removing volatile compound, then to the hydroponic channels, and then, back from the hydroponic channels to the sump. The aquaponic method and apparatus also produce a second circulation system during the night in which water is repeatedly cycled from the sump to the fish rearing tanks, from the fish rearing tanks to the clarifier, then from the clarifier to the hydroponic channels and then back from the hydroponic channels to the sump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Saad F. Alshammary
  • Publication number: 20110253056
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting system and apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums. The features and functionality of the lighting system and apparatus provide easy access to the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. In addition, the features and functionality of some embodiments provide a lighting system that does not require ballasts, light sockets, or a multitude of wiring, and includes a modular design. Further, for some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while simultaneously limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Fredricks
  • Publication number: 20110209668
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aquarium with a pressure-tight aquarium tank (7-12), which during operation is filled with a liquid, and with a pressure-resistant rising pipe (1), which opens out into the aquarium tank (7-12) and is intended for producing an increased hydrostatic pressure in the aquarium tank (7-12) by a liquid column located in the rising pipe (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Günter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20110155073
    Abstract: An aquarium combined with cat furniture comprising an aquarium full of water that is used to house aquatic animals and is supported on a platform, which is an integral part of cat furniture. The cat furniture is covered in carpeting or similar material. The cat furniture functions as both a platform to support the aquarium and to provide artificial cat habitat to facilitate such functional cat behaviors as climbing, clawing, hiding, stalking and sleeping. There can be a removable hood placed on top of the aquarium that is covered in similar material as the cat furniture and used as a perch for a cat. There can also be an air chamber display case submerged inside the aquarium that is in fluid communication with the atmosphere through a conduit that provides a passageway for a cat to travel from outside of the aquarium to the interior air chamber display case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick F. Kilroy
  • Patent number: 7946250
    Abstract: A dual-purpose cap for a jar-aquarium comprising a topwall having (a) at least one ingress aperture sized to accept free unbroken water-stream passage therethrough for cap-on filling of the jar-aquarium and (b) at least one egress aperture smaller than the ingress aperture and spaced therefrom to facilitate controlled cap-on out-pouring of water, whereby jar-aquarium water may be changed without removing the cap. A series of egress apertures may be grouped together along the edge of the topwall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Debra A. Holms, Rory J. Holms
  • Publication number: 20110114030
    Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a standard aquarium tank or similar container, to provide a habitat for water pets such as Red Eared Sliders or other land or water creatures. The device is sloped, utilizing a wedge-like shape, which rests at the bottom of the tank or container. The design is in such a way that the device does not move or float.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: David Kalei Kane Moopuna Perreira
  • Patent number: 7918186
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of various grass-growing devices. In one nonlimiting embodiment, for example, a device for growing grass in a container that provides water to a household pet is disclosed. The device includes a basket that is configured for insertion into the container. The basket comprises one or more apertures that allow for fluid movement through the basket. The device further includes a seed-holding unit. The seed-holding unit of this embodiment comprises a housing in which one or more grass seeds can be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Veterinary Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Michael Rowe, John Michael Lipscomb
  • Publication number: 20110011349
    Abstract: An aquarium including a tank; a stirrer having one end extending upwardly from within the tan and an opposite end rotatably mounted in a bearing at a bottom of the tank; a substrate in the tank; and a sediment drain hole formed in a sidewall or a bottom of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: MAG-LIFE LLC
    Inventor: Anthony Allis
  • Publication number: 20100307423
    Abstract: In order to generate waves in a volume of water of an aquarium, it is proposed that a storage container which extends beyond the surface of the volume of water should be provided in the aquarium. Using a pump, water is periodically pumped from the water container into the storage container and returned from the storage container into the aquarium. The energy delivered to the water during this leads to fluctuations in the position of the free surface of the volume of water and in-phase operation of the pump provides stronger surface displacements in the aquarium, which are comparable with a wave in open water and which expose the plants and living beings in the aquarium to an alternating mechanical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: TUNZE AQUARIENTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Axel Tunze
  • Patent number: 7836853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel aquarium bottom surface substrate consisting of a biocompatible polymeric material with a granular aquarium substrate embedded into the polymer. In an embodiment of the invention there is also a means for attaching aquarium decorations to the aquarium bottom surface substrate to keep them firmly in position during use of the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Mary Elizabeth Locklear
  • Patent number: 7836852
    Abstract: A method of manipulating a spawning cycle of perch across multiple generations that includes identifying a desired out-of-cycle spawning period for perch, selecting a geographic strain of perch having a natural spawning period in proximity to the desired out-of-cycle spawning period, developing a first generation broodstock from the geographic strain, where the broodstock's natural spawning period has been shifted to the desired spawning period using at least one of temperature and photoperiod manipulation, identifying a second desired out-of-cycle spawning period, developing a second generation broodstock from the first generation broodstock, where the second generation broodstock's spawning period has been shifted from the desired out-of-cycle spawning period to the second desired out-of-cycle spawning period using at least one of temperature and photoperiod manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: UWM Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick P. Binkowski
  • Publication number: 20100236489
    Abstract: An aquarium overflow device capable of preventing adverse effects by suction noise of an overflow pipe. The aquarium overflow device according to the present invention is equipped with a water storing portion 52 for storing water W in an aquarium, an overflow pipe 54 extended upwardly in the water storing portion 52 and having an upper end opening for introducing the water W stored in the water storing portion 52 and a lower end opening for discharging the water which is open to a bottom wall side of the water storing portion 52, and a sound preventing cover 47 provided in the water storing portion 52 so as to cover the entire region of the above-water portion of the overflow pipe 54.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Ryuzo Arita, Kazutoshi Tominaga
  • Publication number: 20100218728
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the housing and maintenance of aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of these species and will find wide applicability in the aquaculture industry, aquarium and pet hobby, science instruction and education, environmental screening and toxicity testing, and the education-entertainment field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: KENNETH D. HUGHES
  • Publication number: 20100206240
    Abstract: An endless flow fish tank, which occupies relatively little space, yet allows instinctively swimming fish to swim comfortably. Aerated water is pumped in one direction through a swim chamber, and water returns through a space between inner and outer container, through return flow piping, or through a second swim chamber which also serves as a return flow chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: KEEPALIVE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Vento
  • Patent number: 7743734
    Abstract: In order to generate waves in a volume of water (12) of an aquarium, it is proposed that a storage container (22) which extends beyond the surface of the volume of water (12) should be provided in the aquarium (10). Using a pump (32), water is periodically pumped from the water container (10) into the storage container (22) and returned from the storage container (23) into the aquarium (10). The energy delivered to the water during this leads to fluctuations in the position of the free surface (14) of the volume of water (12) and in-phase operation of the pump (32) provides stronger surface displacements in the aquarium (10), which are comparable with a wave in open water and which expose the plants and living beings in the aquarium to an alternating mechanical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Tunze Aquarientechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Tunze
  • Publication number: 20100116177
    Abstract: A table comprise a tabletop with at least one portion suitable for over hanging at least a portion of a chair; at least one foot for carrying said tabletop; and an integral aquatic container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Anthony YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20100105491
    Abstract: The observation apparatus provided with the observation wheel comprises a water tank housing fish and being arranged around the substantially lower half of a rotation locus of the observation wheel in which at least an inside face facing the observation wheel of the water tank is formed of a transparent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Norio Kojiro
  • Publication number: 20100012044
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal tank stand skirt for an animal tank stand (e.g., a metal stand). The stand includes four legs having a top portion and a bottom portion, a platform having a front long member, a rear long member, and two short members that connect the top end of each leg to form a rectangular opening to receive an animal tank. The animal tank stand skirt includes two rectangular skirt members, each skirt member has a top end, a bottom end, a first side and a second side; one or more fasteners at the top end of the skirt member; and one or more pockets on an inside portion of the skirt member, at or near the first side. The skirt has an opening at the middle at the first sides of each skirt member; and the skirt has a length and width that fit a standard size tank stand. The present invention further includes methods of use thereof, kits and systems that include the animal tank stand skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Armand P. Ghioni
  • Publication number: 20090308326
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aquarium with a water tank (2), filled with water (3) when in operation and containing objects for investigation (4, 19), in particularly biological organisms, said water tank (2) being at least partly located below ground in the earth (5). According to the invention, the water tank (2) runs so deep into the earth (5) that, at least the bottom of the water tank (2) is at the pressure of the deep sea. The invention further relates to a corresponding method of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Heiko Zimmermann, Gunter R. Fuhr
  • Publication number: 20090199779
    Abstract: An aquarium includes a base, a tank on the base, a filter assembly in the tank, a bubble tube extending upward from the filter assembly, a light assembly under the tank and oriented to emit light upwardly through a bubble tube in the tank, a bubbler under the bubble tube, and a cover covering the tank including a window. The bubbler causes water to flow from the tank through the filter assembly and upward through the bubble tube back into the tank, with the light from the light assembly lighting bubbles floating upward through the bubble tube, a portion of the reflected light passing through the window. The light assembly includes multiple colored, light-emitting diodes and a controller for providing light patterns upward and also forward of the aquarium. The bubble tube acts as a light pipe and includes a front surface providing distinctive patterns of reflected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Jerry L. Parks
  • Publication number: 20090101072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive device comprising (a) a container with an object and water and (b) interactive equipment which causes interaction between (i) the object and a user or (ii) the object and other objects via the user's movements or driving by a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: TAIKONG CORP.
    Inventor: Chih-Fei Lee
  • Patent number: 7152552
    Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of uniquely shaped modular members provided with at least one linear slot formed therein and a body provided with a uniform thickness. Selected ones of the modular members have monolithically formed tab portions extending outwardly therefrom and are removably interfitted with the slots. A reservoir is provided with detachably conjoined upper and lower regions directly conjoined to each other wherein the upper region defines a cavity for housing water and aquatic creatures. The lower region is directly engageable with selected ones of the modular members so that the reservoir can be maintained at a substantially stable and elevated position above a ground surface. The reservoir includes a mechanism for illuminating an outer perimeter of the lower region housed with the lower region and isolated from the upper region and a mechanism for removing undesirable debris from the water contained within the upper region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Leslie L. Graham
  • Patent number: 6672250
    Abstract: New and improved molded magnetic geometrical components are used as underwater ornamentation to form the scenery in aquariums and other aquatic displays. These modular imitation rocks and/or other shapes, when added to an aquarium will create a natural setting for the fish. These rocks, gravel, reefs, and other water icons are constructed, in various shapes, sizes, and colors, out of magnetizable materials, having north and south magnetic poles. To form the display, a two-dimensional background structure of the display is constructed from a ferromagnetic material. A first layer of the shaped molded magnetic components are then placed on the background structure, with the magnetic component's north and south poles properly aligning to firmly hold the components on the background structure. Then the various molded magnetic components are stacked on to the first layer of molded magnetic components to construct a three-dimensional scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. Traylor, Roger H. Traylor
  • Patent number: 6618989
    Abstract: A method for growing ornamental plants by hydroponic cultivation, includes the steps of arranging a piece of a tree in a water tank, adhering support members to the tree, the support members being water permeable which are free to deform, placing plants on the support members, the roots of the plants being integrated with the soil, and supplying water to the support members so as to implement hydroponic cultivation of the plants on the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hirose Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Hirose
  • Patent number: 6415739
    Abstract: A tank is combined with a picture frame. The tank has a housing with a recessed portion extending into the interior of the tank. The recessed portion is preferably unitarily formed in a front panel of the tank. The recessed portion is reinforced. The tank preferably has a flat bottom to be used on a table top, and has mounting brackets so it may be hung on a wall. The tank may serve as a fish tank, or other tank, and is preferably a clear plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: James A. Orendorff, Cory L. Amos
  • Patent number: 6067937
    Abstract: A mobile aquarium includes a display tank mounted on a wheeled cart and a system for lowering the center of gravity of the aquarium. In one embodiment, the system for lowering the center of gravity uses a storage tank that is lower than the display tank. The system transfers water from the display tank to the storage tank for moving. The lower water level in the display tank is kept high enough to provide a livable habitat for fish in the display tank. A background lighting system for the aquarium includes a light source and a semi-opaque sheet with a first image on a first side and a second image on a second side. The light source illuminates the sheet so that the second image shows through the first side of the sheet and appears behind the first image. In one embodiment, the first image has a graduate color that is lighter at one end than the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Boschert
  • Patent number: 6041739
    Abstract: An aquarium structure which has first and second vertical support members extending between a lower substrate and an upper substrate, an aquarium mounted between the first and second vertical support members and being moveable in a vertical direction by means of pulleys mounted on the vertical support members, bottom pulleys mounted on bottom corners of the aquarium bottom wall and aquarium end wall, and a wind up pulley, a cable being extended between the wind up pulley, a pulley on one of the support members, around the bottom pulleys, and a second pulley on the second support member. There is also disclosed an embodiment wherein two aquariums are provided which can then be moved in a vertical direction to form a partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Caradant
  • Patent number: 6019064
    Abstract: An animal observation system comprising two enclosures, each configured to provide a habitant for air-breathing animals. A cylindrically shaped gallery connects the enclosures. A section of the gallery is transparent and waterproof. Also included is a fish tank in which the transparent section is embedded. The transparent section spans the space within the tank so that air-breathing animals occupying the transparent section appear to be intermingling with aquatic life within the fish tank. Feeding stations are provided for the air-breathing animals to entice them into the transparent section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Henry Alarcon
  • Patent number: 6006471
    Abstract: An air-cleaning ecosystem apparatus includes: an ecosystem container having green plants, pollutant-absorbable plants and aromatic plants selectively planted in the ecosystem container; at least an illuminator installed in the ecosystem container; a blower having filters connected to the ecosystem container for delivering input air as primarily filtered into the ecosystem container; and an irrigation device for delivering water into the container for watering the plants; whereby upon light exposure by the illuminator, the green plants will conduct photosynthesis for absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and giving off oxygen into the air; the pollutant-absorbable plants will absorb some pollutants existing in the air; and the aromatic plants will release fragrant smell into the air, thereby outputting clean, fragrant air rich in oxygen beneficial for human and animal breathing for completing a gaseous cycle of ecosystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: En-Jang Sun
  • Patent number: 5906176
    Abstract: A combination fish tank and fire extinguisher including a container having a manually operated pump mounted on the top and a motor housing supporting the bottom. Installed inside the motor housing is a water pump motor, a storage battery and an electric power switch, such that in the event of fire, water can be pumped out of the container by the electric motor or by the manually operated pump to extinguish flames, or by using both the electric motor and the manual pump simultaneously. Furthermore, a filter element box is utilized to cultivate aquatic species when the container serves as a fish tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Jainn-Nan Pei
  • Patent number: 5865141
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a sealed ecological system that is self-sustaining, remains in dynamic equilibrium over successive generations of organisms. The wastes generated by one set of organisms are consumed entirely by other organisms as nutrients. This nutrient-waste balance is achieved by limiting the amounts of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium present at the start-up of the system. Further stability and water clarity is achieved by the use of aquatic plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Paragon Space Development Corp.
    Inventors: Jane Poynter, Grant A. Anderson, Taber MacCallum
  • Patent number: 5836264
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei, as well as apparatus for carrying out such process. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank means, flow-through tank means and Y-maze means each equipped with variable-focus camera means taken alone or in combination with one another. The variable-focus camera means platform is also described and is part of our invention. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5823141
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the lass Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus, Penaeus vannamei and Procambrus clarkii. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank means, flow-through tank means and Y-maze means each equipped with variable-focus camera means. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis, Elizabeth A. McCliment
  • Patent number: 5778824
    Abstract: An aquatic animal feeding assembly for use with aquariums, tanks, pools or the like. The feeding assembly (4) comprises an outer magnet (34) placed adjacent an outer surface of the aquarium wall (14) and an inner magnet (32) placed opposite the outer magnet on the inner surface of the aquarium wall such that the magnets attract to each other against the aquarium wall. A food holder (42, 60, 70) is attached to the inner magnet within the aquarium for releasably holding food within the aquarium. The magnets generate an attractive magnetic force sufficient to hold each other in place opposite the aquarium wall. In addition, the outer magnet may be moved along the aquarium wall to thereby move the inner magnet and the food holder to a desirable location within the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Gary Musgrave, Frances L. Farmer
  • Patent number: 5706759
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants and incitants for members of the Procambrus clarkii species of the Class Crustacea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis, Elizabeth A. McCliment