Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the treatment of an endless web, wherein exhaust vapors, formed in a treatment chamber, are withdrawn together with returned gases with a vacuum from the treatment chamber and are led into a separator to be separated into gas and liquid. The gas is further heated in a vacuum generator and is then returned into the treatment zone, wherein the endless web is led in the treatment zone over rollers with heating devices.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for the treatment of an endless web of fabric with a washing liquid and employing a vacuum. The treatment medium is withdrawn from the treatment zone and the withdrawn treatment medium is separated in a cyclone into a gas and a liquid. The liquid is pumped back into the treatment zone. The gas is heated additionally in a vacuum generator and is then returned into the treatment zone.

Abstract: A balloon valve that can control the flow of a display fluid through the supply pipe of a water display. The supply pipe is typically suspended from a structure and releases a slug of water into a pool. The pipe is located at a distance from the pool so that the water slug breaks up into a rain shower. The balloon valve includes an inflatable hose located within the supply pipe and coupled to a source of pressurized working fluid. The flow of working fluid into the balloon valve is controlled by a control valve. When the control valve is in a first state, working fluid flows into the balloon valve to expand the hose. The hose is expanded to completely fill a portion of the pipe and prevent the display fluid from flowing through the pipe. When the control valve is in a second state, the balloon valve is deflated so that the display fluid can again flow through the supply pipe and out of the display.

Abstract: An air powered water display nozzle unit which has an adjustable nozzle coupled to a housing by a support plate and a plurality of springs.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a tubular collector and an electrode suspended therein. The electrode includes a substantially cylindrical collector portion and a charging portion which includes a rod and a charging disk, wherein the gap between the charging disk and the collector is at least as great as the gap between the collector portion of the electrode and the collector.

Abstract: A water display that has a container with a floor that defines an inner cavity. The container has a top opening adapted to allow a fluid to flow into the inner cavity at a first predetermined flowrate. The floor is constructed to contain the fluid when the fluid flows into the inner cavity, such that the fluid reaches a first predetermined level within the container. The floor also has a floor opening adapted to allow the fluid to flow out of the inner cavity. Within the container is a valve operatively connected to the floor opening that allows the fluid to flow out of the inner cavity at a second predetermined flowrate, when the fluid level reaches the first predetermined level. The second flowrate being greater than the first flowrate, such that when the valve allows the fluid to flow out of the container, the fluid level in the inner cavity decreases until the fluid level reaches a second predetermined level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a thrill-seeking ride from a raised access platform, the ride having a water slide descending at a predetermined angle with respect to the platform and wherein the slide has a support or "riding" surface located along a predetermined plane. According to the method, the rider is placed in a substantially erect position within a housing while the housing is located at a first position on the raised access platform. The housing has at least a back and a releasable bottom. Thereafter, the housing with the rider therein is extended from the first position on the raised access platform to a second position wherein the back of the housing is substantially aligned with the predetermined plane of the slide support surface. The bottom of the housing is then released to drop the rider onto the water slide.

Abstract: Water displays utilizing laminar flow streams to create dynamic arch-like displays are disclosed. The laminar flow nozzle is mounted on an assembly for changing the angle and repositioning the laminar flow nozzle so that the laminar flow stream appears to eminate from a fixed location at different angles, which allows varying the characteristics of the display in a dynamic manner. Simultaneous control of the nozzle position and angle with control of the pressure of water supplied thereto allows the stream to be varied to create a dynamic display with the stream returning to a sink region at a fixed position independent of the height of the water stream. Illuminating the laminar flow stream internally causes the same to glow like a fluorescent tube with the color being supplied thereto, changeable as desired. Intersecting laminar flow streams provide interesting water formations, with the intersections of two streams of different colors causing still a third color at the flared region of the intersection.

Abstract: A wave generator for generating waves in pools and the like for water sports, amusement and the like. The wave generator has a water inlet/outlet disposed and configured so that when acting as an inlet, it will draw water from the pool and not air from above the pool. The wave generator includes a sealable chamber coupled to the water inlet/outlet for temporary storage of a substantial quantity of water at elevations above the level of water in the pool. In operation the chamber is sealed and air is pumped therefrom by a suitable air pump, by an entrainment device or other equipment, substantially filling the chamber with water from the pool. To generate a wave, the upper part of the chaber is then vented to the atmosphere, allowing the water in the chamber to rush out through the inlet/outlet thereof, with the sudden rush of water generating the desired wave. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Water displays utilizing laminar flow streams to create dynamic arch-like displays are disclosed. The laminar flow nozzle is mounted on an assembly for changing the angle and repositioning the laminar flow nozzle so that the laminar flow stream appears to eminate from a fixed location at different angles, which allows varying the characteristics of the display in a dynamic manner. Simultaneous control of the nozzle position and angle with control of the pressure of water supplied thereto allows the stream to be varied to create a dynamic display with the stream returning to a sink region at a fixed position independent of the height of the water stream. Illuminating the laminar flow stream internally causes the same to glow like a fluorescent tube with the color being supplied thereto, changeable as desired. Intersecting laminar flow streams provide interesting water formations, with the intersection of two streams of different colors causing still a third color at the flared region of the intersection.

Abstract: A safe, dry storage compartment for use in combination with a jet ski water craft, the compartment being adapted for secure affixure to the top surface of a jet ski guide arm. The compartment consists of a mounting structure that is adapted for secure affixure to the guide arm and which is further formed to include a storage container of elongate volume. A hinged container cover is then secured over the elongate container opening and locked closed in sealed relationship to protect personal valuables, dry matter and the like stored within the compartment container.

Abstract: Fast acting airpowered water displays which may be computer controlled to operate over a wide range of duration and timings and methods of operating the same are disclosed. The water displays are comprised of one or more nozzles directed upward, typically just above or just below the water level in a fountain pool. Each nozzle is connected to a water reservoir submerged, at least in part, in a fountain pool and coupled adjacent the bottom of the reservoir to the inlet for the nozzle. The water reservoir, which may be in the form of a pipe of a substantial diameter, is also coupled to a check valve submerged in the fountain pool to allow water to refill the reservoir but to prevent water from escaping therefrom through the check valve. A solenoid valve controllably connects the upper portion of the water reservoir to a supply of air under pressure.

Abstract: Water displays utilizing laminar flow streams to create dynamic arch-like displays are disclosed. The laminar flow nozzle is mounted on an assembly for changing the angle and repositioning the laminar flow nozzle so that the laminar flow stream appears to eminate from a fixed location at different angles, which allows varying the characteristics of the display in a dynamic manner. Simultaneous control of the nozzle position and angle with control of the pressure of water supplied thereto allows the stream to be varied to create a dynamic display with the stream returning to a sink region at a fixed position independent of the height of the water stream. Illuminating the laminar flow stream internally causes the same to glow like a fluorescent tube with the color being supplied thereto, changeable as desired. Intersecting laminar flow streams provide interesting water formations, with the intersection of two streams of different colors causing still a third color at the flared region of the intersection.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a base coupled to a water source, the base outputting a stream of water for supporting a toy ball in mid air. The base includes filtering device for substantially eliminating turbulence from the water stream so that it is substantially laminar. The flowing stream contacts a toy ball and lifts it into a position of equilibrium where the upward force of the stream balances the downward force of gravity acting on the ball so that the ball is suspended in mid air. The flowing water clings to the surface of the ball and generates a force tending to center the ball in this supporting stream. If the ball becomes off center, an unequal force on the side of the ball furthest from the center of the stream will force the ball back to the stream center.

Abstract: Dynamic fountain displays and methods of creating the same for providing water displays wnich may substantially constantly vary in interesting and seemingly endless ways. In one form, the fountains are comprised of a matrix of fountain nozzles positioned below a deck formed with open joint paving so as to be useable as a patio or walkway when the fountain is not used. Each nozzle is connected to a source of water under pressure through a proportional control system for that nozzle responsive to a computer output so that each nozzle may be independently and proportionally controlled by the computer as desired. To facilitate the programming of the settings for a large array of nozzles, a plurality such as 256 individual patterns for the array of nozzles are first mutually programmed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for generating and controllably terminating a laminar flow stream of fluid to give the effect of slicing the output stream perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis. The diverting means of the present invention is formed as a unitary assembly with a laminar output nozzle, and is disposed in a water tight tank coupled to the laminar flow nozzle. For diversion of the laminar flow stream, a continuous flow of water is controllably diverted by an electrically controlled solenoid valve into the path of the laminar flow stream. This diverting stream diverts the direction of the output flow so that it is captured within the tank and merely allowed to drain therefrom. By providing the diverter as an integrated assembly with the laminar flow nozzle, the diverter may be adjusted one time, and thereafter may be disassembled, reassembled, etc., without requiring further adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a venturi- and snorkel-less water fountain nozzle that creates low mounds of flowing water for water fountain displays. Instead of incorporating a venturi and snorkel like prior art nozzles, the present invention features an inverted cone dispersion element mounted partially within the nozzle that accelerates water flowing through the nozzle and directs it radially outwards to produce the appearance of a mound. The nozzle is typically submerged under 1/2 to 3/4 inches of water. The appearance of the mound can be varied by varying the depth of submergence of, or the flow rate of water through the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention consists of a colored flame system for illuminating water fountains. A burner assembly, comprising a main burner, a pilot burner, an igniter, a flame sensor and multiple colorant nozzles is located adjacent to one or more water nozzles of the fountain. A control unit oversees operation of the system. Upon commands from an operator, the control unit causes the pilot and main burners to light and injects the desired colorants into the main burner flame. The colorants are concentrated solutions of metallic salts. The flame sensor acts as a safety device insuring that gas and colorants are emitted only when the pilot and main burners are lit.