Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for creating a "pop jet" type of ornamental fountain with an output stream in the form of surface-tension envelope or "ball" of fluid, embedded with air bubbles. By virtue of the laminar nature of the fluid created, the natural surface tension of the fluid prevents the envelope from flying apart into multiple fluid drops. The envelope therefore can be created much larger than has been possible previously. Previous attempts at building "pop jet" type fountains have been limited to creating relatively small envelopes due to the internal turbulence of the fluid. The present invention minimizes internal turbulence by utilizing various advances in envelope shape, outlet orifice design and diffuser strucutre. It enhances the size of the envelope produced by adding fluid and air bubbles outside the outlet orifice by directing the output stream sthrough a secondary pool of fluid.

Abstract: A lighted laminar-flow fluid nozzle is provided for use in decorative water fountains and industrial applications which defines fluid flow through a double-walled, bladder-like fluid supply hose, into a fluid chamber and through a diffuser, past trapped air pockets and exiting through a knife-edged outlet orifice. The fluid nozzle is mounted upon one or more stages of vibration dampening springs and the outlet orifice is located off center from the walls of the fluid chamber, all so that pump surges and vibrations are greatly dampened and the output fluid stream is sufficiently highly laminar so that light is conducted through the length of the output fluid stream in the manner of a fiber optic cable.