Combined Patents (Class 119/247)
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Patent number: 10168027Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Inventor: Su-Fang Ho
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Patent number: 10064397Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Inventor: Edward Hanson
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Patent number: 9897275Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Inventor: Steven Michael Colby
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Patent number: 9719652Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Inventor: Steven Michael Colby
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Publication number: 20150101540Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: Elive LLCInventors: Matthew Allen, Thomas Lutz
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Patent number: 8875660Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Teddy Tank Technology, LLCInventor: Spencer Grabois
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Patent number: 8747075Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Nicola Gandini
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Patent number: 8733385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventors: Soichi Ogawa, Yutaka Yoshida
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Publication number: 20140102376Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: FETON LimitedInventors: Chih Chun Li, Cheng Hsiu Wu
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Patent number: 8695536Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Richard S. Hendey, III
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Publication number: 20140033984Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: FETON LIMITEDInventors: Chih Chun Li, Cheng Hsiu Wu
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Publication number: 20130186346Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: KOLLER ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Dennis R. Milford, J. David Wharton, Chunlin Xiao
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Publication number: 20130092093Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: Dale G. Potts
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Patent number: 8267047Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Tunze Aquarientechnik GmbHInventor: Axel Tunze
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Publication number: 20120048202Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Karen R. Spartz
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Publication number: 20110297097Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventor: Saad F. Alshammary
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Publication number: 20110253056Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventor: Dennis Fredricks
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Publication number: 20110209668Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2008Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Günter R. Fuhr, Heiko Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20110155073Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: Patrick F. Kilroy
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Patent number: 7946250Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventors: Debra A. Holms, Rory J. Holms
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Publication number: 20110114030Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: David Kalei Kane Moopuna Perreira
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Patent number: 7918186Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Veterinary Ventures, Inc.Inventors: Sean Michael Rowe, John Michael Lipscomb
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Publication number: 20110011349Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: MAG-LIFE LLCInventor: Anthony Allis
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Publication number: 20100307423Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: TUNZE AQUARIENTECHNIK GMBHInventor: Axel Tunze
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Patent number: 7836853Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventor: Mary Elizabeth Locklear
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Patent number: 7836852Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: UWM Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: Frederick P. Binkowski
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Publication number: 20100236489Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2006Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Ryuzo Arita, Kazutoshi Tominaga
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Publication number: 20100218728Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventor: KENNETH D. HUGHES
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Publication number: 20100206240Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: KEEPALIVE, INC.Inventor: Thomas Joseph Vento
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Patent number: 7743734Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Tunze Aquarientechnik GmbHInventor: Axel Tunze
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Publication number: 20100116177Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Robert Anthony YOUNG
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Publication number: 20100105491Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Norio Kojiro
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Publication number: 20100012044Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2008Publication date: January 21, 2010Inventor: Armand P. Ghioni
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Publication number: 20090308326Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: Heiko Zimmermann, Gunter R. Fuhr
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Publication number: 20090199779Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Jerry L. Parks
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Publication number: 20090101072Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: TAIKONG CORP.Inventor: Chih-Fei Lee
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Patent number: 7152552Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Inventor: Leslie L. Graham
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Patent number: 6672250Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventors: Thomas A. Traylor, Roger H. Traylor
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Patent number: 6618989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Hirose Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuru Hirose
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Patent number: 6415739Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventors: James A. Orendorff, Cory L. Amos
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Patent number: 6067937Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 11, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Jeffrey D. Boschert
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Patent number: 6041739Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Inventor: Jean-Pierre Caradant
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Patent number: 6019064Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Inventor: Henry Alarcon
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Patent number: 6006471Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: En-Jang Sun
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Patent number: 5906176Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Inventor: Jainn-Nan Pei
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Patent number: 5865141Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 22, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Paragon Space Development Corp.Inventors: Jane Poynter, Grant A. Anderson, Taber MacCallum
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Patent number: 5836264Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis
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Patent number: 5823141Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis, Elizabeth A. McCliment
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Patent number: 5778824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Inventors: Gary Musgrave, Frances L. Farmer
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Patent number: 5706759Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants and incitants for members of the Procambrus clarkii species of the Class Crustacea.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1995Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis, Elizabeth A. McCliment