Aquarium Illumination Patents (Class 119/267)
  • Patent number: 12150435
    Abstract: An example aquatic imaging system comprises a light source, a first platform coupled with a image capture device and a second platform that is parallel to the platform, the image capture device having a first field of view, and, the second platform being coupled to a organism tank, first organism tank having an inner wall, outer wall and a base that defines a well capable of retaining water, the base being parallel to the second platform, the organism tank configured to receive a light beam originating from the light source and configured to project at least a portion of the light beam through the well and in a directional plane that is parallel to the base, the image capture device configured to direct the first field of view from the first platform through the well in the organism tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Martineau & Associates
    Inventor: Pierre R. Martineau
  • Patent number: 11606939
    Abstract: An aquarium system includes an aquarium tank arrangement and a light source. The light source has a controllable output of colored light projecting into the aquarium tank arrangement. The light source can provide a cycle of projecting light of at least two different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Flora, John Edward Fox, Jr., Joseph Roark, Chad Robbins
  • Patent number: 11272600
    Abstract: To provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing method. Provided is an information processing apparatus that includes a recognition section and an output control section. The recognition section recognizes background content displayed in a background of an aquarium. The output control section controls an output of light into an interior of the aquarium that acts as a foreground, on the basis of a result of recognizing the background content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takatoshi Nakamura, Takashi Ishizaka, Kuniaki Kurihara, Tomomichi Kataoka
  • Patent number: 10897879
    Abstract: A combination aquarium with an eye-catching design is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bowl that is removably received and supported by a lower receptacle having first sidewalls which curve in a concave-up fashion and are dimensioned to receive and support a lower portion of the body of the bowl, and an upper receptacle dimensioned to be removably positioned over an upper portion of the body of the bowl and having an opening which substantially aligns with an opening at the top of the bowl, where the upper receptacle has second sidewalls which curve in a concave-down fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: PetSmart Home Office, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Stocker Watson
  • Patent number: 10149959
    Abstract: A night light with integrated water features is provided. Changing audial frequencies are generated by the cavitation bubbles in the lower chamber and simulate the tranquil, calming effects of gently tumbling waves on a beach. The cavitation bubbles also sparkle with color when illuminated by lighting below the lower chamber, providing substantial augmentation of the visual display. Colorful beads in the bead chamber are propelled in graceful random multidirectional movements, simulating the unpredictable movements of fish. Thus, the night lamp with integrated water features may serve as a maintenance free surrogate fish bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Anthony A. Cibulski
  • Patent number: 9999205
    Abstract: The invention is a kit to produce a logo or picture on the bottom of an aquarium through the use of color stones. The method begins by creating or finding the picture. Next one converts the picture into areas. Each area has only one distinct color. The third step is to form an outline that encloses each of the areas. The next step is to transfer the outline from the logo to the surface. This surface can be the bottom of an aquarium or a separate surface. The fifth step is to form partitions on the outline on the surface. The partitions must be sufficiently deep to hold a least one layer of stones or sand. The last step is to place colored stones or colored sand within the partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Cooks
  • Patent number: 9504235
    Abstract: A control system for an aquarium lighting system in which motor drivers alter over time the relative inclination of a light source with respect to an ornamental feature (18) within the aquarium. The effect is that light intensity (92, 94) falling incident on an ornamental feature more accurately simulates natural light impinging on a natural environment from day and seasonal movements of the sun. In addition to the relative change in inclination, power settings for the light source can be adjusted to further mimic the effects experienced with daily variations of climate and/or weather. The system effectively changes the angle of incidence of light and outwardly facing areas of ornamental features or areas beneath overhangs receive programmable levels of illumination that would otherwise not be possible with an overhead, single fixed-position light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: JEKK Limited
    Inventors: Kit Yan Eric Tang, Tin Yau Cheung
  • Patent number: 8863694
    Abstract: An LED-based aquarium lighting system having upgradeable control system and a method thereof are provided. The system includes an LED source having a plurality of LED lights, a marine habitat for housing a marine habitat life, a control system which comprises a motherboard, a control panel, and a control module. The control module is replaceable with a new control module to provide upgrades of operational modes and features of the aquarium lighting system. Accordingly, to perform an upgrade of the control system, a user replaces the control module with a new control module by removing the control module from the motherboard and plugging the new control module in the motherboard, thereby readily making upgrades of operational modes and features of the aquarium lighting system without requiring the entire aquarium lighting system be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Orbital Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Bourget, Ronald J. Anderson, Barry Arneson
  • Publication number: 20140305376
    Abstract: An aquarium includes a curved aquarium housing that supports water, the water including a water surface that separates water from air within the housing. The aquarium also includes a lighting system coupled to the aquarium housing, the lighting system including an arm and a light element disposed at an end of the arm and outside of the aquarium housing that directs light into the aquarium housing at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the water surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Elive LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lutz, Matthew Allen
  • Patent number: 8844469
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus that may be utilized with an aquarium having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of the aquarium for various purposes such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises a plurality of panels; a joint that joins at least two adjacent panels together; and a lighting element disposed on the aquarium lighting apparatus such that the lighting element illuminates a side common to all of the panels. For some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cogent Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Fredricks
  • Publication number: 20140261216
    Abstract: A fish tank illumination system including an external light unit placed against a transparent panel on a fish tank filled with water, and a decorative element submerged and placed inside the fish tank. The external light unit includes a light source producing a narrow light beam through the transparent panel. The decorative element or adapter is mounted on the inside surface of the transparent panel opposite the external light unit. The decorative element may include transparent or translucent objects or internal cavities illuminated by the light from the external light unit. The adapter may be used to receive the light from the external light unit or used to mount the decorative element on the transparent panel. Magnetic elements in the external light unit and on the decorative elements are used to align and hold the light unit and decorative element or the adapter on opposite sides of the transparent panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Gary Fosburg, Mark Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140261211
    Abstract: An illuminating system for illuminating a vivarium from the side panel of a vivarium using light emitting diodes. A containment ring for dispensing fish food within an aquarium. A perforated container with a lid for dispensing food within a vivarium. A brush for cleaning a vivarium. A method for soaking food in a sinking tray. A method of dispensing bait from a perforated container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ling Liu Tuan, Charles T. Tuan
  • Publication number: 20140261215
    Abstract: A fish food dispensing assembly is comprised of: (A) a handle member; (B) a perforated container that is selectively magnetically linked to a handle member; and (C) a fish food containment ring configured to be magnetically linked to the perforated container and to the handle member. The perforated container is configured to receive fish food therein and is placed within the containment ring such that the fish food dispensed within the aquarium is substantially dispensed within a specific location within the aquarium. A floating containment ring orients a brush plate in convenient parallel position for convenient linking to the handle member. LEDs on the handle member provide illumination in different colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ling Liu Tuan, Charles T. Tuan
  • Publication number: 20140230741
    Abstract: An aquarium includes a wall separating an internal environment within the enclosure from an external environment outside of the enclosure, and a power transmission system that transmits power wireless through the wall. The power transmission system includes a power source and an external inductor coupled to the power source, the external inductor coupled to the wall. The power transmission system also includes an internal inductor coupled to the wall and separated from the external inductor by the wall, and an internal element disposed within the enclosure, the internal element coupled to the internal conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew Allen, Thomas Lutz
  • Publication number: 20140224182
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to mollusk with fluorescent coatings. Also disclosed are aquarium kits comprising a tank, mollusk and an excitation light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: YORKTOWN TECHNOLOGIES, L.P.
    Inventors: Alan BLAKE, Richard CROCKETT
  • Publication number: 20140216351
    Abstract: An aquarium having an adjustable lighting system for enhancing the display of fluorescent objects, such as fluorescent fish, contained within the aquarium under various external lighting conditions, such as a dark room or a brightly lit room. The aquarium comprises a tank and a plurality of light sources. Each light source emits light at a different wavelength spectrum which is selected to enhance the display of the fluorescent object under each type of external lighting condition. An electronic control is provided to control the operation of the plurality of light sources such that each light source may be selectively turned on/off based on the external lighting condition, or chronological criteria, to provide the best viewing experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Yorktown Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Alan Blake
  • Publication number: 20140209035
    Abstract: A control system for an aquarium lighting system in which motor drivers alter over time the relative inclination of a light source with respect to an ornamental feature (18) within the aquarium. The effect is that light intensity (92, 94) falling incident on an ornamental feature more accurately simulates natural light impinging on a natural environment from day and seasonal movements of the sun. In addition to the relative change in inclination, power settings for the light source can be adjusted to further mimic the effects experienced with daily variations of climate and/or weather. The system effectively changes the angle of incidence of light and outwardly facing areas of ornamental features or areas beneath overhangs receive programmable levels of illumination that would otherwise not be possible with an overhead, single fixed-position light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Solvic Limited
    Inventors: Kit Yan Eric Tang, Tin Yau Cheung
  • 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: 20120227673
    Abstract: An aquarium suitable for keeping, maintaining and displaying jellyfish is described. The aquarium has a container having a first and second exterior wall and a panel connecting the first and second exterior wall and defining an interior of the container, an interior wall having an upper and lower side, an upper and lower end, a first and second side, wherein the first side of the interior wall is connected to the first exterior wall of the container and the second side of the interior wall is connected to the second exterior wall of the container, and further wherein the interior wall is positioned parallel at least a portion of the panel along at least a side of the exterior wall to form a channel therebetween, an air pump positioned in communication with a lower end of the channel and a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Jellyfish Art LLC, a California Limited Liability Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Urban Andon
  • Patent number: 8230815
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Current USA
    Inventor: Dennis Fredricks
  • Publication number: 20120174870
    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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Spencer Grabois
  • Publication number: 20120174871
    Abstract: An aquatic tank comprising a housing shaped or otherwise configured to represent an animate object is presented. Furthermore, the housing comprises a body with a display area, and a removably disposed upper head portion. A container is disposed within body of the housing and is viewable through the display area. The apparatus also comprises a lid removably disposed relative to the container in order to allow at least temporary access into said interior portion thereof. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of elongated access channels disposed within the housing in a manner such that the access channels are fluidically connected to 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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Spencer Grabois
  • Publication number: 20120152177
    Abstract: An LED-based aquarium lighting system having upgradeable control system and a method thereof are provided. The system includes an LED source having a plurality of LED lights, a marine habitat for housing a marine habitat life, a control system which comprises a motherboard, a control panel, and a control module. The control module is replaceable with a new control module to provide upgrades of operational modes and features of the aquarium lighting system. Accordingly, to perform an upgrade of the control system, a user replaces the control module with a new control module by removing the control module from the motherboard and plugging the new control module in the motherboard, thereby readily making upgrades of operational modes and features of the aquarium lighting system without requiring the entire aquarium lighting system be replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Bourget, Ronald J. Anderson, Barry Arneson
  • Publication number: 20120137983
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises an arm member fixedly attached to the panel, a clamp member for attachment of the device to a wall of the aquarium, a hinge member for hingedly attaching the arm member to the clamp member, and at least one light element disposed on the at least one panel such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis Fredricks
  • Publication number: 20120060763
    Abstract: An adhesive optical fiber device for aquarium has a light-emitting device and a light-guiding optical fiber device. The light-emitting device and the light-guiding optical fiber device include respectively a first magnetic device and a second magnetic device. The light-emitting device and the light-guiding optical fiber device are disposed on the outer and inner surfaces of a sidewall of the aquarium, respectively, and fixed thereon due to the attraction between the first magnetic device and the second magnetic device. The light source of the light-emitting device aims at a light entrance of the light-guiding optical fiber device, so that the optical fiber cores of the light-guiding optical fiber device can transmit light and emit light on their free ends. The optical fiber cores in the aquarium can be distributed by demand to decorate the aquarium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Chuan-Hsiang LIN
  • Publication number: 20120037081
    Abstract: An aquarium includes a semi-cylindrical transparent casing for holding water and water animals and plants and covered with a top cover, a base member attached to the bottom side of the transparent casing and defining an open space, a battery-operated LED lamp detachably mounted in the open space of the base member and controllable to emit light upwardly toward the inside of the transparent casing. The battery-operated LED lamp can be removed from the base member, and attached to the top cover to emit light downwardly toward the inside of the transparent casing, or separately used as a mobile lighting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Yu-Chin WANG
  • Patent number: 8113147
    Abstract: An aquarium includes a semi-cylindrical transparent casing for holding water and water animals and plants and covered with a top cover, a base member attached to the bottom side of the transparent casing and defining an open space, a battery-operated LED lamp detachably mounted in the open space of the base member and controllable to emit light upwardly toward the inside of the transparent casing. The battery-operated LED lamp can be removed from the base member, and attached to the top cover to emit light downwardly toward the inside of the transparent casing, or separately used as a mobile lighting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 8100087
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises two or more panels; one or more joints that join at least two adjacent panels together; and one or more light elements disposed on the aquarium lighting apparatus such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all of the panels. For some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cogent Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Fredricks
  • 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: 20110253057
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises two or more panels; one or more joints that join at least two adjacent panels together; and one or more light elements disposed on the aquarium lighting apparatus such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all of the panels. For some embodiments, features of the present invention allow the lighting apparatus to illuminate the aquarium, while limiting the evaporation of water from the aquarium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis FREDRICKS
  • Publication number: 20110239951
    Abstract: An aquarium pump having LED lamps, wherein the coil unit of a motor unit in the pump housing is used as a primary coil unit, and a first insulating layer is used to envelop the primary coil unit, then a secondary coil unit is used to wind the primary coil unit; taking advantage of induction of the secondary coil unit to the primary coil unit to generate a low voltage for using by the LED illuminating lamp set. Kinetic energy during rotation of an internal magnet of a motor for the pump is used as induction potential, this is the energy required that can get an effect of energy saving and carbon reducing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Yu-Chin WANG
  • Publication number: 20110048332
    Abstract: This invention is an illumination apparatus for an aquarium. In particular, the invention illuminates the back wall of the aquarium where the wall has a decorative panel of scenery. The illumination apparatus may be used in aquariums, terrariums, or similar enclosures. The illumination apparatus of the present invention allows for the use of filtration systems and other caretaking systems on the same wall as the illumination apparatus. The present invention uniformly illuminates the decorative panel and the aquarium, providing a pleasing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Sang Soo Lee
  • Publication number: 20100218727
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment, hatching, and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms. Methods and device can be applied widely in the care and culture of aquatic and semi-aquatic organisms important 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 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: KENNETH D. HUGHES
  • Publication number: 20100206239
    Abstract: A wall mountable tank system for holding live flora or fauna includes an integrally formed tank including a rear panel, a bottom panel, and at least one of a front panel, first side panel, and second side panel. The panels define a tank interior for containing the flora or fauna. The rear panel includes a mounting portion having a receiving groove. A mounting member capable of being fixedly coupled to a vertical mounting surface is provided. The mounting member includes a tongue portion receivable in the receiving groove for engaging the mounting member to the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Narda Margerum, Linda R. McCoy
  • 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: 20090229533
    Abstract: Closed top home aquarium for setting up and maintaining a sea water aquatic environment in particular. The aquarium includes a transparent open topped box-like enclosure, a compartment integrally formed with and behind the box-like enclosure, and a hinged dual position fan cooled hood. The compartment includes a water circulation system and a multistage filtration system. The hood includes a lighting system for daytime and nighttime illumination, and a built-in 24 programmable timer. The aquarium includes a thermostat controlled water temperature system and a below water level splash proof power center for safely and aesthetically connecting all electrical aquarium components to a mains electricity outlet. Home aquariums can be provided with an integrally formed below water level splash proof power center for use with off-the-shelf electrical aquarium appliances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Neil H. Marks, Eli Nissemberg, Sharon Ram
  • Patent number: 7500776
    Abstract: A fiber optic illumination system and method is utilized to provide illumination for decorative fixtures and objects situated in an aquarium, terrarium, and the like. An external, high-intensity lamp, powered by household electricity, provides the light source for a flexible, fiber optic bundle that is insulated and waterproofed. A motorized, interchangeable color wheel, located between the lamp and the fiber optic bundle, modifies the light source to create colored light. Once the light bundle is inserted into the water tank, the fiber optic strands are separated and directed to a plurality of interchangeable, transparent and translucent fixtures and objects to decorate the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew S. Buczko
  • Patent number: 7201114
    Abstract: Apparatuses for directing the displacement of aquatic crustaceans are provided and are particularly used to carry out the methods for attracting the motion of aquatic crustaceans after feeding by utilizing their biological tendency responding to a bright and dark contrast. These apparatuses generate the visual effect of bright and dark contrast at a predetermined place within the water body of culture and comprise a container for carrying the water body of culture and a predetermined place inside said container expressing an effect of bright and dark contrast. Light emitters themselves or protrusions and/or painted patterns/figures and/or filtration of light filters, under the existence of illuminating light, are used for generating visual effect of the bright and dark contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Shyh-Min Tom Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7081198
    Abstract: An aquarium includes a bottom tank which has a pump circulate water via a first pipe and a first drainage pipe provided on top of the bottom tank to maintain water level in the bottom tank in a predetermined level, a middle tank mounted on top of the bottom tank and having a filtering box, a collecting pipe, a receiving box, a lid to cover the inlet of the collecting pipe and a funnel in communication with the lid via a conduit and a top tank having a filtering plate mounted on top of the bottom to cover the through hole and having multiple apertures, a top board to cover the top tank, an illuminating device to illuminate the top tank and a feeding device mounted on top of the top board for distributing food to fish in the top tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Fu-Sheng Weng
  • Patent number: 7000567
    Abstract: A method for directing the displacement of aquatic crustaceans after feeding by utilizing their biological tendency responding to a bright and dark contrast is provided. This method comprises steps to generate the visual effect of this bright and dark contrast at a predetermined place within the water body of culture. Light coming from light emitters directly or from reflection of protrusions and/or painted patterns/figures, and/or filtration of light filters, with the existence of illuminating light, are used for generating visual effect of the bright and dark contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Shyh-Min Tom Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6866006
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improving illumination of aquariums and support of aquatic features placed therein. These improvements are due, at least in part, by providing an aquarium having a recess portion extending inwardly from a wall portion, wherein the recess portion has a transparent or translucent surface for transmitting external light into the container and optionally a shelf structure for supporting aquatic items placed in the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: David Annis
  • Patent number: 6742477
    Abstract: A decorative background assembly for an aquarium, having a plurality of interchangeable illustrated display panels, for enhancing the appearance of the aquarium. The assembly has a waterproof housing which encloses a frame which selectively holds one of the display panels. The housing also encloses a fluorescent light fixture and an angled mirror in proximity to the light fixture. The housing has hooks for selective attachment of the decorative background assembly to the rear wall of the aquarium. The fluorescent light fixture and the mirror are mounted in proximity to the lower portion of the housing. In use, a user chooses one of the illustrated display panels for insertion into the frame. The user then selectively attaches the decorative background assembly to the rear wall of the aquarium by fitting the hooks over the rear wall of the aquarium. The fluorescent light is then illuminated, thereby illuminating the display panel with light reflected by the angled mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Marraudino
  • Publication number: 20030137829
    Abstract: The Shimmerlight Aquarium Illuminator differs from conventional flourescent or incandescent aquarium light hoods in that it generates rays of light in the water which have motion and increased contrast, rather than simply flat, uniform light. It has natural underwater light movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan Keith Ayers
  • Patent number: 6210015
    Abstract: A stand for cakes or pastries comprises a base, a transparent column mounted to said base, and a platform positioned on said transparent tube to support the cake or pastry. Air bubbles are introduced into water in the transparent tube, and an electric bulb in the base lights up the water and air bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth Alan Ross
  • Patent number: 6086215
    Abstract: An aquarium and laser device associated therewith includes a tank having a base and transparent continuous wall sealingly connected to the base and extending upward therefrom to form a container, and a laser device operably associated with the tank in a manner such that the laser device is powerable to cause a laser beam to traverse the tank. The laser device preferably includes an ornamental structure disposed on the base of the tank and has operably disposed therein a laser beam emitter connected to a power source. A method of using the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Miracle Beam, Inc.
    Inventors: Delena Giattino, Bear Hsiung
  • Patent number: 6015216
    Abstract: A water tank with an illuminating device comprises a source of light and a condenser positioned outside the water tank and below the bottom thereof, a light guide made of a transparent material to guide the condensed light upwards, with the top end of the light guide positioned above the level of water filled in the water tank, and a reflecting surface to reflect the guided light toward the water tank below. The water tank is illuminated from above without locating any illuminating device atop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hirose Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5916801
    Abstract: A computer interfaced device for rapidly quantifying levels of toxicity to small aquatic organisms in aqueous environments. The device has a plurality of test chambers containing replicates of a plurality of concentrations of a substance or sample being tested for toxicity. Each chamber also contains a predetermined number of motile aquatic organisms. Light originating on one side of each test chamber is received by a photo-detector on the opposite side. The device's sensitivity is adjusted so that each interruption of a light beam caused by movement of a test organism in each test chamber is recorded for that chamber. Using this device and a toxicity testing protocol both lethality and changes in the frequency of test organism's movement in each concentration of substance or sample is monitored. Toxicity is by convention quantified as the concentration of a substance or sample which causes a predetermined level of lethal or sublethal response usually after a plurality of days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: Richard William LoPinto, John Christopher Santelli
  • Patent number: 5649757
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for illuminating a decorative scene disposed adjacent to a wall of an aquarium, terrarium, or other such enclosure. The invention provides an easy to use apparatus which effectively and uniformly illuminates a decorative background and is suitable for use with a wide variety of shapes and sizes of these types of enclosures. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a housing defining a cavity having an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper and lower edge, and a top portion, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface is a reflective surface and is inclined relative to the wall of the enclosure. The inclined inner surface includes means for reflecting light incident on at least a part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas M. Aleman, Kim Aleman
  • Patent number: 5628281
    Abstract: An energy efficient aquarium system with a separate cover wherein the lamp or lamps are located below the filters and filter ponds thus heating the filter pond bottom and sides to further heat the water contained in the filter ponds thus eliminating the need for a separate heater and further saving the energy required to heat the water as it flows into the aquarium. Floats each with a filter condition indicator bar are located in the filter ponds wherein the filter condition indicator bars extend through the cover and further indicate the condition of the filter as the water rises in the filter ponds due to the filters filling up with debris that restricts the flow of water passing through the filter; as the water rises in the filter ponds, the float rises and further causes the filter condition indicator to rise wherein it may easily be seen. When the filter condition indicator rises to a predetermined height, the owner of the aquarium would be given notice that the filters need to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Scott A. Kelley
  • Patent number: 5597228
    Abstract: An aquarium landscape system provides a landscape partition enabling the creation of multiple different terrain levels within the aquarium. An internal illumination system is shown having a light assembly underneath the glass bottom of the aquarium and light carrying tubes within the aquarium for carrying the light from the bottom of the tank to the bottom of one or more of the decorative structures within the tank, thereby internally illuminating the decorative structure. In another embodiment of the invention, the exterior surface of the decorative structures within the aquarium is illuminated with a spot light effect. The color of the internal and exterior illumination of the decorative structures can be changed individually for each structure, or can be changed for all structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel Boyle