Separator Or Part Thereof Associated With Bottom Of Aquarium (e.g., Means Positioned Under Gravel, Etc.) Patents (Class 210/167.23)
  • Patent number: 11565199
    Abstract: Locally backwashing portions of filter media allows a simple and effective design of intake and pretreatment units, as well as their integration. An enclosure is used to limit portions of filter media and backwash them locally by suction, utilizing filtered water from adjacent filter media as the back wash water. Wastewater is produced at small amounts that allows efficient sludge treatment. This design enables water pretreatment at the intake unit, simplifying overall plant design and preventing damage to organisms living outside the intake unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventors: Boris Liberman, Vitaly Levitin, Gal Greenberg
  • Patent number: 11523594
    Abstract: An aquaculture system (1) for farming aquatic organisms includes an apparatus (2) for supplying oxygenated water into an enclosure (20) in which aquatic organisms are to be fanned. The apparatus (2) includes a water inlet (4) and an oxygen inlet (6) to create a water and oxygen mixture. The apparatus (2) also includes a venturi (17) arranged to dissolve the oxygen into the water passing through the venturi and such that the oxygen and water mixture passing through the venturi (17) is exposed to a substantially null magnetic field. The apparatus is also arranged such that the water and oxygen mixture that is supplied to the venturi (17) contains substantially no colloidal minerals. The apparatus also includes an outlet (18) for the oxygenated water in fluid communication with, and downstream of, the venturi (17) and in fluid communication with the inlet of the enclosure (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: OXY SOLUTIONS AS
    Inventors: Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, Ingrid Moen, Hege Ugland, Arild Hermansen, Camilla Haglerod
  • Patent number: 11304378
    Abstract: An aquatic weed planting plate for an aquarium is provided. The aquatic weed planting plate for aquarium includes a plate body and at least four feet. A plurality of planting holes is formed in the plate body at intervals. A plurality of dirt collecting holes is formed around each planting hole. The plate body is provided with fixing devices for fixing aquatic weeds, and each fixing device corresponds to one planting hole. The fixing device includes a fixing sleeve, two clamping members and a luminous ring. The plate body is provided with nets for collecting dirt, each net corresponds to one dirt collecting hole, the lower portion of each net is provided with a connecting tube; a plurality of conveying pipes is also arranged below the plate body, each conveying pipe is communicated with the plurality of connecting tubes, each connecting tube is communicated with the corresponding conveying pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: GUILIN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xin Jin, Shidong Li, Peng Wang, Ying Song
  • Patent number: 11134661
    Abstract: A fish tank includes a first water chamber for providing living space for fish; a second water chamber in fluid connection with the first water chamber with a grating therebetween. The openings of the grating are sized to keep the first water chamber and the second water chamber fluidly connected but prevent fish or other aquatic animals from entering the second water chamber. In an embodiment, a one-way valve allows water to flow out of the second water chamber and prevents water from flowing back into the first water chamber. A removable syringe with a plunger, a barrel and an orifice is provided such that when the orifice is connected to the one-way valve means and the plunger is pulled out of the barrel, water in the second water chamber flows into the barrel of the removable syringe through the one-way valve means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: PetSmart Home Office, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Steven Chattin, Lisa Beilke, Jeffrey Stocker Watson
  • Patent number: 10182559
    Abstract: This disclosure comprising: a tubular member (4) comprising openings (2) arranged along its length; a receiving portion (3) comprising a passage (3a) for receiving the tubular member such that the tubular member fits within and is free to rotate with respect to the receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion comprises openings (1) arranged along its length; and a drive member (21) configured to rotate the tubular member. The openings of the tubular member and receiving portion are arranged such that there is an at least partial overlap between the openings of the tubular member and receiving portion, and that as the tubular member rotates with respect to the receiving portion the opening overlap moves along the length of the tubular member and receiving portion and fluid is sucked into the tubular member, or expelled from it at successive longitudinal locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Guangke Wang
  • Patent number: 10172330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for sensing and controlling an amount of gas supply and a method for sensing and controlling an amount of gas supply thereby, which can sense a supply amount of the corresponding gas from an optical sensor in real time on the basis of the number of bubbles generated by any set time difference at the time when a target gas flows in a tube in order to differentiate the supply amount more accurately and whether or not the gas supply state is bad, and which can control pressure of the tube in real time by a series of automated devices in order to precisely realize the target supply amount according to gas supply information obtained from the optical sensor, thereby positively preventing malfunction and continuously maintaining the initial set amount of gas supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ECinU Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sin-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9914654
    Abstract: In the drinking water industry, pilot plants have played a big role in assisting water professionals, utilities, and engineering firms in generating information about the behavior of large full scale systems. Due to the identification of new contaminants, stringent regulations, and demand for improved water quality the demand for novel water treatment challenges across North America have significantly increased. A portable evaluation pilot skid (PEPS) accommodates all water qualities. A vent valve screen is mounted inside the contactor with holes large enough to prevent clogging. Air is introduced into the contactor prior to the screen. The screen is mounted such that it breaks the air into small bubbles creating the effect of a stone diffusor. Air flow is easily adjusted with a needle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Daniel John Williams
  • Patent number: 9707330
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for the performance of kidney replacement therapy having or using a dialyzer, control components, a sorbent cartridge with at least two separate flow paths, and fluid reservoirs configured to be of a weight and size suitable to be worn or carried by an individual requiring treatment. The system for performing kidney replacement therapy has a controlled compliance dialysis circuit, where a control pump controls the bi-directional movement of fluid across a dialysis membrane. The dialysis circuit and an extracorporeal circuit for circulating blood are in fluid communication through the dialysis membrane. The flux of fluid moving between the extracorporeal circuit and the dialysis circuit is modified by the rate at which the control pump is operating such that a rate of ultrafiltration and convective clearance can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Kelly, SuPing Lyu
  • Patent number: 9682409
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods aid in the cleaning of an aquarium and provide clean water to an aquarium. In particular, the present invention relates to an efficient, self-contained and simplified solution for cleaning aquarium tanks and replenishing clean water to an aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventors: David Turover, Craig Wenger
  • Publication number: 20140339142
    Abstract: A standalone aquarium filter with a filter cage having a hinged or detachable top cover and a filter bag. The filter bag is adapted to be filled with a filtering medium. The filter cage has sides with openings sized to allow water to flow substantially transversely through the at least one filter cage and through the at least one filter bag. The filter cage is adapted to stand alone on the bottom of an aquarium tank while the filled filter bag remains substantially vertical within the at least one filter cage. A bottom portion of the filter cage further includes a ballast to stabilize the position of the at least one filter cage. The plastic material is selected to be strong enough to prevent most aquarium fish from accessing the filter media bag and scattering filter media throughout the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Kimberly Schaumburg
  • Publication number: 20140231325
    Abstract: A media reactor aquarium filter incorporates a simple design and allows simple media replacement. The filter includes co-axial inner and outer tubes. The outer tube includes a mounting feature and the inner tube holds the media and is removable without disturbing the outer tube. A pump at the base of the filter pumps water into the inner tube through ports at the base of the inner tube and up through the inner tube, and this through the media. The filtered water then flows though the top wall of the inner tube and down between the inner and outer tubes, and back into the aquarium. The inner tube is rotatable to vary the alignment of the ports to adjust the water flow rate through the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Steven Yim
  • Patent number: 8702981
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are wedge-shaped filter cartridges having a maximized upstream surface area. The filter cartridges are modular and may be stacked in a filter cartridge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Central Garden & Pet Company
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Lutz, Phillip C. Bartoszek, Marco Pierobon, Luca Bezzegato, Fabio Bellia
  • Patent number: 8632677
    Abstract: An aquarium cleaner system for cleaning the bottom surface of an aquarium. The system has a suction means with a suction body. The suction body has an open enlarged lower end, an open upper end and a propeller system. There is also a filter with an opening fluidly connected to the open upper end of the suction body, an impurities entrapment surface and a fluid return surface. There is further provided a controller for turning on or off the suction means according to a preprogrammed schedule and a random position effecter, such that when a new cleaning position is desired, the suction means is terminated for a first predetermined duration so that the suction body causes the aquarium bottom cleaner to rise from the current cleaning position before turning on the suction means for a second predetermined duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne Sherman, Kathy Reulbach
  • Patent number: 8440073
    Abstract: An aquarium detritus removal and filtration system of the present invention is different from the conventional aquarium filtration system which are not able to deliver detritus settle in an aquarium bottom right to a lift pump for removal. The present invention is mainly comprised of a flow generating device, a flow guiding structure, a screen plate and a lift pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Zuoliang Chen
  • Publication number: 20120181222
    Abstract: An aquarium cleaner system for cleaning the bottom surface of an aquarium. The system has a suction means with a naturally buoyant suction body. The suction body has an open enlarged lower end, an open upper end and a propeller system. The lower end is adapted to be seated on the bottom surface of the aquarium and the open enlarged lower end is fluidly connected to the open upper end. The suction means creates an untreated water flow from the open enlarged lower end to the open upper end. There is also a filter with an opening fluidly connected to the open upper end of the suction body, an impurities entrapment surface and a fluid return surface. The untreated water flow is received at the opening and forced through the impurities entrapment surface, leaving behind impurities on the impurities entrapment surface and creating a return flow in a cavity defined by the fluid return surface and the interior surface of a filter housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Wayne Sherman, Kathy Reulbach
  • Publication number: 20120145613
    Abstract: An aquarium detritus removal and filtration system of the present invention is different from the conventional aquarium filtration system which are not able to deliver detritus settle in an aquarium bottom right to a lift pump for removal. The present invention is mainly comprised of a flow generating device, a flow guiding structure, a screen plate and a lift pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Zuoliang Chen
  • Patent number: 8128815
    Abstract: A portable self-contained, battery operated vacuum unit which is attachable by a hose to an underwater vacuum head for cleaning the floor of a swimming pool, a pond, a fish tank, or the like includes a rotomolded body having lower wheels and an upper handle so that it can easily be wheeled to a desired location. The handle is formed as an overhang with lower bumpers so that the unit can be partially submersed in a pool hanging on the edge of the pool. The body contains a battery operated pump, a rechargeable battery selectively coupled to the pump by a switch, a filter and a basket. A hose coupling is arranged above the basket and the inlet of the pump is arrange below the filter which is located below the basket. The outlet of the pump is arranged at the bottom front of the unit. The unit may also be used as a filter for any liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Glen Simmons
  • Patent number: 7997232
    Abstract: An aquarium includes: a box having an accommodating space therein; a dividing board disposed in the accommodating space of the box to divide it into a cultivating layer and a nitrobacteria layer; a pump for drawing water and air, mixing them into bubbles, and sending the mixture out via a transporting pipe; a foam remover connected with the transporting pipe and having a foam outlet and a water outlet. The bubbles received from the transporting pipe are broken into smaller bubbles in the foam remover. The protein impurities in the water are expelled with the bubbles via the foam outlet. The processed water flows via the water outlet into the nitrobacteria layer to decompose the proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Jznn-Pyng Ueng
  • Patent number: 7931801
    Abstract: An aquarium filter system mainly has a base and an uprightly mounted filtering cylinder; the filtering cylinder is provided therein with a pump unit, it can be optionally used to spray forceful water jet on the surface board of the base or to pump air into the filtering cylinder to form air bubbles in water in the filtering cylinder; after filtering, seawater in an aquarium can be kept clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 7785476
    Abstract: A protein skimmer having a water column chamber and a fixed deflector. The fixed deflector including a plurality of blades that impart a swirling action on water flowing through the deflector. The deflector further providing an even distribution of bubbles within the water column chamber during protein filtering operation. The deflector including a central hub that aids in maintaining the velocity of water flowing through the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Tetra Holding (US), Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Newman
  • Patent number: 7754072
    Abstract: A water feature for use in landscaping applications. A water issuing device, such as a waterfall construction is provided for receiving water and discharging water onto a gravel bed. The bed is positioned below the waterfall and forms a path or surface along which the water can flow in a stream-like manner and through which the water can percolate downwardly into the bed. A perforated and tubularly shaped collection module having a plurality of openings for receiving water percolating downwardly through the bed. A cylindrically-shaped and generally vertically oriented stack is coupled to the module for receiving water therefrom. A pump in the stack receives water from the water collection member and directs water to the waterfall construction. It is noted that water from the waterfall appears to disappear into the gravel and only a shallow stream is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Aquascape Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Kelly, Edgar Beaulieu
  • Publication number: 20090206044
    Abstract: Enhancements to the Double Drain technology used for separation of settle-able solid wastes previously developed. Anti-vortex fins are added to the central clarified effluent water manifold to minimize re-suspension of settled solids. A further aspect includes the addition of a slotted horizontal cover plate to a solid waste collection sump below the tank floor. These additions significantly increase the effectiveness of the Double Drain system for separation of settle-able solid waste from fish culture water. The enhanced Double Drain Tank design with the anti-vortex feature could also be used in non-fish culture applications to enhance the separation of settle-able solids from any liquid waste water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: J. Wayne Van Toever
  • Patent number: 7537692
    Abstract: A self-cleaning aquarium includes a container for receiving and housing water includes a wall having a plurality of apertures formed therein. A corrugated base member has juxtaposed crests and troughs and is removably positioned within the container. The troughs are abutted against one wall and linearly aligned with the apertures respectively. The base member is intercalated between a filter screen and a bottom wall of the container respectively and includes walls spanning from the bottom wall of the container to the filter screen. The filter screen is removably positioned directly on the base member and is situated above the apertures. A plurality of valves are operably coupled to the apertures and are in fluid communication with the cavity. Such valves are independently adapted between open and closed positions for channeling bacteria and debris out from the container while filled with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Lyle Hadden
  • Patent number: 7527729
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aquarium comprising a water tank and a sieve that is arranged in the water tank; the sieve comprises a filter and a driving mechanism supplying power to the filter. The filter is disposed in the internal part of a container of the water tank, while the driving mechanism is disposed outside the container of the water tank. Consequently, the invention can effectively allow the power source of a conducting wire of the sieve of the aquarium to avoid getting into the container of the water tank; in addition, it can eliminate the possibility of electric leakage of said conducting wire underwater in the container of the water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Tommy Chi-Kin Wong
  • Patent number: 7311822
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact design and provides an improved viewable area. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention comprises a container having a height, a depth and a width. The container comprises a main cavity, a lower cavity, at least one side cavity and a filtration system. The lower cavity is located below the main cavity and a first plate separates the lower cavity from the main cavity and allows limited fluid communication between the lower cavity and main cavity. The volume of the lower cavity is substantially less than the volume of the main cavity. The side cavity is located adjacent to the main cavity and a second plate separates the side cavity from the main cavity and allows limited fluid communication between the side cavity and main cavity. The side cavity has a volume less than the main cavity and more than the lower cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Bradley Earl Hochgesang, Andrew Kent Hochgesang
  • Patent number: 7303665
    Abstract: An aquarium drainage system having a filter, funnel, clear tube, sensor housing, light sensor, light beam generator, waste indicator light, primary valve, secondary/safety valve, safety cap and safety switch, as well as the other components shown in the drawings, wherein the filter comprises a vented plate that is placed under the gravel at the bottom of the tank to allow the waste to travel downward under the force of gravity to the funnel where waste is directed to the clear tube connected to the bottom of the funnel. The sensor sends a signal to the waste indicator light when blocked causing the special primary valve to open allowing the waste to drop and be collected in a bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Pedro A. Claudio-Alvarado
  • Publication number: 20070251866
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aquarium comprising a water tank and a sieve that is arranged in the water tank; the sieve comprises a filter and a driving mechanism supplying power to the filter. The filter is disposed in the internal part of a container of the water tank, while the driving mechanism is disposed outside the container of the water tank. Consequently, the invention can effectively allow the power source of a conducting wire of the sieve of the aquarium to avoid getting into the container of the water tank; in addition, it can eliminate the possibility of electric leakage of said conducting wire underwater in the container of the water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Tommy Chi-Kin Wong
  • Patent number: 7179373
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing foreign matter from water at selected levels in an aquarium utilize a valving mechanism placed between a skimmer adjacent the upper surface of the water and a lower inlet adjacent the lower bottom of the aquarium, the valving mechanism being operated selectively to control the relative volume of the flow of water through the skimmer and through the lower inlet, and a corresponding continuous withdrawal of water, together with entrained foreign matter, passed through either one or both the skimmer and the lower inlet so as to remove foreign matter from selected levels in the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Imagine Gold, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Horst Wehmeyer, Klaus W. Woltmann