Fountains Or Drinking Tubes And Straws Patents (Class 239/16)
  • Patent number: 11835975
    Abstract: A multi-stage water effect system includes a plurality of water ride vehicles. A water ride vehicle of the plurality of water ride vehicles has one or more water effect devices. The multi-stage water effect system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the one or more water effect devices of the plurality of water ride vehicles. The control system activates the one or more water effect devices of the water ride vehicle to provide a first fluid flow at a first time. The control system also activates the one or more water effect devices of the water ride vehicle to provide a second fluid flow at a second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Univesal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Sean Michael Lowry, Gregory Shellman Hall
  • Patent number: 11498009
    Abstract: A system for waterparks or other uses wherein the system combines an electric pump system that can draw water from a lake, a pool or the sea, and pump it through a hose system and sprinklers that can wet objects on or in the water such as a waterpark. It can be connected to floating platforms or other structures that can elevate the sprinklers off the water. The system features an inflatable platform that has an inflatable tower that allows a hose to extend from underwater, through the center of the tower, to a spray nozzle atop the tower that sprays water in any direction. The system can also be attached to any other waterpark structure with various fittings. This will allow a slow drip of water on some items so as to keep them slippery and wet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Connelly Skis, LLC
    Inventor: David C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11253428
    Abstract: An emergency wash system includes a basin, a fluid dispenser disposed at least partially over the basin, and a push plate coupled to the fluid dispenser. The push plate is positioned behind the fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser includes: a fluid inlet portion defining a drainage aperture; a first fluid riser fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet portion, the first fluid riser extending upward from the fluid inlet portion; and a second fluid riser fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet portion, the second fluid riser extending upward from the fluid inlet portion on a substantially opposite side of the fluid inlet portion relative to the first fluid riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Bradley Fixtures Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy E. Perrin, Theodore E. Dhein, Scott M. Kluck
  • Patent number: 10517796
    Abstract: An emergency wash system configured to dispense a fluid is disclosed. The system comprises a receptacle and a dispenser assembly disposed at least partially over the receptacle. The dispenser assembly comprises a fluid inlet portion configured to extend in a substantially horizontal direction when in use and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply. The dispenser assembly also comprises a first outlet portion defining at least one first discharge opening, a second outlet portion defining at least one second discharge opening, a first fluid riser extending upwardly and outwardly from the inlet portion towards the at least one first discharge opening and a second fluid riser extending upwardly and outwardly from the inlet the first fluid riser towards the at least one second discharge opening on a side of the fluid inlet portion opposite the first fluid riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Bradley Fixtures Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy E. Perrin, Theodore E. Dhein, Scott M. Kluck
  • Patent number: 9744501
    Abstract: A decorative humidifier is provided that utilizes the structural features of common houseplants in a new and advantageous ways by providing stalks or stems to form hollow water vapor conduits for humidifying vapor. A planter conceals a water source for the humidifier. Flowers at the end of the stems may serve as water vapor exits. Particular plants may be chosen for advantageous features, such as long and numerous stems and flowers that may serve as an inconspicuous vapor exits. A drying unit may be connected to the vapor tube in order to force dry air through vapor channels to prevent growth of microbes and accumulation of deposits. The natural features of a chosen plant are utilized to create a synergy between aesthetics and function in a decorative humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Pingitore
  • Patent number: 9700484
    Abstract: An emergency wash system configured to dispense a fluid is disclosed. The system comprises a receptacle and a dispenser assembly disposed at least partially over the receptacle. The dispenser assembly comprises a fluid inlet portion configured to extend in a substantially horizontal direction when in use and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply. The dispenser assembly also comprises a first outlet portion defining at least one first discharge opening, a second outlet portion defining at least one second discharge opening, a first fluid riser extending upwardly and outwardly from the inlet portion towards the at least one first discharge opening and a second fluid riser extending upwardly and outwardly from the inlet the first fluid riser towards the at least one second discharge opening on a side of the fluid inlet portion opposite the first fluid riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Bradley Fixtures Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy E. Perrin, Theodore E. Dhein, Scott M. Kluck
  • Patent number: 9662674
    Abstract: A fountain system and method of providing same is provided. This involves a plurality of communication nodes, each communication node being configured to operate when submerged in a liquid; and a plurality of fountain components for providing a plurality of fountain jets of liquid, each fountain component being linked to a communication node in the plurality of communication nodes and being operable to provide a fountain jet of liquid in the plurality of fountain jets of liquid. The plurality of communication nodes are operable to receive a plurality of fountain control signals transmitted through the liquid. The plurality of communication nodes are operable to control the plurality of fountain jets by communicating to each communication node in the plurality of communication nodes an associated fountain control signal for controlling the fountain component linked to that communication node. The plurality of fountain control signals are transmitted at a frequency in the range of 100 MHz to 1.2 GH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CRYSTAL FOUNTAINS HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: George Ayer, Kifah Al-Ansari, David Barratt
  • Patent number: 9492758
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gesture capture hardware to visually receive position and/or gestures and translate visual signals to actuates of a water play feature in a water play structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Skyturtle Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Lance C. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8915454
    Abstract: A drinking straw includes a tube having an upper end including a first opening, a lower end including a second opening, and an outer wall extending between the upper and lower ends. A wrapper covers the tube and a securing element permanently attaches the wrapper to the outer wall of the tube. The wrapper is adapted to be opened for exposing the first and second openings of the tube while the securing element maintains the attachment of the wrapper to the tube. The outer wall of the tube has an inner surface, whereby at least two opposing sections of the inner surface of the outer wall are joined together for forming a bifurcated opening adjacent an end of the tube. The bifurcated opening defines a total area that is smaller than the area of the opening at the opposite end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Scott E. Churchill
  • Publication number: 20140263714
    Abstract: A water play apparatus that includes a tank body where water is collected, a manual pump that allows the water to be circulated through the water play apparatus where the manual pump is located within the tank body, a deck unit which is located within the tank body which the manual pump is mounted upon, a filter unit which is connected to the manual pump by pipe and is located within the tank body underneath the deck unit, and a spout where the water from the manual pump directs water through the filter where water is exerted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Aileen Chase, David Chase
  • Patent number: 8789767
    Abstract: An indoor water fixture comprising a basin to hold a pool of water, a pair of back walls rising vertically from a back portion of the basin, where the pair of back walls fit against a corner of a room, a plurality of falls arranged against the pair of back walls to release water, a plurality of reservoirs positioned beneath the plurality of falls, where the plurality of reservoirs catch the water, a plurality of shelves positioned beneath the plurality of reservoirs to enable the water to fall into the pool, and a water pump built within the basin wherein the water pump circulates the water from the basin, behind the pair of back walls and into the falls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Serwacki
  • Publication number: 20140203101
    Abstract: A device to shoot water into the air for a water display is described. The configuration of the shooter allows a stream of water to be shot out that contains reduced or no air exiting the device with the water, which provides a non-frothy appearance. The device may control the velocity of the water being shot by the device so that unique visual effects may be achieved, including an effect where a volume of water is suspended in the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, Jim Doyle, Eric Galpin, Don Lariviere
  • Patent number: 8763926
    Abstract: An oil lamp-type apparatus or a Kukui pot candle device for achieving the illumination and the appearance of an ignited oil lamp. This is achieved by illuminating water flowing upward (e.g., substantially vertically to provide a flame-shaped element or small fountain of water above the pool surface) using a light source directing its light output upward through the water. The flame-shaped element has kinetic and dynamic movement similar to a flame on an oil lamp or candle wick due to the combination of the water flowing upward and the water falling nearly straight down back into a pool about the water outlet. Further, the effect is achieve by only illuminating the liquid in the flame-shaped element with the vertically upward-direct light stream and not by shining light from the side, from above, or even from an adjacent location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Powell, Joe M. Rohde
  • Patent number: 8747374
    Abstract: An emergency eyewash unit includes a pair of water discharge ports oriented to produce a pair of upwardly directed, diverging water streams for inside-out flush flow of contaminants from a person's eyes. These eyewash streams can be combined with a plurality of smaller upwardly directed facewash streams for flushing contaminants from a person's face. The eyewash and/or facewash streams are produced by an eyewash body adapted for rotatable mounting onto a water supply conduit, with a locking clip normally preventing undesired rotational disassembly. The eyewash body may be used in combination with an overhead emergency shower which, in one preferred form, includes a shower spray head carrying multiple flow control and flow shaper elements to produce a substantially uniformly dispersed shower spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Haws Corporation
    Inventors: Victor C. Strandberg, Ian T. Roberts, Joshua D. Linn
  • Patent number: 8689473
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: RainGlobes, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Frederick Bowen Northup, Jr., Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8596190
    Abstract: A liquid food fountain comprises a center barrel having a top opening and a bottom opening and a plurality of stackable modules (16, 14, 12, 10) adapted for a slip fit on the center barrel (20). Each module has a tier (16) extending around the center barrel (10). A liquid collector (24) is adapted to be placed below the modules. An auger (34) assembly is adapted to fit inside the center barrel to carry liquid entering the center barrel at the bottom opening to the top opening. A drive module is connectable to the auger assembly. The described parts can be assembled for use and disassembled for cleaning and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: World-Wide Foods, a CA Corp.
    Inventors: Scott M. Roysner, Howard F. Wilkinson, Bernard Strong, Peter E. Karaiskos
  • Patent number: 8544765
    Abstract: A solid stream nozzle providing an extend throw-distance achieved by reducing boundary layer effects within the nozzle bore and/or by accelerating peripheral regions of the ejected stream in order to help maintain cohesion of a free liquid stream without appreciable dispersion. The method includes generating a high-pressure fluid source, supplying the nozzle with high pressure; reducing boundary layer effect within the nozzle bore, and optionally, accelerating and/or inwardly re-directing the peripheral boundary of the ejected stream with a secondary higher pressure, higher speed fluid source. The apparatus includes a high pressure fluid source, a nozzle bore, a bleed ring within the nozzle bore to strip off a boundary layer, and optionally, a secondary higher pressure fluid source at the nozzle tip to accelerate and/or inwardly re-direct the ejected fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Donald E. Cornell, William M. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8535052
    Abstract: A cap for a gas burner is disclosed. The cap includes a center portion including a top surface having a periphery; at least one extension extending outward from the center portion, the at least one extension defining a drain channel extending outward and downward from the top surface; and a ledge extending along the periphery. A spill resistant gas burner assembly incorporating such a cap is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Bryan Cadima
  • Patent number: 8500037
    Abstract: An adjustable water jet device that allows for the arc of the jet of water to be adjusted while the water is still flowing through the device. A multipurpose tool is disclosed which has a central hollow cavity surrounded by a grip. The multipurpose tool can be used to adjust the arc of the water jet, allowing the water to flow through the central hollow cavity of the tool. The multipurpose tool can also be used to adjust the flow rate of water through the device and to disassemble the device for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Custom Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Charles Li, Bill Drury, Zachary Vogtner
  • Patent number: 8485453
    Abstract: The straw designed for the intake of water based drink from a container. In the lower part of the flexible straw there are holes that are connected to the main tube of the straw. Above the holes and attached to the straw, there is a floating device which allows for the intake of the drink from the container only from fixed depth ranges, preferably from 5-15 mm from the surface of the water. The straw allows for the protection of the organism of the user from negative effects of the drink on the body's cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Pavel V. Efremkin, Liudmila V. Gruzdeva
  • Publication number: 20130119149
    Abstract: A nozzle positioning assembly includes a first support shaft, a second support shaft, a first position adjustment assembly, a second position adjustment assembly, and a hub. The first and second support shafts have respective bodies with a center aperture, a spherical first end, and a second end opposite the spherical first end. The first and second position adjustment assembly include first and second link mounting ears positioned circumferentially from one another. The first position adjustment assembly is adapted to be affixed to the second end of the first support shaft and the second position adjustment assembly is adapted to be affixed to the second end of the second support shaft. The hub has a first end configured to receive and rotatably retain the spherical first end of the first support shaft, and a second end configured to receive and rotatably retain the spherical first end of the second support shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Thomas Brown, Cesar Javier Trejo, Tim O'Brien, David Olvera, Kenneth Lee Krauskopf
  • Patent number: 8393099
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rainglobes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8376246
    Abstract: A reusable or confectionery drinking straw includes a second end portion mouthpiece having a single aperture or multiple apertures, the sensation of the liquid flowing through the aperture(s) capable of being modified by the user. The mouthpiece of the straw device is integral to the straw or it may be removably attached to the straw. The drinking straw device may be edible, partially edible, or inedible. The drinking straw device may be in the form of a bracelet, which may be edible, partially edible, or inedible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Francetta Jamese Estes White, David Lawrence White
  • Patent number: 8366016
    Abstract: An adjustable water jet device so as to continuously regulate the velocity of water exiting the device without interrupting the water flow, the water jet device including a nozzle body, rotatable nozzle seat, a flow control plate, an inlet, and a nozzle eyeball configured to direct the water supply, and a water supply system including the adjustable water jet device, a plate for accommodating the water jet device in a pool deck or pool wall, and a cover that is mounted flush with the pool deck or pool wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Custom Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Simpson
  • Patent number: 8251405
    Abstract: A pressurized water container for water fountains, ponds, swimming pools, and aquariums has at least two housing parts and at least one seal arranged between the at least two housing parts, wherein the at least two housing parts are connectable to one another in a lockable way. The at least two housing parts have projections and matching recesses, wherein the projections engage the recesses and, by a displacement of the at least two housing parts relative to one another in opposite directions, they are lockable on one another and releasable from one another when reversing the displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: OASE GmbH
    Inventor: Dominik Brune
  • Patent number: 8100343
    Abstract: A water sprinkler toy includes a base having a water inlet and a nozzle adapted to spray water in the shape of a funnel. Additionally, the water sprinkler toy includes an object capable of being suspended in the air by the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jeff A. Michelsen
  • Patent number: 8087191
    Abstract: An apparatus for the pixel-integrated return of fluid in the pixel of a fluidic display is characterized in that the fluid with which the desired information is to be displayed and/or the carrier fluid in which the fluid is optionally embedded can be returned in a particularly compact manner and in a manner which is invisible to an observer past the visible part of a pixel (image compartment) into a reservoir (reservoir compartment) through or out of the reservoir. The device comprises an image compartment, a reservoir compartment, a connecting duct and at least one return duct, whereby the at least one return duct is formed by the fact that the connecting duct has at least one area with an uninterruptedly enlarged cross section which transitions in a specified manner into the cross section of the original cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: advanced display technology AG
    Inventors: Frank Bartels, Andriy Bitman, Dieter Jerosch
  • Patent number: 8070075
    Abstract: The description is given of a sanitary water-outflow fitting, in particular a tub-filling mixer unit, having a water-outflow housing (1) and a jet former for a wide-surface-area water-outlet jet (19), the jet former being arranged in the housing. The water-outflow housing (1) comprises an elongate supply channel (21) which runs essentially perpendicularly to the water-outlet jet (19), tapers in a funnel like manner in the throughflow direction and is bounded by an intermediate wall (37). The intermediate wall (37) has a multiplicity of throughflow holes (51), via which the supply channel (21) is connected to an elongate distributor chamber (11) essentially parallel to it. The distributor chamber (11) has at least one water-outlet channel (9) leading to the water outflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventors: Heinz Schmidt, Werner Weinmann
  • Patent number: 8056274
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Globes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8025242
    Abstract: The straw designed for the intake of water based drink from a container. In the lower part of the flexible straw there are holes that are connected to the main tube of the straw. Above the holes and attached to the straw, there is a floating device which allows for the intake of the drink from the container only from fixed depth ranges, preferably from 5-15 mm from the surface of the water. The straw allows for the protection of the organism of the user from negative effects of the drink on the body's cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventors: Pavel V. Efremkin, Liudmila V. Gruzdeva
  • Patent number: 7909113
    Abstract: The invention is a fire place extinguishing and cleaning system which includes a water spray pipe with a plurality of water spray outlets wherein the water spray pipe is connected to a conventional water main and a drain outlet connected to a sewer system. The water spray pipe can extinguish a fire as well as wash the ash from the fireplace and rinse the walls of the fireplace, and whereupon the drain will provide a means to wash away the watered-ash debris. The invention also features a flush control knob which adjusts the flow of water spraying inside the furnace and/or fireplace. An alternative embodiment of the present invention features an upper and lower mounted water spray pipe with a plurality of water spray outlets. Another variation includes an ashtray with a drain, and with or without a pump and tank to re-circulate the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: German Campos
  • Patent number: 7861942
    Abstract: A waterfall assembly features a first, substantially hermetically sealed chamber adapted to contain a quantity of liquid. The first chamber includes at least one substantially vertical and transparent side having an internal surface, preferably with a plurality of protrusions. A pump or fluid transport device is in fluid communication with the first chamber and at least one nozzle/aperture disposed within the first chamber. The nozzle/aperture directs the liquid against at least a portion of the internal surface of the vertical side of the first chamber such that some of the liquid flows over the protrusions. A second chamber having a light source may be disposed beneath the first chamber for illuminating the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Rock'n Crab Aquatics
    Inventors: Peri Damon, Scott Neville
  • Patent number: 7854080
    Abstract: System and methods for providing synchronized ornamental displays in a presentation zone that is at least partially containing a fluid, which include a support structure, a decorative object supported by the support structure, a light disposed on the object, a plurality of cables coupled to the support structure at their respective first ends; a plurality of cable tensioning devices, wherein one cable tensioning device is engaged with the second end of a respective cable of the plurality of cables, and the plurality of cable tensioning devices are positioned spatially about the periphery of the presentation zone, wherein the spatial arrangement defines a range of desired movement for the object, and a control device operatively associated with the tensioning devices and light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Wynn Resorts Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Walter Conti
  • Patent number: 7845580
    Abstract: A fountain base for supporting one or more statues on top of a disappearing water fountain. The fountain base includes a basin, a statue support located in the basin, and an access lid that permits maintenance access to the interior of the basin without having to remove the statue from the statue support. A pump located within the basin delivers water from the basin to the top of the statue where it is released to flow over the exterior of the surface of the statue, through the access lid, and back into the basin. The access lid, which may be supported by a statue stand or a system of pillars, includes one or more panels that can be removed without removing the statue from the statue support. The panels may include access doors to permit easy access to the interior of the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Xianming Liao
  • Patent number: 7823802
    Abstract: An extensible straw for incorporation as an integral component of a disposable or collapsible beverage container has telescoping tubes extensible from the container, a screw cap and multiple seals preventing inadvertent leakage from the container whether the container is maintained upright or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Sharla D. Roche, Gary V. VanMeter
  • Patent number: 7806347
    Abstract: A water pump with a housing that has a pump housing part provided with an intake opening and an outlet opening and a motor housing part. An impeller with a shaft is rotatably arranged in the pump housing part. An electric motor is received in the motor housing part. The electric motor is an electronically commutated motor with a rotor and coils. In the housing, control and governing electronics for the electric motor are arranged that have a speed detection, a processor, and a data storage device. The electronics are arranged in the motor housing part and potted therein in a water-tight way. An integrated BUS control module is provided. The control electronics and the governing electronics can be arranged separate from one another on different circuit boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: OASE GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Hanke, Herbert Lambers
  • Patent number: 7789320
    Abstract: A safety drinking straw includes a beverage delivery tube having a tube first end for insertion into a quantity of beverage and a tube second end for placement between user lips; and a debris blocking structure substantially at the tube first end permitting a free flow of the beverage through the delivery tube while preventing entry of debris of a selected minimum target size into the delivery tube; so that the debris blocking structure prevents debris from entering the delivery tube and thus prevents debris from lodging and becoming an obstruction within the delivery tube. The debris blocking structure preferably includes at least one cord extending across the interior of the delivery tube substantially at the tube first end, and alternatively includes at least one tube partition or at least two tubular barrels fitted longitudinally and in tandem inside and secured within the delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Jason P. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7770815
    Abstract: Adjustable nozzles are disclosed. Nozzles of the present invention include an adjustable component for controlling the water flow through the nozzle. Instead of disassembling the nozzle, a tool may be used to adjust the adjustable component. For example, the adjustable component may be adjusted longitudinally with respect to the axis of the nozzle or rotationally using the tool, thereby increasing or decreasing the volume, velocity and distance of the water stream exiting the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles T. Green, Jeffrey A. Wichmann
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7753284
    Abstract: A drinking straw having bladders of air formed in an integral manner disposed at its lower end, separately throughout the body or encompassing the entire periphery for different levels of buoyancy to be obtained so that if submerged into a container the straw will rise when uncapped to a desired level for use. Additionally the present invention has a bendable region for easier manipulation of the straws drinking end into one's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Adar Raitses
  • Patent number: 7748642
    Abstract: A machine for constructing modular water spray configurations with one or more flexible modules containing one or more conduits, communication between one or more modules and of one or more other modules, structure to interconnect modules, and communication between at least one module and a water source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Dean King
  • Patent number: 7743698
    Abstract: A fountain for heating and/or cooling a beverage comprises one or more heating and/or cooling elements that are configured to adjust a temperature of a beverage that circulates through the fountain. In one embodiment, the beverage fountain includes one or more heating elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, and/or a top reservoir of the fountain. In another embodiment, the beverage fountain includes one or more cooling elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, and/or a reservoir of the fountain. Alternatively, the beverage fountain may include both heating and cooling elements located proximate to a basin, a cylinder, a reservoir, and/or other locations of the fountain, wherein a selection device, such as an electrical switch or control module, may be adjusted by a user in order to select heating or cooling of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Sephra L.P.
    Inventors: Richard B. Muir, William F. Polley, Devan B. Muir, Wu C. Liang
  • Publication number: 20100147970
    Abstract: A leakproof arrangement of a chocolate fountain includes a leakproof device tightly fastened within the through hole of the basin. The leakproof device has i) a base sealed to the periphery of the through hole of the basin; ii) a plurality of support frames disposed around the base; and iii) a shaft sleeve disposed at the center of the base, the joint between the shaft sleeve and the base being tightly sealed without any gaps, the height h2 of the shaft sleeve being greater than the maximal chocolate level h1, the connection end at the top of the shaft sleeve rising above the height h2 of the shaft sleeve. In this way, the melted chocolate will never flow over the shaft sleeve such that downward leakage may be avoided. As a result, the leakage of the melted chocolate is prevented, thereby ensuring a smooth operation of the transmission element as well as a prolonged service life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Mei-Hsiu Chang
  • Patent number: 7735749
    Abstract: A fountain (50) comprises a supply of water under pressure, a primary fluidic diverter (10) having an input (12) for said supply, and first and second outputs (16a, b) diverging from said input. Two control ports (20a, b) are provided with control flow to direct input flow to one or other of the two outputs that lead to the two inputs of a vortex amplifier (40). This comprises a vortex chamber (54), a radial port (50), a vortex inducing port (60) and an axial output port (58). One (16a) of the diverter outputs is connected to the vortex inducing port, the other (16b) to the radial port, so that supply to said axial output port is modulated by formation of a vortex in the chamber when flow is to the vortex inducing port. The axial port leads to a nozzle whereby a vortex spray or axial jet is produced, depending on which diverter output (16a, b) is active. A wind detector (100) has a vertical jet (102) and a catcher (104) which fails to catch water from the jet in high wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: John Tippetts
  • Patent number: 7698754
    Abstract: A flat ribbon-shaped waterfall for a portable spa is caused to flow out of the top rim or top side of a spa. A narrow elongated spout forms the output end of a plenum chamber that has a water inlet. The plenum chamber is constructed to baffle surges in the inlet water flow. A light source is placed close to the mouth of the elongated spout to light the ribbon of water flowing from the spout in multi-color, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Richard K. Kunkel
  • Patent number: 7690585
    Abstract: A volcano food fountain is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the volcano food fountain includes a fountain base having a bowl, a simulated volcano carried by the fountain base in the bowl, a pump provided in the simulated volcano and communicating with the bowl, a volcano opening provided in the simulated volcano and communicating with the pump and a tray carried by the fountain base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Jason W. Johns, Julie A. Johns
  • Publication number: 20100024665
    Abstract: A liquid food fountain comprises a center barrel having a top opening and a bottom opening and a plurality of stackable modules (16, 14, 12, 10) adapted for a slip fit on the center barrel (20). Each module has a tier (16) extending around the center barrel (10). A liquid collector (24) is adapted to be placed below the modules. An auger (34) assembly is adapted to fit inside the center barrel to carry liquid entering the center barrel at the bottom opening to the top opening. A drive module is connectable to the auger assembly. The described parts can be assembled for use and disassembled for cleaning and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Scott M. Roysner, Howard F. Wilkinson, Bernard Strong, Peter E. Karaiskos
  • Publication number: 20100016092
    Abstract: A water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application is connected to a garden hose to provide smooth walls of water that define an enclosed dry that is substantially free of water spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Alan Amron
  • Patent number: 7575181
    Abstract: An echo chamber including a high-strength, structurally rigid receptacle and a weight bearing grate through which the water from an artificial outdoor waterfall may pass, which grate can support considerable weight loads exerted by materials such as rocks, stones, and the like. The receptacle functions as a substitute for a flexible artificial waterfall water sump liner and receives recirculating water of an artificial waterfall. When constructing a disappearing artificial waterfall using a chamber constructed according to the present invention, rocks or other material are placed on the chamber's grate. As water cascades through the material on the grate and falls into the chamber, an echo sound is generated. Differing configurations of the stones on the grate and changes in water level in the receptacle produce echoes of different pitch and intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Meridienne International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Weemhoff
  • Patent number: 7537173
    Abstract: A drinking straw for delivering a hot liquid in the form of a foam into a user's mouth that mimics the natural action of sucking in air for cooling the liquid. The straw has a tube wall with an expanded portion proximate an outlet. Air admitting orifices are provided in the tube wall below the expanded portion so that air is drawn into the straw through the orifices when a liquid is sucked through the straw. The straw may be used for cooling a hot liquid such as coffee, tea, soup or the like and may be used in connection with a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Gennady S. Kogan