Fountains Or Drinking Tubes And Straws Patents (Class 239/16)
  • Patent number: 7445162
    Abstract: A packaged garden water feature kit comprises a container which, at the time of sale, holds a large decorative stone or rock with a bore formed vertically therethrough, an electric water pump, a length of tubing for connecting the pump outlet to the bore in the stone, a sheet of flexible plastic of a predetermined area having a hole centered therein and a container lid sealing the container with a pattern of perforations formed through it. In use, the container is buried in the ground with the pump within and the tubing projecting out through the lid. The sheet is laid on the ground with the hole centered over the lid and then hidden from a view by landscaping rocks, or mulch. The bore in the decorative stone is then connected to the tubing and the container is filled with water. When the pump is energized, water spills out of the bore and flows over the stone surface for return to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Pre-Fabulous Stone Co.
    Inventors: Joel P. Forsberg, Benjamin M. Forsberg
  • Publication number: 20080245887
    Abstract: A viscous liquid fountain includes a fountain foundation (2) containing a motor (7) and a heater (5). The motor includes a drive shaft (6) extending upwardly from the fountain foundation. A viscous liquid reservoir (9) is mounted to the foundation and has one or more side walls extending a predetermined height above the base of the reservoir. The reservoir includes a sleeve (12) extending upwardly from the base of the reservoir to a height being half the side wall height to more than the side wall height. The fountain also includes an auger (14) configured for mounting over the sleeve and for engaging with the drive shaft to allow rotation of the auger. A viscous liquid reservoir is also provided. The reservoir includes a reservoir base, one or more side walls extending a predetermined height above the reservoir base and a sleeve extending upwardly from the reservoir base to about the height of the reservoir side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Chocloate Fountain Company Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Cox
  • Publication number: 20080179422
    Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials. In one embodiment, the fountain includes a heating element encased in an enclosure. A basin containing a medium, such as chocolate, is removably mounted to the enclosure so that the basin is heated by contact with the enclosure. Additionally, an auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of a cylinder that houses the auger. One or more tiers may be mounted, using various locking mechanisms, onto the cylinder to divert flow of the medium. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Richard B. Muir, William F. Polley, Devan B. Muir, Wu C. Liang
  • Patent number: 7378619
    Abstract: A confectionary fountain assembly enables user to self-serve confectionary liquid, such as liquid chocolate. The fountain assembly comprises a base assembly, a conduit assembly, a functional sculpture, and an annular basin. The base assembly supports a bowl-shaped receptacle and houses a heating element and a motor assembly for respectively providing chocolate-liquefying thermal energy and rotational movement. The conduit assembly is coupled to the motor assembly and the receptacle and comprises a liquid chocolate lifting auger. The sculpture assembly receives the lifted chocolate and imparts pressure thereto for further directing the chocolate to a sculpture outlet. The chocolate, upon exiting the outlet, covers an outer decorative surface of the sculpture and returns to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: William Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080111002
    Abstract: A chocolate fountain comprises a sleeve secured to a basin of the fountain, the sleeve having a central aperture sized to receive a lower portion of a cylinder so that the cylinder is supported by the sleeve. The sleeve may be attached to the basin by any means, such as via bolts that are integrally coupled to the sleeve. In this embodiment, a portion of the bolts extends through apertures in the basin and coupling devices, such as nuts, are attached to the bolts in order to secure the sleeve to the basin. Advantageously, the aperture of the sleeve is large enough to be easily cleaned and the cylinder does not comprise tubes welded on the side of the cylinder as in currently available chocolate fountains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Richard B. Muir, William F. Polley, Devan B. Muir, Wu C. Liang
  • Patent number: 7367146
    Abstract: The present invention represents a breakthrough in advertisement tools. The liquid sign uses a system of chambers and electrically powered pumps to produce a dynamic and visually appealing advertising sign. The advertising sign of the invention uses a liquid in motion contained in a front chamber of the sign to highlight the color and other visual characteristics of a beverage or any liquid product being advertised. The liquid in motion highlights and showcases any given characteristic of a product being advertised, including bubble or foam producing capacity, color, brightness, or a logo or symbol placed on the background of the liquid in motion. It also provides for a visually attractive, electrically or battery powered and affordable advertising tool which can be used indoors or outdoors in many different settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7367263
    Abstract: A modular fountain assembly for controlling the temperature and flow of viscous fluid with a melting point between ambient and approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit is disclosed. The modular assembly for controlling the heating and flow of fluid includes an enclosed controlling base and an upper recirculation module having a detachable lower basin, one or more modular tubular sections, a small high basin on top of the highest tubular section, an Archimedes screw of a set pitch dimension to facilitate the flow of the fluid from the lower reservoir to the small high reservoir atop the tubular section or sections, and a series of circular tiers atop each tubular section. The lower basin is attached to the controlling base using mechanical or electro mechanical support structures. The controlling base provides rotational force for the Archimedes screw at variable rotational speeds to drive the fluid upward within the modular tubes as well as a heating sub module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Martin J. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 7341203
    Abstract: A fountain device includes a container including a reservoir to hold and retain circulating fluid within the fountain device, where the container includes an opening and a lip extending around at least a peripheral portion of the opening, a pump securable within the container, a cover configured to encompass the opening and engage the lip of the container when the cover is installed on the container, and a discharge hose securable to an outlet of the pump and extendable to an outlet of the container. The cover includes a plurality of apertures that facilitate passage of fluid through the cover to the reservoir of the container. In addition, a kit including all of the above described components of the fountain device is provided, where the components are assembled within the kit to permit easy installation of the fountain device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Aqua Bella Designs, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Yeomans, Henk Sterenberg
  • Patent number: 7316359
    Abstract: A housing suitable for partial immersion in a pool or pond supports a plurality of electric lamps together with a plurality of fountain nozzles. The fountain nozzles are coupled to a nozzle flow distributor which is operative to direct water flow to one or more of the nozzles selectively. The directing of flow is accomplished by a motor-driven flow distributor operative under an electric module control. A plurality of electric lamps are supported within respective lamp assembly receptacles which in turn provide a flow of cooling water to maintain the lamp assemblies at a safe operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Noorolah Nader Beidokhti
  • Patent number: 7314183
    Abstract: A spill or squirt resistant fluid management system is described. The system primarily includes: (1) a first fluid passage portion having a first open end; (2) a second fluid passage portion having a second open end; (3) a fluid accumulator portion disposed between, and in fluid communication with, the first and second fluid passage portions; (4) a fluid inlet disposed between the second fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion; and (5) a fluid exit disposed between the first fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion. The system is useful for incorporation into drinking straws, fluid containers, drinking container lids, and tanker trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Dante Cataldo Zuccaro
  • Patent number: 7303142
    Abstract: A novelty waterfall that includes at least one water flow surface, a pump, and a sensor that detects a change of presence of an item. The novelty waterfall further includes a controller that is structured and arranged to operate the pump at least when the sensor detects the change of presence of the item. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: J. Robert Gluck
  • Patent number: 7255288
    Abstract: An aroma therapy for fountain comprises a fountain assembly, which comprises a water container having a bottom, a top opening and an interior, a aroma supporting member for support an aroma therapy dispensing unit, comprising a heating source adapted to generate a heat, a bowl adapted for reserving an aromatic substance therein, a base stand detachably and securely mounted on the aroma supporting member for holding the heat source, and a plurality of supporting frame extended upwardly from the base to securely sustain the bowl, such that the heat generated from the heating source disposed beneath the bowl could heat the bowl thereby diffusing the aromatic substance reserved in the bowl volatized into surrounding air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Wan Shan Chan
  • Patent number: 7191956
    Abstract: A decorative fountain has a reservoir with a receiving space for receiving therein water, a pump received in the receiving space for pumping water in the reservoir upward, a base on the reservoir and having a through hole in alignment with the receiving space, a seat mounted around a periphery defining the through hole, a circuit board received in the seat, and a hollow frame on the base and provided with a hose received in the hollow frame and having an inlet extending to the aligned through hole and the receiving space and multiple outlets extending out from an inner periphery of the hollow frame. The outlets are so arranged that when the water in the receiving space is pumped upward and sprinkled out from the outlets, water trajectories from the outlets are interlaced with one another to present an interesting ornamental effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 7182269
    Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sephra LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Muir, William F. Polley, Devan B. Muir, Wu C. Liang
  • Patent number: 7118045
    Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Sephra LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Muir, William F. Polley, Devan B. Muir, Wu C. Liang
  • Patent number: 7040547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drinking straw that diverts the flow of liquid away from the upper palate, thereby avoiding discomfort or pain in the upper palate and posterior pharyngeal wall of the mouth. The drinking straw includes an elongate tubular body having a first side surface and a second side surface. At one end of elongate body is an opening defining an intake or suction spout that is to be placed within a beverage container. At the opposite end, an output spout is designed to allow for redirection of a fluid downward and away from the upper palate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: David Nelson
  • Patent number: 7021556
    Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sephra Fountains, LLC
    Inventors: Richard B. Muir, William F. Polley, Devan B. Muir, Wu C. Liang
  • Patent number: 7011255
    Abstract: A spill or squirt resistant fluid management system is described. The system primarily includes: (1) a first fluid passage portion having a first open end; (2) a second fluid passage portion having a second open end; (3) a fluid accumulator portion disposed between, and in fluid communication with, the first and second fluid passage portions; (4) a fluid inlet disposed between the second fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion; and (5) a fluid exit disposed between the first fluid passage portion and the fluid accumulator portion. The system is useful for incorporation into drinking straws, fluid containers, drinking container lids, and tanker trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Dante C. Zuccaro
  • Patent number: 6994269
    Abstract: A water supply device includes a pipe connected between a water reservoir and a connector which has an opening defined through a wall thereof. A mouth mount has a first end connected to a valve which is rotatably inserted in the connector. The valve includes a hole defined in a wall thereof and the hole can be adjusted to communicate with the opening by rotating the mouth mount. A slit is defined through a second end of the mouth mount so that the user may deform the slit into a hole to suck water from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Vertex Production Corp.
    Inventor: Chien-Ping Lien
  • Patent number: 6981652
    Abstract: A water fountain includes a basin, multiple water pumps in the space of the basin for pumping the water in the space, an annular disk securely supported by an inner face of the basin and having a centrally defined hole and multiple through holes in communication with the outlets of each of the water pumps via pipes such that water pumped by the water pumps is able to be ejected out of the annular disk from the through holes, a sphere securely supported by a periphery defining the hole of the annular disk and a light emitting diode assembly received in the hole of the annular disk for emitting colorful light beams. A circuit board is sandwiched between a bottom of the basin and a cap for providing electricity to the water pumps and the light emitting diode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6971586
    Abstract: A vertical water wall assembly (100) for generating dynamically changing water patterns in a contained channel (114) behind a viewing surface. The water wall assembly includes a translucent front sheet (110) directed toward a viewing space with a rear side containing a multiplicity of concave depressions (111), and a rear sheet (140) disposed behind and in proximity to the front sheet that in part acts as a contrasting background. The edges of these sheets are sealed (120, 122) and water is made to flow in the space defined between the two sheets, entering at the top of the sheets (135) and exiting at the bottom of the sheets (150). The flow of water into the water wall at the water inlet (125) is time varying and is preferably computer-controlled (190). In operation water flowing in the contained channel (114) of the water wall takes dynamic, chaotic pathways through the multiplicity of concave depressions (111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Gary Randolph Fisher
  • Patent number: 6929191
    Abstract: Disclosed is a straw for giving a new sucking feeling to users by squirting fluid liquid-phase beverages, such as milk, juice, coffee, carbon beverage, and so on, to the whole inside of the user's mouth when the user sucks up the liquid-phase beverages. The straw comprising: a tubular body having the intake passage formed therein; at least two or more squirt holes formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body in such a manner as to be adjacent to one side end of the tubular body, and adapted to squirt the fluid liquid-phase beverages sucked up through the intake passage in all directions, the squirt holes communicating with the intake passage; and blocking shields bent downwardly from the upper portions of the squirt holes toward the inside center of the intake passage, when the squirt holes are formed, for blocking a part of the intake passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Jong In Kim
  • Patent number: 6886759
    Abstract: A personal misting umbrella consists of a water distribution tubing network that exists within the umbrella canopy. Its placement within and attachment to the spreader and rib umbrella canopy support structure enables the canopy to be operated in an unhindered manner within its stored and unfurled configurations as required by the user. Upon connection of the water distribution tubing network to a source of pressurized water, such as a personalized container-air pump combination, the user can selectively fill the canopy with a fine water mist, cooling the shaded air beneath the canopy through evaporative cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Andrew Okronick, Jeffrey Lewis
  • Patent number: 6871793
    Abstract: A device for the ornamental display of the interaction of fire and water allowing the spray of a water fountain to be combined with flame from a gas burner is described. The device includes one or more gas burners configured amongst one or more water dispersion assemblies. The water streams from the nozzles of the water dispersion assemblies of the fountain can be directed toward, through, and over the flames originating from the gas burners. The flames originating burners are protected from being extinguished by a water shield. The water shield is positioned in such a manner to influence the characteristics of the flame produced by the burner while still protecting the flames' integrity. The water and fire aspect of the device can operate independently providing a fire source with a reflecting pool or a water fountain absent the flames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Travis Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt W. F. Rumens, Alan Atemboski, Homer Lee
  • Patent number: 6854661
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing fog, said apparatus having ultrasonic circuitry for producing ultrasonic energy for vaporizing a liquid, comprising a receptacle having a recess in the bottom thereof and a surface located at an upper part of said recess for containing said liquid, said recess defining a space devoid of said liquid, wherein said ultrasonic circuitry is located on a bottom of said surface in said recess and positioned such that said ultrasonic energy produced by said ultrasonic circuitry is transferred to said liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Multi Media Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Perry H. Monitto
  • Patent number: 6848628
    Abstract: A modular fountain includes a base, a bowl and a top or statue supported on the bowl by a pump housing in the bowl. Twist and lock bayonet type connectors are provided for connecting the base to the bowl and the top, if used, to the bowl at the pumping housing. A through passage between the pump housing, the bowl and the base is formed for training a pump power cord therethrough, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Beckett Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040262417
    Abstract: A recirculating water fountain configured for table/desk top use comprises a water reservoir, a plenum mounted above the reservoir and configured to accumulate a substantially still pool of water, and a pump operable to pump water upwardly from the reservoir to form the water pool in the plenum. The recirculating water fountain includes a visually open flow pathway sloping downward from beneath the plenum to receive water from a plenum overflow for return to the reservoir, and a controller for alternately defining a pump-on mode and a pump-off mode. The pump controller functions to define the pump-off mode in response to the water level in the reservoir falling below a first height mark and to prevent resumption of the pump-on mode until the water level in the reservoir exceeds a second height mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Nathan Proch
  • Publication number: 20040182461
    Abstract: An elongated metal straw provided with a plurality of perforations at one end which act as a filter against any particles in a liquid to be consumed when the inserted end is pressed vertically on the base of the drinking vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Desmond Margetson
  • Patent number: 6782568
    Abstract: An emergency washing unit flexibly connected to a service sink faucet, wherein water flow through the unit can be initiated by simply grabbing the unit and squeezing the handle operator on the unit. The unit can be directed anywhere onto the person using it because of its connection to a water supply via a flexible hose. The unit may be mounted on brackets that hold it in a position closer to the user. A vacuum breaker can be used to prevent possible contamination caused by unwanted flow back of used water through the washing unit into the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Speakman Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Novak, James F. Fleitz, Imants A. Stiebris
  • Patent number: 6755349
    Abstract: A housing defines a sealed interior cavity to provide buoyancy for floating the housing in water. A rechargeable battery maintains the vertical alignment of the buoyant housing. The buoyant housing supports a plurality of upwardly directed lights and fountain nozzles together with a plurality of manually accountable switches. An internal pump mechanism draws water into the buoyant housing and forces it upwardly through the fountain nozzles to produce vertically directed fountain sprays. The fountain sprays may be illuminated by the light assemblies. A remote control receiver and control circuit within the buoyant housing receives operative control signals from a handheld remote control unit. A remotely controlled rotation valve is operatively coupled to the pump output and provides a laterally directed water spray component tending to rotate the entire fountain unit. A tether and anchor fix the unit position within a swimming pool. An ultra sound mechanism automatically spaces the unit from the pool edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Noorolah Nader Beidokhti
  • Patent number: 6726118
    Abstract: A water fountain support container for creating a water feature, comprising a base (5) having a bottom wall (9) and upstanding side walls (8) which together define a liquid reservoir (10), and, a lid (6) which locates on and is supported by the base. The base is preferably circular in overall configuration and has at least two, but preferably three, inwardly-directed portions (11) which project inwardly with respect to the side wall. There is at least one aperture (16) through the lid (6). In use, liquid contained within the reservoir is circulated by a pump also located therein, the liquid being pumped through a pipe passing out through the aperture (16) and subsequently falling under gravity back onto the lid (6) and so into the reservoir (10), after passing through the aperture (16) in the lid. The inwardly-directed portions (11) support the lid (6) and allow decorative or structural elements of a significant weight to be easily and safely supported on the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fiona Moulson and Ian Moulson
    Inventor: Ian Moulson
  • Patent number: 6702193
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the tasting of wine includes providing a conduit with an upper end and an opposite bottom end. The bottom end is sealed and preferably solid and it includes a first opening that is disposed slightly above the bottom end. The first opening is adapted to permit the wine, absent any sedimentation, to enter into the conduit when a partial vacuum is created at the upper end. A smaller second opening is provided between the upper end and the first opening that is adapted to introduce a quantity of ambient air into the conduit when a partial vacuum is created. The quantity of ambient air that is introduced is limited by the small size of the second opening to ensure that a partial vacuum sufficient to draw the wine through the conduit is maintained. The ambient air mixes with the wine that is passing through the conduit to aerate the wine in the conduit prior to its tasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: David Alan Gates
  • Patent number: 6695221
    Abstract: A system for waterfall construction and assembly designed for and intended for use by a user comprising of a kit of pre-designed, engineered and manufactured parts wherein each constituent part, when assembled by a user, constitutes a complete waterfall assembly. Primary components of the waterfall system include a remote reservoir, remote pump located in or adjacent to a remote located reservoir, an interim basin, an upper distribution basin, and a user furnished and selected waterfall facing material. Water is circulated distributed and regulated within the upper distribution basin and interrupted in the interim basin to enhance sound prior to it returning to a remote located reservoir to be re-circulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Donald Lussier
  • Patent number: 6682000
    Abstract: The present invention provides an umbrella fan which includes a pole, an upper hub, main umbrella support members, a lower hub, lower umbrella support arms and a main umbrella fabric cover attached to the main umbrella support members. At least one misting element is attached to the main umbrella support members to direct a misting spray downwardly to an area under the fabric cover of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip C. Apple
  • Patent number: 6676031
    Abstract: This invention discloses an ornamental fountain wherein a fountain nozzle is made to discharge a pressurized stream of liquid, and a shutter prevents or allows the stream to exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 6644561
    Abstract: A colored light water sprinkler head comprises an enclosure having a cylindrical body adapted at a lower end thereof, for engaging a water supply pipe. The cylindrical body encloses light projecting devices interconnected in an electrical circuit for switching a light display on and off. A water dispensing tube is engaged for linear motion within the enclosure and is adapted for moving between an upwardly extended position under the force of water pressure delivered through the water supply pipe, and a downwardly retracted position under the force of a retraction spring when the water pressure force is absent. The light projecting devices are positioned for directing light toward the dispensing tube when in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick David Daane
  • Patent number: 6641056
    Abstract: The self-contained miniature laminar ornamental fountain shown in FIG. 1 comprises an enclosure and water reservoir, 5, a pump, 1, flow control means, 3, pipe or tubing means 5 to conduct water from the pump, 2, to a laminar nozzle, 6. Water in the reservoir, 1, enters the pump, 2, where it is pressurized, thence through the adjustable valve or flow control means, 4, through the tubing, 5, to the laminar nozzle, 6. The laminar stream, 7, emanating from the laminar nozzle, 6, forms a graceful arch and then falls back into the reservoir, 1, to repeat the cycle. In another embodiment of the invention the fountain includes one or more additional laminar or non-laminar nozzles nozzles. In another embodiment the fountain above in which the laminar nozzle(s) contain internal lighting means for producing lighted laminar streams. In another embodiment in the fountain, the laminar stream(s) are interrupted to form jets of water which appear to leap from place to place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 6634138
    Abstract: A decorative fountain comprising a support member that can be disposed on a floor or a wall is disclosed. The decorative fountain is comprised of a decorative element which may be disposed on the support member and at least one reservoir. A liquid can flow from an upper position on the decorative element, down the front of the decorative element, where it is received by the reservoir. Optionally, a liquid pumping device coupled to the reservoir may pump the liquid to the upper position on the decorative element. The decorative fountain further comprises flowers in a growing medium, with a sunlight substitute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Jed Katzman
  • Patent number: 6626368
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device where the liquid film changes into many kinds of shapes and furthermore these shapes can change according to the changes of outside factors including the sound and light etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignees: Yasuki Nakayama, Japan Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuki Nakayama, Minoru Ueno
  • Patent number: 6611114
    Abstract: A control circuit assembly installed in a fountain display apparatus for controlling the reproduction of music and the formation of artificial springs and a lighting effect subject to the reproduction of music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Jen-Yen Yen
  • Patent number: 6607144
    Abstract: An aquavision fountains pot is constructed to include a pot body, a nozzle holder fastened to the pot body at the top, the nozzle holder defining a bottom water chamber and a light chamber and sealed with a bottom sealing plate carrying a set of LEDS, a water pump adapted to pump water from the pot body to the water chamber and to further force water out of jet nozzles of the nozzle holder when the LEDs turned on to emit light, a meshed dashboard fastened to the nozzle holder and adapted to guide falling water to the inside of the pot body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Jen Yen Yen
  • Patent number: 6592053
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling unit that sprays a water mist into the air to cool the air by evaporation of the water mist is disguised as to its function and purpose by including the misting nozzles and water supply conduits in a decorative structure, such as an artificial flower arrangement or plant. The misting unit of the invention includes a base and a decorative structure extending from the base. A water conduit extends through the base from a base end with a fitting for attachment to a source of pressurized water such as a garden hose, into the decorative structure where it ends in at least one decorative structure end with a misting nozzle thereon. The base may take the form of a flower pot with the decorative structure taking the form of flowers or a plant extending from the flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Gary F. Wintering
  • Patent number: 6565011
    Abstract: This invention discloses an ornamental fountain wherein a fountain nozzle is made to discharge a pressurized stream of liquid, and a shutter prevents or allows the stream to exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 6533191
    Abstract: Amusement devices including a water cannon are described, that include a reservoir member and a channel member disposed therein. A water cannon may also include a partition, or plunger member that partitions the interior of the reservoir and slides along the channel member. A water cannon includes an inlet to fill the reservoir with fluid. When full, a gas inlet, connected to a control mechanism and controlled by an operator releases a burst of gas such as air into the reservoir, thus driving the plunger member down the channel member through the interior of the reservoir and forcing a spurt or projectile of water out of the channel. A musical water fountain system may include a water cannon. The musical water fountain system may include a sound system for playing music, a water cannon system for producing projectiles of water and a lighting system for producing visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: New Braunfels General Corporation
    Inventors: David C Berger, Jeffery W. Henry
  • Patent number: 6527197
    Abstract: A fountain has a container receiving therein a battery, a micro chip, a pump electrically connected to the battery and operably controlled by the micro chip and a tube received in the container. A float is provided in the tube and is able to move upward and downward intermittently in the tube. The float further has extensions securely mounted on a top face of the float so that when the float is moving upward, the extensions, originally folded due to the confinement of the tube, extend to present an ornamental effect to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6471146
    Abstract: In FIG. 1, turbulent water or other fluid enters the nozzle body, 2, at inlet port, 1, and encounters the convex surface of a porous filter which has been formed into the shape of a hollow hemisphere, 3, at the center of which is the exit orifice. As the fluid flows through the hollow hemispherical diffuser it has its Reynold's Number significantly reduced. The energy of any gross turbulences on the convex side of the diffuser tends to be converted to a very great number of micro-turbulences which tend to be self canceling. Since the diffuser, 3, also shown in FIG. 3, is shaped as a hollow hemisphere centered upon the exit orifice, 4, then all water flowing from the diffuser to the exit orifice has substantially the same distance to travel from all directions. With this low-turbulence fluid all having substantially the same straight-line distance to travel to the exit orifice, 4, there tends to be little new turbulence introduced and the fluid, 5, exiting the orifice, 4, tends to be highly laminar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 6450418
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new waterfall apparatus water reservoirs such as pools, spa's and the like. It comprises a manifold having a water inlet connected to the a water supply, preferably the water supply from the reservoir's plumbing. The manifold has internal baffles to remove turbulence from the water, which is then directed to a spillway water outlet. The spillway has a through slot that allows water to flow out from the manifold. It also has a removable outlet cap which forms the water into a particular waterfall shape. Another embodiment of the invention for spas, has a tubular body and a outlet that is in the form of a longitudinal slot in the body. The outlet cap is then mounted in the slot. In both embodiments the outlet cap can be easily removed to clean the apparatus if debris becomes lodged within it. It can also be removed if the spillway becomes damaged or it the pool/spa owner would like to change the type of waterfall produced by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Waterway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rich F. Simpson, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6439472
    Abstract: A sprayer device may receive water from a water reservoir, and includes a light device, and a device for actuating the light device with the water flowing through the sprayer device. The light device may be energized to light the mist or the spraying water out of the sprayer device for decorative purposes. The sprayer device includes a barrel coupled to the water reservoir. A switch device includes two conductor blades disposed in the barrel and coupled to the light device for being actuated by the water flowing through the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Yen Tang Lin, Bi Guang Tsai
  • Patent number: 6427927
    Abstract: A fountain which allows interaction by the viewer which alters the fountain's water display. An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a person viewing the fountain may provide a control indication which causes the fountain display to vary. The preferred embodiment uses an ultrasonic sensor to determine the height of a viewer's hand above a sensor and the water pressure delivered to the fountain is adjusted according to position of the viewer's hand. The invention may use a single or a plurality of sensors to control different groups of jets thereby allowing a large variety of fountain design options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Scott Hall
  • Publication number: 20020074427
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling unit that sprays a water mist into the air to cool the air by evaporation of the water mist is disguised as to its function and purpose by including the misting nozzles and water supply conduits in a decorative structure, such as an artificial flower arrangement or plant. The misting unit of the invention includes a base and a decorative structure extending from the base. A water conduit extends through the base from a base end with a fitting for attachment to a source of pressurized water such as a garden hose, into the decorative structure where it ends in at least one decorative structure end with a misting nozzle thereon. The base may take the form of a flower pot with the decorative structure taking the form of flowers or a plant extending from the flower pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Gary F. Wintering