Ornamental Patents (Class 239/17)
  • Patent number: 11813629
    Abstract: A water display including a number of pixels or manifolds that may include water nozzles to emit streams of water and/or other utilities such as lighting is described. The water streams may be pixelated so as to provide a high resolution waveform or other choreography. The choreography transitions between waveforms to provide the appearance of a cascading or undulating wave. A tool to design the water display and simulate its appearance is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: WET
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, James Doyle, Markos Okihisa, Gautam Rangan
  • Patent number: 11381034
    Abstract: A connector fitting body (1) has a first housing (2) holding first terminals (21), a second housing (3) holding second terminals (31) to be conductive with the first terminals (21), a nut (5) arranged in a nut arrangement hole (32) in the second housing (3), and a bolt (4) arranged in a bolt arrangement hole (22) in the first housing (2) and engaged threadedly with the nut (5). A head (41) of the bolt (4) includes a large-diameter portion (411) serving as a first step for pressing the first housing (2) toward the second housing (3). The nut (5) includes a general portion (51) serving as a second step for pressing the second housing (3) toward the first housing (2). An end surface of the head (41) is in contact with an end surface of the nut (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 11337386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an indoor aquaponics assembly which includes a base, an aquarium positioned above and supported by the base, a planter positioned above the aquarium, an aquarium conduit and a planter conduit. The planter is provided with at least two through holes facing towards the aquarium, one being adapted for a water drainage tube to pass through for draining water from the planter to the aquarium, and one being adapted for a tube of a pump to pass through for pumping water from the aquarium to the planter. The present invention aims at reducing the time and efforts required for caring and maintaining the aquarium and the plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: François Hurtaud
  • Patent number: 11167304
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a compartment that surrounds its riser portion in an offset or asymmetrical configuration. More specifically, the distance of the compartments walls from those of the riser vary (i.e., increase or decrease) at different locations surrounding the riser. Put another way, the riser is closer to one side of the compartment than other sides of the compartment. This non-concentric configuration allows larger components to fit inside the compartment than would otherwise fit if the riser was symmetrically surrounded by the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: James T. Wright, III, Steven C. Renquist
  • Patent number: 10932422
    Abstract: An irrigation device, comprising: a base portion and a liquid dispersal portion. The liquid dispersal portion attached to the top center of the base portion configured with channels and spillways to funnel water to a plurality of plant growth zones spaced about the base portion periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: John William Kendall
  • Patent number: 10926284
    Abstract: Proximity triggered water fountains may have proximity sensors configured to detect target(s), a processing unit communicably coupled to proximity sensors configured to transfer data related to the target(s) to the processing unit, nozzles and nozzle controllers, and collectors configured to receive water projected from the nozzles. The nozzle controllers may be controlled based on data received from the sensors. The nozzle controllers may be coupled to the nozzles of a water circulation system configured to adjust a water projection angle from the nozzles with respect to the ground. The water circulation system may use tank(s), pump(s), and supply and return line(s), with the nozzles, tank(s), pump(s), and supply and return line(s), being in fluid communication. The nozzles and collectors may be displaced a horizontal distance from each other such that outlets of the nozzles are not vertically above the collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University
    Inventor: Nassim Khaled
  • Patent number: 10923096
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for addressing open space noise are disclosed. In one example, a method for masking open space noise includes optimizing a recorded naturally occurring sound signal. The method also includes outputting the optimized recorded naturally occurring sound signal from a plurality of speakers distributed in the open space. Further, the method includes displaying a natural system complementing the optimized recorded naturally occurring sound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Harris Benway, Kwangsee Allen Woo, Dolores Frances Nelson, Ken Kannappan
  • Patent number: 10801191
    Abstract: Novel plumbing products, including faucets, are fabricated, e.g., using metallic 3-dimensional or other 3-D printing techniques, to have complex geometries, such as multiple channels that may diverge and re-converge near the spout. The geometries of the various channels can resemble interwoven net-like patterns that define various shapes between the channels. The plumbing fixtures may be formed from one or more of stainless steels, INCONEL, brass, bronze, polycarbonate, PVC, acrylics, rigid polyolefins, PET, carbon fiber, AES, or other plumbing fitting suitable corrosion resistant materials. In some embodiments, the handles of an exemplary faucet can include the same or a similar multiple channel configuration as the spout, providing an advantageously, aesthetically pleasing faucet system. In exemplary embodiments, faucet spouts and their handles are formed so as to couple to standard faucet underbodies, standard valve platforms, or standard threaded hose/waterway connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: AS America, Inc.
    Inventors: James McHale, Joseph Ientile, Walter Pitsch, Jean-Jacques L'Henaff
  • Patent number: 10758831
    Abstract: An entertainment venue, amusement attraction, or interactive play center configured to provide a variety of activities for users. The play center may include at least one interactive element (such as a button, handle, pull-rope, switch, etc.) that is configured to be interacted with by a user. The play center may also include at least one consequence element (such as a water nozzle, tipping bucket, etc.) that is configured to provide a consequence (such as a spray of water) based upon interaction by a user with the at least one interactive element. In certain embodiments, it may not be apparent, for example via visual, audible, or other indications to a user which consequence element, or how a given consequence element will respond, in response to an interactive element, lending to a sense of surprise and/or need for experimentation on the play center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Whitewater West Industries LTD.
    Inventors: Rick A. Briggs, Mark Vidal, Mark Hewett
  • Patent number: 10352054
    Abstract: A portable kiddie pool includes a main basin including a floor and a perimeter wall defining a perimeter of the pool, the floor including a radial groove that extends towards the perimeter of the pool, a fountain basin disposed above the floor within a perimeter of the perimeter wall, the fountain basin including at least one fountain opening, and tubing that extends at a first end from the perimeter of the pool through the radial groove of the floor to a second end that operably connects to the at least one fountain opening of the fountain basin, the tubing including a fitting configured to connect to a pressurized water source such that water from the pressurized water source flows from the pressurized water source through the tubing and to the fountain opening of the fountain basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventors: Alex Lei Velet, Trevor L. Jackson, Nicholas Emile Stanca, Jess Paul Carlson, David Michael Pehar
  • Patent number: 10352514
    Abstract: The invention discloses a candle lamp which comprises a hollow tubular lamp body, a water storage tank arranged in the lamp body, and an isolation plate arranged in the water storage tank, wherein the isolation plate is arranged thereon with a water spray pipe and the first illuminating lamps distributed around the water spray pipe; a water pump communicated with the water spray pipe is arranged in the water chamber; and the lamp body is subtransparent. When the water pump draws water out from the water chamber, the water is sprayed out from the water spray pipe to form a fountain, and the light of the first illuminating lamps illuminates the water column to achieve visual effect being similar to the glimmering flame, which imitate the burning candles and improve the visual art of the candle lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Zhejiang Neeo Home Decoration Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Zhongming Lian
  • Patent number: 10221583
    Abstract: An artificially-lighted waterfall fixture apparatus includes a fixture housing having a lower housing part and an upper housing part overlying and fitted with the lower housing part so as to define a water-distributing channel and a passageway extending forwardly from and in communication with the water-distributing channel to receive a flow of water therefrom and produce an artificial waterfall flowing from an outlet of the passageway. The apparatus also includes an elongated baffle disposed in the fixture housing along a top portion of the water-distributing channel to receive and convert the flow of water to a laminar flow through the passageway, and an artificial light-focusing module supported centrally in the fixture housing proximate the water-distributing channel and aligned with the passageway so as to generate a beam of light through the passageway that produces a predetermined configuration of light in the laminar flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: WATER WORKS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Elder, Clynton Doyle, Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 10137383
    Abstract: A lawn or garden ornament having an inner frame and an outer frame. The outer frame is to receive a fluid such that at least one first orifice arranged therein is to discharge a portion of the fluid in a first direction outwardly therefrom to cause rotation of the outer frame, and at least one second orifice arranged therein is to discharge a portion of the fluid in a second direction inwardly therefrom to contact a surface of inner frame and thereby cause rotation of the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Plow & Hearth, LLC
    Inventors: Paul D. Maguire, Lin C. Gregory, Fei Qiu
  • Patent number: 10052649
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic fountain candle, comprising a candle body, wherein a chamber is formed in the candle body, a stepped water storage tank is arranged in the chamber, and a cover plate is connected to steps of the water storage tank; a first through hole and a plurality of second through holes are formed in the cover plate, a top of the first through hole is higher than an upper surface of the cover plate, a plurality of first light emitting diodes are arranged on two sides of the top of the first through hole, and a bottom of the first through hole is lower than a lower surface of the cover plate and is connected with a water pump; tops of the second through holes are higher than the upper surface of the cover plate; and a power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Nantong Ya Tai Candle Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yingqi Ding
  • Patent number: 10012002
    Abstract: A manufacture includes a main basin having a floor and a perimeter wall and a fountain basin disposed above the floor within a perimeter of the perimeter wall, the fountain basin including at least one fountain opening and at least one drainage opening, the fountain basin configured to be connected to a pressurized water source such that water from the pressurized water source flows from the fountain opening of the fountain basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL FOAM PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alex Lei Velet, Trevor L. Jackson, Nicholas Emile Stanca, Jess Paul Carlson, David Michael Pehar
  • Patent number: 9987537
    Abstract: A soft toss game apparatus includes a plurality of tossable objects and a collapsible target structure which includes a plurality of bucket components. Each bucket component includes an outer wall, a bottom surface, and an open area at the top of the outer wall that is large enough to receive tossable objects tossed by a user. The open area at the top of each respective bucket component varies in size, with the difference being at least large enough to accommodate the size of the tossable objects. In a first state, the bucket components are assembled in a stack such that, for each lower bucket component having an upper bucket component directly above it, the lower bucket component extends laterally beyond the upper bucket component. In a second state, the bucket components are dissembled from the stack and repositioned to be nested within one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher Allen
  • Patent number: 9872095
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a sound box and an audio playing device comprising the sound box. The sound box comprises a housing and a transparent cover fixedly connected with the housing. The sound box further comprises a transparent base fixedly connected with the transparent cover, a water spraying plate provided with a spray nozzle, and a fan blade for draining off water. A first water tank, a second water tank and a receiving tank for receiving the fan blade are provided on the transparent base. The receiving tank communicates with the first water tank and the second water tank respectively and a liquid in the first water tank is drained off by the fan blade to the second water tank. The water spraying plate is adapted to the second water tank and the fan blade is provided with first magnets. The housing has a motor and a fixing plate disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ATAKE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuo Tsai Lee
  • Patent number: 9744550
    Abstract: Disclosed is two-tier fountain with a continuous scupper. A continuous scupper is a 360-degree, unrestricted border (i.e., continuous), scupper in an upper basin that creates an inward flowing laminar sheet of fluid. A continuous scupper maintains a laminar flow for great distances so that the fluid falls in a circular cascade sheet. On reaching the lower basin, the fluid creates a limited amount of turbulence during entry and therefore a reduced splash. The continuous scupper may be circular, or may have simple to complex variations that create different forms of circular cascade sheets. The upper basin may be open to the atmosphere, or may be closed to create even more spectacular circular cascade sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Sean P. Andersen
  • Patent number: 9636697
    Abstract: A decorative display apparatus comprising a flameless candle with an integrated fountain is disclosed. The flameless candle with integrated fountain is designed to be a stand-alone device. The flameless candle with integrated fountain includes a translucent candle body containing a water reservoir, a power source, a pump and a water diversion board. The pump is used to pump water from the reservoir out an opening in the top of the water diversion board so that the water flows over the top of the board and back into the water reservoir to be recycled. An LED light source located below the diversion board has light emitting elements which illuminate the candle interior and provide a decorative lighting effect. The flameless candle with integrated fountain also features a remote control unit for operating the various operating modes of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Nature's Mark, LLC
    Inventor: Tsai Ming Jih
  • Patent number: 9604151
    Abstract: A water amusement device includes a base pad that extends in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. A plurality of longitudinally-extending troughs is located on the base pad. Each longitudinally-extending trough has a respective channel opening that is connected to a laterally extending drain channel. A pad surface is located on the longitudinally-extending troughs and a water-distribution feature located on the pad surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Charles E. DeCaro, Richard D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 9492834
    Abstract: A nozzle apparatus in a distributed system controls the nozzle in the desired direction using a position-controlled motor and is controlled by a computer with pre-recorded or preset patterns. The apparatus may be a fountain apparatus, a sprinkler apparatus, or a pool apparatus where the nozzles of these apparatuses emit a pressurized liquid such as water. The position-controlled motor can be an inexpensive hobby servo, or an elaborate self-contained control system with a servomotor, and a computer commands the desired position of the motor with preset patterns. The preset patterns may have music along with control information of the nozzles, valves, lights, and pumps. An aesthetic water display is produced from the overall systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Anthony Bishel
  • Patent number: 9475080
    Abstract: A jet device includes a base container in which a cover plate is mounted to define a chamber. A fan having blades is rotatably received in the chamber and includes internal magnetic elements mounted thereto. A drive unit including an electric motor is mounted externally to the base container and includes external magnetic elements that are driven by the electric motor to rotate about an axis. The internal and external magnetic elements correspond to each other and magnetic attraction forces are generated therebetween to drive the internal magnetic elements to rotate in unison with the external magnetic element so that the fan is rotate to induce a flow of liquid in the chamber. The flow liquid is guided to pass through holes formed in the cover plate to form jets of liquid above the cover plate. A top housing is mounted to the base container to confine the liquid jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: ATake Digital Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Tsai Lee
  • Patent number: 9447936
    Abstract: A liquid motion lamp with isolated heating device has an isolated heating device disposed inside a mounting seat, including a cement resistor connecting to AC power supply and a constant current driver. The cement resistor would produce heat after being electrified and cause the flowing of the liquids in the liquid motion lamp. The constant current driver would convert the AC power into DC power for the LED bulb to project lights on the liquid motion lamp. With the isolated circuits of lights and heat as a combined composite module, the liquid motion lamp has great efficiency by distributing the sources of lights and heat, saving the energy and prolonging the durability of the LED bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Su-Fang Ho
  • Patent number: 9445190
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for addressing open space noise are disclosed. In one example, a method for masking open space noise includes outputting from a speaker a speaker sound corresponding to a flow of water, and displaying a water element system, the water element system generating a sound of flowing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Plantronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Harris Benway, Kwangsee Allen Woo, Dolores Frances Nelson, Ken Kannappan
  • Patent number: 9441831
    Abstract: A laminar water fountain device having a canister housing, a housing lid, and an adjustable jet body suspended in the canister housing for producing the water fountain. The canister housing has an inlet end through which water is supplied to the jet body and an outlet end through which the jet body ejects the water fountain. The jet body has tangentially mounted inlet ports and internal filter elements to help maintain a less turbulent water flow through the jet body, so as to help result in a laminar water fountain. The jet body is at least partially adjustable in the canister housing such that the angle of the water fountain emanating from the water fountain device is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Custom Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jens Fossen, Jesse Leech
  • Patent number: 9441640
    Abstract: A pump for a water cooler is positioned inside or outside an electronic device having heating parts in order to cool heat generated by the heating parts via a circulating refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZALMAN TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Woong Park, Hak Bong Lee, Hyun Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9433949
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water feature nozzle comprising at least two separate water guides (1, 3) each with at least one outlet opening (13, 14), wherein controllably different water volume streams (V1,V2) can be directed to the outlet openings (13, 14) via the water guides (1, 3) in order to generate variable water patterns at a nozzle outlet (9), the water feature nozzle being designed such that an inner water guide (1) is surrounded by at least one outer water guide (3), and both water guides (1, 3) direct parallel-orientated water streams (V1,V2) as far as the nozzle outlet (9). One of the water guides (1, 3) has an adjustable flow deflector (10, 11) on the nozzle outlet (9), which flow deflector (10, 11) annularly encloses the inner water jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: OASE GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Wesselmeier
  • Patent number: 9221070
    Abstract: Disclosed is two-tier fountain with a continuous scupper. A continuous scupper is a 360-degree, unrestricted border (i.e., continuous), scupper in an upper basin that creates an inward flowing laminar sheet of fluid. A continuous scupper maintains a laminar flow for great distances so that the fluid falls in a circular cascade sheet. On reaching the lower basin, the fluid creates a limited amount of turbulence during entry and therefore a reduced splash. The continuous scupper may be circular, or may have simple to complex variations that create different forms of circular cascade sheets. The upper basin may be open to the atmosphere, or may be closed to create even more spectacular circular cascade sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Sean P. Andersen
  • Patent number: 9101208
    Abstract: A merchandiser includes a base and a rear wall component extending above the base. The rear wall component includes a protruding rib. Foam insulation material is disposed in the protruding rib. The rear wall component has a first wall panel and a second wall panel spaced from the first wall panel. The first and second wall panel cooperatively define an air passageway configured for containing an evaporator. The base and second wall panel at least partially define a product display area. A spray nozzle is disposed within the air passageway and configured to spray fluid onto the evaporator. A portion of tubing fluidly couples the spray nozzle to a supply of water. The portion of tubing is disposed within the foam insulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Rick M. LaMontagne, Cherrie Bommarito
  • Patent number: 9068373
    Abstract: At least one socket in a swimming pool allows for the mounting of at least one pool accessory by way of a post mounted in the socket. In some embodiments, the socket is located in the bottom of the pool. In some embodiments, the socket is coupled to an electricity source to provide electricity to the post or pool accessory. In some embodiments, the socket is coupled to an air source to provide bubbles. In some embodiments, the socket is coupled to a fog source to provide a fog supply. In some embodiments, the socket is coupled to a water source to provide water flow to the post or pool accessory. In some embodiments, the fluid supplied to the post includes a scent. In some embodiments, the socket includes a light source and the post includes optical fibers to transmit light from the light source through the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventors: Perry Sickler, Edward J. Calafut
  • Patent number: 9027848
    Abstract: An apparatus that includes two separate reservoirs wherein the first reservoir is molded into the body of the larger artificial body of water and filled using a standard pump from the main body of water. From the larger body of water, the water is then moved upward through the apparatus through the manual opening of a valve assembly. Once the valve assembly is opened, the water moves through the valve assembly and through a grate and into a second reservoir. From this second reservoir, the water is pulled by the force gravity over the spillway into the main body of water, creating a clean, sheer waterfall effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Waterway Plastics
    Inventors: Brooks Hilton, Jason Hillyard
  • Patent number: 8997385
    Abstract: A rotatable fountain display device rotatably displays an indicia, such as advertisement over a fountain. The device comprises a plurality of spheres immediately adjacent and sequentially connected to each other to rotatably display an indicia, such as an advertisement. The device works in conjunction with a fluid source, such as a fountain, to receive a fluid carrying a fluid pressure. A lower sphere contains a rotation mechanism that harnesses the fluid pressure from the fluid source to generate rotational energy on the lower sphere, which then rotates sequentially connected middle and upper spheres. A central channel runs through the spheres. A nylon elastic member and a rubber band interconnect the spheres and enables multidirectional movement by the spheres. A guide wire passes through the spheres to help counterbalance the movement. An annular bearing apparatus restricts rotation of the central channel and reduces friction during rotation of the rotation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Julio Antonio Decastro
  • Publication number: 20150083819
    Abstract: A illuminated table or desk top water display ornament can be used for everyday enjoyment and appropriate for every season and occasion. The water display ornaments embody a multiplicity of water displays, such as waterfalls, springs, waves, tides, cavitating bubbles, and the like, all combined and cycled in one system. The water display ornaments are simple in construction and maintain an aesthetically pleasing presentation to the viewer. Many options are available as a plug-in or slide-in module. This allows the viewer to change modules if desired to obtain different patterns, flows and sounds as desired. The water display ornaments can be efficacious modalities for attenuating an individual's adverse response to daily, weekly, annual or seasonal circadian cycles, such as seasonal affective disorder. Moreover, the water display ornaments offer life prolonging benefits similar to that attributed, by anecdotal evidence, to the ownership of a pet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony Andrew Cibulski
  • Publication number: 20150041554
    Abstract: Systems and processes for facilitating control of a decorative water fountain system through a network are described. A central computer may be connected to a network and may communicate with a variety of controllers to drive fountain hardware, lights, and music for an automated performance. Audience members may interact with the fountain system by communicating with the central computer through a network. Users may engage an application on a smartphone to request particular water jets, fountain movements, lights, colors, sounds, or the like. The central computer may receive the requests and communicate corresponding commands to fountain hardware controllers to cause the requested actions to be performed by fountain hardware (e.g., nozzles, lights, motors, pumps, switches, etc.). The central computer may also communicate with online social networks to post information related to user interaction, fountain performances, images, status, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Watergush, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Antonio AGUILERA SANCHEZ
  • Patent number: 8887666
    Abstract: A submersible, universal water fountain system for an animal watering vessel. The system includes a port for discharging water into the vessel, a housing which has an inlet through which water is drawn from the vessel, and a pump for drawing water through the inlet and forcing the water from the housing through the port back into the vessel. The port discharges water in a pattern to diminish overspray outside the vessel and create a stream-like flow path of water movement in the vessel to enhance the water drinking experience of an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Xinghua Liu, Marc E. Brush, Ben T. Ferguson, III, Jason R. Graves
  • Publication number: 20140312137
    Abstract: A device to moving a water shooter is described. The device may contain features that allow the device to travel submerged in a reservoir with a water shooter attached. The device may travel along a fixed track, rotational boom, or be free swimming in order to move the water shooter within the reservoir so that unique water effects may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, Jim Doyle, Amnon Talmor
  • Publication number: 20140312139
    Abstract: A water display is described whereby parabolic water streams may be controlled so as to appear to move towards or away from each other or step over each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Fuller
  • Publication number: 20140312138
    Abstract: An impingement fan water display that may be used in a water display is described. The device may include two nozzles that project streams of water towards each other in an intersecting trajectory and impinge upon each other. The angle of orientation of the nozzles in relation to each other may be varied to produce varying water stream fan widths and shapes. A plate may be located at or near the point of impingement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, Jim Doyle, Keith Kalis, Amnon Talmor
  • Publication number: 20140306024
    Abstract: A water delivery device is described which includes an outlet pipe through which water is ejected to provide a water display. A disk is positioned relative to the outlet pipe. The relative positions of the disk and outlet pipe are moved so that the disk is located within the outlet pipe or above it to alter the appearance of the water leaving the outlet pipe. As the relative position of the disk and outlet pipe varies, a sequence of water expressions is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, Jim Doyle, Scott Mahlerbee, John McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20140263715
    Abstract: A water delivery device that may float on a body of water is described. The device may comprise a buoyant sphere that houses a water shooting device. The device may include fins to help stabilize the sphere against recoil when water is shot from the device. Clips may be included on the device to tether multiple devices together or to the bottom or side of the body of water. The device may include lighting effects to the water shooting out of the device or lighting effects on or from inside the sphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, Don Lariviere
  • Patent number: 8827177
    Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a sprinkler comprising a base, a connector coupled to the base and configured for coupling to an external water supply, and a body rotatably mounted on the base and in fluid communication with the water supply through the connector and the base, the body including one or more orifices configured to spray, in a defined pattern, water received from the external water supply, and further including at least one hole configured to spray, in a substantially horizontal direction, water received from the external water supply, wherein the spray exiting from the at least one hole causes the body to rotate, and wherein the defined pattern of the spray exiting the one or more orifices is a spiral or helical-shaped spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff A. Michelsen
  • Publication number: 20140209699
    Abstract: A man-made waterfall system that includes a pond with a water receiving portion and a pair of slots, a waterfall with a front facing with a plurality of apertures and a pair of elongated rectangular inserts, the pair of elongated rectangular inserts correspond to and are removably inserted into the pair of slots disposed on the back portion of the perimeter and a back spillway that receives water that overflows from the water receiving portion of the pond. The system also includes a plurality of water pipes attached to the back spillway and a water pump that continuously pumps the water in the water pipes from the back spillway to the apertures disposed on the front facing of the waterfall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: A. Jerry Nobles
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8763925
    Abstract: A laminar flow water jet system has a housing with a water channel, the housing creating a laminar flow in the water channel from the water flowing through the housing. A lighting element is provided with a controller. The laminar flow passes through at least one jetting element having a cup portion and a nozzle portion and jetting a laminar flow tube from the laminar flow passing through the water channel in the housing at the base portion. The laminar flow tube is ejected from the nozzle as a laminar flow jet having a smoothed tubular surface jacket and being lit by the lighting element. An additive source drips additive into the cup portion at a rate controlled by the controller, the additive being absorbed by capillary action by the laminar flow tube as it is passed through the nozzle to become the laminar flow jet. The absorption process drawing in air from the surrounding atmosphere and creating perturbations or bubbles within the laminar flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140151459
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a freestanding landscape waterfall assembly which reduces the weight of the waterfall as compared to conventional cast block waterfalls. In one embodiment, a freestanding landscape waterfall includes a face plate having an elongated aperture, a manifold having an outlet configured to direct water through the aperture, and an engagement feature configured to suspend the face plate such that the elongated aperture is in a horizontal orientation. In another embodiment, a freestanding landscape waterfall assembly includes a freestanding landscape waterfall, an overhead support system configured to suspend the freestanding landscape waterfall, and a catch basin positionable below the freestanding landscape waterfall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Sheridan
  • 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: 8636227
    Abstract: A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing therethrough. A water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. One or more filter member(s) is provided along the water channel. One or more jetting element in communication with the housing jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. One or more lighting element(s) emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An additive supply element communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the lighting element and receives an additive stream from the additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140008455
    Abstract: A system for providing a combined water and fire display is provided. More specifically, a decorative display comprises a dynamic water and fire display device where fuel/air, water, and fire are integrated. The decorative display provides for unique aesthetic qualities and an appearance wherein flames are positioned at or near the surface of a volume of water. In various embodiments, the decorative display further comprises various safety features including the ability to detect and self-regulate conditions such as the existence and/or absence of a pilot flame, an adequate amount of water, and the temperature of various portions of the system. The decorative display further contemplates the ability to operate without one or more disclosed features, such as when only a water display or only a fire display is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: William L. Muff, Timothy C. Muff
  • Publication number: 20130320107
    Abstract: A garden fountain having a lower bowl, a middle bowl and an upper planter bowl. A water pump positioned in the lower bowl pumps water up into the middle bowl. The planter bowl rests in the middle bowl. Using a combination of the water level in the middle bowl and the spacing of the bottom of the upper bowl with respect to the water level in the middle bowl, the user can accurately control the water flow to the plant in the upper bowl. A rechargeable battery for the pump is provided in a battery compartment of the base of the fountain, thus providing easy user access to the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: John O. Yeiser, IV
  • Patent number: 8556190
    Abstract: An apparatus for pixelating falling water droplets to create a graphical image comprising one or more elevated water display heads having a plurality of spaced apart nozzles in one or more rows, each of said nozzles has a water inlet and a water outlet. A high speed solenoid is provided for each nozzle for opening and closing of the water outlet for each nozzle to control the speed at which water exits the nozzles. A water reservoir is provided above the water inlets for the solenoids and nozzles so that water pressure to the nozzles is maintained by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Pyrotek Special Effects Inc.
    Inventors: Danny Tom, Douglas Adams