Abstract: A participatory water play installation comprises a water play area provided with several water dispensing elements which can be user-activated via a user interface connected to a command center. The command center is preferably located underneath the water play area and further comprises an electronic system controller, electrically actuated solenoid valves and a water distribution manifold. The command center is in fluid communication with the water dispensing elements whereby upon stimulation of the user interface, the command center initiates a predetermined sequence of water dispensing patterns from the activated water dispensing elements, resulting in recreational enjoyment of the participants.

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.

Abstract: A fluid handling device, for example, a laminar jet fountain, includes a jet emanating a first stream of substantially laminar fluid. The jet fountain also includes a surface disruptor that includes a body, a water inlet, a valve, a fluid outlet, and a trajectory adjuster emanating a second stream of fluid from the fluid outlet. The second stream of fluid may be positioned to intersect the first stream of fluid and perturb its laminarity. By adjusting a valve controlling the force and volume of flow of the second stream and/or by adjusting the trajectory adjuster, the intersection of the first and second streams may be modified and, therefore, the laminarity of the first stream may be modified. By disrupting the laminar surface of the first stream, light introduced into the first stream may be caused to refract outward from the first stream and thus enhance illumination of the first stream.

Abstract: A method, system and an apparatus for liquid sheeting is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a channel to contain a flow of liquid and a coupling to a liquid source. The channel may include one or more channel ends that may be coupled to the liquid source. The apparatus may also comprise a liquid sheeting component having a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the channel, the liquid sheeting component comprising an outlet extending through a bottom of the channel and a first sheeting element extending from inside the channel through the bottom of the channel, wherein the first sheeting element and the outlet are adjacent and extend the length of the liquid sheeting component and the liquid sheeting component divides the channel longitudinally into at least two side-by-side sub-channels such that a bottom portion of the channel is divided and a top portion of the channel is undivided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly, in particular a play fountain, comprising a floor (1), a plurality of nozzles (2), preferably a reservoir for a liquid, in particular water, or means to connect the assembly to a liquid supply, and a control system (3) for controlling one or more of the nozzles (2) during operation of the assembly. The floor (1) is assembled modularly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a landscape waterfall. In one embodiment, a landscape waterfall includes an extruded frame structure and a catch basin disposed adjacent the frame structure. The landscape waterfall also includes a manifold having an outlet positioned to direct water into the catch basin and a pump system configured to pump water from the catch basin to the manifold. In another embodiment, a landscape waterfall includes a plastic extruded frame structure and a housing affixed to a front side of the extruded frame structure. The landscape waterfall also includes a catch basin disposed within the housing, a manifold coupled to the frame structure, and a pump system. In yet another embodiment, a landscape waterfall assembly kit includes a pump manifold, a plastic extruded back frame, a pump system, and packaging securing the pump manifold, the plastic extruded back frame, and the pump system.

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.

Abstract: A fluid display includes a fluid source, a gas source, and a light source. The fluid source coherently emits fluid along a first trajectory. The gas source emits gas along a second trajectory that intersects the first trajectory. The light source is directed toward the intersection of the first trajectory and the second trajectory. The second trajectory may intersect the first trajectory at an oblique angle. The fluid source and/or the gas source may emit intermittently. The fluid source may emit a laminar jet or spherical fluid globules. The gas source may intermittently emit a gas vortex. The gas may be a flammable gas. The fluid may be water and the gas may be air. The fluid display may provide a “water sparkler” effect.

Abstract: A fluid effects apparatus for creating a fluid display. The apparatus includes a base with a center point gimbal. A fluid outlet manifold is provided with an inlet for receiving fluid and a nozzle. The fluid outlet manifold is supported on the center point gimbal to pivot with the gimbal. A drive assembly is provided with first and second drive mechanisms that each drive input arms attached to the fluid outlet manifold at an angular offset. Each of the input arms is configured with three pivot points to translate rotational input from a crank arm of the drive mechanism into linear movement, and each input arm includes a first swing arm pivotally coupled to the crank arm, a second swing arm coupled to an end of the first swing arm, and a collar receiving a portion of the fluid outlet manifold and pivotally supported by the second swing arm.

Abstract: A fluid effects apparatus for producing a water display or show. The apparatus includes a base with a center point gimbal mechanism and a fluid outlet manifold with an inlet for receiving fluid. The fluid outlet manifold is pivotally supported upon the center point gimbal mechanism and includes a nozzle manifold with a pivotally mounted nozzle for dispersing the received fluid and a nozzle drive assembly coupled to the nozzle that selectively rotates the nozzle about its rotation axis. The drive assembly includes a motor mounted to pivot with the fluid outlet manifold upon the center point gimbal. The drive assembly includes an output drive element of the motor that is coupled to the nozzle to selectively rotate the nozzle. The nozzle manifold includes a second nozzle and switching means for selectively directing the received fluid to one of the two nozzles.

Abstract: A decorative portable natural stone waterfall containing an integrated planter and a water distribution system is disclosed. The waterfall is made of natural stone, but is small enough to be portable. The waterfall contains a planter integrated within the main body of the waterfall which is designed to contain a living plant. There is also a water distribution system that contains a water inlet, a distribution chamber and a multiplicity of water distribution tubing that supplies water to the face of the waterfall. In one configuration there is also a pump and a means for recirculation the water, and in another the water is supplied by an external source. In one configuration the water is supplied to the top section of the waterfall, and in another configuration the water is supplied directly to the face of the waterfall. The invention also consists of a kit comprising the planter with integrated water distribution system, along with stone and mortar for constructing the waterfall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated nozzle system comprising a nozzle cap for directing water exiting the nozzle cap, wherein the water exiting the nozzle cap has an average flow direction away from a nozzle cap base plane. The articulated nozzle system further comprises a nozzle cap driver for orienting the nozzle cap about a central pivot point to adjustably define the average flow direction, wherein the nozzle cap driver is linked to the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap driver can be moved along a plane, referred to as a driver support plane, by a drive module. Changing the location of nozzle cap driver along the driver support plane can change the orientation of the nozzle cap about the central pivot to adjust the average flow direction of the water exiting the nozzle cap.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A decorative water display provides a laminar water bell. A gas burner may be provided inside the laminar water bell to produce a decorative flame. A laminar nozzle having an outlet arranged to eject a laminar jet of water upwardly in a substantially vertical direction may strike an impactor suspended directly above the outlet of the laminar nozzle such that the laminar jet of water forms the laminar water bell. Alternatively, a vertical pipe may supply water to a thin annular region between two plates such that water flowing between the two plates assumes a generally laminar flow characteristic and forms the laminar water bell when ejected from between the two plates. Alternatively, a hemispherical nozzle may have a slot arranged to eject a sheet of water upwardly to form a segment of the laminar water bell.

Abstract: A frameless portable water panel for displaying advertising and products constructed of transparent material combining a water wall column and cascading water tanks supporting dry, removable display shelves. Water is pumped into a tall water column from a bottom reservoir with a water pump. Water fills the tall water column and flows down on the outside of the front wall of the column then into a series of cascading water tanks before returning to the bottom reservoir. An alternate embodiment is modified to serve as a self-serve drinking fountain by removing the lowest shelf and adding fountain openings in the outside face of the front wall of one of the cascading tanks. Other modifications including bevel top edges on the water column, a light pan under the unit, pegs to secure the shelves, clear splash guards on the back of all shelves, and supporting legs under each shelf.

Abstract: A fountain for edible fluids includes a bowl and an open tubular column extending substantially normally of the bowl from a fluid intake position near the bottom of the bowl to a fluid outlet position remote therefrom. The tubular column contains an auger or other drive to drive edible fluids up through the tubular column. The tubular column has on its exterior a plurality of lugs spaced apart at intervals along the length thereof and the fountain further comprises a plurality of mounting members that mount onto the tubular column, each mounting member mounting onto a lug at a different respective position along the tubular column. Each mounting member serves to supportively mount a respective tier of the fountain thereon. This system is easy to assemble and disassemble, there are no loose fixings and the column may be made of uniform diameter and the tiers of simple form.

Abstract: A hydraulic jump (1) is created at the free surface (2) of a liquid subjected to a flow over a surface (23) which declines towards a liquid outlet region, and where the supply is made by the overflow of a supply system (3), and where an element (24) rises above the flow surface (23) to form a retention volume (27) of the liquid before it is drained. The liquid may be recycled. The jump (1) may or may not be stable. The invention may be applied to the creation of artificial waves for simulation devices, ornamental fountains or swimming pools.

Abstract: A flowing water display including a transparent upright backwall panel covering a graphic art sheet and water sprayed from a spray tube against a forward surface of the panel to cause a down flow of water thereover, with an open topped reservoir tank disposed beneath the panel to collect said water down flow, which is recirculated by a pump drawing water out of the reservoir tank and pumping water back into the spray tube. A pair of removable side channels and top channel frame the graphic art image and conceal the spray tube and plumbing connection to the pump. The components of a wall mounted version allow separate mounting to make a wall mount easier for large size displays.

Abstract: Pop-up fountain embodiments are provided which successfully combine aesthetics, utility and ease of installation and are thus especially suited for installation into spas, hot tubs, pools and the like. Different embodiments include a fountain body and a fountain valve which is slidingly received in the body. The valve terminates in a cap which substantially fills an aperture of the body when the valve is in a quiescent position. Applied water pressure forces the valve into an energized position where the form of the valve directs water laterally in an aesthetically-pleasing pattern. The valve preferably includes a deflector which is arranged below the cap and configured to control and enhance the lateral deflection.

Abstract: A laminar flow water jet having a housing with a water channel flowing there through. An at least one water input admits water into the housing and the water channel. An at least one filter member is provided along the water channel. An at least one jetting element in communication with the housing and jets a laminar flow tube or segment from the jet. An at least one lighting element emits light and communicates with the laminar flow tube or segment. An at least one additive supply element communicates with the at least one laminar flow tube or segment, where a laminar water flow is jetted through the at least one jetting element to form the laminar flow tube or segment which is lit by the light emitted by the at least one lighting element and receives an additive stream from the at least one additive supply element to produce wave effects within the laminar flow tube or segment.

Abstract: A birdbath fountain includes a water reservoir and recirculating system. Water for the fountain is pumped from the reservoir, with the excess water from the bowl being returned to the reservoir, thereby allowing for a bowl which remains full or at a consistent depth for a longer period of time, including periods of dry or windy weather conditions. In the preferred configuration, the bowl has a depth defined by an outer raised rim and an inner raised rim. A water-containing reservoir having a depth greater than the depth of the bowl resides within the inner raised rim. An electrically operated submersible pump disposed in the water-containing reservoir is operative to pump water from the reservoir to the fountain head, after which the water returns to the bowl. At least one notch in the inner raised rim provides a fluid path from the bowl back to the reservoir, thereby keeping the water level of the bowl substantially constant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for fluid handling devices with enhanced functionality. In some embodiments, the fluid handling device may include a plurality of filters coupled to the fluid handling device, where passing a first stream of fluid through the plurality of filters may improve the laminarity of the first stream of fluid, an orifice situated about the fluid handling device, where the first stream of fluid may exit the fluid handling device through the orifice in a substantially laminar state, and a surface disruptor coupled to the fluid handling device, where the surface disruptor may provide a second stream of fluid and where the disruptor may be positioned such that the second stream of fluid interferes with the first stream of fluid exiting the fluid handling device.

Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for generating a water jet has a nozzle plate having a nozzle opening. In order for the nozzle arrangement to be able to generate a water jet that provides improved utilization as a light guide also in bodies of water with wave motion and that is constructively simple and producible in an inexpensive way, it has a nozzle sleeve that surrounds the nozzle opening at least partially and is arranged on the nozzle plate and is provided with an inner sleeve wall surface that surrounds a water jet exiting from the nozzle opening at a safety spacing. The safety spacing prevents unwanted contact with the water jet.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in spraying a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle portion, a base portion, and a plurality of elastic bellows disposed between the nozzle portion and the base portion. The bellows are coupled to both the nozzle portion and the base portion. Movement of the nozzle is achieved by activation of the bellows.

Abstract: A waterfall decorative humidifier, including mainly a housing, a water exit on top of the housing, a water sub-receptacle in the lower portion of the housing, a water pump in the water sub-receptacle, and a fan in the housing; in which the water pump is connected with the water exit through a water pipe, and in which the housing is generally of the shape of a waterfall; wherein at least one shaft is provided on the housing, and a decoration is connected to the shaft directly or through a mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A fountain system having at least one fountain head and an apparatus for propelling floating ornaments on the water surface of a body of water. The fountain system includes a submersible water pump having a means for securing the unit below the water surface level. Connected to the output of the submersible water pump is a three-way connector for diverting a portion of the output water flow to a fountain head with the remaining portion directed to an elongated L-shaped assembly for producing a circulating water current configured to propel floating ornaments located on the water surface. A variation of the present invention includes the means for adjusting circulating water current direction and/or distance from water surface so that floating ornament motion characteristics are adjustable.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A fluid handling device, for example, a laminar jet fountain, includes a jet emanating a first stream of substantially laminar fluid. The jet fountain also includes a surface disrupter that includes a body, a water inlet, a valve, a fluid outlet, and a trajectory adjuster emanating a second stream of fluid from the fluid outlet. The second stream of fluid may be positioned to intersect the first stream of fluid and perturb its laminarity. By adjusting a valve controlling the force and volume of flow of the second stream and/or by adjusting the trajectory adjuster, the intersection of the first and second streams may be modified and, therefore, the laminarity of the first stream may be modified. By disrupting the laminar surface of the first stream, light introduced into the first stream may be caused to refract outward from the first stream and thus enhance illumination of the first stream.

Abstract: A fountain for liquid chocolate, comprising: a heated bowl, at least two parallel adjacent open cylinders extending normally of the bowl from a fluid intake position near the bottom of the bowl to a fluid outlet position remote from the bowl, each cylinder containing a coextensive auger whose spiral flight has a rim engaging an inner cylindrical surface of the cylinder and the auger being mounted for rotation about the axis of the cylinder, means for rotating the augers to cause fluid entering the cylinders from the bowl to be conveyed axially to the fluid outlets, and a partition extending across the bowl to prevent mixture of fluid in different portions of the bowl, the arrangement being such that, when the fountain is orientated in use with the cylinders vertical, fluid falling from the top of each cylinder reaches only the respective portion of the bowl from which it was taken.

Abstract: A liquid management system comprising a first chamber that has a first boundary wall, and a second chamber that has a second boundary wall. The second chamber has a base surrounded by the second boundary wall and the second boundary wall is within the first boundary wall. The second boundary wall height is lower than the first boundary wall height. The liquid management system also comprises a liquid level control module for controlling i) a first level of the liquid within the first chamber, and ii) a second level of the liquid within the second chamber.

Abstract: A fluid effects apparatus for producing a water display or show. The apparatus includes a base with a center point gimbal mechanism and a fluid outlet manifold with an inlet for receiving fluid. The fluid outlet manifold is pivotally supported upon the center point gimbal mechanism and includes a nozzle manifold with a pivotally mounted nozzle for dispersing the received fluid and a nozzle drive assembly coupled to the nozzle that selectively rotates the nozzle about its rotation axis. The drive assembly includes a motor mounted to pivot with the fluid outlet manifold upon the center point gimbal. The drive assembly includes an output drive element of the motor that is coupled to the nozzle to selectively rotate the nozzle. The nozzle manifold includes a second nozzle and switching means for selectively directing the received fluid to one of the two nozzles.

Abstract: A fluid effects apparatus for creating a fluid display. The apparatus includes a base with a center point gimbal. A fluid outlet manifold is provided with an inlet for receiving fluid and a nozzle. The fluid outlet manifold is supported on the center point gimbal to pivot with the gimbal. A drive assembly is provided with first and second drive mechanisms that each drive input arms attached to the fluid outlet manifold at an angular offset. Each of the input arms is configured with three pivot points to translate rotational input from a crank arm of the drive mechanism into linear movement, and each input arm includes a first swing arm pivotally coupled to the crank arm, a second swing arm coupled to an end of the first swing arm, and a collar receiving a portion of the fluid outlet manifold and pivotally supported by the second swing arm.

Abstract: An aesthetic movable barrier such as a window or gate, with an integrated liquid feature. The barrier includes a liquid supply, a power source, pump and plumbing to provide an aesthetic liquid flow across a visible surface, preferably textured, of the barrier. The liquid feature is preferably recirculating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative waterfall apparatus and more particularly to a decorative waterfall having a decorative image on a backboard which can be rapidly changed by removing the removable mounted backboard and changing a polymer film having a decorative image thereon extending thereover.

Abstract: A fluid effects apparatus to produce a fluid display or effect. The apparatus includes a base with a center point gimbal. A fluid outlet manifold is provided with an inlet for receiving fluid and an outlet device such as a nozzle for dispersing the received fluid. The fluid outlet manifold is supported upon the center point gimbal to pivot with the gimbal in all directions. A drive assembly is provided with first and second drive mechanisms such as submersible servos that each drive input arms attached to the fluid outlet manifold at an angular offset such as about 120 degrees. The drive mechanisms are separately and concurrently operable to move the input arms to pivot the fluid outlet manifold on the center point gimbal to selectively position the outlet device such as to articulate it in arcs of 110 degrees or more in all directions about a nozzle center axis.

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.

Abstract: There is provided a water feature and methods for use in a water park type environment wherein the feature comprises a misting system for dispensing a fluid in the form of a mist in an aesthetically pleasing and interactive arrangement. In an example, the misting system comprises a source of fluid coupled to a high pressure pump, and a conduit member having a first end that is attached to the source of high pressure fluid produced from the pump. At least one misting nozzle is coupled to the conduit to selectively disperse the fluid at a localized area upon actuation of at least one fluid control valve. A control system may also be provided to provide selective control of the supply of high pressure fluid to the at least one misting nozzle. The control system may allow interaction by a user to allow a user to control actuation of the supply of high pressure fluid to the at least one misting nozzle.

Abstract: A frameless portable water panel for displaying advertising and products constructed of transparent material combining a water wall column and cascading water tanks supporting dry, removable display shelves. Water is pumped into a tall water column from a bottom reservoir with a water pump. Water fills the tall water column and flows down on the outside of the front wall of the column then into a series of cascading water tanks before returning to the bottom reservoir. An alternate embodiment is modified to serve as a self-serve drinking fountain by removing the lowest shelf and adding fountain openings in the outside face of the front wall of one of the cascading tanks. Other modifications including bevel top edges on the water column, a light pan under the unit, pegs to secure the shelves, clear splash guards on the back of all shelves, and supporting legs under each shelf.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and controlling an energetic pulse wave in a laminar flow having an at least one water input and a housing with a water channel flowing therethrough. At least one jetting element for jetting a laminar flow tube from a laminar flow passing through the water channel. With at least one energetic pulse wave generating element generating an energetic pulse in a controlled fashion that travels into the laminar flow and selectively interrupts the laminarity therein.

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.

Abstract: A disposable pod may be prefilled with chocolate (or other food substance) for use in a chocolate fountain. For example, the manufacturer of the disposable pod, or another party, may fill the disposable pod with melted chocolate after manufacture of the disposable pod.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated nozzle system comprising a nozzle cap for directing water exiting the nozzle cap, wherein the water exiting the nozzle cap has an average flow direction away from a nozzle cap base plane. The articulated nozzle system further comprises a nozzle cap driver for orienting the nozzle cap about a central pivot point to adjustably define the average flow direction, wherein the nozzle cap driver is linked to the nozzle cap. The nozzle cap driver can be moved along a plane, referred to as a driver support plane, by a drive module. Changing the location of nozzle cap driver along the driver support plane can change the orientation of the nozzle cap about the central pivot to adjust the average flow direction of the water exiting the nozzle cap.

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.