With Illuminating Means Patents (Class 239/18)
  • 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: 6543925
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus for creating a variable colored lighting effect at some desired remote location by means of multiple source lighting means, usually red, blue and green, illuminating the end of individual bundles of fiber optic cables which are then combined into one larger cable bundle which is then routed to the desired remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 6484952
    Abstract: A waterfall illuminated by a plurality of optical fibers having their ends disposed into an outlet of the waterfall and directing light from the fiber ends onto water within the waterfall. The waterfall comprises a water conduit having an inlet for receiving water into the interior of the water conduit and having an outlet formed by a top plate and bottom plate for producing a waterfall as the water flows out of the water conduit, a fiber optic cable bundle attached to the water conduit, and the fiber optic cable bundle comprising a plurality of fibers where each fiber adapted to receive light at an input end and to emit light at an output end. The output ends of the respective fibers are disposed within the outlet whereby the output ends are positioned to direct light onto water in the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Super Vision International, Inc.
    Inventor: Pinhas Paul Koren
  • Patent number: 6447137
    Abstract: A lamp illuminates a waterfall from behind as a liquid cascades down the outside of a housing into a basin. From the basin, the liquid flows through a cavity in the housing, behind a body and through a pump, through an outflow line, through a cap with filter, and into a liquid retainer at the top of the body. The liquid retainer overflows, allowing the liquid to cascade down the outside of the body and back into the basin for recirculation. The enclosure comprises alternating opaque and translucent bands. A light source within the cavity behind the enclosure illuminates an inside surface of the body with the translucent bands transmitting light through the cascading liquid, producing an appealing visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: James David Long
  • Patent number: 6443364
    Abstract: A candle stand in combination with a fountain to provide ornamental effects includes a hollow base, a candle stand assembly, and a fountain assembly. A pump is disposed inside the base. The candle stand assembly is mounted on top of the base. The fountain includes a hollow connector and a tube communicating the connector to the pump. A bottom semi-sphere is disposed around the connector and on top of the cover plate. A top semi-sphere is disposed around the connector and above the cover plate. An upper plate and a lower plate are disposed around the connector and between the bottom semi-sphere and the top semi-sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • 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: 6439471
    Abstract: A candle fountain is provided which includes a base defining a reservoir therein which is adapted to hold a fluid, such as water. A pump having an inlet and an outlet is provided in communication with the base reservoir. A candle member is supported on the base, where the candle member includes a bore formed at least partially therethrough having an inlet and at least one outlet. The bore inlet is in fluid communication with the pump outlet such that fluid can be pumped from the base reservoir into the bore and out through the one or more bore outlets of the candle member. Advantageously, the candle member can be lit during operation of the candle fountain to provide additional sensory enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Peaktop Limited
    Inventors: Gernot Ehrlich, Chun Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6435422
    Abstract: A floating fountain having a sealed housing with a lower and an upper housing element, and having an electrical pump unit with required energy supplied by solar cells attached to the fountain. Manufacture and a permanently dependable operation are achieved because the upper housing element is designed as a cover which lets through light at least in partial areas and is applied to the lower housing element in a watertight manner. The solar cells are arranged in an interior of the housing so that the solar cells absorb light entering through the transparent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Wutschik
  • Publication number: 20020084346
    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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Jed Katzman
  • Publication number: 20020074420
    Abstract: A waterfall illuminated by a plurality of optical fibers having their ends disposed into an outlet of the waterfall and directing light from the fiber ends onto water within the waterfall. The waterfall comprises a water conduit having an inlet for receiving water into the interior of the water conduit and having an outlet formed by a top plate and bottom plate for producing a waterfall as the water flows out of the water conduit, a fiber optic cable bundle attached to the water conduit, and the fiber optic cable bundle comprising a plurality of fibers where each fiber adapted to receive light at an input end and to emit light at an output end. The output ends of the respective fibers are disposed within the outlet whereby the output ends are positioned to direct light onto water in the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Pinhas Paul Koren
  • Patent number: 6402459
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1), including an elongated tubular body (3) arranged to be located in water in an essentially vertical position. The tubular body (3) includes an open end (6) at the bottom and a narrowing portion (7) at the top, which ends in an opening (8) arranged to be located above the level of the surrounding water (2). The device (1) is arranged to establish a water level in the narrowing portion (7) of the tubular body (3), which is lower than the level of the surrounding water and to intermittently level out this level difference in such a way that the water in the tubular body (3) is transported up to a higher level than the level of the surrounding water by the action thereon of the narrowing portion (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Mikael Pauli, Dag Birkeland
  • Patent number: 6393192
    Abstract: A water feature provided with both water and an illuminating optical fiber through a single tube. The tube is sealingly connected to a housing having separate inlets for water and the fiber optic cable. A fitting connected between the tubing and the housing allows water to flow through the annulus between the fiber outside diameter and the tubing inside diameter. Water provided to the fitting from a water source passes through the tubing into a fixture where it then exits to form a waterfall or other water display. Light emitted from an end of the fiber optic cable illuminates the water display. By using a transparent or translucent tube, light emitted from along the length of the cable may be used to illuminate the translucent fixture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Oasis Waterfalls LLC
    Inventor: Pinhas Paul Koren
  • Patent number: 6375090
    Abstract: A housing defines a sealed interior cavity to provide buoyancy for floating the housing in water. A battery housing secured to the buoyant housing supports a rechargeable battery and maintains the vertical alignment of the buoyant housing. An upper plate on the buoyant housing supports a plurality of upwardly directed lights and fountain nozzles together with a plurality of manually actuatible switches. An internal battery-powered pump mechanism is operative within the buoyant housing to draw water into the buoyant housing and force it upwardly through the fountain nozzles to produce vertically directed fountain sprays. The fountain sprays may be illuminated by the light assemblies supported by the upper plate. A remote control receiver and control circuit is supported within the buoyant housing and receives operative control signals from a handheld remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Noorolah Nader Beidokhti
  • Patent number: 6375342
    Abstract: A waterfall illuminated by a plurality of optical fibers having their ends disposed along an underside of the edge of the waterfall and directing light downward from the fiber ends onto the surfaces under the waterfall. A fiber optic cable bundle is directed within a fiber conduit along the edge of a generally rectangular water conduit, with the individual fiber ends projecting through respective holes formed in an underside of the fiber conduit. The water and fiber conduits may be located between a wall of a pool or spa and the surrounding coping, with both water and fiber connections being made from the rear portion of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Oasis Waterfalls LLC
    Inventors: Pinhas Paul Koren, Laurie Beth Bernota
  • Patent number: 6276612
    Abstract: A fountain control system capable of synchronizing a water, light, and sound performance. The fountain control system includes a plurality of variable speed pumps which are used to control the flow of water through the discharge conduits and ultimately the height of the stream of water projected by the discharge outlet. The fountain control system is capable of varying the speed of the pumps in accordance with an audio input signal and thereby control the height of the stream of water without the use of valves. The light and sound aspects of the performance are delayed to compensate for mechanical delays in the system to ensure a synchronized performance. The fountain control system has the added ability of providing a unique performance based on different pieces of music without the need of reprogramming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Scott Hall
  • Patent number: 6269491
    Abstract: A combined receptacle and waterfall unit for a pool or the like includes a receptacle portion and a water dispensing unit positioned in a recessed portion of the rim of the receptacle. The water dispensing unit dispenses water like a waterfall laterally outward from the rim of the receptacle. The receptacle may be shaped to be used as a planter. A lighting device may be positioned on or near the water dispensing unit to illuminate the water being dispensed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Stefan T. Zankow
  • Patent number: 6237858
    Abstract: A water fall clock comprising a basin, the basin defining a water well, a water fountain, the water fountain being supported by the basin, and a transparent cover. The transparent cover is positioned on the basin and encloses the water fountain. The transparent cover is sized and shaped to encase the water fountain. The water fountain has at least one water spout for ejecting water within the transparent cover. The water fountain further comprises a water pump, the water pump is positioned within the water well, a water pipe, the water pipe extends between the water pump and the water spout and allows water to pass from the water pump to the water spout. The water fountain allows fallen water from the water spout to flow into the water well for recirculation by the water pump. A clock can further be secured to the basin, thereby creating a decorative enclosed water fall clock structure. A cabinet structure can enclose the basin, thereby creating a decorative enclosed basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Devon L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6196471
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating a multi-colored illuminated waterfall includes a waterfall vessel, a clear tube disposed within the vessel, LED bulbs mounted on a circuit board strip which is disposed within the clear tube and a controller circuit which sequentially activates predetermined arrays of different colored LED bulbs. The waterfall vessel has baffles for suppressing turbulence and optional reflective film for enhancing emitted light. A controller circuit is included to sequentially light predetermined arrays of different colored LED bulbs. A rectifier circuit is included to convert a 12 volt ac circuit to a 12 volt dc circuit and a transformer reduces a 110 volt ac power source to a 12 volt ac supply. In an embodiment for a water fountain, the circuit board strip with the LED bulbs are instead disposed within a branch of a tee with a clear lens separating the LED bulbs from the water flow portion of the tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas Ruthenberg
  • Patent number: 6161771
    Abstract: System and method for rotating a roof with water to create a participatory water attraction. The system preferably includes a roof having a friction surface and a support member for supporting the roof. A first conduit may be used to direct water onto the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate in a clockwise direction, and a second conduit may be used to direct water onto the friction surface to cause the roof to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. A valve is preferably used to direct water into one of the first and second conduits while restricting water flow into the other conduit. The valve preferably is adjustable by a participant at ground level. The friction surface preferably includes a plurality of protrusions to facilitate rotation of the roof by providing a contact area for the water directed at the roof. A control system may be used to activate a light system and/or a sound system when the valve is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Water Ride Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery W. Henry
  • Patent number: 6152381
    Abstract: A decorative and educational waterfall device has a substantially continuous film of a liquid, such as water, low viscosity oil or an aqueous solution, extending between two vertically upstanding guides. The waterfall comprises a base reservoir in which is mounted an electrical pump. A tower containing a liquid flow passage is mounted to the base and a trough having two side walls and a bottom wall which terminates in a lip portion at the front edge of the trough is mounted to the tower so that liquid from the tower flows over the bottom wall and lip portion of the trough to form the waterfall between the two upstanding guides. The bottom wall of the trough is configured to cause the flow of water to be directed outwardly toward the guides to improve the adherence of the liquid film to the guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: William G. Hones
  • Patent number: 6149070
    Abstract: A decorative and educational waterfall device has a substantially continuous film of a liquid, such as water, low viscosity oil or an aqueous solution, extending between two vertically upstanding guides. The waterfall comprises a base reservoir in which is mounted an electrical pump. A tower containing a liquid flow passage is mounted to the base and a trough having two side walls and a bottom wall which terminates in a lip portion at the front edge of the trough is mounted to the tower so that liquid from the tower flows over the bottom wall and lip portion of the trough to form the waterfall between the two upstanding guides. One or more flow restrictors are mounted transversely across the trough, substantially parallel to the lip portion to decrease the turbulence of the flowing liquid and improve the capability of the liquid to form a continuous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: William G. Hones
  • Patent number: 6132056
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising a waterfall vessel, the vessel including a front wall, a pack wall, side ends with apertures, a top wall and a bottom wall; the vessel further including a plurality of baffles and/or combinations of baffles with apertures therein for converting turbulent flow to a waterfall stream at an exit to the vessel; and means for illuminating the waterfall. The means for illuminating the waterfall includes a clear rod or a side-light emitting fiber optic cable installed longitudinally within the vessel with a fiber optic light source juxtaposed to one end of the clear rod or cable. The clear rod or the cable may be installed within a clear tube as an alternative embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas Ruthenberg
  • Patent number: 6129291
    Abstract: A device for displaying advertising in association with a drinking fountain or water fountain is disclosed. A first embodiment of the invention comprises forming a clear plastic panel or laminate to conform with the splash guard and basin portions of a drinking fountain. The plastic panel or laminate includes advertising information attached to the plastic or disposed between lamination layers of the plastic. Alternatively, a slot for receiving advertising may be formed in the plastic so that the advertising may be periodically replaced. The formed plastic is then situated over the existing combination splash guard/basin of a corresponding water fountain. Advertising is viewable in the vertical splash guard area as well as the basin area. In a second embodiment, a plastic member is molded or formed in the shape of a water fountain splash guard/basin and the plastic member replaces the original stainless steel splash guard/basin of the water fountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Marc Jeffrey Commeville
  • Patent number: 6126290
    Abstract: A water draining fixture (1) for plumbing applications with which light is introduced into a water jet (6) emanating from an outlet opening (5) of a fixture head (3), with a water conduit (4) guiding the water to the outlet opening (5), and with a light guide (8) guiding the light separate from the water conduit (4) from a light source located outside of the water draining fixture (1) up to exit out of at least one light outlet opening (19), wherein a plurality of water outlet openings (5) surround the at least one centrally disposed light outlet opening (19) in a ring-shaped fashion and are connected to the water conduit (4) at an annular space (7) surrounding the light guide (8) in the vicinity of the fixture head (3). The centered exiting light is shielded towards the outside by the ring-shaped surrounding water jets to at least minimize glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Gunter Veigel
  • Patent number: 6076741
    Abstract: A device for forming and rendering luminous a jet of water projected from the device. An optical lens element is provided through which water is directed before being formed into a jet. The lens element also functions to receive light from light emitting elements which are mounted about an upstream water conductor such that the light is focused on the jet of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Paul Dandrel, Genevieve Marie nee Duveau Dandrel
  • Patent number: 6053423
    Abstract: A fountain apparatus includes a nozzle and lights which are selectable and moveable in at least two degrees of freedom about axes that are approximately perpendicular. Nozzle movement is preferably controlled by preprogrammed electronics which control movement of the nozzle and selective activation of the lights. Such an automated control system also may control the spray stream velocity. The flow streams are controlled to create a dynamic display which may be synchronized to music or other light shows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sarcos, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Fraser Smith, David F. Knutti, Mike Morrison
  • Patent number: 6021960
    Abstract: A shower for chrome-hydro-therapy includes a shower head adapted to issue a spray of colored water onto the body of a person. The shower head includes a rear portion provided with a connector to the domestic water supply and an open front portion covered by a screen or perforated member adapted to eject the water in a finely divided spray. The shower head contains a colored light source mounted in concentric alignment with the screen or perforated member, so as to direct colored light rays into the spray. In a first embodiment, the light source is in the form of a lamp comprising a bulb and at least one battery which is enclosed in a waterproof, transparent housing. In another embodiment, the light is emitted from the end of an optical fiber which has its other end optically connected to a colored light source outside the shower. In both embodiments, the light can be switched on or off by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Joel Kehat
  • Patent number: 5931382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerating fountain for use in aerating water and producing aesthetically appealing water sprays. The fountain has a float with an aperture running through its center. It has an electric motor with an impeller coupled to its shaft. The motor is mounted to the float such that the impeller is adjacent to the float aperture. The fountain has a nozzle plate having a set of nozzles. The nozzle plate is releasably coupled to a top side of the float such that one of the nozzles is disposed directly above the float aperture. The nozzle plate is coupled to the float in such a manner that it may be easily adjusted to bring a different nozzle into alignment with the float aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Aeromix Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter S. Gross, Kenneth A. Ingle, Guy A. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 5918809
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for producing fountain displays which include moving variable-play fountain sprays and comprises one or more nozzles with dual entry or multi-entry ports which are mounted on one or more moveable floats and are connectable to a source of pressurized liquid through a control apparatus which includes an alternating valve and valve system for producing oscillating, stationary and intermittent nozzle dispersal streams. The moveable floats can be controlled to move by mechanically means or hydraulically by the thrust of one or more nozzle dispersal streams from an underwater nozzle or nozzles mounted below the waterline to thereby provide for complex movements of the various nozzle dispersal streams included in a particular fountain display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas R. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5904295
    Abstract: An enclosure made of rugged metal or plastic is provided including a top, at least one side wall and a bottom. An inlet is provided in the bottom wall and an internal chamber is provided above the inlet. This internal chamber contains a valve similar to valve 20 which is capable of opening and closing rapidly and may be controlled by external electrical or hydraulic power. Preferably a commercial available filter screen material is provided in the inlet to the internal chamber to insure that no large particles which would harm the system, are permitted to enter the internal chamber. The internal chamber is in fluid communication with an upper chamber which is preferably cylindrical and which optionally includes the diffuser material to reduce turbulence. After the fluid flows through the upper chamber, it is in substantially laminar flow and exits through a knife edge orifice into an outer chamber pool defined by an extension of the outer enclosure and the top of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5862984
    Abstract: An ornamental artificial fountain apparatus according to the invention includes a water basin, in which a peripherally extending annular water pipe with a plurality of nozzles is provided at a decent level. The inclination angles of nozzles are adjustable. Inside the water basin there is installed a guide pole in which a control mechanism is provided to regulate the water stream flowing through the guide pole and its spreading area. A multiple-port joint connects the pump with the annular water pipe and the guide pole by its two side branch pipes. By means of a cock on the multiple-port joint, the water flow entering the annular water pipe and the guide pole can be tuned at will. Moreover, along with the ascent and descent of a canopy of the guide pole as well as nozzles of assorted inclination angles, the apparatus can generate varying water streams and water curtains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Hsiang Chang
  • Patent number: 5758824
    Abstract: Pressurized fluid enters by way of the flow control valve 90 which regulates flow and thus simulated raindrop size, through the fluid supply tube 80 and enters the fixed fluid distributor body 20, past a rotational seal 154 and into the rotating shaft 10, cushioned by the accumulator chamber 50. As the rotating shaft is made to rotate by means of the drive motor 60 and transmission means 70, the radial outlet port(s) 14 sequentially line up momentarily with each side port 26, allowing fluid flow through each outlet tube 30-35 in turn overflowing each respective conical vessel 40-45 to create a fluid drop at the lower point 48 which falls as simulated rain 160 in a desired three dimensional array. Each raindrop is thus timed perfectly according to the speed of rotation of the rotating shaft 10. The transducer 100 produces an electrical pulse for each rotation, also perfectly timed to the raindrops, which is input to the triggered oscillator 110 to ultimately control the strobe light 140.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5736969
    Abstract: A three-dimensional image reproducer receives a video signal including three-dimensional information including X and Y information constituting a plane and Z information constituting a depth. This apparatus causes particles to fall with respect to one line. The line from which the particles fall is changed in the Z direction based on the Z information. A light source generates a light beam toward the falling particle based on a video signal. The generated light beam is scanned in the X and Y directions. The focal point of the light beam is controlled to move in the Z direction in synchronism with the change of the line from which the particles fall. The image formed by the particles is viewed as a three-dimensional image if viewed from the Z direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaeko Kuga, Takuzo Uemura
  • Patent number: 5678617
    Abstract: This invention involves a Jumping Drink Bar Device. This document discloses a novelty device for installation in a bar or counter whereby when a patron orders a specific drink the bartender or host places a drinking glass upon a designated location on top of the bar and, unknown to the patron, activates a hidden control. The drink then seems to hop from some remote spot on the bar and take one or more leaps, ultimately landing in the patron's glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Robert Kuykendal, Ronald Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5641120
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, liquid material enters circumferencially into a generally cylindrical outer walled chamber. A baffle may be provided to facilitate circumferencial flow. The tangential, circumferencial flow tends to reduce turbulence. In the outer chamber a top wall is provided and a cushion of air is located between the top wall and the top of the liquid medium to effect cushioning. After circumferencial flow, the liquid flows radially inwardly into an inner fluid chamber through a plurality of openings in an inner cylindrical wall. Within the inner chamber and spaced between the bottom wall and the top wall is a diffuser section. The diffuser section provides a large plurality of parallel fluid flow paths to dampen remaining major currents by lowering the fluid velocity and thus the Reynolds number. The upper surface is arcuate. Thus fluid flows radially upwardly and inwardly to a knife-edged type orifice which results in laminar fluid flow exiting therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5445322
    Abstract: An apparatus projects water under pressure to form a screen (1) made of transparent droplets (2) that can reflect rays of light (3) striking the screen by back-projection (4). It includes a substantially vertical dispersal plate (7) that is disposed on the trajectory of the water driven substantially without swirling by a high-pressure pump (8) in a substantially horizontal conduit (9), the end of which is mechanically joined to the dispersal plate (7) and with it defines an upper opening (10) providing an outlet for a vertically oriented sheet of water. The invention is applicable to projection apparatus for sound and light shows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Aquatique U.S.A.
    Inventors: Dominique Formhals, Yves Pepin
  • Patent number: 5439170
    Abstract: An illuminated water fountain includes an assembly of water lines each carrying a plurality of water discharge nozzles to produce a pattern of water discharges, and a control system for controlling water valves and an illumination system in accordance with musical sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Samuel Dach
  • Patent number: 5368228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating a fluid screen for use in entertainment. Provided is a mechanically simple and effective way of creating a fluid screen which facilitates the projection of still and moving pictures upon it. The fluid screen is generated by pumping water, or other comparable fluid, through a fluid screen nozzle having an axial flow director and a nozzle insert. The fluid, at a given pressure and flow rate, is directed through the axial flow director, past the internal end of the nozzle insert and its transition section and then onto and away from its radial stabilizer. The fluid is guided by the radial stabilizer of the nozzle insert to form the fluid screen. Each of the regions mentioned contribute to creating the desired shape of the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: The Walt Disney Company
    Inventors: William G. Adamson, Lance D. Updyke, John W. Sogge
  • Patent number: 5288018
    Abstract: A modular wall fountain apparatus has transparent sheets disposed in zigzags and supported by guide wires. A water supply is provided with nozzles directed toward the sheets which cause water currents to flow in zigzag paths. The zigzag water currents form a water screen which may be illuminated by color-changeable light projected from a lighting module. Each wall fountain module is made up of a transparent sheet module, water supply modules, lighting modules, and a control for the water supply and lighting. Various patterns of light can be created by controlling the color-changeable lighting and the flow of water. Because the water flows in zigzag paths the water makes softer sound than conventional wall fountain and is particularly suited for installation indoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Shu-koh-sha Architectural & Urban Design Studio
    Inventor: Shinichi Chikazumi
  • Patent number: 5270752
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a fog screen for use in the projection for display of an optical image which comprises disposing a pair of substantially parallel air curtains and blowing a fog into the space defined by and between the air curtains. The fog screen is high and uniform in density and can be utilized for forming a well-defined image thereon that is free from distortions or interruptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignees: Ushio U-Tech Inc., Dentsu Prox Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Kataoka, Yasuhiro Kasahara
  • Patent number: 5265802
    Abstract: A fluid projection screen is formed by projecting a substantially spatially coherent stream of fluid, such as water, and directing it against a deflection plate. The deflection plate causes the stream to be broken up into fluid droplets which form a fan shaped screen extending at an angle to the fluid stream. A projector projects an image upon the screen, and visual acuity from edge to edge of the image is achieved by imparting a bend to the deflection plate which, in turn, imparts a bend to the screen so that the distances from the center and the edges of the screen to the projector are equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Wm. Hobbs, Ltd.
    Inventors: William J. Hobbs, Roger T. Graham
  • Patent number: 5165777
    Abstract: An illuminated fountain includes a housing with a water chamber in the housing having a cap with perforations and a transparent bottom panel, a lamp in the housing and a mirror for reflecting light from said lamp through the bottom panel of the water chamber. A source of electrical energy is connected to the housing and a pressure switch in the housing is connected between the electrical energy source and the lamp. The pressure switch has a fluid connection with the inlet to the water chamber such that it delivers current to the lamp only when water is flowing to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Lumiere Design & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kira
  • Patent number: 5163615
    Abstract: A generator for cyclically moving jets comprises a housing including a chamber having a circular track therein, a body disposed in the chamber and rollable along the circular track, a hollow revolvable axle coupled to the body and extending to outside of the chamber and rotatably born in and sealed to the housing, a nozzle attached to the axle outside of the chamber for issuing at least one jet misalignedly in relation to the axis of rotation of the axle, and a fluid flow supply leading to an upstream region of the chamber. In operation, fluid flows past the body, through the hollow revolvable axle and issues from the nozzle as a jet. The body rolls along the circular track as a consequence of fluid-dynamic forces acting on the body. A fountain employs the generator for dynamic display of the cyclically moving jets issuing therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Bauer
  • Patent number: 5160086
    Abstract: A lighted laminar-flow fluid nozzle is provided for use in decorative water fountains and industrial applications which defines fluid flow through a double-walled, bladder-like fluid supply hose, into a fluid chamber and through a diffuser, past trapped air pockets and exiting through a knife-edged outlet orifice. The fluid nozzle is mounted upon one or more stages of vibration dampening springs and the outlet orifice is located off center from the walls of the fluid chamber, all so that pump surges and vibrations are greatly dampened and the output fluid stream is sufficiently highly laminar so that light is conducted through the length of the output fluid stream in the manner of a fiber optic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, David R. Usher, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5152210
    Abstract: A modulized water and light performing equipment comprised of water pump and water distribution and level controller and controlled by a circuit sub-system according to built-in procedure, external sound and external specific signal input modes, to produce various spring patterns of different heights changing at different tempo and rhythm. A plurality of colored lamps are controlled by the circuit sub-system to produce color lighting effects harmoniously matching with water performance. Water performance sub-system and light performance sub-system are incorporated to produce various harmonious, color spring patterns according to the signals sent from different input modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Tu W. Chen
  • Patent number: 5092312
    Abstract: A fireplace structure has a water fountain in at least the front part of a fire box having a gas burner therein. The structure may be either placed in a fireplace or free standing apart from any fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Jack Zolow
  • Patent number: 5069387
    Abstract: An automatic system for the selective distribution of liquid streams comprising a plurality of nozzles, each with an inlet end and an outlet end and adapted to permit a flow therethrough of a liquid stream, for controlling the amount of liquid flow through each nozzle; and at least one decorative element coordinated with the flow of the liquid, wherein the flow through each valve is individually controllable by a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Gibbs & Hill Espanola
    Inventor: Emilio C. Alba
  • Patent number: 5067653
    Abstract: A screen forming apparatus and method comprises a long pipe of predetermined length floatable in the water, a pump for conveying the water through the pipe, a pipe connecting the pipe with the pump, an air-water device provided with the pipe for mixing the water with air, a number of nozzles disposed along the longitudinal direction of the pipe at predetermined intervals for injecting the water in the form of screen, and a device for producing air curtains flowing along the front and the rear surfaces of the screen in order to maintain the screen substantially uniform in thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Araki, Fumihiko Kawamata, Masayuki Ogino, Hitoshi Miyagawa, Toshio Kamata, Mitsuo Watanabe, Kunihiro Miyashita
  • Patent number: 5040726
    Abstract: A solar energy powered water fountain includes a submersible pump submersed within a water-filled container, and a solar panel is removably connected in electrical circuit relationship with the pump for controlling operation of the pump, whereby the amount of water discharged from the pump and the display patterns produced by the pump are directly responsive to variations in light level at the solar panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Amir T. Dimitri
  • Patent number: 4974779
    Abstract: A screen forming apparatus and method comprises a long pipe of predetermined length floatable in the water, a pump for conveying the water through the pipe, a pipe connecting the pipe with the pump, an air-water device provided with the pipe for mixing the water with air, a number of nozzles disposed along the longitudinal direction of the pipe at predetermined intervals for injecting the water in the form of screen, and a device for producing air curtains flowing along the front and the rear surfaces of the screen in order to maintain the screen substantially uniform in thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Ishikzwajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Araki, Fumihiko Kawamata, Masayuki Ogino, Hitoshi Miyagawa, Toshio Kamata, Mitsuo Watanabe, Kunihiro Miyashita