Abstract: A cascade waterfall or water fountain display with a compact, energy-efficient, low cost DC powered water pump. An electronic controller controls the operation of the water pump and is also used to generate visual and sound effects. The water pump is comprised of a DC motor with a motor shaft, a motor housing in which the motor is mounted, and a gasket used to loosely seal the motor within the motor housing. The gasket has an aperture therein through which the motor's shaft passes. The gasket's aperture is sized so that the shaft of the motor passes therethrough with little, if any contact. An impeller is mounted to the motor's shaft for rotation within a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a plurality of holes through which water enters, and an outlet through which water is pumped by the impeller to the top of the waterworks structure. The pumping chamber is loosely fit about the shaft of the motor and allows some water to pass out of the pumping chamber to a pressure-relief chamber.

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.

Abstract: An ornament 2 is floated in a water tank 5 holding water. A water pump 3 draws up water from the water tank 5 through a filter 7. The water is led to the uppermost part of the ornamental segment of the ornament 2 through a conduit 4 returns to the water tank 5 by following a circulating course passing through a first reservoir 6a, a first channel 6b, a second reservoir 6c, a second channel 6d, a third reservoir 6e and a third channel 6f. This ornament having a water circulating course enhances the decorative effect of water tanks and ponds.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative water display having many degrees of freedom. The water display has one or more water display nozzles mounted so that the direction of the nozzle may be controlled such as by a computer. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure of the water delivered to the nozzle may also be controlled as desired. Also controllable with the nozzle direction is appropriate lighting to illuminate the discharge from the nozzle for night time use. The elevation of the entire assembly is controllable, preferably between an operative position, a withdrawn position totally below the water surface and a service position extending above the water surface. Various embodiments and features are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A laminar flow liquid stream nozzle having capability of being mounted to project a stream in any direction including directly overhead and including a stream capturing device for making the stream seem to disappear when projected overhead. The nozzle is selectively capable of momentary stream bursts or timed periods of projection from short periods to continuous stream flow. A structure of multiple such nozzles is provided having at least two banks of oppositely located spaced receptacles with essentially linear laminar flow stream patterns each projected unidirectionally from a nozzle in one receptacle to a receiver in another receptacle. The structure may include vertical linear stream patterns. These patterns may include parallel laminar jet streams and some may be projected straight up. Turning a vertically directed stream "off" may be achieved by a splitting water spray which causes split stream portions to be intercepted by surfaces within the nozzle near the normal "on" laminar flow stream path.

Abstract: A fountain includes a container having a top with an opening therein, a bottom, and an interior for holding a liquid, such as water. An elongated, hollow support member is positioned within the interior and extending from the opening in the top. This support member has a first end mounted at or near the bottom of the container, a second end terminating a predetermined distance above the opening in the top, and an exterior surface over which liquid flows. A pump positioned within the interior and operably connected to the first end of the support member pumps liquid in the interior into and through the hollow support member to flow out its second end and then along the exterior surface of the support member to return to the interior of the container. A faucet is attached to the second end of the support member in a manner which allows the liquid to flow from the second end.

Abstract: A fountain having a spherical element over which water flows is disclosed. The sphere includes an upper pole, a lower pole, a polar axis connecting the upper and lower poles, an equatorial plane, and a sphere surface. The sphere is mounted in the fountain so that the upper pole forms the apex of the sphere. A water outlet is provided at the upper pole for providing a flow of water over the surface of the sphere. The surface of the sphere is provided with a plurality of annular grooves circumscribing the polar axis, and extending above and below the equatorial plane for a predetermined distance towards each pole. Each annular groove has a radius of predetermined size, with the annular grooves located on the lower hemisphere being canted downwardly and inwardly from the equatorial plane so that the water or other liquid will flow slowly, evenly and continuously downhill over the surface of the sphere from groove to groove to the lower pole, without shedding or loss beneath the equatorial plane.

Abstract: A water display with multiple characteristics, providing a short burst of water or a steady stream of water of constant or variable height. The water display includes an interior cavity having a nozzle at the top for forming the desired stream size, and a flapper valve on the bottom through which the chamber may refill with water. A high pressure air line controllably provides high pressure air to the lower part of the chamber to force most of the water in the chamber out through the nozzle to provide a short blast of water to a height controlled by the air pressure. A second flapper valve, coupled to the chamber, allows a steady stream of water to enter the chamber and exit the nozzle from a water supply, typically a variable pressure water supply, so that a steady stream of water of variable and controllable height may be obtained. Use of the water display in plurality in coordination of the multiple modes of operation thereof provides a new visual effect. Various embodiments are described.

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.

Abstract: The primary components of the fountain are a cover, a shallow container, a pump having a vertical translucent and at least one lamp. The pump is installed in the container, under the cover. The open end of the spout fits in a hole in the cover and the water flowing out of the spout forms a plume and then runs over the surface of the cover past openings in the cover into the container. The lamp(s) is/are installed inside the cover and illuminate the water in the plume through the translucent spout and also illuminate the water as it flows past the openings in the cover.

Abstract: A method to provide to a visual surface a visual pulsation effect with apparent randomness characteristics by means of the formation, and subsequent separation from a wetted supporting element, of drops of liquid, such drops possessing a high degree of constancy of size, shape and formation-separation speed. This is obtained by a determined flow of a liquid of determined characteristics over one or more supporting elements of given physical characteristics. The pulsation effect possesses a high degree of visual impact and can be used in combination with decorative patterns, messages, logotypes placed on the same visual surface as the pulsation effect.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an aquarium waterfall assembly which may be placed on top of a single aquarium tank and used to move water from the tank, over a decorative waterfall and back to the tank. If desired, the aquarium water also may be filtered using the assembly. The invention also is directed to an aquarium and waterfall system, a decorative cover for an aquarium water heater and a method of transporting water in an aquarium system.

Abstract: A pond aerator for aerating and circulating water in a body of water comprising a pump having an inlet adapted for receiving water and an outlet adapted for transmitting pumped water; a power transmission mechanism coupled between the pump and an external power source for energizing the pump; a spraying mechanism coupled to the outlet of the pump for generating a variety of spray configurations; a floating mechanism adapted to float on the surface of a body of water; a coupling mechanism coupled between the pump and floating mechanism for keeping the inlet of the pump submerged in a body of water and the spraying mechanism raised above the body of water; an anchor adapted to be positioned at the bottom of a body of water; and an anchor line connected between the anchor and the pump.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for hydraulically powering a moving display. In accordance with the apparatus, there is provided a housing having an actuating member affixable thereto. There is further provided a reservoir means in fluid communication with the housing for storing a liquid and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and housing for pumping the liquid into the housing at a selected orientation and rate of flow. A liquid receiving cup is disposed within the housing and affixed to the actuating member such that the cup may be lowered within the housing by the weight of the received liquid. A distance limitation member proximate the liquid-receiving cup is provided for restricting the vertical distance the cup may travel within the housing and facilitating the release of the received liquid. The actuating member is actuated in timed relation to the vertical movement of the cup within the housing so as to power a mechanical or electrical display or the like.

Abstract: A method for providing a minimal splash waterfall that provides a unique arrangement where by the system reaches a steady state of draining and refilling in each bowl with a pleasant falling water sound and minimal splashing. The waterfall has a number of bowls of decreasing diameter mounted above one another. Each of the bowls above the bottomost bowl has at least one hold in the bottom of each in order to drain the water from the top bowl to the bottom-most bowl with minimal splashing.

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.

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.

Abstract: A movable device for improving the indoor air-environment comprising a water pump, a substantially vertical sheet element (10, 11, 12) which is so arranged that a free falling curtain-like stream of water (17) is formed at the upper end of the sheet element proximate to the sheet element (10, 11, 12) and a tank (9) for collecting and recirculating the water to the water pump. A satisfactory air humidification and an effective removal of impurities in the air are obtained.

Abstract: A swimming pool sculpture, according to the invention, is mounted on the edge of an above-the-ground pool. Recirculating water from the pool's filtration system is redirected back into the pool through the sculpture in the nature of a "spray" or "stream". In a preferred embodiment, the sculpture has a body portion secured to the ledge of the pool, and rotatable head portion through which the "spray" or "stream" is directed; with the head being interchangeable with others of like design, a swimming pool toy-accessory of different appearance and/or "spray pattern" may be provided, and one which requires no complex moving parts or piping systems, makes full use of the water available in the system, and maintains the whole area of the pool available for swimming. In an alternative construction of the invention, a valve may be added, to vary the pressure of the recirculating water introduced into the sculpture, and, thereby control the distance of the "spray" or "stream" into the pool.

Abstract: Water displays utilizing laminar flow streams to create dynamic arch-like displays are disclosed. The laminar flow nozzle is mounted on an assembly for changing the angle and repositioning the laminar flow nozzle so that the laminar flow stream appears to eminate from a fixed location at different angles, which allows varying the characteristics of the display in a dynamic manner. Simultaneous control of the nozzle position and angle with control of the pressure of water supplied thereto allows the stream to be varied to create a dynamic display with the stream returning to a sink region at a fixed position independent of the height of the water stream. Illuminating the laminar flow stream internally causes the same to glow like a fluorescent tube with the color being supplied thereto, changeable as desired. Intersecting laminar flow streams provide interesting water formations, with the intersections of two streams of different colors causing still a third color at the flared region of the intersection.

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.

Abstract: Water displays utilizing laminar flow streams to create dynamic arch-like displays are disclosed. The laminar flow nozzle is mounted on an assembly for changing the angle and repositioning the laminar flow nozzle so that the laminar flow stream appears to eminate from a fixed location at different angles, which allows varying the characteristics of the display in a dynamic manner. Simultaneous control of the nozzle position and angle with control of the pressure of water supplied thereto allows the stream to be varied to create a dynamic display with the stream returning to a sink region at a fixed position independent of the height of the water stream. Illuminating the laminar flow stream internally causes the same to glow like a fluorescent tube with the color being supplied thereto, changeable as desired. Intersecting laminar flow streams provide interesting water formations, with the intersection of two streams of different colors causing still a third color at the flared region of the intersection.

Abstract: Water is removed from an underground perforated pipe by a submersible pump inserted into an imperforate pipe extending from above ground to below ground level for communication with the perforated pipe. An inflatable bladder seals the submersible pump to the inner wall of the imperforate pipe for facilitating suction of water from the perforated pipe into the imperforate pipe. Water is drawn into a proximal end of the pump and expelled out of a distal end of a pump, and out of the imperforate pipe above ground level. By sealing the pump to the inner wall of the imperforate pipe, the pump is capable of drawing water from an underground perforated pipe located at a depth greater than the pumping capacity of the pump for drawing up water.

Abstract: Hydraulic jump water displays and methods for creating the same to provide attractive and varying displays are disclosed. In accordance with the method, water under pressure is expelled in the form of a thin sheet across a substantially flat, approximately horizontal surface bounded at the opposite end thereof by a very small dam, preferably water pool therebelow. By varying the water pressure of the source, a hydraulic jump may be created in the water backing up from the dam, which hydraulic jump may be caused to move in either direction, with the water flowing over the dam, ranging in quantity from essentially none to a substantially surge depending upon the direction or motion of the hydraulic jump. Appropriate control of the water supply pressure will generate relatively non-repetitive displays. Various embodiments are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Utilitarian or decorative equipment for atmosphere or leisure using water coming from a manifold member. The water is used in the form of droplets which are adjustable in volume and at least in fall duration and frequency. The equipment comprises in combination:a multiplicity of ducts (11) connected to a supply of water, each of the ducts being pierced by outlet ports associated with nozzles (37) for distributing water under pressure by capillarity and in the form of droplets, fine flows, and/or very fine jets of water defining architectural volumes and/or shapes;at least one collection element (12) beneath the ducts;a device for controlling the formation and the fall of the droplets, flows, and very fine jets of water (G) from the ducts; anda device for controlling the circulation and the flow of water in the ducts from an overall system for feeding the equipment with water, and, where applicable, from the collection element.

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.

Abstract: Water displays utilizing laminar flow streams to create dynamic arch-like displays are disclosed. The laminar flow nozzle is mounted on an assembly for changing the angle and repositioning the laminar flow nozzle so that the laminar flow stream appears to eminate from a fixed location at different angles, which allows varying the characteristics of the display in a dynamic manner. Simultaneous control of the nozzle position and angle with control of the pressure of water supplied thereto allows the stream to be varied to create a dynamic display with the stream returning to a sink region at a fixed position independent of the height of the water stream. Illuminating the laminar flow stream internally causes the same to glow like a fluorescent tube with the color being supplied thereto, changeable as desired. Intersecting laminar flow streams provide interesting water formations, with the intersection of two streams of different colors causing still a third color at the flared region of the intersection.

Abstract: A display device for creating an illusion of a continuous flow of fluid to a receptacle having a limited fluid containing capacity is adapted to produce a wide variety of, and multiplicity of, different visual effects. The device includes a manifold mounted on a return line from the receptacle to a pump, and fluid from the pump is delivered to the manifold which includes a drain for directed the fluid down the outside of the return line. The device includes a plurality of receptacles and can include various valves and controls so that the receptacles can be operated in a pre-determined sequence.

Abstract: Dynamic fountain displays and methods of creating the same for providing water displays wnich may substantially constantly vary in interesting and seemingly endless ways. In one form, the fountains are comprised of a matrix of fountain nozzles positioned below a deck formed with open joint paving so as to be useable as a patio or walkway when the fountain is not used. Each nozzle is connected to a source of water under pressure through a proportional control system for that nozzle responsive to a computer output so that each nozzle may be independently and proportionally controlled by the computer as desired. To facilitate the programming of the settings for a large array of nozzles, a plurality such as 256 individual patterns for the array of nozzles are first mutually programmed.

Abstract: A unit for producing a waterfall at the edge of a swimming pool, spa or the like. The unit is mounted in the side of the pool and produces a smooth sheet of water which is directed away from the side of the pool. The unit has a baffle in the interior thereof for directing the water evenly out through the throat of the unit.

Abstract: A combined decorative object for household decoration and humidification is disclosed. The device makes use of the aesthetic qualities of flowing water, and comprises an inclined panel having discontinuities formed therein such that water flow thereover is interrupted in a manner which is pleasing to the eye. The panel may comprise a number of panes of glass in edge-overlapping, abutting relation to one another such that water flowing over the panels essentially adheres to the panels, such that splashing is avoided in favor of burbling. In this way, excessively large water droplets are not released to the atmosphere, which tends to damage other household goods in the vicinity of the device.

Abstract: A fountain particularly for indoor use has a basin supported on a stand, and a storage container in which a centrifugal pump is positioned. The pump is connected to and is driven by a motor positioned in the stand with its central axis vertical and above a nominal water level in the container while the pump is immersed in the container and is positioned below that level.

Abstract: A fountain, suitable in particular for use in domestic locations, comprises a generally vertical fluid inlet tube, a spray tube surrounding the fluid inlet tube and free to move linearly in the direction of the length of the latter, the spray tube being open at its lower end and having at least one flow-restricting orifice at its upper end, and a liquid container surrounding the spray tube. A pump may be provided to feed fluid, e.g. air or water, to the fluid inlet tube. Liquid ejected from the orifice or orifices may be collected in a catchment vessel and returned to the liquid container for recycling.

Abstract: A computer controllable water droplet fountain having a plurality of water droplet forming valve assemblies mounted in a constant level water manifold and a base positioned in a vertically spaced relation to said manifold to provide a three dimensional viewing space, a strobe light positioned to illuminate the space, the valve assemblies and strobe light being program controlled to produce various forms of images.

Abstract: The present invention is a fountain system which includes a plurality of wooden barrels. The fountain system includes a first wooden barrel which is disposed at a first level and which has an outlet for water and one half of a second barrel which is disposed at a second level, which is below the first level, so that the water from the outlet of the first wooden barrel may flow into the second wooden barrel. The fountain system also includes a pump which pumps the water from the second wooden barrel to the first wooden barrel, a tubular conduit which is fluidly coupled to the pump and a dispersal nozel which includes a flat plate and a hollow truncated-member which is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the first wooden barrel which is formed by a plurality of bores in the sidewall thereof and which is also fluidly coupled to the tubular conduit.

Abstract: A head (12) for incorporation in a strobed liquid display is disclosed. The head comprises a housing (30) defining a chamber (38), the housing (30) having an inlet opening (39) for connection to a liquid supply, a top wall (32) having a vent (42), a bottom wall (34) having a plurality of apertures (44) spaced from and distributed about the center thereof for accommodating the outflow of liquid droplets from the chamber (38), and a sidewall (36) extending between the top and bottom walls (32, (34). The head (12) also includes a vibrating device rigidly connected to the housing (30) for imparting a periodic wobble thereto for dispensing the droplets through the apertures (44) in sequential fashion with substantially uniform spacing between successive droplets dispensed through each aperture (44), whereby the dispensed droplets substantially define a helix. A strobe liquid display system (10) incorporating the head (12) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A decorative apparatus making use of a filmy flow of fluid, which comprises: an outlet having an outlet box containing a rectifying member for regularizing a fluid, the outlet box being formed with an outlet hole at the bottom thereof for pouring down the regularized fluid therethrough; an expanding member for transforming the poured fluid into a filmy flow of fluid, which is located beneath and opposing to the outlet hole; a feed device for supplying the outlet with the fluid; and a supporting apparatus for supporting the outlet and the expanding member and for storing the fluid. The fluid which is regularized by the rectifying member contained in the outlet box and thereafter poured through the outlet hole, is spread on the expanding member and forms itself into a stable and three dimensional filmy flow of fluid such as a globe, spheroid, or parasol.

Abstract: A unit type slanting water fountain display apparatus for displaying time and/or characters on a slopewise display surface. The apparatus is formed as a portable type and is easily moved at a desired site.

Abstract: A self-irrigating display rack is provided for potted plants, which comprises a tier of display dishes supported on a reservoir base. The display dishes are mounted in vertically spaced coaxial positions on an upright central tubular member which, in turn, is supported on the base. A pipeline extends upwardly through the interior of the tubular member from the lower end to the upper end thereof coaxially with the tubular member. A pump is mounted in the reservoir base for circulating irrigating water from the reservoir up through the pipeline to the top of the central tubular member. The water from the pipeline is returned to the reservoir through the tubular member. The tubular member is provided with a first set of openings located over each of the dishes, and with a second set of openings located at a predetermined level in each dish.

Abstract: A hanging apparatus for falls and hanging plant which includes a pair of liquid receptacles which are supported in respective top and bottom positions with the top liquid receptacle being substantially directly above the bottom receptacle. The top liquid receptacle is capable of dropping liquid from a plurality of locations to the bottom liquid receptacle, and the bottom liquid receptacle is positioned for and is capable of receiving the falling liquid so as to enable a multiple falls effect. At least one other receptacle is capable of supporting a hanging type plant. This plant receptacle is positioned above the bottom liquid receptacle, and the plant receptacle has a periphery which is different from the outside envelope of the falling liquid so that the hanging plant will not interfere with the falling liquid.