Abstract: A weeping wall for receiving a continuous flow of a flowable substance. The weeping wall comprises: a wall body including a substantially vertical wall section having a flow surface; a flowable substance inlet defined at an upper end of the substantially vertical wall section, with the flowable substance continuously flowing therefrom and downwardly onto the flow surface; at least one mobile deflector movably engaged to the flow surface and projecting therefrom, the at least one mobile deflector being selectively movable relative to the flow surface to modify the flow path of the flowable substance on the flow surface; and a flowable substance outlet defined at a lower end of the substantially vertical wall section with the flowable substance flowing continuously therein after running down onto the flow surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a self-powered variable fountain display is disclosed. A high-pressure source of water is applied to a bifurcated manifold. A first portion of the manifold supplies a distribution chamber within which is a plurality of distribution holes, each of which is capable of driving an individual fountain display nozzle. A second portion of the manifold provides motive power to an impeller that in turn drives a gear system used to select which of the plurality of distribution holes is active.

Abstract: A pet watering system having a base portion configured to store water, a float valve configured to cease water flow in the base portion when water reaches a predetermined level, a water bowl segment that is configured to provide access to water for hydration, a faucet implement, wherein the faucet implement directs water to the water bowl segment, a water pump device that is configured to direct water stored in the base portion to the faucet implement, and a bowl bottom lip disposed on a bottom portion of the water bowl segment, wherein the bowl bottom lip is configured to fasten to the base portion.

Abstract: A bird bath includes a base and a removable basin mounted to the base. The base includes a hollow interior space that accommodates ballast material. A threaded joint facilitates a removable connection between the basin and base. The base is configured with one of a threaded male and female fastener formation at its upper end, while the basin is configured with the other of the threaded male and female fastener formation at its lower end. A threaded engagement between the male and female fastener formations is effective in mounting the basin to the base. A removable plug insert can be used to isolate the basin reservoir from the ballast-receiving interior space of the base.

Abstract: A water delivery device that produces non-parabolic water forms is described. The water form's appearance may be created by altering the amount of water pressure and movement of the nozzle as the water exits the device.

Abstract: A water jet device and a water dance speaker comprising the water jet device are disclosed. The water jet device comprises a base container, a drive unit and fans driven by the drive unit, the drive unit being mounted externally to a bottom of the base container, while the fans internally to the bottom of the base container. A cover plate, disposed on the base container to engage therewith, comprises via holes thereon and coordinates with the base container to form a chamber to contain liquids. On the side of the cover plate away from the base container are formed protrusions vertical to the cover plate, a first via hole penetrating each of the protrusions. The present invention provides a water jet device capable of recycling water resources and preventing water leak. Therefore, the water jet device as disclosed is safe in use and possesses practical applicability.

Abstract: Water effects devices including a generally annular pressure chamber having an inlet, an upper wall portion, and at least one horizontally elongated outlet spaced apart from and disposed below the upper wall portion. The pressure chamber may include a baffle configured to block flow along any otherwise uninterrupted straight line extending from the inlet to the outlet. The outlet may include a scupper plate projecting from the outlet opening and away from the outer surface of the pressure chamber. The baffle and the scupper plate may constitute a single sheet of material extending from within the pressure chamber, proximate a wall of the chamber opposite the outlet, to the location away from the outer surface of the pressure chamber. Devices including ornamental housings providing a central void are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for pixelating falling water droplets to create a graphical image comprising an elevated water display head formed from a series of two or more modular units. Each of the series of two or more modular units has a water reservoir, a plurality of high speed solenoids located below the water reservoir, a replaceable nozzle plate having a plurality of spaced apart nozzles wherein one of said plurality of high speed solenoids is connected to each nozzle. A programmable micro-controller is provided with each of the modular units for controlling the water supply to the water reservoir and for controlling the formation of the falling water droplets through each solenoid and nozzle. The water droplets falling from said plurality of nozzles from each of the modular units forms part of the graphical image.

Abstract: An apparatus for pixelating falling water droplets to create a graphical image comprising one or more elevated water display heads having a plurality of spaced apart nozzles in one or more rows, each of said nozzles has a water inlet and a water outlet. A high speed solenoid is provided for each nozzle for opening and closing of the water outlet for each nozzle to control the speed at which water exits the nozzles. A water reservoir is provided above the water inlets for the solenoids and nozzles so that water pressure to the nozzles is maintained by gravity.

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 pressurized water container for water fountains, ponds, swimming pools, and aquariums has at least two housing parts and at least one seal arranged between the at least two housing parts, wherein the at least two housing parts are connectable to one another in a lockable way. The at least two housing parts have projections and matching recesses, wherein the projections engage the recesses and, by a displacement of the at least two housing parts relative to one another in opposite directions, they are lockable on one another and releasable from one another when reversing the displacement.

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 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: 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 fountain system for creating unique water displays or water attractions. The fountain system includes a pump providing water at a flow rate and a plurality of fountain assemblies connected to the pump outlet. Each of the fountain assemblies includes a nozzle such as a bell or dome nozzle that receives the water from the pump and discharges the water from its outlet in the form of an enclosed dome about the nozzle outlet. The fountain assembly includes a fog generator or fogger such as an ultrasonic transducer, positioned proximate to the nozzle discharging fog into the dome where it is trapped by the laminar flow water in the dome wall. Each fountain assembly includes a light source transmitting light into the dome to illuminate and color the captured fog. The flow rate may be changed to alter the shape and size of the domes.

Abstract: An apparatus having a housing with a water channel, for instance a laminar water flow, flowing there through. A pliant member is provided and contained within at least a portion of the housing with an outer surface and an inner surface, the water channel passing substantially unimpeded along and through the inner surface of the pliant member. An at least one water input, an at least one filter member and an at least one jetting element are also provided. The pliant member is oriented within the housing and surrounds at least a portion of water channel, the portion of the water channel flowing therethrough, and the pliant member expanding to absorb surges within the water channel from the input of water flowing in from the at least one water input.

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 drinking straw for delivering a hot liquid in the form of a foam into a user's mouth that mimics the natural action of sucking in air for cooling the liquid. The straw has a tube wall with an expanded portion proximate an outlet. Air admitting orifices are provided in the tube wall below the expanded portion so that air is drawn into the straw through the orifices when a liquid is sucked through the straw. The straw may be used for cooling a hot liquid such as coffee, tea, soup or the like and may be used in connection with a container.

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: An apparatus having a housing with a water channel, for instance a laminar water flow, flowing there through. A pliant member is provided together with an at least one water input, an at least one filter member and an at least one jetting element. The pliant member is oriented within the housing and about the water channel to absorb surges from the input of water flowing in from the at least one water input.

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials so that the fountain is more easily cleaned and sanitized, has improved performance, and is easier to assemble. In one embodiment, the chocolate fountain includes a heating element encased in an aluminum enclosure. A basin containing chocolate is heated by contact with the aluminum enclosure. Because the aluminum enclosure has a relatively high thermal conductivity, the basin is heating substantially uniformly, thus reducing the occurrence of hot spots. Additionally, a plastic auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of cylinder that houses the auger. The use of a plastic auger advantageously eliminates welding artifacts on the auger, such as burrs and pits, on which melted chocolate may accumulate. Accordingly, the plastic auger is easy to clean. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A combination water feature and writing board has a front displaying a flow of water, and a number of movable writing board segments. These segments can be moved between a stored position in which the segments are stored behind the water feature, and an deployed position in which the segments cover the front of the water feature to provide a writing surface.

Abstract: A mist sprayer includes a base, a pump, a pressure storage member, a circuit board, a mounting tube, an injection unit, a decorative shade, a mounting seat, a guide unit, a bottle, and a plug. Thus, the liquid is mixed with and atomized by the pressurized gas and the misted gas hits the striking face of the guide unit to multiple misted molecules, thereby enhancing and optimizing the atomized effect of the liquid.

Abstract: A water fountain includes a basin, multiple water pumps in the space of the basin for pumping the water in the space, an annular disk securely supported by an inner face of the basin and having a centrally defined hole and multiple through holes in communication with the outlets of each of the water pumps via pipes such that water pumped by the water pumps is able to be ejected out of the annular disk from the through holes, a sphere securely supported by a periphery defining the hole of the annular disk and a light emitting diode assembly received in the hole of the annular disk for emitting colorful light beams. A circuit board is sandwiched between a bottom of the basin and a cap for providing electricity to the water pumps and the light emitting diode assembly.

Abstract: A rainfall simulation apparatus for a structure is provided, comprising a water source, an electric pump, a vertically oriented riser pipe, a perforated header pipe along the roof of the structure, a V-shaped aperture-containing trough connected to the roof, and an elongated collection bin below the trough and connected to the pump. The rainfall simulation apparatus has particular utility in connection with providing the relaxing acoustic effect of rainfall on a structure while additionally providing the visual effect of rainfall through the windows of the structure.

Abstract: A waterfall system includes a water reservoir; and a waterfall assembly adjacent the water reservoir. The waterfall assembly includes a frame with a plurality of metal structural members connected together to define a hollow interior. At least one discharge nozzle is carried by and directed away from the frame. A plurality of facia members are coupled to an exterior of the frame. The facia members cover the frame but do not cover the at least one discharge nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing fog, said apparatus having ultrasonic circuitry for producing ultrasonic energy for vaporizing a liquid, comprising a receptacle having a recess in the bottom thereof and a surface located at an upper part of said recess for containing said liquid, said recess defining a space devoid of said liquid, wherein said ultrasonic circuitry is located on a bottom of said surface in said recess and positioned such that said ultrasonic energy produced by said ultrasonic circuitry is transferred to said liquid.

Abstract: A modular fountain includes a base, a bowl and a top or statue supported on the bowl by a pump housing in the bowl. Twist and lock bayonet type connectors are provided for connecting the base to the bowl and the top, if used, to the bowl at the pumping housing. A through passage between the pump housing, the bowl and the base is formed for training a pump power cord therethrough, for example.

Abstract: A water fountain support container for creating a water feature, comprising a base (5) having a bottom wall (9) and upstanding side walls (8) which together define a liquid reservoir (10), and, a lid (6) which locates on and is supported by the base. The base is preferably circular in overall configuration and has at least two, but preferably three, inwardly-directed portions (11) which project inwardly with respect to the side wall. There is at least one aperture (16) through the lid (6). In use, liquid contained within the reservoir is circulated by a pump also located therein, the liquid being pumped through a pipe passing out through the aperture (16) and subsequently falling under gravity back onto the lid (6) and so into the reservoir (10), after passing through the aperture (16) in the lid. The inwardly-directed portions (11) support the lid (6) and allow decorative or structural elements of a significant weight to be easily and safely supported on the lid.

Abstract: A nozzle unit of a liquid spray apparatus is constituted by a conduit tube having an outer portion spreading and curvature shape upper inner wall, a disc shape flat plate cover arranged on an upper portion of the conduit, and a coupling. Between the flat plate cover and the conduit tube a spray port of the nozzle unit is formed. From the spray port of the liquid spray apparatus, a thin film liquid (a thin film spray body) is sprayed. To this thin film liquid a swirl component (a squint direction component) is given and run down, to the thin film liquid a liquid pressure fluctuation generates, the pulsation movement is given to the thin film liquid. In a case where a nozzle unit has a ring shape spray port a melon shape spherical thin film spray body is formed and in a case where a nozzle unit has a linear shape spray port a circular shape thin film spray body is formed.

Abstract: A decorative fountain includes a hollow body having a recessed area provided with a nappe zone and a shower zone, and a reservoir defined in a bottom portion of the hollow body for receiving therein water. A water pump assembly is received in the reservoir for pumping water in the reservoir to the inlet of the control valve to selectively sprinkle water out of the primary outlet, the secondary outlet or the third outlet. A cover is mounted on top of the hollow body to cover the recessed area and has a controlling knob rotatably mounted inside the cover. Therefore, rotation of the controlling knob is able to control activation of the primary outlet, the secondary outlet and the third outlet to sprinkle water from the reservoir to either the nappe zone or the shower zone.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device where the liquid film changes into many kinds of shapes and furthermore these shapes can change according to the changes of outside factors including the sound and light etc.

Abstract: A portable relaxation and therapy device or kit includes a liquid retention basin having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall upstanding from the bottom wall to define at least one liquid chamber therewithin. A waterfall is provided having a reflecting surface extending generally upwardly from the retention basin to a liquid dispersing waterfall ledge thereabove. The device or kit includes a pump disposed in the liquid chamber in communication with a tube for directing liquid in the retention basin upwardly to the waterfall ledge. The waterfall ledge causes liquid to cascade downwardly to the liquid chamber of the retention basin in front of the reflecting surface of the waterfall wall. The device also includes a cover for the retention basin disposed over the liquid chamber so as to overlie and substantially isolate from view liquid in at least a portion of the retention basin.

Abstract: A spa with a pop-up waterfall apparatus constructed according to the invention includes a container for a reservoir of water and a water-sheeting manifold assembly mounted on the container The water-sheeting manifold assembly includes a water-sheeting manifold that is adapted for movement between a lowered first position and an elevated second position. A waterfall apparatus constructed according to one aspect of the invention includes a housing defining an upwardly opening chamber that extends from a bottom portion of the housing to a top portion of the housing, and it also includes a water-sheeting manifold that fits at least partially within the upwardly opening chamber. The housing includes a water inlet in fluid communication with the upwardly opening chamber that functions as means for coupling water from a separate source of pressurized water to the upwardly opening chamber.

Abstract: Amusement devices including a water cannon are described, that include a reservoir member and a channel member disposed therein. A water cannon may also include a partition, or plunger member that partitions the interior of the reservoir and slides along the channel member. A water cannon includes an inlet to fill the reservoir with fluid. When full, a gas inlet, connected to a control mechanism and controlled by an operator releases a burst of gas such as air into the reservoir, thus driving the plunger member down the channel member through the interior of the reservoir and forcing a spurt or projectile of water out of the channel. A musical water fountain system may include a water cannon. The musical water fountain system may include a sound system for playing music, a water cannon system for producing projectiles of water and a lighting system for producing visual effects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new waterfall apparatus water reservoirs such as pools, spa's and the like. It comprises a manifold having a water inlet connected to the a water supply, preferably the water supply from the reservoir's plumbing. The manifold has internal baffles to remove turbulence from the water, which is then directed to a spillway water outlet. The spillway has a through slot that allows water to flow out from the manifold. It also has a removable outlet cap which forms the water into a particular waterfall shape. Another embodiment of the invention for spas, has a tubular body and a outlet that is in the form of a longitudinal slot in the body. The outlet cap is then mounted in the slot. In both embodiments the outlet cap can be easily removed to clean the apparatus if debris becomes lodged within it. It can also be removed if the spillway becomes damaged or it the pool/spa owner would like to change the type of waterfall produced by the apparatus.

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).

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device where the liquid film changes into many kinds of shapes and furthermore these shapes can change according to the changes of outside factors including the sound and light etc.

Abstract: A water display which contains a plurality of drip tubes that are suspended from a structure, and periodically drip droplets of fluid in a manner that simulates “rain fall”. The tubes are attached to a tank that contains a ballast and a volume of fluid. When the water display is off, the ballast is located in an upper position so that the level of fluid is below the openings of the tubes. The display further contains a control mechanism that lowers the ballast into the fluid. Lowering the ballast, displaces the fluid to a level above the opening of the tubes, wherein the fluid flows out of the tank and through the tubes. The control mechanism then raises the ballast to the first position to again lower the fluid to a level below the opening of the tube. The cycle of lowering and raising the ballast is repeated in a periodic manner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making snow by generating water spray from a triple array of multiple nozzle sub-boom branch-pipes transversely protruding from the upper end of a main boom of a pivotably adjustable snow making pipe tower. Three air jet streams, one for each branch pipe, are simultaneously discharged under high pressure into and sequentially through the throats of each associated multiple stack of water sprays issuing from each set of branch pipe nozzles to thereby form multiple spray plumes of atomized and seeded water all directed forwardly from the upper end of the tower pipe. The water pipe may be an elliptical aluminum extrusion with two interior air tubes respectively controllably feeding large and small diameter air jet arrays to thereby provide a range of air jet water spray interaction.

Abstract: A snowmaker is comprised of a head which has an outer ring of nozzles which form a flow of primary water into droplets which move downstream preferably along paths running at a slight radially outward angle, together with a central nucleator which discharges frozen nuclei particles outwardly from a plurality of atomizers at the downstream end cap end of the nucleator. The nucleator is readily disconnectable from the ring. Secondary water flow is fed to the nucleator so it swirls at high velocity within, to greatly enhance the warming effect of the water on the nucleator parts, and to thereby inhibit accumulation of exterior ice. The secondary water is mixed with compressed air as they both enter the atomizers of the end cap. A resultant flow of nuclei from the atomizers is discharged so the flow merges with the plume of primary water droplets from the nozzle. Preferably, flat spray nozzles are used.

Abstract: A method for making artificial snow using micro particulate material for the performance enhancement of snow making equipment, wherein very small particles of material are mixed into the water supply system which supplies water to the snow making guns at a skiing area. The particles serve as the nucleus for snow crystals to grow upon when sprayed into the atmosphere by the snow making guns. The water, which has the nucleating material mixed into it, is sprayed out of the snow making guns in the form of fine droplets, small enough for the cold ambient air at the skiing slope to freeze the small water droplets into the solid form of snow flakes. The nucleating material, which originally is in the form of a fine powder, may be mixed in a suitable container with a portion of the water, so it can be appropriately metered through a pump, into the water pipe that feeds the snow making guns.

Abstract: In an indoor type skiing ground having a ski slope formed by sprinkling artificial snow to a predetermined thickness on a slope inside a building, a predetermined height range from the surface of the artificial snow is defined as a low temperature region, while an ordinary temperature region is defined above the low temperature region, and cold air ports for blowing cold air into the building are formed in a side wall of the building so as to be located in the low temperature region, while air outlets are formed so as to be located above the cold air ports.

Abstract: Factors controlling the effect of cloud seeding were critically examined, and a new horizontal penetration seeding method using liquid homogeneous ice nucleants at the lower level of the supercooled portion of clouds was invented to maximize the microphysics-dynamics interaction between the seeded ice crystal thermal and the supercooled cloud through optimal utilization of the phase change energy. Cloud seeding tests showed a remarkable effect. This method allows the development of twin rotating horizontal cylinders of ice crystal thermal, which slowly rise, expand and entrain the supercooled cloud droplets to provide the supersaturated condition and time for the required growth of seeded ice crystals. When the thermal reaches the top of the cloud, it spreads horizontally while lowering the ice crystals of sufficiently large size and fall velocity resulting in an effective treatment of the existing and induced cloud volume for precipitation augmentation and the associated dynamic effect.

Abstract: A snow forming station is provided for making and/or maintaining snow on a ski slop constituted by a moveable base assembly which passes through the snow forming station. The snow forming station has a snow chamber surrounding a section of the moveable base assembly and a return air chamber through which a refrigerated air supply mean is recirculated. Snow making apparatus supplies snow to the chamber and snow carried in the return air is precipitated prior to return to the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: An economic snow making tower and method of manufacture wherein the snow making tower includes an elongated upright aluminum tower pipe which is mounted on a support. Snow making nozzles are provided at the upper end of the tower for discharge of air and water under pressure into ambient atmosphere for manufacture of snow in subfreezing conditions and air and water connectors are provided at the lower end of the tower pipe for the supply of air and water under pressure to the tower. The support includes a vertical ground support post and a steel T fitting as welded to this support cap and has three threaded connecting necks wherein the upper threaded connecting neck threadably receives the bottom end of the tower pipe and supports the tower pipe in its upright position. The air and water connectors are connected respectively to the two remaining threaded necks of the T fitting.

Abstract: A table top fountain (10, 60, 70, 80) is disclosed which provides for discharge of water in a fountain-like effect to spray on a series of rocks mounted within a container (12). An electric pump (34) is mounted in the interior of the container (12). A power cord (38) extends from the pump through a passage (32) in an upwardly extending column (28) extending upward from the bottom (14) of the container. A seal plug (40) sealingly engages the power cord (38) and is sealed to the column (28) to prevent water from leaking through the passage. With the power cord exiting the bottom of the fountain, a neater appearance is provided for the fountain.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making artificial snow with a snow-making machine having a funnel-shaped carrier. The carrier has, at the inlet end thereof, a fan adapted to provide rapid flow of air through the carrier, and at the outlet end thereof, both a ring of atomizing nozzles mounted close to a nose cone of the snow-making machine, and several (preferably three or more) rings of water distribution nozzles. The water nozzles are arranged to eject a curtain of water drops obliquely into the flow of air passing through the carrier. The method involves the steps of: (a) turning on the fan so that a rapid flow of air is moved through the snow-making machine, (b) pressing water under high pressure through the ring of atomizing nozzles, (c) then turning on pressurized water in a first ring of water distribution nozzles, and (d) thereafter, stepwise after each other, turning on pressurized water to the remaining rings of water distribution nozzles.