Liquid Pump, Pulsator Or Follower Patents (Class 239/23)
  • Patent number: 6848628
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Beckett Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Walker
  • Patent number: 6843428
    Abstract: A fountain having a substantially-rectangular fountain body having a dividing floor disposed horizontally therein, dividing the fountain body into a lower chamber open on its bottom end and an upper chamber open on its top end. A conduit, passing through the dividing floor, connects the lower chamber to the upper chamber. A light source is disposed in the lower chamber. A pump, disposed within the upper chamber, pumps water up to a water spout disposed above it, which is returned to the pump by the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Beckett Corporation
    Inventors: David Wooten, John Walker, Michael Wang
  • Publication number: 20040262417
    Abstract: A recirculating water fountain configured for table/desk top use comprises a water reservoir, a plenum mounted above the reservoir and configured to accumulate a substantially still pool of water, and a pump operable to pump water upwardly from the reservoir to form the water pool in the plenum. The recirculating water fountain includes a visually open flow pathway sloping downward from beneath the plenum to receive water from a plenum overflow for return to the reservoir, and a controller for alternately defining a pump-on mode and a pump-off mode. The pump controller functions to define the pump-off mode in response to the water level in the reservoir falling below a first height mark and to prevent resumption of the pump-on mode until the water level in the reservoir exceeds a second height mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Nathan Proch
  • Patent number: 6796273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water director for distributing a surge or flow of water to one or more of a plurality of output ports, which can vary in shape, size, and number, typically for use in marine and fresh water aquariums. Water pumped through a conduit into the hermetically sealed Switching Current Water Director (SCWD), powers an internally mounted gear driven fluid motor, which turns a rotational valve, alternately opening and closing a plurality of water outlet ports. When mounted externally to an aquarium, proper placement of output nozzles, which are connected to a water conduit attached to the various SCWD outlet ports, provides the desired opposing, or switching back and fourth currents. Depending on the inlet and outlet port configuration, the SCWD can be adapted to suit many applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Michael Muscarella
  • Patent number: 6790033
    Abstract: A fireplace fountain having a base, a basin adapted to hold a liquid supported by the base, and a hood supported by the base over the basin. A fire pan is supported by the base over the basin and under the hood, with a burner being supported above the fire pan and adapted to be connected to a fuel source. A perforated tubing is supported in the hood, with a pump and supply tube connected thereto. The pump and supply tube are in fluid communication with the basin so that liquid held in the basin may be circulated by a pump to the perforated tubing. Liquid exits the perforated tubing and falls into the basin, but not into the fire pan so that the liquid does not extinguish any flame generated by the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Fleming Sales Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Grady, David Henke, Kent Bach
  • Patent number: 6779739
    Abstract: An odor-reducing water display system includes a reservoir, a pump for removing water from the reservoir, a conduit in fluid communication with the pump for returning the removed water to the reservoir, and a germicidal light source positioned for directing radiant energy toward the water to thereby reduce microbes and their accompanying odor that may be present in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick T. Mulvaney
  • Patent number: 6755349
    Abstract: A housing defines a sealed interior cavity to provide buoyancy for floating the housing in water. A rechargeable battery maintains the vertical alignment of the buoyant housing. The buoyant housing supports a plurality of upwardly directed lights and fountain nozzles together with a plurality of manually accountable switches. An internal pump mechanism draws water into the buoyant housing and forces it upwardly through the fountain nozzles to produce vertically directed fountain sprays. The fountain sprays may be illuminated by the light assemblies. A remote control receiver and control circuit within the buoyant housing receives operative control signals from a handheld remote control unit. A remotely controlled rotation valve is operatively coupled to the pump output and provides a laterally directed water spray component tending to rotate the entire fountain unit. A tether and anchor fix the unit position within a swimming pool. An ultra sound mechanism automatically spaces the unit from the pool edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Noorolah Nader Beidokhti
  • Patent number: 6748699
    Abstract: A combined water feature and planter is in the form of a rectangular trough formed by a one-piece plastics material hollow moulded shell. A base of the planter has drainage openings therein leading to respective drainage passages which extend through a water reservoir for water recycled through an ornamental pump. The drainage passages are thus isolated from the water reservoir so that liquid draining through the passages to the exterior of the trough does not mix with the water recycling through the pump and cannot thus contaminate it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Colin John Taylor
  • Patent number: 6726118
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fiona Moulson and Ian Moulson
    Inventor: Ian Moulson
  • Patent number: 6717383
    Abstract: A programmable fountain controller for varying the flow rate of an AC PMSM fountain pump in a pre-determined manner so as to generate dynamically changing flow patterns. A micro-controller is provided to vary the pulse width and frequency timing over time for generating signals to an output switching circuit that drives the pump. A mode switch provides user-settable modes of operation selected from a group comprising a programmed flow control mode, a manual flow setting mode, an audio input mode and an external data input/output mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: Chris S. Brunt, Gary R. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6705540
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hideya Koshiyama
    Inventors: Hideya Koshiyama, Takuya Koshiyama
  • Patent number: 6695221
    Abstract: A system for waterfall construction and assembly designed for and intended for use by a user comprising of a kit of pre-designed, engineered and manufactured parts wherein each constituent part, when assembled by a user, constitutes a complete waterfall assembly. Primary components of the waterfall system include a remote reservoir, remote pump located in or adjacent to a remote located reservoir, an interim basin, an upper distribution basin, and a user furnished and selected waterfall facing material. Water is circulated distributed and regulated within the upper distribution basin and interrupted in the interim basin to enhance sound prior to it returning to a remote located reservoir to be re-circulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Donald Lussier
  • Patent number: 6695222
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6659368
    Abstract: An underground watering system including a reservoir having a water inlet and a water outlet, a float control connected to the water inlet for maintaining a water level in the reservoir, a fertilizer container supported on the reservoir having an opening therein communicating with reservoir by which fertilizer may be added to water within the reservoir, and at least one water soaking hose connected to the reservoir water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Lloyd O. Capps
  • Patent number: 6644560
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Fancy This!, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Polzin, Deidre Polzin
  • Patent number: 6634138
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Jed Katzman
  • Patent number: 6626368
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignees: Yasuki Nakayama, Japan Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuki Nakayama, Minoru Ueno
  • Publication number: 20030178502
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Greg Pankow
  • 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: 6578774
    Abstract: A water sheeting manifold includes an enclosure having a hollow interior with a plurality of water-spreading chambers and a plurality of chamber-connecting passageways. The enclosure includes a water inlet that conveys a flow of water into the hollow interior and a water outlet that conveys the flow of water out of the hollow interior in the form of a sheet of water. The enclosure includes opposite first and second ends and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The first and second sides including a plurality of sections cooperating with the first and second ends to define the water-spreading chambers and chamber-connecting passageways without other chamber-defining structure and passageway-defining structure within the interior of the enclosure. The first and second sides of the enclosure may be extruded or welded together as separate components after being bent into the desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Michael S. Noyes
  • Publication number: 20030052183
    Abstract: An underground watering system including a reservoir having a water inlet and a water outlet, a float control connected to the water inlet for maintaining a water level in the reservoir, a fertilizer container supported on the reservoir having an opening therein communicating with reservoir by which fertilizer may be added to water within the reservoir, and at least one water soaking hose connected to the reservoir water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Lloyd O. Capps
  • Patent number: 6530530
    Abstract: The present invention provides decorative fountains, assemblies for fountains and decorative fountain kits. An assembly for a decorative fountain includes an overflow container defining a reservoir and an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir, a support surface defining one or more apertures and positioned over the reservoir for supporting a drinking vessel, a support conduit defining a passageway for fluid and having a first end fluidly connected to the outlet and an opposite end defining an aperture. A bottle inlet is in fluid communication with the support conduit and is configured to mate with an inlet opening defined through the base of the beverage container so that the aperture is in fluid communication with the vessel. A pump is disposed within the reservoir and is operable to pump fluid from the reservoir through the passageway and into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Crown Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6527197
    Abstract: A fountain has a container receiving therein a battery, a micro chip, a pump electrically connected to the battery and operably controlled by the micro chip and a tube received in the container. A float is provided in the tube and is able to move upward and downward intermittently in the tube. The float further has extensions securely mounted on a top face of the float so that when the float is moving upward, the extensions, originally folded due to the confinement of the tube, extend to present an ornamental effect to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6527257
    Abstract: A decorative humidifier and fountain apparatus containing water for simultaneously humidifying and purifying air is disclosed that produces soothing sights and sounds as well as efficiently cleaned and humidified air. It includes a housing and a water distributor for forming a water curtain from the water. The water curtain has a first portion and a second portion. An evaporative filter element is sized and proportioned to humidify and filter the air as it passes through the fountain. A pool is positioned so as to receive the water from the water curtain. Water is circulated from the pool to the water distributor with a water circulating means. An air circulator draws air through the first portion of the water curtain, forcing air through the evaporative element, then forcing air through the second portion of the water curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: RPS Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Schuld
  • Patent number: 6450418
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Waterway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Rich F. Simpson, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr.
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6423218
    Abstract: A pond insert more particularly intended for insertion in a garden pond is described and which has at least one electromotively driven pump (2) The pump has an inlet connection and two intercommunicating outlet connections (5, 6), whereof one is preferably oriented horizontally and one vertically. The pump can be fixed in a basket-like container (3), which can be filled with a weighting material such as gravel or the like for improving the stability of the pond insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Gardena Kress + Kastner GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Lindermeir, Reiner Haeufele
  • Patent number: 6405937
    Abstract: A system of modular artificial rocks provides aesthetic appeal to a landscape. The system comprises at least two rocks, one stacked on the other and interlocked to each other, as by a tongue and groove arrangement. The rocks have respective back ends that overhang. The back ends of all but the bottom rock of a stack are supported off the ground. In a modified embodiment, the back ends of the rocks align in vertical planes. There may be one back end, in which case the rocks can be placed flush against a fence or a building wall. In another embodiment, there are two back ends. Two or more stacks of modular rocks are placed with their back ends in flat facing contact. For example, the back ends of the rocks of each of three stacks may subtend an angle of 120 degrees. A waterfall can be incorporated into any of the stacks. The bottom rock of a stack has a depression that acts as a reservoir. Water is pumped to the top of the top rock of the stack, from where it flows back to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel R. Stukenberg
  • Patent number: 6382520
    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 spaced guide surfaces. The waterfall comprises a base reservoir in which is mounted an electrical pump. A liquid flow passage is mounted to the base and extends to a trough with a lip portion or a tank with a flow orifice from which water flows to form the waterfall between the spaced guide surfaces. The trough or flow orifice is configured to cause the flow of water to be directed outwardly toward the guide surfaces to improve the capability of the liquid to form a continuous film and the adherence of the liquid film to the guide surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: William G. Hones
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020003171
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modular connector for use in fountains that includes a collar having a first collar portion, a second collar portion, a third collar portion, two ears and two flanges. The first collar portion has a first outside diameter and a first inside diameter. The second collar portion is disposed between the first collar portion and the third collar portion and has the first outside diameter and a second inside diameter. The third collar portion has a second outside diameter and the first inside diameter. The two ears oppose one another, each ear extending from the second collar portion through the first collar portion and above the first collar portion, each ear disposed between the first inside diameter and the second inside diameter. The two flanges oppose one another and extend inwardly from the first collar portion to form a channel with the second collar portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: John M. Walker
  • Patent number: 6311898
    Abstract: A sealed-cell waterfall display unit comprises a closed cell having front and back walls (20 & 22), side walls (24 & 26), and top and bottom panels (28 & 30); a reservoir for water in the top of the cell (32); a reservoir for water in the bottom of the cell (34); a pump (46) for conveying the water in the lower reservoir (34) to the upper reservoir (32), whereby the water overflows the upper reservoir (32) and flows down the front wall (20) in a waterfall fashion; and indentures (40) in the front wall (20) for producing a rippling effect in the flowing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory Phillip Gruff
  • Patent number: 6279835
    Abstract: A water fountain is disclosed for use in residential and commercial environments. The water fountain includes a support frame and a catch basin within which a recirculating pump system is placed. A background flow display surface is attached to the support frame for receiving water thereover from the recirculating pump system. In one embodiment, the water fountain includes a facade connected to the support frame. The facade includes a plurality of apertures such that when the facade is placed over the background flow display surface, a portion of the background flow display surface is visible through the apertures in the facade, thereby permitting visibility of the flowing water as well. The facades may include apertures of various shapes and sizes and in different arrangements. The invention also provides the use of illumination and variable recirculation pumps in order to achieve dramatic visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Hansenhouse, LLC
    Inventor: Laura M. Hansen
  • 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: 6179218
    Abstract: A solar powered water fountain comprising at least one solar cell (10) electrically connected to a direct current motor (12), which is connected by a shaft to a submersible, seal-less pump having at least one output orifice. The fountain may be stationary, or mounted on a float (18); It may be in the shape of a lily pad, or any other shape. The apparatus may include a decorative motor cowling (32), for example, in the shape of a frog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher Gates
  • 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: 6119957
    Abstract: An intermittent artificial fountain apparatus to be installed in a water pool and including a spraying body formed as a waterproof structure having a sealed cavity, a light floating structure surrounding the spraying body, a spraying tube arranged in the spraying body co-axially therewith and having a spraying opening to be located above a water level of the pool, a piston formed of a ferromagnetic material and arranged in the spraying tube for a reciprocating movement therein to provide for filling of the spraying tube with water and for spraying the water received in the spraying tube outwardly upon movement of the piston in an opposite direction, an electromagnetic structure cooperating with the piston for effecting movement of the piston in one of the opposite directions, a pulse signal generator to be connected to an external power source and connected with the electromagnetic structure, and return element for moving the piston in another of the opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Xu Liu
  • Patent number: 6055934
    Abstract: A device is disclosed which comprises a drinking fountain for animals in the configuration of a free falling stream of water, or continuous waterfall. A pump moves water from a reservoir upward to a discharge ramp, or ramps, where water spills over into a receptacle. The reservoir and receptacle may consist of the same part. The cascade of water takes advantage of a preference demonstrated by animals for moving drinking water. The waterfall action also aerates the water and increases freshness, by breaking the surface tension of the standing water and drawing in oxygen from the atmosphere. Filtration of the circulating water in this self-contained system is easily accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventors: Mary V. Burns, Don L. Evans
  • Patent number: 6053422
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Joseph J. Polzin, Jr., Deirdre Polzin
  • Patent number: 6029899
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Beckett Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Walker
  • Patent number: 5988441
    Abstract: A sealed fluid merchandiser (12) for use in connection with a beverage dispenser (16) includes a transparent, liquid display container (60) having a narrow liquid chamber (33) for a stable liquid (21) that simulates the beverage being dispensed and a pump housing (37) for a pump (38) that pumps the liquid being simulated through a spray manifold (44) for producing an attractive spray or bubbling effect. The stable, simulated beverage liquid has a low viscosity such that it behaves substantially identical to the beverage being dispensed. The narrow liquid chamber substantially reduces the weight and expense of the fluid merchandiser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Weinaug, John J. Fisher, Roger C. Whigham, Steven C. Gamper, Alvin C. Mayshack, Bruce W. Copeland, D. Scott Rowley, Augusto S. Medina
  • 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: 5802750
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for simulating a flying fish which includes a pump, piping connected to the pump, a tube bundle connected to an end of the piping opposite from the pump for dividing pressurized water within the piping into parallel section of flowing water thereby creating a columnarized flow, a rotating disc having apertures located adjacent to an end of the tube bundle from which the divided flow of water is ejected, the rotating disc creating alternating portions of deflected and projected water, the projected portions simulating a flying fish, particularly when the apparatus is situated in a first body of water and the projected portions are directed at a second body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Autopilot Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Fulmer
  • 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: 5249744
    Abstract: A natural waterfall is simulated by introducing water into an inlet box that includes a spreader for dividing the incoming stream into two laterally flowing streams that are reflected off the sidewalls of the inlet box and which collide against each other to suppress the turbulence of the incoming stream in the absence of baffle walls. The inlet box has an outlet in open communication with an outlet box through which the water flows to create the waterfall. In a second embodiment, an open-faced structure includes a back wall, side walls, and a bottom wall, and the waterfall apparatus is positioned against the back wall so that its outlet faces the open front end of the structure. Rocks are then added to fill the structure. The walls of the structure constrain the water to flow down the face of the rocks. This enables a rock waterfall to be built by inexperienced personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Douglas Ruthenberg
  • Patent number: 5161740
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for creating a "pop jet" type of ornamental fountain with an output stream in the form of surface-tension envelope or "ball" of fluid, embedded with air bubbles. By virtue of the laminar nature of the fluid created, the natural surface tension of the fluid prevents the envelope from flying apart into multiple fluid drops. The envelope therefore can be created much larger than has been possible previously. Previous attempts at building "pop jet" type fountains have been limited to creating relatively small envelopes due to the internal turbulence of the fluid. The present invention minimizes internal turbulence by utilizing various advances in envelope shape, outlet orifice design and diffuser strucutre. It enhances the size of the envelope produced by adding fluid and air bubbles outside the outlet orifice by directing the output stream sthrough a secondary pool of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, David R. Usher, Ronald S. Delchmann
  • Patent number: 5115974
    Abstract: A device for creating a waterfall effect and a fountain effect in an adjacent swimming pool spa or the like, has a tubular manifold with spray orifices which produce streams of water. The manifold is positionable so that the streams of water can be aimed away from the housing at an inclined angle, thereby producing a fountain effect, or so that the streams of water can be directed to fill a reservoir located within the housing and adapted to discharge water in the form of a waterfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Tobias, Fred Hollinger
  • 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