US3848567A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aquarium
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-04-26
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Granted: 1974-11-19
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Expires: 1994-04-26
Abstract
Abstract An improved salt water aquarium is disclosed. The aquarium includes a transparent tank member. A base member is positioned below and supports the transparent tank member. A combination air-water filter head is disposed in the base of the transparent tank member and communicates with the base member. An isolation valve is connected to the combination air-water filter head and to a filter unit positioned within the base member. The filter unit is substantially as large as the base, thus having a relatively large surface area. A valve, responsive to the liquid level of the filter unit, is positioned between the isolation valve and the filter unit for maintaining the water level within the filter unit at a predetermined desired level. A pump member and an associated check valve are coupled between the filter unit and the combination air-water filter head for returning purified water to the tank.
Inventors
- 👤 J Garber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:09
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K63/00; A01K63/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
An improved salt water aquarium, comprising: a transparent tank member having a base, salt water fish being advantageously displayed therein; a base member positioned below and supporting the base of said transparent tank member; a combination air-water filter head disposed on the base of said transparent tank member and communicating with said base member, said filter head having a water inlet means, a water outlet means and an air inlet means; an isolation valve positioned within said base member and coupled to the water outlet means; a filter unit positioned within said base member and having an inlet and outlet, said isolation valve operatively coupled to said inlet, said filter unit being substantially as large as said base member and thereby having a relatively large surface area, water being circulated tHrough said filter from said tank member for filtration thereof, a valve responsive to the liquid level in the filter positioned at the inlet for maintaining the water level within said filter unit at a predetermined desired level, said filter unit being uncovered and thereby exposed to the air within said base; a pump member positioned within said base and coupled to the outlet of said filter unit; and a check valve coupled between said pump member and said water inlet means for preventing backflow of water if said pump is inoperative.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
An improved salt water aquarium, comprising: a transparent tank member having a base, salt water fish being advantageously displayed therein; a base member positioned below and supporting the base of said transparent tank member; a combination air-water filter head disposed on the base of said transparent tank member and communicating with said base member, said filter head having a water inlet means, a water outlet means and an air inlet means; an isolation valve positioned within said base member and coupled to the water outlet means; a filter unit positioned within said base member and having an inlet and outlet, said isolation valve operatively coupled to said inlet, said filter unit being substantially as large as said base member and thereby having a relatively large surface area, water being circulated tHrough said filter from said tank member for filtration thereof, a valve responsive to the liquid level in the filter positioned at the inlet for maintaining the water level within said filter unit at a predetermined desired level, said filter unit being uncovered and thereby exposed to the air within said base; a pump member positioned within said base and coupled to the outlet of said filter unit; and a check valve coupled between said pump member and said water inlet means for preventing backflow of water if said pump is inoperative.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The improved aquarium of claim 1 wherein said filter unit comprises an algae incubator section, a plurality of filter sections utilizing successively finer filter material and an activated carbon filter section, serially connected, said activated carbon filter section being substantially smaller than said successive filter sections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
The improved aquarium of claim 2 wherein said combination air-water filter head is positioned in a corner of said transparent tank member, said tank member base having an aperture in the corner thereof conforming to the shape of said filter head, a water tight, salt water resistant seal being formed between said tank member base and said combination filter head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said combination air-water filter head is of a unitary construction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
178 words
The device of claim 3 wherein said combination air-water filter head includes a mounting plate, said mounting plate conforming to the aperture in said tank member base and being positioned therein, a portion of said mounting plate abutting the side of said transparent member and a free edge of said mounting plate extending into said tank, said mounting plate having an aperture therein, a flange extending from said mounting plate and positioned on said tank member base, said inlet means being comprised of a conduit communicating with said tank through said aperture in said mounting plate, and said outlet means being comprised of a conduit extending through said mounting plate into said tank, a wall extending upwardly from the free edge of said mounting plate, one section of said wall having a plurality of relatively small aperatures for the passage of water, and a top section extending from said wall and tapered upwardly toward the corner of said tank, said inlet conduit being positioned on said top section whereby said inlet means and said outlet means are separated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 3 further including an air pump coupled to said air inlet means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said valve responsive to the liquid level in the filter is a float valve.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3232271A
Cited
US3418973A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-18 | 1978-05-20 | 1978-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-18 | 1982-05-20 | 1982-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-05-20 | 1986-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |