US3971338A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aquarium apparatus
Assignee: SEA LIFE EXHIBITS Inc
•
Filing: 1975-01-30
•
Granted: 1976-07-27
•
Expires: 1995-01-30
Abstract
Abstract An aquarium system is made self contained, even for salt water, by providing it with a sub-gravel filter in series with a carbon filter, and ultra-violet sterilizer and a temperature control unit, and a water withdrawal and return that insures circular flow in the tank. The system includes a means for introducing outside air into the filter circulation system, advantageously at a point just prior to reintroduction of the filtered water to the tank. Capability of the system to provide an environment in which long-time survival of sensitive fish and invertebrates is made possible by the addition of an air stripper unit in parallel with the sub-gravel filter. The air stripper and the ultra-violet sterilizer are specially constructed to enhance the operation of the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Charles Alexson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:38
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F9/00; A; A01; A01K; A01K63/00; A01K63/04; C02F1/00; C02F1/22; C02F1/28; C02F1/283; C02F1/30; C02F1/32; C02F3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
In an aquarium system of the kind that includes a tank having a lower outlet and an inlet and a bed of particulate material disposed in said tank above said outlet and below said inlet, the improvement which comprises, in combination: holding means for holding said bed of particulate material such that the flow of water above said bed to said outlet proceeds through said bed; main flow path means comprising a flow path for receiving tank water from said outlet and returning it to said tank at said inlet; pumping means in said flow path for pumping tank water from said outlet to said inlet; an active chemical filter and an ultraviolet irradiation sterilizer in series with one another and with said pump in said flow path at a point below said tank; and an air stripper filter and air stripper filter flow path means for directing water from said tank at a point above said bed through said air stripper filter and delivering it to said main flow path means at a point upstreat from said pumping means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
In an aquarium system of the kind that includes a tank having a lower outlet and an inlet and a bed of particulate material disposed in said tank above said outlet and below said inlet, the improvement which comprises, in combination: holding means for holding said bed of particulate material such that the flow of water above said bed to said outlet proceeds through said bed; main flow path means comprising a flow path for receiving tank water from said outlet and returning it to said tank at said inlet; pumping means in said flow path for pumping tank water from said outlet to said inlet; an active chemical filter and an ultraviolet irradiation sterilizer in series with one another and with said pump in said flow path at a point below said tank; and an air stripper filter and air stripper filter flow path means for directing water from said tank at a point above said bed through said air stripper filter and delivering it to said main flow path means at a point upstreat from said pumping means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention defined in claim 1 in which water flowing through said air stripper flows in a direction counter to air movement in the air stripper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention defined in claim 2 in which water flowing through said air stripper is introduced into said flow path at a point upstream from said active chemical filter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
249 words
In an aquarium system of the kind that includes a tank having a lower outlet and an inlet and a bed of particulate material disposed in said tank above said outlet and below said inlet, the improvement which comprises, in combination: holding means for holding said bed of particulate material such that the flow of water above said bed to said outlet proceeds through said bed; main flow path means comprising a flow path for receiving tank water from said outlet and returning it to said tank at said inlet; pumping means in said flow path for pumping tank water from said outlet to said inlet; an active chemical filter and an ultraviolet irradiation sterilizer in series with one another and with said pump in said flow path at a point below said tank; an air stripper and means for directing water from a point in said tank above said bed downwardly through said air stripper and for introducing that water into said main flow path at a point upstream from said active chemical filter and said pumping means; said air stripper including means for introducing air bubbles at a point below the point of entrance of water into said stripper whereby air bubbles flow counter to the flow direction of water through said air stripper filter; means for introducing air into said main flow path at a point upstream from said pump, said active filter, and said sterilizer; and said bed of particulate matter comprising a soluable carbonate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
249 words
In an aquarium system of the kind that includes a tank having a lower outlet and an inlet and a bed of particulate material disposed in said tank above said outlet and below said inlet, the improvement which comprises, in combination: holding means for holding said bed of particulate material such that the flow of water above said bed to said outlet proceeds through said bed; main flow path means comprising a flow path for receiving tank water from said outlet and returning it to said tank at said inlet; pumping means in said flow path for pumping tank water from said outlet to said inlet; an active chemical filter and an ultraviolet irradiation sterilizer in series with one another and with said pump in said flow path at a point below said tank; an air stripper and means for directing water from a point in said tank above said bed downwardly through said air stripper and for introducing that water into said main flow path at a point upstream from said active chemical filter and said pumping means; said air stripper including means for introducing air bubbles at a point below the point of entrance of water into said stripper whereby air bubbles flow counter to the flow direction of water through said air stripper filter; means for introducing air into said main flow path at a point upstream from said pump, said active filter, and said sterilizer; and said bed of particulate matter comprising a soluable carbonate.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-27 | 1980-01-26 | 1980-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-27 | 1984-01-26 | 1984-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-27 | 1988-01-26 | 1988-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |