US6132056A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall
Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems LLC
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Filing: 1998-06-29
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Granted: 2000-10-17
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Expires: 2018-06-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising a waterfall vessel, the vessel including a front wall, a pack wall, side ends with apertures, a top wall and a bottom wall; the vessel further including a plurality of baffles and/or combinations of baffles with apertures therein for converting turbulent flow to a waterfall stream at an exit to the vessel; and means for illuminating the waterfall. The means for illuminating the waterfall includes a clear rod or a side-light emitting fiber optic cable installed longitudinally within the vessel with a fiber optic light source juxtaposed to one end of the clear rod or cable. The clear rod or the cable may be installed within a clear tube as an alternative embodiment. To further enhance the illumination of the waterfall, alternating tangential cuts in the side-light emitting fiber optic cable sheathing or notches in the clear rod are provided to create hot spots and a reflective film is adhesively secured to those surfaces inside the vessel juxtaposed to the cable or clear rod. A mirror is also juxtaposed to the end of the clear rod or cable to direct excess lighting back toward the rod or cable to further enhance the illumination of the waterfall.
Inventors
- 👤 Douglas Ruthenberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:36
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0005; G02B6/001; B; B05; B05B; B05B17/00; B05B17/08; B05B17/085; F; F21; F21W; F21W2121/00; F21W2121/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 64
Claim 1
Independent Claim
291 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising; means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other and each end further being aligned with a direction of flow of the shallow stream; a side-light emitting fiber optic cable, the cable being disposed through said first end aperture, through said means for creating the waterfall effect transversely disposed across the direction of water flow, and extending through said second end aperture; means for providing a light source, an end of the light source being juxtaposed to an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable at said first end aperture; a mirror juxtaposed to an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable extending outside said second end aperture, the mirror reflecting toward the end of the cable extending outside said second end aperture; means for receiving an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable and the mirror at said second end aperture and for preventing water leakage between said cable and said second end aperture to the environment; means for sealingly engaging the side-light emitting fiber optic cable passing through said first end aperture and for preventing water leakage between said cable and first end aperture; and a plurality of tangential inward cuts in an outside sheathing of said cable, the cuts alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of the cable disposed between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
291 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising; means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other and each end further being aligned with a direction of flow of the shallow stream; a side-light emitting fiber optic cable, the cable being disposed through said first end aperture, through said means for creating the waterfall effect transversely disposed across the direction of water flow, and extending through said second end aperture; means for providing a light source, an end of the light source being juxtaposed to an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable at said first end aperture; a mirror juxtaposed to an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable extending outside said second end aperture, the mirror reflecting toward the end of the cable extending outside said second end aperture; means for receiving an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable and the mirror at said second end aperture and for preventing water leakage between said cable and said second end aperture to the environment; means for sealingly engaging the side-light emitting fiber optic cable passing through said first end aperture and for preventing water leakage between said cable and first end aperture; and a plurality of tangential inward cuts in an outside sheathing of said cable, the cuts alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of the cable disposed between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 1 wherein the means for creating the waterfall effect comprises: a waterfall vessel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall and said first and second ends; an inlet opening for incoming columnar water flow into said vessel; an outlet opening for water flow exiting in the form of a waterfall; and a plurality of longitudinally disposed baffles in said vessel for suppressing turbulence of said incoming water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 2 wherein the plurality of baffles interconnect with each other, said baffles further comprising a plurality of apertures for directing the flow of water from the inlet opening, through the baffles, to the outlet opening and for suppressing water turbulence.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 2 further including means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the cable wherein the means includes a reflective film adhesively secured to portions of inside surfaces of the baffles, front wall, back wall, and bottom wall juxtaposed to said sidelight emitting fiber optic cable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 2 wherein the means for receiving an end of the side-emitting fiber optic cable and the mirror at said second end aperture includes a cap disposed over said cable end and mirror, the cap having an inside diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the cable and mirror and wherein the cap is sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the second end of said means for creating the waterfall effect.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 5 wherein the mirror is adhesively secured to an end of the side-light emitting cable or adhesively secured to an inside portion of said cap or both.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
124 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 2 wherein the means for sealingly engaging the side-light emitting fiber optic cable passing through said first end aperture and for maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source juxtaposed to the end of the cable, includes an adapter, the adapter having an inside diameter sufficient to allow the cable to pass through the adapter, the adapter being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the first end of said means for creating the waterfall effect, the adapter further being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the cable passing through the adapter, and wherein the adapter couples the end of the light source means to the end of the cable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 1 wherein the means for providing a light source includes a fiber optic light.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
372 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other and each end further being aligned with a direction of flow of the shallow stream; a clear tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being longitudinally disposed between said first end aperture and second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect and transversely disposed across the direction of water flow, the first and second ends of said tube being in leak tight engagement at said first end aperture and second end aperture respectively; a side-light emitting fiber optic cable, the cable being disposed through said first end aperture and inside said tube, extending through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and further extending through said second end aperture and ending juxtaposed to the clear tube second end; means for providing a light source, an end of the fiber optic light source being juxtaposed to an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable at said first end aperture; a mirror juxtaposed to an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable extending outside said second end aperture and tube second end, the mirror reflecting toward the end of the cable; means for receiving an end of the cable and the tube at the second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect and for preventing water leakage between said tube and said second end aperture to the environment; means for sealingly engaging the cable and tube passing through the first end aperture for preventing water leakage between the cable and clear tube and the first end aperture; and a plurality of tangential inward cuts in an outside sheathing of said cable, the cuts alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of said cable disposed inside said clear tube between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
372 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other and each end further being aligned with a direction of flow of the shallow stream; a clear tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being longitudinally disposed between said first end aperture and second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect and transversely disposed across the direction of water flow, the first and second ends of said tube being in leak tight engagement at said first end aperture and second end aperture respectively; a side-light emitting fiber optic cable, the cable being disposed through said first end aperture and inside said tube, extending through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and further extending through said second end aperture and ending juxtaposed to the clear tube second end; means for providing a light source, an end of the fiber optic light source being juxtaposed to an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable at said first end aperture; a mirror juxtaposed to an end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable extending outside said second end aperture and tube second end, the mirror reflecting toward the end of the cable; means for receiving an end of the cable and the tube at the second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect and for preventing water leakage between said tube and said second end aperture to the environment; means for sealingly engaging the cable and tube passing through the first end aperture for preventing water leakage between the cable and clear tube and the first end aperture; and a plurality of tangential inward cuts in an outside sheathing of said cable, the cuts alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of said cable disposed inside said clear tube between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 9 wherein the means for creating the waterfall effect comprises: a waterfall vessel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall and said first and second ends; an inlet opening for incoming columnar water flow into said vessel; an outlet opening for water flow exiting in the form of a waterfall; and a plurality of longitudinally disposed baffles in said vessel for suppressing turbulence of said incoming water.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 10 wherein the plurality of baffles interconnect with each other, said baffles further comprising a plurality of apertures for directing the flow of water from the inlet opening through the baffles and to the outlet opening and for suppressing water turbulence.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 10 further including means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the cable wherein the means includes a reflective film adhesively secured to portions of inside surfaces of the baffles, front wall, back wall, and bottom wall juxtaposed to the clear tube.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 10 wherein the means for receiving an end of the cable and tube at the second end aperture includes a cap disposed over the cable, tube and mirror, the cap having an inside diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the tube and mirror and wherein the cap is sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the means for creating the waterfall effect.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
124 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 10 wherein the means for sealingly engaging the side-light emitting fiber optic cable and clear tube at the first end aperture and for maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the cable is an adapter, the adapter being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the first end of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the adapter further being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the cable and clear tube for preventing water leakage around said cable and clear tube at said first end aperture, and wherein the adapter couples the end of the light source means to the end of the cable.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 12 wherein the mirror is adhesively secured to an end of the side-light emitting cable or adhesively secured to an inside portion of said cap or both.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 9 wherein the means for providing a light source includes a fiber optic light.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
299 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear rod made from polymeric material having a first end and a second end, the clear rod being disposed through said first end aperture, through said means for creating the waterfall, and extending through said second end aperture; means for providing a light source, an end of the light source being juxtaposed to the first end of the clear rod at the first end aperture; a mirror juxtaposed to the second end of the clear rod extending outside said second end aperture, the mirror reflecting toward the second end of the clear rod; means for receiving an end of the clear rod and mirror at said second end aperture and for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and the second end aperture to the environment; means for sealingly engaging the clear rod passing through said first end aperture for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and the first end aperture, and for further maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end; a plurality of tangential inward notches in the clear rod, the notches alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of clear rod disposed between the first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the clear rod.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
299 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear rod made from polymeric material having a first end and a second end, the clear rod being disposed through said first end aperture, through said means for creating the waterfall, and extending through said second end aperture; means for providing a light source, an end of the light source being juxtaposed to the first end of the clear rod at the first end aperture; a mirror juxtaposed to the second end of the clear rod extending outside said second end aperture, the mirror reflecting toward the second end of the clear rod; means for receiving an end of the clear rod and mirror at said second end aperture and for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and the second end aperture to the environment; means for sealingly engaging the clear rod passing through said first end aperture for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and the first end aperture, and for further maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end; a plurality of tangential inward notches in the clear rod, the notches alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of clear rod disposed between the first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the clear rod.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 17 wherein the means for creating the waterfall effect comprises: a waterfall vessel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall and said first and second ends; an inlet opening for incoming columnar water flow into said vessel; an outlet opening for water flow exiting in the form of a waterfall; and a plurality of longitudinally disposed baffles in said vessel for suppressing turbulence of said incoming water.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 18 wherein the plurality of baffles interconnect with each other, said baffles further comprising a plurality of apertures for directing the flow of water from the inlet opening, through the baffles, to the outlet opening and for suppressing water turbulence.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 18 wherein the means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light includes a reflective film adhesively secured to portions of inside surfaces of the baffles, front wall, back wall, and bottom wall juxtaposed to the clear rod.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 18 wherein the means for receiving the clear rod end and mirror at said second end aperture includes a cap disposed over the clear rod and mirror, the cap having an inside diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the clear rod and mirror and wherein the cap is sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the second end of said means for creating the waterfall effect.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 21 wherein the mirror is adhesively secured to the second end of said clear rod or adhesively secured to an inside portion of the cap or both.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
112 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 18 wherein the means for sealingly engaging the clear rod passing through said first end aperture and for maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end, includes an adapter, wherein the adapter is sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the first end of said means for creating the waterfall effect, the adapter further being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the clear rod passing through the adapter, and wherein the adapter couples the end of the light source means to the first end of the clear rod.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 17 wherein the means for providing a light source includes a fiber optic light.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
385 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being longitudinally disposed between said first end aperture and second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the first and second ends of said tube being in leak tight engagement at said first end aperture and second end aperture respectively; a clear rod made from polymeric material having a first end and a second end, the clear rod being disposed through said first end aperture and inside said clear tube, extending through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and further extending through said second end aperture and ending juxtaposed to the clear tube second end; means for providing a light source, an end to the light source juxtaposed to the first end of the clear rod at the first end aperture; a mirror juxtaposed to an end of the clear rod extending outside said second end aperture and tube second end, the mirror reflecting toward the end of the clear rod; means for receiving an end of the clear rod and the clear tube at the second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect and for preventing water leakage to the environment; means for sealingly engaging the clear rod and clear tube passing through said first end aperture for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and clear tube and the first end aperture, and for further maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end; a plurality of tangential inward notches in the clear rod, the notches alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of the clear rod disposed inside the clear tube between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the clear rod.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
385 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being longitudinally disposed between said first end aperture and second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the first and second ends of said tube being in leak tight engagement at said first end aperture and second end aperture respectively; a clear rod made from polymeric material having a first end and a second end, the clear rod being disposed through said first end aperture and inside said clear tube, extending through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and further extending through said second end aperture and ending juxtaposed to the clear tube second end; means for providing a light source, an end to the light source juxtaposed to the first end of the clear rod at the first end aperture; a mirror juxtaposed to an end of the clear rod extending outside said second end aperture and tube second end, the mirror reflecting toward the end of the clear rod; means for receiving an end of the clear rod and the clear tube at the second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect and for preventing water leakage to the environment; means for sealingly engaging the clear rod and clear tube passing through said first end aperture for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and clear tube and the first end aperture, and for further maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end; a plurality of tangential inward notches in the clear rod, the notches alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of the clear rod disposed inside the clear tube between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the clear rod.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 25 wherein the means for creating the waterfall effect comprises: a waterfall vessel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall and said first and second ends; an inlet opening for incoming columnar water flow into said vessel; an outlet opening for water flow exiting in the form of a waterfall; and a plurality of longitudinally disposed baffles in said vessel for suppressing turbulence of said incoming water.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 26 wherein the plurality of baffles interconnect with each other, said baffles further comprising a plurality of apertures for directing the flow of water from the inlet opening through the baffles and to the outlet opening and for suppressing water turbulence.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 26 wherein the means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light includes a reflective film adhesively secured to portions of inside surfaces of the baffles, front wall, back wall, and bottom wall juxtaposed to the clear tube.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
75 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 26 wherein the means for receiving the clear rod end and clear tube at the second end aperture includes a cap disposed over the clear rod, mirror and clear tube, the cap having an inside diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the tube and mirror and wherein the cap is sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the means for creating the waterfall effect.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
129 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 26 wherein the means for sealingly engaging the clear rod and clear tube at the first end aperture and for maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end includes an adapter, wherein the adapter is sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the first end of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the adapter further being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the clear rod and clear tube for preventing water leakage around the clear rod and clear tube at the first end aperture, and wherein the adapter couples the end of the light source means to the first end of the clear rod.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 29 wherein the mirror is adhesively secured to the second end of said clear rod or adhesively secured to an inside portion of the cap or both.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 25 wherein the means for providing a light source includes a fiber optic light.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
204 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a side-light emitting fiber optic cable, the cable being disposed through said first end aperture, through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and extending through said second end aperture; means for providing a light source to each end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable; means for sealingly engaging the side-light emitting fiber optic cable passing through said first end and second end apertures and for preventing water leakage between said cable and first end and second end apertures; a plurality of tangential inward cuts in an outside sheathing of said cable, the cuts alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of the cable disposed between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of said cable.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
204 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a side-light emitting fiber optic cable, the cable being disposed through said first end aperture, through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and extending through said second end aperture; means for providing a light source to each end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable; means for sealingly engaging the side-light emitting fiber optic cable passing through said first end and second end apertures and for preventing water leakage between said cable and first end and second end apertures; a plurality of tangential inward cuts in an outside sheathing of said cable, the cuts alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of the cable disposed between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of said cable.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 33 wherein the means for creating the waterfall effect comprises: a waterfall vessel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall and said first and second ends; an inlet opening for incoming columnar water flow into said vessel; an outlet opening for water flow exiting in the form of a waterfall; and a plurality of longitudinally disposed baffles in said vessel for suppressing turbulence of said incoming water.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 34 wherein the plurality of baffles interconnect with each other, said baffles further comprising a plurality of apertures for directing the flow of water from the inlet opening, through the baffles, to the outlet opening and for suppressing water turbulence.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 34 wherein the means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light includes a reflective film adhesively secured to portions of inside surfaces of the baffles, front wall, back wall, and bottom wall juxtaposed to said side-light emitting fiber optic cable.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
126 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 34 wherein the means for sealingly engaging the side-light emitting fiber optic cable passing through said first end and second end apertures and for maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source juxtaposed to each end of the cable, includes an adapter, each adapter having an inside diameter sufficient to allow the cable to pass through the adapter, the adapter being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of each end of said means for creating the waterfall effect, the adapter further being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the cable passing through the adapter, and wherein each adapter couples the end of the light source means to the end of the cable.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 33 wherein the means for providing a light source to each end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable includes a fiber optic light.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
280 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being longitudinally disposed between said first end aperture and second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the first and second ends of said tube being in leak tight engagement at said first end aperture and second end aperture respectively; a side-light emitting fiber optic cable, the cable being disposed through said first end aperture and inside said tube, extending through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and further extending through said second end aperture and ending juxtaposed to the clear tube second end; means for providing a light source to each end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable; means for sealingly engaging the cable and tube passing through the first end and second end apertures for preventing water leakage between the cable and clear tube and the first end and second end apertures; a plurality of tangential inward cuts in an outside sheathing of said cable, the cuts alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of said cable disposed inside said clear tube between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of said cable.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
280 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being longitudinally disposed between said first end aperture and second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the first and second ends of said tube being in leak tight engagement at said first end aperture and second end aperture respectively; a side-light emitting fiber optic cable, the cable being disposed through said first end aperture and inside said tube, extending through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and further extending through said second end aperture and ending juxtaposed to the clear tube second end; means for providing a light source to each end of the side-light emitting fiber optic cable; means for sealingly engaging the cable and tube passing through the first end and second end apertures for preventing water leakage between the cable and clear tube and the first end and second end apertures; a plurality of tangential inward cuts in an outside sheathing of said cable, the cuts alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of said cable disposed inside said clear tube between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of said cable.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 39 wherein the means for creating the waterfall effect comprises: a waterfall vessel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall and said first and second ends; an inlet opening for incoming columnar water flow into said vessel; an outlet opening for water flow exiting in the form of a waterfall; and a plurality of longitudinally disposed baffles in said vessel for suppressing turbulence of said incoming water.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 40 wherein the plurality of baffles interconnect with each other, said baffles further comprising a plurality of apertures for directing the flow of water from the inlet opening through the baffles and to the outlet opening and for suppressing water turbulence.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 40 wherein the means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light includes a reflective film adhesively secured to portions of inside surfaces of the baffles, front wall, back wall, and bottom wall juxtaposed to the clear tube.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
132 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 40 wherein the means for sealingly engaging the side-light emitting fiber optic cable and clear tube at the first end and second end apertures and for maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to each end of the cable is an adapter, each adapter being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of each end of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the adapter further being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the cable and clear tube for preventing water leakage around said cable and clear tube at said first end and second end apertures, and wherein the adapter couples the end of the light source means to each end of the cable.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 39 wherein the means for providing a light source to each end of the side-light emitting cable includes a fiber optic light.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
256 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear rod made from polymeric material having a first end and a second end, the clear rod being disposed through said first end aperture, through said means for creating the waterfall, and extending through said second end aperture; means for providing a light source to each end of the clear rod, an end of the light source being juxtaposed to each end of the clear rod at the first end and second end apertures; means for sealingly engaging the clear rod passing through said first end and second end apertures for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and the first end and second end apertures, and for further maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end and second end; a plurality of tangential inward notches in the clear rod, the notches alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of clear rod disposed between the first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the clear rod.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
256 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear rod made from polymeric material having a first end and a second end, the clear rod being disposed through said first end aperture, through said means for creating the waterfall, and extending through said second end aperture; means for providing a light source to each end of the clear rod, an end of the light source being juxtaposed to each end of the clear rod at the first end and second end apertures; means for sealingly engaging the clear rod passing through said first end and second end apertures for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and the first end and second end apertures, and for further maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end and second end; a plurality of tangential inward notches in the clear rod, the notches alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of clear rod disposed between the first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the clear rod.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 45 wherein the means for creating the waterfall effect comprises: a waterfall vessel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall and said first and second ends; an inlet opening for incoming columnar water flow into said vessel; an outlet opening for water flow exiting in the form of a waterfall; and a plurality of longitudinally disposed baffles in said vessel for suppressing turbulence of said incoming water.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 46 wherein the plurality of baffles interconnect with each other, said baffles further comprising a plurality of apertures for directing the flow of water from the inlet opening, through the baffles, to the outlet opening and for suppressing water turbulence.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 46 wherein the means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light includes a reflective film adhesively secured to portions of inside surfaces of the baffles, front wall, back wall, and bottom wall juxtaposed to the clear rod.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
120 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 46 wherein the means for sealingly engaging the clear rod passing through said first end and second end apertures and for maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to the clear rod first end and second end, includes an adapter, wherein the adapter is sealingly engaged to an outside surface of each end of said means for creating the waterfall effect, the adapter further being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the clear rod passing through the adapter, and wherein each adapter couples the end of the light source means to the first end and second end of the clear rod.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 45 wherein the means for providing a light source to each end of the clear rod includes a fiber optic light.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
335 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being longitudinally disposed between said first end aperture and second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the first and second ends of said tube being in leak tight engagement at said first end aperture and second end aperture respectively; a clear rod made from polymeric material having a first end and a second end, the clear rod being disposed through said first end aperture and inside said clear tube, extending through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and further extending through said second end aperture and ending juxtaposed to the clear tube second end; means for providing a light source to each end of the clear rod, an end to the light source juxtaposed to each end of the clear rod at the first end and second end apertures; means for sealingly engaging the clear rod and clear tube passing through said first end aperture and second end apertures for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and clear tube and the first end aperture, and for further maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to each end of the clear rod; a plurality of tangential inward notches in the clear rod, the notches alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of the clear rod disposed inside the clear tube between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the clear rod.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
335 words
An apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall comprising: means for changing a columnar flow of incoming water from a water inlet pipe into a shallow stream of water having a predetermined breadth greater than the breadth of the inlet pipe so that a waterfall effect is created, wherein said means has a first end and a second end, each end having apertures therethrough axially aligned with each other; a clear tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being longitudinally disposed between said first end aperture and second end aperture of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the first and second ends of said tube being in leak tight engagement at said first end aperture and second end aperture respectively; a clear rod made from polymeric material having a first end and a second end, the clear rod being disposed through said first end aperture and inside said clear tube, extending through said means for creating the waterfall effect, and further extending through said second end aperture and ending juxtaposed to the clear tube second end; means for providing a light source to each end of the clear rod, an end to the light source juxtaposed to each end of the clear rod at the first end and second end apertures; means for sealingly engaging the clear rod and clear tube passing through said first end aperture and second end apertures for preventing water leakage between the clear rod and clear tube and the first end aperture, and for further maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to each end of the clear rod; a plurality of tangential inward notches in the clear rod, the notches alternating approximately 90° to 180° apart along a portion of the clear rod disposed inside the clear tube between said first and second ends of the means for creating the waterfall effect; and means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light along the length of the clear rod.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 51 wherein the means for creating the waterfall effect comprises: a waterfall vessel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall and said first and second ends; an inlet opening for incoming columnar water flow into said vessel; an outlet opening for water flow exiting in the form of a waterfall; and a plurality of longitudinally disposed baffles in said vessel for suppressing turbulence of said incoming water.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 52 wherein the plurality of baffles interconnect with each other, said baffles further comprising a plurality of apertures for directing the flow of water from the inlet opening through the baffles and to the outlet opening and for suppressing water turbulence.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 52 wherein the means for reflecting and enhancing emitted light includes a reflective film adhesively secured to portions of inside surfaces of the baffles, front wall, back wall, and bottom wall juxtaposed to the clear tube.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
134 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 52 wherein the means for sealingly engaging the clear rod and clear tube at the first end and second end apertures and for maintaining an end of the means for providing the light source in a position juxtaposed to each end of the clear rod includes an adapter, wherein the adapter is sealingly engaged to an outside surface of each end of the means for creating the waterfall effect, the adapter further being sealingly engaged to an outside surface of the clear rod and clear tube for preventing water leakage around the clear rod and clear tube at the first end and second end apertures, and wherein the adapter couples the end of the light source means to each end of the clear rod.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus for creating an illuminated waterfall according to claim 51 wherein the means for providing a light source to each end of the clear rod includes a fiber optic light.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-04-17 | 2004-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | 2008-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-17 | 2012-04-17 | 2012-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |