Illuminated fountain

• US 3,894,689 A
• Filed: 07/25/1974
• Issued: 07/15/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Marvin A. Billingsley
• Original Assignee: Marvin A. Billingsley
• Inventors: Billingsley, Marvin A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ward, Jr., Robert S.
• Application Number:
  US05/491,639
• Time in Patent Office: 355 Days
• Field of Search: 239/18-20,17,70,99,533,570,71
• US Class Current: 239/18
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/20 Arrangements of several outlets along elongated bodies, e.g. perforated pipes or troughs, e.g. spray booms spray booms for agricultural uses A01M7/0071; spray bars for treating roads E01C19/176; Outlet elements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/08 Fountains drinking fountains E03B9/20; wash fountains E03C1/16
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/00 Lighting devices intended for fixed installation F21S9/00, F21S10/00 take precedence; using a string or strip of light sources F21S4/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/02 for fountains

Abstract

An automatic sequentially activated water display fountain system is disclosed. The fountain system includes an automatic distribution valve which sequentially distributes water through multiple outlets to a plurality of distribution pipes communicating with the valve. Sensors in the form of pressuresensitive switches monitor the fluid pressure present in each of the distribution pipes. When water is directed to a distribution pipe via the water distribution valve, the associated pressure switch, in turn, energizes an illumination circuit associated with the pressurized distribution pipe creating a pleasing aesthetic effect. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure switch is actuated by a piston. The illumination circuit may include incandescent, fluorescent, or gas lighting fixtures.

Claims

1. An illuminated fountain system comprising:

at least one fluid distribution pipe provided with sprinkler means for discharging fluid therefrom in a predetermined spray pattern;

valve means for selectively controlling fluid flow to said distribution pipe and sprinkler means;

illumination means associated with said sprinkler means adapted to illuminate the spray pattern emitted by said sprinkler means; and

control means operably connected to said illuminating means including sensor means associated with said distribution pipe responsive to the presence of fluid in said pipe and adapted to actuate said illumination means upon predetermined fluid flow conditions whereby said spray is illuminated for a predetermined period of time in response to fluid flow in said pipe.

2. The system of claim 1 further including multiple fluid distribution pipes arranged in a predetermined pattern and connected to said valve means whereby said pipes are sequentially pressurized and whereby said control means are operable to sequentially illuminate the spray patterns.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said illumination means comprises an electric lamp and wherein said sensor means comprises a pressure-sensitive switch associated with said pipe adapted to energize said lamp within a predetermined pressure range.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said switch includes contacts connectable to a source of power and plunger means in said pipe displaceable by fluid pressure to close said contacts.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein said switch is a mercury switch having flap means depending into said pipe and adapted to actuate said switch.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein said illuminator means comprises a combustible gas discharge means, a gas control valve, and gas ignition means, said valve and ignition means being operatively connected to said control means.