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    Disruptor For Laminar Jet Fountain PDF

    Uploaded by

    Gia Minh Tieu Tu

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
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    «2 United States Patent Hagaman ‘US008042748B2 (10) Patent No. 4s) Date of Patent: US 8,042,748 B2 *Oct. 25, 2011 6 03) a) a @y 6s) @) oy 2) (8) SURFACE DISRUPTOR FOR LAMINAR JET FOUNTAIN Inventor: John T, Hagaman, West Hills, CA (US) Assignee: Zodiae Pool Systems Inc. Moorpark, CAS) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the tem ofthis patent is extended or adjusted under 35 DISC. 154¢b) by 137 days. This patent is subject to a terminal dise claim, Appl. Nos 12/396,466 iled: Mar. 2, 2009 Prior Publication Data US 2010001554984 Jun, 24, 2010 Related US. Application Data ‘Continustionin-part of application No. 12/340,520, filed on Dee. 19, 2008, Incl. ‘BOSB 17708 (2006.01) ‘BOSB 15/06 (2006.01) BOSB 126 (2006.01) BOsB 1702 (2005.01) us.cl. 239/48; 229/17, 239/201; 2891211 "239/420, 2891433; 239/543 Field of Classification Seareh 239/12, 239/16-18, 20-28, 69, 200, 201, 211, 276, 239/282, 283, 285, 398, 418, 420.426, 433, 239/434, 543-548, S48, 562, 568, 580; 362196, 362/318 See application ile for complete search history, 66) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS 76168 881904 Beiter s95'665 A 81908 Newman 11627 A S1916 Cav:Ston (Continved) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS DE reise 3/1078 (Coutinved) (OTHER PUBLICATIONS Jandy 2007 Poo! and Spa Products Catalog, Water Features, pp. 15S-178, plus lntoction and Table of Contents (4 pags) andy Pool Prods lc, (Continved) Primary Examiner — Darren W Gorman, (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Dorsey & Whitney LLP on ABSTRACT {A fluid handling deviee, for example, a laminar jet fountain, ‘includes jet emanating first stream of substantially lamina? {uid The jet fountain also inchades 2 surface disrupter that includes a body. a water inlet valve, a fluid outlet, and a Invjectory adjuster emanating a second stream of Mid rom the uid owe, The second! stream of uid may be positioned to intersect the first stream of fluid and perturb is laminar. By adjusting a valve controlling the free and volume of Now fof the second stream andlor by adjusting the trajectory adjuster, the intersection ofthe frst snd second streams may bbe modified and therefore the laminarity ofthe fist streams ‘may be modified, By disrupting the laminar surface ofthe fir stream, light introduced into the first ream may be caused to reffact outward from the frst stream and thus enhance ill ‘mination of the fist trae. 30 Claims, 24 Drawing Sheets US 8,042,748 B2 Page 2 iow. Soo2293 Soar 4260382 S3ua28 4as8.309 aso204 Asusse3 Sou0si4 son Aow827 0.786 96s Asn Satz Aose’0 990160 Sos317 Woss.43 Si78.320 Stosisse Stison Stisom path Se'06s S207.09 S251-868 8 S271.561 SSS Sasi S328 Sear 07.204 Siese23 8038280 Seen Syn ouvert 1.20885 625087 632200 saaonss sana0rs eaonrTt 61.70 saan? 6.490309 earl las eastoss USS. PATENT DOCUMENTS 916 Sine so SM wine 21939 Lo ibaa dos 1950 2902 S903 S368 Susn Lin S107 S197 tina hora Sina Loivr Livrs aime ior wove Sto8t S982 Sosa Voss So8s e985 986 S087 M98 Sips Goss 1989 10.1989 11589 41990 Tiv90 S990 gst L991 ioe2 M1992 S992 S109 T1992 121992 S903 1095 51995 121993 S94 Fiv9s Tiv9s F096 197 wi97 1098 Yio A999 32001 42001 62001 1200 3002 4002 S002 2002 82002 102002 ro2002 1200 Williams Ween Taylor Ex King Schialbe Hurt Won t Ney ait Hopkins Jin Jonson “Tob tal Gurnee Neon Messinger eal Donhataer et a ler Goggin Centar Robin Tobe ca Faller otal. “Tobvas ta Kime al “Toba eal Faller eta. a Fler eta x00 “obs a Sith Bloch Vajda ea MeDermot ea. Jaryasinant ‘Tobaret al Locked ta. Saupalli ta ‘Tobias eal Chariee “Tobias ta Oberinrt Rutenbere Faloroy eal. Johnson Rothenbers Weight Star etal Pendens et. Waant Matseseu etal Stetson “ut eal Lineal ‘yen Kupkendal e Freer 6491288 BL 122002. Swanson 87885 BD ‘52003. Walshe ‘8568011 Bi $2009 Kuskerdal ea Goris BL $2009 Yen (641086 B2 112003 Kuykendal eta ‘SE76 08 BD '12004 Kuykenal eta 591336 BD 22004 Buck 798154 BL 92004 Sullivan cal {68084455 B2 102001 Schindler eta {6S11286 B2 112004 Mateos a a 887746 BD22008 Dyner ‘SOTA BD 122005 Ajeet a. Soo2ss4 2 "$2006 “Taek eta ForsLaT B2 43006 Colby eta 7058988 B2 62005 Mattacu eal 70709 282006 Mates et ab 7328146 2 102006 Willis a 7128440 2 102006 Matese ea Tises78 232007 Ryan 7aot6o2 B2 42007 ‘reher Taian Be $2007 Richter Taettts B2—93007 Joba 7393300 2007 Kunkle 7316399 212008 Besdk 7381129 82 62008 Avedon Taody 272008 Gosiset a 7514884 B2 42009 Porucek et a. 2ooaipssse AL 7/3002 Simmons gonaopiogse AL 2008 Pham 20040129704 AL 72004 Deichmann Sonooo02t04 AL (006 Wilt a Sona0gp2e6 AL $2006 Pouce et a gouwo102%s7 AL $2006 Johnson anvantesse4 AL 73006 Wooten SouwOl7ss23 Al 2008 White wea gouwur7saad AL $2006 Tatu 20060291213 AL 122006. Maes oa 2ou701S0833 AL ‘72007 Neth Set al. SDUWOLDKD2 AL 62008 Hyde cea, 20080128560 AL 62008 Hyde ea Song0L2¥seL AL 62008 Hyde etal s1noiss@oe AL 62010 Hagan FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS. iP zsos 71988 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Jandy 2008 Poo! and Spa Products Catalog, Water Feats. pp 173-104, plus lnoduction and Table of Contents (Spgs andy Pool Prot fc Jandy Agualiak™ RS One Tovek!™ Control Systems, Owners ‘Man, owen atleast as early as De. 19,2008, 60 pages Sandy Laminar Je Pat 8011001, Laminar let Reference Guid, Anos atleast a ety 28 De. 19, 2008, 1 pape ‘andy Lanning Jets Desk Kets, Sell Sect, 2006, 2 pages. Sandy" Canina let with Deck Box, Installation and Operation ‘Mania, known at Teast as ealy as Dee. 10, 2008, 12 pages, “Moora California Jandy™ WiterCalors LED, Underwater Large and Small Light Installation Manual, 2008, 20 pages Moorpark. California Magisteun™ Laminar Insallion and Users Guide, Pests ‘Water Poland Sp, ne, 2008, Sanford, NC ad Moorpark, CA, 20 poses Pour-A-Lid Masonry Deck Products Hore Page and Products Pag, accessed at www pour. com on Aug. 27, 2010 (non a Leas 36 ‘ely as Ma 3, 2008), 2 page. “Zodine 2009 Product Catalog Wate Features, pp 81-110, plus nto ‘duton and Table of Contents (9 pages), Zodiac Poo Systems, Ine YZodive 2010 Prouct Catalog. Water Features, pp. 197-26, lus Introduction and Table of Contents (5 pages). Zain Pool Sterns, Ine * cited by examiner US 8,042,748 B2 Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 1 of 24 U.S, Patent FIG.1A US 8,042,748 B2 Sheet 2 of 24 Oct. 25, 2011 U.S, Patent FIG.1B U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 3 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 100 256: 1241 FIG.1C U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 4 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 FIG.1D U.S, Patent 15 \ 137 45g 135A, 200 142A Lf Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 5 of 24 235, FIG.1E US 8,042,748 B2 142B I. —~110 U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 7 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 115 235 230 225: 215: 122 240 245 (iat a= 255 256 U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 8 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 23TAE FIG.2B U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 9 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 122 FIG.2C U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 10 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 FIG.2D U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 11 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 215 Y 201 249 FIG.2E U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 12 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 13 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 FIG.3B U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 14 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 305 * f } 3. (pee 316 at FIG.3D FIG.3E U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 15 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 15 U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 16 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 115 FIG.3G U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 17 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 115 FIG.3H U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 18 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 PASSING A FIRST STREAM OF FLUID THROUGH A PLURALITY OF FILTERS oo EJECTING THE FIRST STREAM OF FLUID FROM THE LAMINAR JET IN A SOFT LAMINAR STATE DISRUPTING THE SMOOTH LAMINAR STATE OF THE FIRST STREAM OF FLUID USING A SECOND STREAM OF FLUID FIG.4 U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 19 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 500 30 \ U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 20 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 21 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 515 FIG.5D U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 22 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 23 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 500 522 505 510 300 500 wo (8 Keo a 505 SONS OY sth 51 a6 > 510 £35 af OL 80 V5 518 5 7 a Af FIG.6B U.S. Patent Oct. 25, 2011 Sheet 24 of 24 US 8,042,748 B2 US 8,042,748 B2 1 SURFACE DISRUPTOR FOR LAMINAR JET FOUNTAIN (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED "APPLICATIONS, This application is a continuation-in-part of U'S. patent application Ser. Ne. 12340,520 filed 19 Dee. 2008 entitled “laminar deck jet.” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety TECHNICAL FIELD ‘The present invention relates generally to water handling devices for pools and spas, and more particularly 10 water handling devices for pools and spas with enhanced mechani ‘al lighting, andor low features BACKGROUND ‘Water handing deviees may be wsedina variety of settings. For example, water handling devices may be use in decora- tive displays that range from residential pools ina homeown- ‘ers backyardto commercial water displaysof the typescenin amusement parks, Some of these decorative displays may ‘include jets that project water supplied from a body of water back into the body of water or into a secondary body of water In onder to contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the decorative display, these jets may be implemented beneath fanide and/or out of the sight of an observer viewing the decorative display. Because the jets may’ be employed beneath grade, however. they may be particularly difficult 10 ‘construct andor maintain, For example, some jets may be housed beneath grade and covered with id that allows the ‘water from the jet to escape through an aperture in the Tid. In these embodiments, the jet may be suspended from the id itself, which may make it difficult w adjust and maintain the ict ‘Visual effects achieved using these jets may vary based upon the type of jet used, For example, some of these jets, termed herein as “laminar jets”, may project substantially Jminar water flow back int the body of water. To add to the ‘overall aesthetic appeal, some embodiments may couple sources of light into this laminar Waterflow. Unfornnately, bcatse of the smooth surface ofthe laminar water flow and the straight columnar seyments of the water flow, light ‘coupled into the laminar water flow may be dificult o see. “Accordingly there is a need for water handling devices with enanced features that solve one or more of the forego ing problems. “The information inchadedin this Background section ofthe specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded as subject ratter by which the scope ofthe invention isto be bound. SUMMARY, ‘Methods and apparatuses re disclosed for uid handling devices with enhanced functionality, such as fountains. In, some embodiments the Muid handling deviees may include a plurality of filers coupled to the fluid handling deviee. When ‘frst siream offi is passed through the plurality of iter, the laminarity of the first stream of fluid is improved. The ‘uid handling device also includes a surface disruptor that ‘emanates a second stream of fli. Ifthe second stream of ‘uid is positioned so asto intersect the frst stream of id, the 0 o 2 Jaminasity ofthe first stream of Tid is perturbed. When a Tight source is included in the jet, the appearance ofthe light inthe frst stream may be modified sits laminarity is mod fied. For example, light introduced into the fist stream of ‘uid may be caused to refraet outward from the fist steam of ‘uidand ths enhance illumination ofthe fist stream offi. Insomeembodiments the disruptor may includeanadjust- ‘ment mechanism, such as trajectory adjuster, for adjusting the angular intersection of the fist and second streams, and therefore, cause changes in the laminarity ofthe first stream of fluid to create different lighting effects. In sil other tembodinients, the disruptor may include « screw-type valve that allows the force ofthe second stream of Mid 10 vary the Jminarity of dhe fist stream of uid and create different lighting effets. Other embodiments may inelude a method of operating 3 water handing deviee, such as fountain, so as to produce different visual effects for light contained within the fuk ‘emanated from the fountain. The method may include inci ing passing ais stream of Bid through a plurality of filters in the water handling device and ejecting the first stream of {uid from dhe water handling device creating a substantially Jamin Hid steam, The laminaity ofthe first stream of vid may be modified by using a second stream of Suid, When & Tight source is used to introduce light within the frst Faminar seam of fd, the disruption of the laminae surface by the second steam of fluid may cause this light ro be refracted ‘outward from the ist stream of Mud and enhance lamina ‘ion of the fist stream of fui. In some embodiments, this second stream of fuid is derived, at eastin part, from the frst "This Summary is provided to introduce selection of con- cepts ina simplified form that are furher described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features ofthe claimed sub- jet matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the seape of the claimed subject matter. Other features, details, uiiies, ‘and advantages ofthe present invention will beappsrent eo the following moce particular writen description of various embodiments of the iuvention as further illystated in the saecompsnying drawings and defined inthe appended claims. BRIEE DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. PIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary housing fora Muid ban- ling device FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary woter handling deviee in phantom within the exemplary housing of FIG. 18, FIG. 1Cillastrates the exemplary water handling deviee of FIG. 1B situated about a body of water FIG. 1D illstrates an exploded view of the exemplary ‘water handling device an! the housing of FIG. 1B. "FIG. IF illustrates ross-sectional view ofthe exemplary ‘water handling device of FIG. IB within the housing. FIG. IF illustrates altemate id configurations of the hous- ing of FIG. 1. FIG, 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary ‘water handling device. FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary ‘water handling device of FIG. 18. FIG, 2C illustrates «cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve in the closed positon ofthe water handling device of FIG.AA, FIG. 2D illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary con- mol network of water handling devices, PIG. 20 illstates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary light configuration ofthe water handling device of FIG. 1A. US 8,042,748 B2 3 FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary surface disrupter FIG, 3B illustrates the surface disruptor of FIG, 3A during ‘exemplary operations IG, 3C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view ofa ‘exemplary surface disrupter. FIG, 3D illustrates a schematic crost-setional view of an ‘exemplary adjustment mechanism forthe surface disruptr. FIG, 32 llustatesiaside view of an exemplary adjustment chan forthe surface disrupt. TIG,3F illustrates a schematic eoss-setional view of one ‘embodiment of a fiid handling device for supplying the surface disruptor with water. TIG. 2G illustrates «cross-sectional view of yet another ‘embodiment of a fhid handling device for supplying the surface disruptor with water FIG, 3H illusieates a eros-sectional view of still mother ‘embodiment of a fiid handling device for supplying the surface disruptor with water TIG. 4 es flow diagram illustrating exemplary operations that may be performed by the exemplary water handling device FIG, SA illustrates «cross-sectional view of an exemplary surface disrupter, FIG, $B illustrates a cross-sectional view ofthe exemplary > surface disruptor of FIG, 8A inthe open position. FIG, SC ilustatesa cross-sectional view of another exem= plary embodiment of a surface disruptor ia which the valve has a narrower thread pitch. FIG, 8D illustrates @ cross-sectional view of @ farther ‘exemplary embodiment ofa surface disruptor having a valve vith a steep taper along a closure surface FIG. SE ilustates a cross-sectional view of yet another ‘exemplary surface disruptor having a seep tpered slope and multiple seals on the valve. IG, 6A illustrates 3 cross-sectional view of an exemplary surface disruptor with a tajetory adjustment mechanism. FIG, 68 illustrates cross-sectional view of another exer play surface disruptor with sn alternate embodiment of & trajectory adjustment mechanism. FIG. 6C is an isometric view of an exemplary surface disruptor with aa manual adjustment mechanism for ajc tory adjustment mechanism, “The use of the same reference numerals indifferent dew ings indicates similar or identical items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although one or more of these embodiments may be described in desl, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted or otherwise used as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. Further, to dhe extent that ‘erin implementations are disclosed as “exemplary”, it should beunderstood that these are merely representations of possible implementations rather than the only possible imple- entation. Iso, although the terms “fig” and “water” may be used interchangeably herein, it should be appreciate that this disclosure applies to devices operating on all types of ‘wid and not just water, Furthermore, the term “amis jt as used herein, refers (© fluid handling device capable of projecting fluids in a coberent column or tubular fon in a Substantially laminar tate. In addition, one skied inthe at ‘will understand that the following description has broad pplication. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment js meant only wo be exemplary ands nt intended to intimate thatthe scope ofthe disclosure, including the claims, is ime ited to these embodiments, o 4 Embodiments ae diselosed that may allow for improved laminae jet operations and/or functionality. In some embodi- ‘ments, the laninarjet may be mounted toaeollar ofa housing rather than the fd the housing. By mounting the laminarjet ‘oacollarof the housing rather than the Tid ofthe housing, the laminar jet may be more easily removed fm the hotsing, COtherembodinents may include one or more mechanisms for adjusting the flow rate of the laminar jet without having to ‘remove the laminar jt from is housing. Instill other embod ‘meats, the laminar jet may include light emitting diodes (LEDs) that may be synclionized to LEDs in other Eaminar jets 80 a8 10 operate in concert a synchronized system. Funker stil, some embodiments may include a surface di ripter that may perturb laminar flow coming out of the lami ‘at jetand, thereby, may enhance lighting that is coupled with the laminar flow. FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary housing 100 for tuid ‘handling device, e.g. laminar jet fountain. The housing 100 ‘may inelude a lid 108 coupled to a canister 10 via a collar 112. Embodiments ofthe lid 108 may include lids where the top isa vacant cavity that is filled with aggregate to match a surrounding grade, such as the POUR-A-LID® manufae- tured by Stetson Development, Inc The housing 100 also may contain a variety of water han- ling devices. F1G. 1B illustrates a aminaejet 115 inpantom fasbut one of the many such Water handling deviees that may be implemented in the housing 100. For the sake of discus- sion, this disclosure will foens on embodiments employing the laminar jot 118, howover,itshould be appreciated thatthe principles disclosed herein apply to-a wide variety of water banding devices, Regardless ofthe particular water handling device imple sented, the housing 100 may’ be situated about a body of ‘Water 120 as shown in the FIG. 1C. Although to housings 100 andor water handling devives are shown stated about the body of water 120, i should be appreciated that a variety ‘ofnumbers of housings 100 andor water handling devices are possible. During operation, water may be drawn from the body of water 120 via water supply line 122, Water fom the supply line 122 maybe drasen into the laminae jet 115 (si ated within the housing 100 showa in FIG. 1C) where itis ‘thea projected through an orifice 123 in the laminar jet 1S (showa in FIG. 1B) andout ofthe housing 100 via an opening 128 in he lid 105 (shown in FIG. 1B). Insome embodiments, water from the supply line 122 is draw from the body of water 120 using a pump 121 that is separate from the Faminar jet 11S. Thus, in some embodiments, the water inthe supply Tine 122 may be pressurized prior to entering the laminar jet 115, In oer embodiments, the laminar jt 115 may be inte- arated witha pump that draws water from the body of water 120 through the supply line 122 and into the laminar jt 118. Depending upon the configuration of the water handling device andor the lid 108, the water exiting the opening 125 may follow a variety of adjustable trajectories as shown in FIG. 1C.As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1C, the top surface or fd of the housing 100 may be positioned in ‘cavity in a deck 130 surmounding the eanister 110 and the collar 112. Io this manner, the housing. 100 may be substan- ‘ally Hush with the sueface ofthe deck 130 and allow itto be concealed during operation. In addition, by implementing the {op of the housing 100 substantially level wit the deck 130, the top of the lid HOS may be flash with the deck 130 and reduce the rsk of tipping on the housing 100 and also con- tribute to the overall aesthetic appeal ofthe housing-id con figuration, FIG. [Dilstrates an exploded view ofthe laminar jt 115, and the housing 100, FIG. 1F illustrates eross ection ofthe US 8,042,748 B2 5 Jaminarjet 115 within the housing 100, Referring to FIGS, 1D and 1E in onjunetion with FIG. 1B, the laminar jet 115 my be situated within the housing 100 and hang from the collar 2 using two or more adjustable hanging brackets 138A-P. In some embodiments, the collar 112 and the adjustable brackets 135-11 may bea single unitary piece such that ony single bracket may be used. The brackets 138A-B may seat ‘ona ianer lip 137 ofthe colle 112 such thatthe laminar jt LIS may swivel about the collar 112 as indicated by ihe double sided arow 138 in FIG. 1B, This may’ allow a wide variety of trajectories inthe body of water 120, "To accommodate the brackels 138A-B, and to allow the Jamia jet 118 to sit Mush to the tp ofthe collar 112, the id 108 may include a plurality of recesses 139 situated about the surface ofthe fd 115 that engage the collar 112. Suspending the laminar jet 115 from thecollar 112, instead of fom the id 108, may allow the laminar et 11S to be more modular, whieh may allow for ease of installation and adjustment. Por ‘example, ifthe laminar jet 115 werehung from the id 18, the ‘cumbersome combined lid-et structure would have to be removed and then the laminar jet 118 may need to be unfs- ‘ened fom the lid 108 in order to adjust the laminar jet 11. ‘As shown in FIGS, 1D and 1E, the brackets 135-28 may ‘couple tothe laminar jet 115 using a series of stubs M0A-B. that rotatably seat within respective cavities I42A-B. Some ‘embodiments may secure the stubs L4A-B to the cavities 42A-B using press fitconnection. Other embodiments may Jmplement the stubs 140A-B in a threaded fashion such that the stubs 140A-B serew into the cavities 142A-B. ln this ‘manner, the laminar jet 115 may be centered within the hous- ing 100 by threading andlor unthreading the stubs 1408-12 Jno andor out ofthe cavities 142-1, During operation, the stubs 140,-B may roate within the cavities 142-Ballowing the laminar jet 118 to move in the direction shown by the double sided arow 143 in FIG. 1D. Moving te lenin jt 1115inthis fashion may allow fuid exiting the Famina jet 18 via the orifice 123 to accomplish the varying trajectories shown in FIG. 1€. “The opening 125 in the ld 105 also may be configured to allo fot varying tajectores. For example, the opening 125, ‘ay be an elongated loop as shown in FIGS. 18, 13, and 1D. ‘Other embodiments, such as those shown ia FIG. IF, may include arcuate openings 128 having a curved path with respect 0 dhe surface ofthe ld 108 such thatthe water from the orifice 123 may be adjusted along this curved path by ‘adjusting the laminae jet 115 within the housing 110, TIG, 2A illustrates erost-setional View of an exemplary implementation ofthe laminar jet 118. FIG. 2B states an ‘exploded view of the exemplary implementation ofthe lami nar jet 11S of FIG. 2A. Referringto FIGS. 24-B, the laminar jet 118 may include a low adjustment valve 200 coupled to 3 fower bracket 201 of the laminae jet's 118 housing. The ‘embodiment shown ia FIGS, 2A-B utilizes a sere 205 tat may be rotated clockwise andor counterclockwise to control the overall volumetric flow rate of Mud entering the bracket 201, andthereby also may control the overall volumetric flow rate of fluid through the laminar jet 118. As shown by the directional arows in FIG. 24, during operation, water enter- ing the bracket 201 may fow pasta piston 210 coupled the screw 208. In this manner, as the screw 205 is rotated, the ‘overall low rate through the laminar je 115 may be varied. For example, FIG. 2C shows the piston 210 fully seated aginst the supply line 122 such that ful does not enter the laminar jet 115 Although the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-2C illus: trates the use ofa seew 208 for adjustment ofthe valve 200 it Should be appreciated that many altemate arrangements are 0 o 6 possible. For example, the valve 200 may employ a hand actuated controller, suchas thumbscrew or handled valve, tw adjustthe flow rae, Stil other embodiments may utilize an electrically controlled servo, solenoid, stepper motor, andior ‘worm gear to adjust the flv rate, This adjustment may be controlled individually of in a networked fashion using @ Jogie controller 211 a4 shown in FIG. 2D. For example, the logic controller 211 may couple tor pluniity of servos 11400 the laminar jets 115 synchronize their low operations with cach other. In some embodiments, the logic controller 201 ‘may be implemented using « microcontroller, sueh as the ICS2.TM, Irom Microchip. ‘When the laminar jet 115 is positioned within the housing 100, 2s shown in FIGS, 1B and 1C, the volumetric How rate ‘may be adjuste! by tuning te serew 208, This may allow a user t adjust the flow rate ofthe laminar jet 118 without ‘having 0 remove it from the housing 100. Infact, in some embodiments, the lid 108 may include an opeaing (not shown) that signs with the serew 205 so thatthe screw 208 ‘may bedjusted without removing the lid 108, Adjusting the flow rate in conjunction with adjusting the angle of the lami nar jet 118 with respect to the housing may allow various trajectories. ‘Waterflow through the laminar jet 118 may follow a path illustrated by the arows in FIG. 2A. Refering to FIG. 2B in ‘conjunction with the aross shown in FIG. 2A, water may flow into a receiving chamber 215 where it may’ eieulate about a light tube 220 (described in further detail below). Pressure from the supply line 122 may foree the water from the receiving chamber through a baffle 228 into an interme- diate chamber 230-In general, turbulent flow may exist when streamlines ofthe Mui inerscet and croséeacother creating ‘mixture of Bid the low path. As water baile 228 the turbulence ofthe Hos psa ‘Water exiting the alle 225 may circulate within the inter mediate chamber 290, The intermediate chamber 230 may contain an annvlar cavity 238 that surownls the lamina et 115 such that water entering the intermediate chamber 230 say travel within the anntlae cavity 238 hefore exiting the {intermediate chamber 230, The water's rnrbulence also may be rechiced by traveling through the annlae cavity 238 prior to exiting the intermediate chamber 230. As shown in the ‘embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, dhe annular cavity 238 may De manufactured as rigid plastic structure, ‘Water may ext the intermediate chamber 230 and pass ‘througha second ae 236 further calming the fos, and thea ‘through a plurality of eonically shaped mesh fers 287A-E. As water flows throvgh each successive stage ofthe filters 23TA-E, the laminarty ofthe water flow may be improved infil the water flow exiting the laminaxjet 115s substantially laminar in form, i©, streamlines of Huid are substantially parallel. [otis manner, the water exiting the laminar jot 11S ‘may produce a laminar are of water into the body of water, ‘These laminar ares of water may be used in a variety of settings for decorative purposes, such as decorative water ountains andor light displays around bodies of water. ach ofthe filters 237-E may include an opening forthe ight tube 220 to passthrough. Some embodiments may use a ther optic material for the light tube 220. In other embod ‘ments, te ight tube 220 may be a clear or colored plastic or other suitable material ‘As showin in FIG. 2, the light sabe 220 may couple t 3 plurality of lights 240, During operation, the light sube 220 ‘ay impart photon energy it receives fom the lights 249 onto the laminar water flow exiting the orifice 123. Femplary implementations of the lights 240 may include halogen incandescent, digital Tight processing (DLP), and LEDs 10 US 8,042,748 B2 1 name but a few: Ia the embodiments utilizing LEDS, the laminar jet’s 115 bousing may be smaller than ole lighting {ypes. Also sive the LEDs may be implemented as an array 28 shown, implementing the lights 240 using LEDs may add evel of redundancy such that if one ofthe LEDs fil, the ‘ther LEDsin the array may compensate, Thismay reduce the ‘overall maintenance of the laminar jet 115. Furthemore, Jimplementing the lights 240 as an ary of LEDs may allow trical line 256 down to a suitable voltage andlor stable ‘curent forthe lights 240 and providing i fo the laminae jets AIS electrical supply line 288. Additionally, the controller 2600 may be capable of providing one or more electrical con- trol signals wo the lights 240 based upon whether an electrical sana s present on the main electrical line 256, For example, ‘as shown in FIG. IC, there may be multiple laminae jets 15, ‘where the laminar jets 118 ate coupled together via the main ‘eleczical supply Hine 286 In some embodiments, the laminae Jets 115 may'be synchronized via the electrical supply line 286 by switching the electrical power on the supply line 258 ‘onand off using a switch 268. For example, as a user toggles the svites 265 on and off predetermised aumber of times, the laminar jets 11S may initialize, and as the switch 268 is further togeled, the laminae jets 118 may be programmed t0 achieve a predetermined light color or eolor pattem. In some ‘embodiments, thechangesin Fighting may be synchronizedto nisi. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the switch 268 ‘may control the flow ajustment valve 200 or a surface dis- ruptor 300 (described in detail below along with the light ‘color andor music. This control may be random in some ‘embodiments, ora predetermined pattem in other embod ments ight may be couple from the light tbe 220 into the fad flow prior io exiting the orifice 123. As mentioned previously, the water flow from the laminar jet 118 may be substantially laminar as it exits the orifice 123, and therefore, it may have 0 o 8 ‘smooth, glass, rod-like outer surface, Because ofthis plas, ‘sike outer surlace, light coupled into the water may be carried by the exiting Water with minimal angular seater ‘That is, the water flow may be conducted lke a fiber optic Tight tube such that hens in the water flow path may reflect the light internally, making the light more prominent atthe Dens, whereas the straight portions of the water flow pati may havea transparent appearance. Siacethe water flow rom the laminar jet 115 may have a transparent appearance in some sections, the laminar jet 118 may include a surface isrupror 300 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3E and $A-6C. Referring FIG. 3A, the surfacedisruplor 300 may’ couple to the laminar jet 118 near the orifice 123, In some emboat ‘mens, the disruptor 300 may be coupled tothe laminar jet 115 using a serew 306, while in other embodiments, the sruptor 3100 may include one or more tabs (not shown) that press it into the faminar et 115 0 secure the disroptor 300 10 the laminar jet 118. During operation, the surface disruptor 300 may perturb the surface ofthe laminar Now of water ‘exiting the orifice 123. By disrupting the sufice of the lami ‘ar flow ight transmission from the surface ofthe water Row ‘may be enhanced by refraction ofthe light. In other words, light in the water flow may be move noticeable because the lass rod-like appearance ofthe surfiee ofthe laminar low may have deliberate imperfections introduced. Some embodiments may modify the surface ofthe laminar fw by diveaingat least portion of water fom the water circulating in the laminar jet 115 into the water exiting the orifice 123 For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the disaptor 300 may include an orifice 310 that emits a stream 315 of water from the laminar jet 115 in sch away that that the rjectory ofthe water emitted from the orifice 310 intersects witha laminar Flow 320 coming frm the orifice 12. FIG, 3 illustrates cross section ofthe disruptor 300, As screw valve 308 threads in and out ofthe discuptor 300, the sow rate of the stream 318 exiting the orifice 310 may Vary Adjusting the low rte ofthe steam 31 inthis manner may ‘moslfy the Iamioarity ofthe laminar flow 320, and therefor, the appearance of light concocted therein and refracted there trom. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate embodiments where the adjustment mechanism forthe low rteof the stream 315 isa ‘screw that may’ be adjusted with a screwdriver. In these embodiments the lid 108 ofthe housing 100 may include an ‘opening (not shown) to insert screwdriver o that the id 108 does not need to be removed to adjust the Now rate andlor appearance of the lighting in the laminar flaw 320. Other embodiments may include hand actuated valves, such as thumbscrews ofa Tvalvo, Sill other embodiments may ut Tize an electrical servo to adjust the ow rate ofthe stream ‘315. These adjustment mechanisms may be controlled by the logic controler 211 shown in FIG. 20. ‘The angular intersection ofthe stream 318 andthe laminar ‘low 320 shown in FIG. 3B may be adjusted to modily the lighting effects andor trajectories of the laminar flow” 320. For example, the dismiptor 300 may be attached to the top oF the laminae jet 115 by a screw 306 secured through an open- ing ina fastening tab 307, The fastening tabs 307 may include ‘one or mote channels such that as the serew is Joosened from fastening post 309 in the top of the laminar jet 118, the isruptor 300 may pivot angularly. Although not specifically shown ia FIG. 34, the everse side ofthe disruptor 300 may include a similar screw, fastening tab, and channel arrange- ment.) AS the disropter 300 pivots about the stationary fas- ‘ening post 309, the disruptor 300 may be adjusted in the plane defined by the surface ofthe laminar jet 118 such that {he angular intersection of the stream 315 and the laminar ow 320 changes as the serew 306 moves within the chanel US 8,042,748 B2 9 308. In otherembodiments, the top ofthe laminae jet 15 may Jncludes swivel-mounted receiver fr the disrupter 300 sacl that the disrupter 300 may swivel about te plane defined by the top of the laminar jet 115, "Also, as shown in the isometic and cross-sectional views in FIGS. 3D and 3F, in some embodiments, the disrupter 300 ‘ay inciude a flexible exit tube 316 that may be adjvsted 10 adjust the trajectory ofthe stream 318. shown, theexit ube 5316 may be coupied to @ hand actuated trajectory adjuster 317 Rotating thi valve may adjust the angular intersection of the steam 315 and the laminae flow 320, While the wajectory ‘adjuster 317 i shown as hand actuaied it should be appre ated that other embodiments may include a variety of hand ‘aetuated valves, such a thumbserews ora T-valve, Sill other ‘embodiments may filize an eletrical servo 114 to adjust the angle ofthe stream 315. These adjustment mechanisms may be controlled by the logi controller 211 showen in FIG. 2D. Insome embodiments, the flow rate of te stream 315 may be adjusted in conjunetion with the flow rate of the laminae flow 320, For example, the srew valve 308 and the valve 200 ‘maybe adjusted together withthe rajectory adjuster 317 until ‘desired appearance for te laminar ow 320 is achieved, ‘Although FIGS. 1D, 2A, and 3A.B illustrate an embodi- ‘ment where the surface disruptor 300 draws water from the top of the laminar jet 115, water may be drasen from ether locations, As described above, the water in the top of the laminar jet 118 may be substantially laminar. By drawing water from other locations, te Iaminarity ofthe steam MS may be varied and, asa result, the effect onthe laminar flow 320 may vary. For example, water drawn from the receiving ‘chamber 215 via tube 380 may be more turbulent than water “drasin rom the intermediate chamber 230 and drawing Water from the two locations (as shown in FIGS. 3 3P and 3G respectively) may result in varying degrees ofiluminatos the laminar Sow 320, Other embodiments may modify the surface ofthe Laminar flow exiting the orifice 123 using a stream of water that is separate from the laminar jet 118, For ‘example, FIG, 3H illustrates an embodiment in which water fm the supply ine 122 may be used disrupt the surface of the laminar low exiting the orifice 123. Furthermore, since the water within the top ofthe lasinar jet 115i substantially laminar, drawing water from this chamber may impact the ‘overall laminarty ofthe laminar low 320. Thus, an additional benefit of drawing water from location other than the top of the laminar jet 113 is that dhe lasinaity of the water withia the laminae jt 115 may be preserve. ‘The laminar jet 115 may operate according to the opera tions shown in FIG, 4, In block 406, the laminae jet 118 may pass the stra of fui from the supply line 122 through @ Series of filers 237A“E. Passing the steam of fluid through this series of filters inthis maciter may result ia How that is substantially laminar in nature, and ths laminar flow: may be ‘jected from the lamina jet 115 per block 410, Nex. in block 4115, the surface disruptor 300 may disrapt the substantially Tamia flow exiting via the orifice 128. As mentioned above in the context of FIGS. 37-3H the fluid used by the surface isniptor 30 may conte Froma variety of locations within the Jamia jet 115 FIGS, SA-6D illustrate various embodiments ofa disruptor 300 in greater doi. Referring intially to FIG. 8A, the dis ruptor 300 may include a sere valve $00 that s threaded ia ‘and ont of a generally tubular channel 317 formed in the

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