Dynamic fountain displays and methods for creating the same
US4892250A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21W2131/401
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Dynamic fountain displays and methods of creating the same for providing water displays wnich may substantially constantly vary in interesting and seemingly endless ways. In one form, the fountains are comprised of a matrix of fountain nozzles positioned below a deck formed with open joint paving so as to be useable as a patio or walkway when the fountain is not used. Each nozzle is connected to a source of water under pressure through a proportional control system for that nozzle responsive to a computer output so that each nozzle may be independently and proportionally controlled by the computer as desired. To facilitate the programming of the settings for a large array of nozzles, a plurality such as 256 individual patterns for the array of nozzles are first mutually programmed. Thereafter, by computer control, any one of these predetermined patterns or combinations of patterns with any weighting and scaling may be selected, with the selected pattern or combination frequently being updated such as on 1/16th of a second intervals to provide smooth, abrupt, or intermediate pattern transitions under control of the computer. Lighting for the water display is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.