The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 30, 2001
Filed:
Jul. 06, 1999
Dennis L. Ramaker, Valders, WI (US);
David E. Wasmer, Kiel, WI (US);
Aquamaster, Kiel, WI (US);
Abstract
A water fountain spray modifier for use in combination with a pond aerator to modify the water fountain spray pattern generated by the pond aerator. The water fountain spray modifier includes a support arm pivotally mounted between a pair of brackets mounted to the pond aerator. The support arm includes a spray diffuser formed on its first end and is movable between an operative position and an inoperative position. When the support arm is in the operative position, the spray diffuser is generally aligned with the outlet opening of the pond aerator such that the spray diffuser reduces the height of the water fountain produced by the pond aerator. The water fountain spray modifier includes a locking mechanism that secures the support arm and attached spray diffuser in either the operative position or the inoperative position. The locking mechanism includes a plunger movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A bias force exertion member is coupled to the plunger and exerts a bias force on the plunger to urge the plunger into its extended position. The bias force exertion member can be operated to move the plunger into the retracted position against the bias force. The bias force exertion member can be either a bias spring surrounding the plunger or an electric solenoid operable to move the plunger between its retracted and extended positions.