Abstract:
A variable wavelength ultraviolet lamp. An apparatus for selectively producing one or more of a plurality of wavelength distributions of light is provided, comprising a primary light source having a primary wavelength distribution, at least one wavelength-transforming material that, in response to illumination by the primary light source produces secondary light having a wavelength distribution different from the primary light wavelength distribution, the wavelength-transforming material being disposed on a substrate external to the primary light source, and a wavelength-transforming material selection mechanism for placing at least a portion of one or more selected wavelength-transforming materials in front of the primary light source, in a selected preferred direction of light emission from the apparatus, such that the selected wavelength-transforming materials emit from the apparatus light having a wavelength distribution different from the primary light wavelength distribution.
Abstract:
A decorative background assembly for an aquarium, having a plurality of interchangeable illustrated display panels, for enhancing the appearance of the aquarium. The assembly has a waterproof housing which encloses a frame which selectively holds one of the display panels. The housing also encloses a fluorescent light fixture and an angled mirror in proximity to the light fixture. The housing has hooks for selective attachment of the decorative background assembly to the rear wall of the aquarium. The fluorescent light fixture and the mirror are mounted in proximity to the lower portion of the housing. In use, a user chooses one of the illustrated display panels for insertion into the frame. The user then selectively attaches the decorative background assembly to the rear wall of the aquarium by fitting the hooks over the rear wall of the aquarium. The fluorescent light is then illuminated, thereby illuminating the display panel with light reflected by the angled mirror.
Abstract:
The Aquarium lighting system comprises a light source and a cable of individual fiber optic strands which deliver light of varying hues or tints to within the interior of an aquarium.
Abstract:
A shot glass with flashing light source or sound source activated by a low-profile, direction-sensitive inertial switch having a cantilevered coil spring contact. The shot glass has a body and a two-part hollow base, the base having upper and lower walls and a side wall together defining a compartment for an impact-responsive indicator circuit including the inertial switch, an LED or speaker, and a signal generator circuit responsive to the inertial switch, an LED or speaker. The inertial switch is a caseless switch consisting of a stationary contact and a cantilevered coil spring contact both mounted directly to a surface of a printed circuit board. The coil spring is preferably suspended over the stationary contact such that the switch is most sensitive to force applied axially to the bottom of the shot glass, and the longitudinal axis of the coil spring is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shot glass.
Abstract:
A mobile aquarium includes a display tank mounted on a wheeled cart and a system for lowering the center of gravity of the aquarium. In one embodiment, the system for lowering the center of gravity uses a storage tank that is lower than the display tank. The system transfers water from the display tank to the storage tank for moving. The lower water level in the display tank is kept high enough to provide a livable habitat for fish in the display tank. A background lighting system for the aquarium includes a light source and a semi-opaque sheet with a first image on a first side and a second image on a second side. The light source illuminates the sheet so that the second image shows through the first side of the sheet and appears behind the first image. In one embodiment, the first image has a graduate color that is lighter at one end than the other.
Abstract:
An aquarium includes a tank with a canopy forming a top for the tank. A well is formed in the canopy with a ledge and a hollow hinged door fastened to the canopy and resting on the ledge. The door includes a transparent bottom panel and a removable top panel with a lighting fixture mounted on the top panel and positioned so that it illuminates the interior of the tank. The door can be opened for tasks such as cleaning the tank. The described configuration isolates the light fixture from the tank such that changing of the bulb or tube or servicing of the light fixture may be accomplished with minimum danger of electrical shocks from contact with water in the tank. A smaller port on one side of the canopy provides ready access to the tanks for feeding the fish.
Abstract:
An aquarium lighting system for underwater illumination of an aquarium tank. The light sources each include an elongated insulated wire having a light emitting diode on one end. A water impervious encapsulating layer of material extends over the LED lens and preferably seals and electrically insulates the connection between the elongated wire and the light emitting diode. The wire insulation is both waterproof and watertight. The plug has an opening extending therethrough which cooperates with an attachment mechanism such as a tie wrap or a suction cup to facilitate attaching the light emitting diode to either an object within the tank or the tank walls. A decorative aquarium volcano and display stand also are shown.
Abstract:
An aquarium lid has a clear plastic body, and a front wall having a feeder port closed by a pivotal cover connected to the wall, wherein the front wall has a longitudinal edge protruding toward the rear section of the lid so as to hide any items placed in the rear section of the lid.
Abstract:
This invention relates to an internal multi-component accessory for tall aquariums (those whose depth makes the aquatic life inaccessible and cleaning of the inside walls of the aquarium impractical by normal means). The objective of this accessory is to filter the water, clean the inside walls of the aquarium, provide heat and light, while providing for the transfer of air into the aquarium. It is a further objective of this accessory to provide convenient access to all fish and plant life within the aquarium by floating from its position on the bottom of the aquarium to the top bringing up all fish and plant life as well as gravel (filtration medium). The accessory is a plastic container abutted to a sponge between two rigid plastic plates, both of which are designed to conform to the inside of the aquarium. The container holds gravel in its top outer shell while providing a bottom inner core or pocket for trapping air. The sponge with its two plastic plates has a heating and lighting unit in its center.
Abstract:
An ornamental lighting device to be used on the terraneous shelf of an Ecolarium, ecology tank, (two-tiered aquarium) simultaneously providing light for the aqueous area underneath the terraneous shelf and ornamental lighting effects of the garden area of the terraneous shelf. The device having an easily removable cap containing a light socket, a male connector, the base containing light and heat vents and a downward light vent also the female electrical connector.