US20040134844A1 - Water overflow device and water return device - Google Patents
Water overflow device and water return device Download PDFInfo
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- US20040134844A1 US20040134844A1 US10/340,224 US34022403A US2004134844A1 US 20040134844 A1 US20040134844 A1 US 20040134844A1 US 34022403 A US34022403 A US 34022403A US 2004134844 A1 US2004134844 A1 US 2004134844A1
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 169
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 13
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 13
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
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- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000269350 Anura Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
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- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003260 vortexing Methods 0.000 description 1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K63/00—Receptacles for live fish, e.g. aquaria; Terraria
- A01K63/04—Arrangements for treating water specially adapted to receptacles for live fish
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/7287—Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems
- Y10T137/7313—Control of outflow from tank
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention is directed to systems for controlling water circulation between a container and an external system and, more particularly, to devices for removing and transferring water from the container to the external system, and returning water from the external system to the container so as to maintain a desired water level in the container.
- Overflow/water level control systems are typically used for controlling the circulation of water through, as well as the level of water in, a container, such as an aquarium, to which water is added continuously or periodically. In general, means are provided for continually removing water from the container, routing the removed water to an external filter assembly, and then returning the filtered water to the container, while regulating the rates of water removal and return as a means of controlling water level in the container.
- Traditionally, this has been achieved by using a hanging-type skimmer box assembly whereby water is skimmed from the surface of the body of water in the container. The basic structure of a skimmer box assembly typically includes an inlet tank, a siphon tube, and an outlet tank, normally with the inlet tank attached to the outlet tank with some means. The skimmer box assembly is mounted on the frame of the container, with the inlet tank partly immersed in the body of water within the container.
- In the case of an aquarium, water is pumped into the aquarium from a filtration system located below or behind the aquarium. The water level in the aquarium rises and water from the aquarium flows into the inlet tank. The water level in the inlet tank rises, creating a differential pressure between the inlet tank and outlet tank and forcing water through the siphon tube into the outlet tank on the outside of the aquarium. The outlet tank typically has some means of maintaining a selected water level combined with a means for draining water out of the outlet tank and into the filtration system.
- Systems of the type described above usually prove to be quite inflexible. For example, the hang-on tanks or similar devices often prevent placement of the aquarium close to walls. As such, installation of the entire aquarium system is not a simple matter of choice, but is hampered by physical limitations. In addition, users generally find the hang-on devices to be objectionable in appearance, as well as difficult to service. Moreover, depending on the size of the tank, traditional overflow/water level control systems can be quite large. As such, they obstruct a considerable portion of the inner space of the aquarium. Therefore, water circulation and water level control systems are needed that address these shortcomings.
- FIG. 1 shows overflow and return assemblies according to an embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 2 shows the overflow and return assemblies of FIG. 1 in combination with an external water system;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the overflow assembly of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an upper section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of lower and middle sections of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the return assembly of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an upper section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7; and
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of lower and middle sections of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
- Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device for removing water from a container, comprising:
- a first tube located within the container and defining an outlet opening at an upper end thereof and an inlet opening at a lower end thereof;
- a second tube disposed substantially coaxially within the first tube and defining an inlet opening at an upper end thereof, an outlet opening at a lower end thereof, and an outflow path through the second tube's outlet opening via which water flows downwardly out of the container;
- an overflow skimmer removably coupled to the upper ends of said first and second tubes;
- a transverse flange disposed coaxially within the skimmer;
- a cap overlying the flange so as to define with said flange a first annular flow path via which water flows to the inlet opening of the second tube;
- a vent tube extending vertically downwardly through said cap, transverse flange, and skimmer and into said second tube; and
- a strainer coupled to the inlet opening of the first tube and having a lower end that is disposed around the periphery of the second tube;
- wherein the inside surface of the first tube and the outside periphery of the second tube define a second annular path therebetween through which water flows upwardly and towards the first annular flow path.
- In another embodiment, the instant invention is directed to a device for transferring water to a container from an external system, wherein the device comprises:
- a first tube located within the container and defining an inlet opening at an upper end thereof and an outlet opening at a lower end thereof,
- a second tube disposed substantially coaxially within the first tube and defining an outlet opening at an upper end thereof, an inlet opening at a lower end thereof, and an inflow path through said second tube's inlet opening via which water flows upwardly into the container;
- a first diffuser coaxially mounted on the upper end of said first tube and including upper and lower radial openings for directing water into an upper portion of the container;
- a second diffuser coupled to said lower end of the first tube and including side and bottom openings for directing water into a middle or lower portion of the container; and
- a diffuser cap releasably coupled to the first diffuser so as to define with the first diffuser a compartment from which water is distributed into the container via said first and second diffusers,
- wherein the inside surface of the first tube and the outside periphery of the second tube define an annular flow path therebetween through which water flows downwardly from said compartment and towards the second diffuser.
- In alternative embodiments, the present invention is also directed to a device for circulating water between a container and an external system so as to maintain a desired water level in the container, wherein the device comprises:
- (a) an overflow assembly comprising:
- a first outer tube located within the container and defining an outlet opening at an upper end thereof and an inlet opening at a lower end thereof;
- a first inner tube disposed substantially coaxially within the first outer tube and defining an inlet opening at an upper end thereof, an outlet opening at a lower end thereof, and an outflow path through the first inner tube's outlet opening via which water flows downwardly out of the container and to the external system;
- an overflow skimmer removably coupled to the upper ends of said first inner and outer tubes;
- a vent tube extending vertically downwardly through said skimmer and into said first inner tube; and
- a strainer coupled to the inlet opening of the first outer tube and having a lower end that is disposed around the periphery of the first inner tube; and
- (b) a return assembly comprising:
- a second outer tube located within the container and defining an inlet opening at an upper end thereof and an outlet opening at a lower end thereof;
- a second inner tube disposed substantially coaxially within the second outer tube and defining an outlet opening at an upper end thereof, an inlet opening at a lower end thereof, and an inflow path through the second inner tube's inlet opening via which water from the external system flows upwardly into the container;
- a first diffuser coaxially mounted on the upper ends of the second inner and outer tubes; and
- a second diffuser coaxially mounted on the lower end of the second outer tube and having an inner wall that is mounted around the periphery of the second inner tube,
- wherein the inside surface of the first outer tube and the outside periphery of the first inner tube define a first annular flow path therebetween through which water flows upwardly and towards the skimmer, and wherein the inside surface of the second outer tube and the outside periphery of the second inner tube define a second annular flow path therebetween through which water flows downwardly from the first diffuser and towards the second diffuser.
- FIGS.1 shows an
overflow assembly 100 and areturn assembly 200 inside acontainer 10, e.g., an aquarium. As shown in FIG. 2, theoverflow assembly 100 and thereturn assembly 200 are connected with tubes, elbows, etc. to anexternal system 20, such as, for example, a filter assembly. As will be described in more detail below, in operation, theoverflow assembly 100 directs water out of the container 10 (in the direction of Arrow A) and to theexternal system 20. The latter, in turn, directs water back into thecontainer 10 by pumping, or otherwise urging, water through thereturn assembly 200 in the direction of Arrow B. Thewater level 18 in thecontainer 10 is thus determined by the rate of water removal and return between thecontainer 10 and theexternal system 20. - As shown in FIGS.3-6,
overflow assembly 100 comprises anouter tube 110 and aninner tube 120.Outer tube 110 has aninlet opening 115 at itslower end 116, as well as anoutlet opening 114 at itsupper end 112.Inner tube 120 is located axially withinouter tube 110 and has aninlet opening 128 at itsupper end 126, as well as anoutlet opening 124 at itslower end 122. Thus, an annular path is defined between the inside surface of theouter tube 110 and the outside surface, or periphery, of theinner tube 120 through which water flows upwardly towards the upper ends 112,126 of theouter tube 110 andinner tube 120, respectively. As shown generally in FIG. 3, theinner tube 120 is longer than theouter tube 110 and has alower portion 127 which extends beyond thelower end 116 of theouter tube 110. - The
outer tube 110 andinner tube 120 are held together via anoverflow skimmer 130 and astrainer 150. As shown in FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment, thestrainer 150 has a tapered configuration such that its diameter decreases gradually between the skimmer'supper end 152 and itslower end 154. Thus, when assembled, one end of thestrainer 150 is coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the inlet opening 115 of theouter tube 110. At itslower end 154, thestrainer 150 is mounted around (the periphery of) alower portion 127 of theinner tube 120. - FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of an upper section of the
overflow assembly 100. Theoverflow skimmer 130 has ahorizontal plate 132 with a vertical, ribbedwall 135 disposed along the periphery of theplate 132. Theribbed wall 135 is made of alternatingvertical protrusions 134 andribs 136 where, in a preferred embodiment, theribs 136 are generally flat (i.e., have a generally rectangular cross section), and thevertical protrusions 134 have a generally cylindrical cross-section and extend beyond the height of theribs 136. In one embodiment, thevertical protrusions 134 are 2-2½ times as high as theribs 136. - The
plate 132 has transverse,radial openings 133 which provide fluid communication between the upper surface of theplate 132 and the annular path between theinner tube 120 and theouter tube 110. More specifically,overflow skimmer 130 includes a first hollowcoaxial extension 142 which leads vertically downwards fromradial openings 133 in theplate 132. Thecoaxial extension 142 receives, through itslower end 143, theupper end 112 of theouter tube 110. - The
skimmer 130 also includes a second hollowcoaxial extension 146 which is disposed centrally within the firstcoaxial extension 142. Thesecond extension 146 has anupper end 148 and receives, through itslower end 147, theupper end 126 of theinner tube 120. The secondcoaxial extension 146 is connected to the inner surface of the firstcoaxial extension 142 via a plurality of transverse, radially-extendingribs 149. Thus, each of theradial openings 133 in theplate 132 is defined by the space between twosuccessive ribs 149. In a preferred embodiment, there are foursuch ribs 149, and four suchradial openings 133. - As shown in FIGS.3-5, the
overflow assembly 100 also includes a silent overflow device which is described in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,0170,886, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The silent overflow device includes avent tube 170, venttube flare 174,tension ring 179,transverse flange 160, andcap 176. - The
transverse flange 160 is disposed coaxially within theskimmer 130 and is press fit (or otherwise coupled), through its lower end 164, to theupper end 148 of the secondcoaxial extension 146. Theflange 160 extends radially outwardly from the upper end of the secondcoaxial extension 146 and has an upperhorizontal surface 162 which serves as the bottom surface of an annular, radial water flow path leading intoinner tube 120. The upperhorizontal surface 162 offlange 160 over which the water flows has a serrated, or corrugated, form. The resulting cyclic surface height variations cause drag and eddy currents and generally create turbulent flow above theflange 160. As a result, the flow resistance of the annular flow path is increased compared to a flow path bounded by a smooth lower surface. The serrated form of the upper surface offlange 160 is created by forming a series of annular grooves in that surface, which grooves are preferably circular and concentric with the longitudinal axis ofinner tube 120. -
Flange 160 supports acap 176 which overliesflange 160 and theupper end 126 ofinner tube 120.Cap 176 fits loosely on top of theflange 160 and has, at its periphery, a vertical, downwardly extending skirt 177.Cap 176 is positioned onflange 160 by a plurality ofribs 178 preferably forming an integral part ofcap 176. The downwardly facing horizontal face ofcap 176 and the upwardly facing horizontal face offlange 160 delimit a horizontal, annular water flow path ahead of the inlet opening 128 ofinner tube 120. As such, the vertical dimension of the space between the surfaces offlange 160 andcap 176 is determined by the height ofribs 178. - The magnitude of the above-mentioned vertical dimension is selected as a function of the diameter of the flow path through
inner tube 120. Empirical data indicates that good flow control can be achieved if this vertical dimension is at least approximately equal to one-fourth of the internal diameter ofinner tube 120. This dimension will make the area of the annular flow path just ahead of the inlet opening 128 ofinner tube 120 substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the flow path throughinner tube 120. For this relationship, the cross-sectional area ofvent tube 170 can be ignored because it is substantially smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path throughinner tube 120. - At the periphery of
cap 176,ribs 178 project downwardly to contact a vertical, downwardly extending skirt at the periphery offlange 160. Thus,ribs 178 act to centercap 176 relative to the longitudinal axis ofinner tube 120. In a preferred embodiment, there are threesuch ribs 178. Additionally, in preferred embodiments of the invention,cap 176 is dimensioned such that, whencap 176 is assembled toflange 160, the lower edge of the skirt 177 at the periphery ofcap 176 is at the same level as, or slightly lower than, the lower edge of the skirt at the periphery offlange 160. This creates a short, annular upward flow path ahead of the above-mentioned horizontal, annular water flow path, the upward flow path being an entrance flow path to the horizontal, annular water flow path. -
Cap 176 has at its center atubular member 171 which provides an open, vertically extending passage of circular cross section and receivesvent tube 170. The passage is dimensioned to allowvent tube 170 to slide easily therein in the vertical direction while maintaining at least an approximately coaxial arrangement between the longitudinal axes oftubes Vent tube 170 is held in a selected vertical position relative to cap 176 by atension ring 179.Tension ring 179 may be an elastomeric element which is dimensioned to allow a user to slidering 179 along the length ofvent tube 170, but which remains in a fixed position onvent tube 170 when not subject to an external displacement force. Thus, ring 179 acts to maintaintube 170 in a selected vertical position relative to cap 176, andinner tube 120, when the water overflow assembly is in operation. As a result, the lower end ofvent tube 170 is held at a desired vertical distance from theupper end 126 ofinner tube 120. -
Vent tube 170 is open at both ends to provide an air flow path. The lower end ofvent tube 170 is located within, and below the upper end of,inner tube 120. The length ofvent tube 170 is selected so that when the lower end ofvent tube 170 is at the greatest desired distance below theupper end 126 ofinner tube 120, the upper end ofvent tube 170 will be above the highest desired water level incontainer 10. - The lower end of
vent tube 170 carries, on its outer peripheral surface, avent tube flare 174 that protrudes radially outwardly withininner tube 120. Thevent tube flare 174 is axially symmetrical throughout its length, i.e., flare 174 has a circular outline in every plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. In the region below the lower end ofvent tube 170, venttube flare 174 separates the water flowing throughinner tube 120 into a mixed phase composed primarily of water in the outer portion of the flow path, i.e., adjacent the inner surface ofinner tube 120, and air in the center portion of the flow path.Vent tube flare 174 provides resistance to water flow throughinner tube 120 and thus, provides a means of controlling water level in thecontainer 10. - More specifically, the
components container 10 in a manner which eliminates virtually all noise caused by water exiting thecontainer 10. Noise prevention is accomplished by preventing a vortex from occurring in the water enteringinner tube 120 and yet providing an open air passage, throughvent tube 170, to the water stream ininner tube 120 at all times. The combination offlange 160,cap 176, and venttube 170 produces this result in the following manner. - When
cap 176 is assembled toflange 160, the lower edge of the skirt 177 at the periphery ofcap 176 is at the same level as, or slightly lower than, the lower edge of the skirt at the periphery offlange 160. This creates a water flow path that contributes significantly to the prevention of vortices at relatively high flow rates (e.g. 500 gph and higher). In addition, the vertical, annular cross-sectional area of the horizontal flow path formed between the horizontal surfaces offlange 160 andcap 176 at a point just before the water turns into the inlet opening 128 ofinner tube 120 is preferably approximately equal to the cross-sectional area enclosed by the inside diameter ofinner tube 120. - Moreover, the serrations on the
surface 162 offlange 160 create resistance and turbulence at this surface. This resistance, especially at low flow rates, requires a higher water level in thecontainer 10 to produce a certain water flow rate through the horizontal flow path, thus assuring thatwater level 18 will remain above the top surface ofcap 176. As a result, vortexing and, therefore, noise are prevented over a wide range of flow rates and even at relatively low flow rates as low as 300 gph. In addition, the vent tube sub-assembly is configured such that thevent tube flare 174 creates resistance to water flow and diverts flowing water away from the end ofvent tube 170 to create an air path into the water stream. Since this air path will be continuously open during normal operation, there is no surging, gurgling, or hissing of water ininner tube 120. -
Water level 18 in thecontainer 10 can be adjusted to a desired height for any existing flow rate by suitably positioning the lower end ofvent tube 170 relative to the top ofcap 176,water level 18 incontainer 10, or other fixed reference point incontainer 10, to achieve a particular value for the vertical distance between the lower end ofvent tube flare 174 and the fixed reference point in thecontainer 10. Specifically, the amount of (vertical) distance that is needed to maintain a given water level incontainer 10 varies directly with the flow rate. That is, the distance will be smaller for a low flow rate than for a high flow rate. - Thus, the present invention allows for variations in this vertical distance versus flow rate in order to maintain a desired height for
water level 18 in thecontainer 10. As mentioned before, the structure of the silent overflow device permits the vertical position ofvent tube 170 to be adjusted relative toinner tube 120. The fit ofvent tube 170 incap 176 is loose, allowingvent tube 170 to slide up and down. On the other hand,tension ring 179 fits somewhat tightly onto the outside surface ofvent tube 170. However,tension ring 179, because it is a spring-like structure, can be easily slipped up and down alongvent tube 170 to set the distance of the lower end ofvent tube 170 relative to theupper end 126 ofinner tube 120. Rather than allowingwater level 18 in thecontainer 10 to rise in order to create a needed higher pressure, the vertical distance between the lower end ofvent tube 170 and theupper end 126 ofinner tube 120, orcap 176, is increased. The overall effect is the same relative to the end of thevent tube 170, butwater level 18 incontainer 10 will be maintained at a desired height. - FIGS.7-10 show the
return assembly 200 having anouter tube 210 and aninner tube 220.Outer tube 210 has aninlet opening 214 at itsupper end 212, as well as anoutlet opening 215 at itslower end 216.Inner tube 220 is located axially withinouter tube 210 and has aninlet opening 224 at itslower end 222, as well as anoutlet opening 228 at itsupper end 226. Thus, an annular path is defined between the inside surface of theouter tube 210 and the outside surface, or periphery, of theinner tube 220 through which water flows downwardly towards thelower end 216 of theouter tube 210. As shown generally in FIG. 7, theinner tube 220 is longer than theouter tube 210 and has alower portion 227 which extends beyond thelower end 216 of theouter tube 210. - The
outer tube 210 andinner tube 220 are held together via afirst diffuser 250 and asecond diffuser 230. As shown in FIG. 10, in a preferred embodiment, thesecond diffuser 230 has a tubularconfiguration having base 232 that connects anouter wall 231 to aninner wall 235.Outer wall 231, in turn, containsside openings 236 that allow water to flow horizontally into a middle and/or lower portion of thecontainer 10. Similarly, the base 232 containsbottom openings 238 which direct water, in a substantially vertical direction, into a middle and/or lower portion of thecontainer 10. When assembled, one end of thesecond diffuser 230 is coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the outlet opening 215 of theouter tube 210 such that theouter wall 231 is disposed around thelower end 216 of theouter tube 210. At the same time, theinner wall 235 is mounted around (the periphery of) alower portion 227 of theinner tube 220. - In a preferred embodiment, the
second diffuser 230 may contain threeside openings 236 and twobottom openings 238. In addition, where thediffuser 230 has a circular cross-section, theside openings 236 may be arranged along theouter wall 231 along an approximately 60° arc. Moreover, thebottom openings 238 and theside openings 236 may be disposed on diametrically opposite sides of thediffuser 230. Thus, rotation of thediffuser 230 around theinner tube 220 provides for a degree of control over the placement of the “horizontal” and “vertical” flows within thecontainer 10. - FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of an upper section of the
return assembly 200. Thefirst diffuser 250 includes arimmed base 252 having arim 256, as well as first and second hollowcoaxial members base 252 has one ormore passageways 254 which provide fluid communication between the upper surface of thebase 252 and the annular path between theinner tube 220 and theouter tube 210. More specifically, the firstcoaxial member 260 extends vertically downwards from the passageway(s) 254 in thebase 252 and receives, through itslower end 261, theupper end 212 of theouter tube 210. - The
first diffuser 250 also includes a second hollowcoaxial member 270 which is disposed centrally within the firstcoaxial member 260 and receives, through itslower end 272, theupper end 226 of theinner tube 220. The secondcoaxial member 270 is connected to the inner surface of the firstcoaxial member 260 via a plurality of transverse, radially-extendingribs 262. Thus, eachpassageway 254 in thebase 252 is defined by the space between twosuccessive ribs 262. In a preferred embodiment, thereturn assembly 200 includes twopassageways 254 spanning approximately a combined 210° arc. - The
first diffuser 250 includes acap 240 that is removably coupled to thebase 252 via, e.g., a twist-lock mechanism 257. The space enclosed between therimmed base 252 and thediffuser cap 240 defines acompartment 245 which serves as a temporary receptacle for water that flows into the container via theinner tube 220. In a preferred embodiment, thediffuser cap 240 is contoured such that water entering thecompartment 245 is directed towards the periphery of the compartment (FIG. 9). - As mentioned before, one or
more passageways 254 provide fluid communication between thecompartment 245 and the annular flow path between theinner tube 220 and -theouter tube 210. Thus, a portion of the water entering thecompartment 245 through theinner tube 220 is directed through the passageway(s) 254 and downwards toward thesecond diffuser 230 such that it exists into a middle/lower portion of thecontainer 10. - The
first diffuser 250 includes openings for directing water into an upper portion of thecontainer 10. More specifically, thebase 252 includes upperradial openings 258, and the first hollowcoaxial member 260 includes lower radial openings 263 (FIG. 8). In a preferred embodiment, each upperradial opening 258 is a concave channel that extends radially outwards in the base 252 (i.e., each channel forms a portion of the undersurface of the base 252). As such, each of the channels directs water from inside thecompartment 245 to thecontainer 10 through an underside of thebase 252. - Where the
first diffuser 250 has a circular cross section, thebase 252 includes four such concave channels that are arranged along an approximately 150° arc (e.g., from the centerline of the first channel to the centerline of the fourth channel) so that the water flow is biased in the direction of the openings. The 150° arc is generally non-overlapping with the approximately 210° arc along which the passageway(s) 254 are disposed. That is, theopenings 258 and the passageway(s) 254 are situated “opposite” each other on arcs that, together, complete the circular cross section of thebase 252. Thus, rotation of thediffuser 250 around theouter tube 210 provides for a degree of control over the placement of the outflow from theopenings 258 into thecontainer 10. - The lower
radial openings 263 are typically apertures that are defined in the wall of the first hollowcoaxial member 260. In a preferred embodiment, theapertures 263 are disposed vertically below, and horizontally (i.e., radially) centered, with respect to the concave channels that form theopenings 258. In such an embodiment, water flows from thecompartment 245 into an area that is enclosed by the walls of the first and secondcoaxial members transverse ribs 262, and a bottom wall (i.e., a wall lying in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner tube 220), and then out of theside apertures 263. As before, rotation of thediffuser 250 around theouter tube 210 provides for a degree of control over the placement of the outflow fromapertures 263 into thecontainer 10. - In practice, the
bottom wall 11 of thecontainer 10 is drilled to create two holes for placement, respectively, of each of theinner tubes inner tubes bottom wall 11 of thecontainer 10.Bulkhead adapter fittings - The
lower end 122 of theinner tube 120 is fitted with a male adapter fitting 106, and thelower end 222 of theinner tube 220 is fitted with amale adapter fitting 206. Each male adapter fitting has a pipe thread on one end and a tapered bore at the other end. Thus, theinner tubes male adapter fittings male adapter fittings bulkhead adapter fittings bulkhead nut bulkhead fittings bottom wall 11. This results in a standpipe arrangement, with the top of each of theinner tubes - The upper portion of the overflow assembly, including the
outer tube 110, theskimmer 130, and the silent overflow device (includingvent tube 170, venttube flare 174,tension ring 179,transverse flange 160, and cap 176) slide over theinner tube 120 that is fixed into the bulkhead adapter in thecontainer 10. When theupper end 126 of theinner tube 120 slides into and stops within theoverflow skimmer 130, the overflow assembly is complete. The only further adjustment that is required is that of thevent tube 170 for noise, flow control, and/or water level. In a preferred embodiment, all components may be press fit together so that the parts can easily be disassembled for service and cleaning. - In a similar manner, the upper portion of the return assembly, including the
outer tube 210, the first diffuser andcap second diffuser 230, are assembled and slid onto theinner tube 220 that is fixed into the bulkhead adapter in thecontainer 10. When theupper end 226 of theinner tube 220 slides into and stops within thefirst diffuser 250, the return assembly is complete. As before, in a preferred embodiment, all components may be press fit or twist-locked together so that the parts can easily be disassembled for service and cleaning. - In an example where the
container 10 is an aquarium and theexternal system 20 is a filtration device, theoverflow assembly 100 removes water from the aquarium and directs it to the filtration device, which may be located in an aquarium stand below the aquarium. Thereturn assembly 200, in turn, returns water to the aquarium from the filtration device. - In operation, water is returned to the aquarium from the filtration device via a pumping means and a series of fittings, flexible tubing, etc. As the water is returned to the aquarium, the water level in the aquarium rises and begins to flow into the overflow skimmer between the vertical
cylindrical protrusions 134. The vertical cylindrical protrusions, in combination with theribs 136, form “comb” members in the verticalribbed wall 135, wherein a strainer effect is produced in order to prevent large objects such as leaves, fish, and other floating objects from flowing into the inner portion of the overflow skimmer. - The
water level 18 in the aquarium reaches a point of equilibrium when the height of the water above the top of thetransverse flange 160 creates a rate of flow through the overflow assembly equal to the flow of water returning to the aquarium by the pumping means. The silent overflow device is then adjusted to maintain the water level in the aquarium in the middle of the verticalcylindrical protrusions 134. This permits flow variations that will neither overflow the top of the skimmer nor cause the objectionable “gurgling” noise common to some existing devices. - In addition to skimming water off the surface through the overflow skimmer, water also flows into the overflow assembly through the
strainer 150, thereby drawing water from the middle-to-bottom of the aquarium into the overflow assembly. This occurs due to the difference in height between the top of the transverse flange and the top of theribs 136 in the verticalribbed wall 135. To illustrate, if water flow into the aquarium were just sufficient to cause the water surface to align with the top of theribs 136, then all water flow through the overflow assembly would come from thestrainer 150. The pressure differential due to the difference in water height between the top of thetransverse flange 160 and the top of theribs 136 causes water to flow through the strainer, into and through the annular path between the inner tube and outer tube, throughopenings 133 in the bottom of theskimmer plate 132, through the space between thecap 176 andtransverse flange 160, and into theinner tube 120. - In returning to the aquarium, water is urged, via a pumping means and a series of fittings, flexible tubing, etc., from the filtration device and enters the
inner tube 220 of the return assembly. The water flows through the inner tube and strikes the inside surface of thediffuser cap 240. As described previously, the inside surface of the diffuser cap is contoured such that the water flow is directed along the inside surface of the diffuser cap to the outer ring of therimmed base 252. Water then flows out of concave-channel openings 258 which direct flow of filtered water onto the surface of the aquarium. Water also flows out ofapertures 263 which are centered below theopenings 258 and direct filtered water to just below the water surface. The flow of filtered water through the combination of these outlets in thefirst diffuser 250 causes gentle agitation of the surface of the aquarium water, thereby oxygenating the aquarium water and reducing surface scum (e.g., oils, fish food, dust, etc.). - In addition to returning filtered water to the aquarium surface through the
first diffuser 250, the present invention also provides means for allowing water to flow down through theouter tube 210 to thesecond diffuser 230, thereby directing filtered water into the middle-to-bottom of the aquarium. To this end,passageways 254 through the rimmed base direct filtered water into the annular flow path between the inner andouter tubes side openings 236 andbottom openings 238 in thesecond diffuser 230. As discussed above, theside openings 236 are designed to cause water to exit the second diffuser in a somewhat horizontal flow, and thebottom openings 238 are designed to cause filtered water to exit in a generally vertical, downward direction. The downward-directed flow aids the circulation within the aquarium and reduces the possibility of a “dead” zone in the lower corner of the aquarium near the return assembly. - The overflow and return assemblies of the present invention thus provide numerous advantages over existing systems. For example, the overflow and return assemblies can easily accommodate containers of different height simply by increasing or decreasing the length of the inner and outer tubes. In addition, the inner and outer tubes can be shortened so that partially-filled aquariums can be filtered in the same manner as a completely-filled aquarium. This is important because turtles, frogs, and other amphibians are usually kept in partially-filled aquariums, often with large rocks for the animals to rest on out of the water. Filtration for this type of aquarium is easily accomplished by simply shortening the inner tube for both the overflow and return assemblies to set the water height, and then shortening the outer tube for each assembly as desired.
- Moreover, the vertical location of the strainer can be optimized by changing the length of the outer tube independently of the inner-tube length, as long as the strainer is positioned, e.g., above the gravel in an aquarium. This allows the user to maximize the circulation efficacy within the aquarium. Similarly, the vertical location of the bottom diffuser can be optimized by changing the length of the outer tube independently of the inner-tube length, thus, again, maximizing the circulation efficacy within the aquarium.
- The present invention also provides means for drawing water from both the surface and middle-to-bottom of the container and for returning water at the surface, just below the surface, and into the middle-to-bottom of the container. Drawing water at, and just below, the surface contributes to the oxygenation of the aquarium water by gently agitating the water at these locations. In addition, the silent overflow device can be adjusted to provide control over the flow and/or water level, while the upper (first) and lower (second) diffusers can be independently directionally adjusted to maximize the circulation efficacy within the aquarium.
- Because the overflow assembly and the return assembly can be placed at any drilled hole location within the aquarium, the present invention offers an added degree of versatility in that aquariums can be custom-made so as to place the overflow and/or return assemblies anywhere within the aquarium, as desired by the user. In addition, multiple overflow and return assemblies can be installed in (larger) aquariums in order to maximize filtration and tank circulation.
- From a practical standpoint, the overflow and return assemblies are very compact and non-obtrusive, and obscure very little within the aquarium. In addition, the upper portions of the overflow and return assemblies can be easily removed from the aquarium and disassembled for maintenance and cleaning. Finally, each assembly installs into a drilled hole on the bottom of the aquarium such that there are no hang-on devices that are objectionable in appearance, difficult to service, or that prevent installation of the aquarium close to walls.
- While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, while the preferred embodiment of the invention may utilize tubes, etc. that have cylindrical cross-sections, the invented system may also be constructed from components having other cross-sectional geometries, such as, e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, oval, etc. As such, the accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
- The presently disclosed embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning, and range of equivalency, of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (55)
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Cited By (4)
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EP2123155A1 (en) * | 2008-05-20 | 2009-11-25 | Askoll Holding S.r.l. | Filtering unit for an aquarium |
US20100072119A1 (en) * | 2008-09-24 | 2010-03-25 | Wyatt Jr Douglas Robert | Self cleaning system for swim spas and hot tubs |
US20190254263A1 (en) * | 2018-01-22 | 2019-08-22 | Gaston Bianchi | Method, system and apparatus for zero overflow |
CN110178765A (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2019-08-30 | 枣庄伊运水产养殖有限公司 | A kind of grey silver carp rearing method in imitative canal |
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