Fountains of the type of the present invention generally are provided with pluralities of groups and formations of nozzles. A relatively wide range of different types of nozzles may be employed, however, the nozzle structure forms no part of the instant invention and will be referred to hereinafter simply as nozzles. It is customary to vary the height of the water sprays or streams rhythmically, for example, in synchronization with music to achieve some of the desired effects.
Heretofore, a single electric motor operated pump in combination with a gate valve has been utilized to vary the height of the water sprays or streams from each group of nozzles.
The present invention provides two electric motor operated pumps in each water discharge conduit to a single formation of nozzles. Both pumps are disposed in the water and each pump has a suction opening thereinto and they are connected to a common discharge conduit. A gate valve is disposed in a discharge conduit portion adjacent each pump, said gate valves being initially fixed in a set position to determine the maximum or desired full height of the water stream from the nozzles fixed in the discharge conduit. When the motor of the second of the two pumps is energized the streams of water emitted from the nozzles will attain approximately one-third of the maximum height because approximately one-half of the water being pumped out through the discharge conduit will escape through the intake opening of the first pump. The second of the two pumps has a check valve in the discharge conduit portion so that when the first pump is actuated, the spray nozzles discharge streams of water to approximately two-thirds of the maximum height as no water can escape through the check valve to the second pump. When both pumps are actuated simultaneously, the spray nozzles discharge streams of water to the maximum height.
Therefore, one of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide two electric motor operated pumps in each water discharge conduit to a single formation of nozzles in a fountain display.
Another object of the invention is to provide a gate valve in a portion of the discharge conduit adjacent each pump.
A further object of the invention is to provide a check valve in the discharge conduit portion adjacent the second of said two pumps.
Yet another object of the instant invention is to provide electric circuitry controlled by pluralities of switches to determine the height of the water streams emitted from the respective nozzles and to universally control the activation of individual, various groups and formations of nozzles to produce a wide range of different rhythmic effects.