Water flow control system and apparatus

Abstract

A water flow control system and apparatus is disclosed. The system comprises a water distribution system configured to deliver water from a water source to a water amusement apparatus. At least one detector is coupled with the water distribution system to detect a change in the water being distributed from the water source to the water amusement apparatus. An effect generator is responsively coupled with the detector such that when the detector detects a change in the water, the effect generator produces at least one effect. The apparatus adaptable for use with a water distribution system comprises at least one detector configured to detect changes in water being distributed through the water distribution system and an effect generator responsively coupled with the detector such that when the detector detects a change in the water, the effect generator produces at least one effect.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 22,445 entitled WATER FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM filed on the 3rd day of October, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to water amusement apparatus, more particularly, it relates to a water flow control system and apparatus in which users interact with the water of the water amusement apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In the water park industry, typical water attractions include water rides that transport users by means of water flow from a high elevation to a low elevation, mechanical water rides that carries users in a compartment along a track through a water course, and pools with water features such as slides, artificial waves, and devices that spray water with respect to devices that spray water, users may immerse themselves in water by positioning themselves directly in the water flowing from ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a water flow apparatus that may be adaptable to virtually any water distribution system to enables users to directly interact with the water so as to generate an effect.

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a water flow control system comprising a water distribution system configured to deliver water from a water source to a water amusement apparatus is provided. At least one detector is coupled with the water distribution system to detect a change in the water being distributed from the water source to the water amusement apparatus. An effect generator is responsively coupled with the detector such that when the detector detects a change in the water, the effect generator produces at least one effect.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the detector is a flow switch configured to detect changes in the volumetric flow of water. The flow switch generates a signal when a fluctuation in the volumetric flow of water is detected. Alternatively, the detector is a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal when the pressure sensor detects a fluctuation in water pressure. The effect generator is responsive to the signal produced by the detector by producing an effect when the effect generator receives the signal.

[0011] The effect generator comprises a controller, a data storage system, and equipment for generating the effect. The effect is stored in the data storage system such that the effect is generated by the equipment when the controller receives the signal. In an embodiment of the invention, the effect produced by the effect generator is an auditory effect. Alternatively, the effect produced by the effect generator is a visual effect. Preferably, water amusement apparatus corresponds in appearance to the auditory effect Further, a water flow apparatus adaptable for use with a water distribution system is provided.

Problems solved by technology

However, such spray devices are generally passive amusement devices because the spray devices are non reactive to any attempts by users to influence the water spray devices or to create any subsequent event from interacting with the water flow.

WO 03/097255 to Christopher which describes a water fountain and method of interacting with the water to provide an auditory or visual effect The problem with such prior art devices is that water fountains fa

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