Aquarium system and powered components using single power supply and methods of use

Abstract

An aquarium system includes a tank and a flexible heater within the tank powered by a power supply. The power supply has an AC to DC converter. The aquarium system can have a variety of components, each powered by the power supply, and whose operation is controlled by an interface such as a touchscreen or controlled by a wireless device such as a cell phone, via purpose-built software. The components having any one or more of a pump, lights, filter, water level indicator, motion detector, feeder, gravel filter, power head, kinetic décor, air pump etc. In preferred examples, the power supply outputs 24VDC.

Description

[0001] AQUARIUM SYSTEM AND POWERED COMPONENTS USING SINGLE POWER SUPPLY AND METHODS OF USE

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 531,476, filed August 8, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] This disclosure relates to an aquarium system with components powered by a single power supply. This disclosure also is directed to methods of use and can also be used for terrarium systems.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Home aquariums are a popular hobby. People enjoy keeping fish and other aquatic animals in an aquarium for relaxation, enjoyment, and education.

[0008] Most aquariums include accessories, such as a heater, filter, and lighting. These accessories are typically electrically powered. In typical systems, each of these accessories have their own alternating current (AC) power cord, which needs to be routed and connected to a power strip or electrical outlet. The various cords can be both unsightly, as well as potentially dangerous if exposed to water in the aquarium tank. In addition, setting up the aquarium system takes time to get the accessories arranged properly, as well as getting the power cords connected and routed.

[0009] Solutions to this problem are desirable.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] In general, an aquarium system is provided comprising: a tank sized to hold water for sustaining aquatic life; and a flexible heater within the tank powered by a direct current power supply.

[0012] The power supply has an AC to DC converter.

[0013] Example embodiments further include a plurality of components for the aquarium system, and each of the components is powered by a single power supply. In many implementations, the components include any one or more of a pump, lights, filter, water level indicator, motion detector, feeders, gravel filter, power head, kinetic decor, cameras, or electronic water quality test equipment.

[0014] In examples, the power supply puts out 24VDC.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the flexible heater is mounted anywhere inside of the tank, or on a wall of the tank.

[0016] In some embodiments, the controller has connections for a battery backup.

[0017] Examples further include a controller controlling operation of each of the components.

[0018] In some embodiments, there further includes a frame sized and shaped to removably mount on the tank; the controller being removably attached to the frame.

[0019] In example embodiments, the interface controller is controllable by an application executable on a mobile device.

[0020] In another aspect, an aquarium system is provided comprising a tank sized to hold water for sustaining aquatic life; and a plurality of components for the aquarium system, each of the components powered by a single power supply with an AC to DC converter.

[0021] In some implementations, one of the components includes a heater.

[0022] Example embodiments have the heater as a flexible heater and is positionable anywhere inside or on a wall of the tank.

[0023] In example embodiments, the components include any one or more of a pump, lights, filter, water level indicator, motion detector, feeders, gravel filter, power head, kinetic decor, cameras, or electronic water quality test equipment.

[0024] In some examples, the power supply puts out 24V of DC.

[0025] In some examples, the controller has connections for a battery backup.

[0026] A controller controlling operation of each of the components is provided.

[0027] Example embodiments further including a frame mounted on the tank; the frame providing attachment points for the controller.

[0028] In another aspect, a method of heating an aquarium system having a tank sized to hold water for sustaining aquatic life is provided. The method comprises using a flexible heater within the tank powered by a DC power supply.

[0029] Example implementations include powering the flexible heater by using the power supply having no more than a single power supply with an AC to DC converter. Example methods further include a step of using a plurality of components for the aquarium system, each of the components powered by the single power supply.

[0030] Some example methods include the step of using components include using any one or more of a pump, lights, filter, flow rates, water level indicator, motion detector, feeders, gravel filter, power head, kinetic decor, camera, or electronic water quality test devices.

[0031] In some methods, using the power supply includes outputting 24V of DC.

[0032] In another aspect, a terrarium system is provided comprising a tank sized to hold a substrate for sustaining life; and a flexible heater within the tank powered by a direct current output power supply.

[0033] The power supply has an AC to DC converter.

[0034] In examples, the terrarium system further including a plurality of components for the terrarium system, and each of the components is powered by a single power supply.

[0035] A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing various aspects of this disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the claimed invention.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an aquarium system, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a portion of the aquarium system of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a controller and frame usable with an aquarium tank;

[0040] FIG. 4 is a front view of a touch screen used with FIG. 2;

[0041] FIG. 5 is perspective view of a controller used with the systems of FIGS. 1-3;

[0042] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible heater used with the system of FIG. 1;

[0043] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an aquarium system, the system including a frame enclosure and a touchscreen; FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the aquarium system of FIG. 7;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view the aquarium system of FIG. 7 without the use of a touchscreen;

[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the touchscreen used in FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0046] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an aquarium system, the system including a filter-integrated system and a touchscreen;

[0047] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

[0048] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a filter integrated control system used with the system of FIGS. 11 and 12; and

[0049] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the controller of FIG. 13.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of an aquarium system 100. It should be understood that the system 100 could also be a terrarium system, in other embodiments. In FIG. 1, a rear view of the system 100 has a tank 102 sized to hold water for sustaining aquatic life, such as fish. Of course, if the system 100 is a terrarium, the tank 102 holds a substrate, such as dirt etc. A power supply 104 receives an AC current from a wall outlet (not shown). The power supply 104 outputs DC power to a controller 108, also referred to as controller 108. The controller 108 controls operation of a plurality of powered aquarium components. As such, each of the powered components has a single power source, from power supply 104, some with additional connections for with a single plug-in 112 in the wall outlet.

[0052] The system 100 is shown in a front view in FIG. 2. The tank 102 has a rectangular cross-section, but it can be other shapes. While the tank 102 may be of any size, some example sizes include 10 gallons, 20 gallons, 40 gallons, 50 gallons, 100 gallons to 200 gallons of water. A wireless touchscreen 212 is shown in FIG. 2. The touchscreen 212 is able to interact with the controller 108 to act as a remote control.

[0053] The power supply 104 converts AC current compatible with most countries around the world from an outlet 106 (e.g., wall socket outlet) into a DC current source. The power supply 104 outputs a preferred DC voltage of 24V. Other voltages can be used, but preferably not to exceed 40-48 volts. The power supply 104 has a cord 114 that plugs into a wall outlet. The power supply 104 has another cord 116 that delivers the DC to the controller 108. An optional connector may be supplied for battery backup connection to the system.

[0054] The controller 108 (FIG. 5) controls operation of the components. All of the components plug into the controller, or a separate host enclosure, which may also be a fame system enclosure 124 (described below) for the aquarium 108 with cables 118. Alternatively, the number of cables 118 can be minimized by combining several components onto a single USB-C connection. Cables 118 to all of the components are used to transmit and receive data signals and to transmit power as required by all the attached components and the controller 108.

[0055] The controller 108 can find each location for each component, no matter where it is connected to the system 100 and know what the component is and how to communicate with it by use of a Universal Serial Bus. This makes the system user- friendly. The components are addressable in the system 100, and preferably all use the same connector type. The components are all on the same bus / network.

[0056] The controller 108 gives status of each system component in a single location along with some general health parameters of the living environment. The controller 108 can also be controllable by an application executable on a mobile device, e.g. a smart phone. The mobile device wirelessly communicates with the controller 108.

[0057] An example display of the touch screen 212 is shown in FIG. 4. Example icons include a warning indicator 130; status information 132; and component controls 134.

[0058] The controller 108 is removably mountable on the tank 102 with a mounting arrangement 122. In FIG. 3, an example mounting arrangement 122 is shown as a frame system 124. The frame system 124 is sized and shaped to mount on the tank 102. An upper free edge periphery 126 (FIG. 2) of the tank 102 receives the frame system 124. The frame system 124 slides over or snaps onto the free edge periphery 126 of the tank 102. The controller 108 is held in place, attached to the frame system 124. Alternative mounting arrangements 122 are possible.

[0059] The components include any one or more of a heater 140 (FIG. 6), pump, lights, filter, water level indicator, motion detector, feeders, gravel filter, power head, kinetic decor, camera(s), or electronic water quality test devices.

[0060] The heater 140 preferably includes a flexible heater 142. The flexible heater 142 is a chemically etched, screen printed, or wire wound heater which can be flexed or bent to conform to the contours of the surface which requires heating. There are many types of flexible heaters, including silicone rubber heaters (both etched and wire wound), Polyimide / Kapton® Film heaters, carbon printed heaters, and transparent heaters. All of these heaters can come in many different variations which include the ability to customize the size, shape, and thickness along with adding components which can improve the performance. The flexible heater 142 is safer as it can be operated at a lower voltage than typical, traditional AC aquarium heaters. These heaters are also generally more efficient at thermal transfer because the element is in direct contact with the water. The flexible heater 142 can be operated at a range of voltages / wattages to accommodate various tank sizes. It can be mountable in back-panel filters, external filters, or used as a standalone item. It does not require the use of a suction cup when used inside of a filter. The flexible heater 142 can be used in a marine or freshwater tank 102.

[0061] The flexible heater 142 can be thermostatically controlled with the controller 108 to heat the water to a desired temperature. A temperature transducer is used, and a display screen 120 (FIG. 4) shows an accurate and precise readout of the current temperature of the water in the tank 102. Both the set temperature and the current temperature, in either degrees F or degrees C, can be viewed.

[0062] While in the preferred system 100, there is only a single power supply 104, in some alternative arrangements, a second or more power supplies 104 may be used to accommodate multiple heaters 142 when used with very large tanks 102.

[0063] Another of the components includes a pump. Many DC pumps can operate multiple components such as the filter, kinetic decor, gravel filter, and power head. There can also be a pump speed control to control the flow rate of the water through the pump. With added tubes and / or valves, multiple items can be run from a single pump with the variable speed being used to control the flow rate as required.

[0064] Attached water level transducers can be placed inside and outside the filter to compare water levels to indicate the need to change a filter cartridge and to shut the heater down to avoid damage to it if the water level is excessively low.

[0065] The lighting controls can include a variety of control types including: fade to gradually illuminate and dim lights to reduce stress to fish; motion / thermal - to sense when people are present and turn the lights on or off; light sensing - to turn off during day, or in a bright room, etc.; schedule - to create a schedule to control lights; and color - to use different colors at different times or for differing purposes. The components can include a variety of other add-ons. Examples include cameras, a higher current or other voltage power supply, electronic water properties testers, gravel cleaners, water change equipment, a manifold for tools with quick disconnects, and automatic feeders and controls.

[0066] The above can be used in a method of heating an aquarium system having a tank sized to hold water for sustaining aquatic life. The method includes using a flexible heater 142 within the tank 102 powered by power supply 104.

[0067] Powering the flexible heater 142 includes using the power supply 104 having no more than a single power supply 104 with an AC to DC converter.

[0068] The method can further include a step of using a plurality of components for the aquarium system 100, each of the components 104 powered by the single power supply 104.

[0069] The components can include using any one or more of a pump, lights, filter, flow rates, water level indicator, motion detector, feeders, or gravel filter, power head, kinetic decor, camera(s), or electronic water quality test devices.

[0070] Using the power supply 104 includes a preferred outputting 24V of DC, but other voltages may be used not to exceed approximately 48VDC. Lower voltages are preferred because they are inherently safer for human contact.

[0071] Further Example Embodiments, FIGS. 7-14

[0072] FIGS. 7 and 8 are front and rear perspective views of a system 200 having tank 102 and a frame-integrated system 210. In FIG. 7, a rear of the controller 108 can be seen through the tank 102, as being mounted on the free edge 126 of the tank 102. The system 200 includes a wireless touchscreen 212, which is shown leaning against the front of the tank 102 in FIG. 7, but is freely movable a distance away from the tank. The front of the controller 108 is visible in the rear view of FIG. 8.

[0073] An enlarged view of the touch screen 212 is shown in FIG. 10. The touch screen 212 includes icons 214, which can be used to control parameters such as temperature, status information, automatic feeding, lighting, flow rates, etc.

[0074] The system 200 of FIGS. 7 and 8 can also be used without touchscreen 212. In FIG. 9, the system 200 is controlled completely by the controller 108.

[0075] Another embodiment of a system 300 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The system 300 includes tank 102 and a filter-integrated system 310. In FIG. 11, the filter system 314 can be seen in the interior of the tank 102, hanging on the edge 126 of the back wall 316 of the tank. The controller 302 can be seen in FIG. 12 on the tank exterior, on an opposite side of the back wall 316 of the tank 102. As such, it can be appreciated that the filter integrated system 310 includes the in-tank portion being the filter system 314, and the out-tank portion being the controller 302, with the edge 126 bridging therebetween. The touch screen 212 is provided to wirelessly control the system 300.

[0076] FIG. 13 shows the filter integrated control system 310 of FIGS. 11 and 12. The system 310 is used with back panel type filters.

[0077] FIG. 14 shows the controller 302 used in the system 300 of FIGS. 11 and 12. The controller 302 hangs on the edge 126 of the tank 102. Several connection points 320 are in the bottom of the controller 302 to connect with the components.

[0078] The above disclosure includes example principles. Many embodiments can be made using these principles.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An aquarium system comprising:(a) a tank sized to hold water for sustaining aquatic life; and(b) a flexible heater within the tank powered by a direct current output power supply.

2. The aquarium system of claim 1 wherein the power supply has an AC to DC converter.

3. The aquarium system of claim 2 further including a plurality of components for the aquarium system, and each of the components is powered by a single power supply.

4. The aquarium system of claim 3 wherein the components include any one or more of a pump, lights, filter, water level indicator, motion detector, feeders, gravel filter, power head, kinetic decor, cameras, or electronic water quality test equipment.

5. The aquarium system of claim 2 wherein the power supply puts out 24VDC.

6. The aquarium system of claim 1 wherein the flexible heater is mounted anywhere inside of the tank, or on a wall of the tank.

7. The aquarium system of claim 2 wherein the controller has connections for a battery backup.

8. The aquarium system of claim 3 further including a controller controlling operation of each of the components.

9. The aquarium system of claim 8 further including a frame sized and shaped to removably mount on the tank; the controller being attached to the frame.

10. The aquarium system of claim 8 wherein the controller is controllable by an application executable on a mobile device.

11. An aquarium system comprising:(a) a tank sized to hold water for sustaining aquatic life; and(b) a plurality of components for the aquarium system, each of the components powered by a single power supply with an AC to DC converter.

12. The aquarium system of claim 11 wherein one of the components includes a heater.

13. The aquarium system of claim 12 wherein the heater is a flexible heater and is positionable anywhere inside or on a wall of the tank.

14. The aquarium system of claim 11 wherein the components include any one or more of a pump, lights, filter, water level indicator, motion detector, feeders, gravel filter, power head, kinetic decor, cameras, or electronic water quality test equipment.

15. The aquarium system of claim 11 wherein the power supply puts out 24 V ofDC.

16. The aquarium system of claim 11 wherein the controller has connections for a battery backup.

17. The aquarium system of claim 11 further including a controller controlling operation of each of the components.

18. The aquarium system of claim 17 further including a frame sized and shaped to mount on the tank; the frame providing attachment points for the controller.

19. A method of heating an aquarium system having a tank sized to hold water for sustaining aquatic life; the method comprising: using a flexible heater within the tank powered by a DC power supply.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein powering the flexible heater includes using the power supply having no more than a single power supply with an AC to DC converter.

21. The method of claim 20 further including a step of using a plurality of components for the aquarium system, each of the components powered by the single power supply.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of using components include using any one or more of a pump, lights, filter, flow rates, water level indicator, motion detector, feeders, gravel filter, power head, kinetic decor, camera, or electronic water quality test devices.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein using the power supply includes outputting24V of DC.

24. A terrarium system comprising:(a) a tank sized to hold a substrate for sustaining life; and(b) a flexible heater within the tank powered by a direct current output power supply.

25. The terrarium system of claim 24 wherein the power supply has an AC to DC converter.

26. The terrarium system of claim 25 further including a plurality of components for the terrarium system, and each of the components is powered by a single power supply.

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