Patent ID: 6241877
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: B01D

Abstract:
A circulation system for use in a water garden, the system comprising:(a) a water container adapted to hold water at a preferred fill height, the water container having an upper opening defining a maximum fill height; the preferred fill height being less than the maximum fill height and the difference therebetween defining a surplus water volume amount;(b) a separate reservoir capable of holding a reserve of water of an amount at least as great as the surplus water volume amount, during use the reserve water level being at an elevation that is less than the elevation of the preferred fill height;(c) an elongate intake line including an open first end defining an intake opening positioned within the water container, said intake opening having a lowermost edge at the preferred fill height, and an open second end connected to the reservoir at an elevation below the intake line first end so that during use, water flows downward via gravity through the intake line and into the reservoir;(d) a pump in communication with the reservoir;(e) a refill valve positioned within the reservoir, reduction of water in the reservoir triggering the refill valve to provide additional water to the reservoir;(f) a return line connected to the pump, the pump transferring water from the reservoir to the water container;wherein during normal use; water is circulated between the water container and the reservoir by passing through the intake line and into the reservoir, the pump returning reservoir water back to the water container; wherein during times of surplus water in the water container, the intake line removes the surplus water by storing it in the reservoir; wherein during times of water deficit in the water container, the pump replenishes the water container with water from the reservoir; in each instance, the system thereby maintaining the water level in the water container generally at the preferred fill height.