Water agitation system for water retention structure

A water agitation system for use with a water retention structure, such as a bird bath or livestock water trough, includes a motor operatively connected to a drive shaft, and a blade assembly extending outwardly from the drive shaft. The motor is operable to rotate the blade assembly in order to impart motion to water retained within the water retention structure. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an audio source may be provided, including a sound board and speaker.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to water retention structures, such as bird bath basins, livestock water tanks/troughs, swimming pools, small ponds, fish tanks, and the like, and more specifically to a water agitator for placement in a water retention structure, to agitate or circulate water contained in the water retention structure.

Various water retention structures exist for a variety of purposes. For example, bird baths retain water for birds to bathe and frolic; swimming pools retain water for recreational purposes; backyard ponds retain water for aesthetic purposes (such as a habitat for small fish); livestock water tanks/troughs hold water for livestock to drink; water towers store water for various uses; and so on.

Bird baths are popular for attracting birds to residential homes, for example, and they may promote an interest in, and the well-being of, birds. An exemplary bird bath is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,666, issued Nov. 26, 2002 to Thomas K Reusche, and assigned to Allied Precision Industries, Inc., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

People may desire to increase the number of birds attracted to a bird bath. Birds may be attracted to a bird bath by sounds and sights. It may be difficult for a bird to see a shallow, still pool of water in a bird bath. If, however, the bird perceives sights and sounds emanating from a bird bath, the bird may find the bird bath more inviting. A bird may find the bird bath especially attractive if sights and sounds are of the type a bird might normally associate with a body of fresh, clean water.

People may also desire to reduce the power consumption associated with a bird bath. For example, people may want the bird bath to operate only during daylight hours. Additionally, people may desire to reduce the difficulty in setup and maintenance associated with a bird bath. It may be desirable, for example, to have the birdbath operable without being plugged into an extension cord or outlet. It also may be desirable to operate the birdbath with a renewable power source.

FIG. 1illustrates an isometric view of a bird bath100. The bird bath100includes a base102that supports a column104, which in turn supports a basin106. The basin106is configured to receive and retain water.

It is known to provide pumps for imparting motion to the water in the bird bath basin. Movement of the water tends to attract birds to the bath. It also reduces the potential for the bird bath to serve as a haven for insects, e.g., mosquitoes, bacteria, germs, and the like. Water movement, or circulation, within the bird bath is particularly important given the recent rise of West Nile virus within the United States. However, pumps typically require access to an electrical outlet and are therefore not suitable when an electrical outlet is not readily available. Additionally, existing birdbaths cannot be easily retrofitted with such pumps.

Stagnant water in water retention structures typically increases the rate of breeding of insects, bacteria, germs, and the like. Further, stagnant, stale water is typically undesirable for a host of additional reasons. For example, the taste, odor and physical appearance of stagnant, stale water may be objectionable.

Thus, a need exists for an apparatus for imparting motion to water retained within water retaining structures, such as bird baths and livestock water tanks/troughs. A need also exists for associating motion and sound within water retaining structures, such as bird baths and livestock water tanks/troughs. A need also exists to ensure low power consumption and simple setup and maintenance in systems that satisfy these needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A water agitation system adapted to be positioned within a water retention structure configured to receive and retain water, includes a main body positioned within a water retention area of the water retention structure. The water retention structure may be a basin of a bird bath, a livestock water tank/trough, a swimming pool, water tower, or a pond. The main body includes a base removably secured to a cover, and an inner compartment defined between the base and cover. A seal member may be interposed between the cover and the base. The system also includes at least one support member that supports the main body above a bottom surface of the water retention structure. The support members include a plurality of legs that extend downwardly from the main body. Optionally, the system may include a flotation member configured to allow the system to float on water within the water retention structure.

An agitator is operatively connected to a motor that is positioned within the inner compartment of the main body. The agitator is connected to a distal end of a drive shaft that extends outwardly from the main body. At least one blade extends from a lateral surface of the drive shaft that is rotatably driven by the motor in order to impart motion to water retained within the water retention structure.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid agitation system configured to be positioned within a liquid retention structure. The liquid agitation system includes a main body positionable within a liquid retention area of the liquid retention structure, an agitation assembly including an agitator operatively connected to a motor housed substantially within the main body, and an audio source. In another embodiment, at least a portion of said audio source is disposed within the main body. In another embodiment, the liquid agitation system further includes at least one power source configured to supply power to said motor and said audio source. The power source may include at least one battery. In another embodiment, the power source includes an alternating current source. In another embodiment, the liquid agitation system further includes a solar module configured to recharge the battery. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the body resonates responsively to at least a portion of audible frequencies. In another embodiment, the audio source includes at least one speaker. In another embodiment, the speaker includes a piezoelectric crystal. In another embodiment, the audio source includes digital circuitry configured to provide electrical signals to the speaker. In another embodiment, the liquid agitation system further includes an acoustical absorber capable of damping at least a portion of sounds generated at least in part by the liquid agitation system. In another embodiment, the acoustical absorber includes foam. In another embodiment, the liquid agitation system further includes an outer shell capable of being positioned on the body. In another embodiment, the liquid agitation system further includes foam at least partially interposed between the body and the outer shell. In another embodiment, the outer shell is part of the body. In another embodiment, the outer shell is formed of at least one of: pottery, terra cotta, ceramic, and plastic. In another embodiment, the outer shell has a beehive shape.

Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a wildlife attracting system including at least one electric power supply, a motor and an audio source, each configured to draw electrical energy from the electric power supply. The motor is adapted to transform at least a portion of the electrical energy into mechanical energy, and the audio source is adapted to transform at least a portion of the electrical energy into acoustical energy. The system also includes an agitator disposable in a liquid. The agitator is adapted to transfer mechanical energy from the motor to the liquid. In another embodiment, a solar module is configured to recharge a battery.

Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for attracting wildlife including disposing a liquid agitator in a liquid, interfacing the liquid agitator with a motor. The liquid agitator and the motor are adapted to impart a motion in said liquid, and cause a generation of sounds during at least a portion of the time when the liquid is in motion. The sounds may emanate from a source proximate to the liquid. In another embodiment, the sounds may be indicative of moving water. In another embodiment, the sounds may be indicative of wildlife.

Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a wildlife attracting system including a substantially water resistant housing having an interior space, and an agitator assembly including a motor operatively connected to an agitator. The motor is adapted for driving the agitator, and the motor is capable of generating acoustical energy that propagates along a propagation path. The system also includes an acoustically absorptive material positioned along at least a portion of the propagation path.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 2-9illustrate a water agitation system10according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water agitation system10may be sized and constructed for placement in the basin of a bird bath, such as the bird bath100shown inFIG. 1, for imparting motion to water contained in the basin. Optionally, the water agitation system10may be sized and constructed for use with livestock water tanks/troughs, small ponds, swimming pools, water towers, and various other water retaining structures.

FIG. 10illustrates a water retention structure108, in general. The water retention structure108includes a main body110defined by outer walls, which in turn define an interior cavity112. The interior cavity112is configured to receive and retain water. The water retention structure108may also include a series of pumps, pipes, and the like (not shown) in order to allow the passage of water into and out of the interior cavity112. The water retention system108may be formed in various shapes and sizes and may have an open top (such as a basin of a bird bath), or may be completely enclosed (such as a water tower). For example, the water retention structure108may be a basin of a bird bath such as the bird bath100shown inFIG. 1, a swimming pool, a livestock water trough, a backyard pond, etc.

FIG. 2illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation system10according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water agitator generally comprises a housing12, a motor14(shown inFIG. 5A) positioned within the housing12, and an agitating mechanism, or agitator,16driven by the motor14so as to impart motion to water contained within a water retention structure, such as a basin of a bird bath.

FIG. 3illustrates a front elevation view of the water agitation system10ofFIG. 2. The housing12includes a base18and a cover20that define an inner compartment22(shown, e.g., inFIG. 5A).

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate isometric views of the water agitation system10ofFIG. 2, with the cover20of the housing12removed. The motor14is mounted within the inner compartment22to protect against moisture. The motor14may be battery operated such that batteries24(or battery) are also positioned within the inner compartment22to protect them from moisture. Positive and negative terminals26,28interconnect the batteries24with the motor14for supplying power to the motor14. The positive connection terminal26may be a conductive plate, whereas the negative terminal28may be a spring member. The upper surface19of the base18includes integrally formed features for supporting the motor14, the batteries24, and connection terminals26,28within the housing12. Specifically, the base18defines a motor compartment30for the motor14, battery compartments32for the batteries24, and mounting brackets34for the terminals26,28.

Optionally, the water agitation system10may be configured to receive power from an electrical outlet. That is, the water agitation system10may not use batteries, but instead may receive power from a standard electrical outlet or power source. Also, the water agitation system10may be operatively connected to a solar cell, such that the water agitation system10is operated through solar power.

Referring again toFIGS. 2 and 3, the base18and the cover20may be molded from a polymeric material such as plastic. The cover20may be dome shaped, but may also be shaped and sized in various other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. The cover20may be removably connected to the base18to provide access to the inner compartment22in order, for example, to replace the batteries24. A variety of methods may be used for interconnecting the cover20and the base18. For example, the cover20and base18may be interconnected by a threaded connection. Alternatively, the base18may snapably, latchably, or otherwise removably engage the cover20. A seal member (not shown) may be interposed between the cover20and the base18for sealing against moisture infiltration into the housing12. The seal member may be in the form of a compressible elastomeric seal, such as a rubber o-ring.

FIG. 3illustrates a front elevation view of the water agitation system10ofFIG. 2. The agitating mechanism16is driven by the motor14so as to impart motion to water contained within a water retention structure. In the illustrated embodiments, the agitating mechanism16includes a blade assembly40that is rotatably driven by the motor14. The agitating mechanism16is configured to agitate water within a water retaining structure. That is, the blade assembly40is rotated in order to agitate, stir, circulate, or otherwise move surrounding water within a water retaining structure.

The blade assembly40is shown having two blades42, but fewer or a greater number of blades may be provided. A drive shaft44interconnects the motor14to the blade assembly40. The drive shaft44has a first end45connected to the motor14and a second end47connected to the blade assembly40. The drive shaft44passes through the housing12in a sealed manner. The blades42extend outwardly from lateral surfaces43of the drive shaft44in directions defined by line A that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of the drive shaft44. In operation, the motor14rotates the drive shaft44in a direction shown by B. Because the blade assembly40is connected to the second end47of the drive shaft44, the blades42of the blade assembly40move in the same direction. The movement of the blades42in the B direction within a water retention area of a water retention structure causes a corresponding movement, or circulation, of water within the water retention area. That is, the movement of the blades42imparts movement of water within the water retention area.

Optionally, the blades42may extend outwardly from the drive shaft in different directions. Also, the blades42may be placed at different positions along the length of the drive shaft44. Additionally, the drive shaft44may itself be the agitation member. For example, the drive shaft44may have a flat or non-uniform surface, or it may be mounted slightly off-center.

As shown, for example, inFIG. 3, the drive shaft44passes through the base18of the housing12. As such, the blade assembly40is located below the base18of the housing12. A support structure48is provided for supporting the housing12above the water retention structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure48includes a plurality of legs50that extend downwardly from the base18. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs50are U-shaped. Each support leg50includes a pair of upstanding members52and a lower cross member54that interconnects the lower ends51of the upstanding members52and abuts the surface of the water retention structure. The upper ends53of the upstanding members52are connected to the base18. The base18includes integral mounting brackets58that are configured to receive the upstanding members.

Alternatively, the drive shaft44may extend upwardly from the housing12, in order to locate the blade assembly40above the housing12. In such a design, the support structure50may be eliminated and the housing12may rest directly on the upper surface of the water retention structure.

FIG. 4illustrates a side elevation view of the water agitation system10ofFIG. 2. The water agitation system10may include a switch or timer, such as a photocell sensor62, for selectively delivering power to the motor14. The photocell sensor62is interconnected with the motor for activating the motor14in the presence of light and deactivating the motor14in the absence of light. The photocell sensor62may be used to activate the motor14during the day and to deactivate the motor14at night to conserve battery power. Alternatively, a switch (not shown) may be provided to allow the user to manually activate/deactivate the motor14. As another alternative, a timer (not shown) may be provided to allow the user to set the time(s) during which the motor14is active and inactive. When a photocell is provided, it may also be desirable to provide a bypass mechanism for bypassing the photocell. Such a bypass mechanism may take the form of a switch (not shown). Alternatively, a wire within the housing can be moved between terminals to bypass the photocell. Additionally, the photocell sensor62may be enclosed within the system10and configured to detect light and/or infrared radiation through the cover.

FIG. 11illustrates a side elevation view of a water agitation system80according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The water agitation system80includes a housing82that encloses a motor (as discussed above) and a base84integrally formed with a flotation member86. Similar to the embodiments described above, an agitator88having a blade assembly90is operatively connected to the motor. The water agitation system80is similar to the water agitation system10except that the system80includes a flotation member86, but does not include support structures, such as the support structures48shown, for example, inFIG. 3. The flotation member86has channels87formed therethrough. The flotation member86may be a ring of buoyant material, such as styrofoam, or an airtight tube filled with air. In particular, the flotation member may be a rubber tube or membrane that may be filled with air. In this case, the rubber membrane protects the motor and components within the housing82against water infiltration. Instead of a ring, the flotation member86may include a plurality of pontoons positioned underneath the housing82. Preferably, the flotation member86provides enough buoyancy to ensure that the water agitation system80floats so that the agitator88does not abut against a surface of a water retention structure. Optionally, the flotation member86may be positioned within the housing82, instead of extending downwardly from the base84, as shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 12illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation system200according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The water agitation system200includes a water agitation assembly202that is electrically connected to a remote power pack204through a water proof cable, or wire,206. The water agitation assembly202is positioned within a water retention structure208, such as a bird bath basin. The power pack204houses batteries, or may optionally provide an electrical connection between the water agitation assembly202and an electrical outlet. The water agitation assembly202houses a motor that operatively connects to a drive shaft having an agitation mechanism (as described above). Because the power pack204is located remotely from the water agitation assembly202, less space within the water retention structure is occupied by the water agitation assembly202.

FIG. 13illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system300according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The water agitation system300includes an agitator302integrally formed with a drive shaft304, which is in turn operatively connected to a motor positioned within a housing306. The housing306is connected to a beam308that connects to a mounting bracket310that is secured to a portion of a water retention structure312. The housing306may or may not include a battery compartment as discussed above with respect to other embodiments. The water agitation system300is configured so that the agitator302is positioned within water314retained by the water retention structure312. The agitator302may be configured to float on the water314(e.g., the agitator302may be formed of a buoyant material such as Styrofoam or the like) or to be submerged within the water314.

The beam308may flex in the directions of D depending on the water level within the water retention structure312. That is, if the agitator302floats on the water314, the agitator302rises and falls depending on the water level. The movement of the agitator302causes the housing306to move in response thereto, which in turn causes the beam308to flex accordingly.

FIG. 14illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system400according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The system400includes a housing402having a motor that is operatively connected to a flexible wire404. An agitator406is connected to a distal end407of the flexible wire404. The housing402is supported by a bracket408, which is secured to a portion of a water retention structure410. The system400may include a battery compartment or it may be electrically connected to a standard electrical outlet.

The agitator406may be formed of a buoyant material and float on the surface of the water412. The flexible wire404may be rigid enough to retain a general curved shape as shown inFIG. 14. Similar to the system300, the level of the water412may cause the wire404to move in response thereto in the directions of E. The motor operates to rotate the wire404, which is securely attached to the agitator406. Thus, the agitator rotates in response to the rotation of the wire404.

FIG. 15illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system500according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The system500includes a housing502having a motor that is operatively connected to an angled drive shaft504. The angled drive shaft504is angled such that an agitator506that is secured to a distal end507of the drive shaft504is positioned within water508retained within a water retention structure510. The housing502is supported by a bracket512, which is secured to a portion of the water retention structure510. The system500may include a battery compartment or it may be electrically connected to a standard electrical outlet.

FIG. 16illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system600according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The system600includes a housing602having a motor that is operatively connected to a flexible wire604. An agitator606is connected to a distal end607of the flexible wire604. The housing602is supported by a bracket608, which is secured to a portion of a water retention structure610. The system600may include a battery compartment or it may be electrically connected to a standard electrical outlet.

The agitator606may be formed of a buoyant material and float on the surface of water612retained by the water retention structure610. The flexible wire604may be float on the surface of the water612or submerge into the water512. The motor operates to rotate the wire604, which is securely attached to the agitator606. Thus, the agitator rotates in response to the rotation of the wire604.

FIG. 17illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system700according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The water agitation system700is similar to the water agitation system300shown inFIG. 13except that the water agitation system700is not mounted to a portion of the water retention structure702. Instead, the housing704having a motor operatively connected to a drive shaft706is connected to a beam708. The beam708is, in turn connected to a mounting member710, which is supported by an upright member712. The upright member712is separate and distinct from the water retention structure702. The upright member712may be connected to a portion of a pedestal714supporting the water retention structure702. Optionally, the upright member712may not be connected to the pedestal714, and instead may be mounted directly into the ground. The upright member712may be a decorative pole or a statue capable of supporting the water agitation system700. Alternatively, the water agitation systems400,500, and600may all be mounted to an upright member, such as upright member712, instead of mounting to a portion of the water retention structure.

FIG. 18illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system10comprising a sound system802,804according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. As inFIGS. 3 and 4, the housing12includes a base18and a cover20that define an inner compartment22. A plurality of legs50extend downwardly from the base18. Alternatively, the water agitation system10may include a flotation member, as shown for example, inFIG. 11. The motor14is mounted within the inner compartment22to protect against moisture and exposure. A sound board802and speaker804may also be disposed within the inner compartment and connected to a power source, such as batteries24. However, alternative embodiments are envisioned. For example, it may be preferable to locate the speakers804outside the inner compartment22. Similarly, the sound board802may be outside the inner compartment22.

The sound board802may include circuitry arranged for storing and recalling information corresponding to sounds. The circuitry may include digital circuitry that stores sounds in a digital format. One or more sounds may be stored. The circuitry may also have circuitry arranged to recall the digitally stored sounds. The sounds may be recalled in a variety of ways. For example, the sounds may be recalled continuously in a loop. As another example, the sounds may be recalled at random intervals. As yet another example, the sounds may be recalled in a manner that combines aspects of random recall and loop recall.

The digitally stored sounds may be representative of a variety of sounds found in nature. For example, the digitally stored sounds may be representative of moving water sounds. Moving water sounds may include, but are not limited to, sounds representative of rain, waterfalls, rapids, water chutes, waves, water landing on water, and water landing on rock. The digitally stored sounds may also be representative of sounds of wildlife. Wildlife sounds may include, but are not limited to, sounds representative of birds, fish, mammals, amphibians, insects, and reptiles. For example, wildlife sounds may include sounds representative of those found near a body of moving water, such as frogs, insects, and water-loving birds. While the general goal may be to attract certain species, it may also be desirable to configure sounds intended to repel certain species as well.

After the sound is recalled, it may be processed by a variety of sound processing functions including buffers, amplifiers, and filters. Sound storage, recall, and processing may be performed by a variety of hardware and software components. Some or all of sound processing functions may be implemented with one or more micro-controller, digital signal processor, or application-specific integrated circuit.

After processing, the recalled sound is communicated to one or more speakers804. The speaker804may be located on the sound board, or may be disposed at another location in the inner compartment22. Alternatively, the speaker804may be disposed at a remote location outside the housing12. As another example, the speaker804may be mounted on the cover20. According to an embodiment, the speaker804includes a piezoelectric crystal. The piezoelectric crystal may be disposed in the inner compartment22. According to another embodiment, the cover20of the housing12may be in acoustic communication with a speaker804disposed in the inner compartment22such that the cover20resonates in response to the speaker804. By employing the cover20to resonate, it may be possible to project sounds from the cover20itself. The cover20may transmit or amplify sounds generated by the water agitation system10. With this configuration, it is possible to project wildlife-attracting sounds outwardly from the housing12from a relatively low-power speaker in the inner compartment22. Moreover, the projection of sound using the cover20as a resonator may be achieved without openings in the housing12. It may be preferable to select a cover20configuration to provide efficient transmission of acoustical energy for a desired range of frequencies. For example, it may be preferable to select a cover20configuration such that low frequencies are efficiently transmitted. Similarly, other acoustical designs may be desired for certain applications. For example, a material that absorbs acoustical energy in a certain frequency range, such as foam, may be included in the water agitator system10. Using an acoustical absorber, it may be possible to diminish the projection of sounds from the motor14or agitation mechanism16during operation of the water agitation system10.

One or more batteries24may be provided to provide power to the sound board802and speaker804. The batteries24may be rechargeable. For example, rechargeable batteries may be recharged through an available alternating current (AC) supply, such as a household electrical outlet. It may be preferable to provide power directly from an AC supply without batteries24. As another example, batteries24may be recharged by componentry, such as a solar module shown inFIG. 19, configured to convert light energy into electrical energy.

A switch, timer, or volume control (not shown) may be provided for selectively delivering power to the sound board802and speaker804. Certain switches may be configured to be actuated in an automated fashion. For example, a photocell sensor, like the photocell sensor62shown inFIG. 4, may be used to activate or deactivate the sound board802or speaker804. As another alternative, a timer (not shown) may be provided to allow the user to set the time(s) during which the sound board802or speaker804is active and inactive. When a photocell or timer is provided, it may also be desirable to provide a bypass mechanism for bypassing the photocell or timer. Such a bypass mechanism may take the form of a switch (not shown). Alternatively, a wire within the housing can be moved between terminals to bypass the photocell or timer. As another example, a switch (not shown) may be provided to allow the user to manually activate or deactivate the sound board802or speaker804. As another alternative, a volume control may be provided to adjust the power delivered to the sound board802or speaker804. A variety of volume control techniques may be employed. For example, volume control circuitry and a corresponding user interface, such as a knob, may be located on the sound board802or the speaker804.

FIG. 19illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation system comprising solar power according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The battery24is shown in electrical connection with the motor14. The battery24may include one or more batteries24in series, parallel, or in combination of series and parallel. The battery24may be rechargeable. The battery24and motor14are shown in the inner compartment22of the housing12. Outside the housing12, a solar module812is depicted. The solar module812is capable of converting light energy into electrical energy. On the exterior surface of the solar module812, a protective coating814may be provided to prevent ultraviolet rays from damaging the solar module812or the components in the inner compartment22. The protective coating814may include, for example, a protective epoxy. The protective coating814may also be substantially resistant to moisture penetration. To further prevent exterior contaminants such as moisture and ultraviolet rays from penetrating into the inner compartment22, at least one seal816may be situated between the outer perimeter of the solar module812and the housing12. The seal816may be substantially resistant to moisture penetration.

The solar module812may be configured in electrical connection with a rechargeable battery24. A diode810may be interposed along at least a portion of the electrical connection between the battery24and the solar module812. The diode810may regulate an electrical current for recharging the battery24that flows between the battery24and the solar module812. According to an embodiment, the solar module812preferably provides at least 3 volts of potential in open circuit, and is capable of providing 100 milliamps of current when connected in a closed circuit. It may be desirable to choose a rechargeable battery24capable of delivering power to the motor14and the sound board802and speaker804(shown inFIG. 18) during night. Similarly, it may be desirable to choose a rechargeable battery capable of delivering power on overcast and winter days when there is less available sunlight. According to an embodiment, the rechargeable battery may be capable of storing at least 1000 milliamp-hours of energy.

FIGS. 20,21, and22illustrate an outer shell for a water agitation system according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. An outer shell820may be provided in a water agitation system10. A variety of outer shell820configurations may be possible. For example, as depicted inFIGS. 20,21, and22, the outer shell820may take the shape of a dome-like beehive shape. The outer shell820may comprise a variety of materials including pottery, terra cotta, ceramics, or plastics. The outer shell820may include a variety of colors and patterns. The colors and patterns may be included in the selected materials, or may be added to the materials through processes such as painting. The outer shell820configuration, materials, colors and patterns may be selected based on a variety of considerations including heat absorption, water resistance, precipitation runoff, durability, cleanability, hardness, attractiveness to wildlife species, and acoustic properties. The outer shell820may be provided in addition to the cover20, or may be part of the cover20.

The outer shell820may rest on the housing12without attachment, or may be secured to the housing12. The outer shell820may be secured by any of a variety of well known methods for securing objects, such as glue, epoxy, silicone sealant, fasteners, screws, bolts, clamps, snaps, rivets, and the like.

In an embodiment, a foam liner is interposed between the outer shell820and the housing12. The foam liner may cushion the outer shell820from rubbing and jostling the housing12. The foam liner may also assist in supporting and maintaining the position of the outer shell820. The foam liner also makes it relatively simple to replace or change the outer shell820. For example, a user of a water agitator system10may have a variety of outer shells820, each of which are designed to attract different seasonal species of birds. As the seasons and the birds change, the user can simply lift off outer shell820designed to attract the previous season's birds, and replace it with an outer shell820designed to attract the current season's birds. Additionally, the foam may be chosen for acoustical properties. For example, the foam may be chosen to damp sounds emanating from the motor14and agitation mechanism16in the water agitation system10. As another example, the foam may be chosen to prevent the housing12or the outer shell820from resonating, transmitting or amplifying sounds that may not attract wildlife.

FIG. 23illustrates a schematic diagram of a water agitation system according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. The water agitation system10includes a motor14and an agitator16. An acoustical absorber830is also included in the water agitation system10. The acoustical absorber830may damp sounds from the motor14and agitation mechanism16. The acoustical absorber830may also prevent the housing12from acoustically transmitting sounds from the water agitation system10. For example, the acoustical absorber830may dampen vibrations in the housing12. Similarly, the acoustical absorber830may dampen vibrations in an optional outer shell820. The water agitation system may also optionally include a sound board802and speaker804. The acoustical absorber830may be selected to reduce transmission of sounds from the motor14and agitation mechanism16, while still allowing a substantial amount of sound from the sound board802and speaker804to be acoustically transmitted from the water agitation system10.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for imparting motion to water retained within water retaining structures, such as a bird bath. As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention may be used with various types of water retention structures, such as swimming pools, bird baths, ponds, and the like, in which water may stagnate. Embodiments of the present invention may be sized and shaped according to the size and shape of the water retention structure in which the water agitation system is used. The water agitation system may be battery powered, solar powered, or powered through a standard electrical outlet.