U.S. patent application number 11/855006 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-28 for water agitation system for water retention structure.
Invention is credited to Joe Blahnik, Donald B. Owen, Thomas K. Reusche.
Application Number | 20080047497 11/855006 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33303057 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080047497 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reusche; Thomas K. ; et
al. |
February 28, 2008 |
WATER AGITATION SYSTEM FOR WATER RETENTION STRUCTURE
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Reusche; Thomas K.; (Elburn,
IL) ; Owen; Donald B.; (Batavia, IL) ;
Blahnik; Joe; (St. Charles, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
33303057 |
Appl. No.: |
11/855006 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10643055 |
Aug 18, 2003 |
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11855006 |
Sep 13, 2007 |
|
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60461964 |
Apr 10, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/69.5 ;
366/343 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 63/042
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/069.5 ;
366/343 |
International
Class: |
A01K 45/00 20060101
A01K045/00; B01F 13/00 20060101 B01F013/00 |
Claims
1. A water agitation system configured to be positioned within a
water retention structure configured to receive and retain water,
said system comprising: a main body positionable within a water
retention area of the water retention structure; and an agitator
operatively connected to a motor housed within said main body, said
agitator connected to a distal end of a drive shaft that extends
outwardly from said main body, said agitator comprising at least
one agitation member outwardly extending from a lateral surface of
said distal end of said drive shaft, said motor configured to
rotate said agitator in order to impart motion to water retained
within the water retention structure.
2. The water agitation system of claim 1, wherein said water
retention structure is one of a basin of a bird bath, a livestock
water trough, a swimming pool, a water tower or a pond.
3. The water agitation system of claim 5, further comprising a seal
member within said main body.
4. The water agitation system of claim 1, further comprising a
support member configured to support said main body above a bottom
surface of the water retention structure.
5. The water agitation system of claim 4, wherein said support
member comprises a plurality of legs that extend downwardly from
said main body.
6. The water agitation system of claim 1, further comprising one or
both of a timer and/or sensor for selectively activating and
deactivating said motor.
7. The water agitation system of claim 1, wherein said at least one
agitation member comprises at least one blade outwardly extending
from said lateral surface of said drive shaft that is rotatably
driven by said motor.
8. The water agitation system of claim 1, further comprising a
flotation member configured to allow the water circulation system
to float within the water retention structure.
9. A water agitation system for use with a water retention
structure comprising: a motor operatively connected to a proximal
end of a drive shaft; a base supporting said motor; and a blade
assembly extending outwardly from said drive shaft, said motor
operable to rotate said blade assembly in order to impart motion to
water retained within the water retention structure.
10. The water agitation system of claim 9, further comprising a
support member configured to support said water agitator above a
bottom surface of the water retention structure.
11. The water agitation system of claim 10, wherein the support
member comprises a plurality of legs that abut said bottom
structure of the water retention area.
12. The water agitation system of claim 9, further comprising one
or both of a timer and/or sensor for selectively activating and
deactivating said motor.
13. The water agitation system of claim 9, further comprising at
least one blade extending from a lateral surface of said drive
shaft that is rotatably driven by said motor.
14. A water agitation system configured to be positioned within a
water retention structure configured to receive and retain water,
said system comprising: an agitator operatively connected to a
motor housed within a main body, said agitator connected to a
distal end of a drive shaft that extends outwardly from the main
body, said agitator comprising at least one agitation member
outwardly extending from a lateral surface of said distal end of
said drive shaft, said motor configured to rotate said agitator in
order to impart motion to water retained within the water retention
structure, wherein said at least one agitation member is operable
to impart motion to the water within the water retention
structure.
15. The water agitation system of claim 14, wherein said water
retention structure is one of a basin of a bird bath, a livestock
water trough, a swimming pool, a water tower or a pond.
16. The water agitation system of claim 14, further comprising a
support member configured to support the water agitation system
above a bottom surface of the water retention structure.
17. The water agitation system of claim 15, wherein said support
member comprises a plurality of legs that extend downwardly from
the main body.
18. The water agitation system of claim 14, further comprising one
or both of a timer and/or sensor for selectively activating and
deactivating said motor.
19. The water agitation system of claim 14, wherein said at least
one agitation member comprises at least one blade outwardly
extending from said lateral surface of said drive shaft that is
rotatably driven by said motor.
20. The water agitation system of claim 14, further comprising a
flotation member configured to allow the water circulation system
to float within the water retention structure.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/643,055 entitled "Water Agitation System
for Water Retention Structure," filed Aug. 18, 2003, which, in
turn, relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/461,964 entitled "Water Agitator for Bird
Baths," filed Apr. 10, 2003, which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a bird bath 100. The
bird bath 100 includes a base 102 that supports a column 104, which
in turn supports a basin 106. The basin 106 is configured to
receive and retain water.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a bird bath.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation
system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of a water
agitation system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a water
agitation system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate isometric views of a water
agitation system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a top elevation view of the water
agitation system of FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively.
[0017] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate side elevation views of the water
agitation system of FIG. 5A.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom plan view of the water agitation
system of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a water retention structure.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of a water
agitation system according to an alternative embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation
system according to another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system according to another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system according to another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system according to another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system according to another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system according to another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] 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
[0028] FIGS. 2-9 illustrate a water agitation system 10 according
to an embodiment of the present invention. The water agitation
system 10 may be sized and constructed for placement in the basin
of a bird bath, such as the bird bath 100 shown in FIG. 1, for
imparting motion to water contained in the basin. Optionally, the
water agitation system 10 may be sized and constructed for use with
livestock water tanks/troughs, small ponds, swimming pools, water
towers, and various other water retaining structures.
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a water retention structure 108, in
general. The water retention structure 108 includes a main body 110
defined by outer walls, which in turn define an interior cavity
112. The interior cavity 112 is configured to receive and retain
water. The water retention structure 108 may 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 cavity 112. The water
retention system 108 may 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 structure 108 may be a basin of a bird bath such as the
bird bath 100 shown in FIG. 1, a swimming pool, a livestock water
trough, a backyard pond, etc.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation
system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
water agitator generally comprises a housing 12, a motor 14 (shown
in FIG. 5A) positioned within the housing 12, and an agitating
mechanism, or agitator, 16 driven by the motor 14 so as to impart
motion to water contained within a water retention structure, such
as a basin of a bird bath.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the water
agitation system 10 of FIG. 2. The housing 12 includes a base 18
and a cover 20 that define an inner compartment 22 (shown, e.g., in
FIG. 5A).
[0032] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate isometric views of the water
agitation system 10 of FIG. 2, with the cover 20 of the housing 12
removed. The motor 14 is mounted within the inner compartment 22 to
protect against moisture. The motor 14 may be battery operated such
that batteries 24 (or battery) are also positioned within the inner
compartment 22 to protect them from moisture. Positive and negative
terminals 26, 28 interconnect the batteries 24 with the motor 14
for supplying power to the motor 14. The positive connection
terminal 26 may be a conductive plate, whereas the negative
terminal 28 may be a spring member. The upper surface 19 of the
base 18 includes integrally formed features for supporting the
motor 14, the batteries 24, and connection terminals 26, 28 within
the housing 12. Specifically, the base 18 defines a motor
compartment 30 for the motor 14, battery compartments 32 for the
batteries 24, and mounting brackets 34 for the terminals 26,
28.
[0033] Optionally, the water agitation system 10 may be configured
to receive power from an electrical outlet. That is, the water
agitation system 10 may not use batteries, but instead may receive
power from a standard electrical outlet or power source. Also, the
water agitation system 10 may be operatively connected to a solar
cell, such that the water agitation system 10 is operated through
solar power.
[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 18 and the cover
20 may be molded from a polymeric material such as plastic. The
cover 20 may be dome shaped, but may also be shaped and sized in
various other configurations without departing from the scope of
the present invention. The cover 20 may be removably connected to
the base 18 to provide access to the inner compartment 22 in order,
for example, to replace the batteries 24. A variety of methods may
be used for interconnecting the cover 20 and the base 18. For
example, the cover 20 and base 18 may be interconnected by a
threaded connection. Alternatively, the base 18 may snapably,
latchably, or otherwise removably engage the cover 20. A seal
member (not shown) may be interposed between the cover 20 and the
base 18 for sealing against moisture infiltration into the housing
12. The seal member may be in the form of a compressible
elastomeric seal, such as a rubber o-ring.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the water
agitation system 10 of FIG. 2. The agitating mechanism 16 is driven
by the motor 14 so as to impart motion to water contained within a
water retention structure. In the illustrated embodiments, the
agitating mechanism 16 includes a blade assembly 40 that is
rotatably driven by the motor 14. The agitating mechanism 16 is
configured to agitate water within a water retaining structure.
That is, the blade assembly 40 is rotated in order to agitate,
stir, circulate, or otherwise move surrounding water within a water
retaining structure.
[0036] The blade assembly 40 is shown having two blades 42, but
fewer or a greater number of blades may be provided. A drive shaft
44 interconnects the motor 14 to the blade assembly 40. The drive
shaft 44 has a first end 45 connected to the motor 14 and a second
end 47 connected to the blade assembly 40. The drive shaft 44
passes through the housing 12 in a sealed manner. The blades 42
extend outwardly from lateral surfaces 43 of the drive shaft 44 in
directions defined by line A that is perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis X of the drive shaft 44. In operation, the motor
14 rotates the drive shaft 44 in a direction shown by B. Because
the blade assembly 40 is connected to the second end 47 of the
drive shaft 44, the blades 42 of the blade assembly 40 move in the
same direction. The movement of the blades 42 in 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 blades 42 imparts
movement of water within the water retention area.
[0037] Optionally, the blades 42 may extend outwardly from the
drive shaft in different directions. Also, the blades 42 may be
placed at different positions along the length of the drive shaft
44.
[0038] As shown, for example, in FIG. 3, the drive shaft 44 passes
through the base 18 of the housing 12. As such, the blade assembly
40 is located below the base 18 of the housing 12. A support
structure 48 is provided for supporting the housing 12 above the
water retention structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the
support structure 48 includes a plurality of legs 50 that extend
downwardly from the base 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the
legs 50 are U-shaped. Each support leg 50 includes a pair of
upstanding members 52 and a lower cross member 54 that
interconnects the lower ends 51 of the upstanding members 52 and
abuts the surface of the water retention structure. The upper ends
53 of the upstanding members 52 are connected to the base 18. The
base 18 includes integral mounting brackets 58 that are configured
to receive the upstanding members.
[0039] Alternatively, the drive shaft 44 may extend upwardly from
the housing 12, in order to locate the blade assembly 40 above the
housing 12. In such a design, the support structure 50 may be
eliminated and the housing 12 may rest directly on the upper
surface of the water retention structure.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of the water
agitation system 10 of FIG. 2. The water agitation system 10 may
include a switch or timer, such as a photocell sensor 62, for
selectively delivering power to the motor 14. The photocell sensor
62 is interconnected with the motor for activating the motor 14 in
the presence of light and deactivating the motor 14 in the absence
of light. The photocell sensor 62 may be used to activate the motor
14 during the day and to deactivate the motor 14 at night to
conserve battery power. Alternatively, a switch (not shown) may be
provided to allow the user to manually activate/deactivate the
motor 14. As another alternative, a timer (not shown) may be
provided to allow the user to set the time(s) during which the
motor 14 is 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.
[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates a side elevation view of a water
agitation system 80 according to an alternative embodiment of the
present invention. The water agitation system 80 includes a housing
82 that encloses a motor (as discussed above) and a base 84
integrally formed with a flotation member 86. Similar to the
embodiments described above, an agitator 88 having a blade assembly
90 is operatively connected to the motor. The water agitation
system 80 is similar to the water agitation system 10 except that
the system 80 includes a flotation member 86, but does not include
support structures, such as the support structures 48 shown, for
example, in FIG. 3. The flotation member 86 has channels 87 formed
therethrough. The flotation member 86 may 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 housing 82
against water infiltration. Instead of a ring, the flotation member
86 may include a plurality of pontoons positioned underneath the
housing 82. Preferably, the flotation member 86 provides enough
buoyancy to ensure that the water agitation system 80 floats so
that the agitator 88 does not abut against a surface of a water
retention structure. Optionally, the flotation member 86 may be
positioned within the housing 82, instead of extending downwardly
from the base 84, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of a water agitation
system 200 according to another alternative embodiment of the
present invention. The water agitation system 200 includes a water
agitation assembly 202 that is electrically connected to a remote
power pack 204 through a water proof cable, or wire, 206. The water
agitation assembly 202 is positioned within a water retention
structure 208, such as a bird bath basin. The power pack 204 houses
batteries, or may optionally provide an electrical connection
between the water agitation assembly 202 and an electrical outlet.
The water agitation assembly 202 houses a motor that operatively
connects to a drive shaft having an agitation mechanism (as
described above). Because the power pack 204 is located remotely
from the water agitation assembly 202, less space within the water
retention structure is occupied by the water agitation assembly
202.
[0043] FIG. 13 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system 300 according to another alternative embodiment of the
present invention. The water agitation system 300 includes an
agitator 302 integrally formed with a drive shaft 304, which is in
turn operatively connected to a motor positioned within a housing
306. The housing 306 is connected to a beam 308 that connects to a
mounting bracket 310 that is secured to a portion of a water
retention structure 312. The housing 306 may or may not include a
battery compartment as discussed above with respect to other
embodiments. The water agitation system 300 is configured so that
the agitator 302 is positioned within water 314 retained by the
water retention structure 312. The agitator 302 may be configured
to float on the water 314 (e.g., the agitator 302 may be formed of
a buoyant material such as Styrofoam or the like) or to be
submerged within the water 314.
[0044] The beam 308 may flex in the directions of D depending on
the water level within the water retention structure 312. That is,
if the agitator 302 floats on the water 314, the agitator 302 rises
and falls depending on the water level. The movement of the
agitator 302 causes the housing 306 to move in response thereto,
which in turn causes the beam 308 to flex accordingly.
[0045] FIG. 14 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system 400 according to another alternative embodiment of the
present invention. The system 400 includes a housing 402 having a
motor that is operatively connected to a flexible wire 404. An
agitator 406 is connected to a distal end 407 of the flexible wire
404. The housing 402 is supported by a bracket 408, which is
secured to a portion of a water retention structure 410. The system
400 may include a battery compartment or it may be electrically
connected to a standard electrical outlet.
[0046] The agitator 406 may be formed of a buoyant material and
float on the surface of the water 412. The flexible wire 404 may be
rigid enough to retain a general curved shape as shown in FIG. 14.
Similar to the system 300, the level of the water 412 may cause the
wire 404 to move in response thereto in the directions of E. The
motor operates to rotate the wire 404, which is securely attached
to the agitator 406. Thus, the agitator rotates in response to the
rotation of the wire 404.
[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system 500 according to another alternative embodiment of the
present invention. The system 500 includes a housing 502 having a
motor that is operatively connected to an angled drive shaft 504.
The angled drive shaft 504 is angled such that an agitator 506 that
is secured to a distal end 507 of the drive shaft 504 is positioned
within water 508 retained within a water retention structure 510.
The housing 502 is supported by a bracket 512, which is secured to
a portion of the water retention structure 510. The system 500 may
include a battery compartment or it may be electrically connected
to a standard electrical outlet.
[0048] FIG. 16 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system 600 according to another alternative embodiment of the
present invention. The system 600 includes a housing 602 having a
motor that is operatively connected to a flexible wire 604. An
agitator 606 is connected to a distal end 607 of the flexible wire
604. The housing 602 is supported by a bracket 608, which is
secured to a portion of a water retention structure 610. The system
600 may include a battery compartment or it may be electrically
connected to a standard electrical outlet.
[0049] The agitator 606 may be formed of a buoyant material and
float on the surface of water 612 retained by the water retention
structure 610. The flexible wire 604 may be float on the surface of
the water 612 or submerge into the water 512. The motor operates to
rotate the wire 604, which is securely attached to the agitator
606. Thus, the agitator rotates in response to the rotation of the
wire 604.
[0050] FIG. 17 illustrates a lateral view of a water agitation
system 700 according to another alternative embodiment of the
present invention. The water agitation system 700 is similar to the
water agitation system 300 shown in FIG. 13 except that the water
agitation system 700 is not mounted to a portion of the water
retention structure 702. Instead, the housing 704 having a motor
operatively connected to a drive shaft 706 is connected to a beam
708. The beam 708 is, in turn connected to a mounting member 710,
which is supported by an upright member 712. The upright member 712
is separate and distinct from the water retention structure 702.
The upright member 712 may be connected to a portion of a pedestal
714 supporting the water retention structure 702. Optionally, the
upright member 712 may not be connected to the pedestal 714, and
instead may be mounted directly into the ground. The upright member
712 may be a decorative pole or a statue capable of supporting the
water agitation system 700. Alternatively, the water agitation
systems 400, 500, and 600 may all be mounted to an upright member,
such as upright member 712, instead of mounting to a portion of the
water retention structure.
[0051] 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.
[0052] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *