Alan A Robinson

US Patent:

6367713, Apr 9, 2002

Filed:

Feb 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/799252

Inventors:

Alan Robinson - El Monte CA
William Knapp - Carmel Valley CA

Assignee:

WET Enterprises, Inc. - Universal City CA

International Classification:

B05B 1708

US Classification:

239170, 239 22

Abstract:

A water display which contains a plurality of drip tubes that are suspended from a structure, and periodically drip droplets of fluid in a manner that simulates ârain fallâ. The tubes are attached to a tank that contains a ballast and a volume of fluid. When the water display is off, the ballast is located in an upper position so that the level of fluid is below the openings of the tubes. The display further contains a control mechanism that lowers the ballast into the fluid. Lowering the ballast, displaces the fluid to a level above the opening of the tubes, wherein the fluid flows out of the tank and through the tubes. The control mechanism then raises the ballast to the first position to again lower the fluid to a level below the opening of the tube. The cycle of lowering and raising the ballast is repeated in a periodic manner.

US Patent:

46627308, May 5, 1987

Filed:

Oct 18, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/663469

Inventors:

Chris Outwater - Los Angeles CA
Alan Robinson - El Monte CA

Assignee:

Kerascan, Inc. - Santa Ana CA

International Classification:

A61B 310

US Classification:

351212

Abstract:

A scanning keratometer for the rapid and accurate measurement and mapping of the corneal curvature is disclosed. The keratometer has a monochromatic light source directing light to a scanner, preferably controlled by a microcomputer. The scanner directs the light to a holographic element functioning as a lens which in turn focuses the light to a fixed focal point forward of the holographic element independent of the area of the holographic element being illuminated. The subject's eye is position with respect to the fixed focal point so that a part of the light incident to the eye is reflected from the surface thereof again passing through the holographic element, to be deflected from the main optical axis of the system to a suitable area sensor. Assuming the subject's eye is properly positioned and the cornea surface matches the shape of an ideal cornea, the light incident to the cornea will be reflected in the same direction as the incident light, ultimately impinging on the center of the sensor. If, on the other hand, the local area of the cornea being illuminated is not matching, the light reflected from the cornea will be at an angle with respect to the incident light, ultimately impinging on the sensor at a position dependent upon the shape of the local area of the cornea then being illuminated.

US Patent:

48726117, Oct 10, 1989

Filed:

Oct 11, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/256121

Inventors:

Alan S. Robinson - El Monte CA
Mark W. Fuller - Studio City CA

Assignee:

Wet Enterprises, Inc. - Universal City CA

International Classification:

F21P 700
B05B 114

US Classification:

239 18

Abstract:

The present invention comprises a venturi- and snorkel-less water fountain nozzle that creates low mounds of flowing water for water fountain displays. Instead of incorporating a venturi and snorkel like prior art nozzles, the present invention features an inverted cone dispersion element mounted partially within the nozzle that accelerates water flowing through the nozzle and directs it radially outwards to produce the appearance of a mound. The nozzle is typically submerged under 1/2 to 3/4 inches of water. The appearance of the mound can be varied by varying the depth of submergence of, or the flow rate of water through the nozzle.

US Patent:

46618937, Apr 28, 1987

Filed:

Nov 25, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/801465

Inventors:

Alan S. Robinson - El Monte CA
Mark W. Fuller - Studio City CA

Assignee:

Wet Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

F21Y 2900

US Classification:

362267

Abstract:

An underwater lighting system for the illumination of decorative water displays and the like is disclosed. Each light in a typical lighting system is disposed below the surface of the water, with the light source having a flat lens to avoid the spreading of the rays due to the index of refraction of the water. Disposed over the light source with the upper surface thereof above the water surface and the lower surface thereof below the water surface is a light guide for allowing the passage of light therethrough substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces, though at the same time substantially inhibiting light from passing therethrough which is not substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the light guide, at least with respect to one transverse axis thereof. In this manner, the normal diffusing of underwater lighting encountered in water display caused by ripples in the pool are avoided because of the upper surface of the light guide being above the water level. The net result is that light passing directly from the light source to the eyes of the display observer is held to a minimum, as is the intermixing of light from multiple light sources, thereby making the light sources substantially invisible to the observer and allowing illumination of the water display with multiple lights of different colors in a pleasing and effective manner.

US Patent:

47151366, Dec 29, 1987

Filed:

Sep 9, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/905698

Inventors:

Mark W. Fuller - Los Angeles CA
Alan S. Robinson - El Monte CA

Assignee:

Wet Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

G09F 1900

US Classification:

40406

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for creating a kinetic water display is provided having a plurality of water jets for outputting streams of water and also having a transparent plate of clear glass or acrylic material. The transparent plate is disposed proximate to and in opposing relationship to the streams of water such that the streams impinge upon the inner surface of the transparent plate thereby forming at least one kinetic shape comprised of ambient air and water upon the inner surface of the transparent plate.

US Patent:

53819560, Jan 17, 1995

Filed:

Aug 26, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/112429

Inventors:

Alan S. Robinson - El Monte CA
Joseph W. Starr - Burbank CA

Assignee:

Wet Design - Universal City CA

International Classification:

B05B 1708

US Classification:

239 22

Abstract:

A water display that has a container with a floor that defines an inner cavity. The container has a top opening adapted to allow a fluid to flow into the inner cavity at a first predetermined flowrate. The floor is constructed to contain the fluid when the fluid flows into the inner cavity, such that the fluid reaches a first predetermined level within the container. The floor also has a floor opening adapted to allow the fluid to flow out of the inner cavity. Within the container is a valve operatively connected to the floor opening that allows the fluid to flow out of the inner cavity at a second predetermined flowrate, when the fluid level reaches the first predetermined level. The second flowrate being greater than the first flowrate, such that when the valve allows the fluid to flow out of the container, the fluid level in the inner cavity decreases until the fluid level reaches a second predetermined level.

US Patent:

48588261, Aug 22, 1989

Filed:

Dec 28, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/291414

Inventors:

Alan S. Robinson - El Monte CA
Mark W. Fuller - Studio City CA

Assignee:

Wet Enterprises, Inc. - Universal City CA

International Classification:

F21P 700

US Classification:

239 18

Abstract:

The invention consists of a colored flame system for illuminating water fountains. A burner assembly, comprising a main burner, a pilot burner, an igniter, a flame sensor and multiple colorant nozzles is located adjacent to one or more water nozzles of the fountain. A control unit oversees operation of the system. Upon commands from an operator, the control unit causes the pilot and main burners to light and injects the desired colorants into the main burner flame. The colorants are concentrated solutions of metallic salts. The flame sensor acts as a safety device insuring that gas and colorants are emitted only when the pilot and main burners are lit. 7.

US Patent:

50982222, Mar 24, 1992

Filed:

Oct 2, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/416988

Inventors:

Alan S. Robinson - El Monte CA

Assignee:

Wet Design - Universal City CA

International Classification:

E04H 318

US Classification:

405 79

Abstract:

A wave generator for generating waves in pools and the like for water sports, amusement and the like. The wave generator has a water inlet/outlet disposed and configured so that when acting as an inlet, it will draw water from the pool and not air from above the pool. The wave generator includes a sealable chamber coupled to the water inlet/outlet for temporary storage of a substantial quantity of water at elevations above the level of water in the pool. In operation the chamber is sealed and air is pumped therefrom by a suitable air pump, by an entrainment device or other equipment, substantially filling the chamber with water from the pool. To generate a wave, the upper part of the chaber is then vented to the atmosphere, allowing the water in the chamber to rush out through the inlet/outlet thereof, with the sudden rush of water generating the desired wave. Various embodiments are disclosed.