AQUARIUM-TYPE APPARATUS WITH SPECIFIC OPTICAL EFFECT Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: equipment for keeping, growing and/or investigation of aqueous media and associated flora and/or fauna, may be used in aquariums, terrariums and like constructions. SUBSTANCE: apparatus has vessel with aqueous inhabitants and/or interior. Vessel is provided with inlet opening, convex rear spherical wall covered with light-reflecting opaque layer and viewing window opposite spherical wall, with space between window and spherical wall exceeding focal length, but less than radius of curvature of spherical wall. Optical effect is provided by means of Fresnel lens having light-reflecting layer applied to its profiled surface. Such construction intensifies amusing effect by allowing the image of aquarium inhabitants and surrounding interior to be created beyond apparatus through forming the effect of "gliding" picturesque, three-dimensional, dynamically changing images in natural habitat of human beings. EFFECT: wider operational capability, simplified construction, increased entertaining effect and provision for effective observation and investigation of life of aquarium or terrarium inhabitants. 15 cl, 6 dwg