Abstract: A portable panic alarm assembly includes a housing and an audible alarm device mounted within the housing. The alarm device is electrically and operably interconnected between first and second alarm contacts. A battery mounted within the housing has a pair of oppositely charged electrodes. A first electrode is connected to the first alarm contact. An actuator switch is slidably mounted in the housing and includes an actuator contact. The actuator switch is operably alternated between an open state, wherein the second battery electrode is disconnected from the second alarm contact to deactivate the alarm and a closed state, wherein the second battery electrode is connected to the second alarm contact to activate and sound the alarm.

Abstract: A portable panic alarm assembly includes a housing and an audible alarm device mounted within the housing. The alarm device is electrically and operably interconnected between first and second alarm contacts. A battery mounted within the housing has a pair of oppositely charged electrodes. A first electrode is connected to the first alarm contact. An actuator switch is slidably mounted in the housing and includes an actuator contact. The actuator switch is operably alternated between an open state, wherein the second battery electrode is disconnected from the second alarm contact to deactivate the alarm and a closed state, wherein the second battery electrode is connected to the second alarm contact to activate and sound the alarm.

Abstract: A padlock alarm system includes a shackle that carries a cut sensing element and a switch actuator that operates an alarm switch to activate an alarm when the shackle is cut. A shackle retention assembly is operated by a key cylinder to selectively open and close the lock.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an air evacuation assembly and methods of using the same, and in particular to an assembly used to evacuate air from a sealable plastic bag and to form an air tight seal, and to the methods of using the same. In a preferred embodiment, a valve assembly is provided with an inside piece that is matable with an outside piece. A plastic bag is pierced, and a gasket forms a seal with the bag when the inside piece and outside piece are threadably engaged. A check ball is contained within a spout. The ball can seal the inside of the bag, or alternatively be moved to allow air to evacuate from the bag. An external rib is provided for forming a tight engagement between the valve assembly and a pump and/or a cap.

Abstract: A water moisture sensing and watering apparatus including a housing having a water chamber that is at least partially evacuatable. A porous sensor is communicably connected to the chamber. When the moisture in the soil is sufficiently high, the pores of the sensor filled sufficiently to become plugged so that a vacuum or low-pressure region and water are maintained within the chamber. When the moisture of the soil drops below a predetermined level, the moisture in the pores is pulled out by the soil and plant roots sufficiently for air to be transmitted through the pores of the sensor into the chamber, increasing pressure in the chamber and providing an indication that water is needed in the soil and, in certain embodiments, automatic watering the soil and plant roots.

Abstract: A magnetic control valve is provided in a suction powered pool cleaner of the type for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The pool cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. The control valve includes an oscillatory valve member movable between open and substantially closed positions relative to an upstream end of the suction tube to produce pressure fluctuations causing the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces. Oscillatory driving of the valve head is assisted by permanent magnets mounted on the valve member and cleaner head to generate repulsion forces as the valve head respectively approaches the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A magnetic control valve is provided in a suction powered pool cleaner of the type for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The pool cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. The control valve includes an oscillatory valve member movable between open and substantially closed positions relative to an upstream end of the suction tube to produce pressure fluctuations causing the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces. Oscillatory driving of the valve head is assisted by permanent magnets mounted on the valve member and cleaner head to generate repulsion forces as the valve head respectively approaches the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An improved suction powered cleaner is provided for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a primary suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. An oscillatory main control valve is pivotally mounted at an upstream end of the primary suction tube and spring-loaded toward a normal open position relative to an annular valve seat. Suction flow through the primary suction tube draws the control valve toward a closed position substantially interrupting water flow, whereupon the control valve returns by spring action to the normal open position, resulting in pressure fluctuations which cause the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces.

Abstract: A flow control weir valve and method of operating the valve is disclosed. The valve has an inlet, an outlet, a bypass inlet, a pivoting cover and a mechanism for controlling the cover in order to provide a relief flow through the valve. The cover is continuously forced to a first, closed position by one or more resilient springs or other flexible force producing mechanisms. When fluid flows within the valve, the closing force generated by the springs may be overcome by the low pressure generated within the valve, which thus allows the ambient environment to force the cover at least partially open once the fluid flow rate passes a threshold value. A step in the body of the valve can be used to interrupt the fluid flow and create a Venturi effect for further assisting the cover to open. The cover is sufficiently responsive to allow a relief flow through the bypass inlet that satisfies rapid and wide-ranging pressure variations created within a cleaning system to which the valve may be attached.

Abstract: An underwater vacuum cleaner for cleaning debris from the bottom of a pool has a collection chamber formed with an inlet, an exhaust port and an actuator port. Operatively associated with the actuator port is a reciprocable push button which moves between a seated position wherein the actuator port is closed, and an unseated position wherein the actuator port is opened. With the push button in the seated position, an air lock is created in the collection chamber when the chamber is submerged into the pool. Once the collection chamber is submerged, movement of the push button into its unseated position breaks the air lock and allows water, and debris carried by the water, to enter the collection chamber. The collection chamber is emptied of water for subsequent use, and the collected debris is held trapped in the chamber, by withdrawing the collection chamber from the pool.

Abstract: An air blower for a spa or the like having an outside enclosure formed by a cover that is fitted tightly onto a base, with a blower-and-motor unit centrally located in the enclosure and air inlet passages extending from the bottom wall of the base along opposite sides thereof upwardly into an air chamber in the cover, to the intake of the blower. An acoustical foam lining is provided for the air intake chamber, and the blower is mounted in a nest of acoustical foam and clamped against an internal platform on the base. Blocks of acoustical foam in the air inlet passages in the base, on opposite sides of a central outlet passage, overlie the inlets through the platform into the air chamber, blocking straight-line paths through the passages and partially covering the wall of the outlet passage.

Abstract: A floating fountain device for a swimming pool includes a fountainhead to create a water fountain and a lamp and generator to illuminate the fountain, the generator being sealed in an envelope and driven by a water turbine through a magnetic coupling.

Abstract: An air blower assembly for a spa having a vent valve in the outlet passage from the blower, with a bi-metallic coil for opening the valve and venting the outlet when the temperature reaches a preselected danger level. The valve comprises two telescoped tubular members having elongated vent ports movable angularly into alignment, the inner member being rotatably supported on the assembly for adjustment of the set point and the outer member being rotatable about the inner member by the coil.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy spa having a water jet into which air is aspirated through a conduit and a control valve for varying the effective flow area to the conduit from space inside the spa. The control valve comprises two generally cylindrical valve body members fitted together and defining an inlet passage extending outwardly between the two, and an outlet passage extending inwardly through the inner member and containing a ball check valve for preventing a reverse fluid flow. A cup-shaped cap is snap-fitted on the outer end portion of the valve body and formed with a closure member on its underside for variably opening arcuate ports in the outer end of the body variably connecting the inlet and outlet passages through these ports.

Abstract: A self-contained hand operated device for cleaning spas, pools and the like of debris comprises an elongated tube having an open lower end and a piston slidably mounted in the tube for drawing water and debris in through the lower end. A piston rod projects upwardly out of the tube and is connected to a handle for manual operation of the piston. A filter for removing debris from water drawn into the tube is provided, and a one-way check valve traps debris in the filter. The piston includes a one-way valve for allowing water to flow past it during each downstroke of the piston. An exit passageway for water trapped in the upper part of the tube is provided which directs water ejected during each upstroke in a direction towards the lower end of the device and has exit openings adjacent a lower part of the tube.

Abstract: A rotatable sprinkler comprising a plastic body having a passage extending through the body and a shoulder within the passage. The body is connectable to a source of water under pressure. A plastic sprinkler head is rotatably received within the passage and is unsupported externally of the housing. The sprinkler head has a retainer integral with the sprinkler head which forms a snap fit with the shoulder to retain the sprinkler head within the passage of the body. A restricted orifice in the passage of the body directs water at relatively high velocity into and through a passage in the sprinkler head. The passage in the sprinkler head is configured so that the sprinkler head is rotated by the flow of water through the sprinkler head.