And Water Level Control Patents (Class 4/508)
  • Patent number: 10942531
    Abstract: A swimming pool leveling system includes a bracket extending from a first end to a second end, the bracket having openings; a float valve having a body with a float positioned within an interior of the body, the float valve engaged with the bracket via an adjustment device; a pressure reducing valve engaged with the body and to receive a water source; and a base having a base body with an enclosed interior accessible via an opening, the enclosed interior configured to receive a weight, the base having knobs protruding from an end to engage with the openings to secure the base to the bracket; the base is to rest on a surface such that the bracket extends the float valve into a pool; and the float valve to allow filling of the pool to a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Taylor Fife
  • Patent number: 10031530
    Abstract: A water level detection system in a pool, spa, fountain or water feature, the water level detection system being provided with a tap line coupled to a plumbing line on a suction or supply side of a filtration system and admitting water from the pool, spa, fountain or water feature such that the change in level of the water in the tap line corresponds to a change in level of the water in the pool, spa, fountain or water feature. A sensing module has at least one sensor for detecting the height of a column of water or the pressure of a column of air in the water tap line. A controller is coupled to the sensing module and adapted to collect the data from the sensors that detect changes in the level of the water level of the pool, spa, fountain or water feature, communicate the detection of such a change, and report such a change to initiate addition or removal of water from the pool, spa, fountain or water feature body of water to adjust the water level in the body of water to a set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 9834948
    Abstract: A liner for finishing an interior pool surface is disclosed, the liner including a water resistant material; and a predetermined decorative pattern or design, wherein the pattern or design is applied onto at least one side of the liner. The patterns and designs may be either two- or three-dimensional, and can include iridescent and/or reflective inks, reflective beads and/or pebbles and so on, and be arranged in either predetermined or randomized arrays. A customized pool skimmer face plate system is also disclosed, including at least a skimmer face plate cover; a template having a size and shape proportional to the size and shape of the face plate cover; a water-resistant material bearing a color, pattern, or design; and a wrapper created from the water-resistant material using the template that complements neighboring colors, patterns and designs surrounding the skimmer face plate installation location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: ALLIANCE TRADING, INC.
    Inventor: Thurman Lynn Reavis
  • Patent number: 9513638
    Abstract: A water level detection system in a pool, spa, fountain or water feature forming a body of water within, the water level detection system is provided with a tap line coupled to a plumbing line on a suction or supply side of a filtration system and admitting water from the pool, spa, fountain or water feature such that the change in level of the water in the tap line corresponds to a change in level of the water in the pool, spa, fountain or water feature. A sensing module is mounted to the tap line and has at least one sensor for detecting the height of a column of water or the pressure of a column of air in the water tap line. A controller is coupled to the sensing module and adapted to collect the data from the sensors that detect changes in the level of the water level of the body of water, communicate the detection of such a change, and report such a change to initiate addition or removal of water from the body of water to adjust the water level in the body of water to a set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Flashpoint Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 9217259
    Abstract: The inflatable pool for use with a playset slide is used in conjunction with a water sprayer in order to transform a playset slide into a water slide. The inflatable pool is adapted for use with the bottom portion of the playset slide, and includes a rigid member adjacent to a distal end, and which is integrated into the design of the bottom. Inflatable walls work with the bottom to form the shape of the pool, which collects water sliding down from the slide, and provides a soft landing for an end user. The water sprayer is adapted to connect with a garden hose in order to administer water to the top portion of the slide, and also includes a bracket thereon in order to secure itself to the top portion of the water slide or onto structure located adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Karen J. Perrotta
  • Patent number: 9071053
    Abstract: An electrical safety system with an integrated timer is disclosed. The electrical safety system may have an input line connected to an output via one or more communication paths. The electrical safety system may also have a ground fault circuit interrupter module including a sensor coil for monitoring current passing from the input line to the electrical load and producing a current signal and a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. Further, the electrical safety system may have one or more switches for opening or closing the one or more communication paths between the input line and the output, and a solenoid for operating the one or more switches. Additionally, the electrical safety system may have a timer module comprising a timer circuit configured to generate a timer signal and a selector switch in electrical communication with the timer circuit and a visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: POLYGROUP MACAU LIMITED (BVI)
    Inventor: Chi Yin Alan Leung
  • Publication number: 20150089733
    Abstract: Apparatuses for removing excess water from a swimming pool, including a device that measures the level of water in a tank that corresponds to water in a swimming pool. Upon the water level rising above a predetermined maximum amount, a switch in the tank actuates a pump located in the tank and water is pumped from the pool to either be stored or removed from the property containing the swimming pool. Upon water dropping below the predetermined maximum amount the switch deactivates the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Mark A. Sigmon, Dainese Nicholas
  • Patent number: 8967191
    Abstract: A leak detection system for the rapid and accurate detection of the mean surface level change of a body of liquid is provided. The system is capable of sensing mean surface level changes under static or turbulent surface conditions. In one embodiment, the system includes a rigid walled sensor pod with at least one inner pod cavity that is so positioned to receive liquid from a body of liquid such that dynamic equilibrium is possible and maintained between the mean surface level of the body of liquid and the amount of liquid in the inner cavity. The system further includes a sensor assembly having a stiction free float operating in conjunction with a strain gauge, and microprocessors applying algorithms to process, display, and report the sensor data in accordance with the needs of the end user or to initiate actions for automated control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: Richard DeVerse, Van R. Malan
  • Patent number: 8910323
    Abstract: A swimming pool water leveler system. Implementations may include a water leveler comprising one or more of the following aspects: separate fill and sensing chambers within the water leveler housing; logical water level adjustment features that provide a tactile indicator of water level change; a continuous balance line and overflow line; a water supply line seal valve with a cup seal; a reducer plug in an outlet between the sensing chamber and the balance line to assist in junk removal; and the ability to pressure test the balance line and overflow line at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8893318
    Abstract: A swimming pool water leveler system. Implementations may include a water leveler comprising one or more of the following aspects: separate fill and sensing chambers within the water leveler housing; logical water level adjustment features that provide a tactile indicator of water level change; a continuous balance line and overflow line; a water supply line seal valve with a cup seal; a reducer plug in an outlet between the sensing chamber and the balance line to assist in junk removal; and the ability to pressure test the balance line and overflow line at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8875731
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically maintaining the water level of a body of water, such as a pool, is described herein. The present invention comprises a float body contained within a float housing chamber and selectively coupled to a float valve, a ball check valve employed as a means for isolating the pressurized water in the circulation system of a body of water from the water in the float chamber and, after pump operation has ceased, allowing the passage of supply water from the float chamber of the apparatus of the circulation system of a body of water. Flexible conduits or tubing may be provided for ease of installation. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to be conveniently located near the equipment of the circulation system for the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: David Larsen
  • Patent number: 8793820
    Abstract: The present invention is skimmer plug for winterizing a pool. The skimmer plug inserts and grips into the fluid opening, where there is fluid passage from the pool to the skimmer housing and filter assembly. In this manner, the surface of the skimmer plug when installed is slightly raised from the factory skimmer faceplate or skimmer opening by only the thickness of the skimmer plug's outer plate. The fasteners which secure the factory skimmer faceplate and the skimmer housing to the pool sidewall still remain accessible for adjustment by the pool owner or pool service personnel while the skimmer plug is securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Hodak
  • Patent number: 8725301
    Abstract: A method of controlling an ebb and flow watering system utilizing existing hardware commonly used in ebb and flow systems including float switches, water pumps, electromechanical timers, reservoir, control bucket, flood lines, indicator LEDs and plant containers such that the filling and draining of the control bucket is improved by accommodating for hydraulic delays, flood line restrictions, and pump limitations, while further providing constant monitoring for leaks or float switch failure, and shutting off the pumps if the same are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Carskadon, Patrick Barrett
  • Patent number: 8689369
    Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer formed to include an integral disinfectant dispenser. The disinfectant dispenser is adapted to enable infinite adjustment to the level of disinfectant dispensed into the normal flow of the pool water. The skimmer includes a valve that is used to adjust the flow of water distributed to the disinfectant dispenser. The flow rate of water entering the dispensing chamber is controlled by the valve, which controls the water level within the dispensing chamber. The amount of water exiting the dispensing chamber is controlled by a vertically extending elongated flow slit. The higher the water level in the dispensing chamber causes more exposure to the chlorine tablets, increasing the chlorine level in the dispensing water. Chlorinated water exits the flow slit and enters the skimmer main chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: P.I. Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8640275
    Abstract: Devices combining swimming pool skimmers, pumps, and removable, disposable filters into integral, sidewall-mounted systems for above-ground pools and other above-ground liquid containment enclosures, and methods for the use of such systems to remove both larger floating debris and smaller particulate matter to maintain water clarity and hygienic safety within such pools or like liquid containment enclosures are disclosed herein. Specifically, a ring-type above-ground pool comprising a base, a sidewall, and at least a portion of a cleaning system solely supported by the sidewall and mounted at a non-vertical angle such that it is substantially parallel to the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventors: Gary Lee Lawson, Chi Yin Alan Leung, Chung Wai (Paul) Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130247293
    Abstract: An automatic water leveling device for a swimming pool comprising: a cylinder attached to an edge of the swimming pool; a float suspended from a line within the cylinder, where the float rests upon the water within the cylinder; a magnetic contact attached to the float; drain magnets attached towards the top of the cylinder; and fill magnets attached toward the bottom of the cylinder. The automatic water leveling device adjusts the water levels within the swimming pool by activating a drain or spigot associated with the pool. As water levels rise, the float and magnetic contact meet the drain magnets to activate a system to drain the swimming pool. As the water levels lower, the float and magnetic contact meet the fill magnets to activate the system to fill the swimming pool. The system continues to drain or fill the swimming pool until the original water level is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: BRIAN JERONIMUS
  • Patent number: 8375479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for recycling wasted heat using waste hot water that includes: a tub that charges and discharges waste hot water; a heat exchange unit that transfers the heat of waste hot water to cold water supplied to a shower bat; and an upper cover that the open upper portion of the tub, and is friendly to the environment by reducing the amount of fuel consumed to supply hot water and it is possible to reduce the fuel cost by the reduced amount of fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Gomyung-Enertech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Il Kim
  • Patent number: 8266737
    Abstract: A swimming pool water leveler system. Implementations may include a water leveler comprising one or more of the following aspects: separate fill and sensing chambers within the water leveler housing; logical water level adjustment features that provide a tactile indicator of water level change; a continuous balance line and overflow line; a water supply line seal valve with a cup seal; a reducer plug in an outlet between the sensing chamber and the balance line to assist in junk removal; and the ability to pressure test the balance line and overflow line at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8209794
    Abstract: An automatic pool level controller that maintains a water level water in a swimming pool to protect the pool both from a low water level and from overflow conditions that disable pool equipment from operating. The controller monitors water level with a plurality of adjustable conducting sensors that connect to a plurality of relays that control a plurality of switches and a solenoid valve to automatically add water to the pool when the water level falls below the desired level, and halt addition of water when the desired level is achieved, automatically turning on a pump to expel water to reduce the water level, and automatically turning a pump off to halt the discharge of water when the water is reduced to the desired level, maintaining the water level sufficient for operating pool equipment. The controller has an immersible sensor board, a submersible pump and runs on household current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Charles Harrison
  • Patent number: 8091581
    Abstract: A water level control device has connected tubular housings, one serving as a support for a hose connection and the other serving to support a valve housing assembly for operation of a toggle valve within the valve housing. An airtight float serves to raise the one extreme of a float rod when buoyed by sufficient water level admitted through apertures in the valve housing. The other extreme of the float rod is attached to a rod holder to hold the float rod. The rod holder passes through an outlet apertured valve seat wherein a valve washer attached to the rod holder within the toggle valve cavity is urged against the outlet valve seat by water pressure from a water hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michael E. Buchtel
  • Patent number: 7992233
    Abstract: A swimming pool hydraulic suction fuse system. Implementations may include a fuse housing having a pump outlet, a drain inlet, and an air source. The hydraulic suction fuse system may also include a fuse assembly coupled into the fuse housing, the fuse assembly having a fuse body including a first section and a second section. An air intake may be coupled to the fuse body and a magnet assembly may be coupled to the first section of the fuse body. The magnet assembly may include a solid magnet. A fuse may be included, which may be coupled to the second section of the fuse body and include an attractor element coupled between a fuse cap and a fuse stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Goettl, R. Dominic Conn, Steven R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 7934517
    Abstract: Systems for controlling the level of water with in reservoir, such as in a catch basin for an infinity pool. One embodiment of such a water level control system comprises a system housing having a removable front plate with front plate openings, and a water inlet into the housing. The system further comprises a removable mounting plate within the housing, with the mounting plate removable from the housing when the front plate is removed. A valve is included that is connected to the mounting plate, with water from the reservoir entering the housing through the front plate openings. The valve is operable to allow water to flow into the housing through the water inlet when water within the reservoir water falls below a desired level, and stopping the flow into the housing when the reservoir is at the desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: MP Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Morrison
  • Patent number: 7854597
    Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and an arrangement for controlling the variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes an auxiliary device operably connected to the arrangement for controlling, and an arrangement for providing two-way communication between the arrangement for controlling and the auxiliary device. The arrangement for controlling is capable of receiving a parameter from the auxiliary device through the arrangement for providing two-way communication. In one example, the arrangement for controlling is capable of independently controlling the variable speed motor without receipt of a parameter from the auxiliary device. In addition or alternatively, the arrangement for controlling is operable to selectively alter operation of the motor based upon the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Low Power Drives
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher R. Yahnker, Daniel J. Hruby, Kevin Murphy, Edward Brown, David MacCallum, Dennis Dunn, Kenneth N. Clack, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Alberto Morando
  • Patent number: 7836526
    Abstract: A hot tub or spa (100) has a vanishing or overflow edge (110) not readily visible to a user. Water from the main holding area (101) overflows the edge (110) into a catch basin (102). A reservoir (120) holds a constant head of water to provide to a pump (112) and also allows for the holding of increased amounts of water displaced by users who are using the hot tub (100). Water flowing over the vanishing edge (110) flows into the catch basin (102) and thence to the reservoir (120) and pump (112) where the water is recirculated into the spa (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Coast Spas Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald Toye, Donald Alfred Elkington
  • Patent number: 7740032
    Abstract: An automatic liquid filling system including a liquid supply, a liquid-retaining structure, and a filling apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid supply and the liquid-retaining structure. The filling apparatus is configured to automatically supply liquid to the liquid-retaining structure when the liquid recedes below a low level that is based on a position of the filling apparatus in relation to the liquid-retaining structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James McHugh
  • Patent number: 7690054
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling the water level of a pool includes a first tank having a first water level, the first tank including a first float valve connected to a high pressure water source. A second tank has a second water level that is below the first water level, thereby defining a pressure head between the two tanks. The second tank includes a second float valve that is supplied by the pressure head between the two tanks, so that the second float valve receives low pressure water and is adapted to open and close within a range that spans a fraction of an inch. The second tank also includes an adjustable drain opening. The second tank water level varies between an upper limit set by the drain opening and a lower limit set by the opened position of the second float valve. The second tank is connected directly to the pool in open flow communication, so that the water level set in the second tank in turn sets the water level of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew L. Pansini
  • Publication number: 20100071123
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically maintaining the water level of a body of water, such as a pool, is described herein. The present invention comprises a float body contained within a float housing chamber and selectively coupled to a float valve, a ball check valve employed as a means for isolating the pressurized water in the circulation system of a body of water from the water in the float chamber and, after pump operation has ceased, allowing the passage of supply water from the float chamber of the apparatus of the circulation system of a body of water. Flexible conduits or tubing may be provided for ease of installation. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to be conveniently located near the equipment of the circulation system for the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: David Larsen
  • Publication number: 20090260149
    Abstract: A pool top-up tap comprises a conduit from a rain water supply which tops up the pool and a valve assembly which closes off the conduit when the water in the pool reaches a predetermined level. The conduit may supply rain water to an intermediate pool side reservoir which tops up the pool and has an integrated valve assembly which shuts off the water from the reservoir when the water in the pool reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Graham Roy Booth
  • Publication number: 20090165202
    Abstract: Systems for controlling the level of water with in reservoir, such as in a catch basin for an infinity pool. One embodiment of such a water level control system comprises a system housing having a removable front plate with front plate openings, and a water inlet into the housing. The system further comprises a removable mounting plate within the housing, with the mounting plate removable from the housing when the front plate is removed. A valve is included that is connected to the mounting plate, with water from the reservoir entering the housing through the front plate openings. The valve is operable to allow water to flow into the housing through the water inlet when water within the reservoir water falls below a desired level, and stopping the flow into the housing when the reservoir is at the desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Morrison
  • Publication number: 20080307576
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pool arrangement (1) preferably filled with water and consisting of a first pool (10) embodied in the form of a swimming pool (11) and provided with a first side wall (12), a first bottom (13) and a first edge (14) thereof and of at least one second pool (20) embodied in the form of a filtering pool and provided with a second side wall (22), a second bottom (23) and a second edge (24) thereof, wherein at least one pool (10, 20) comprises at least one water discharge orifice (32) and at least one pool (10, 20) comprises at least one water supply orifice (33). For operating in winter season, said filtering pool (21) comprises at least one water discharge orifice (32) and at least one water supply orifice (33) which are connected to each other and remotely located from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: MINNOVA MINERALIEN HANDELSGES M.B.H.
    Inventor: Arnold Klement
  • Patent number: 7395559
    Abstract: A water level controller for a pool has a water level sensor immersed in the pool. A processor detects if the sensor senses low water. A transmitter sends a radio frequency signal to a receiver if the processor detects the low water. The receiver turns on a valve to add water to the pool. The transmitter and processor are contained in a waterproof housing. A main power switch is located internally in the housing, and moves between on and off positions by inverting the housing. A wave filter timer within the processor turns on for a selected interval when the processor detects low water. The receiver has an overfill counter that turns on for a selected interval when the receiver receives the low water signal. The receiver resets the overfill counter prior to reaching the selected count each time that the receiver receives a low water signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Sons Design & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clifton Gibson, J. James Seivert
  • Patent number: 7213275
    Abstract: A hydraulic suction fuse is mounted in a conventional debris collection trap of a swimming pool, spa or the like, to significantly reduce or eliminate any suction force on the bottom or side wall mounted drain of the swimming pool, spa or the like, as a result of the drain becoming essentially wholly covered by a body part of a person or other drain clogging article. Alternatively, the hydraulic suction fuse may be mounted in a compartment in line between the drain and a suction pump of a swimming pool, spa or the like. Thereby, a person captured by the suction force at the drain will be released and the person is free to move away from the drain essentially instantaneously upon contact with the drain. The hydraulic suction fuse is self resetting once inflow through the drain is no longer restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7146658
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pool skimmer including first and second tubular members that are telescopically displaceable with respect to one another, flotation means for suspending it substantially vertically in a body of water, and a tubular connector mounted on the second tubular member in liquid communication with a space defined within the tubular members and defining connector formations for connecting it in line with a hose of a pool pump. In operation in a body of water, the pump creates suction in the tubular connector and surface water flows via a weir defined by the top of the first tubular member, into the said space, via the tubular connector, and into the pool hose. The tubular members define in their side walls apertures that increasingly come into register as overlap of the members increase, thereby permitting water to flow via the apertures directly into the said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Douglas Frank Rea Lyall
  • Patent number: 7117905
    Abstract: An automatic liquid filling system including a liquid supply, a liquid-retaining structure, and a filling apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid supply and the liquid-retaining structure. The filling apparatus is configured to automatically supply liquid to the liquid-retaining structure when the liquid recedes below a low level that is based on a position of the filling apparatus in relation to the liquid-retaining structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James R. McHugh
  • Patent number: 7096898
    Abstract: An automatic liquid filling system including a liquid supply, a liquid-retaining structure, and a filling apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid supply and the liquid-retaining structure. The filling apparatus is configured to automatically supply liquid to the liquid-retaining structure when the liquid recedes below a low level that is based on a position of the filling apparatus in relation to the liquid-retaining structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 7089607
    Abstract: The swimming pool floor or spa floor drain assembly of the present invention includes a drain body having a mouth positionable in proximity to the pool wall to serve as a fluid flow inlet, a spaced apart fluid flow outlet positionable below the mouth and a sidewall interconnecting the mouth with the outlet to define a fluid flow chamber. The cross sectional area of the fluid flow chamber decreases from the mouth to the base. A fluid deflecting plug includes a comparatively large area top and a comparatively small area base. A sidewall interconnects the top and base to form the plug with a cross sectional area decreasing from the top to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Barnes, John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7076813
    Abstract: A skimmer system is provided which includes a reservoir, an inlet, a reservoir pump and a weir. The skimmer system may be attached to a tank having fluid therein. The fluid in the tank defines a tank fluid surface, and the fluid in the reservoir defines a reservoir fluid surface. The reservoir receives fluid from the tank via the inlet, and the tank receives fluid from the reservoir via the reservoir pump. When the skimmer system is activated, the level of the reservoir fluid surface may be maintained below the level of the tank fluid surface. The inlet edge is located below the level of the tank fluid surface. The inlet surface may decline away from the tank to direct the fluid from the tank to the reservoir. The filter is positioned between the inlet and the reservoir to retain particulate within the fluid. The weir defines a weir edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Michael A. Stetson
  • Patent number: 7003817
    Abstract: A device for obtaining a desired pool water level is provided. The device includes a tank in communication with a pool containing a automatic fill device and an overfill drain device in fixed relation to each other. The height of the automatic fill device and overfill drain device can be simultaneously adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Andrew L. Pansini
  • Patent number: 6966079
    Abstract: A skimmer system is provided which includes a reservoir, an inlet, a reservoir pump and a weir. The skimmer system is attached to a tank having fluid therein. The fluid in the tank defines a tank fluid surface. The reservoir receives fluid from the tank. The fluid in the reservoir defines a reservoir fluid surface. The level of the reservoir fluid surface is maintained below the level of the tank fluid surface when the skimmer system is turned on. The inlet defines an inlet edge and an inlet surface. The inlet edge is located below the level of the tank fluid surface. The inlet surface declines away from the tank to transfer the fluid from the tank to the reservoir. The reservoir pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the tank. The filter is positioned between the inlet and the reservoir to retain particulate within the fluid. The weir defines a weir edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Michael A. Stetson
  • Patent number: 6910498
    Abstract: A liquid level control system for detecting and responding to changes in the level of liquid in a container. The system includes a transmitter in radio communication with a receiver, which is in turn connected to a valve assembly. The transmitter unit is programmable to respond to changes in the level of liquid in a container and to emit a radio signal receivable by the receiver unit, which controls the release of liquid to the liquid container via the valve assembly. The signal may be suppressed by a timing circuit in the transmitter circuitry unless and until a liquid level change is sufficiently sustained. The receiver is also programmable to keep the liquid control valve open a predetermined amount of time or to close the valve upon receipt of a high liquid level signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Michael L. Cazden
  • Patent number: 6895608
    Abstract: A hydraulic suction fuse is mounted in a conventional debris collection trap of a swimming pool, spa or the like, to significantly reduce or eliminate any suction force on the bottom or side wall mounted drain of the swimming pool, spa or the like, as a result of the drain becoming essentially wholly covered by a body part of a person or other drain clogging article. Alternatively, the hydraulic suction fuse may be mounted in a compartment in line between the drain and a suction pump of a swimming pool, spa or the like. Thereby, a person captured by the suction force at the drain will be released and the person is free to move away from the drain essentially instantaneously upon contact with the drain. In one embodiment, the hydraulic suction fuse is self resetting once inflow through the drain is no longer restricted. In another embodiment of the hydraulic suction fuse, the hydraulic suction fuse may be easily manually reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 6826787
    Abstract: A portable controller (110) for controlling the level of water in a swimming pool, including: a container (111) adapted to rest in a predetermined position adjacent the pool in which the water level is to be controlled, said container having a base (112) and one or more side walls (113, 114, 116, 117) extending upwardly from said base, an inlet in one of said one or more side walls for receiving water into the container and an outlet in or over at least one of said one or more side walls above said base for discharging water into the pool, said base and said one or more side walls at least in part defining a water storage chamber (124) below said outlet sized to weight said container to retain it in a predetermined position adjacent the pool when said chamber is full of water; an on/off valve (122) in fluid communication with said inlet for controlling flow of water into said container; and a float (132) operatively connected to said on/off valve and adapted to float in the pool when said container is in the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Pac Venture, LLC.
    Inventor: Vincent Gregory
  • Publication number: 20040187203
    Abstract: A water level controller for a pool has a water level sensor immersed in the pool. A processor detects if the sensor senses low water. A transmitter sends a radio frequency signal to a receiver if the processor detects the low water. The receiver turns on a valve to add water to the pool. The transmitter and processor are contained in a waterproof housing. A main power switch is located internally in the housing, and moves between on and off positions by inverting the housing. A wave filter timer within the processor turns on for a selected interval when the processor detects low water. The receiver has an overfill counter that turns on for a selected interval when the receiver receives the low water signal. The receiver resets the overfill counter prior to reaching the selected count each time that the receiver receives a low water signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: J. Clifton Gibson, J. James Seivert
  • Patent number: 6779205
    Abstract: A vacuum surge suppressor for swimming pool safety valves. These valves normally sense and then instantly relieve excessively high vacuum levels in the pool's drain line. Such high vacuum levels occur when an individual becomes trapped by the suction at the pool's drain port which is connected to the drain line. The valve relieves the high vacuum level in the pool's drain line and the suction at the drain port by bleeding air into the pool's drain line, causing the pump connected to the drain line to lose prime. However, the safety function and indeed the entire function of the pool's drain system can be disabled by a short duration vacuum surge which occurs when the pump starts. The present invention suppresses the surge before it reaches the safety valve, thereby permitting the pool and the valve to function despite the presence of such short duration surges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Mulvey, George Pellington, Marwood Ruschel
  • Publication number: 20040154092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pool skimmer including first and second tubular members that are telescopically displaceable with respect to one another, flotation means for suspending it substantially vertically in a body of water, and a tubular connector mounted on the second tubular member in liquid communication with a space defined within the tubular members and defining connector formations for connecting it in line with a hose of a pool pump. In operation in a body of water, the pump creates suction in the tubular connector and surface water flows via a weir defined by the top of the first tubular member, into the said space, via the tubular connector, and into the pool hose. The tubular members define in their side walls apertures that increasingly come into register as overlap of the members increase, thereby permitting water to flow via the apertures directly into the said space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Frank Rea Lyall
  • Patent number: 6754915
    Abstract: An automatic shutoff valve that can be easily installed in a swimming pool skimmer, that will prevent the flow of air through the suction outlet when the water level drops below the minimum level required to maintain buoyancy of the automatic shutoff valve's float. The valve is designed to automatically reset to normal when a sufficient level of liquid is restored in the pool and skimmer assembly, and any suction acting on the outflow portion of the valve is briefly interrupted to release the float from its position on the valve seat. During operation, the valve protects the pool's circulating pump from damage that could result from becoming air-bound ad losing its prime, as a result of sucking air through the skimmer's bottom outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Mistarz
  • Patent number: 6747367
    Abstract: A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system acts as a power distribution system for controlling the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto
  • Patent number: 6718567
    Abstract: A water level controller for a pool has a water level sensor immersed in the pool. A processor detects if the sensor senses low water. A transmitter sends a radio frequency signal to a receiver if the processor detects the low water. The receiver turns on a valve to add water to the pool. The transmitter and processor are contained in a waterproof housing. A main power switch is located internally in the housing, and moves between on and off positions by inverting the housing. A wave filter timer within the processor turns on for a selected interval when the processor detects low water. The receiver has an overfill counter that turns on for a selected interval when the receiver receives the low water signal. The receiver resets the overfill counter prior to reaching the selected count each time that the receiver receives a low water signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sons Design & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clifton Gibson, J. James Seivert
  • Patent number: 6701542
    Abstract: A floating weir skimmer (1) with a pivoting flap (2) that can be fixed to a flexible wall (3) of an above-ground pool, comprising: a flexible pouch (4) with an open front face (7) that can be sealed to the exterior face of the flexible wall (3) to correspond with an opening (8) therein, and a removable rigid cassette (9) in the flexible pouch (4), with two side walls (10) frontally defining a water inlet (11) facing the opening (8) and at the bottom a water outlet (12), this cassette containing a pivoting floating flap (2) with its axle (13) fixed to the base of the side walls (10) near the inlet (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sevylor International
    Inventor: Gerard Marbach
  • Publication number: 20040034916
    Abstract: A swimming pool backwash control arrangement includes a timing device incorporated with a valve for controlling normal re-circulating flow and backwash flow through a swimming pool filter. The timer is constructed to be in series with the electric power circuit to the pool pump and is activated when the valve is moved to the backwash flow position. The timer functions to maintain electric power to the pump for a user-specified or a pre-set period. At the end of the period the timer will cause the circuit to open thereby disabling the pump. Power can be restored to the pump by returning the valve to its normal re-circulating flow position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: John G. Burrey