Abstract: A system for power line communications between an in-home wireless network and a pool or spa. The system may include a spa network interface in electrical wired connection to an in-home network interface. The spa power line communication module may be hard wired to a spa control unit, and power to the spa may be provided by one or more of a first 120V conductor having a first phase of power, a second 120V conductor having a second phase of power, a ground conductor, and a neutral conductor. The system may optimize the connection between the in-home powerline communications module connected to one phase of power via a home receptacle, and the spa powerline communications module by testing the connection over each conductor and selecting the conductor with the best throughput.

Abstract: A motor control unit including an inverter, a fan to blow air and thereby cool the inverter, and an enclosure configured to maintain the inverter in a dry condition. The enclosure includes a back wall, a bottom wall having a ventilation grid, with the fan positioned adjacent the ventilation grid to draw air therethrough, a top cover member, a central member extending between the top cover member and the bottom wall, and a skirt below the bottom wall defining an at least partially enclosed volume surrounding the ventilation grid, and a droplet diverter to prevent that air drawn by the fan carries water droplets into the enclosure.

Abstract: A local feature controller for pool and spa equipment is provided. The local feature controller can be pre-programmed to selectively control operation of devices near the local feature controller, namely, a valve actuator, water fountain, pool light, landscaping light, etc. The local feature controller can operate autonomously, or under the control of the central controller. The local feature controller could include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and associated user input keys for allowing a user to interact with and control the controller. The local feature controller could be buried underground, and it could be powered by one or more local power sources, namely, a rechargeable battery, line-level (AC) power, a solar panel, or a liquid turbine installed inline with a return line from the pool's filtration system.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a user interface associated with the pump designed to receive input instructions from a user, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller determines a power parameter associated with the motor and compares the power parameter to a predetermined threshold value. The controller triggers a safety vacuum release system based on the comparison of the power parameter and the threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a representative liquid heater that maintains a liquid temperature at a consistent and desirable temperature. The liquid heater includes a housing, a liquid pump, a temperature controller, and a mounting structure. The housing houses a power supply and a heating element that receives power from the power supply. The liquid pump receives power from the power supply and pumps liquid from a liquid container to the heating element, which heats the water. The temperature controller turns on or off the heating element to increase and/or decrease the temperature of the liquid from the liquid container. The mounting structure includes an inlet structure and an outlet structure, both of which are connected to the housing. The inlet structure receives liquid from the liquid container and the outlet structure ejects the liquid from the housing.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a secondary cooling path for circulating liquid coolant through the refrigerator wherein the liquid coolant is cooled by the freezer compartment and wherein the liquid coolant cools the ice maker and the ice bin as the liquid coolant circulates through the secondary cooling path. A pump is positioned along the secondary cooling path for pumping the liquid coolant through the secondary cooling path. A tube having a first end proximate the pump and an opposite end exposed to atmosphere may control suction pressure associated with the pump. The refrigerator reduces frost build up through configuration of the secondary cooling path or performing ice harvesting operations which melt frost. The secondary cooling path may be used to provide for circulating hot liquid. The secondary cooling path may be used to provide for circulating liquid coolant during a power outage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system and a discharge vacuum relief valve for use in a hydraulic system including a safety vacuum release system pump to circulate water in a swimming pool and/or a spa. The hydraulic system includes one or more check valves located on a discharge side of the safety vacuum release system pump. The discharge vacuum relief valve is capable of venting a vacuum at the discharge side of the safety vacuum release system pump during a vacuum event at a suction side of the safety vacuum release system pump.

Abstract: A tub comprising a body for holding a volume of water. A tub system is coupled to the body to perform a function on the volume of water. At least a first circuit has a first circuit portion comprising at least one resistive switch mounted to a visible surface of the body and comprising at least a first resistive element adapted to be contacted by a bather, second circuit portion comprising a water detection sensor mounted to the body for containing liquid in the body above a given level, the first circuit being open between the first resistive element and the water detection sensor, an actuating closed circuit condition by which a bather in liquid above the given level closes the first circuit between the first circuit portion and the second circuit portion when touching the first resistive element.

Abstract: A line voltage transformer device for a bathing installation includes a housing structure, with a line voltage electrical power connection including a line voltage wiring cable having an electrical connection at a distal end for connection to a line voltage AC supply outlet adjacent the bathing installation. A voltage transformer circuit is disposed within the housing and connected to the line voltage electrical power connection and is configured to transform AC line voltage electrical power from the line voltage electrical power connection to low voltage AC power at first and second low voltage AC terminals, wherein the low voltage AC power is delivered to the first and second low voltage AC terminals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing water from freezing in a spa or hot tub featuring a spa pack having a pump, heater and controller connected to a spa power supply through a ground fault circuit interrupter. A sensor is used to monitor an operating condition of the spa pack that is initially electrically connected to the spa power supply in order to activate at least one freeze prevention device if the operating condition of the spa pack changes due to electrical disconnection from the spa power supply by the ground fault circuit interrupter. The freeze prevention device features a heater, a circulating pump or both, and keeps water in the tub and the piping associated therewith from freezing. A switching arrangement is provided for deactivating the system outside the winter season when freeze protection is not required.

Abstract: A detection system for a tub having a water recirculation system includes an electronic sensor and an indicator. The electronic sensor is configured to detect a condition indicative of water being present in a water recirculation system of a tub. The indicator is configured to provide a visual indication according to the detected condition.

Abstract: This is a device and method to keep the temperature of the water in a bathtub at constant temperature throughout the duration of its use. The invention runs off of the electricity supplied to a home. It provides a system that conserves water and energy. The invention only replaces the energy lost to the environment and recycles the water.

Abstract: A spa device including a basin with at least one agitation device and at least one foot massaging device. The agitation device is a pipeless fluid jet. The massaging device may be a three piece massaging foot roller which is placed in a cavity in the bottom surface of the basin. The spa device may include electronic controls for controlling the fluid and agitation devices. The spa device electronic control system may include a fluid level sensor. When the fluid level in the basin reaches a predetermined high level the control system turns off the fluid. When the fluid level in the basin reaches a predetermined low level the control system turns off the jets.

Abstract: A jetted bathtub includes: a bathtub; a suction port opening in a wall of the bathtub and allowing water stored in the bathtub to be sucked therein; a pressurizer configured to suck water from the suction port, and pressurize and discharge the water; and a jet nozzle having a single tube held on the wall below a rim of the bathtub, the jet nozzle being configured to eject water introduced into the tube so that the water is ejected into the bathtub with its ejection direction being varied.

Abstract: A jet face for a jet has a plurality of detents configured to aid gripping the face for rotational operation. The jet face can also include a mounting coupling to accept a removable element. The removable element can be configured as a ring-shaped element, and the coupling a groove sized to accept the element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing water from freezing in a spa or hot tub featuring a spa pack having a pump, heater and controller connected to a spa power supply through a ground fault circuit interrupter. A sensor is used to monitor an operating condition of the spa pack that is initially electrically connected to the spa power supply in order to activate at least one freeze prevention device if the operating condition of the spa pack changes due to electrical disconnection from the spa power supply by the ground fault circuit interrupter. The freeze prevention device features a heater, a circulating pump or both, and keeps water in the tub and the piping associated therewith from freezing. A switching arrangement is provided for deactivating the system outside the winter season when freeze protection is not required.

Abstract: A motor drive for an electric motor of a variable fluid circulating system includes a processing module and a power module. The processing module receives a signal profile and generates a control signal based on the signal profile. A power module generates a carrier signal based on the control signal and a direct current (DC) voltage. The power module pulse width modulates the carrier signal to generate a drive signal in the electric motor that matches the signal profile. The power module powers the electric motor based on the drive signal to adjust injection of a fluid into a reservoir.

Abstract: A spa device including a basin with at least one agitation device and at least one foot massaging device. The agitation device is a pipeless fluid jet. The massaging device may be a three piece massaging foot roller which is placed in a cavity in the bottom surface of the basin. The spa device may include electronic controls for controlling the fluid and agitation devices. The spa device electronic control system may include a fluid level sensor. When the fluid level in the basin reaches a predetermined high level the control system turns off the fluid. When the fluid level in the basin reaches a predetermined low level the control system turns off the jets.

Abstract: A bath apparatus for bathing a body part, such as feet, includes a bath chamber for containing fluid and receiving the user's feet therein. The bath apparatus includes a heater for heating the bath chamber fluid, and a fluid pump for directing streams of water into the bath chamber to massage the user's feet. A float switch is provided so that the heater and the fluid pump only operate if there is an adequate amount of fluid in the bath chamber. The bath apparatus also includes a selection device disposed within the bath chamber, that is configured to be actuated by the user's feet when they are submerged within the bath chamber fluid. This provides a higher water pressure only after the feet are disposed within the bath chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood that water will be expelled from the bath chamber.

Abstract: A combination spa and electronic entertainment system is disclosed. The spa includes a tub with an upper edge from which horizontal surfaces extend. The surfaces have apertures through which water-tight housings may be raised and lowered. The housings hold components of the entertainment system and have tops larger in size than the apertures to form sealing areas engageable with the horizontal surfaces surrounding the apertures for sealing the apertures and the water-tight housings. A moving mechanism is provided to raise and lower the housings. The mechanism has a platform supported on a carriage movable vertically along a support column. A motor raises and lowers the platforms through a cable and pulley system. A motion limiting device having a pivoting arm which engages sensors communicating with the motor through a control system shuts the motor off in response to predetermined upper and lower limits of cable tension.

Abstract: A bath apparatus for bathing a body part, such as feet, includes a bath chamber for containing fluid and receiving the user's feet therein. The bath apparatus includes a heater for heating the bath chamber fluid, and a fluid pump for directing streams of water into the bath chamber to massage the user's feet. A float switch is provided so that the heater and the fluid pump only operate if there is an adequate amount of fluid in the bath chamber. The bath apparatus also includes a selection device disposed within the bath chamber, that is configured to be actuated by the user's feet when they are submerged within the bath chamber fluid. This provides a higher water pressure only after the feet are disposed within the bath chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood that water will be expelled from the bath chamber.

Abstract: An improved water heater for use in spas, hot tubs, pools, hydrotherapy pools, bath tubs, and similar bodies of water used indoors, outdoors, or both indoors and outdoors are used for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. The water heater uses heating element technology know as thick film on substrate comprising resistive elements bonded to the outer dry surface of a pipe to heat the pipe which in turn heats the water flowing therethrough. The heater is highly efficient due to the direct contact of the wet heating surface with the water and provides a smooth seamless inner heating surface by eliminating the need to pass electrical leads into the wet region of the heater. This virtually eliminates the risk of leaks in the water heater due to bulkhead fittings. The invention further eliminates the need for a heating element to be contained in the inner wet region of a spa heater, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion.

Abstract: A water control system includes a control panel connected to a power source and is mountable adjacent to a bathtub. The system further includes a plurality of sensors connected to the control panel for determining water temperature and water flow rate wherein the plurality of sensors are selectively connected to a plurality of water supply lines. The water control system further includes a plurality of valves connected to the control panel for regulating water flow wherein the plurality of valves are selectively connected to a plurality of water supply lines. The water control system further includes at least one heating device fluidly connected to a water source for regulating water temperature. The control panel may be programmable for selectively operating the plurality of valves and the at least one heating device.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling heating of a liquid or liquid stream including electrical equipment operated in conjunction with such heating; a device or devices for monitoring the voltage level of electrical power supplied to such equipment; and a control or controls for controlling such electrical power supplied to that equipment, to decrease power delivery in response to a predetermined decrease in voltage level of power supply to the equipment.

Abstract: A tactile therapy system for use in a spa, hot tub, or pool. The tactile therapy system is based, at least in part, on the hand or foot maps specified in the reflexology art. The system thus includes a pattern of protrusions configured in accordance with reflexology hand map or foot map on which an individual may apply his or her hands or feet. The reflexology-based tactile therapy system may optionally be combined with hydrotherapy, by placing hydrotherapy jets among the pattern of protrusions.

Abstract: A switching assembly that can be used on a spa, pool, bathtub, or aquarium shell without the need to form a hole in the shell. The switching assembly includes an actuator that is mounted on an interior surface of the shell and is exposed at least in part to water held by the shell. The actuator may be mounted above or below the water line. The switching assembly also includes a switch that is responsive to the actuator and is mounted on the opposite, exterior surface of the shell. The switch responds to stimulus from the actuator without the need to form a hole in the shell between the switch and the actuator. The actuator may include a magnet that produces a magnetic field, and the switch may include a reed switch, which changes state in response to the absence or presence of the magnetic field generated by the actuator magnet. The magnet may be supported by a button attached to the shell, and the button protects the magnet from exposure to water and chemicals held in the shell.

Abstract: A spa includes a housing having a tub for holding water, and a retractable entertainment unit having a display. The housing includes an upper portion having a seal surface extending around the tub. The entertainment unit is releasably retractable through an opening in the upper surface and movable between a) a retracted position wherein the display is hidden from view and a top of the entertainment unit is disposed below and laterally outward from the seal surface, and b) an extended position wherein the top is raised above the seal surface and the display is visible.

Abstract: A pedicure treatment system includes a receptacle for immersion treatment with jet action. A recirculating circuit is coupled to a source of sanitizing agent through a metering pump. Different automated sanitizing modes are carried out according to programmed recirculation of the sanitizing agent. Automated fill control with level sensors and power drain features are provided.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy tub includes a plurality of ports and a flow control device. The device includes a motor, a controller, a first pipe, and a second pipe. The first pipe includes a plurality of inlets. The second pipe is movable relative to the first pipe, and the second pipe includes a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of ports. The motor is connected with the first pipe or the second pipe and the controller is coupled with the motor. Moving of the first pipe or the second pipe to a first position serves to operatively direct water to a first port configured to transmit water toward a first portion of a person. A second outlet is in fluid communication with a second port of the plurality of ports, which is configured to transmit water toward a second portion of the person.

Abstract: A fluid holding apparatus including a vessel capable of holding a load including a fluid and a sensor coupled to the vessel. The sensor is operable to sense the load held by the vessel and to generate a signal having a relation to the load. The fluid holding apparatus further includes a controller electrically coupled to the sensor. The controller is operable to initiate a control signal in response to a variation in the load.

Abstract: A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. The presence of water in the heater housing is detected electronically, by turning on the heater, and monitoring the temperature sensors for unusual temperature rises or other faults for a period of time thereafter. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus can also be used to determine the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing.

Abstract: A system for motorized control, by a user, of water delivery to an interior of a tub, spa or shower includes a plurality of ports and a flow control device. The device includes a motor, a controller, a first pipe, and a second pipe. The first pipe includes a plurality of inlets. The second pipe is movable relative to the first pipe, and the second pipe includes a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of ports. The motor is connected with the first pipe or the second pipe and the controller is coupled with the motor and programmed by a user. The controller is programmable to allow water flow from one or more of the ports in a preselected flow patten at preselected intervals of time. Moving of the first pipe or the second pipe by the motor controlled by the controller serves to cause communication of an inlet of the plurality of inlets with a first outlet of the plurality of outlets. The first outlet is in fluid communication with a first port of the plurality of ports.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterilizing tubes and piping of a jetted tub or spa is disclosed. An ozone generator that operates by photodisassociation is connected to a tube connected to an air intake of the tub. A sensor detects when the tub is being filled, and initiates operation of the ozone generator, filling the tubing with ozone prior to water filling these tubes. Ozone may be provided to the water circulating through the tubes during operation in order to purify and sanitize the water. As the tub is being emptied, ozone continues to be provided to the tubes of the tub or spa as they empty, sterilizing these tubes in an empty state. In another embodiment, a timer may be connected to the ozone generator and sensor in order to operate the ozone generator for a selected period of time after the tub or spa is emptied. In yet another embodiment, aroma therapy may be combined with the ozone.

Abstract: An overheating protection system for a spa and the spa's associated equipment. Elements include: a heating element for heating the spa's water, an infrared sensor for detecting the amount of infrared radiation emitted by the heating element, a heating element deactivation device electrically connected to the heating element and the infrared sensor, wherein the heating element deactivation device is for deactivating the heating element. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element deactivation device is an electric circuit comprising a comparator circuit and a control circuit.

Abstract: A freeze control system for a spa for maintaining the temperature of the water inside the spa and the spa's associated piping above the freezing level. Elements include: 1) a heating element for heating the water, 2) at least one pump for pumping the heated water, 3) a first sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the spa tub, 4) a second sensor for detecting the temperature of the ambient air around the spa, and 5) a computer programmed to process signals generated by the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the computer selectively activates and deactivates the heating element and the at least one pump.

Abstract: A method for preventing an obstruction from being trapped by suction to an inlet of a pool filter pump system, and a lint trap cover therefor. The cover is for installation on a lint trap unit located upstream of a pool filter pump, and is configured to vent air into the lint trap unit when a vacuum level within the unit exceeds a specified vacuum limit, as is the case if the drain or another inlet connected to the lint trap unit is partially or completely obstructed, such as by a child or foreign object. The rapid influx of air eliminates the vacuum within the pump and suction lines and, therefore, the resulting unsafe condition. The lint trap cover preferably has a damped mode of operation so that the pump system does not recover before the obstruction is removed. The cover can be manufactured as original equipment for the lint trap unit, or an existing cover can be modified to include the components required for venting the lint trap unit without requiring any modifications to the remaining pump system.

Abstract: A safety device for use in a fluid transfer and/or circulation system of the type which uses a pump to draw water from a reservoir through one or more intake lines each extending from an open end at the reservoir to the pump intake. The safety device connects to the fluid transfer/circulation system and includes a sensor, a triggering mechanism, and a vacuum breaker. When the pump is operating, the sensor monitors one or more conditions of the system. When one or more of the monitored conditions deviates outside of a normal operational range, as a result of an obstruction of any one or more of the open ends of the intake lines, the triggering mechanism triggers the vacuum breaker to eliminate negative pressure in the system by introducing air from atmosphere into the intake lines, thereby removing suction at the open ends of the intake lines. The safety device may further activate warning devices including audible and visible alarms to indicate that the system has been deactivated.

Abstract: A system for manual control, by a user, of water delivery to an interior of a tub, spa or shower includes a plurality of ports and a flow control device. The device includes a handle, a first pipe, and a second pipe. The handle is movable among a plurality of positions. The first pipe includes a plurality of inlets. The second pipe is movable relative to the first pipe, and the second pipe includes a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of ports. The handle is connected with the first pipe or the second pipe. Manual moving of the handle by a user serves to cause communication of an inlet of the plurality of inlets with a first outlet of the plurality of outlets. The first outlet is in fluid communication with a first port of the plurality of ports. The communication of the inlet with the first outlet serves to allow flow of water from a water source to the inlet to the first outlet to the first port to the interior of the tub, spa or shower.