Abstract: A combination spa and video entertainment system is disclosed wherein the video monitor is removably mountable to the spa so that it does not interfere with spa cover removal or replacement. The transportable video monitor is plug connectable to a mounting post attached to a sidewall of the spa which contains power, video and control cables. The video monitor is also plug connectable to a docking station that may be located indoors, which contains power, video and control cables, for viewing the video monitor indoors when the spa is not being used.

Abstract: A portable spa including an audio system designed to use the spa shell as the sound generating device. Transducer devices are mounted within an enclosure which is bonded to the spa shell so as couple the sound vibration energy to the shell so that sound can be heard when using the spa.

Abstract: A fluid mixer including a mixing element configured to separate and mix hot and cold water streams.

Abstract: A method of controlling a flow of liquid includes calibrating a PSD infrared sensor associated with the spout. The calibrating includes turning on the spout to thereby dispense a stream of liquid from the spout and into a stream space; emitting infrared energy from the PSD infrared sensor and toward the stream of liquid; sensing a first position of the infrared energy after the infrared energy has been reflected back to the sensor from the stream of liquid; storing first information based upon the first position of the reflected infrared energy; turning off the spout to thereby inhibit the liquid from being dispensed from the spout; sensing a second position of the infrared energy after the infrared energy has been reflected back to the sensor from an object that is fixed relative to the sensor; and storing second information based upon the second position of the reflected infrared energy. Infrared energy is emitted from the PSD infrared sensor and toward the stream space.

Abstract: A laminar flow waterfall in the form of a single or multiple streams of water, each exiting from a nozzle in the top edge of a spa. The laminar water stream is created by a venturi nozzle located in a plenum chamber. The inlet side of the nozzle has a cover with a plurality of small holes forcing the water flow to enter the nozzle as laminar flow. A flow divider inside the venturi nozzle, from the inlet to the restriction of the nozzle, maintains the flow laminar through the nozzle. Light is injected into the flow divider at the inlet and is carried by the flow divider to be injected into the water flow at the restriction of the nozzle.

Abstract: A multiple nozzle moving jet structure for a spa, attached to flexible tubes encased in an articulated sleeve exhausts pressurized water into the spa in a vertical whipping motion, in reaction to the water exhaust. The multiple nozzle structure utilizes one air supply tube to aerate water streams of the multiple nozzle structure. The combination of the multiple nozzle structure with the articulated sleeves on the flexible tubes, confines movement of the nozzle structure in one plane, eliminating the requirement for a guide body to confine direction of nozzle movement.

Abstract: A combination swivel spray aerator includes a stem that defines an inlet port for supplying water. The stem includes a neck and a swivel connector that is provided at one end of the stem. A spray head is coupled to the swivel connector in a swiveling manner. The spray head includes a housing and a swivel seal that seals between the housing and the swivel connector. A shroud is coupled to the stem for hiding at least the neck of the stem from view in order to provide a clean appearance. The swivel spray aerator further includes a diverter that switches between spray and aeration modes regardless which direction the spray head is rotated. A gimbal mechanism in the spray head allows the spray head to twist without requiring excessive swiveling friction.