Abstract: A temperature control system for a bathing unit that includes a water holding receptacle and a heating module. The temperature control system comprises a plurality of actuators associated to the heating module and a temperature regulation device in communication with the actuators. The plurality of actuators are adapted for acquiring a first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a non-heating state and a second set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a heating state. The temperature regulation device is operative for controlling the plurality of actuators to cause the heating module to acquire either one of the heating state or the non-heating state and for selecting a configuration from the first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire the non-heating state. Alternatively, the temperature control system includes a solid state device associated with the heating module.

Abstract: A lighting system is provided including an illumination member, a housing and a resilient element. The illumination member has an electricity conductive portion and a light-emitting portion. The housing defines a chamber for receiving therein the illumination member and includes a socket portion adapted for engaging the electricity conductive portion of the illumination member. The resilient element establishes a contact between the illumination member and the housing for biasing the electricity conductive portion against the socket portion. In a variant, the housing has a light receiving portion defining the chamber and a passageway to the chamber. The housing includes a cap adapted to be removably connected to the light receiving portion for sealing the passageway. In this variant, the illumination member includes a handle portion enabling the removal of the illumination member from the chamber through the passageway.

Abstract: A controller suitable for use in controlling components in a bathing unit is provided. The controller includes a plurality of connectors adapted for providing electrical power to respective bathing unit components. Each connector includes a set of contact elements arranged in a common configuration. A first subset of the set of contact elements is adapted for generating a power signal characterized by a first current-voltage combination and a second subset of the set of contact elements is adapted for generating a power signal characterized by second current-voltage combination. In accordance with another aspect, a keying system is providing including a key member for engaging a connector and a complementary key member for engaging a electrical plug. The keying system enables the electrical plug and the connector to establish an electrical connection when the key member and then complementary key member match.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control panel for controlling operational settings of a spa. The control panel includes a first portion having a first user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the operational setting of the spa, and a second portion joined to the first portion and having a second user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the same operational setting of the spa as the first user input device. The first user input device is included within a first user interface positioned such as to facilitate its use by a user situated within the spa. The second user input device is included within a second user interface positioned such as to facilitate use by a user situated outside the spa.

Abstract: A remotely controlled and monitored spa. An interface signal converter is electrically connected to a spa controller. The interface signal converter has an interface means for communicating with a remote computer through a communications link. The signal converter converts communications signals transferred from the remote computer via the communications link and directs the converted signals to the spa controller. Also, the signal converter converts signals from the spa controller to be communicated to the remote computer via the communications link. In a preferred embodiment, the signal converter comprises an IR transceiver. In another preferred embodiment the signal converter also has an RS-485 transceiver. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the interface signal converter is contained within an interface module that is mounted onto the outside of the spa's skirt.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting an electronic module to a control panel. A flange is attached to an electronic module body section. At least one bracket is rotatably attached to the flange. The rotation of the at least one bracket is controllable from the front side of the control panel. When the at least one bracket is tightened a compressive force holding the electronic module body section in place is imparted between the flange, the control panel wall and the at least one bracket. In a preferred embodiment the at least one bracket is two brackets. In the preferred embodiment the two brackets are further controllable from the back side of the control panel. Also, in the preferred embodiment, two bolts are inserted through the flange. Two locking nuts are attached to the two bolts. The electronic module body section has two cavities for housing the two brackets prior to tightening them against the control panel wall.