Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a user interface display panel includes a top or cover glass layer which extends to the perimeter of the panel housing. A touch-sensitive display layer is adhered to the bottom surface of cover glass layer to form a touch sensitive display assembly and is just smaller in area than that of the cover glass layer to provide a peripheral lip region for adherence to a waterproof gasket to bond the cover glass and display layer to the housing structure. The display layer is supported above the surface of the tub wall. The arrangement results in an active touch-sensitive display area significantly larger than display areas provided in the past by interface panels.

Abstract: A control system for a whirlpool bath installation, including a single input source wiring for connecting to an input source of high voltage AC electrical power having a nominal current rating. A plurality of high voltage output connections are connected to the input source through a corresponding plurality of switches, for power connections to a respective high voltage load devices, whose cumulative nominal current draw ratings exceeds the current rating of the input source. An electronic controller controls states of the switches in response to user input commands. The electronic controller implements an algorithm or a set of rules preventing a system utilization of the high voltage loads from exceeding a total current draw exceeding said nominal maximum current rating.

Abstract: A flush-mounted control panel system for a bathing installation. The panel system includes a control panel including a housing structure, the housing structure including a peripheral mounting flange, the panel and flange sized to fit within a tub mounting opening in a mounting surface. A support bracket supports the control panel within the opening, and is fabricated of a thin material. The bracket has a peripheral sidewall portion, a top lip portion extending outwardly from the sidewall portion, and a bottom lip portion extending inwardly from the sidewall portion. The top lip portion overlays a portion of the surface peripheral to the opening and the bottom lip portion underlays the peripheral flange of the panel housing to support the panel within the opening. Adhesive gaskets secure the bracket to the mounting surface and the panel flange to the bottom lip portion.

Abstract: A fitting assembly for installation in an opening in a tub shell wall of a bathing installation tub. A resilient grommet is sized to be inserted into the opening and has an interior peripheral recess defined in a wall portion, having a recess cross-sectional configuration. A fitting body has a protruding external rib having a rib cross-sectional configuration complimentary to the recess cross-sectional configuration, the rib positioned on the fitting body so that when the fitting body is inserted into the grommet, the rib is received into the recess on the grommet. The grommet and fitting are configured such that the recess and the rib are positioned behind the back surface of the shell wall when installed in the opening, and the grommet is compressed by the edge of the shell opening and pushed outwardly by the rib to lock the fitting into the shell opening.

Abstract: A passive cooling system for an electric motor drive circuit in a bathing installation, including a section of hollow pipe made of a thermally conductive tubing material, the pipe configured to form part of a water recirculation path of the bathing installation. An adapter structure has a conformal surface configured for attachment to an outer surface of the pipe and a circuit contacting surface for attachment to the motor drive circuit, the adapter structure fabricated of a thermally conductive adapter material. The adapter structure provides a thermal conductive path between the motor drive circuit and the pipe section, configured to pass heat generated by the circuitry to the pipe section and into spa water flowing through the water recirculation path, to cool the circuitry and warm the spa water.

Abstract: A reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation including two or more types of discharge ports for discharging water. The system includes a single motorized pump having an input connected to a suction port of the bathing installation, and an output port delivering pressurized water. A pipe system selectively connects the pump to the two or more types of discharge ports to selectively direct the pressurized water to the different ones of the types of discharge ports. The system selectively enables the bathing installation to perform a plurality of different functions using a single pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of a connector cover are described, which are easily attached to a keyed electrical connector housing, and which prevent misconnection with a mating connector. One embodiment features a snap-on design, in which the cover simply snaps onto the keyed connector housing. A second embodiment is in the form of a two-piece cover, which snap together about the keyed connector housing. A third exemplary embodiment features a slip-on design, in which the cover slips onto the keyed connector housing. In another aspect, an electrical connector system is described, which includes the connector cover and first and second keyed electrical connectors.

Abstract: A lighted jet assembly for through hole mounting to a panel in a bathing installation. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly includes a jet body configured for mounting in a hole formed in the bathing installation panel. A light receptacle is formed with the jet body, the light receptacle configured to receive a light source element. A jet barrel assembly includes a hollow barrel structure configured for insertion into the jet body channel through the open second end of the jet body. A blind structure includes a hollow cylindrical portion having at a first end a flange portion extending over a limited angular extent, and a second end configured to be secured within the open interior region of the jet barrel structure. The blind structure is fabricated of an opaque material, and configured for rotation with the jet barrel assembly relative to the jet body.

Abstract: A fitting for a bathing installation includes a body portion defining a hollow main body portion having an interior opening, and a connection portion having a passageway in communication with the interior opening. The connection portion includes at least one connection port for attachment to a hose carrying pressurized water, and a flange portion defining a recessed mount surface inside a peripheral lip surrounding a recess. Open regions are defined in the peripheral lip. A nozzle member is fitted into the interior opening and has a nozzle orifice configured for concentric mounting relative to a hole formed in the wall of the vessel to allow pressurized air or water to pass from the connection port through the central opening and through the nozzle orifice into the tub hole and into the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: An air jet includes a body portion defining a hollow main body portion having an interior opening, and a connection portion having an air passageway in communication with the interior opening. The connection portion includes at least one connection port for attachment to a hose carrying pressurized air, and a flange portion defining a recessed mount surface inside a peripheral lip surrounding a recess, with a plurality of open regions defined in the peripheral lip. At least one protrusion is defined between the peripheral lip and the interior opening to reduce the volume of the recess and the amount of adhesive for installation of the air jet to the wall of the vessel. A nozzle member is fitted into the interior opening and has a nozzle orifice and nozzle tip protruding into the recess.

Abstract: An air jet includes a body portion defining a hollow main body portion having an interior opening, and a connection portion having an air passageway in communication with the interior opening. The connection portion includes at least one connection port for attachment to a hose carrying pressurized air, and a flange portion defining a recessed mount surface inside a peripheral lip surrounding a recess, with a plurality of open regions defined in the peripheral lip. A nozzle member is fitted into the interior opening and has a nozzle orifice and nozzle tip protruding into the recess, the nozzle opening configured to allow pressurized air to pass from the connection port through the central opening and through the nozzle orifice into the tub hole and the tub.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell assembly for connection to a liquid flow line includes an electrode set, a cell housing supporting the electrode set, a cell retainer attached to the flow line and in fluid communication with the flow line, and a connection for detachably connecting the housing to the cell retainer in an operating position.

Abstract: A waterproof user interface panel includes an electronic display assembly having a touch sensitive surface for activation of touch switches, and a housing including a cutout area. A protective film is disposed over the assembly and secured to the housing. The housing includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral sidewall to define a housing cavity. Sealing material covers the bottom surface, with a void between the top surface of the sealing material and the electronic display assembly. A vent is provided between the void and the external environment to allow air to pass. A filter may be positioned in the vent to prevent the passage of water droplets through the filter while allowing the passage of air and water vapor.

Abstract: A fitting for through hole mounting to a panel structure in a bathing installation includes a fitting body structure including a body portion configured to extend through a mount opening and a transverse flange portion having an outer size larger than the mount opening to overlaps the panel structure surrounding the mount opening. A nut engages a portion of the body. A ring structure is positioned between the nut and the panel structure, and has an inner opening with a dimension larger than a diameter of the nut and larger than a dimension of the mount opening, and fits between the nut and the panel structure. A seal is disposed within a cavity defined by the ring structure, the panel structure, the fitting body portion and the nut to provide a water-tight seal.

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: A line voltage device with an auxiliary power connection for a bathing installation. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes a housing structure, and a primary electrical power connection connected to the housing structure and including a primary wiring cable for connection to a line voltage source. A load system is disposed within or adjacent the housing and configured for powered operation by electrical power from the primary electrical power connection. An auxiliary power connection is provided for electrical connection to a separate bathing installation device to provide power to the separate device. A wiring circuit is disposed within or adjacent the housing structure and electrically couples the primary electrical power connection and the auxiliary power connection so that line voltage power is shared between the load system and the separate bathing installation device.

Abstract: A spa control system designed to reduce maintenance cost by providing modular construction for major control functions, with built-in diagnostic capabilities for isolating defective spa components. Multi-colored LEDs on the spaside panel constantly report the status of each component of the spa as well as the status of the functional modules themselves. Each time a component is activated, measurements of operational parameters, such as load currents, are instantly made and evaluated so that the proper LED color can be presented at the spaside. Since major functions such as audio, LED control, wireless, and spa logic are separated into removable modules, repair of the control system requires less time and less skilled personnel. Other design improvements, such as direct monitoring of heater element temperature and the purging of pumps on an as required-basis, enhance the spa's overall reliability and thus reduce the need for maintenance.

Abstract: A spa system comprises an electrically powered heater. The electrically powered heater comprises a heating element capable of drawing a rated current when switched on to an AC line voltage. An electronic control system is programmed to control the heating element to draw less than the rated current.

Abstract: An air jet includes a body portion defining a hollow main body portion having an interior opening, and a connection portion having an air passageway in communication with the interior opening. The connection portion includes at least one connection port for attachment to a hose carrying pressurized air, and a flange portion defining a recessed mount surface inside a peripheral lip surrounding a recess, with a plurality of open regions defined in the peripheral lip. At least one protrusion is defined between the peripheral lip and the interior opening to reduce the volume of the recess and the amount of adhesive for installation of the air jet to the wall of the vessel. A nozzle member is fitted into the interior opening and has a nozzle orifice and nozzle tip protruding into the recess.

Abstract: A method and system for functionally testing units under test, such as electronic controller boards for a spa system.