Abstract: An articulated jet structure which is mountable on the wall of a tub or spa, and which can be moved into a variety of positions to deliver a pulsed air/water stream to a desired location. More specifically, the hydrotherapy jet which extends from the wall of the hydrotherapy spa can be directed to any number of desired positions and will maintain the desired position while the pulsed air/water stream is delivered to the spa occupant. The hydrotherapy jet comprises a housing and an articulated or flexible section. The mixing of water and air occurs in the housing forming an air/water stream which is delivered to the articulated section of the jet. The articulated section of the jet preferably comprises a plurality of articulating elements interconnected to provide a wide range of motion and which hold their position when released. These elements form a water tight conduit and deliver the air/water stream from the housing to a discharge nozzle on the end of the articulated section.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy apparatus incorporating a water wheel coupled to a reduction gear assembly for providing a strong jet of water at an extremely uniform rate of rotation, even at slow rotational speeds. The water wheel has a relatively small diameter so that it may be driven at a high rate of speed to minimize any rotational speed variations of the water wheel itself. The water wheel is non-rigidly coupled to the drive shaft of the nozzle by a helical gear which causes the drive shaft to rotate at a slower rate than that of the water wheel.

Abstract: An air supply system for spas provides protection against motor short circuits caused by water backflowing through the air supply line to the housing containing the motor and blower. A moisture-proof partition isolates the motor from direct exposure to the air supply line. The partition and the blower air intake tube are arranged to prevent water from reaching the motor, unless such water first flows through the outlet ports of the blower and then through the blower air intake tube. The blower ports dissipate the water backflow pressure, thereby preventing backflow surges of short duration from reaching the motor. In addition, the inlet end of the air intake tube extends vertically well above the bottom of the motor to provide a static head to offset the backflow pressure of water in the air intake tube.In an alternative embodiment, a drain is provided by ducting the air intake tube to the exterior of the housing to positively prevent water from reaching the motor.