Abstract: A suction fitting for use in a water circulation system, the fitting having a perforated body that is mounted to permit fluid flow through both front and rear perforated faces, and thereby minimize the possibility of complete blockage of the fitting by entrapped hair or skin. Operation of a circulating pump is controlled to prevent damage to equipment and property and also to minimize the possibility of serious personal injury or death. The suction fitting further includes a suction tube for connection to the pump, for circulating water in the tub or spa back through jets in the tub or spa, and a pressure sensor line connecting the water in the tub or spa to a water level sensor. The front face of the perforated body has a number of grooves, to provide fluid communication between the pressure sensor line and the suction tube, through one or more front-face perforations.

Abstract: A light assembly combined into a unitary structure with a liquid circulation fitting, such as a water return fitting, for use underwater or above water in a pool, tub, spa, fountain, or similar large liquid container. The combination is well suited for use as a combined underwater light and return water fitting in pools, tubs, or spas, and especially in above-ground pools, and as a combined ornamental light and fountain jet. The unitary structure eliminates the need for more than one hole in the pool wall and thereby simplifies installation and decreases the chance of leaks. The structure provides for both water and air cooling if the light is installed underwater. Furthermore, the structure is connectable to water supply lines of various sizes, and includes a directionally adjustable port to control water returning to the pool or container.

Abstract: A suction fitting for use in a water circulation system in which operation of a circulating pump is controlled to prevent damage to equipment and property and also to minimize the possibility of serious personal injury or death. The suction fitting includes a suction line connected to the pump, for circulating water in the tub or spa back through jets in the tub or spa, a pressure sensor line connecting the water in the tub or spa to a water level sensor, and one or more slots for water communication between the pressure sensor line and the suction line. When flow into the suction fitting is blocked, water is drawn out of the pressure sensor line and through the slots to the suction line, to permit detection of the blockage in the level sensor. The combination of the suction fitting, the pump and the water level sensor turn off the pump when the suction fitting is blocked or when the water level in the tub or spa is too high or too low.

Abstract: An underwater pool light that is flush-mounted, versatile, safe, economical, easy to maintain, temperature controlled and liquid cooled, and provides the ability to direct the light in a specified direction.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet assembly that produces rotating and pulsating streams of water and provides for user adjustable flow control, and user adjustable control of the speed of rotation independently of the flow control. The assembly includes a nozzle rotor supported for rotation in a generally cylindrical body, and a rotor retainer cage having a thrust plate that applies an axial retaining force to the rotor. The rotor has two internal passages that discharge water in directions that may be selected to produce a turning moment applied to the rotor. Fins may be incorporated into the rotor to produce or contribute to rotation. In all of the disclosed forms of the rotor, radial thrust components resulting from discharge of water through the two rotor passages cancel each other. The rotor is thereby balanced in directions transverse to its axis or rotation. Axial thrust components resulting from the discharge of water from the nozzle rotor are substantially balanced by the force of water entering the rotor.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for assembled threaded coponents, including a circumferential tongue on one of the components and a corresponding notch on the other component. As a locking position is approached, the tongue is biased out of its normal position by a camming surface adjacent to the notch, and is then released into the notch as the locking position is reached. Unlocking only requires the tongue to be moved out of the notch momentarily during rotation from the locking position.

Abstract: A water jet aerator in combination with a diverter valve including an aerator housing, a valve body that is rotatably positioned within the aerator housing, and a swivel nozzle. The aerator housing includes a water inlet conduit, a water outlet conduit, and an air inlet conduit, while the valve body forms two chambers, a diverter chamber and an aeration chamber. As the valve body is rotated in one direction within the aerator housing, water flow from the water inlet conduit to the aeration chamber is diverted to the water outlet conduit, while the air inlet conduit is proportionally closed to the aeration chamber. As the valve body is rotated in the other direction, water flow from the water inlet conduit to the water outlet conduit is diverted to the aeration chamber, while the air inlet conduit is proportionally opened to the aeration chamber.

Abstract: An anti-backflow valve for installation in a blower discharge line of a therapy tub aeration system has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an auxiliary outlet in its housing. A spring-loaded check valve member within the housing precludes fluid flow outwardly through the air inlet. Also within the housing is a combined pressure relief and float valve mechanism which opens the outlet passage in response to a pressure in the housing greater than a predetermined relief pressure or the presence of water in the housing above a predetermined level. An initial backflow of water in the discharge line closes the check valve member, the float and relief mechanism limiting the air pressure building caused by a continued backflow and permitting water to enter the housing through the air inlet when the housing is vented. After reaching the predetermined level in the housing, the entering water is discharged through the auxiliary outlet passage.

Abstract: To convert a conventional nonpulsating air/water mixer for a therapy tub, swimming pool, spa or the like to a pulsating mixer, an inexpensive pulsator fitting is used to replace the central eyeball portion of the mixer's outlet and mounting fitting. The pulsator fitting has at least one cross bar positioned to block the mixer's aerated water jet, and a small cylindrical rotor journaled on the cross bar. The rotor extends from the cross bar coaxially into the mixer body's outlet passage in the path of the aerated jet. The jet strikes a central portion of the upstream rotor end, travels through an angulated rotor passage, and exits the downstream rotor end at an angle relative to the rotor axis and at a point spaced apart from it, causing the rotor to spin. As the rotor spins, the exiting aerated jet rotates and is repetitively and intermittently blocked by the cross bar, thereby pulsing the jet.

Abstract: An improved floating weir and strainer basket combination for use in a swimming pool skimmer, having a tank adapted to receive the strainer basket and the floating weir in telescoping relation with each other. Accordingly, when the skimmer is suitably positioned in a body of water, the floating weir rests on a pocket of air which enables it to move vertically within the strainer basket in response to changes in water level. To prevent misalignment or disassociation of the floating weir with respect to the strainer basket, a disengageable mechanism is provided for retaining the weir in the basket. In the disclosed embodiment, the disengageable retaining mechanism comprises at least three equally spaced projections disposed on the outer wall surface of the floating weir, and at least three corresponding notches disposed on the inside periphery of a flange on the strainer basket.