Patents Assigned to Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9809991
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a pool cleaner having a housing including a bottom cover with a cover opening. A drive assembly is configured to drive one or more wheels. The pool cleaner further includes a supply mast, and a distributor manifold that receives water from the supply mast. A venturi vacuum assembly is in fluid communication with the distributor manifold, the venturi vacuum assembly designed to vacuum debris from a pool surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh C. Gopalan, Nitin Agarwal, Jayamurali Kaladharan
  • Patent number: 9813684
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an underwater projection system having a water feature that includes a first underwater light niche. A user interface is configured to upload an image from a user to a controller. A projector is disposed in the first underwater light niche and is configured to project the image onto an underwater surface of the water feature. The controller is in communication with the user interface and the projector and the controller operates the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 9807855
    Abstract: In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, systems and methods for controlling aquatic lighting using power line communication. In some embodiments, the systems include: a first power line modem coupled to an AC power line and a LAN; a user interface configured to: receive user input specifying a lighting, selection; and transmit lighting data representing the lighting selection to the first power line modem via the LAN; and a lighting controller that receives power via the AC power line, comprising: a light driver circuit coupled to a light source; a second power line modem coupled to the AC power line, the second power line modem receives the lighting data over the AC power line; and a processor configured to: receive lighting data from the second power line modem; and cause the light driver circuit to drive the light source to present the lighting selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Lyons, Robert J. Netzel, Sr., Gabriel Perez
  • Patent number: 9777733
    Abstract: A pumping system for at least one aquatic application comprises a motor coupled to a pump and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller may be adapted to determine a first motor speed, determine a present flow rate using curves of speed versus flow rate for discrete power consumptions, generate a difference value between the present flow rate and a reference flow rate, and/or drive the motor at a second motor speed based on the difference value until reaching a steady state condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Florin Lungeanu
  • Patent number: 9745766
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a debris bag for a pool cleaner. The debris bag includes a sheet of filtration media that forms an opening and a hollow interior portion to capture debris from the pool cleaner. An attachment fixture is located at the opening and includes a ring having a hook area for coupling the attachment fixture to an outlet of the pool cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh C. Gopalan, Brian S. King
  • Patent number: 9732536
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pool heater including a housing, a first tankless heater, a second tankless heater, and a controller. The controller is configured to activate only the first tankless heater when a first condition is met, activate only the second tankless heater when a second condition is met, and activate the first and the second tankless heaters simultaneously when a third condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Azur Dzindo
  • Patent number: 9726184
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a user interface associated with the pump designed to receive input instructions from a user, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller determines a power parameter associated with the motor and compares the power parameter to a predetermined threshold value. The controller triggers a safety vacuum release system based on the comparison of the power parameter and the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen
  • Patent number: 9714639
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a pool cleaner generator module with magnetic coupling. The generator module can include a housing, a paddle wheel, a magnetic follower, and a generator. The generator can power components of the pool cleaner, such as light emitting diode (LEDs). The housing can be removably coupled to the pool cleaner and can include a flow directing portion positioned in a fluid path of the pool cleaner. The paddle wheel can be located adjacent to the flow directing portion and can rotate in response to fluid flow through the fluid path. The generator can be magnetically coupled to the paddle wheel and can generate power through rotation of the paddle wheel. The LED can be coupled to the generator and can receive the generated power from the generator to illuminate an area adjacent to the pool cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Deery, Suresh C. Gopalan
  • Patent number: 9714518
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a debris bag and a collar for a pool cleaner. The debris bag includes a body defined by two opposing sheets of filtration media that are joined together to form an interior compartment. A neck portion extends downwardly from the sheets. A support ring is disposed adjacent the bottom end of the neck portion and an orientation tab extends upwardly from the support ring toward the interior compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh C. Gopalan, Jayamurali Kaladharan
  • Patent number: 9693538
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a recirculating aquaculture system for aquatic life. The system includes a culture tank, a sensor configured to measure a carbon dioxide concentration in the culture tank, a variable speed pump configured to circulate water through the culture tank, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the variable speed pump. The controller is configured to retrieve a maximum carbon dioxide concentration in the culture tank, retrieve a current carbon dioxide concentration, and compare the current carbon dioxide concentration to the maximum carbon dioxide concentration. When the current carbon dioxide concentration is greater than the maximum carbon dioxide concentration, the controller is configured to automatically increase the current water flow rate or automatically increase the current air flow rate based on the current gas to liquid ratio in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Dennis P. DeLong, Thomas Losordo
  • Patent number: 9693537
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a pump in an aquaculture system including a water tank that houses aquatic life. The method includes monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank, determining a flow rate threshold based on the dissolved oxygen level, and changing a speed of the pump to maintain a current flow rate through the culture tank above the flow rate threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Dennis P. Delong
  • Patent number: 9677295
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a scrubber assembly for a pool cleaner comprising a center shaft and a rotary cylinder positioned around the center shaft and including an internal spur gear profile. The scrubber assembly further includes a first pinion gear engagable with the internal spur gear profile of the rotary cylinder and aligned off-center from the center shaft and a first end bracket coupled to a first end of the center shaft and rotatable about the first pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh C. Gopalan, Nitin Agarwal, Jayamurali Kaladharan
  • Patent number: 9623272
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a starting block system for use with a swimming pool. A pedestal is designed to support a platform. A back plate is disposed along a rear edge of the platform and has a width dimension that is less than the width dimension of the platform. A slide mechanism is disposed adjacent the rear edge of the platform and is in communication with the back plate. The back plate is designed to slide laterally adjacent the rear edge of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Drozdowski, Jonathan Mapes, Chris Jung, Jerry Amato
  • Patent number: 9620080
    Abstract: An underwater image projection system submerged in a body of water and projecting an image within said body of water is provided having an enclosure with a lens assembly. A projection element has a light source projecting an image within the body of water from the projection element with an at least one light source steering the image. A system controller is coupled to and controls the projected light source, the projected light source steering device and the further image steering device. A user inputs image data to the controller through the user input device and the controller interprets the image data into a set of image control variables and executes control of the projected light source and image source and further image steering device in coordination and projects the image through the projection element to project from underwater a static or animated image on an underwater surface of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 9611982
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an LED replacement light assembly for retrofitting an incandescent light fixture that has a housing with a base. The LED replacement light assembly can include a shaft with a top portion and a lower threaded portion. The lower threaded portion can be screwed into the base. The LED replacement light assembly can also include an LED adapter, and a circuit board including a plurality of LEDs. One embodiment can include a thermally conductive disc that can engage the circuit board and the housing to conduct heat from the circuit board to the housing. A thermal interface can be positioned between the thermally conductive disc and the housing to provide enhanced conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9605680
    Abstract: A pumping system includes a pump for moving water. In one aspect, this is in connection with performance of an operation. The system includes a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump. A value indicative of flow rate of water is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow rate indicative value toward a constant. A value indicative of flow pressure is determined and the motor is controlled to adjust the flow pressure indicative value toward a constant. A selection is made between flow rate control and flow pressure control. In another aspect, the pump is controlled to perform a first operation, and is operated to perform a second water operation. Control of operation of the pump to perform the first water operation is altered in response to operation of the pump to perform the second operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer, Nils-Ole Harvest, Christopher Yahnker, Walter Woodcock, Jr., Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Alberto Morando, Florin Lungeanu
  • Patent number: D782065
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Vitolo
  • Patent number: D784475
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Drozdowski, Jonathan Mapes, Chris Jung, Jerry Amato
  • Patent number: D790787
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Richiuso, Suresh Gopalan
  • Patent number: D791261
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Drozdowski, Jonathan Mapes, Chris Jung, Jerry Amato