Abstract: A method of operating a pumping system for an aquatic application based upon performance of multiple water operations is disclosed. The method includes providing a pump and a motor coupled to the pump, and a controller including a variable speed drive that is in communication with the motor. The method also includes: operating the motor in accordance with a first water operation, wherein the first water operation includes a first start time, end time, and water flow rate; operating the motor in accordance with a second water operation, wherein the second water operation includes a second start time, end time, and water flow rate; and altering the first water operation in response to performance of the second water operation.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner includes a chassis that supports a motor and a camera that is associated with the chassis and configured to identify at least one object. A controller is in communication with the camera and is configured to control movement of the pool cleaner based on output from the camera.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for adapting a pool pump for wireless communication. In some embodiments, a system for adapting a pool pump with a serial communication port for communication with a user via a remote server, an internet connection, and internet enabled device is provided, the system comprising: a wireless gateway device connected to a router; and a wireless adapter connected to the serial communication port, comprising: a gateway node; a transceiver; and a processor programmed to: establish a wireless connection with the wireless gateway; receive a first message from the pool pump; cause the gateway node to modify the first message; cause the first modified message to be transmitted to the remote server via the wireless gateway; receive a second message from the remote server; modify the second message for output to the pool pump; and transmit the second modified message to the pool pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a band clamp assembly. The band clamp assembly includes a drive rack and a housing including a receiving hole, a rotatable drive gear, and a locking pawl. The rotatable drive gear is designed to engage the first side of the drive rack and the locking pawl is designed to engage a second side of the drive rack.

Abstract: A chemical controller for an aquatic application comprising an output relay. The chemical controller further includes a current detection circuit configured to detect current on an output of the output relay and a current fault detection device configured to output a current fault signal when a current fault condition has occurred. A relay latch of the chemical controller receives the relay enable signal and the current fault signal and decouples the relay enable signal from a corresponding output when a current fault condition has occurred. A relay drive circuit receives a signal from the corresponding output to responsively activate and deactivate the output relay. A watchdog timer circuit causes the output relay to be deactivated in response to detecting a hung processor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for adapting a pool pump for wireless communication. In some embodiments, a system for adapting a pool pump with a serial communication port for communication with a user via a remote server, an internet connection, and internet enabled device is provided, the system comprising: a wireless gateway device connected to a router; and a wireless adapter connected to the serial communication port, comprising: a gateway node; a transceiver; and a processor programmed to: establish a wireless connection with the wireless gateway; receive a first message from the pool pump; cause the gateway node to modify the first message; cause the first modified message to be transmitted to the remote server via the wireless gateway; receive a second message from the remote server; modify the second message for output to the pool pump; and transmit the second modified message to the pool pump.

Abstract: A variable speed pumping system and an associated method for moving water of an aquatic application. The variable speed pumping system includes a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water. A variable speed motor is operatively connected to drive the pump. A sensor senses a parameter of the operation performed upon the water. A controller controls speed of the motor in response to the sensed parameter of operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for adapting a pool pump for wireless communication. In some embodiments, a system for adapting a pool pump with a serial communication port for communication with a user via a remote server, an internet connection, and internet enabled device is provided, the system comprising: a wireless gateway device connected to a router; and a wireless adapter connected to the serial communication port, comprising: a gateway node; a transceiver; and a processor programmed to: establish a wireless connection with the wireless gateway; receive a first message from the pool pump; cause the gateway node to modify the first message; cause the first modified message to be transmitted to the remote server via the wireless gateway; receive a second message from the remote server; modify the second message for output to the pool pump; and transmit the second modified message to the pool pump.

Abstract: A pumping system and method including a flow locking feature. A pump controller includes a user interface configured to initially receive and set a plurality of programmed flow rate settings, a maximum locked flow rate, and a minimum locked flow rate. The pump controller is also configured to disable resetting of the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate once they are initially received and set and to allow resetting of the plurality of programmed flow rate settings throughout operation of the pumping system. The pump controller is further configured to operate a pump motor in order to maintain a first flow rate set by one of the plurality of programmed flow rate settings as long as the first flow rate is between the minimum locked flow rate and the maximum locked flow rate.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and a filter arrangement in fluid communication with the pump. The pumping system can also include means for determining a load value indicative of an unclogged filter that permits movement of water through the filter arrangement, means for determining a load value indicative of a clogged filter that inhibits movement of water through the filter arrangement, and means for determining a performance value of the pumping system. The pumping system also includes means for determining a relative loading value of the filter arrangement, means for displaying the relative loading value, and means for controlling the motor in response to the relative loading value. In one example, the load values and performance value can include flow pressure values. A method of moving water of a swimming pool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a motor and a control system operating as a master controller with respect to at least one function, the control system including an automation system with a user interface having a display connected to the automation system. A controller is located remotely from the control system and coupled to a pump or the motor. The controller operating as a slave controller with respect to the at least one function when connected to the control system. The controller is in communication with the motor and the control system, and transmits information to and receives information from the control system over at least one communication link. The controller operates independently to control the motor when disconnected from the control system.

Abstract: A pop-up cleaning head is connectable to a swimming pool pump and is mounted in a swimming pool inner surface. The head has a pressurized extended position and an unpressurized retracted position respectively when pressurized water from the pool pump is connected to, or disconnected from, the cleaning head. The head includes a spring tube having a lower section with a nozzle orifice for directing a high pressure water stream from the swimming pool pump along and adjacent the pool inner surface. The spring tube has an upper section forming a chamber with the lower section and has a vent orifice aligned with the nozzle orifice to permit the high-pressure water stream to emanate from the head through the vent orifice and entrain pool water. The upper section includes passageways communicating with the pool to admit pool water into the chamber to be entrained in the high-pressure water stream emanating from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method of adding pH balancing solution to a body of water includes the steps of coupling a pH balancing solution system to a circulation system in communication with the body of water. The pH balancing solution system includes a pH balancing solution dispenser having an upper dispenser body portion, a lower dispenser body portion, an interior support portion with a dispensing grid and a piercing mechanism thereon, and a dispenser lid. The lid of the dispenser is opened and the pH of the balancing solution is inserted inside the upper body portion. The pH balancing solution container is situated on the piercing mechanism and the pH balancing solution container is pierced on the piercing mechanism to open the pH balancing solution container. The open pH balancing solution container is allowed to drain over the dispensing grid. A metered dose of pH solution is dispensed to the body of water through the pH balancing solution system.

Abstract: 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, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller receives input of a performance value that is determined utilizing information from operation of the motor and compares the performance value to a reference value. The controller also is configured to prime and run the pump when the performance value equals the first reference value and to continue to do so until the performance value equals a second reference value. Alternatively, the controller receives user input of an amount of time the system can take to attempt to successfully prime the pump and is configured to operate the motor at maximum speed until the amount of time elapses.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a band clamp assembly. The band clamp assembly includes a drive rack and a housing including a receiving hole, a rotatable drive gear, and a locking pawl. The band clamp is movable to a locking position by advancing the drive rack through the receiving hole in the housing. A first side of the drive rack is designed to engage the rotatable drive gear and the locking pawl is designed to engage a second side of the drive rack.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, an infinitely variable speed motor, and an arrangement for operating the motor. In one example, the pumping system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of retained speed values, an arrangement for providing a plurality of retained speed values to the memory, and an arrangement for reading a selected one of the plurality of retained speed values from the memory. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system includes a storage medium for digitally storing a plurality of pre-established motor speed values and an arrangement for receiving input from a user to select one of the pre-established motor speeds. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system further includes an arrangement for restarting operation of the motor at a previously selected speed value when power supplied to the motor is interrupted during operation of the motor. A method for controlling the pumping system is also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pumping system for an aquatic application includes a motor to be coupled to a pump and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller is configured to determine a speed of the motor, determine a current performance value of the pumping system, compare the current performance value to a referenced performance value, determine an adjustment value based upon the comparison of the reference and current performance values, and adjust a speed of the motor based on the adjustment value.