Patents Assigned to Pentair Water Pool & Spa, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10187619
    Abstract: An underwater projection system and a method for projecting images onto an underwater surface of a water feature are provided. The system includes an underwater projector in communication with a system controller. The system controller is configured to receive image content, manipulate the image content to generate a control output, and communicate the control output to the underwater projector. The underwater projector is configured to project an image onto the underwater surface based on the control output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 10156082
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a pool cleaner with a housing, a first drive wheel positioned along a first side of the housing, and a second drive wheel positioned along a second side of the housing. The pool cleaner also includes a steering system engaged with the first drive wheel and the second drive wheel. The steering system includes a rotating cam with a first cam profile and a second cam profile different from the first cam profile. The steering system drives the housing in a cycle of forward and turn movements by rotating the first drive wheel based on the first cam profile and rotating the second drive wheel based on the second cam profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Satheesh Kumar, Om Prakash Maurya, Narender Sanwal
  • Patent number: 10136504
    Abstract: In some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, systems and methods for controlling aquatic lighting using power line communication are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a lighting controller configured to receive power via an AC power line, the lighting controller comprising a light driver circuit configured to be coupled to at least one light source, a first power line modem configured to be connected to a local area network via a second powerline modem and the AC power line, and a processor that is configured to receive, from a user interface via the first power line modem, lighting data corresponding to a lighting selection specified by user input received by the user interface and cause the light driver circuit to drive the at least one light source to present the lighting selection based on the lighting data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Lyons, Robert J. Netzel, Sr., Gabriel Perez
  • Patent number: 10125509
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a pool cleaner includes a chassis, a housing supported by the chassis, at least one drive wheel supported by the chassis, and a turbine assembly that rotates in one of a first direction and a second direction to drive the at least one drive wheel. The pool cleaner also includes a timer disc assembly with at least one rotating timer disc. The timer disc assembly controls a flow of pressurized fluid away from the housing in a forward direction for backward propulsion assistance of the pool cleaner during a first time period, a rearward direction for forward propulsion assistance of the pool cleaner during a second time period, and a sideways direction for turning propulsion assistance of the pool cleaner during at least a portion of one of the first time period and the second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh Gopalan, Nitin Agarwal, Jayamurali Kaladharan, Brian King, Leonard Richiuso
  • Patent number: 10082164
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a clamp lock to secure a clamp around a pressure vessel, such as a split tank pool filter. The clamp lock includes a drive rack with at least one notch, and a housing with a rotatable drive gear, a locking pawl, and a receiving hole. The rotatable drive gear is capable of laterally moving the drive rack through the receiving hole, and the locking pawl is capable of engaging the at least one notch when the drive rack has been inserted a distance into the receiving hole. The distance correlates to a diameter of the clamp sufficient to secure the clamp around the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Richiuso, Paul Hopfer
  • Patent number: 10031530
    Abstract: A water level detection system in a pool, spa, fountain or water feature, the water level detection system being provided with a tap line coupled to a plumbing line on a suction or supply side of a filtration system and admitting water from the pool, spa, fountain or water feature such that the change in level of the water in the tap line corresponds to a change in level of the water in the pool, spa, fountain or water feature. A sensing module has at least one sensor for detecting the height of a column of water or the pressure of a column of air in the water tap line. A controller is coupled to the sensing module and adapted to collect the data from the sensors that detect changes in the level of the water level of the pool, spa, fountain or water feature, communicate the detection of such a change, and report such a change to initiate addition or removal of water from the pool, spa, fountain or water feature body of water to adjust the water level in the body of water to a set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 10024073
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Virgina Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Leonessa, Christopher H. Cain, Brian Boothe
  • Patent number: 10006214
    Abstract: A pH balancing solution dispenser having an upper body portion and a lower dispenser body portion. An interior support portion is provided with a dispensing grid and an at least one piercing mechanism thereon. A dispenser lid and an at least one dispensing mechanism are provided wherein a container of pH balancing solution is placed within the upper body portion and situated in communication with the piercing mechanism. The container is pierced and opened and the pH balancing solution flows from the container through the dispensing grid and is stored for distribution by the at least one dispensing mechanism. A unit controller can be provided to meter a dose of pH solution when instructed by the pH balancing solution dispenser to balance the pH of the body of water based on the estimation made by the unit controller using the measured operational time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Doyle, Bruce Johnson, Keith Schulte
  • Patent number: 9983400
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a motion control system controlling an image projected from an underwater projection system in a water feature, pool, or spa. The system includes a rotatable base and a mirror support member hingedly coupled to the rotatable base. A first motor is coupled to the rotatable base and is configured to rotate the mirror support member in a first plane. A second motor is coupled to the rotatable base and a fixed mount, wherein the second motor is configured to rotate the rotatable base relative to the fixed mount thereby rotating the mirror support member in a second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle, Gabriel Perez
  • Patent number: 9938744
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a sweep tail for a pool cleaner including a hose, a connector coupled to a first end of the hose and connecting the hose to the pool cleaner, and a scrubber coupled to the hose near a second end of the hose. The scrubber can include a first bearing coupled to and positioned around the hose, a second bearing positioned around the first bearing, and a scrubbing element positioned around the second bearing. The second bearing is capable of rotating around the first bearing and the scrubbing element is capable of rotating with the second bearing around the first bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh C. Gopalan, Jayamurali Kaladharan, Adam Key, Narender Sanwal
  • Patent number: 9932984
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher Yahnker, Elnar Kjartan Runarsson
  • Patent number: 9896857
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pool cleaner receiving fluid flow from a pool hose, the pool cleaner comprising a supply mast configured for connection to a pool hose and directing fluid flow from the pool hose and a generator positioned within the pool cleaner. The pool cleaner further includes a paddle wheel coupled to the generator, the paddle wheel and the generator generating electric power using the fluid flow directed through the pool cleaner and control circuitry coupled to the generator, the control circuitry receiving the generated power from the generator for providing energy to operate at least one function of the swimming pool cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Deery, John Lipski, Leonard Richiuso, Suresh Gopalan
  • Patent number: 9874196
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a paddle wheel mechanism for a pool cleaner. The paddle wheel mechanism includes a housing, a paddle wheel shaft supported by the housing, a first paddle wheel, and a second paddle wheel. The housing directs fluid from a fluid path of the pool cleaner into a first flow path and a second flow path. The first paddle wheel is supported by the paddle wheel shaft and is positioned within the housing along the first flow path. The second paddle wheel is supported by the paddle wheel shaft and is positioned within the housing along the second flow path. The first paddle wheel rotates responsive to fluid directed along the first flow path, and the second paddle wheel rotates responsive to fluid directed along the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Pawan Kumar Chauhan, Narendra Pratap Singh
  • Patent number: 9863629
    Abstract: An underwater pendant or accent light in contact with a body of water is provided. The underwater pendant or accent light has a housing. The housing has an at least one water tight end fitting at a first end of the housing and an at least one lens at a second end of the housing. An electronics section is further provided. The electronics section including an at least one controller contained within the housing and coupled to a power source. An at least one LED is coupled to the electronics section. An at least one heat sink is coupled to the at least one LED and the electronics section, the heat sink thermally coupled to and mounting the at least one LED and thermally coupled to the electronics section such that heat is communicated through the at least one heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Doyle
  • Patent number: 9850672
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a paddle wheel mechanism for a pool cleaner. The paddle wheel mechanism includes a housing with an internal flow area, a paddle wheel shaft supported by the housing, and a paddle wheel supported by the paddle wheel shaft. The paddle wheel includes a base extending along a base width and a plurality of paddle wheel blades extending from the base within the internal flow area. The plurality of paddle wheel blades include a first-type blade with a first blade portion having a first blade width, and a second-type blade with a second blade portion having a second blade width. The first blade width and the second blade width are each less than the base width, and the first-type and second-type blades are arranged on the base in an alternating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Satheesh Kumar, Narendra Pratap Singh, Suresh C. Gopalan
  • Patent number: 9835298
    Abstract: An underwater pendant light installation within a wall of a water feature has an installation tube in a niche tube having a facia section at the terminus of the niche tube. One terminus of the niche tube in communication with the water feature and having a water inlet coupled to a water gap section. An at least one underwater pendant or accent light having a housing, a lens body, an electronics section, an at least one heat sink, and one or more LEDs is mounted within the niche tube. The underwater pendant or accent light being coupled in a watertight fashion to a power source through the watertight coupling and being contained within the niche tube such that the water gap section surrounds at least in part the housing and permits water from the water feature to circulate in contact the housing but not penetrate into the watertight electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Doyle
  • 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