Patents Assigned to Pentair Water Pool & Spa, Inc.
  • Anti-entrapment and anti-dead head function
    Patent number: 9551344
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, an 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 blockage condition based on a power consumption value of the motor, and further includes an auto-restart function that is designed to allow the pump to automatically restart after detection of the blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 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
  • Two-wheel actuator steering system and method for pool cleaner
    Patent number: 9476216
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a pool cleaner including a first drive wheel, a second drive wheel, a turbine paddle, and a steering system. The turbine paddle is configured to rotate based on water movement through the pool cleaner. The steering system is engaged with the first drive wheel, the second drive wheel, and the turbine paddle and is driven by rotation of the turbine paddle. The steering system includes a cam with a first cam profile and a second cam profile different from the first cam profile. The steering system is configured to drive the pool cleaner in forward, reverse, 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: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Satheesh Kumar, Om Prakash Maurya, Narender Sanwal
  • Multidimensional rotary motion apparatus moving a reflective surface and method of operating same
    Patent number: 9435997
    Abstract: A rotary motion controller controlling the motion of a mirror in a projection system is described having a mounting element coupled to a support member. A two-axis coupling is provided with at least two input shafts coupled to two drive mechanisms. A channeled portion is provided in a second of the two input shafts through which the support member extends there through and is guided thereby and where the at least one support member is coupled to the first input shafts via an input coupling coupled to and driving the support member and a control input controlling the position of the at least two input shafts. A method of controlling a mirror in an underwater projection system is also provided along with a method of operating a controller for an underwater projection system and a further embodiment for providing movement of a mirror in an underwater projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle, Gabriel Perez
  • Multidimensional rotary motion apparatus moving a reflective surface and method of operating same
    Patent number: 9423608
    Abstract: A rotary motion controller controlling the motion of a mirror in a projection system is described having a mounting element coupled to a support member. A two-axis coupling is provided with at least two input shafts coupled to two drive mechanisms. A channeled portion is provided in a second of the two input shafts through which the support member extends there through and is guided thereby and where the at least one support member is coupled to the first input shafts via an input coupling coupled to and driving the support member and a control input controlling the position of the at least two input shafts. A method of controlling a mirror in an underwater projection system is also provided along with a method of operating a controller for an underwater projection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Doyle, Bruce Johnson, Rakesh Reddy
  • pH balancing system
    Patent number: 9416034
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dispensing a pH balancing solution are provided. The apparatus includes a system having a chlorine generator with a power supply coupled to the chlorine generator, the chlorine generator servicing a body of water and chlorinating it. A pH monitoring and balancing unit is provided. The pH monitoring and balancing unit monitors and measures when power is supplied from the power supply to the chlorine generator to produce chlorine and thereby calculates an operational time for the chlorine generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle, Keith Schulte
  • Control algorithm of variable speed pumping system
    Patent number: 9404500
    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: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Ronald B. Robol, Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Nils-Ole Harvest, Everett Cox, Donald Steen, Kevin Murphy, Daniel J. Hruby, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen, Gert Kjaer
  • Pump controller system and method
    Patent number: 9399992
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Koehl
  • Pump controller system and method
    Patent number: 9371829
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Koehl
  • Underwater image projection system and method
    Patent number: 9360746
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an underwater projection system having a water feature and an ambient light in communication with the underwater projection system. A projector is disposed within the water feature and is designed to project an image out of the water feature into a body of water. A controller is in communication with the projector and operates both the ambient light and the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle
  • Pump controller system and method
    Patent number: 9328727
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Koehl
  • LED light controller system and method
    Patent number: 9320105
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a system for selecting a color show generated by LED landscape, pool, and/or spa lights. The system can include an overlay indicating the color shows available to select from. A selector adjacent to the overlay can be positioned to select one of the color shows. The system includes a microcontroller in communication with the selector and a triac circuit in communication with the microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the LED landscape, pool, and/or spa lights using the triac circuit in response to the position of the selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Netzel, Sr., Daniel A. Armstrong, Louis F. Teran, Jeffrey S. Barsamian, Abhinay Agarwal, Santanu Roy, Dennis C. Dunn
  • Discharge vacuum relief valve for safety vacuum release system
    Patent number: 9243413
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system and a discharge vacuum relief valve for use in a hydraulic system including a safety vacuum release system pump to circulate water in a swimming pool and/or a spa. The hydraulic system includes one or more check valves located on a discharge side of the safety vacuum release system pump. The discharge vacuum relief valve is capable of venting a vacuum at the discharge side of the safety vacuum release system pump during a vacuum event at a suction side of the safety vacuum release system pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Robol, Daniel J. Hruby, Johnathan S. Colvin
  • Filter clamp lock
    Patent number: 9194493
    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: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Richiuso, Paul Hopfer
  • Underwater image projection controller with boundary setting and image correction modules and interface and method of using same
    Patent number: 9134599
    Abstract: An underwater projection system, a controller and method of controlling are herein described. The controller providing, at least in part, a boundary setting module or methodology and/or an image correction module or methodology through a user interface for the underwater projection system. A user interface is provided to enable user control and input and adjustment of the image controller from an observation point outside of the media of the underwater projection system, while the adjustments are made in-situ. An optional automated edge or edge and surface detection system is also contemplated to assist in boundary detection within the water feature for the underwater image projection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Doyle, Bruce Johnson, Rakesh Reddy
  • Pool cleaner with detachable scrubber assembly
    Patent number: 9119463
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pool cleaner for use in a swimming pool or spa including a front wheel assembly and a scrubber assembly. The scrubber assembly is engagable with inner gear teeth of the front wheel assembly so that rotation of the front wheel assembly causes rotation of the scrubber assembly. The scrubber assembly includes at least one pinion gear and at least one end bracket rotatable about the at least one pinion gear to substantially lift the scrubber assembly over objects in the swimming pool or spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool & Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh Gopalan, Nitin Aggarwal, Jayamurali Kaladharan
  • Pool cleaner with laser range finder system and method
    Patent number: 9086274
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pool cleaner control system including a laser range finder with a first laser line generator, a second laser line generator, and a camera. The first laser line generator and the second laser line generator are positioned to emit parallel laser lines and the camera is positioned to capture an image of the laser lines projected on an object. The control system also includes a controller in communication with the laser range finder and configured to control operation of the laser line generators to emit the laser lines and to control the camera to capture the image. The controller is also configured to receive the image from the camera, calculate a pixel distance between the laser lines in the image, and calculate the physical distance between the camera and the object based on the pixel distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Leonessa, Christopher H. Cain, Brian J. Boothe
  • Front face for an illuminating water bubbler
    Patent number: D734861
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Johnson, Kevin Doyle
  • Swimmer starting platform
    Patent number: D742984
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Drozdowski, Jonathan Mapes, Chris Jung, Jerry Amato
  • Pool cleaner
    Patent number: D747573
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Richiuso, Suresh Gopalan
  • Pool cleaner
    Patent number: D747574
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Richiuso, Suresh Gopalan