Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an impeller and a method of producing the impeller. The impeller includes a first molded piece coupled to a second molded piece. The first molded piece includes impeller vanes, a motor hub, a nose, and an eye. The second molded piece includes a cover and a hole through the cover. The cover is coupled to the impeller vanes around the motor hub so that the motor hub extends through the hole.

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: Embodiments of the invention provide a hydraulic isolator to split a volute of a pump into two compartments. The hydraulic isolator is positioned within the volute and includes an inlet positioned around a volute inlet channel of the pump, and an outlet positioned adjacent to an outlet channel of the pump. The hydraulic isolator also includes a toroidal portion to at least partially surround an impeller of the pump.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for removing diatomaceous earth and contaminants from a filter and for filtering liquid using diatomaceous earth. Embodiments of the method can include a washdown process, a backwash process, and a filtering process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include one or more filter cartridges with cartridge tubes to increase flow during the backwash process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a backwash sprayer to disturb contaminants during the backwash process. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a removable lid to access the filter cartridges during the washdown process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for operating a pressure-driven pool cleaner. The system includes a hydraulic timer assembly and a venturi vacuum assembly. The method includes directing water to the hydraulic timer assembly and the venturi vacuum assembly, driving the pressure-driven pool cleaner with the hydraulic timer assembly according to a timed movement cycle including a combination of backward movement and forward movement, and suctioning debris with the venturi vacuum assembly. The venturi vacuum assembly is independent of the hydraulic timer assembly so that suctioning occurs during the backward movement and the forward movement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a biodegradable, disposable debris bag for a pool cleaner. The debris bag includes biodegradable fabric filtration media stitched together to form an opening capable of being coupled to an outlet of the pool cleaner and a hollow interior portion to capture debris from the pool cleaner. The biodegradable fabric filtration media is folded over and stitched together to create the opening and the hollow interior portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pool cleaner including a supply mast, a distributor manifold, and a venturi vacuum assembly. The distributor manifold receives water from the supply mast and the venturi vacuum assembly is in fluid communication with the distributor manifold. The venturi vacuum assembly includes a suction mast, at least one first stage jet nozzle directed upward and into the suction mast, and at least one second stage jet nozzle positioned vertically above the at least one first stage jet nozzle and directed upward and into the suction mast.

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.

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 a faceplate indicating the color shows available to select from. The faceplate includes a selector 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.

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 determines a first motor speed, obtains a reference flow rate, determines a present flow rate, and determines a present power consumption. The controller calculates a difference value between the reference flow rate and the present flow rate, and uses at least one of integral, proportional, and derivative control to generate a second motor speed based on the difference value. The controller attempts to drive the motor at the second motor speed until reaching a steady state condition.

Abstract: A laminar flow water jet system has a housing with a water channel, the housing creating a laminar flow in the water channel from the water flowing through the housing. A lighting element is provided with a controller. The laminar flow passes through at least one jetting element having a cup portion and a nozzle portion and jetting a laminar flow tube from the laminar flow passing through the water channel in the housing at the base portion. The laminar flow tube is ejected from the nozzle as a laminar flow jet having a smoothed tubular surface jacket and being lit by the lighting element. An additive source drips additive into the cup portion at a rate controlled by the controller, the additive being absorbed by capillary action by the laminar flow tube as it is passed through the nozzle to become the laminar flow jet. The absorption process drawing in air from the surrounding atmosphere and creating perturbations or bubbles within the laminar flow tube.

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.

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: Embodiments of the invention provide a system including a pump, a motor, and a controller. The controller establishes a baseline value of power consumption during a deadhead condition, increases a counter when a current value decreases below the baseline value, and determines a deadhead condition when the counter exceeds a limit. The controller also compares a current value to an immediately previous power consumption value to determine an entrapment condition indicated by a sudden decrease in power consumption.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a safety vacuum release system (SVRS) with a controller for a pump including a motor. The method can include measuring an actual power consumption of the motor necessary to pump water and overcome losses. The method can include triggering the SVRS when a dynamic suction blockage is identified in order to shut down the pump substantially immediately. The SVRS can also be triggered when a dead head condition is identified based on the actual power consumption.

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 determines an actual power consumption of the motor and compares the actual power consumption to a reference power consumption. The controller also determines that the pump is in an unprimed condition if the actual power consumption is less than the reference power consumption and that the pump is in a primed condition if the actual power consumption is at least equal to the reference power consumption.

Abstract: A glueless union suitable for joining piping and other plumbing components. Several components are used to create the union. The portion of each plumbing component that is to be joined is a circular, thick-walled section which is centered on a central axis. This portion has a mating face that is perpendicular to the central axis. The union includes an annular face seal which is compressed between the opposing mating faces of the plumbing components to be joined.

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.