Abstract: The invention relates to a method (19) for starting an electric single-phase induction motor (1), wherein during a start-up interval of the start-up cycle for starting said electric motor (1), the frequency (fref) of the electric current for driving said electric motor (1) is set to a first frequency (fstart), and later to the operating frequency (frun) of the electric motor (1), wherein the first frequency (fstart) is higher than the operating frequency (frun).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor pump. The method includes the acts of providing an AC power signal having a positive half cycle and a negative half cycle, measuring the voltage of the AC power signal and generating a first two-state output signal that is in a logic high state when the measured voltage is on the positive half cycle and that is in a logic low state when the measured voltage is on the negative half cycle, and measuring the current of the AC power signal and generating a second two-state output signal that is in logic high state when the measured current is on the positive half cycle and that is in a logic low state when the measured current is on the negative half cycle.

Abstract: A double-seal/oil-reservoir system for motor/pump assembly includes first seal (S1) and a second seal (S2) of a carbon/ceramic ring type that are axially spaced from one another along a drive shaft (24). A containment volume “V” is defined between the first and second seals (S1 and S2) in which an oil or oil-like fluid is contained to prevent seepage or weepage of the fluid circulated by the pump.

Abstract: A high-efficiency motor/pump system (20) for jetted baths/spas includes a pump assembly (22) removably secured to a motor assembly (24). The motor assembly (24) includes a motor (26) having a conventional laminated stator (30), a front housing (32) at the forward end of the motor (26), a rear housing (34) at the back end of the motor (26), and a ventilation plate (36) at the end of the rear housing (34). An armature-mounted internal fan (104) draws ambient air through openings in a ventilation plate (36) and forces the air through annular channels (80) in the rear housing (34) to effect cooling of the motor (26). The motor (26) is of the permanent split-capacitor type to eliminate the centrifugal switch commonly used in capacitor-start induction motors to thereby improve reliability. Additionally, telescoping structures on the forward end of the motor assembly and the rearward end of the pump assembly facilitate self-aligning assembly of the components.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a motor to a pump includes a collar having a first end being removably coupled to a motor housing and a second end being removably coupled to a pump housing of differing size. The collar forms an internal cavity. The drive coupler further includes a drive coupler disposed within the internal cavity, coaxially aligned with the collar. The adapter further includes a motor shaft portion on the drive coupler being configured to engage a motor shaft on a first end, and being configured to engage a pump shaft on a second end. The drive coupler is configured to engage a motor shaft and pump shaft of differing diameters.

Abstract: A water filter device mountable on a faucet facilitates water flow in substantially one linear direction through a filtering cartridge which comprises activated carbon or charcoal material. The water filtration device includes a valve assembly for selectively operating the filtering device for generating filtered or unfiltered water. The filtering device preferably includes a disc shaped filtering housing having a disc shaped filtering block of activated carbon material therein for filtering water. The present invention simplifies the flow path of water from the inlet through the filtering cartridge and provides for a more compact and lower profile filtering device which saves space in the sink associated with the water filtration device. It also provides for little or no pressure differential for flow through the filter.

Abstract: A new method for making a filter module includes the steps of providing an adhesive dispensing implement and a support member having an annular flange. A filter medium is placed around the support member to form an intermediate assembly and the implement and the assembly are rotated relative to one another while applying adhesive to the medium and the flange, thereby securing the medium and the flange to one another. A related apparatus for making a filter module has a powered module support mechanism for rotating a filter module about an axis and an adhesive dispensing implement for applying adhesive to a rotating filter module. Preferably, the module support mechanism includes two parallel rotating bars for holding the module and the module assembly is rotated while holding the adhesive dispensing implement stationary.

Abstract: A filter cartridge has an inner filter element and an outer filter element concentric therewith. The filter elements define a water flow space between them and a container of sanitizing granules is positioned in the space. The granules kill waterborne bacteria that come into contact therewith. In a more specific embodiment, the container is in a riser tube positioned in the water flow space. In another embodiment, the cartridge includes two riser tubes, each holding a container of sanitizing granules. In the alternative, one riser tube holds a container of an oxidizer such as chlorine or bromine pellets.

Abstract: A new method for making a filter module includes the steps of providing an adhesive dispensing implement and a support member having an annular flange. A filter medium is placed around the support member to form an intermediate assembly and the implement and the assembly are rotated relative to one another while applying adhesive to the medium and the flange, thereby securing the medium and the flange to one another. A related apparatus for making a filter module has a powered module support mechanism for rotating a filter module about an axis and an adhesive dispensing implement for applying adhesive to a rotating filter module. Preferably, the module support mechanism includes two parallel rotating bars for holding the module and the module assembly is rotated while holding the adhesive dispensing implement stationary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new method for making a component having interior and exterior threads. Such method includes the steps of providing a thread-forming apparatus having first and second circumferential threaded portions defining a space between them. Such space is filled with a flowable material, e.g., hot plastic, which is permitted to solidify and form the component. The apparatus and the component are then separated from one another by rotating such apparatus so that both threaded portions unscrew from the component. The finished component has interior and exterior threads which are simultaneously formed and substantially free of flashing. The new thread-forming apparatus has a first threaded portion and a pocket. A plug is in the pocket and has a second threaded portion spaced from the first threaded portion.

Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner of the type driven by water flow, having a housing forming a chamber open at its lower side, pivotable attachment of a hose, and a handle pivotably and detachably secured to the housing, such that the pool cleaner can be used manually or automatically as desired. Various embodiments of the invention include vibratory bristle drive to provide forward motion, directional change, rotational scrubbing, and/or vibratory scrubbing action for dual-use (automatic or manual) and manual cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A replaceable bristle ring for removable attachment to a swimming pool cleaner, such bristle ring having bristles secured along it and projecting downwardly to terminate in bristle ends adapted to support the pool cleaner on a surface to be cleaned and means facilitating attachment with respect to the pool cleaner housing. A preponderance of the bristles are preferably inclined along lines which are skew lines with respect to the axis of the ring, such that vibration causes movement of the pool cleaner along a swimming pool bottom surface. A preferred replaceable ring has an annular surface with features for interengagement with another bristle ring.

Abstract: A filter component having a substantially rigid support core and a filter element. The core includes a projecting first anchoring rib and the filter element (which is substantially flat in a repose position) has first and second spaced end panels. At least the first end panel of the element is attached to the anchoring rib when the element is mounted on the component. Element-component attachment is, in one aspect, by panel-mounted hook-like devices which attach to the rib. Attachment devices may also be embodied as clip mechanisms or rivet-like fasteners. A retaining tab on the component platform fits into a tab notch on the filter element when the element is mounted on the component.

Abstract: A fluid pump has an integral filament-wound housing bonded to internal parts of the pump. The pump housing is made of composite material (such as fiberglass strands coated with epoxy resin) wound about an adapter, pumping members and an output flange. Once hardened, the housing, adapter, pumping members and output flange are permanently bonded together to form a unitary structure. Pump efficiency is greatly enhanced because the pump housing forms a fluid-tight seal between (a) pumping members and (b) between pumping members and the housing and further prevents rotation of the pumping members in response to torque forces during pump operation.

Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner having a vibrator on the pool cleaner housing, main bristles projecting to main-bristle ends for supporting the device on a surface to be cleaned, the main bristles inclined such that vibration causes forward movement, and secondary bristles in fixed position projecting to secondary-bristle ends, the secondary bristles inclined in a different direction than the main bristles such that, upon contact with the surface to be cleaned, vibration causes a turning away from the forward direction.