Abstract: Nicheless lighting assemblies principally for swimming pools and spa are detailed. The lighting assemblies include features configured to dissipate heat. The assemblies additionally are designed to reduce possibility of water intrusion. Some versions of the assemblies may include thermally-conductive plastic overmolded onto at least one of a lens or a heat spreader. Versions of the assemblies additionally or alternatively may include a generally annular heat sink to which a printed circuit board containing at least one light-emitting diode (LED) is attached. Versions of the assemblies may be divided into subassemblies, one subassembly fitting into another, or include protective covers.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 2, 2023
Publication date:
August 24, 2023
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC.
Inventors:
Jonathan Arpin, Hwa Heng, Barton Lu, Evan Ackema
Abstract: A pool or spa control system includes a sensor system with one or more sensors in contact with a main body of water. The sensor system measures water condition data of the body of water and is mounted on a wall submerged in the main body of water. The pool or spa control system also includes a modem that facilitates data communications between the sensor system and communication equipment positioned at a different location from the main body of water.
Abstract: A lift and extraction system for an automatic swimming pool cleaner may facilitate removal from the of the automatic swimming pool cleaner from a swimming pool, deployment of the automatic swimming pool cleaner into a swimming pool, and/or storage of the automatic swimming pool cleaner outside of the swimming pool. The lift and extraction systems may include a frame, motive elements, and one or more engagement features for selectively engaging and positioning the automatic swimming pool cleaner relative to the frame.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 9, 2023
Publication date:
July 13, 2023
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
Inventors:
Hendrikus Johannes van der Meijden, David Holgreaves
Abstract: Disclosed are pumps designed to make priming more efficient and therefore reduce priming time. The disclosed pumps include one or more deflection structures that prevent fluid moving through a diffuser of the pump from continuing in a circular path and instead divert the fluid in a different direction that leads directly to an outlet of the pump. This deflection reduces air bubble accumulation inside the pump while priming and makes it easier for air to escape through the pump outlet. Making it easier for air to escape the pump outlet ultimately allows air to escape the pump faster during priming, reducing back pressure caused by trapped air pockets inside the pump and improving priming performance.
Abstract: Communications capabilities are supplied to components of pool water recirculation systems, even if the components lack electrical power or supply wires. Capabilities may be furnished by wireless RF devices that connect to existing fittings or ports of the components, for example. The devices are configured to obtain desired information relating to the components (or the water within them) and transmit the information remotely for processing or consideration.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 17, 2023
Publication date:
July 6, 2023
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
Inventors:
Mark J. Bauckman, E. Keith McQueen, Tawny Jean Cothran
Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus to be immersed in the pool, the system further comprising at least one moving image acquisition means secured to a float via a flexible tie.
Abstract: Nicheless lighting assemblies principally for swimming pools and spas are detailed. The lighting assemblies include features configured to dissipate heat. The assemblies additionally are designed to reduce possibility of water intrusion. Some versions of the assemblies may include thermally-conductive plastic overmolded onto at least one of a lens or a heat spreader. Versions of the assemblies additionally or alternatively may include a generally annular heat sink to which a printed circuit board containing at least one light-emitting diode (LED) is attached. Versions of the assemblies may be divided into subassemblies, one subassembly fitting into another, or include protective covers.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 30, 2021
Date of Patent:
June 20, 2023
Assignee:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
Inventors:
Jonathan Arpin, Hwa Heng, Barton Lu, Evan Ackema
Abstract: A cleaning system for swimming pools and spas may include an automatic swimming pool cleaner and an anti-theft system for the automatic swimming pool cleaner. In some cases, the anti-theft system may be an active system generating an active response based on a safety situation. Additionally or alternatively, the anti-theft system may provide increased prevention and/or deterrence to theft.
Abstract: Airborne unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) may be used to hover over swimming pools or spas and dispense chemicals (or other materials or devices) directly thereinto. UAVs alternatively or additionally may include sensors designed to identify certain characteristics of pools or spas or of the water therein. The UAVs further may hover over, or land on, pool pads or other areas adjacent or near a pool or spa to deliver or receive parts or other objects.
Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus to be immersed in the pool, the system further comprising at least one moving image acquisition means secured to a float via a flexible tie.
Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner system includes an automatic swimming pool cleaner and optionally a control box. The automatic swimming pool cleaner and/or the control box may display a temperature measurement of a swimming pool determined by the automatic swimming pool cleaner within the swimming pool on the control box associated with the automatic swimming pool cleaner and/or on the automatic swimming pool cleaner. A method includes displaying on an automatic swimming pool cleaner or on the control box associated with the automatic swimming pool cleaner a temperature measurement of a swimming pool determined by the automatic swimming pool cleaner within the swimming pool.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 23, 2022
Publication date:
April 6, 2023
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
Inventors:
Florence Latierre, Thomas Rosin, Simon Duffaut
Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) for swimming pools and spas may skim a waterline of a swimming pool or spa while the APC is on a surface of the swimming pool or spa. The APC may include two inlets—a first inlet may receive or collect water during a surface-cleaning operation of the APC, and a second inlet may receive or collect water during a skimming operation of the APC. Optionally, at least one of the two inlets is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 23, 2022
Publication date:
April 6, 2023
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
Inventors:
Simon Duffaut, Louis Favie, Rémi Deloche
Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) for swimming pools and spas may be used to monitor and/or determine a waterline level of the swimming pool or spa. Optionally, the determined waterline level may be provided on a user interface of an external device such as but not limited to a control box or a user device. An alert may be provided to a pool owner or other user based on the waterline level relative to a threshold waterline level. Optionally, at least one piece of equipment associated with the swimming pool or spa may be controlled based on the determined waterline level.
Abstract: A self-propelled robotic pool cleaner includes a housing with a lower portion having an inlet and an upper portion having an outlet, the lower and upper portions define an internal chamber therebetween. A filter and a water pump are mounted in the internal chamber for suctioning pool water into the inlet and discharging filtered water through said outlet. Rotationally-mounted elements are mounted to the housing for supporting and guiding said cleaner on a surface of the pool. An arm assembly extends outward from said housing, and a rotary brush assembly is mounted at a distal end of the arm assembly. An electric motor is coupled to at least one of said water pump, the rotationally-mounted elements and the rotary brush. The pool cleaner is configured to continue climbing upward on a pool wall and tell the rotary brush assembly is above the water level and climbs over the pool coping edge propelling said pool cleaner onto the pool deck.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 3, 2020
Date of Patent:
April 4, 2023
Assignee:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
Inventors:
Kameshwar Durvasula, Ethan Hanan, Anthony Meletta
Abstract: A cabin furnishing element for a cabin, such as a cabin of an aircraft, includes a panel having a panel body. The panel body includes an illumination surface having an illumination zone, and defines a lighting recess within the panel body relative to the illumination surface. The panel also includes a lighting system having a light source assembly and a light guide. The light source assembly and light guide are retained within the lighting recess defined by the panel body. The lighting system is adapted to selectively illuminate a portion of the illumination zone.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 13, 2021
Date of Patent:
April 4, 2023
Assignee:
Zodiac Cabin Controls GmbH
Inventors:
Volker Antonczyk, Birger Timm, Lutz Neumann, Henrik Heine, Edwin van der Perk, Hermann Schotte, Rincke Bleicken
Abstract: Apparatus and methods for counteracting, e.g., drift of automatic swimming pool cleaners are detailed. In particular, a drifting cleaner may recover its movement by altering traction speed of the motive element(s) on one side of its body. Such alteration may occur when the cleaner is travelling along a generally horizontally-oriented pool bottom, climbing up or down a wall, or otherwise moving within a pool.
Abstract: Communications capabilities are supplied to components of pool water recirculation systems, even if the components lack electrical power or supply wires. Capabilities may be furnished by wireless RF devices that connect to existing fittings or ports of the components, for example. The devices are configured to obtain desired information relating to the components (or the water within them) and transmit the information remotely for processing or consideration.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 4, 2020
Date of Patent:
March 21, 2023
Assignee:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
Inventors:
Mark J. Bauckman, Eugene Keith McQueen, Tawny Jean Cothran
Abstract: A heater for a pool system, such as a swimming pool or a spa, includes a controller and a plurality of sensors for determining an operating condition of the heater. In some cases, the heater includes a gas sensor for determining at least one characteristic of gas supplied to the heater. The heater may also include a wiring sensor for determining a wiring configuration for an igniter of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater may include a water inlet sensor, a water outlet sensor, and a vent sensor. The heater for the pool system may be provided with various other sensors or combination of sensors.
Abstract: A method and a system for inerting an aircraft fuel tank includes at least one inert gas generator. The device includes at least means of determining the inert gas requirement of the aircraft tank(s) in real-time, means of regulating the inert gas flow rate of an inert gas generator, and controlled distribution means of the inert gas in the various fuel tanks and/or various compartments of an aircraft fuel tank. A control unit is capable of real-time determination of an inert gas flow rate setting according to the inert gas requirement of the tank(s) of the aircraft transmitted by the means of determining the inert gas requirement, the settings being transmitted in real time to the inert gas flow rate regulating means, and is also capable of determining the inert gas distribution control settings to the controlled distribution means of inert gas into the various fuel tanks and/or various compartments of a fuel tank.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 28, 2014
Date of Patent:
February 21, 2023
Assignee:
ZODIAC AEROTECHNICS
Inventors:
Benoît Artaud, Christophe Claris, Olivier Vandroux, Thibaut Vozy