Abstract: Methods and systems described herein provide control of a lighting system, such as a pool lighting system. The pool lighting system includes an integrated control device that includes both a transformer and a controller. Lighting devices are powered by power from the transformer using power lines and controlled using power line communication (PLC) signals sent over the same power lines.
Abstract: Multi-position valve actuators principally for water-circulation systems of pools and spas are detailed. At least some actuators may indicate position of an associated valve in a non-electronic manner, as by using a handle visible externally of the actuator and directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to the valve so as to move therewith. Hence, even if power to an actuator is disrupted, positioning of the valve may be determined by viewing the handle.
Abstract: A light controller for pool lighting systems is detailed herein. The light controller can include a switch mechanism for controlling light settings of a lighting device. Switch positions of the switch mechanism can each correspond to a different light program. When a switch is positioned at one of the switch positions, the light controller can display one or more corresponding light settings of the light program corresponding to the switch position. A user may select a light setting for the pool lighting systems based on the displayed light settings. In response to the light setting being selected, the lighting device can cause the pool lighting systems to output the selected light setting of the light program.
Abstract: Assemblies designed to facilitate detection of water flow in low water flow situations. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a channel that narrows from an inlet end of the assembly to an outlet end of the assembly to increase the velocity of water flowing through the channel. In some embodiments, the assembly may also include a water delivery mechanism that delivers water flowing through the channel to a flow sensor and enables the detection of water flow, even in low flow situations.
Abstract: A pool cleaning system for cleaning debris from a submerged surface of a swimming pool includes a self-propelled pool cleaner having rotatably-mounted supports for supporting and guiding the cleaner on the pool surface; an electric motor for enabling the rotation of the rotatably-mounted supports on the pool surface; at least one camera to capture imagery of the pool surface; a controller, in electronic communication with the at least one camera, to determine a cleanliness characteristic of the pool surface on which the cleaner has passed based on the camera imagery and generate a control signal to direct movement of the cleaner based on the cleanliness characteristic of the pool surface, and a portable electronic device configured to present a graphic on a display, the graphic depicting the submerged surface of the pool and those portions of the surface that remain uncleaned as the cleaner traverses the pool surface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 7, 2021
Date of Patent:
March 1, 2022
Assignee:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
Inventors:
Kameshwar Durvasula, William Londono Correa
Abstract: Low head loss systems are detailed. The systems may include chambers having low impedance to water flow therethrough and repositionable gates or other valves within the chambers. The valves may direct water as a function of whether an associated heating device is active. At least some gates may incorporate poppet valves or other high-flow by-passes.
Abstract: Disclosed are improved locking mechanisms for vessels, including both pressure and vacuum/suction vessels, used in swimming pool and spa equipment. These improved locking mechanisms provide a more robust, reliable seal between the lid and the body of the vessel, and include features that make moving the vessel between its sealed and unsealed positions easier. More specifically, the locking mechanisms include features that allow the lid to move into its sealed position when the locking ring is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction, and that allow the lid to release from its sealed position and lift off the body when the locking ring is rotated relative to the vessel in a second direction opposite the first direction.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 16, 2021
Publication date:
February 24, 2022
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
Inventors:
James Hohn, Richard Asplund, Jesse Bolane, Mark Bauckman
Abstract: A system for controlling electrical power supply of an aircraft includes at least two control boards and at least two switching members. Each switching member is connected to each control board. Each control board includes a processor. Each processor is configured to determine a command for switching states of switch contacts of each switching member and to determine information relating to validity of each switching command. Each switching member includes a transmitter to determine a command to be transmitted to a detector to detect parallelization, a power actuator configured to transmit a power signal to the switch contacts depending on the command received from the detector, and switch contacts configured to selectively open or close an electrical power supply line. The command is selected from the switching commands and the information relating to the validity of each switching command.
Abstract: A bypass mechanism for automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs) is detailed herein. The bypass mechanism may be a valve or other mechanical device that limits operation of the APC by diverting water away from the APC or otherwise ceasing operation of the APC after a predetermined period of time (e.g., after the desired run-time for the APC has been reached). In this way, the bypass mechanism limits the time the APC operates, even if the pump that otherwise would drive the APC remains energized.
Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods may be used for wirelessly communicating underwater (or through air) with equipment such as, but not necessarily limited to, automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs). Such communication avoids any need for conventional wired communication with the APCs. At least some of the devices may be hand-held and capable of having at least portions immersed in water in normal use. The devices preferably do not use radio frequency (RF) signal to communication with APCs, instead employing light-based or other signal types.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 6, 2021
Publication date:
February 10, 2022
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
Inventors:
Arnaud Besnier, Mehdi Chafik, Arnaud Lancry
Abstract: Techniques and methods for wirelessly communicating underwater with equipment such as, but not necessarily limited to, automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs) are detailed. Such communication avoids any need for conventional wired communication with the APCs. In some cases sounds may be used to communicate, and such sounds may travel through both air and water.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 6, 2021
Publication date:
February 10, 2022
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
Inventors:
Phillip Newman, Hendrikus Johannes van der Meijden
Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) may include a sensor for detecting adjacency of a pool wall or other object. Following such detection, the APC may reorient itself so as to re-approach the wall (or other object) in a manner better suited for cleaning the area. The reorientation may occur through, for example, changing speeds of motors on-board the APC, directions of travel of the cleaner, or both.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 5, 2021
Publication date:
February 10, 2022
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
Inventors:
Arnaud Besnier, Florent Dallet, Simon Duffaut, E. Keith McQueen
Abstract: Techniques and methods for wirelessly communicating with equipment such as, but not necessarily limited to, automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs) are detailed. An accelerometer or other sensor on-board an APC may recognize such communications. In some cases, varying operation of a motor or other feedback generator of the APC may provide sonic or other feedback in response to the communications.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 6, 2021
Publication date:
February 10, 2022
Applicant:
ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
Inventors:
Florent Dallet, Simon Duffaut, Louis Favie
Abstract: A generator of inert gas from an airflow, in an inerting system for at least one aircraft fuel tank is disclosed. The generator includes a system with an air inlet and means for distributing the airflow to a plurality of air separation modules arranged in parallel on the air system to deplete oxygen in the air and generate a nitrogen-enriched inert gas at the outlet. The generator also includes a programed control unit for the distribution means to selectively supply air to a single, a portion or all of the air separation modules, depending on the flight phase of the aircraft.
Abstract: An autonomous pool cleaner includes a main body, a filter that is removably coupled to the main body, and an edge engagement assembly. The main body includes a top, a bottom, and one or more peripheral walls that extend between the top and the bottom. The filter is accessible for removal or installation via a particular peripheral wall of the one or more peripheral walls. The edge engagement assembly is configured to extend beyond the particular peripheral wall of the main body and removably secure the autonomous pool cleaner to an edge of a swimming pool so that the filter is accessible and vertically removable when the autonomous pool cleaner is secured to the edge.
Abstract: Disclosed is a boat including a bottom bordered radially externally by a wall which includes an inflatable and foldable front wall, an inflatable and foldable side wall, and a rear wall. The boat includes at least one inflatable and foldable longitudinal support parallel to the side wall, the support including an inflatable tube and a foldable upper connection which connects the tube to the upper part of the side wall, the upper connection extending longitudinally along the side wall and forming during use a surface P capable of receiving an element.
Abstract: A bonding lug assembly includes a bonding lug and a set screw. The bonding lug includes a body that defines a first channel and a second channel. The first channel defines a first conductor path extending in a first direction, and the second channel defines a second conductor path extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction. The set screw is configured to selectively engage the bonding lug and retain a bonding conductor within at least one of the first channel or the second channel.
Abstract: Low head loss systems are detailed. The systems may include chambers having low impedance to water flow therethrough and repositionable gates or other valves within the chambers. The valves may direct water as a function of whether an associated heating device is active. At least some gates may incorporate poppet valves or other high-flow by-passes.
Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic assembly of polyphase structure, said assembly including: a yoke comprising an electromagnetic body; a plurality of spaced-apart blocks that protrude with respect to one of the carrier faces of the yoke and that are arranged, consecutively, along the periphery of the carrier face of the yoke; and at least one winding that is associated with the blocks, wherein there is only one yoke, the plurality of blocks is arranged in at least two groups of blocks (A, B, C) in which two consecutive blocks of a given group of blocks (A, B, C) are spaced apart by an inter-block distance (E), and each group of blocks (A, B, C) is separated from the adjacent group of blocks (A, B, C) by an inter-group distance (D) that is different from the inter-block distance (E).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 27, 2017
Date of Patent:
December 7, 2021
Assignees:
FRANCECOL TECHNOLOGY, ZODIAC ACTUATION SYSTEMS, MBDA FRANCE
Abstract: Assemblies designed to facilitate detection of water flow in low water flow situations. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a channel that narrows from an inlet end of the assembly to an outlet end of the assembly to increase the velocity of water flowing through the channel. In some embodiments, the assembly may also include a water delivery mechanism that delivers water flowing through the channel to a flow sensor and enables the detection of water flow, even in low flow situations.