Abstract: A cooking system having a cooking appliance and a remote computer. The cooking appliance has a programmable control module that controls a heating device. The heating device is in communication with and provides heat to a cooking location. The programmable control module is in communication with the remote computer unit via a wireless communication link. In a preferred embodiment, the remote computer unit is a Palm Pilot and the wireless communication link is an infrared (IR) link. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a temperature acquisition module is in communication with the Palm Pilot via a serial link. A temperature probe is connected to the temperature acquisition module. The temperature probe is in communication with the cooking location and senses the temperature of the cooking location. The sensed temperature is transmitted via the temperature acquisition module to the Palm Pilot. In a preferred embodiment, the Palm Pilot is used to transmit calibration instructions to the programmable control module.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of the water inside a water container. A temperature probe that defines a front end and a rear end has its front end exposed to water inside the water container. A temperature probe mount mounts the temperature probe to the side of the water container and allows access of the front end of the temperature probe to the water inside the water container. A temperature probe insulator fits over the rear end of the temperature probe. The temperature probe insulator attaches to the temperature probe mount and prevents rearward motion of the temperature probe. In a preferred embodiment, the water container is a spa. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature probe insulator is made of a rubbery substance.

Abstract: A dry fire protection system for a spa and the spa's associated equipment. A heating element heats the spa's water. A resistive water level sensor senses that the level of water around the heating element is higher than a predetermined height or lower than a predetermined height, and a heating element deactivation device electrically deactivates the heating element when the water level around the heating element falls below a predetermined level. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element deactivation device is an electric circuit comprising a comparator circuit and a control circuit.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting an electronic module to a control panel. A flange is attached to an electronic module body section. At least one bracket is rotatably attached to the flange. The rotation of the at least one bracket is controllable from the front side of the control panel. When the at least one bracket is tightened a compressive force holding the electronic module body section in place is imparted between the flange, the control panel wall and the at least one bracket. In a preferred embodiment the at least one bracket is two brackets. In the preferred embodiment the two brackets are further controllable from the back side of the control panel. Also, in the preferred embodiment, two bolts are inserted through the flange. Two locking nuts are attached to the two bolts. The electronic module body section has two cavities for housing the two brackets prior to tightening them against the control panel wall.

Abstract: A remotely controlled and monitored spa. An interface signal converter is electrically connected to a spa controller. The interface signal converter has an interface means for communicating with a remote computer through a communications link. The signal converter converts communications signals transferred from the remote computer via the communications link and directs the converted signals to the spa controller. Also, the signal converter converts signals from the spa controller to be communicated to the remote computer via the communications link. In a preferred embodiment, the signal converter comprises an IR transceiver. In another preferred embodiment the signal converter also has an RS-485 transceiver. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the interface signal converter is contained within an interface module that is mounted onto the outside of the spa's skirt.

Abstract: An overheating protection system for a spa and the spa's associated equipment. Elements include: a heating element for heating the spa's water, an infrared sensor for detecting the amount of infrared radiation emitted by the heating element, a heating element deactivation device electrically connected to the heating element and the infrared sensor, wherein the heating element deactivation device is for deactivating the heating element. In a preferred embodiment, the heating element deactivation device is an electric circuit comprising a comparator circuit and a control circuit.

Abstract: A freeze control system for a spa for maintaining the temperature of the water inside the spa and the spa's associated piping above the freezing level. Elements include: 1) a heating element for heating the water, 2) at least one pump for pumping the heated water, 3) a first sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the spa tub, 4) a second sensor for detecting the temperature of the ambient air around the spa, and 5) a computer programmed to process signals generated by the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the computer selectively activates and deactivates the heating element and the at least one pump.

Abstract: The stereoscopic film cartridge is for a stereoscopic viewer having binocular eyepieces and a film driving device. It comprises a thermally formed elongated film tending to roll around itself; and a housing for housing the film, the housing being provided with a first opening arranged to permit engagement of the film driving device with the film when the cartridge is mounted onto the stereoscopic viewer. The housing includes two opposite compartments and a guiding channel extending between the inlets of the compartments, for guiding the film between the inlets. The channel has a front panel provided with right and left adjacent viewing windows, the front panel having an inner surface provided with a first pair of upper and lower parallel projecting bands; and a rear panel comprising translucent means, the rear panel having an inner surface provided with a second pair of upper and lower parallel projecting bands facing respectively the first pair of bands.