Abstract: A pump and alarm control promotes water safety and prevents entrapment in swimming pools, spas, and water features, such as fountains and waterfalls. The pump and alarm control monitors the vacuum on the influent side of a pump for the pool, spa and/or water feature and a two speed pump for a spa and automatically detects blockages in the pool, spa and/or water feature drains. The pump and alarm control is capable of detecting entrapment and blockages in different and distinct normal pressure operating conditions. Upon detecting a blockage the pump and alarm control shuts down pump operations and activates audible and visual alarms.

Abstract: A motor receives power through two or more relays connected to a power source. A switch-operated logic circuit is powered by a relay power source and connects to the relays. To start the motor, the switch is pressed, causing the logic circuit to close the relays sequentially. When all the relays are closed, the motor will start. If the motor starts before the logic circuit closes all of the relays, the motor is stopped and an indication is provided that the relays that have not yet been closed have failed. Otherwise, the motor runs until the switch is pressed again, causing the logic circuit to open the relays and stop the motor. The sequence in which the relays are closed is then changed. Each relay is alternately made the last in the closing sequence, therefore testing each relay in turn for failure.

Abstract: A safety device provides quick and easy removal or separation of a part or assembly from a machine or installation base. The safety release fasteners that secure the part or assembly to the machine or installation base have interconnected sections that are releasable by simply tugging on the part or assembly to allow the sections to snap apart. The breaking of the fastener releases the part or assembly from the machine or installation base, thereby freeing from imminent danger the person, whose hair, clothing or limb may be caught. Axial separation of the fasteners prevent injury to a person or damage to a machine or installation base or to a part or assembly, such as when a large inanimate object is drawn into an intake of a machine or installation.

Abstract: A microcontroller establishes normal operation and vacuuming operation profiles of time and vacuum for a pool or spa circulating pump. A user slightly adjusts the levels of vacuum within a predetermined range for storing a vacuum profile envelope within the memory for a normal pump circulating operation and a vacuum profile envelope within the memory for a vacuuming operation. A comparator compares actual inputs of time-from-start and pump vacuum with the normal operation envelope during normal operation of the circulating pump. The comparator compares real time inputs of the sensed vacuum and the time-from-start when the controller is in the vacuuming mode with the vacuuming envelope stored in the memory. Deviations of the sensed pressures from the envelope cause pump shutdown and alarm activation. A calibration switch is positioned inside a locked weatherproof control enclosure.

Abstract: An emergency shutdown system for a water-circulating pump monitors the vacuum on the influent side of a pump. The system includes a vacuum switch connected to the influent side of the pump by a vacuum line. The vacuum switch is connected to a pump shut-off switch which is, in turn, connected to the motor of the pump. When one of the influent lines leading to the pump becomes clogged or blocked, the vacuum switch, through the vacuum line, senses the increased suction and delivers an electrical shut-off signal. The pump shut-off switch opens in response to the electrical signal, thereby interrupting line power to the pump. Audible and visual alarms are also electrically connected to the vacuum switch. A main switch, including on, off, start and vacuum bypass positions, is included for manually activating and deactivating the pump motor and for enabling the pump to operate under selected high vacuum situations without deactivating the alarms.

Abstract: The invention is a connector that provides for visual recognition from remote locations and under poor visibility conditions. It may be a screw with a colored head. The screw, including the threaded shaft and the head, may be of steel, brass, plastic or any other acceptable material or combination of materials thereof. The entire or parts of the screw may be colored or plated with a colored layer or have a colored coating. Coating may include a layer of paint. For aquatic applications the paint layer is water resistant and chemical resistant and is of a color that is easily identifiable from a water surface. It may be a fluorescent paint coating. Any appropriate color or kind of paint may be used. Other coatings may be applied, such as ink coatings. The connector may have a colored cap connectable to the head of the connector. The cap may be attached following securement or may be positioned over the screw before securement.