Abstract: A ventilation ring for a UV water sanitizer unit that allows for adequate ventilation of heat generated by electronic components while sequestering those electronic components from water. The ring can also be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow a user to detect whether a UV lamp within the housing is operating. An improved nut for affixing a quartz tube within such a unit and improved design for draining the unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ventilation ring for a UV water sanitizer unit that allows for adequate ventilation of heat generated by electronic components while sequestering those electronic components from water. The ring can also be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow a user to detect whether a UV lamp within the housing is operating. An improved nut for affixing a quartz tube within such a unit and improved design for draining the unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fitting and pipe section assembly 10 that is capable of being installed in tubing 20A and 20B of a jetted bath to render the tubing 20A and 20B adaptable to accept a close fit fluid flow device 30. The fitting and pipe section assembly 10 includes a pipe section 12, first and second fittings 18A and 18B, and first and second indicia 17A and 17B. The pipe section 12 has a center segment 16 between inlet and outlet end portions 14A and 14B. The inlet and outlet portions 14A and 14B may be placed in fluid flow communication with an inlet and an outlet of the tubing 20A and 20B. The first and second fittings 18A and 18B are disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section 14A and 14B. The first and second indicia 17A and 17B on the pipe section 12 define the center segment 16 of the pipe section 12 and guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section 12 at predetermined points.

Abstract: A method of modifying a bath to accept a heater (30) using a fitting and pipe section assembly (10) is provided. The method includes cutting the assembly (10) along first and second indicia (17A and 17B) disposed at the ends of a pipe section (12) and removing a center segment (16) of the pipe section (12), leaving first and second end fittings (18A and 18B) with a gap therebetween. The method further includes inserting the heater within the gap without displacement of the fittings and securing the heater in fluid communication with the fittings with a fastening assembly. A method of forming a fitting and pipe section assembly to permit the mounting of a heater in fluid communication with tubing of a bath is also provided. A method of modifying a segment of tubing of a jetted bath to accept a heater is further provided.

Abstract: A pipe section (112) that is operable to be installed in tubing (120A and 120B) of a jetted bath to render the tubing adaptable to accept a close fit device (130). The pipe section includes a removable hollow center segment (116) disposed between end fittings (118A and 118B) and grooves (117A and 117B). The grooves (117A and 117B) on the pipe section (112) define the hollow center segment (116) guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section at predetermined locations. The hollow center segment (116) may be selectively removed leaving the end fittings (118A and 118B) coupled to the tubing (120A and 120B). Once the center segment is removed, the close fit device may be installed between the end fittings (118A and 118B). In another aspect of the present invention, the center segment (416) is removed by unfastening the center segment from the end fittings (418A and 418B).

Abstract: A method of modifying a bath to accept a heater (30) using a fitting and pipe section assembly (10) is provided. The method includes cutting the assembly (10) along first and second indicia (17A and 17B) disposed at the ends of a pipe section (12) and removing a center segment (16) of the pipe section (12), leaving first and second end fittings (18A and 18B) with a gap therebetween. The method further includes inserting the heater within the gap without displacement of the fittings and securing the heater in fluid communication with the fittings with a fastening assembly. A method of forming a fitting and pipe section assembly to permit the mounting of a heater in fluid communication with tubing of a bath is also provided. A method of modifying a segment of tubing of a jetted bath to accept a heater is further provided.

Abstract: A temperature maintenance heater assembly for maintaining the temperature of a heated fluid circulating through piping of a bath, including a pipe section, a base plate, a control assembly, a heater assembly cover, and a heating element. The heater element is mounted within the pipe section. The control device assembly is electrically connected to the heater element and to a source of power. The control assembly includes a flow switch operable to interrupt the supply of power to the heater element under certain operating conditions, such as when the fluid flow through the pipe section is less than a pre-selected threshold value. By interrupting the supply of power to the heating element under certain operating conditions, the temperature maintenance heater assembly provides operational safety measures to the user.

Abstract: A temperature maintenance heater assembly 10 for maintaining the temperature of a heated fluid circulating through piping of a bath, including a pipe section 70, base plate 40, control device assembly 30, base plate cover 80, and a heating element 20. The pipe section has an outer wall 72, an inlet 74, and an outlet 76. The control device assembly 30 has a first and second pressure switch 32A and 32B, wherein each of the first and second pressure switches have first and second electrical terminals 34A, 36A, 34B and 36B, pressure sensors 38A and 38B, and switch mechanisms 39A and 39B activated by the pressure sensor 38A and 38B. The base plate 40 has an upper surface 42 and a lower surface 52, wherein the control device assembly 30 is attached to the upper surface 42 of the base plate 40, and the base plate 40 is attached to the outer wall 72 of the pipe section 70. The base plate cover 80 is removably attached to the base plate 40, and wherein the cover 80 encloses the control device assembly 30.

Abstract: A split nut assembly (100) for joining a threaded pipe (90) with a flanged pipe (95), the split nut assembly having a two-piece split nut (110, 130) having locking pins (113, 133) that engage locking apertures (115, 135) to properly align the split nut. A locking ring (150) slidably engages the properly aligned split nut to hold the assembly together. Rectangular apertures (123, 143) are provided on the split nut, that engage corresponding channels (163) in the locking ring, whereby the locking ring is rotationally coupled to the split nut when assembled. Locking tabs (164) hold the locking ring in place after assembly. This split nut assembly allows the pipes to be joined without threading any hardware along the length of either pipe, and with the split nut threads (112, 132) engaging the pipe threads (92) without having to rotate the nut.

Abstract: A temperature maintenance heater assembly 10 for maintaining the temperature of a heated fluid circulating through piping of a bath, including a pipe section 70, base plate 40, control device assembly 30, base plate cover 80, and a heating element 20. The pipe section has an outer wall 72, an inlet 74, and an outlet 76. The control device assembly 30 has a first and second pressure switch 32A and 32B, wherein each of the first and second pressure switches have first and second electrical terminals 34A, 36A, 34B and 36B, pressure sensors 38A and 38B, and switch mechanisms 39A and 39B activated by the pressure sensor 38A and 38B. The base plate 40 has an upper surface 42 and a lower surface 52, wherein the control device assembly 30 is attached to the upper surface 42 of the base plate 40, and the base plate 40 is attached to the outer wall 72 of the pipe section 70. The base plate cover 80 is removably attached to the base plate 40, and wherein the cover 80 encloses the control device assembly 30.

Abstract: A pipe section (112) that is operable to be installed in tubing (120A and 120B) of a jetted bath to render the tubing adaptable to accept a close fit device (130). The pipe section includes a removable hollow center segment (116) disposed between end fittings (118A and 118B) and grooves (117A and 117B). The grooves (117A and 117B) on the pipe section (112) define the hollow center segment (116) guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section at predetermined locations. The hollow center segment (116) may be selectively removed leaving the end fittings (118A and 118B) coupled to the tubing (120A and 120B). Once the center segment is removed, the close fit device may be installed between the end fittings (118A and 118B). In another aspect of the present invention, the center segment (416) is removed by unfastening the center segment from the end fittings (418A and 418B).

Abstract: A fitting and pipe section assembly 10 that is capable of being installed in tubing 20A and 20B of a jetted bath to render the tubing 20A and 20B adaptable to accept a close fit fluid flow device 30. The fitting and pipe section assembly 10 includes a pipe section 12, first and second fittings 18A and 18B, and first and second indicia 17A and 17B. The pipe section 12 has a center segment 16 between inlet and outlet end portions 14A and 14B. The inlet and outlet portions 14A and 14B may be placed in fluid flow communication with an inlet and an outlet of the tubing 20A and 20B. The first and second fittings 18A and 18B are disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section 14A and 14B. The first and second indicia 17A and 17B on the pipe section 12 define the center segment 16 of the pipe section 12 and guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section 12 at predetermined points.

Abstract: A split nut assembly (100) for joining a threaded pipe (90) with a flanged pipe (95), the split nut assembly having a two-piece split nut (110, 130) having locking pins (113, 133) that engage locking apertures (115, 135) to properly align the split nut. A locking ring (150) slidably engages the properly aligned split nut to hold the assembly together. Rectangular apertures (123, 143) are provided on the split nut, that engage corresponding channels (163) in the locking ring, whereby the locking ring is rotationally coupled to the split nut when assembled. Locking tabs (164) hold the locking ring in place after assembly. This split nut assembly allows the pipes to be joined without threading any hardware along the length of either pipe, and with the split nut threads (112, 132) engaging the pipe threads (92) without having to rotate the nut.

Abstract: A water heater assembly (20) is disclosed. The water heater assembly includes a tubular housing (22) having an inlet, an outlet, and a channel extending between the inlet and outlet for passing water through the water heater assembly. A plurality of heating element conduits (102a-102e) extend between the inlet and outlet. The water heater assembly also includes a plurality of heating elements (100a-100d) removably disposed within the conduits and extending between the inlet and outlet. The heating element housings surrounding the heating element for sealing the heating element from direct contact with the water and permitting heat transfer between the heating elements and the water passing adjacent the heating element housing. The water heater assembly also includes cylindrical first and second end caps (62 and 62b). One end cap being releasably fastened to one of either the inlet or outlet of the housing. Each end cap has a sealed end and a hole (76) extending through and off the center of the sealed end.

Abstract: A water heating element (12) has an encapsulated bulkhead flange (16). The water heating element includes a heating coil (32) that is housed in an outer sheath (34). The bulkhead flange is secured onto the outer sheath at a sheath-to-bulkhead braze joint (42). A polymeric bulkhead flange seal (18) encapsulates the bulkhead flange, and extends sufficiently to keep the bulkhead flange and the brazing connection out of contact with water. The polymeric bulkhead flange seal includes a polymeric potting cup (44) that has a top (46), a bottom (48), and a sidewall (50). The bulkhead flange is received within and surrounded by the potting cup. The potting cup is filled with a potting material such that the potting (52) encapsulates the sides and bottom of the bulkhead flange. The potting cup includes standoffs (54) that space apart the bottom of the potting cup from a top (36) of the bulkhead flange, and the potting also covers a majority of the top of the bulkhead flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluidly coupling a flanged pipe (2) having an annular flange (4) to a threaded pipe (22) having an externally threaded end (20) with an annular lip is disclosed. An annular nut (8) has an internal thread (10) for engaging the threaded pipe. An internal diameter of the annular nut is larger than an external diameter of the flange of the flanged pipe. Thus, the annular nut can slide without deformation over the flange of the flanged pipe. The annular nut also acts as a retaining surface. An internal diameter of an annular insert (12) is smaller than the external diameter of the flange of the flanged pipe. Because of the difference in diameter, the annular insert cannot slide freely over the flange of the flange pipe. Additionally, the annular insert has a split (14) that allows the annular insert to reversibly expand to slip over the flange of the flanged pipe.

Abstract: A modular electronic control housing assembly 10 having a housing 32, a removable front plate 36, and a chassis 34 for mounting control components. The housing 32 includes an enclosed top 40, an enclosed back 42, and enclosed sides 44 having flanges 48 projecting therefrom. The chassis 34 includes a base 66, a front wall 68, and flanges 70 projection from the wall 68 having a side flange 72 and outwardly projecting front flanges 74. A plurality of electrical connectors 90 are mounted to the base 66 through openings 92. When the modular spa control assembly 10 is assembled, the front flanges 74 on the chassis 34 are clamped between the front plate 36 and the flanges 48 on the sidewalls 44 of the housing 32, thus supporting the chassis 34 within the housing 32 without requiring an enclosed bottom. The control assembly 10 is quickly disassembled by unplugging the power cord 28 and the plurality of plugs 30, removing the fasteners 38 and the front plate 36, and taking the chassis 34 out of the housing 32.