Abstract: A system for filtering water in a spa is described, and may include a housing that defines a receptacle for receiving a framework. The housing may include a cover and a back element, the cover and the back element connectable to form the receptacle. The back element may comprise an inlet port and an outlet port. The framework includes a rectangular slot for receiving a rectangular filter media, and one or more openings for receiving one or more mineral cartridges.

Abstract: A system for filtering water in a spa is described, and may include a housing that defines a receptacle for receiving a framework. The housing may include a cover and a back element, the cover and the back element connectable to form the receptacle. The back element may comprise an inlet port and an outlet port. The framework includes a rectangular slot for receiving a rectangular filter media, and one or more openings for receiving one or more mineral cartridges.

Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.

Abstract: A structural support system for a spa can include: a vertical support comprising a first portion and a second portion and a first side and a second side, wherein the first portion is comprised of a plurality of shaped openings being open on the first side and wherein the second portion is comprised of a plurality of shaped openings being open on the second side; a channel bracket, the channel bracket comprising a shaped boss on a first side and a first groove formed in a second side, wherein channel bracket further comprises a second groove formed in a third side, the third side being opposite the second side; and a spa panel retention member, the spa panel retention member comprising a projection to mate in the first groove of the channel bracket.

Abstract: A spa suction bulkhead or manifold is described. The manifold may be placed behind a removable seat back of the spa or other removable structure. The manifold may have a top portion connected to a main suction line and a main pump line. The top portion may have a cylindrical wall in the center, such that the top portion is divided into a central opening (in fluid communication with the main pump line) and an outer ring portion (in fluid communication with the main suction line). The manifold may also have a cover with a central opening and a plurality of holes formed therein. A spa removable seat back containing jets may fit at its base into the central opening of the cover in fluid connection with the main pump line and allowing the outer ring portion and cover to be exposed for water intake.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for sealing components in a spa shell. A through-component body, such as a spa jet, extends from the inner side of the spa shell to an outer side of the spa shell. A retaining member includes at least one injection port, and retains the through-component body in place on the outer side of the spa shell. A sealant is injected into the at least one injection port to seal a space between the outer side of the spa shell and the through-component body.

Abstract: A system for supporting a spa shell may include a structural support paddle. The paddle may include a base portion and a paddle portion, connected to each other through an articulating joint such as a ball-and-socket. The top side of the paddle portion may include one or more pieces of cushioning material, such as EPF foam. The structural paddle assembly may be placed between the base of the spa and the spa shell. Typically, 5 or more paddle assemblies are placed in a spa for support, such as in the lowest areas of the spa shell and/or concavities, or convexities, of the spa shell. Compared to typical large blocks of foam used to support a spa shell from beneath, the structural support paddles provided increased room below the spa shell for ease of maintenance and installation, and more directly controlled support.

Abstract: A structural support system for a spa can include: a vertical support comprising a first portion and a second portion and a first side and a second side, wherein the first portion is comprised of a plurality of shaped openings being open on the first side and wherein the second portion is comprised of a plurality of shaped openings being open on the second side; a channel bracket, the channel bracket comprising a shaped boss on a first side and a first groove formed in a second side, wherein channel bracket further comprises a second groove formed in a third side, the third side being opposite the second side; and a spa panel retention member, the spa panel retention member comprising a projection to mate in the first groove of the channel bracket.

Abstract: A system for supporting the structure of a spa may include vertical supports, channel brackets that mate with vertical supports, and exterior brackets that mate with the channel brackets to hold spa exterior panels in place. The vertical supports may be formed of a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and second portion formed of contiguous hexagons having one open side. The first portion may be open on a first side, with the second portion open on a second side. The open sides of the hexagons may create a space or pocket to allow for additional structures, such as brackets, to mate with the hexagons of the vertical support. A channel bracket may include a hexagonal boss to mate with a vertical support, as well as a channel for receiving a projection of an exterior bracket to hold a spa side panel in place.

Abstract: A system for supporting a spa shell may include a structural support paddle. The paddle may include a base portion and a paddle portion, connected to each other through an articulating joint such as a ball-and-socket. The top side of the paddle portion may include one or more pieces of cushioning material, such as EPF foam. The structural paddle assembly may be placed between the base of the spa and the spa shell. Typically 5 or more paddle assemblies are place in a spa for support, such as in the lowest areas of the spa shell and/or concavities, or convexities, of the spa shell. Compared to typical large blocks of foam used to support a spa shell from beneath, the structural support paddles provided increased room below the spa shell for ease of maintenance and installation, and more directly controlled support.

Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.

Abstract: A system for supporting a spa shell may include a structural support paddle. The paddle may include a base portion and a paddle portion, connected to each other through an articulating joint such as a ball-and-socket. The top side of the paddle portion may include one or more pieces of cushioning material, such as EPF foam. The structural paddle assembly may be placed between the base of the spa and the spa shell. Typically 5 or more paddle assemblies are place in a spa for support, such as in the lowest areas of the spa shell and/or concavities, or convexities, of the spa shell. Compared to typical large blocks of foam used to support a spa shell from beneath, the structural support paddles provided increased room below the spa shell for ease of maintenance and installation, and more directly controlled support.

Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.

Abstract: A spa suction bulkhead or manifold is described. The manifold may be placed behind a removable seat back of the spa or other removable structure. The manifold may have a top portion connected to a main suction line and a main pump line. The top portion may have a cylindrical wall in the center, such that the top portion is divided into a central opening (in fluid communication with the main pump line) and an outer ring portion (in fluid communication with the main suction line). The manifold may also have a cover with a central opening and a plurality of holes formed therein. A spa removable seat back containing jets may fit at its base into the central opening of the cover in fluid connection with the main pump line and allowing the outer ring portion and cover to be exposed for water intake.

Abstract: A system for filtering water in a spa is described, and may include a housing that defines a receptacle for receiving a framework. The housing may include a cover and a back element, the cover and the back element connectable to form the receptacle. The back element may comprise an inlet port and an outlet port. The framework includes a rectangular slot for receiving a rectangular filter media, and one or more openings for receiving one or more mineral cartridges.

Abstract: A system for supporting a spa shell may include a structural support paddle. The paddle may include a base portion and a paddle portion, connected to each other through an articulating joint such as a ball-and-socket. The top side of the paddle portion may include one or more pieces of cushioning material, such as EPF foam. The structural paddle assembly may be placed between the base of the spa and the spa shell. Typically 5 or more paddle assemblies are place in a spa for support, such as in the lowest areas of the spa shell and/or concavities, or convexities, of the spa shell. Compared to typical large blocks of foam used to support a spa shell from beneath, the structural support paddles provided increased room below the spa shell for ease of maintenance and installation, and more directly controlled support.

Abstract: A system for supporting the structure of a spa may include vertical supports, channel brackets that mate with vertical supports, and exterior brackets that mate with the channel brackets to hold spa exterior panels in place. The vertical supports may be formed of a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and second portion formed of contiguous hexagons having one open side. The first portion may be open on a first side, with the second portion open on a second side. The open sides of the hexagons may create a space or pocket to allow for additional structures, such as brackets, to mate with the hexagons of the vertical support. A channel bracket may include a hexagonal boss to mate with a vertical support, as well as a channel for receiving a projection of an exterior bracket to hold a spa side panel in place.

Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.

Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.

Abstract: Various drill bits, drilling systems and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a drill bit comprises a bit body having a face and a shank, at least one insert having a convex engagement surface coupled with the face and at least one wear insert coupled with the shank. In one particular embodiment, the at least one wear insert may be positioned immediately adjacent a coupling end of the shank. The at least one wear insert may include a superabrasive table which may be bonded with a substrate. The at least one wear insert includes a wear surface defined in the superabrasive table. In one embodiment, the superabrasive table may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Similarly, the inset having a convex engagement surface may include a superabrasive material, such as polycrystalline diamond, bonded with a substrate. Such a drill bit may be used, for example, in a top hammer percussion drilling operation.