Abstract: A variable pore size filter media including an upper plate, a retainer, and a support profile disposed between the upper plate and the retainer. The variable pore size filter media also includes a plurality of wire rings disposed on the support profile and longitudinally distributed within a region between the upper plate and the retainer, the plurality of wire rings being distributed in a non-contiguous manner to form a plurality of spaces therebetween. The variable pore size filter media further includes a plurality of pores defined by the plurality of spaces between the plurality of wire rings and a pore size adjustment mechanism configured to vary a respective distance between each of the plurality of wire rings to increase or decrease a respective size of each of the plurality of pores by increasing or decreasing a size of each of the plurality of spaces.

Abstract: A variable pore size filter media including an upper plate, a retainer, and a support profile disposed between the upper plate and the retainer. The variable pore size filter media also includes a plurality of wire rings disposed on the support profile and longitudinally distributed within a region between the upper plate and the retainer, the plurality of wire rings being distributed in a non-contiguous manner to form a plurality of spaces therebetween. The variable pore size filter media further includes a plurality of pores defined by the plurality of spaces between the plurality of wire rings and a pore size adjustment mechanism configured to vary a respective distance between each of the plurality of wire rings to increase or decrease a respective size of each of the plurality of pores by increasing or decreasing a size of each of the plurality of spaces.

Abstract: A filter for use in filtering a fluid slurry that includes particles of varying size, such as pool water including debris, is provided. The filter is in electrical communication with a sensor and includes a housing having an inlet to receive the fluid slurry, an outlet, and an internal chamber. An actuator can be coupled to the filter media to move at least a portion of the filter media to vary a dimension of the pores. The filter also includes a controller connected to the actuator that is capable of receiving a signal from the sensor and controls the actuator to change the dimension of the pores based on the signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a pumping system for an aquatic application based upon performance of multiple water operations is disclosed. The method includes providing a pump and a motor coupled to the pump, and a controller including a variable speed drive that is in communication with the motor. The method also includes: operating the motor in accordance with a first water operation, wherein the first water operation includes a first start time, end time, and water flow rate; operating the motor in accordance with a second water operation, wherein the second water operation includes a second start time, end time, and water flow rate; and altering the first water operation in response to performance of the second water operation.

Abstract: A pumping system including a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, an automation system, and a pump controller located remotely from the automation system. The pump controller is coupled to at least one pump and the motor, and the pump controller is in digital communication with the motor, the automation system, and at least one auxiliary device. The pump controller transmits data to, and receives data from, the automation system and at least one auxiliary device over at least one communication link and operates the motor based on information entered into the automation system and received from the automation system. The pump controller selectively alters an operation of the motor based on the information received from one of the automation system or parameters received from the at least one auxiliary device.

Abstract: An auxiliary device control system for a pool or spa. The auxiliary device control system includes a control system with a user interface, a pump coupled to a swimming pool and a motor coupled to the pump, a filter arrangement, a heater, a water dispersion device, a chlorinator having a chlorinator communication panel, and a lighting device. The pump has an onboard pump controller. The heater has a heater communication panel. The control system is configured to be communicatively coupled to the onboard pump controller, the heater communication panel, the water dispersion device, the chlorinator communication panel, and the lighting device. The user interface includes an LCD display configured to receive input parameters associated with the pump, the heater, the water dispersion device, the chlorinator, the lighting device, and a vacuum.

Abstract: A pumping system for at least one aquatic application. The pumping system includes a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a filter coupled to the pump, and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller is configured to make a sensorless determination of a current value of a water flow rate based on an input power to the motor, drive the motor speed to maintain the water flow rate at a first constant value during a first time period, and drive the motor speed to maintain the water flow rate at a second constant value during a second time period.

Abstract: A pumping system and method including a flow locking feature. A pump controller includes a user interface configured to initially receive and set a plurality of programmed flow rate settings, a maximum locked flow rate, and a minimum locked flow rate. The pump controller is also configured to disable resetting of the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate once they are initially received and set and to allow resetting of the plurality of programmed flow rate settings throughout operation of the pumping system. The pump controller is further configured to operate a pump motor in order to maintain a first flow rate set by one of the plurality of programmed flow rate settings as long as the first flow rate is between the minimum locked flow rate and the maximum locked flow rate.

Abstract: A system includes a motor and a control system operating as a master controller with respect to at least one function, the control system including an automation system with a user interface having a display connected to the automation system. A controller is located remotely from the control system and coupled to a pump or the motor. The controller operating as a slave controller with respect to the at least one function when connected to the control system. The controller is in communication with the motor and the control system, and transmits information to and receives information from the control system over at least one communication link. The controller operates independently to control the motor when disconnected from the control system.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and a filter arrangement in fluid communication with the pump. The pumping system can also include means for determining a load value indicative of an unclogged filter that permits movement of water through the filter arrangement, means for determining a load value indicative of a clogged filter that inhibits movement of water through the filter arrangement, and means for determining a performance value of the pumping system. The pumping system also includes means for determining a relative loading value of the filter arrangement, means for displaying the relative loading value, and means for controlling the motor in response to the relative loading value. In one example, the load values and performance value can include flow pressure values. A method of moving water of a swimming pool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pump system for pumping water for pools or other flow systems including a pump, a motor, an electronic assembly, and a cooling system. The cooling system provides heat transfer from the pump system to the process flow.

Abstract: A filter for use in filtering a fluid slurry that includes particles of varying size, such as pool water including debris, is provided. The filter is in electrical communication with a sensor and includes a housing having an inlet to receive the fluid slurry, an outlet, and an internal chamber. An actuator can be coupled to the filter media to move at least a portion of the filter media to vary a dimension of the pores. The filter also includes a controller connected to the actuator that is capable of receiving a signal from the sensor and controls the actuator to change the dimension of the pores based on the signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter for use in filtering a fluid slurry that includes particles of varying size, such as pool water including debris. The filter is in electrical communication with a sensor and includes a housing having an inlet to receive the fluid slurry, an outlet, and an internal chamber. An actuator can be coupled to the filter media to move at least a portion of the filter media to vary a dimension of the pores. The filter also includes a controller connected to the actuator that is capable of receiving a signal from the sensor and controls the actuator to change the dimension of the pores based on the signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system and method including a flow locking feature. A pump controller includes a user interface configured to initially receive and set a plurality of programmed flow rate settings, a maximum locked flow rate, and a minimum locked flow rate. The pump controller is also configured to disable resetting of the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate once they are initially received and set and to allow resetting of the plurality of programmed flow rate settings throughout operation of the pumping system. The pump controller is further configured to operate a pump motor in order to maintain a first flow rate set by one of the plurality of programmed flow rate settings as long as the first flow rate is between the minimum locked flow rate and the maximum locked flow rate.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, an infinitely variable speed motor, and an arrangement for operating the motor. In one example, the pumping system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of retained speed values, an arrangement for providing a plurality of retained speed values to the memory, and an arrangement for reading a selected one of the plurality of retained speed values from the memory. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system includes a storage medium for digitally storing a plurality of pre-established motor speed values and an arrangement for receiving input from a user to select one of the pre-established motor speeds. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system further includes an arrangement for restarting operation of the motor at a previously selected speed value when power supplied to the motor is interrupted during operation of the motor. A method for controlling the pumping system is also provided.

Abstract: A pumping system for an aquatic application includes a motor to be coupled to a pump and a controller in communication with the motor. The controller is configured to determine a speed of the motor, determine a current performance value of the pumping system, compare the current performance value to a referenced performance value, determine an adjustment value based upon the comparison of the reference and current performance values, and adjust a speed of the motor based on the adjustment value.

Abstract: A pumping system and method including a flow locking feature. A pump controller includes a user interface configured to initially receive and set a plurality of programmed flow rate settings, a maximum locked flow rate, and a minimum locked flow rate. The pump controller is also configured to disable resetting of the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate once they are initially received and set and to allow resetting of the plurality of programmed flow rate settings throughout operation of the pumping system. The pump controller is further configured to operate a pump motor in order to maintain a first flow rate set by one of the plurality of programmed flow rate settings as long as the first flow rate is between the minimum locked flow rate and the maximum locked flow rate.

Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, a variable speed motor, and an arrangement for controlling the variable speed motor. The pumping system further includes an auxiliary device operably connected to the arrangement for controlling, which is capable of receiving a parameter from the auxiliary device. The arrangement for controlling is capable of independently controlling the variable speed motor without receipt of a parameter from the auxiliary device. In addition or alternatively, the arrangement for controlling is operable to selectively alter operation of the motor based upon the parameter.

Abstract: A pumping system for at least one aquatic application controlled by a user. The pumping system includes a pump and a motor disposed in a first housing and coupled to the pump. A user interface is associated with a second housing, the second housing defined by a base portion shaped to interact with the first housing and a user interface portion that carries a plurality of control buttons, wherein the second housing is selectively positionable among a plurality of positions relative to the first housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a filter for use in filtering a fluid slurry that includes particles of varying size, such as pool water including debris. The filter is in electrical communication with a sensor and includes a housing having an inlet to receive the fluid slurry, an outlet, and an internal chamber. An actuator can be coupled to the filter media to move at least a portion of the filter media to vary a dimension of the pores. The filter also includes a controller connected to the actuator that is capable of receiving a signal from the sensor and controls the actuator to change the dimension of the pores based on the signal.