SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGNETIC COUPLING JET WITH AIR CONTROL

Abstract

A fluid displacing apparatus, system, and method is provided. The apparatus includes a motor having a first shaft, the motor for rotating the first shaft; a first magnetic element coupled to the first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the first magnetic element; a second magnetic element coupled to a second shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic element such that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of the second magnetic element; an input section for receiving a fluid; an output section for outputting the fluid; a channel having first and second openings; and an impeller coupled to the second magnetic element such that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of the impeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out the output section. The flow of the fluid across the second opening of the channel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening, through the channel, and out the second opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/405,938 filed Mar. 17, 2009 by inventors Kevin Le and Thanh Le, entitled “NOVEL ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLING JET APPARATUS,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a spa device. In particular, the present invention relates to a spa apparatus for use in activities employing a massage jet pump, such as in pedicures or other applications.

BACKGROUND

It is generally known to provide for a spa device, such as health spas, whirlpools, jet stream exercisers, foot spas, etc. Such known spa devices are typically used in commercial and recreational settings for hydrotherapy, massage, stimulation, pedicure, and bathing purposes. However, such spa devices typically include a motor in order to drive a pump. The shaft of the motor may be used to directly mount the impeller which may contact the water. Since the motor may not operate wet, a seal or a series of seals may be required to prevent water from entering the motor. The seals will wear to the point where water will enter the motor and consequently, the entering water may cause the motor to bum out. At this point, the motor assembly may be replaced in order to continue operation. This is expensive and may take several hours in which to perform.

It is generally known to provide for a spa device, such as health spas, whirlpools, jet stream exercisers, foot spas, etc. Such known spa devices are typically used in commercial and recreational settings for hydrotherapy, massage, stimulation, pedicure, and bathing purposes. However, such spa devices have several disadvantages including being difficult to thoroughly clean, requiring complicated maintenance schedules.

Several patents exist which describe spa related items and a brief description of a portion of these patents are found here in.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,107 discloses a spa apparatus and method for cleaning the same are disclosed. The spa apparatus includes a basin for retaining fluid, a removable foot rest plate positioned within the basin, an impeller coupled to the basin, and a motor drivably coupled to the impeller.

GB 2156218A describes a footbath which is in addition provided with various massaging means. In particular a vibrator is provided in order to have a massaging effect on the calf of a user, while massaging projections act on the soles of the feet. A vibrator is provided so that the massaging projections exert a massaging function. U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,337 discloses a massaging apparatus for the feet which is reversible between a dry condition in which it simply acts as a massager and a wet condition in which it acts as a footbath. A vibrator for effecting the massaging action is referred to, but is not described in any detail. U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,580 discloses a footbath where the foot supports within the footbath are reciprocated to achieve a massaging effect. U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,735 describes a footbath where foot supports are provided with protuberances, and in combination with a vibrating motor assembly and a vibrating plate these protuberances will carry out a massaging action. U.S. Pat. No. 7,393,188 discloses a whirlpool magnetic fluid pump assembly to be used in combination with a container having a wall. The pump assembly comprises a first casing disposed outside the container, and a second casing disposed inside the container. The pump uses two magnetic discs to provide the coupling between the first and second casing. Water turbulence is generated by an impeller on the second casing side. No axial flow water jet stream is produced, which is not suitable for hydromassaging pump in pedicures or other applications.

SUMMARY

One of the broader forms of an embodiment of the present invention involves a jet pump apparatus. The apparatus includes a motor having a first shaft, the motor for rotating the first shaft; a first magnetic element coupled to the first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the first magnetic element; a second magnetic element coupled to a second shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic element such that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of the second magnetic element; an input section for receiving a fluid; an output section for outputting the fluid; a channel having first and second openings; and an impeller coupled to the second magnetic element such that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of the impeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out the output section. The flow of the fluid across the second opening of the channel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening, through the channel, and out the second opening.

Another one of the broader forms of embodiment of the present invention involves a method for displacing fluid using a magnetically coupled jet pump that includes a motor, primary and secondary shafts, a primary air channel, and primary and secondary magnetic elements, the primary magnetic element being coupled to the primary shaft and the secondary magnetic element being magnetically coupled to the primary magnetic element, being coupled to the secondary shaft, and being coupled to an impeller. The method includes driving the motor so that the primary magnetic element rotates, thereby causing rotation of the secondary magnetic element and rotation of the impeller; receiving the fluid through an input section of the jet pump; disturbing the fluid with the rotating impeller; and outputting the fluid through an output section of the jet pump, the fluid passing over an opening of a channel encourages air to flow through the channel and out the opening of the channel.

Yet another one of the broader forms of an embodiment of the present invention involves a system that includes a basin for containing the fluid; a jet pump; and an insert disposed in the basin for receiving the jet pump in a manner so that a portion of the jet pump is disposed in the fluid. The jet pump includes: a motor having a first shaft, the motor for rotating the first shaft; a first magnetic element coupled to the first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the first magnetic element; a second magnetic element coupled to a second shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic element such that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of the second magnetic element; an input section for receiving the fluid; an output section for outputting the fluid; a channel having first and second openings; and an impeller coupled to the second magnetic element such that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of the impeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out the output section. The flow of the fluid across the second opening of the channel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening, through the channel, and out the second opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the pump of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the pedicure spa and jet pump of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front cover, in which guides the water into two parallel jet streams;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another front cover, in which guides the water into two jet streams that are 45 degrees with respect to the shaft axis;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the jet pump;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the second magnetic pole array and ended with the impeller for centrifugal jet pump;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the jet assembly;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a pump according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective side view of the pump shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a jet assembly and mounting housing member of the pump shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective top view of an impeller assembly of the pump shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the impeller assembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the impeller assembly shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective side view of another alternative embodiment of a pump according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective side view of yet another alternative embodiment of a pump according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective side view of still another alternative embodiment of a pump according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a detachable circular member of the pump shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a regulating device that can be implemented in the various embodiments disclosed herein; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a jacuzzi system according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the magnetically coupled pedicure spa jet pump 100 of the present invention. The spa jet pump 100 may include a motor member 101 which may be connected to a first shaft member 113 which may be connected to a first magnetic pole array 103 which may be formed from magnetic material and may be magnetized in order to generate a magnetic field. The motor member 101 may be electrically connected to an electrical source (not shown) and may be activated by the electrical power from the electrical source and may rotate the first shaft member 113. The first shaft member 113 may be rotated by the activated motor member 101 and may rotate the first magnet array 103 which may cause the magnetic field 137 to move or fluctuate in accordance with the rotation of the first magnetic pole array 103. The first magnetic pole array 103 may be enclosed with a mounting housing member 115 and gasket 102 which may be referred to as a mounting housing 115 to prevent fluid from contaminating the motor member 101.

The first magnetic pole array 103 may generate a fluctuating magnetic field so that when the second magnetic pole array 105 is placed in relative close proximity to the first magnetic pole array member 103, the fluctuating magnetic field 137 may cooperate with the second magnetic pole array 105 in order to rotate the second magnetic pole array 105. The second magnetic pole array 105 may be formed from magnetic material so that the fluctuating magnetic field 137 may cooperate with the second magnetic pole array 105. The second magnetic pole array 105 may be centrally positioned in the jet assembly 109 which may include a back cover 131 and a front cover 119 and may rotate on a second shaft 117 and may be rotatably connected to an impeller member 107. The impeller member 107 may be connected to an input port to allow fluid to flow into the impeller member 107 and may be connected to an output port 111 to allow the fluid to be pumped exterior to the jet pump 100. The impeller member 107 may rotate in cooperation with the second magnetic pole array 105 and may be integral or formed separate with the second magnetic pole array 105. Electronic sensor 151 may provide a signal to indicate the presence of the jet assembly 109 and may automatically shut down the motor when the jet assembly is removed from the pump or no water in the basin. Electronic sensor 151 prevents the situation in which the motor runs without a load.

FIG. 2 illustrates the basin 241 of the pedicure spa, and the pump 100 connected to the basin 241.

FIG. 3 illustrates the exterior of the front cover 1119 and illustrates input ports 1133 being substantially centrally located in the front cover 1119. FIG. 3 illustrates an output port 1501 (a second angled output port may be included which opposes the angled output port 1501) which may be angled at 90° to the face in order to output a fluid in two parallel jet streams.

FIG. 4 illustrates the exterior of another front cover 119 and illustrates input ports 133 being substantially centrally located in the front cover 119. FIG. 4 illustrates an angled output port 501 (a second angled output port may be included which opposes the angled output port 501) which may be angled in order to output a fluid in a jet stream at 45 degrees with respect to the shaft 117.

FIG. 5 illustrates the complete jet pump 100 which includes; a jet assembly 109 to pump the water into dual jet stream, a seal gasket 102 to prevent water leaking to the motor, a mounting housing 115 to allow for pedicure spa basin mounting and to cover the first magnetic pole array, a set of four of screws with wings nut 110 to support the pump mounting, a motor 100 to magnetically drive the jet assembly, and an electronics sensor system 151 for jet pump control.

FIG. 6 illustrates the second magnetic pole array member 105 which is coupled to the centrifugal impeller member 107. The impeller member 107 may include a circular array of arm member 108 to centrifuge and pressurize the fluid inside the jet assembly housing and create the powerful jet streams at the output ports 501.

FIG. 7 illustrates the jet assembly 109 which is driven by the motor 101 and the first magnetic pole array 103. The housing of jet assembly 109 include a front cover 119, a back cover 131. The front cover 119 includes an input port 113 and two output ports 501.

The jet streams of fluid may flow substantially in a longitudinal direction with respect to the pump 100 or the jet streams of the fluid may flow substantially at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction. A front cover 119 may have input ports around the outer periphery of the front cover 119 which may be apertures or the input ports may be a gap between the front cover 119 and the back cover 131. The input ports may also be a gap between the front cover 119 and the mounting housing 115.

In order to mount the pump 100, a hole may be drilled in the basin 241. The pump 100 may be placed within the hole which may have been drilled from the interior of the basin 241. The mounting screws may be tightened. While the mounting screws are being tightened, wing nuts 110 located in exterior to the basin wall may be extended in order for the mounting screws to be tightened. The mounting housing 115 may include a rubber gasket 102 which may be tightened with screws and wing nuts 110.

Referring generally to FIGS. 8-13, a pump 120, that is an alternative embodiment of the pump 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, will be discussed in greater detail. FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of the pump 120 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a front view of a jet assembly 121 and a mounting housing member 123 of the pump 120 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of an impeller assembly 124 of the pump 120 of FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the impeller 124 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective bottom view of the impeller 124 of FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 8, illustrated is a cross-sectional view of a pump 120 that is an alternative embodiment of the pump 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Identical or equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals for the sake of clarity, and the following discussion focuses primarily on the differences. The pump 120 has a jet assembly 121 that includes a front cover 119 and a back cover 132 that is different from the back cover 131 of the pump 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. In particular, the back cover 132 includes passages 134 that allow for channels to extend therethrough. The jet assembly 121 also includes a second magnetic pole array 122 that is disposed in or is integral with an impeller 124. Moreover, the pump 120 includes the mounting housing member 123 that replaces the mounting housing member 115 of the pump 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The mounting housing member 123 includes passages 135 that allow for channels to extend therethrough. In addition, the pump 120 includes two air channels 160 that extend through the jet assembly 121 and the mounting housing member 123. In particular, a portion of the air channels 160 is formed within the passages 134 of the back cover 132 and another portion of the air channels is formed within the passages 135 of the mounting housing member 123. The air channels 160 each have an opening 162 on one end that is respectively disposed proximate one of the output ports 501. Moreover, each of the air channels 160 includes an opening on another end that is not visible in FIG. 8, but is shown later. In addition, the pump 120 includes a pair of air input connectors 164. Each of the air input connectors 164 are connected to a different one of the air channels 160 for coupling the openings 162 of the air channels 160 to the other openings, shown later. In addition, the pump 120 is illustrated with angled output ports 501 but may optionally include non-angled output ports such as the one 111 described in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 9, illustrated is a perspective side view of the pump 120. This discussion focuses primarily on the elements that were not previously discussed above with reference to FIG. 8. The air channels 160 each have an opening 166. The openings 162 (FIG. 8) and the openings 166 are at different ends of the air channels 160. Moreover, referring to FIG. 10, shown is a front view of the jet assembly 121 and mounting housing member 123. The jet assembly 121 is similar to the jet assembly 109 (in FIG. 5). Identical or equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals for the sake of clarity, and the following discussion focuses primarily on the differences. The jet assembly 121 includes the openings 162 that are each disposed in a different one of the openings 501. In addition, the jet assembly 121 includes the front cover 119 and the back cover 132 that are detachable for ease of maintenance and cleaning of the jet assembly. The mounting housing member 123 is mechanically secured to a basin such as the one 241 described in FIG. 2. The back cover 132 is coupled to one side of the mounting housing member 123, and motor 101 are disposed on the other side of the mounting housing member 115. Accordingly, the mounting housing member 123 prevents fluid in the basin from contacting the motor 101. The front cover 119 includes an opening 168 that receives a screw or other suitable fastener for securing the front cover 119 to the back cover 132.

Referring to FIG. 11, illustrated is a perspective top view of the impeller 124. The impeller 124 includes circular array of arm members 108 and an opening 125 that receives the shaft 117. Referring to FIG. 12, illustrated is a perspective cross-sectional view of the impeller 124. The inside of the impeller 124 includes a second magnetic pole array 122 that has an opening 128 for receiving the shaft 117. Accordingly, the second magnetic pole array 122 is disposed in or integral with the impeller member 124. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 13, illustrated is a perspective bottom view of the impeller 124. This view more clearly shows that the impeller 124 includes an opening 128 that is for receiving the shaft 117.

A detailed description of the operation of the pump 120 is now provided. The pump 120 is powered by the motor 101. The motor 101 drives the shaft 113, thereby rotating the first magnetic pole array 103. The magnetic field 137 changes in response to the rotation of the first magnetic pole array 113 and therefore causes the rotation of the second magnetic pole array 122 that is integral with the impeller 124. As a result, the impeller 124 rotates in response to the rotation of the first magnetic pole array 113.

In operation, the pump 120 is disposed in a fluid, such as water, and in a manner so that the fluid enters the front cover 119 through the input ports 133, thereby filling the space between the impeller 124 and the fort cover 119. The rotation of the impeller 124 and the circular array of arm members 108 disrupts the fluid therein that passes across the openings 162 of the air channels 160 as it is displaced through the output ports 501. The flow of the fluid across the openings 162 encourages a flow of air from the openings 166 (FIG. 9) to the openings 162 of the air channels 160 (FIG. 8). That is, the flow of fluid across or over the openings 162 generates a suction force that causes air to flow in the openings 166 through the air channels 160 and out the openings 162. This air flow is combined with the disrupted fluid that is displaced through the output ports 501. As a result, the fluid and air is outputted through the output ports 501 to produce a jet stream of fluid and air combined. The air flow produces bubbles that rise to the surface of the fluid and creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of a pump 300. The pump 300 is similar to the pumps 100 and 120 respectively shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. Accordingly, identical or equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals for the sake of clarity, and the following discussion focuses primarily on the differences. The pump 300 includes a back housing member 115 (FIG. 1). However, the pump 300 has a back cover 303 that is different than either of the back covers 131, 132 of the respective pumps 100, 120. In particular, the pump 300 includes air channels 306 that are integral to the back cover 303. Alternatively, the back cover 303 of the pump 300 may be similar to the back cover 131 of the pump 100 (FIG. 1) and a separate portion of the pump 300 includes the air channels 306. Each of the air channels 306 has an opening 309 and another opening 162 that is proximate to one of the output ports 501.

Now provided is a discussion of the operation of the pump 300. The operation of the pump 300 is similar to the operation of the pump 120 (FIG. 8), and therefore the discussion below focuses primarily on the differences. In operation, the openings 309 of the air channels 306 rise above the water level for example the water level of the basin. The flow of the fluid across the openings 162 encourages a flow of air from the openings 309 to the openings 162 of the air channels 306. That is, the flow of fluid across or over the openings 162 generates a suction force that causes air to flow in the openings 309 through the air channels 306 and out the openings 162. This air flow is combined with the disrupted fluid that is displaced through the output ports 501. As a result, the fluid and air is outputted through the output ports 501 to produce a jet stream of fluid and air combined. The air flow produces bubbles that rise to the surface of the fluid and creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

In contrast to the air channels 160 of the pump 120 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the air channels 306 of the pump 300 shown in FIG. 14 do not extend through the back housing member 115 toward the motor member 101. Therefore, the pump 300 is designed to eliminate a risk of water leakage into the motor member 101 from the openings 309 of the air channels 306.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective side view of another alternative embodiment of a pump 350 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The pump 350 is similar to the pumps 100, 120, and 300 of FIGS. 1, 8, and 14, respectively. Accordingly, identical or equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals for the sake of clarity, and the following discussion focuses primarily on the differences. The pump 350 includes a back housing member 115 and back cover 131 similar to the ones of the pump 100 (FIG. 1). However, the pump 350 has a front cover 354 that is different than either of the front cover 119 of pumps 100, 120, and 300. In particular, the pump 350 includes air channels 358 that are integral to the front cover 354. Each of the air channels 354 has an air input opening 362 and another opening 366 for air output that is proximate to one of the output ports 501.

Now provided is a discussion of the operation of the pump 350. The operation of the pump 350 is similar to the operation of the pumps 120 (FIG. 8) and 300 (FIG. 14) and therefore, the discussion below focuses primarily on the differences. In operation, the openings 362 of the air channels 358 rise above the water level for example above the water level of the basin. The flow of the fluid across the openings 366 encourages a flow of air from the openings 362 to the openings 366 of the air channels 358. That is, the flow of fluid across or over the openings 366 generates a suction force that causes air to flow in the openings 362 through the air channels 358 and out the openings 366. This air flow is combined with the disrupted fluid that is displaced through the output ports 501. As a result, the fluid and air is outputted through the output ports 501 to produce a jet stream of fluid and air combined. The air flow produces bubbles that rise to the surface of the fluid and creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

In contrast to the air channels 160 of the pump 120 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the air channels 358 of the pump 350 shown in FIG. 15 do not extend through the back cover 131 nor the back housing member 115 toward the motor member 101. Therefore, the pump 350 is designed to eliminate a risk of water leakage into the motor member 101 from the openings 366 of the air channels 358.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective side view of yet another alternative embodiment of a pump 380 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The pump 380 is similar to the pumps 100, 120, 300, and 350 of FIGS. 1, 8, 14, and 15, respectively. Accordingly, identical or equivalent elements are identified by the same reference numerals for the sake of clarity, and the following discussion focuses primarily on the differences. The pump 380 includes a back housing member 115 and front cover 119 similar to the ones of the pump 100 (FIG. 1). However, the pump 380 also includes a detachable circular member 383 that securely fits around the front cover 119 and against the back housing member 115. A user of the pump 380 can put on or take off the detachable circular member 383 as desired. The detachable circular member 383 includes air input port channels 386. Each of the air channels 386 includes one of the air input ports 389. The air input ports 389 allow air to enter the air channels 386. Moreover, each of the air input openings 389 includes threads for receiving an air-regulating device. In particular, the pump 380 has two regulating devices 392 that are screwed into the air input openings 389 to regulate a flow of air as will be explained in detail below. In addition, the detachable circular member 383 includes two output air channels 395. The air output channels 395 are disposed proximate to the output ports 501.

Referring to FIG. 17, illustrated is the detachable circular member 383. As better seen in FIG. 17, the circular member 383 is detachable. Moreover, referring to FIG. 18, illustrated is one of the regulating device 392 that is used with the pump 380 (FIG. 16) as well as with the pumps 100, 120, 300, and 350 of FIGS. 1, 8, 14, and 15, respectively. As shown in FIG. 18, the regulating device 392 includes a screw-type structure having a cavity 398 along a shaft of the device. In this regard, the deeper the regulating device 392 is threaded into the air input opening 389, the smaller the opening becomes for air to flow into the air input opening 389. Conversely, the shallower the regulating device 392, the larger the opening for air to flow into the air input opening 389.

Now provided is a discussion of the operation of the pump 380. The operation of the pump 380 is similar to the operation of the pumps 120 (FIG. 8), 300 (FIG. 14), and 350 (FIG. 15) and therefore, the discussion below focuses primarily on the differences. In operation, the openings 389 of the air channels 386 rise above the water level for example above the water level of the basin. The flow of the fluid across the openings 395 encourages a flow of air from the openings 389 to the openings 395 of the air channels 358. That is, the flow of fluid across or over the openings 395 generates a suction force that causes air to flow in the openings 389 through the air channels 386 and out the openings 395. This air flow is combined with the disrupted fluid that is displaced through the output ports 501. As a result, the fluid and air is outputted through the output ports 501 to produce a jet stream of fluid and air combined. The air flow produces bubbles that rise to the surface of the fluid and creates an aesthetically pleasing effect.

In the pump 380, the regulating devices 392 adjust the effective size of the openings 389. For example, the user can reduce the effective size of the openings 389 by screwing the regulating devices 392 deeper into the openings 389. Conversely, the user can increase the effective opening of the air openings 389 by unscrewing the regulating device 392. In this manner, the circular member 383 is designed with a mechanism for adjusting air flow through the air channels 386 and out the air output ports 395. In this regard, the regulating devices 392 are implemented to control the amount of air and flow through the channels 386 and out the air output ports 395 of the pump 380.

Alternative designs can be used for allowing the user of a pump to control the flow of air. For example, instead of the regulating devices 392 having a cavity an alternative design can include regular screws without cavities. In that scenario, the circular member 383 may include openings along the side of the air channels 386 so that the deeper the screws are placed into the air input openings, the smaller the effective air input opening. Conversely, the shallower the screws are placed in the air input openings, the greater the effective opening for air. In yet another embodiment, openings in the side of the air channels 386 may be combined with the cylindrical that have cavities. In that regard, the user can change the effective air opening of each of the air channel by varying the alignment of the screw cavities with respect to the openings along the air channels.

Furthermore, in operation of the pump 380, the circular member 383 is detachable and therefore the user can easily detach the circular member 383 if they decide not to use the air feature. Moreover, the circular member 383 can be used with the other embodiments of pumps disclosed herein.

Referring to FIG. 19, illustrated is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a jacuzzi system 400 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The jucuzzi system 400 includes a tub or basin 402 for containing a fluid 404, such as water. The basin 402 may include various shapes and sizes. The jacuzzi system 400 further includes a plurality of pumps 410 for generating a jet stream within the tub 402. The pumps 410 may include any of the various embodiments of pumps disclosed herein. It is understood that the number of pumps and the position of the pumps may vary depending on a particular design. The pumps 410 are coupled to a control box 420 for controlling the operation of the pumps by a user of the jacuzzi system 400. For example, the pumps 410 may be controlled independently of each other such that one or more of the pumps can be powered on/off, may be controlled according to a program that powers the pumps in various patterns or cycles, or may be controlled using a timer. The control box 420 may be hard wired to a power source or may be a plug-in type. It is understood that although the embodiment is disclosed with reference to a jacuzzi system, the pumps 420 may be utilized in various other applications such as a spa pool and bathtub.

Alternative embodiments of the pumps discussed above may include fewer or greater air channels having different structural configurations. For example, in an alternative embodiment of the jet pump the air channels are replaced with one or more air channels each having one or more openings for receiving air, and each having one or more openings for outputting air into the output ports of the jet pump. Further, other types of inert fluids and gas may be flowed instead of air. Moreover, alternative embodiments of the pumps discussed above may include air channels that are positioned within different components of the respective pump.

While the preceding description shows and describes one or more embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, various steps of the described methods may be executed in a different order or executed sequentially, combined, further divided, replaced with alternate steps, or removed entirely. In addition, various functions illustrated in the methods or described elsewhere in the disclosure may be combined to provide additional and/or alternate functions. Therefore, the claims should be interpreted in a broad manner, consistent with the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A jet pump apparatus, comprising:

a motor having a first shaft, the motor for rotating the first shaft;

a first magnetic element coupled to the first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the first magnetic element;

a second magnetic element coupled to a second shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic element such that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of the second magnetic element;

an input section for receiving a fluid;

an output section for outputting the fluid;

a channel having first and second openings; and

an impeller coupled to the second magnetic element such that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of the impeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out the output section;

wherein the flow of the fluid across the second opening of the channel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening, through the channel, and out the second opening.

2. The jet pump apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic element is integral with the impeller.

3. The jet pump apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second opening of the channel is proximate the output section.

4. The jet pump apparatus of claim 1, further including a detachable jet assembly that includes the second magnetic element, the impeller, the input section for receiving the fluid, the output section for outputting the fluid, and at least a portion of the channel, wherein the portion of the channel includes the second opening.

5. The jet pump apparatus of claim 4, wherein the detachable jet assembly includes a front cover and a back cover.

6. The jet pump apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least a portion of the channel is integral with the back cover.

7. The jet pump apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least a portion of the channel is integral with the front cover.

8. The jet pump apparatus of claim 5, further including a mounting housing member that is disposed between the back cover of the jet assembly and the motor.

9. The jet pump apparatus of claim 8, wherein the portion of the channel is formed within the back cover and another portion of the channel is formed within the mounting housing member.

10. The jet pump apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel is formed within a detachable channel member that is secured to the jet pump such that the second opening is disposed proximate the output section of the jet pump.

11. A method for displacing a fluid using a magnetically coupled jet pump that includes a motor, a channel, and primary and secondary magnetic elements, the primary magnetic element being coupled to motor, the secondary magnet being magnetically coupled to the primary magnetic element and being coupled to an impeller, the method comprising:

driving the motor so that the primary magnetic element rotates, thereby causing rotation of the secondary magnetic element and rotation of the impeller;

receiving the fluid through an input section of the jet pump;

disturbing the fluid with the rotating impeller; and

outputting the fluid through an output section of the jet pump, the fluid passing over an opening of a channel encourages air to flow through the channel and out the opening of the channel.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the air flowing out of the opening of the channel travels out of the output section of the jet pump along with the fluid.

13. The method of claim 11, further including controlling another opening of the channel to influence the flow of air through the channel.

14. The method of claim 11, further including:

providing a basin for containing the fluid; and

securing the jet pump within an insert of the basin in a manner so that a portion of the jet pump is in contact with the fluid and another portion of the jet pump is not in contact with the fluid.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the jet pump further includes a detachable jet assembly that includes a front cover and a back cover, the front and back covers collectively housing the secondary magnetic element and the impeller;

wherein the jet pump further includes a mounting housing member that is disposed between the back cover and the motor;

wherein the securing the jet pump includes mechanically securing the mounting housing member to the basin so that the motor is not in contact with the fluid.

16. The method of claim 15, further including:

forming a portion of the channel within the back cover; and

forming another portion of the channel within the mounting housing member.

17. The method of claim 15, further including detaching the jet assembly for cleaning the jet pump.

18. The method of claim 11, further including:

forming the channel having the opening and another opening within a detachable channel member; and

securing the detachable channel member to the jet pump such that the opening of the channel is disposed proximate the output section of the jet pump and the another opening of the channel is disposed above a level of the fluid.

19. A system, comprising:

a basin for containing the fluid;

a jet pump; and

an insert disposed in the basin for receiving the jet pump in a manner so that a portion of the jet pump is disposed in the fluid;

wherein the jet pump includes: a motor having a first shaft, the motor for rotating the first shaft; a first magnetic element coupled to the first shaft such that rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the first magnetic element; a second magnetic element coupled to a second shaft, and magnetically coupled to the first magnetic element such that rotation of the first magnetic element causes rotation of the second magnetic element; an input section for receiving the fluid; an output section for outputting the fluid; a channel having first and second openings; and an impeller coupled to the second magnetic element such that rotation of the second magnetic element causes rotation of the impeller, thereby the fluid flows in the input section and out the output section, wherein the flow of the fluid across the second opening of the channel encourages another fluid to flow in the first opening, through the channel, and out the second opening.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system includes a pedicure spa system.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the system includes a jacuzzi system, wherein the jacuzzi system includes another jet pump and another insert in the basin for receiving the another jet pump in a manner so that a portion of the another jet pump is disposed in fluid.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the jet pump further includes a detachable jet assembly that includes the second magnetic element, the impeller, the input section for receiving the fluid, the output section for outputting the fluid, and a portion of the channel, wherein the portion of the channel includes the second opening.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the detachable jet assembly includes a front cover and a back cover, and wherein the jet pump further includes a mounting housing member that is disposed between the back cover of the jet assembly and the motor.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the portion of the channel is formed within the back cover and another portion of the channel is formed within the mounting housing member.

25. The system of claim 19, wherein the channel is formed within a detachable channel member that is secured to the jet assembly such that the first opening is disposed above a level of the fluid in the basin and the second opening is disposed proximate the output section of the jet pump.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein the fluid includes water and the another fluid includes air;

wherein the second opening of the channel is proximate the output section; and

wherein the air flowing out of the second opening travels through the output section and into the fluid contained in the basin.