Separator External To Swimming Pool Or Spa Patents (Class 210/167.12)
  • Patent number: 11199015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration unit for filtering the water in a pool or basin, in particular a swimming pool, said unit being mounted behind a wall of said pool, and communicating with said pool via a suction intake (3, 6) and via a delivery orifice to generate a forced flow of water from and back into the pool through a filtration tank and through a suction column by means of centrifugal hydraulic pump. The centrifugal hydraulic pump has an electric motor coupled to a centrifugal turbine housed in a pump body. The electric motor is a sealed, brushless, autonomously controlled motor that is powered at very low voltage and that may advantageously be immersed inside the filtration unit below the level of the water contained in said pool, thereby enabling said motor to be cooled and sound-proofed naturally by the forced flow of the water from the pool, thereby forming a filtration unit and a pool that have low energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: GROUPE WATERAIR
    Inventors: Luc Meheux, Thierry Steinbauer
  • Patent number: 11154825
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced filtration and separation of fluid from microorganisms, toxins and other particles in a more efficient manner is provided. The system may include a selectively removeable fitting or replaceable filter media and is suitable for use with liquid dispensing devices such as hydrotherapy jets, shower heads, liquid nozzles, and bathtub faucets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Hydro Massage Products LLC
    Inventor: Ron Stevens
  • Patent number: 10722827
    Abstract: A durable and configurable strainer basket for pool equipment includes: a first rigid annular member having an outer surface sized to fit within a first pool equipment cavity having a first diameter; a second rigid annular member removably coupleable to the first rigid annular member, the second rigid annular member having an outer surface sized to fit within a second pool equipment cavity having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, but not to fit within the first pool equipment cavity having the first diameter; and a flexible silicone basket attached to the first rigid annular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Jess L. Hetzner
  • Patent number: 10662666
    Abstract: A skimmer for a swimming pool may include a skimmer housing having a water inlet opening coupled to an aperture in a wall of the swimming pool at a waterline thereof. The skimmer may also include a weir gate slidably moveable relative to the water inlet opening between open position and a closed position blocking the water inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Jackson Pools, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Jackson, Richard Cox
  • Patent number: 10583396
    Abstract: A filter assembly for removing a solute from a solvent includes a first annular filter element and a second annular filter element disposed radially inwardly and concentrically aligned with the first filter element together defining a common axis. The first annular filter element is defined by a first annular coil of a flat wire and the second filter element are each defined by a second annular coil of a flat wire being generally helical in the axial direction. A filter membrane is cylindrically shaped and concentrically disposed between the first and second annular filter element. The filter membrane is porous having aperture size of less than a nano-particulate size of the solute, but greater than a nano-particulate size of the solvent. The second annular filter includes adjustable porosity for selectively preventing particles from reaching the filter membrane and selectively cleaning the membrane by reversed flow of solvent through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: E. Bayne Carew
  • Patent number: 10323651
    Abstract: A liquid pump for use with a fluid circulation system for a body of water includes a strainer assembly; a centrifugal pump assembly having at least first and second outlet ports respectively oriented in vertical and horizontal directions; a motor; and, at least one cap configured and dimensioned to engage and close an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Asia Connection LLC
    Inventors: Mitch Saccoccio, Jonathan Bonelli, Reza Afshar
  • Patent number: 10161151
    Abstract: A pool skimmer including a skimmer housing and a venturi system is disclosed. The skimmer housing includes a pool throat opening, an angled pool throat extension. A pump inlet port into the skimmer housing includes an upper end and bayonet lugs, and an internally threaded surface between the bayonet lugs and the upper end of the pump inlet port. A nozzle comprises a nozzle housing with bayonets on an external surface of the nozzle housing, the bayonets releasably engaged with the bayonet lugs of the pump inlet port, wherein when the bayonets of the nozzle housing are in a fully tightened position in relation to the bayonet lugs of the pump inlet port, the at least a first nozzle is directed to spray toward the pool return port of the skimmer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Goettl, Dominic Conn
  • Patent number: 10005011
    Abstract: A velocity reducing filter port is provided herein. More specifically, provided herein is a pool filter comprising a filter housing having a sidewall and a bottom wall defining an inner chamber, an inlet section positioned in the sidewall of the filter housing, an outlet section positioned in the sidewall of the filter housing, and a flow controller attached to the inlet section, the flow controller having a flow controller inlet, a flow controller outlet, and a wall therebetween, wherein the flow controller inlet has an inlet cross-sectional area and the flow controller outlet has an outlet cross-sectional area greater than the inlet cross-sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Lawrence Marciano, Joseph Anthony Tessitore
  • Patent number: 9945139
    Abstract: A floating weir basket (40) that eliminates the need for hinged doors on conventional fixed pool skimmers (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: WATERDROP ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Norberto, III, Frank Norberto, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9879439
    Abstract: A floating pool skimmer (1) that randomly travels across the surface of a pool to ensure that the entire surface of the water in the pool is cleaned. The floating pool skimmer has an elongated hose (3) that attaches to a conventional fixed pool skimmer, a vacuum inlet and/or a vacuum hose (6) connecting an automatic pool vacuum (2) to a pool pump and filter. A basket (26) held within a main housing (8) strains water and traps debris which is held in the basket by suction from the pool filter while the pool filter is operational. When the pool filter is not running a floating weir (17) and/or one or more weir doors (30) prevents debris from floating back out of the basket and into the pool. Apertures (14) located on the main housing allow water into the main housing that then acts as a ballast to ensure the floating pool skimmer remains upright at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: WATERDROP ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Norberto, III
  • Patent number: 9874037
    Abstract: A pool skimmer including a skimmer housing and a venturi system is disclosed. The skimmer housing includes a pool throat opening, a deck throat opening, a basket opening within the skimmer housing, a skimmer rim, a skimmer bottom distal the deck throat opening, one or more pump suction ports on the skimmer bottom, and a pool return port. The venturi system includes a pump inlet port extending through the skimmer bottom and a first venturi nozzle in fluid communication with the pump inlet port and directed towards the pool return port. The venturi system may include at least a second nozzle in fluid communication with the pump inlet port and directed to a lower portion of the pool return port, with the first nozzle being directed to a center of the pool return port. The pump suction ports and the pump inlet port may be offset from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 9856667
    Abstract: A low gravity fed water system includes a housing having an inlet opening, a portion of the inlet opening disposed above the waterline and a portion of the inlet opening disposed below the waterline. The housing has an outlet opening disposed in the housing below the waterline in fluid communication with the plurality of jets. The housing has a vent opening disposed in the housing below the waterline. An upwardly-extending conduct is connectable at a first end to the vent opening, and has a second end disposed above the waterline in ambient air away from an inside surface of the housing and away from an inside surface of the tub. In the event of a blockage of the inlet opening, air is drawn into the housing via the conduit inhibiting a suction being drawn on the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Wesley O. Cox
  • Patent number: 9810599
    Abstract: An early leak-detection warning system is disclosed, including an early leak-detection device having a processor operably configured to execute instructions for monitoring a reservoir for a potential undetected leak. The early leak-detection device determines a rate of water loss for the reservoir; determines an expected rate of water loss for the reservoir based on at least one predetermined factor; and compares the rate of water loss to the expected rate of water loss. In response to the rate of water loss exceeding the expected rate of water loss by a predetermined threshold, the system determines that there may be a leak associated with the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Eugene Bright
  • Patent number: 9714665
    Abstract: A liquid pump for use with a fluid circulation system for a body of water includes a strainer assembly; a centrifugal pump assembly having at least first and second outlet ports respectively oriented in vertical and horizontal directions; a motor; and at least one cap configured and dimensioned to engage and close an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Asia Connection LLC
    Inventors: Mitch Saccoccio, Jonathan Bonelli, Reza Afshar
  • Patent number: 9657487
    Abstract: A water overflow edge device for a swimming pool is having a channel consisting of bottom, rear and front walls is disclosed. The front wall is made of a plurality of modular structural elements arranged in sequence and coupled together “end-to-end”. The channel is also covered on top by a walking grid that allows swimming pool water to enter. Each modular structural element has a first component with structural function, provided at the bottom with coupling means with the bottom wall of the channel and with the top of the vertical inner wall of the swimming pool. The structural component includes at one side with a first surface, which forms the front wall of the channel, and with a second substantially vertical surface, opposite the first surface and configured to support a second coating component which forms the entire exposed surface of the water overflow edge device and which has a finishing function. Preferably, the first component is plastic and the second coating component is ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: A&T EUROPE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Colletto
  • Patent number: 9561153
    Abstract: A ledge that incorporates a spill sill as a portion of the ledge is disclosed. The ledge includes one or more ports and the spill sill is shaped in a manner that catches liquid as it overflows and directs the water to the port(s). The port(s) are utilized to drain the liquid from the ledge so that the liquid can be routed away for disposal. In addition to being functional, the ledge includes dimensions and/or configurations that make the ledge aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: MAAX Spas Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Emil Nygard, Robert Lange
  • Patent number: 9447595
    Abstract: A pool skimmer system includes a skimmer housing and a basket. The skimmer housing includes a deck throat opening, a pool throat opening, a lower skimmer rim, an upper skimmer rim, a pump inlet port, a pool return port, and a pump suction port. The basket is positioned within the housing and includes a lower basket rim engaged with the lower skimmer rim, an upper basket rim engaged with the upper skimmer rim, porous walls, and a pool inlet opening proximate the pool throat opening. A fluid path is formed within the skimmer housing and extends from the pump suction port to the area between the one porous sidewall of the upper skimmer housing and the skimmer interior wall to allow fluid communication between the one or more suction ports and the upper basket rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M Goettl
  • Patent number: 9428929
    Abstract: A new automatic pool skimmer cleaning system includes an auto clean skimmer, debris basin, and pump. A check valve line runs from the side of the skimmer to the debris basin. When the pump is run, suction on the check valve line opens the valve and allows water and accumulated debris in the skimmer to flow into the debris basin, where debris is caught in a debris basket. The filtered water is returned to the skimmer. Debris accumulates in the debris basin over a season and is occasionally emptied. The system's pump operates independently of the pool's filtration system and is run when the filtration pump is cycled off. For vacuuming, a vacuum attachment connects to the check valve line and allows vacuumed water to be passed directly through the debris basin and debris basket and then returned to the filtration system, avoiding the need to backwash the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: William Scott Prendergast, Daniel Max Morgan
  • Patent number: 9371659
    Abstract: A moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus includes a circular cap, a basket, a floating container, an attachment tube, and a T-shaped adapter. The moving and floating pool cleaner apparatus attaches with an existing automatic pool cleaner, and cleans the surface of the pool water by removing all of the floating debris. The circular cap is attached to the floating container, and the floating container is attached with the automatic pool cleaner through the attachment tube and the T-shaped adapter. The basket is positioned within the floating container. The pool water with floating debris goes into the floating container and then to the basket, where the basket retains bigger particles while the pool water redirects into the attachment tube. Then the pool water is forwarded into a pool cleaning unit so that the pool water can be thoroughly cleaned before pumps back into the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Maria Ignacia Hernaiz
  • Patent number: 9347234
    Abstract: An improved pool skimmer basket assembly with skimmer vent tower adapter for mounting a skimmer vent tower on a pool skimmer basket allows for the existing design of a skimmer vent tower to be retrofitted with any pool skimmer basket and/or any pool skimmer. The adapter is reversibly secured between any pool skimmer basket available on the market and the skimmer vent tower without requiring modifications to either part. Applicant's assembly utilizes the substantially centrally positioned skimmer vent tower of an existing design to provide a means by which water is vented through the basket, even when the strainer orifices are clogged. When the user requires a different size of basket and/or a new basket, he can easily remove the adapter attached to the inner bottom portion of the basket and place it on another basket without forgoing the use of the skimmer vent tower altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GVT, Inc.
    Inventor: Sara Voss Weyman
  • Patent number: 9316011
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating fluid in a main reservoir includes an auxiliary reservoir and filter located outside the main reservoir. Ozonated air bubbles are injected by a diffuser into a lift tube containing fluid from the main reservoir. The fluid flows up the lift tube and into the auxiliary reservoir due to the expansion of the ozonated air bubbles as they go up the lift tube. Fluid flow to and from the main reservoir is via conduits normally used to connect the main reservoir to a conventional high pressure water pump and filter, with check valves added to prevent backflow to/from the auxiliary reservoir and lift tube when the water pump is on. When the water pump is off, the fluid is caused to pass through the auxiliary reservoir and filter and back into the main reservoir as a result of the flow of ozonated air in the lift tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Charles E. C. Harris
  • Patent number: 9168477
    Abstract: A filter element has a support grid structure with a first axial end and a second axial end. A filter medium surrounds annularly the support grid. The support grid has structural web members that are connected and form a hollow-cylindrical grid structure that surrounds a cylindrical interior. At least three of the structural web members or structural web sections connect to each other to define a through opening. A fluid flow is enabled in radial direction relative to a center axis of the hollow-cylindrical grid structure through the through openings. A first average opening cross-section of the through openings in a first region adjacent to a first axial end is greater than a second average opening cross-section of the through openings in a second region adjacent to the second axial end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Mann + Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Franziska Schulz, Bernd Burkhart
  • Patent number: 9028703
    Abstract: A sand filter for use with swimming pools includes a tank that has a hollow interior space and a top diffuser for allowing spent pool water to enter the tank and for distributing the pool water inside the tank. The sand filter also includes filter media formed as a bed of material on a bottom of the tank and also includes laterals that are located under the filter media and allow filtered pool water to exit the tank and flow back to the pool. The filter media includes a bed of sand that is disposed on the bottom of the tank and a layer of perlite material that is disposed on a top surface of the bed of sand. The perlite material is a high flow rate, low density perlite material that only contains a trace amount of floaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Ray Gaudin
  • Publication number: 20150068961
    Abstract: The present pool filtering system provides an elongated fine mesh filter with a large surface area; which can be removed and inserted through a standard filter access port found on pool decks. Because the filter assembly length is at least twice the diameter measurement, a large surface area is possible while remaining compact. The filter assembly includes a cylindrical porous filter basket that is completely lined with a filter bag. The filter bag can filter particulate matter as fine as three hundred microns or less. The present filtering system can provide preliminary filtering before water is delivered for further conditioning by secondary filters, heater, or the like. The present filter permits fine filtering without constant clogging or maintenance. When maintenance is required, there is easy access for cleaning and replacement. The elongated weir housing and weir door allows for a greater operating range of pool water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Keith Zars, Olaf Mjelde
  • Patent number: 8945379
    Abstract: A pool pump strainer having a rotatable trim assembly within a flooded housing cavity. A suction inlet and filtered suction outlet pair and a backwash inlet and backwash outlet pair are formed in and pass through opposite regions of a housing with at least 30 degrees between each part of a pair. A strainer disposed inside a conduit fixed between a pair of shutter plates makes up the trim assembly which is rotated between strainer and backwater positions by a stem extending through the housing. In the strainer position, water is drawn through the strainer to catch debris and then passes to the pump's suction side. In the backwash position, water is drawn through the flooded housing cavity to the suction side of the pump by a shunt. Thereafter, water discharged from the pump flows under pressure across the strainer to dislodge debris to be deposited into a catch box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: James Gregory Brull
  • Patent number: 8944787
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus driving circulation in baths, pools and the like, comprising a pump powered by a drive, further a filter section consisting of a housing and a cover, a filter being configured in said housing and being kinematically linked by hookup elements to the cover in a manner that said filter moves jointly with said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Herborner Pumpenfabrik J.H. Hoffman GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sascha Korupp, Gundolf Opsoelder
  • Patent number: 8888999
    Abstract: Filters and methods of filtering debris from fluid are detailed. A vortex of debris-laden fluid may be created within a filter, causing certain debris (including, for example, leaves) to settle therein. Some versions of the filters may include two stages, one having a perforated tube and a second having a generally frustoconically-shaped tube, which may or may not be perforated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hendrikus Johannes Van der Meijden
  • Publication number: 20140238913
    Abstract: A spa having a heater and a UV source combined in single housing that receives water from the spa such that water within the housing is simultaneously heated and treated with UV radiation for water treatment purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Bui Hoang
  • Patent number: 8734119
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method of varying power output and decrease noise generation of spa pumps by powering them with a variable frequency power device, digital signals capable of controlling cascaded pumps using ganged controls, and to decrease safety concerns of spas using an integrated water level and motion detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Luraco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Le, Sivakumar Parameswaran, Thanh Le
  • Patent number: 8636899
    Abstract: A detachable vented signaling alarm apparatus is provided which is capable of being attached to a skimmer basket commonly used with pool skimming systems. There are many different configurations and sizes of skimmer baskets with which the present apparatus is capable of attachment merely by drilling a hole generally centrally in the skimmer basket bottom. The detachable signaling alarm may be readily removed from the skimmer basket for various reasons such as pool vacuuming or maintenance and includes a vented stem for minimizing damage to the basket when debris has accumulated therein. An alarm of any type can be used with the vent mechanism for indicating when the skimmer basket is substantially blocked by debris by generating of an alarm condition responsive to airflow through the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Tesauro, Joseph Tesauro
  • Patent number: 8470170
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for treating fluid in a pool, spa, or water tank, etc., using ozone and treated air. A fluid filter is placed in an auxiliary reservoir or a smaller fluid tank located in or next to the pool, spa, or main water tank. An ozone generator pumps a combination of ozone and air into the smaller fluid tank. Fluid in the smaller fluid tank passes through a filter and back into the main reservoir without the use of any fluid pump. More specifically, a vertical lift tube is placed beneath the smaller fluid tank so that the open top of the lift tube is within the smaller fluid tank. Fluid from the main reservoir is piped to the bottom of the lift tube. Ozone and air from the ozone generator is also piped into the lift tube near its bottom. The fluid flows through the filter due to the effect of ozone and air bubbles released by a diffuser at the bottom of the lift tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Charles E. C. Harris
  • Patent number: 8431021
    Abstract: A filter element for positioning in a filter compartment of a spa includes a plastic mesh outer cylinder and a plastic mesh inner cylinder, the inner cylinder being positioned coaxially with respect to the outer cylinder to define an annular interior chamber with a filter element of annular cross-section disposed in the chamber and having keyed landings formed on the top and bottom thereof, which respectively mate and interlock with one or more keyed landings on top and bottom caps of the filter element. The apparatus may further include a plurality of vertically disposed mesh compartments interlinked in a ring and disposed within the filter element, the compartments being filled with a selected filter medium or filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Michael McCague
  • Patent number: 8419934
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes an outer filter assembly, the outer filter assembly including an outer filter layer of pleated polyester fabric arranged in a hollow cylindrical shape and first and second end caps for retaining the ends of the outer filter layer, and an inner filter assembly including a hollow cylindrical core having a side wall with a plurality of perforations defined therein, an inner filter layer of meltblown polypropylene disposed around an outer surface of the side wall of the hollow cylindrical core, and first and second end caps. The inner filter assembly is removably received within the outer filter assembly such that the hollow cylindrical core and inner filter layer extend within the hollow cylindrical shape defined by the outer filter layer. The filter assembly is adapted to be mounted in a horizontal orientation within a filtering chamber of a spa device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sundance Spas, Inc.
    Inventor: Elwyn Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130032517
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is reinforced using multiple polymer layers that have been folded and/or pinched together. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Benoit Joseph RENAUD, Alan R. Levin, Michael Andrew Liberti
  • Publication number: 20130032516
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is includes a support section and a punted section that has an underdrain mounting member. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Benoit Joseph Renaud, Alan R. Levin, Michael Andrew Liberti
  • Publication number: 20130015111
    Abstract: A debris catching device for surge tanks in swimming pool circulation systems prevents debris from building up within a surge tank. The debris catching device includes a net member for capturing the debris before it enters the surge tank and an elongate main body that is adjustably extendable to select lengths for proper installation. A drawstring cord extending through the length of the elongate main body and around the lining of the net member is provided for cinching the net member closed around the exterior of the gutter drain pipe so that the captured debris doesn't spill out of the net and into the surge tank. A support cord attached to the elongate main body and having opposite ends attached to the lining of the net member may be used for holding the net member in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Perham
  • Publication number: 20120305462
    Abstract: A filter to remove debris from a pool, the filter including a basket defined by a bottom and a side wall, the side wall including a plurality of first apertures; and a handle with first and second ends, the first end of the handle connected to the side wall, in which the first end of the handle includes an opening in communication with the first apertures in the side wall, and the handle further includes a hollow neck disposed between the first and second ends, the neck including a plurality of second apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Custom Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary Vogtner
  • Patent number: 8273254
    Abstract: A method of sanitizing water contained in a spa is provided which comprises installing a chlorine generating cell including a diamond electrode in a filter compartment of the spa, employing a resin-filled calcium remover bag to reduce the hardness of the water, adding salt to the water; and operating the chlorine generating cell to generate chlorine and other sanitizing agents for sanitizing the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Michael McCague
  • Patent number: 8245852
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pre-filter assembly for use with a pump. The assembly includes a housing having an intake channel and an outlet channel. The intake channel includes an intake flange around a first circumference and a ribbed surface to facilitate sealing. The outlet channel includes a bottom portion and an outlet flange around a second circumference. The intake flange and the outlet flange are on opposite sides of the housing. The assembly also includes a basket positioned in the housing. The basket has a bottom side and is positioned above the bottom portion of the outlet channel to form a chamber. The basket is positioned in closer proximity to the intake channel than to the outlet channel. In addition, the assembly includes a securing device with a lid having ridges and a clear top to permit the user to view the contents of the basket. The securing device also includes a locking ring with slots and openings to permit the user to view the contents of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: JoAnne B. Sloan, Rajaiah Chinthanippula, Douglas L. Stout, Dick Edwards
  • Publication number: 20120205302
    Abstract: A filtration unit for a swimming pool or spa, is disclosed, the filtration unit including a support base (20); a filter housing (30) mounted on top of the support base; and a recess (21) in the support base, the recess adapted to receive a pump (60), at least in part. A multi-port valve (50) is laterally mounted to the filter housing wherein an orbital control arm (54) of the multi-port valve may be moved in a substantially vertical plane to select alternative operations of the filtration unit. The unit may further include a top with space for electronic controls and/or chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: POOLRITE RESEARCH PTY LTD
    Inventor: Ross Leslie Palmer
  • Patent number: 8241506
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically removing debris from a surface of a pool. The apparatus for cleaning debris from a pool surface includes a support and a conveyor belt supported by the support. The conveyor belt is inclined and includes upper and lower ends. The conveyor belt is driven from the lower end to the upper end. A diverter is used for diverting debris from the pool surface to the lower end of the conveyor belt. The diverter is connected at the lower end of the support and configured to be positioned outside a skimmer opening of a pool. The apparatus is positioned at the skimmer opening to receive floating debris prior to entering the skimmer opening. The conveyor belt moves the floating debris to the upper end of the conveyor belt. The debris is then deposited into a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: PB's Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Vernier, William Vernier
  • Patent number: 8197570
    Abstract: Embodiments for a filter and method for fabricating the same are provide herein. In one embodiment, a filter is provided that includes a first end cap, a second end cap, at least a first filtration media element and at least a first brace. The first end cap has an air flow aperture formed therethrough. The first and second end caps define a central axis. The first filtration media element is coupled to the first and second end caps and has an orientation curved around the central axis. The brace separates a first closed edge of the filtration media element from a second closed edge of the filtration media element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Camfil Farr, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Pendleton Morgan
  • Patent number: 8173011
    Abstract: A pool/spa water treatment system may include a pump and a pool filter. The pump may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet may be aligned on a first axis or within a first vertical plane. The pool filter may be offset a select transverse distance from the pump. The pool filter may include a pool filter inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The pool filter inlet and the pump outlet may be aligned on a second axis or within a second vertical plane that is transverse to the first axis or plane. The pool/spa water treatment system may further include a heater. The heater may include a heater inlet in fluid communication with the pool filter outlet. The heater inlet may be aligned with the pool filter outlet within the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Nibler, Emily R. Colomes, Peter M. Owenson
  • Patent number: 8137545
    Abstract: A pool filter for use in pool piping or other fluid conveyance system. The pool filter may include a housing defining a fluid chamber for receiving one or more filters. Multiple openings may be defined in the housing for receiving and removing fluid from the fluid chamber. The openings may be approximately the same size and may be located on the housing at similar elevations and/or radial sectors. One or more footings may be joined to the housing. Each footing may include a base portion for receiving anchor members to anchor the housing to a support surface. The footings may be designed to transfer to the support surface predetermined lateral or other forces imposed upon the pool filter by events such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The footings may be separate components joined to the housing by tabs and/or mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Nibler, Randy Tan, Steve E. Gutai
  • Publication number: 20110284440
    Abstract: “MULTIFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR FILTERING POOL WATER”, it consists of an equipment (1) to be used in swimming pools, composed by a box (2) with saddles to receive, immediately or later, besides main motor-pump (3), a motor-pump (4) for solar heating of the water, filter with ultraviolet light (5), register (6) for cleaning with water pressurized by the equipment itself and optional register (7) for Scottish shower, for instance, besides an armored control box (8) with external activation (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: LUIZ FILIPE DE SOUZA SISSON
  • Publication number: 20110226682
    Abstract: A pool/spa water treatment system may include a pump and a pool filter. The pump may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet may be aligned on a first axis or within a first vertical plane. The pool filter may be offset a select transverse distance from the pump. The pool filter may include a pool filter inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The pool filter inlet and the pump outlet may be aligned on a second axis or within a second vertical plane that is transverse to the first axis or plane. The pool/spa water treatment system may further include a heater. The heater may include a heater inlet in fluid communication with the pool filter outlet. The heater inlet may be aligned with the pool filter outlet within the second plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Nibler, Emily R. Colomes, Peter W. Owenson
  • Patent number: 8017001
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods for maintenance of an enclosed body of water generally include mobile systems and/or methods for removal of mineral hardness and other particulate impurities via lime softening filtration. Chemicals are added to a body of water containing unwanted mineral hardness (or other particulate impurities) and mixed to assist dispersion. The chemicals react with the hardness minerals making them insoluble. The resulting precipitate falls out of solution to the bottom of the body of water for subsequent removal via filtration. This eliminates or otherwise reduces the need for draining water and/or adding new water to a body of water to maintain proper mineral hardness balance and/or concentration of other particulate impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rayne Dealership Corporation
    Inventor: David Morgan
  • Patent number: 7951293
    Abstract: A pool/spa water treatment system may include a pump and a pool filter. The pump may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The pump inlet and outlet may be aligned on a first axis or within a first vertical plane. The pool filter may be offset a select transverse distance from the pump. The pool filter may include a pool filter inlet in fluid communication with the pump outlet. The pool filter inlet and the pump outlet may be aligned on a second axis or within a second vertical plane that is transverse to the first axis or plane. The pool/spa water treatment system may further include a heater. The heater may include a heater inlet in fluid communication with the pool filter outlet. The heater inlet may be aligned with the pool filter outlet within the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Nibler, Emily R. Colomes, Peter W. Owenson
  • Publication number: 20110089094
    Abstract: A pool filter for use in pool piping or other fluid conveyance system. The pool filter may include a housing defining a fluid chamber for receiving one or more filters. Multiple openings may be defined in the housing for receiving and removing fluid from the fluid chamber. The openings may be approximately the same size and may be located on the housing at similar elevations and/or radial sectors. One or more footings may be joined to the housing. Each footing may include a base portion for receiving anchor members to anchor the housing to a support surface. The footings may be designed to transfer to the support surface predetermined lateral or other forces imposed upon the pool filter by events such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The footings may be separate components joined to the housing by tabs and/or mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Nibler, Randy Tan, Steve E. Gutai
  • Publication number: 20110062068
    Abstract: A pool filter for use in pool piping or other fluid conveyance system. The pool filter may include a housing defining a fluid chamber for receiving one or more filters. Multiple openings may be defined in the housing for receiving and removing fluid from the fluid chamber. The openings may be approximately the same size and may be located on the housing at similar elevations and/or radial sectors. One or more footings may be joined to the housing. Each footing may include a base portion for receiving anchor members to anchor the housing to a support surface. The footings may be designed to transfer to the support surface predetermined lateral or other forces imposed upon the pool filter by events such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The footings may be separate components joined to the housing by tabs and/or mechanical fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Nibler, Randy Tan, Steve E. Gutai