With Water-jet Means Patents (Class 4/492)
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Patent number: 5526538Abstract: A water circulation and heating system for spas which exhibits low power consumption for continuous circulation of the spa water while avoiding air entrapment in the water heating unit comprises a low speed water pump, and a heater that is configured so that water flows through it generally vertically. The low speed pump circulates spa water through the heater at a low flow rate that would cause air entrapment in the heater if it were configured so that water flowed through it horizontally. In a preferred embodiment, a high speed water pump is also provided for operating the spa's high speed jets when the spa is in use. The low and high speed pumps preferably form part of an interconnected water circulation system, so that the water flow rate through the heater is increased when the high speed jet pump is activated.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Hurrican Products IncorporatedInventor: Jack D. Rainwater
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Patent number: 5524399Abstract: A molded plastic landscape pond is disclosed that is installed into the ground, the pond having a peripheral rim at or slightly above level. A hollow molded plastic pedestal interlocks onto the bottom surface of the pond, and a molded plastic statue is mounted on top of the pedestal. A submersible pump disposed in the hollow pedestal pumps water to the statue, which generates a stream or spray of water into the pool.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Avon Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Mark T. Reum, Nick J. Demuth
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Patent number: 5333324Abstract: Structure for neck and shoulder massage in a hydrotherapy hot tub consists of a pillow element against which a person's head rests with a cavity in the pillow element through which a stream of fluid is directed toward the person's neck. The structure includes a surface interposed in the stream of fluid to deflect the stream to impinge on the person's neck downward at an adjusted acute angle thereto. Another form of the structure includes wing portions extending over the shoulders of a person whose head and neck are at the pillow element with conduits and nozzles at spaced intervals directing streams of fluid downward from the undersides of the wing portions onto the shoulders of the person.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1992Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Inventor: John Pinciaro
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Patent number: 5298003Abstract: Apparatus for creating a current in a swimming pool against which a swimmer can swim-in-place in the pool, the pool comprising a water basin having an upper rim and being filled with water up to a predetermined upper level below the rim, the apparatus comprising a propeller and a motor mechanism for driving the propeller; a mechanism connected to the propeller for positioning the propeller at selected depth below the upper level of water in the basin such that when the propeller is driven the propeller generates a current of water flowing in a selected direction between about 0.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Inventors: Clyde R. Weihe, Thomas H. Larsen
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Patent number: 5251343Abstract: A swimming pool pop-up fitting having a pop-up head responsive to the intermittent application of water under pressure to reciprocate between retracted and projected positions for directing a jet of water over the adjacent inner surface of a swimming pool from a nozzle in the head.The pop-up fitting includes a fixed retainer having cams that are engageable by camming pins carried by the nozzle head to incrementally rotate the head during its movement between retracted and projected positions. The pins can be removed and the head constrained against rotation to convert the head from a rotary head to a pop-up head which is rotationally stationary or fixed.The pop-up head includes a stem which mounts the nozzle. The nozzle has diametrically opposed nozzle openings which are selectively alignable with an opening in the stem.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1992Date of Patent: October 12, 1993Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.Inventor: John M. Goettl
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Patent number: 5245714Abstract: A whirlpool bath is provided with a bathtub body, a circulating pump, a hot water circulation path disposed between said bathtub body and said circulating pump, a plurality of blow-off nozzles which are mounted on said respective terminal ends of the hot water circulation path, and an air intake portion connected to the hot water circulation path to permit blowing of air-mixed hot water into said bathtub body from the blow-off nozzles and control means for selectively controlling the degree of opening of each blow-off nozzle, the degree of opening of the air intake portion and the number of revolutions of said circulating pump to provide blow-off of the hot water in various modes which are different in the blow-off amount and pressure. Namely, the whirlpool bath is capable of giving various kinds of massaging effect including a stimulating effect and a relaxing effect to a bather.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1989Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Hisato Haraga, Yasutoshi Inatomi, Takashi Obata, Mituaki Hasida, Koichi Uchiyama, Kenji Moriyama
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Patent number: 5226408Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating water in a spa which has a plurality of venturi jets, a hosing which includes a plurality of venturi jets and a high speed pump which circulates water through the housing and the venturi jets in the spa and a water thermostat. The thermostat is positioned in the water of the spa and connected to the high speed pump such that the high speed pump is activated to propel water through the venturi jets at high speed and thus heat it whenever the water temperature falls below a preset level.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1992Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Assignee: K. D. Heating Systems, Inc.Inventor: Keith Drysdale
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Patent number: 5207499Abstract: A light assembly combined into a unitary structure with a liquid circulation fitting, such as a water return fitting, for use underwater or above water in a pool, tub, spa, fountain, or similar large liquid container. The combination is well suited for use as a combined underwater light and return water fitting in pools, tubs, or spas, and especially in above-ground pools, and as a combined ornamental light and fountain jet. The unitary structure eliminates the need for more than one hole in the pool wall and thereby simplifies installation and decreases the chance of leaks. The structure provides for both water and air cooling if the light is installed underwater. Furthermore, the structure is connectable to water supply lines of various sizes, and includes a directionally adjustable port to control water returning to the pool or container.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1991Date of Patent: May 4, 1993Assignee: KDI American Products, Inc.Inventors: Jason Vajda, Laurence E. Thrasher, Kenneth M. Kowal, Lucjan Berczynski
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Patent number: 5207729Abstract: A circulating type water flow pool having a tank portion and a circulating passage formed in a lower portion thereof. The circulating passage has a riser portion at one end which extends to an upper portion of the tank portion. A delivery port is formed in the end of the circulating passage in communication with the tank portion. At its other end, the circulating passage is formed with an intake port in communication with the tank portion, and a water flow control member is mounted on the delivery port at the riser portion of the circulating passage. A screw blade of a delivery unit is actuated by a driving motor, and it is disposed facing the delivery port. Water in the circulating passage is sucked out by the screw action of the screw blade, creating a jet flow, which is delivered toward the delivery port. The jet flow is straightened by a water flow control member mounted on the delivery port, thereby creating a powerful water flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1991Date of Patent: May 4, 1993Inventor: Miyoshi Hatanaka
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Patent number: 5201562Abstract: A truck bed insert is arranged of unitary construction complementarily being received within a pickup truck bed. A drain opening is arranged to permit draining of water directed into the insert subsequent to use. A modified aspect of the invention includes a pneumatic conduit directed about an intersection of the floor and side walls of the insert having nozzles directed into the insert cavity, with an impeller housing arranged for mounting to the pickup exhaust pipe to direct aeration into the insert during use.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1992Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Inventor: Johnathan D. Dorsey
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Patent number: 5201857Abstract: An adapter for connection to the return line of a pool filtering system. A series of pipe and fittings are assembled to produce a "T"-shaped unit which contains a pressure control valve and that is readily connected to the existing filtering system of the pool. A portion of the water being returned to the pool is diverted through a nozzle section by means of the control valve in a lower section of the unit. Connected to the control valve is a 45 degree angle hollow fitting which is rotatable, allowing adjustment of unidverted return water pressure for the purpose of moving any top water debris into the skimmer of the filtering system. The nozzle has a slip-fit cap system allowing easy adjustment of spray pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1991Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Inventor: Terry G. Nix
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Patent number: 5182820Abstract: A nozzle mounting has a body with air and water passageways including a nozzle member for discharging a mixture of air and water. The nozzle member has outer walls of spherical form surrounding a passageway through the nozzle so that the nozzle may be manually rocked by a user to direct the flow of mixed air and water in a desired direction. Air inlets are provided in the walls of the nozzle so that air from the air passageway in the body is entrained in water passing through the passageway in the nozzle so that the nozzle passageway is not altered in its selected disposition by the discharge of the mixture of air and water through the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1991Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Inventor: Kipley R. Marks
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Patent number: 5172432Abstract: It is important healthwise to oxygenate water in swimming pools in order to kill the mainly anaerobic micro-organisms that may come to grow therein. Chemical agents are nowadays in current use, however, they are expensive, and also they do have damaging effects on the tissues of bathers particularly for the cornea. By mounting an oxygenating device at the water outlet of the recirculating system of the swimming pool, growth of anaerobic organisms is prevented. The present aerating device includes a spherical nozzle with a water flow channel, coupled to the recirculating system main water duct outlet, and a straw, engaging at one end transversely into the water flow channel and escaping at the opposite end above the water line. Ambient air is fed to and dissolved in the recirculated filtered water by the venturi effect generated by the forced circulation of water through the conventional recirculating water filtering system.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1992Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Inventor: Fernand Beland
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Patent number: 5115974Abstract: A device for creating a waterfall effect and a fountain effect in an adjacent swimming pool spa or the like, has a tubular manifold with spray orifices which produce streams of water. The manifold is positionable so that the streams of water can be aimed away from the housing at an inclined angle, thereby producing a fountain effect, or so that the streams of water can be directed to fill a reservoir located within the housing and adapted to discharge water in the form of a waterfall.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1991Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Tobias, Fred Hollinger
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Patent number: 5056167Abstract: A modular assembly for use in a swimming pool is described. This assembly integrates the technical components and accessories for swimming pools, including at least one stair, a horizontal submerged bathing portion capable of supporting a user while sitting or lying, a filtration vat enclosing a water filtration system for filtering water to and from the swimming pool into and out of the modular assembly, and a technical vat enclosing a system for pumping and water recycling for pumping and recycling water between the swimming pool and the modular assembly. The assembly of the present invention can also include additional accessories such as a foot bath, a bathing therapy system, a countercurrent swimming system, a submerged lighting system, and a shower. The entire module includes connections for water intake and water discharge for passage of water to and from the swimming pool, and electrical power connections for accessing electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Inventor: Andre Cholley
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Patent number: 5050250Abstract: This installation allows the drive pump (16) to be connected directly to the main housing (1) of the installation, or remotely from said housing; it is provided with a simplified structure and comprises the removable assembly of a closed handgrip (35), for the user, which is attached to a strong base plate (27) intermediate the front surface (14) of the main housing (1) and a lightweight face plate (34). The pump (16) is attached to a plate (5) which is attached directly to the rear surface of the main housing (1) and is provided with tubular stubs (8 and 9) for the coupling of the discharge tube (10), which is connected to the orifice (11) and of the suction tube (12). The said plate (5) may also be attached by pipelines (21 and 22) to another smaller plate (18) which is then attached to the main housing (1), and which is also provided with tubular stubs (19 and 20).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1990Date of Patent: September 24, 1991Assignee: Astral Sociedad Anonima de Construcciones MetalicasInventor: Jaime Morral Gispert
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Patent number: 5031256Abstract: A jet nozzle attachment includes a hose having a connecting member to be connected to a compressed hot water jet hole formed inside a bath, and a nozzle, connected to the hose, for forcibly jetting out a fluid mixture of hot water and air. A fluid mixture of hot water and air can be jetted out in an arbitrary direction by using the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1989Date of Patent: July 16, 1991Assignee: Nikki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshio Mikiya
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Patent number: 5014372Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet assembly that produces rotating and pulsating streams of water and provides for user adjustable flow control, and user adjustable control of the speed of rotation independently of the flow control. The assembly includes a nozzle rotor supported for rotation in a generally cylindrical body, and a rotor retainer cage having a thrust plate that applies an axial retaining force to the rotor. The rotor has two internal passages that discharge water in directions that may be selected to produce a turning moment applied to the rotor. Fins may be incorporated into the rotor to produce or contribute to rotation. In all of the disclosed forms of the rotor, radial thrust components resulting from discharge of water through the two rotor passages cancel each other. The rotor is thereby balanced in directions transverse to its axis or rotation. Axial thrust components resulting from the discharge of water from the nozzle rotor are substantially balanced by the force of water entering the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1989Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: KDI American Products, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence E. Thrasher, Gordon E. Olson, Garrett J. Burkitt, III, Timothy E. Schmidt, Elias M. Haddad, Susan Conti-Johnston
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Patent number: 5003646Abstract: A hydrotherapy apparatus incorporating a water wheel coupled to a reduction gear assembly for providing a strong jet of water at an extremely uniform rate of rotation, even at slow rotational speeds. The water wheel has a relatively small diameter so that it may be driven at a high rate of speed to minimize any rotational speed variations of the water wheel itself. The water wheel is non-rigidly coupled to the drive shaft of the nozzle by a helical gear which causes the drive shaft to rotate at a slower rate than that of the water wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1987Date of Patent: April 2, 1991Assignee: Hydro Air Industries, Inc.Inventors: Roger A. Stamp, Farrell D. Williams
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Patent number: 5000665Abstract: A whirlpool jet assembly adapted to be mounted in an opening in the wall of a water tub for discharging the water stream into the tub. The jet assembly includes a housing defining a socket having an air inlet and a water inlet and a ball fitting pivotably supported within the socket having openings positionable in alignment with the air and water inlets in the socket. A nozzle assembly supported on the ball fitting is of a unitary one-piece construction forming a Venturi nozzle, mixing chamber and directional nozzle in an integral structure. The nozzle assembly is rotatably supported on the ball fitting with the ball fitting and nozzle assembly having shaped openings through which water from the water inlet flows into the Venturi jet nozzle. Rotation of the nozzle assembly with respect to the ball fitting changes the combined shape of the shaped openings to alter the pressure of water flowing through the jet assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1990Date of Patent: March 19, 1991Assignee: American Standard Inc.Inventor: William L. Moeller
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Patent number: 4985943Abstract: A hydrotherapeutic jet for a hydrotherapeutic receptacle employs three nozzels and two separate mixing chambers. A primary stream of water flows through the first nozzel to create a low pressure condition which sucks air into the first mixing chamber, causing the primary stream to be mixed with the air. The primary stream is discharged through the second nozzle into the second mixing chamber, thereby creating another low pressure condition which sucks a secondary stream of water from the hydrotherapeutic receptacle into the second mixing chamber and hence causes the aerated primary stream to be entrained with the secondary stream. The air/water mixture is then discharged from the second mixing chamber into the hydrotherapeutic receptacle by te third nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1989Date of Patent: January 22, 1991Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Tobias, Robert M. Messinger
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Patent number: 4982459Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet assembly capable of operating in either an entrainment mode and/or a tub water entrainment mode. The assembly incorporates a valve means including a rotatable control member which allows a user to selectively vary the amount of supplied water jet and/or air available for entrainment and/or tub water available for entrainment.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1988Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 4982460Abstract: A jet fitting for a hydrotherapeutic receptacle includes an internal chamber which functions as a mixing chamber as well as a suction chamber. A primary stream of water is supplied to the mixing chamber in such a manner that a low pressure condition is created within the mixing chamber for entraining a secondary stream of water which flows from the hydrotherapeutic receptacle to the mixing chamber and for entraining air from an outside source.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1989Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Tobias, William E. Treene, George E. Williams
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Patent number: 4965893Abstract: Hydrotherapy apparatus including a rigid elongated conduit having a supply orifice and a discharge orifice. The conduit is mounted for swivel movement to enable the discharge orifice to traverse a path characterized by a series of small circular or semicircular path segments linked by translational path segments. The conduit is moved along said path by reaction forces produced by the discharged stream. The stream is produced by a supplied water jet which entrains air and/or tub water, as selected by the user. Valve means are provided for selectively varying the amount of air entrainment and/or water entrainment and/or supplied water jet.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1989Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 4947494Abstract: A bath, into which water is to be pumped for hydrotherapy, is disclosed and in which the drain and overflow pipes from the bath and the return line to the pump are connected to a junction leading to a waste pipe. A valve in the junction directs water from the drain pipe to the return pipe but not to the waste pipe while allowing overflow water to flow into the waste pipe. After the bath has been used, the valve may be opened to drain the bath, drain and return pipes to waste.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1988Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Assignee: HonitonInventor: Gerald W. Moreland
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Patent number: 4942871Abstract: There is disclosed a bubble bath assembly including a housing, a pump mechanism and a water-jetting mechanism. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The pump means is encased within the housing in order to draw water into the housing through the inlet and to discharge water under pressure from the outlet. The water-jetting mechanism is communicatively connected to the outlet of the housing to discharge water in a jet therefrom. This assembly is characterized in that the housing includes a float for floating the bubble bath assembly on bath water in such a manner that the water-jetting mechanism is held over the bath water and the inlet of the housing is held under the bath water. The assembly is also characterized in that the water-jetting mechanism has an outlet port which directly confronts the bath water when the assembly floats on the bath water, so that water to be discharged from the water-jetting mechanism is directed to the surface of the bath water.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1989Date of Patent: July 24, 1990Assignee: Hara Health Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Zenzaburo Hara
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Patent number: 4941217Abstract: A jet fitting for a hydrotherapeutic receptacle includes an internal chamber which functions as a mixing chamber as well as a suction chamber. More particularly, a primary stream of water is supplied to the mixing chamber in such a manner that a low pressure condition is created within the mixing chamber for the purpose of entraining a secondary stream of water which flows from the hydrotherapeutic receptacle to the mixing chamber. The combined streams exit the fitting together so as to increase its discharge flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1989Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Tobias, William E. Treene, George E. Williams
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Patent number: 4939797Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for cleaning swimming pools, incorporating intermittent pop-up jet nozzles, the nozzles being adapted to intermittently rotate and project cleaning jets of water adjacent the inner surface of the pools. Wear and tear on the nozzle housing and related parts is minimized by use of a water delivery assembly in which the stop means for arresting upward movement of the nozzle are located in the lower part of the housing, thus eliminating bending moment of stress force against the housing and related parts. The inclusion of a retainer or cage within the housing provides other improvements in the operation of the water delivery assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1989Date of Patent: July 10, 1990Assignee: Sally GhizInventor: John M. Goettl
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Patent number: 4938469Abstract: An aquatic exercising and therapeutic apparatus includes a relatively narrow rectangular tank for retaining water in it to a selected depth. A treadmill is located in the bottom of the tank beneath the level of the liquid and extends from end to end. A pump system provides a moving stream of water, recirculating from one end of the tank to the other; so that by varying the speed at which the treadmill is operated, as well as the flow rate of water provided by the pump, varying levels of intensity are provided for a workout in the tank. For a fitness or conditioning training, the treadmill and the water flow typically are in the same direction to increase the level of workout. For therapeutic purposes, such as assisting a patient to walk after hip surgery or the like, the treadmill is operated in one direction and the water flow in the other.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1989Date of Patent: July 3, 1990Assignee: Conray CompanyInventor: Raymond H. Crandell
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Patent number: 4924535Abstract: An apparatus positionable within a bathtub for discharging a jet stream of warm water, as sucked from the bathtub, having air bubbles mixed therein to cleanse and massage a part of the human body. The apparatus includes a main body for emitting the jet stream and a source of electricity positioned outside the bathtub. The main body is set directly within the bathtub. The pumping mechanism within the main body sucks liquid from the bathtub through an inlet and through a special filter, sucks the surrounding environment through an air inlet, mixes these within a mixing part, and discharges the mixture through an emitting nozzle as a high-speed jet stream. The emitted mixed fluid is discharged directly to a part of the bathing human body to massage and stimulate the body. The stimulus upon explosion of the included bubbles makes it possible to cleanse the body part efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1988Date of Patent: May 15, 1990Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Fuji Iryoki, Kabushiki Kaisha Japan HealthInventor: Yoshikiyo Yamasaki
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Patent number: 4907304Abstract: Apparatus is permanently mounted in the deck adjacent to a swimming pool and connected to the water in the pool to generate a laminar flow of water near the surface of the pool at a rate sufficient for exercise and therapy purposes. Two openings are provided in a wall of the pool, one near the surface and one near the bottom. The openings are connected by a flow conduit which includes an arcuately curved section and a straight section, the latter connected to the upper opening. Diffuser vanes are provided along the flow conduit and in the upper opening. A flow generating means, including a rotating impeller disposed within the flow conduit, draws water in through the lower opening, passes it through the flow conduit and past the diffuser vanes, and discharges it through the upper opening as laminar flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1988Date of Patent: March 13, 1990Inventors: Peter Davidson, S. Gretchen Buck
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Patent number: 4907305Abstract: A bubbling bathtub system including both a large bubble generator, which blows relatively large bubbles into a bathtub, and a minute bubble generator, which functions so that bath water with air dissolved therein by pressurization is sent to the bathtub to produce minute bubbles in the bath water, connected to the bathtub. The relatively large bubbles produced by the large bubble generator and the minute bubbles produced by the minute bubble generator cooperate to enhance the good feeling produced during bathing. Both or either of the relatively large bubbles and the minute bubbles can be optionally produced as the user desires for optimum effect.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1988Date of Patent: March 13, 1990Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Keiichi Teramachi, Harue Kawagoe, Naoki Kumon, Shinya Hirota, Hidehiko Kishie, Tsutomu Amaki, Harushige Tsusaka
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Patent number: 4903352Abstract: A fluid jet flow massaging apparatus adapted for use within a bathtub unit comprises a first bathtub and a second bathtub which is accommodated within the first bathtub with a space defined therebetween and which has an inner volume sufficient for accommodating a person. The second bathtub is provided with opposed side walls within which a plurality of fluid circulation holes are formed and a fluid jet circulation flow generating device is disposed within at least one hole of at least one wall of the second bathtub. The fluid jet flow caused by the device is circulated through the holes and the space defined between the first and second bathtubs and the fluid jet flow achieves the massaging operation upon the person disposed within the second bathtub as a result of the circulation of the fluid. The fluid flow direction and the fluid flow rate may be regulated by altering the number of fluid flow generating devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1989Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignees: Rally Master Co., Ltd., All Max Co. Ltd.Inventor: Eiichi Murakami
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Patent number: 4896383Abstract: An apparatus for discharging a moving fluid stream into a spa tank or the like for subjecting a user's body to the massaging action of the stream, the apparatus having a substantially rigid guide means mounted to the housing of the device which reciprocates between two positions in response to the movement of the fluid stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1988Date of Patent: January 30, 1990Inventors: Dean W. Morgan, Walter R. Morgan, Cindy S. Heller
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Patent number: 4896384Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge nozzle for the discharge valve of a whirlpool tube having a water inlet duct and an air inlet duct, in which the water stream and air stream are mixed together as the result of an injector effect. In order to improve the hydropneumatic massaging effect, the water inlet duct is disposed axially and centrally with respect to the inner surface of an outer disk-shaped distribution element and is open to a radially outwardly leading circular discharge duct formed between the outer distribution element and an inner disk-shaped distribution element. The air inlet duct discharges air into a ring interstice defined between the inner distribution element and the tub wall or the valve body or valve housing of the discharge valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1987Date of Patent: January 30, 1990Assignee: Ucosan B.V.Inventor: Okko K. Dijkhuizen
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Patent number: 4868934Abstract: An improved self-cleaning bathtub having a reservoir large enough for multiple usages and an improved unitary water diversion system is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1987Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Inventor: Murray Altman
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Patent number: 4860392Abstract: A hydrotherapy tub massage apparatus comprising a mixing chamber provided by the cooperative disposition of the human body with a surface of the hydrotub. Directional water ejectors for air inducting water ejectors are used to direct a stream of water or water and air essentially coplanar with the surface of the tub and into the chamber which is formed by the cooperative disposition of the human body with the surface of the tub. In one version, a flexible fabric is attached near the source of the ejected water or water and air flow so that it is disposed between the fluid flow and the body which is immersed in the hydrotub. The rapidly flowing water causes an undulation of the fabric and the concomitant massage effect is transmitted to the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1987Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Inventors: John Gardenier, John Maiuccoro
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Patent number: 4853124Abstract: A device for discharging bubbling streams of water into a bath. The device has a main float and a subfloat mounted on top of the main float so as to be floatable in the water in a bathtub and movable up and down with the change in the water level. The hot water in the bathtub is sucked up into the device from its bottom by a pump driven by a motor, the pump and the motor being mounted in the main float. The water drawn into the device is filtered by means of a strainer and sent up to the top of the device through a cylindrical space formed around the motor and passed through a plurality of injection nozzles, where air is mixed into the water to form bubbling streams, and through a plurality of downwardly angled discharge ports into the bathtub under the surface of the water.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1987Date of Patent: August 1, 1989Assignee: Terada Pump Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seisaku Terada
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Patent number: 4832838Abstract: In a vessel such as a swimming pool, a turbine device is positioned on the bottom of the vessel to create an upward flow of water. The upward flow carries with it any larger debris, which are thereafter carried along the edge of the vessel and recovered by a skimmer. The turbine device is powered by the suction stream of a fluid circulation pump and filter system. Suction is thus created along the bottom of the vessel, which removes small debris. The upward flow of the turbine device is created by a plurality of spaced outlets which surrounds an impeller inlet. The outlets form high velocity streams which are spaced in a manner to exclude large debris from entering the impeller inlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1986Date of Patent: May 23, 1989Assignee: Damon K. StoneInventor: Damon K. Stone
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Patent number: 4825854Abstract: A hydrotherapy method and apparatus for discharging a fluid stream through an opening in the wall of a water tub, while concurrently translating the stream, to impact against and massage the body of a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1988Date of Patent: May 2, 1989Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 4813086Abstract: Hydrotherapy apparatus including a rigid elongated conduit having a supply orifice and a discharge orifice. The conduit is mounted for swivel movement to enable the discharge orifice to traverse a path characterized by a series of small circular or semicircular path segments linked by translational path segments. The conduit is moved along said path by reaction forces produced by the discharged stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 4811434Abstract: A spa having a base with an upper and a lower surface and a plurality of base air holes formed through predetermined portions of the base, and an air channel connected to the lower surface of the base for channeling air through the base air holes. The air channel consists of a tube having a tube opening extending therethrough and a plurality of tube air holes. The tube is disposed on the base so that each of the tube air holes is aligned with one of the base air holes. The tube is connected to the base and a seal is formed generally about each of the base air holes and aligned tube air holes between the tube and the lower surface of the base. A blower is connected to the tube in communication with the tube opening for blowing air through the tube opening and through the tube air holes and the aligned base air holes.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1987Date of Patent: March 14, 1989Assignee: Kimstock, Inc.Inventor: Donald D. Satterfield
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Patent number: 4773104Abstract: The inflatable bath-pool incorporates water inlet and outlet means, and an inlet water control means which produces a high velocity flow of an air-and-water mixture to provide a massaging jet for the user. Mounting means are provided for mounting the inlet and outlet means as well as the inlet water control means on the pool. The bath pool is connected with external inlet and outlet pipes which are connected to a pump, a water heating means, a temperature control means, and a filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1987Date of Patent: September 27, 1988Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
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Patent number: 4763367Abstract: A hydrotherapy method for discharging a water stream through a rigid conduit while concurrently translating the conduit discharge orifice along a nonlinear path describing an area. The conduit is comprised of a supply section and a discharge section having an axis misaligned with the supply section axis for discharging a stream in a direction tending to rotate the conduit around the supply section axis. Frictional loading of the conduit, attributable to suction produced by the supply water jet, is mitigated by providing a passageway which permits the suction to draw tub water into a cavity for entrainment by the water jet for discharge through the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1987Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 4757808Abstract: A liquid jet massage device (10) for producing selectively rotating jets of liquid for massaging the body of a user. The device (10) comprises a movable carriage (13) provided with a conduit for carrying liquid dispensed to the carriage (13) by suitable pump system. The device (10) comprises at least one, and in the preferred embodiment two, liquid dispensing primary head members (11, 12) rotatably mounted on the movable carriage (13). The primary head members (11, 12) define a liquid reservoir (42) for receiving the liquid from the conduit (32), the bottom portions (40) of the head members (11, 12) defining axial openings (46) for establishing liquid communications between the reservoir (42) and the conduit (32). The top portion of the head members (11, 12) are provided with axially displaced nozzles (45) for discharging liquid from the reservoirs (42) thereby producing jets of liquid.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1986Date of Patent: July 19, 1988Inventor: William T. Effler, Jr.
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Patent number: 4731887Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet assembly and/or installation configured to discharge a high intensity stream into a water tub without requiring air entrainment. Passageway means are provided for drawing water from the tub into the mixing chamber of a jet assembly for entrainment by a water jet. The stream discharged from the jet assembly into the tub is comprised of (1) water supplied under pressure into the mixing chamber by a water jet nozzle and (2) water drawn from the tub for entrainment by the water jet. The effect of tub water entrainment is to produce a high intensity stream for impacting against a user's body without significantly lowering the temperature of the water pool in the tub.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1987Date of Patent: March 22, 1988Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 4727605Abstract: A hydrotherapy method and apparatus for discharging a fluid stream through an opening in the wall of a water tub, while concurrently translating the stream along a random path, to impact against and massage the body of a user.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1987Date of Patent: March 1, 1988Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 4726080Abstract: A hydrotherapy method and apparatus for using available tap water supply pressure to mix fresh tap water, tub water, and air to discharge a water-air stream into a tub below the water surface. Energy derived from the tap water supply is used to concurrently translate a discharge nozzle along a path substantially transverse to the stream discharged from the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1987Date of Patent: February 23, 1988Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
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Patent number: 4717078Abstract: An eyeball fitting 10 for directing return water into a swimming pool has an eyeball 20 with a smooth and even inside surface 25 curving continuously from an entrance opening 26 to a discharge opening 21 having a sharp edge 22. The curvature of inside surface 25 has a radius that gradually increases as inside surface 25 gradually diminishes in cross-sectional area proceeding from larger diameter entrance opening 26 to smaller diameter discharge edge 22. Fitting 10 includes a seat 30 having a spherical recess 33 to receive a spherical outside surface 24 of eyeball 20, and seat 30 has an internal surface 35 continuously curving at a gradually increasing radius of curvature proceeding from an entrance side toward the spherical recess 33.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1986Date of Patent: January 5, 1988Inventor: George F. Arp
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Patent number: 4716604Abstract: A flexible tube exhausting pumped water into a spa tank and whipping by reaction to exhaust of water therefrom. A number of articulated plastic sleeves encircling the tube and guiding the tube to whip only in a vertical plane. The sleeves being pivotally connected to pivot about horizontal parallel axes. Adjacent sleeves having abutments limiting bending of the harness and the tube. An end sleeve being secured against rotation but being slidable longitudinally of the tube so that the harness can adjust longitudinally of the tube during whipping of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1985Date of Patent: January 5, 1988Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Jonathan Watkins