Abstract: A hydrotherapy method and apparatus 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.

Abstract: A partially housed air-water rotor is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. A water pipe on the axis serves as one bearing for the rotor, while an air pipe on the axis serves as another bearing for the rotor. The rotor ends have nozzles effective to mix the air and water and to direct discharge thereof in opposite tangential directions in a plane normal to the axis and from said housing through a vertical slit in the side of a spa tank.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy 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.

Abstract: 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 the massage the body of a user.

Abstract: A therapy apparatus to be mounted in a pool of water for generating a laminar flow of water at a rate sufficient for exercising and therapy purposes. A housing is secured externally to a swimming pool, the water inlet and outlet being disposed within the pool of water and being supported by the external housing. The water inlet is located below the surface of the swimming pool, water being forced through the inlet and upwardly by a rotating impeller to the outlet. The water outlet is below the water surface and directs the flow of water substantially parallel to the surface of the swimming pool and at an angle of approximately 90 degrees of arc with respect to the flow at the impeller. Sets of radial, elbow and outlet diffusers are mounted within the water flow chamber to create a laminar flow of water at the output and substantially eliminate all unwanted turbulance.

Abstract: The specification describes the combination of a unitary water container or pool and a pair of play balls, the pool having a generally planar bottom wall and a peripheral rim surrounding the bottom wall and extending upwardly therefrom, the peripheral rim being formed in the shape of an animal and including recesses defining eye sockets, the play balls being shaped and dimensioned to be removably received in the recesses and arranged to have iris and pupil defining markings thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air volume control for use with a flowing water line to control the quantity of air sucked by venturi action into the water line. The air volume control comprises a tubular valve body with a common member defining co-axial oppositely directed valve seats, one seat of which is automatically closed by a float valve in the event of reverse flow of water or back pressure of air into the valve body and the other seat of which is closed by a control valve when a regulator knob is rotated clockwise to the "off" position. In rotating the regulator knob counterclockwise to its "on" position, a cross pin follower of the regulator knob engaged with cam surfaces of the control valve unseats the control valve from its valve seat. Air is sucked into the water line through air entry ports in the valve body that are upstream of the control valve and float valve. Closing of either the control valve or float valve close off such air being sucked downstream past the valve seats into the flowing water line.

Abstract: A submersible bilge pump is used within a tub to provide a Jacuzzi-type jet spray. A mounting assembly enables the bilge pump to be located below the water in the tub, yet the mounting assembly allows for effective mounting to the tub to provide the water jet type action. The mounting assembly also allows for the submersible bilge pump to be rotatably fastened to the tub to provide a whirlpool type action when desired.

Abstract: A dynamically balanced suction relief is provided for a hydrotherapy tub or spa in which a controlled amount of water under pressure is supplied from the water pump to an air inlet duct to maintain a column of water in the air duct under normal conditions.

Abstract: A submersible bilge pump is used within a tub to provide a Jacuzzi-type jet spray. A mounting assembly enables the bilge pump to be located below the water in the tub, yet the mounting assembly allows for effective mounting to the tub to provide the water jet type action. The mounting assembly also allows for the submersible bilge pump to be rotatably fastened to the tub to provide a whirlpool type action when desired.

Abstract: An air control valve is provided for use in a spa to regulate the flow of air to a hydrotherapy jet in which a recessed control knob is accessible at a rim of the spa to actuate a movable valve member to selectively constrict or dilate an air flow passage through the valve body which has an air intake opening underneath the spa rim to isolate the noise associated with the intake opening from the user.

Abstract: A hydropneumatic massage bath includes a bath tub having high side walls and a bottom and at least one pressurized-water line that terminates in a water jet nozzle. An air supply line opens into a chamber surrounding the water jet nozzle. Such chamber has an outlet orifice for a jet of water and pressurized air entering the interior of the bath tub structure is provided for pulsating the jet of water/air mixture that discharges into the interior of the bath tub. To achieve a pleasant and variable massaging effect, as well as to reduce the susceptibility of the system to contaminants and compressive stress, an interrupt mechanism is arranged in the air supply line upstream of the chamber to fully or partially close the air supply at a desired pulsation frequency, thereby controlling the flow of incoming air into the chamber.

Abstract: A submersible jet stream device having inlet apertures and an outlet nozzle which creates a jet stream which can be located either in a first position at the water surface or a second position at a pool bottom. The device may be hinged about a horizontal position for movement between the two positions. An embodiment may include two nozzles, one at each end of a housing and two propellers on a reversible motor disposed within the housing whereby the nozzle used for the flow is determined by the direction of motor rotation.

Abstract: A replaceable rotatable therapy head is disclosed wherein the operating mechanism including an impeller and a gear train between the impeller and a ring gear on the housing is supported by a ring which is integral with the emitting nozzle and the supporting ring is held to the body of the structure by means of the flange ring also bonded to the body of the therapy head. The gear train is at the downstream end of the housing and the impeller blades are at the upstream end of the housing spaced from the gear train. A water diversion means is disposed between the gear train and the impeller blades. A friction reducing ring or the like is disposed between the support ring and the housing. The system utilizing the heads, which may be at a selected acute angle, includes aerators in the supply lines for mixing the water with air.

Abstract: A whirlpool jet housing having a unitary combination orifice and directional flow that can be readily coupled and decoupled from the jet housing. The combination orifice and directional flow includes means for drawing air into the directional flow immediately prior to discharge of the water and thereby discharge a mixture of air and water. The combination orifice and directional flow is adapted to permit the coupling to the water aperture for the jet housing to be continuously varied between a fully on and fully off position to vary the volume of water discharged. Control means are further provided to permit the user to turn the air fully on or fully off at the jet housing while controlling the flow of water at the housing. The whirlpool jet housing includes improved means for mounting the housing to a water vessel and an improved installation tool for use therewith.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy system is described in which a movable nozzle with a fluid inlet and outlet pivots about a center point enabling the outlet to be pointed in different directions. A water stream flows toward the passage in the nozzle. The system contains an air inlet and an air outlet passage with a valve chamber communicating between them within the nozzle housing. An air and water check valve moves in the valve chamber to an open or sealed position to allow the passage of air into the chamber but prevents the escape of water.

Abstract: In a spa tank, a flexible exhaust water tube pivoting in a vertical plane exhausting a massaging water stream on the back of the user. The assembly is adjustable to govern rate of whipping of the exhaust tube and nozzle. The nozzle is buoyant and adds air to the exhaust water stream. Low-wear roller abutments are pressed by the exhaust water tube as bend points in undulating reversal movements at the top and bottom of the pivotal movement of the tube.

Abstract: A fitting for a swimming pool return line comprising a housing with a cylindrical extension that may be inserted into the return line and an outer end closure in which the main nozzle is swiveled for directional control of surface circulation. A slot in the bottom of the housing is of adjustable size for bottom circulation. The fitting is secured in place by pulling sloping, radial legs toward planar disposition which would bear against the inner surface of the return line.

Abstract: A railing for a spa or the like is disclosed. In one embodiment, there is a tubular railing having an upwardly extending portion leading from an inlet, a downwardly extending portion leading to an outlet, and a cross portion connecting the upper ends of the upwardly and downwardly extending portions. The railing has an outer decorative tube and an inner insulating tube. The insulating tube is formed so as to permit the passage of air through the railing from the inlet to the outlet end. The railing provides a Hartford loop to protecting an air pump from the backflow of water from a spa, while at the same time hiding the connection between the pump and spa. The railing is also specially designed such that the grip portion of the railing does not become unacceptably hot due to air pumped through the railing.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet is described in which a nozzle is mounted for universal swiveling motion so that it can be positioned to direct a stream of water and air in any selected direction. Water and air enter through pipes positioned at right angles to one another, the water inlet pipe is positioned at right angles to the center axis of the hydrotherapy jet and nozzle axis. The air inlet pipe is aligned with the hydrotherapy jet axis and the nozzle axis so that the hydrotherapy jet can be rotated on its own central axis within an opening in a tub wall to facilitate the plumbing in the connection of water supply pipes without changing the position of the air supply pipe.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool mounted rotatable head for a water jet pool cleaning system adapted to rotate in a non-uniform sequential manner during a pool cleaning operation to maintain deleterious matter in suspension so that it may be removed by the main drain or skimmer inlets of the water circulation system. A means is incorporated for flushing sand and other debris from around the moving head and from the immediate pool surface area surrounding the head.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spa which may be used in an in-ground or above ground swimming pool or other liquid containing structure.The spa includes a frame capable of supporting a person or persons and comprising one or more frame members having a plurality of apertures or perforations. There is also included conveying means connectable to a liquid source such as the outlet pipe of a swimming pool for conveying liquid to the apertures or perforations included in the spa frame whereby liquid may be expelled under pressure of a person or persons supported by the frame.Suitably there is also included aerating means associated with the conveying means for aerating liquid before being expelled from the apertures or perforations in the spa frame.

Abstract: A hydrothermal treatment facility is in the form of a vessel for containing heated water, the vessel sidewalls being contoured to receive and support arthritic users in a plurality of positions, at least one portion being configured to receive a user in a seated position with the user's feet on the vessel floor, at least one portion of the vessel being configured to support a user in a semi-reclined position with the user's head being supported and at least one foot on the vessel floor and at least one portion of the vessel being configured to support a user in a reclined position with the user's legs and feet being supported above the vessel floor, and a plurality of jets by which water is injected into the interior of the vessel, the jets being positioned so that water flowing therethrough impinges on the joints of the users.

Abstract: A cleaning head for installation in the bottom surface of a swimming pool includes a rotary pop-up jet producing element having a hollow cylindrical lower section open at its bottom and an enlarged cylindrical hollow upper section closed at its top. An outlet opening is disposed in a vertical cylindrical wall of the upper section. A camming pin extending from the vertical cylindrical wall of the lower section engages opposed, staggered upper and lower saw-tooth-like camming surfaces disposed along an inner cylindrical wall of a stationary section of the cleaning head. The stationary section of the cleaning head sealably engages with a housing installed in the bottom surface of the swimming pool and is sealably coupled to an intermittent high pressure water supply.

Abstract: A venturi-type mixer that produces an aerated water jet for spas, therapy pools, swimming pools and the like is provided with a pulsating action by means of a rotating flow disturbing blade mounted at the discharge end of the jet nozzle to repetitively intercept the increased velocity stream discharged by the nozzle. The flow disturbing blade has its velocity controlled and adjusted by means of a water-driven turbine rotor journalled upstream of the nozzle and geared to the flow disturbing blade. The amount of projection of the turbine rotor blades into the water stream is varied by changing the relative alignment of non-circular input passage to the jet nozzle with respect to a congruent non-circular input passage from the main water supply.

Abstract: Hydraulically operated low pressure reservoir or pool cleaning method and apparatus wherein, by the controlled passage of water through actuating valves, plural water exhaust whips are submersibly extended from a pool shell into the closure to agitate the pool water and scour the shell walls and floor, thereby to perform the cleaning function. The whips may thereafter be retracted into the walls and floor and retained, pending further useage as extended cleaning elements. Method and apparatus present economies of operation and installation, hitherto unknown.

Abstract: A hydrotherapeutic massage structure comprising a large volume, upwardly opening water-filled container with at least one substantially vertical side, a small volume, elongate, vertically extending upwardly opening water-filled tank with substantially vertical sides and positioned adjacent said one side of the container, an elongate, vertical gate opening between the container and gate, a plurality of water jet and air aspirator nozzles carried by the side wall of the tank in circumferential and vertical spaced relationship about and disposed radially inwardly toward the central vertical axis of the tank, air supply means connected with the nozzles and water recirculating means drawing water from the container and delivering it at high pressure to the nozzles. The tank is slightly greater in diametric extent than the major diametric extent of a person standing substantially upright at the center of the tank and is substantially equal in vertical extent with the shoulder height of the person.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing flexible interconnecting pipes primarily in a whirlpool bathtub or spa assembly and comprising an improved venturi fitting having a snap-in bracket for receiving an elongated semi-flexible rod around the outer periphery of the tub wall and a plurality of primary pipe support brackets each also having such a snap-in bracket and a pair of C-shaped retainers for receiving the air and water flexible pipes interconnecting the venturi fittings. The rod support brackets may be provided with an optional interconnecting member for receiving an additional C-shaped secondary bracket providing means for supporting additional flexible pipes such as the suction and drain lines of a whirlpool bathtub assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid directional flow apparatus which includes mounting means such as an elongate mounting tube having an inner portion attached to an outlet pipe of a swimming pool or other liquid retaining structure and liquid directional flow means associated with the mounting means. Preferably the mounting tube has an outer portion which is enlarged relative to the inner portion and functions as a socket for the liquid directional flow means which is preferably a pivot flow ball member. The arrangement is such that in the case of the apparatus being installed to an outlet pipe of the swimming pool or other liquid retaining structure which is offset to the planar or substantially planar outer face of a wall of the swimming pool or structure that the liquid directional flow means may be adjusted to any desired setting or orientation.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet is described in which a nozzle is mounted for universal swiveling motion. Water and air enter through concentric pipes to provide an outer annular water vortex, an inner water vortex and an intermediate air lamina. The water vortices strike one another with considerable force vigorously incorporating air from the intermediate air lamina.

Abstract: An improved more compact type of fully adjustable spa jet water aerator is provided which is simple, inexpensive, durable, easy to install and use and which features easy separate adjustment of water and air flow therethrough. The aerator can be secured within a spa wall with the exit nozzle and controls readily accessible from within the spa. The aerator comprises a molded unitary housing defining an elongated passageway with water and air conduits disposed in stacked relation on the same side of the passageway to conserve space. The passageway extends to the front of the housing. The conducts have openings communicating with the passageway and a concentric pair of sleeves are threaded into the passageway and manually adjustable to align apertures therein with the conduit openings to control the air and water flow into the passageway. Cylindrical preferably ridged seals with alignable apertures are disposed over the rear ends of the sleeves adjacent the sleeve apertures to prevent fluid leakage.

Abstract: An improvement is provided for combination with a pool jet head receptacle attachable to pool wall structure, the receptacle having an open top, an open bottom, and an internal thread. The improvement comprises:(a) an attachment in the form of a body receivable downwardly into the receptacle,(b) external threading on the body to rotatably attach to the receptacle thread,(c) a head on the body to close the receptacle open top,(d) and manipulable structure on the top of the head, that structure taking one of several forms.

Abstract: The normally provided recirculating pump, jet generating action blower and light in a spa are turned on and off by appropriate pump, jet and light signals. These signals are provided by a radio receiver in turn responsive to different transmitted signals. A battery powered hand-held radio transmitter in turn may be manually operated to generate the different signals and thus enable the recirculating pump, jet action generating blower and light in the spa to be operated from a remote location. The system also contemplates the use of switching valves so that the same recirculating pump for the spa can be remotely controlled for recirculating water in a swimming pool should a user also have a swimming pool on the premises.

Abstract: A pool cleaning apparatus characterized by a long, hollow main body coupled to a pressurized swimming pool inlet and supporting a pair of cleaning hoses, a pressure relief valve, and an adjustable nozzle for producing a surface current. A primary cleaning hose sweeps the side and bottom surfaces of the pool, and a secondary cleaning hose follows up after the primary cleaning hose. The adjustable nozzle is used to direct a jet of water towards the surface of the water contained by the pool to create surface currents which urge floating debris towards the swimming pool's skimmers. The pressure relief valve controls the strength and vigor of the cleaning action of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for intermittently directing one or more streams of water across the inner surface of a swimming pool structure for cleaning the surface. A cylindrical retractable nozzle head actuated by fluid pressure moves to an active, extended position to expose nozzle passages therein when water under pressure is applied thereto. The nozzle passages are formed in diametrically and symmetrically disposed thickened wall regions of the nozzle head to provide a nozzle head that is balanced about its longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments of the invention, a pair of nozzle passages are formed in the thickened regions and some or all of the passages have destructible membranes blocking communication with the interior of the nozzle head, which membranes may be selectively drilled out at the time of installation of the apparatus. The nozzle head, which is preferably molded from plastic material, may contain a weight member for additional balance and to assist in retraction of the head to its inactive position.

Abstract: This invention concerns a non-return valve having a directional injector, comprising a body provided with a valve seat.

Abstract: An improved horse therapy spa unit is provided which comprises a unitary housing which defines a preferably open-topped water-tight horse therapy compartment and integral hot water and cold water chambers on opposite sides thereof. A water heater and a water refrigerator are disposed in the housing. Water circulation pumps, valves and conduits interconnect the chambers, heater, refrigerator and horse therapy compartment. A water aerator is included in the circulation system and upper and lower sets of jet spray nozzles are positioned in the walls of the therapy compartment. A control panel on the outside of the housing controls the circulation and temperature regulating systems. A hand-held pulsed jet spray unit may be included in the housing, as may radiation lamps disposed in ports in the therapy compartment, a container for medicine and/or disinfecting chemicals, a feed bag and a feed storage compartment.

Abstract: A rotational indexing nozzle arrangement has been devised wherein positive and consistent indexing action takes place under the influence of the application of fluid pressure and its relief by the action of an indexing or biased spring which becomes relaxed during the first stage (outward) movement of the indexing of the rotational nozzle head and which bites in and holds thereby causing the nozzle head to rotate during the second stage (inward) movement of the discharge head. The extent of the incremental indexing is determined by the length and angle of the biasing spring, or member. For improved operation a bearing of the ball or roller type may be disposed at the inward end of the nozzle arrangement whereby the resistance of the closing spring to rotation of the nozzle head is lessened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described which makes it relatively easy for a swimming pool owner to economically and efficiently winterize a swimming pool. A one-way valve is initially connected between the swimming pool and the recirculating water return line. The valve allows water to flow out of the return line but not in the opposite direction. A sealing plate is then placed over the intake throat of to the skimmer. It is then possible to purge the return line by blowing it out from the pump end. The skimmer intake line can similarly be purged by blowing it out from the skimmer end.

Abstract: A connector assembly is adapted to connect an outlet of a whirlpool system to air and water supply channels. Because the connector assembly is removably mounted to the air and water supply channels between the ends thereof, the air and water supply channels can be made from a continuous piece of tubing.

Abstract: Jet stream device consisting of a submersible electrical motor, a pump, a housing, an outlet nozzle and fixing means, in which the motor drives the impeller of an axial pump, located in a necked-down portion of the casing and wherein the smallest cross-section of said necked-down portion coincides approximately with the cross-section of the outlet nozzle, which is positioned behind the necked-down portion and wherein furthermore motor, pump impeller, necked-down portion and outlet nozzle are surrounded by a housing whose width coincides approximately with the width of the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: An adjustable nozzle assembly primarily for controlling the direction of a water-air jet of the type commonly found in whirlpool or therapy baths. The assembly comprises four components, namely, a pair of threaded flanged fittings, an eyeball shaped nozzle having a cylindrical channel therethrough, and a retaining ring for securing the eyeball nozzle in one of the threaded fittings. The two fittings are of cylindrical construction adapted to be concentric to each other. An outer fitting has threads along both the internal and external cylindrical wall thereof. The external thread is adapted to mate the outer fitting with a suitable source outlet pipe. The inner thread of one outer fitting is designed to mate with the corresponding outer thread on the inner fitting which tightens down concentrically therewith.

Abstract: A swimming pool inlet location control is presented. The control comprises a flexible tube which is coupled between the prior art swimming pool inlet and the location where it is desired to bring in the incoming water. The flexible tube includes coupled to it a weight and a float which are utilized by the operator to place the inlet at exactly the point where it is desired. The tube includes a variable size quick release coupling means capable of coupling an adaptable to all pool return lines.

Abstract: A therapeutic bath or spa that includes providing aerated streams of water that are injected under pressure into desired areas of the bath receptacle, and a variably positionable occupant support device that can be moved to any desired position relative to the aerated pressure streams to obtain the desired occupant impact pressure and comfort. The spa receptacle includes air and water chambers in tandem integrally formed in a manifold that is coupled around the exterior of the spa receptacle shell, with apertures disposed through the shell and the manifold at desired locations to provide aerated streams of water around the spa. The apertures are repositionable. The periphery of the receptacle shell includes a vertical groove or spaced holes on or near its exterior edge that may encompass the entire receptacle or sections thereof.

Abstract: A hydro-jet-type nozzle reciprocably mounted in an elongated slot adjacent which a user of the device may position a body portion to be massaged by the hydro jet.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy device, such as a spa, whirlpool or jet stream exerciser is connected to a closed water circulation loop having a drain, a pump, a heater, a filter, a valve controlled filter bypass and injection nozzles. The pump is equipped with a close-coupled drive motor having two sets of stator windings for allowing the selection of one of two motor speeds to achieve improved operation and greater efficiency of the hydrotherapy device. A low motor speed is selected during periods of non-use, at which time the filter device is connected into the circulation loop so that a low water circulation rate is provided in order to maintain purity of the water. During periods of use, a higher motor speed is selected and the filter is bypassed to provide a high water circulation rate and high velocity water injection into the hydrotherapy device. Reduced motor speed during periods of non-use results in substantial energy savings and a reduction in the noise generated by the device.

Abstract: An air supply system for spas provides protection against motor short circuits caused by water backflowing through the air supply line to the housing containing the motor and blower. A moisture-proof partition isolates the motor from direct exposure to the air supply line. The partition and the blower air intake tube are arranged to prevent water from reaching the motor, unless such water first flows through the outlet ports of the blower and then through the blower air intake tube. The blower ports dissipate the water backflow pressure, thereby preventing backflow surges of short duration from reaching the motor. In addition, the inlet end of the air intake tube extends vertically well above the bottom of the motor to provide a static head to offset the backflow pressure of water in the air intake tube.In an alternative embodiment, a drain is provided by ducting the air intake tube to the exterior of the housing to positively prevent water from reaching the motor.

Abstract: An improved swimming pool and water supply system characterized by a novel conduit or duct construction and arrangement which provides more efficient distribution of freshly filtered water throughout the pool. The duct means is also removably mounted in the bottom wall of the pool to provide ease of access for maintenance and repair.

Abstract: A venturi type mixer that produces an aerated water jet for spas, therapy pools, swimming pools and the like, is provided with a pulsating action by means of a flow impeding spoiler that momentarily and repetitively disturbs the water jet that is projected into the mixing chamber. Disturbance of the jet effectively disables the vacuum produced by the venturi action to thereby cause discharge of a water stream of decreased velocity having considerably less entrained air. The spoiler is moved into and out of the water jet by means of an automatically reciprocating piston that is operated by a combination of a spring and the vacuum produced by the venturi action. Alternatively the spoiler may be rotated into and out of the path of the jet by a water driven rotor, or the jet orifice may be rotated relative to a fixed spoiler.