Abstract: The invention is directed to a liquid level control system which can be installed within an automatic pool reservoir surface skimmer or separately within or external of the reservoir which includes a primary float valve which allows liquid to flow into a pool reservoir when the level of fluid in the reservoir falls below a first predetermined level and a secondary float valve associated with the primary flow valve which shuts off the flow of liquid into the pool reservoir when the level of the liquid exceeds a second predetermined level which is higher in elevation than the first predetermined level. The primary float valve continually operates between open and closed states. The secondary valve is normally in an open state and when caused to change to a closed state remains in a closed state until manually reset. A flow valve is included which terminates flow from the source of the liquid under pressure to the reservoir through the liquid level control system when a normally expected flow rate is exceeded.

Abstract: An automatic rim flow water level control system for gutters is provided, for use in swimming pools, which includes a peripheral gutter having at least one weir chamber on its pool side wall, the wall having a plurality of vertically extending elongated water entrance slots communicating with the pool weir chamber, a plurality of vertical elongated water exit slots through the top rim of the gutter wall opposite to the pool side water entrance slots, a plurality of elongated water exit slots through the weir chamber wall below the top rim slots, an elongated float carried in the weir chamber, which float is responsive to the water level in the pool, to permit water to flow through the slots into the gutter for skimming, and into the weir chamber for float positioning and water skimming control, the weir chamber bottom wall having orifices to provide for controlled leakage of water out of the chamber into the gutter, from which it is removed, filtered and returned to the pool.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for automatically monitoring the level of water in a swimming pool, or the like, by monitoring the level of a float within a float chamber supported by water siphoned from the pool system, for detecting when the level of water has fallen a predetermined amount or distance below a predetermined desired level and for controlling the input of fresh water into the pool system in response to the detected level for restoring the water in the pool to the predetermined desired level as determined by the position of the float on the siphoned water within the float chamber being restored to a float position indicative of said predetermined desired level of water in the pool.

Abstract: A control system for automatically maintaining a predetermined water level in a swimming pool includes a multi-contact water level sensor unit mounted on an exposed sidewall of the pool. The sensor unit is vertically adjustable within a stationary mounting bracket to enable user adjustment of a selected normal water level. A single sensing contact on the sensor unit senses the presence or absence of water at the selected normal level. A monitoring circuit associated with the sensor unit interrupts operation of the control system in the event that the sensor unit is disconnected. Additional water level sensing contacts open a dump valve to preclude overflow of the pool in the event of a high water condition, and interrupt operation of recirculation pump apparatus associated with the pool in the event of a low water level.

Abstract: A device that maintains the water level of a swimming pool within acceptable limits. The device includes a valve member that has a valve chamber and a diaphragm chamber. The valve member is held in submerged relation to the water level in the pool by a weighted member that is provided with a stabilizer so that the correct position of the submerged valve member is maintained at all times. A garden hose is connected at one end to a source of water under pressure and its other end is connected to the valve chamber. One side of the diaphragm is exposed to the water in the pool and its other side is exposed to atmospheric pressure so that when the pool level changes, the change is detected by the diaphragm. An on-off valve in the valve chamber is normally closed so that a valve at the water source may be left in its open position at all times.

Abstract: A device is provided to control the level of water in the gutter of a swimming pool which is responsive to the level of water in the pool. Weirs are provided on the pool side of the gutter to which weir housings are attached to conduct skimming and/or surge water into the gutter. Each weir housing is provided with a hollow floodable trough-like gate which can be adjusted to control the inflow of water past the gate. The gates are individually adjusted about the perimeter of the pool to control the inflow of water as a function of distance from the water outflow end of the gutter.

Abstract: A vacuum filter is provided for vacuum flow filtration through a filter bed of water from a swimming pool including flow from the pool and from the gutter of the swimming pool, and controlling water recirculation capacity to accommodate varying gutter flow, comprising a tank; a filter bed of particulate material in the tank; a first inlet line communicating the swimming pool with the tank for gravity flow into the tank and maintaining a predetermined level of water in the tank in relation to a level of water in the swimming pool, thereby providing a head of water for gravity backwash flow through the filter bed; a second inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for gravity flow into the tank; a third inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for suction flow into the tank; an outlet line communicating the tank with the water recirculation system; a pump drawing a vacuum downstream of the filter bed and recirculating filtered wate

Abstract: A system for maintaining a preselected water level in e.g. a swimming pool comprises a chamber (6) in communication with the pool such that the water level in the chamber corresponds to that of the pool. The chamber contains an adjustable over flow tube (15) and a vertically oriented water supply line (19) having a diaphragm valve (20) and surrounded by an annular float (29), the valve being actuated by a height adjustable overhead actuator bar (23).

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the level of fluid in a reservoir. The apparatus utilizes a fluid sensing probe to monitor the level of fluid in a reservoir and can generally be installed in an existing fluid reservoir without requiring structural modification of the reservoir. The apparatus, in determining the level of fluid in a reservoir, compensates for swells and other surface undulations which mask the true fluid level in the reservoir.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling the water level in a basin, such as a bathtub. Air pressure in a tube is used to halt water flow into the basin when a desired water level is reached. Various water levels can be selected by opening pressure relief openings in the tube.

Abstract: A pool water regulator has two vertical pipes which indicate the pool water level. Each pipe has a floating element disposed therein, and each float element has a switch secured to a distal end protruding from the vertical pipes. Brackets are mounted adjacent the switches so that as the float elements rise and fall, the switches are turned ON and OFF thereby activating either pool draining or pool filling means.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a liquid level control system which includes a primary float valve which allows liquid to flow into a pool reservoir when the level of fluid in the reservoir is below a first predetermined level and a secondary float valve associated with the primary flow valve which shuts off the flow of fluid into the pool reservoir when the level of liquid in the pool reservoir exceeds a second predetermined level which is higher in elevation than the first predetermined level. The primary valve continually operates between open and closed states. The secondary valve is normally in an open state and when it is caused to go to a closed state it remains closed until it is manually reset.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing changes in liquid level in a reservoir and adjusting flow of liquid into the reservoir to maintain the level at a selected height, the apparatus including a base member, a liquid conduit mounted on the base member, an arm hingedly mounted on the base member proximate a delivery end of the conduit, a stopper fixed to the arm and arcuately moveable into and out of engagement with the conduit delivery end, and a flotation body fixed to a free end of the arm and adapted to be engaged by the liquid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A water level control device is adapted to be detachably mounted within a swimming pool at the desired water level. A float controlled valve is mounted within the housing which is responsive to changes in the water level of the swimming pool and which is provided with a water inlet and outlet located outside of the housing so as to prevent turbulence within the housing. A suitable air vent is provided adjacent the top of the housing above the water line and restricted water inlet apertures are provided adjacent the bottom of the housing below the water level to maintain the water level within the housing at the same level as the water level in the pool.

Abstract: A modular bonded perimeter skimming gutter retaining wall for swimming pools is provided for construction by simple bonding together of a plurality of modular units on-site, disposed about the perimeter of a swimming pool as the retaining wall of the swimming pool, defining a pool-side wall of an open gutter conduit adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the gutter, the retaining wall comprising two generally U-shaped channels open along one side and having open interiors defined by side walls extending from a common base, the channels being arranged with the open sides facing one another and bonded together along the end faces of the side walls to a common divider plate closing off each channel and the interior spaces thereof, thereby forming separated conduits of each channel, one of said conduits being adapted to carry clean water feed to the pool and the other of said conduits being adapted t

Abstract: Method and apparatus for creating in a water pool a wave for surfing, the pool having a reservoir at one end open to the pool beneath the undisturbed water level of the pool, a fan connected to the reservoir for expelling air from it and drawing water from the pool into the reservoir to store water above the undisturbed water level of the pool, and a valve for selectively sealing the reservoir against the intrusion of air and rapidly ventilating the reservoir so that the stored water flows into the pool by gravity at a velocity near its theoretical limit.

Abstract: A swimming pool coping permitting overflow, which is rectilinear and has an upwardly opening overflow channel therein parallel to its length. The coping has an upper surface that is flat and imperforate and is inclined upwardly from the channel at a small angle to the horizontal in a direction away from the water's edge, and a plurality of passageways through the coping that are inclined downwardly from the overflow channel in a direction away from the water's edge. The overflow channel is disposed more closely adjacent the water side of the coping than adjacent the side of the coping remote from the water and is defined between two upright side walls, the passageways opening through that one of the side walls which is farther from the water. The coping on the water side of the channel is at the same horizontal level as the coping immediately on the other side of the channel.

Abstract: A control device for regulating the skimming flow of surface water from a swimming pool to a perimeter gutter includes a housing disposed in a gutter wall, at the normal level of water in the pool, which defines a flow passage from the pool to a lower gutter trough. A plate pivotally supported within a downwardly-sloped portion of the flow passage reduces flow through the housing in response to increasing levels of water in the trough. The plate closes the flow passage when the water in the trough exceeds a predetermined level to prevent flooding of the gutter and to prevent back flow of water from the gutter to the pool.

Abstract: A snap-on swimming pool gutter cover is formed of a generally planar major portion including a rear edge and an inverted, channel-shaped, front, female portion which snaps down onto a correspondingly shaped male portion of the gutter lip. The rear edge is received in a horizontal slot in the rear wall of the gutter.

Abstract: An auxiliary float chamber is provided for use in a cistern. A float operating in the chamber controls a valve allowing water into the cistern. In the floor of the chamber there is a syphonic tube. The chamber is held to the cistern wall by means of the valve which is of the type comprising a sliding tube sealing against a washer in a sealing cap so that the seal is not against the pressure of the inlet water. The auxiliary float chamber is mounted below the normal level of liquid in the cistern. As the cistern is discharged, the valve remains closed until water has drained from the auxiliary chamber. Water flowing into the cistern is thus not short-circuited through the discharge.

Abstract: Collection apparatus for overflow water from a swimming pool comprising an overflow member at the side wall of the pool for flow of pool water thereover, and a flow receiving member extending outwardly from the overflow member for receiving overflow water therefrom. The flow receiving member is formed as a hollow element having upper and lower flanges and a longitudinal channel between the flanges. The upper flange serves as the pool deck surface and has openings therein for passage of water through the upper flange into the channel. The collected water flows through the channel to a surge tank located at a level below the channel and remote from the pool. The channel can be sub-divided and the flow of the water in the channel can be regulated by control elements according to various requirements for heating, cooling or leaving the water untreated, the heating or cooling being effected by solar energy.

Abstract: An improved combination pool skimmer is disclosed which may be adapted to provide surface water skimming, or subsurface water sweeping or vacuuming of a swimming pool. The skimmer has a body including a throat for entry of water into the skimmer and a well located below and communicating with the throat. The skimmer has a single relocatable cover plate adapted to be located in the well of the skimmer to cover the skimmer pump outlet port. The well has a peripheral shoulder adjacent to the throat on which a removable strainer basket is supported. The strainer basket has an annular ring or flange which is disposed on this shoulder for this purpose. The cover plate may be supported on the basket annular ring to cover the basket and control entry of water into the well. A snap-in hinged weir and a snap-in hinged equalizer flap valve are provided in the skimmer which are not subject to corrosive decay by pool chemicals.

Abstract: Swimming pool water level control apparatus includes a remote indicator for sensing the water level in a swimming pool and for turning on and off a water flow control valve to provide water for the swimming pool.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed for controlling the temperature of a liquid such as water flowing into a container such as a bathtub or the like. The device also controls the level of liquid within the container and includes a solid state circuit in conjunction with a temperature sensing device for maintaining the temperature of the liquid within the container to a preselected level. The control device includes a plurality of switches for preselecting the required temperature and liquid level. Switches are also provided for selecting the use of the bathtub as a bath or as a shower. The flow and mixing of water into the bathtub and the flow of water out of the bathtub is accomplished by solenoid flow control valves responsive to the control device. The invention may be applied to industrial, commercial, medical or residential applications and the like.

Abstract: An automated skimming flow perimeter gutter control system for swimming pools is provided having a water cleaning and recirculation system receiving water from the pool, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool; a gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, receiving overflow across a top edge thereof and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level in the swimming pool; a drain line connecting the gutter conduit with the water recirculation system; suction means in series flow connection with the gutter conduit and drain line for positive withdrawal under suction of water from the gutter conduit and feed of such water to the water recirculation system for return to the pool; at least one of (a) means for controlling water recirculation capacity to accommodate any selected flow of water from the gutter to the water recirculation system; and (b) means for controlling suction flow from the gutter to the water recirculation system; and at least one water level-respons

Abstract: Circuitry for automatically controlling the water level of swimming pools with a multi-level detecting sensor for directly sensing the pool water. A low voltage oscillator in the input portion of the circuitry detects the presence of water above or below each level sensing electrical contact of the sensor by a change in oscillator amplitude in response to impedance from the contact to ground. Signal threshold circuitry changes in output signal in response to the amplitude of the oscillator signal. Delay circuitry integrates the output of the threshold signal to avoid responding to spurious changes in water level, such as wave action in the pool. Monitor circuitry disposed between the delay circuitry and the water fill, water dump, and pump control circuitry monitors signals received from the sensor or generated by the input circuitry to detect any malfunctions in the sensor or the control circuitry, such as improper sequence of the water level signals, to disable further filling of the pool.

Abstract: An improved water-level control method and apparatus automatically maintains the water level in a pool by selectively filling or draining water as required during the period that the circulating system is not operating.

Abstract: A valve has a body with multiple openings and a rotary valve member rotatable in a body cavity to control flow through the openings. A fixed closure member extends over one of the body openings, and a valve member control extends through the closure. A drain passage has a first portion in the fixed closure and a second portion in the rotary valve member. Those portions are brought into registration when the rotary member is in one position of flow control.

Abstract: A water level control for swimming pools is provided in the form of a casing for suspension on a ladder, pool wall, or pool edge having a float-controlled valve detachably coupled with a pressure water supply and adapted to open as the float drops a predetermined distance within the range of about 3/4 inch to 1 inch, said casing having a transverse partition intermediate its upper and lower ends which supports the valve and float assemblage, and said partition and casing bottom being apertured to permit egress of water fed through the valve while in open position while at the same time acting as baffles to maintain an essentially stable water level within the casing in spite of the wave action which may prevail in the surface of the pool water. Positioning of the casing is facilitated by external high and low water level markings which align with the water levels within the casing at the upper and lower limits of float movement.

Abstract: The specification discloses a removable swimming pool construction having a plurality of prefabricated side and deck panels which are supported on adjustable frame members, and are installed in a manner which imparts to the pool the appearance of a permanent pool construction. The deck panels are interconnected by rods which extend longitudinally under the deck panels through end flanges thereof, and include a tightening mechanism to align and draw the panels securely together. The deck panels include a tortuously extending water passageway therethrough which communicates with the water in the pool. A pump flows the pool water through the passageway, such that solar heat collected in the deck is transferred to the water, thereby heating the same and simultaneously cooling the deck surface. A flexible pool cover is mounted in one end of the pool, and is wound on a rotatable drum for extending and retracting the same over the surface of the water.

Abstract: A macerator/ejector pump within a waste material holding tank on a boat liquefies solid waste material in the tank and pumps the liquefied waste material through a discharge line adapted for connection to an on-shore waste collection system. The macerator/ejector pump comprises a pump and a plurality of cutter blades pitched to direct the liquefied waste to the intake port of the pump, the pump and the cutter blades being driven by a shaft connected to an electric motor mounted on the top of the holding tank. The holding tank may be discharged into the on-shore waste collection system without requiring a shore-based pump-out station. A plurality of rods extend into the holding tank for sensing the level of waste material, and a holding tank monitor displays this level by means of colored indicator lamps.

Abstract: In a swimming pool having an electrically powered pump for circulating water, a portion of the water in the swimming pool is directed into a chamber in communication with the pool, so that the level of the water in the chamber is the same as the level of the water in the pool. The circuit supplying electrical current to the pump includes a switch mounted in the chamber. A float supported by the water in the chamber is mechanically connected to the switch in such manner that the switch permits current to flow to the pump, when the float is supported at or above a predetermined level. A drop in the level of water in the pool causes a corresponding drop in the level of water in the chamber, so that the float falls and actuates the switch causing the pump to be disconnected from its power supply.

Abstract: A liquid level control system is disclosed for use with a swimming pool or the like having a pool reservoir, a main drain or outlet, usually at the bottom of the reservoir, and an outlet located at a predetermined water maintenance level for the pool. The system includes fluid amplifier means positioned relative to the pool reservoir for sensing an interface between liquid and gas, or water and air, at the surface of the water in the pool and developing a fluid pressure signal when the interface falls below a predetermined level. Liquid circulation means, including a skimmer at the surface of the water in the pool reservoir is provided for circulating water from the pool reservoir between the outlet and an inlet. A portion of the water circulated by the circulation means is channeled to the fluid amplifier means for operating the same. Fluid valve means is provided which is responsive to the fluid pressure signal developed by the fluid amplifier means.