Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Tubs – Means for agitating or circulating water in a tub
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-02
2001-10-02
Eloshway, Charles R. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Tubs
Means for agitating or circulating water in a tub
C004S492000, C004S509000, C417S366000, C417S418000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295662
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to improvements in structure and operation of hydrotherapy massage jets of the type used in spas and hot tubs, and the like. More specifically, it relates to the control of pumping of fluid via such jets to the spa or tub interior, and also to regulation of fluid flow to and from a self-contained jet fluid pumping unit.
Spa jets for use in spas, swimming pools, and hot tubs, and the like, are generally known in the art to provide a hydrotherapy massage action. In particular, conventional spa jets are mounted in the wall of a spa or hot tub and coupled by plumbing lines to a water recirculation system, including a pump which draws water from the pool or spa and recirculates that water to and through one or more spa jets for return flow to the pool or spa. The spa jets are designed to produce a pressure jet flow of water, which is discharged into the body of water within the pool or spa, often by means of a directionally adjustable discharge nozzle. A person within the pool or spa can orient himself in a selected position relative to a spa jet to receive a vigorous and desirably therapeutic massage action.
While conventional spa jets of the abovedescribed type are widely used and provide a desirable hydrotherapeutic benefit, a relatively complex plumbing network is required for water recirculation to the spa jet. This plumbing network is normally installed at the time of spa construction by positioning the necessary flow conduits directly within the structural wall of the spa. This arrangement is relatively complicated and expensive, and thus contributes significantly to the overall cost of a spa system. In addition, a person using the spa typically has little or no control, other than directional adjustment over the power of the water jet discharged into the spa.
There is need for improved spa jet unit which can be mounted quickly and easily into a spa wall without requiring construction of complex plumbing flow conduits; and further, wherein the improved spa jet is adapted for relatively simple and adjustable regulation of the power and flow characteristics of a discharge water jet.
There is also need for simple, effective control of a jet-pumping unit, and for effective regulation of fluid flow to and from a self-contained fluid jet-pumping unit.
There is additional need for improved structure enabling enhanced heat transfer from a solenoid to water being pumped; and/or enabling plunger movement with less resistance imposed by water in the path of plunger movement; and/or enabling plunger movement with less bearing friction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a major object of the invention to provide a solution to the problems and difficulties with prior water jetting systems, as used in spas and hot tubs. Basically, the invention concerns provision in a spa unit having wall means facing toward or bounding a water reception zone, of:
a) one or more water pumps associated with the wall means, the pumps spaced about the zone, and the pump or pumps oriented to receive water intake from the zone and to discharge water streams into the zone,
b) each pump including water pumping structure, and there being means for controlling pumping operation of such structure, as by a bather in the spa interior.
As will be seen, the water-pumping structures may be independently operable and are spaced about the zone.
Another object is to provide:
a) water delivery structure associated with the wall means to deliver water to the zone,
b) a manually operable signaling device carried by the wall means to be operated by a bather in the water reception zone,
c) a sensor spaced from the signaling device to be out of contact with spa water, and responsive to operation of the signaling device to produce a control signal,
d) whereby the control signal may be used to control a flow characteristic of water flowing via the delivery structure to the zone.
Such apparatus provides a means to transmit an input signal to an electronic spa or jetted bath control system in a safe, convenient and low cost manner. The apparatus allows for a signal (magnetic field) to be transmitted through a surface (the housing) to a sensor (Hall Effect or reed switch), which controls the pumping means. The end result is the bather is able to move an element within the spa or jetted bath, which is attached to the water side of the jet housing, and create an electrical output signal by a device on the dry side of the housing, thereby safely eliminating wet bather contact with any electrical elements.
A further object is to provide a signaling device which produces a magnetic field, the sensor located in that field to be responsive to a changing characteristic of the field.
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a rotating ring, a magnet and a linear Hall Effect sensor all located in a hydrotherapy jet housing. The Hall Effect sensor responds to varying magnetic fields by producing a varying voltage output. An example of such a sensor is the Model 3503 sensor made by Allegro Microsystems Inc. of Worcester. Mass.
In this embodiment, the Hall Effect sensor is mounted in the wall of the jet housing. A rotating ring with an embedded magnet is typically mounted inside the jet housing, so that it is able to rotate freely. The effect of rotating the ring is to vary the distance of the magnet to the sensor, thereby varying the voltage output signal of the sensor. This signal can then be used as a means to signal the electronic controls to vary the pulse rate of the pumping unit, as well as to turn it completely off.
In another embodiment, the linear Hall Effect sensor can be replaced with a Hall Effect switch. An example of this would be the Model 3133 from Allegro Microsystems Inc. In this embodiment, the control would be able to act as an on/off signal to the electronic control system.
In yet another embodiment, the Hall Effect sensor is replaced with a reed switch. The reed switch in its most common form is a device that produces a switch closure when in the presence of a magnetic field. An example of such a device would be the Model MDSR-7 made by Hamlin Inc. of Lake Mills, Wis..
An additional object is to provide water delivery structure, which includes
i) porting associated with the wall means and via which water is delivered to the zone,
ii) water pumping structure controlled by the sensor to deliver water to the porting.
As will appear, the water delivery structure typically includes at least one pump structure oriented to receive water intake from the zone and to direct water into the zone, the pumping structure controlled by the control signal. The pumping structure typically includes a chamber having a water inlet and outlet, and a water displacing reciprocating element operable to draw water into the chamber via the inlet and to discharge water to flow from the chamber through the outlet to the spa interior zone, water also flowing to the side of the element opposite the chamber.
Yet another object is to provide a diffuser in alignment with the water delivery structure, and adjustable to control a characteristic of the water flow.
An additional object is to provide a spa water delivery system that comprises:
a) reciprocating pumping structure to pump water for reception in a spa zone,
b) and driver structure, including a solenoid body element and a solenoid plunger element, the elements being relatively movable,
c) at least one of the elements containing passage structure to receive water in communication with water to be pumped to the zone.
A yet further object is to provide driver structure that includes solenoid electrical winding structure, the passage structure extending in relatively close relation to the winding structure, whereby cooling liquid or fluid may flow reversely in cooling relation to the winding structure. In this regard, the winding structure may have at least three sides, and said passage structure extends adjacent at least two of said sides.
An additional object is to provide a solenoid body element having a wall through which a portion of said p
Abdelkerim Peter J.
Fleishman Roc V.
Idland Carsten H.
Eloshway Charles R.
Haefliger William W.
Softub, Inc.
LandOfFree
Porous solenoid structure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Porous solenoid structure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Porous solenoid structure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2580059