Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Distributed data processing
Reexamination Certificate
1997-03-20
2001-06-26
Meky, Moustafa M. (Department: 2757)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Distributed data processing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06253227
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the development of a spa control system. More particularly, this invention relate to a spa control system which uses an interconnection panel and a control panel to effectively control various operating functions of the spa.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The design of systems to control spas is complicated by the environment of the spa. Typically, spa control systems contain heating elements, controls, switches, and wiring harnesses which deteriorate when exposed to moisture or extreme levels of humidity and a hostile chemical environment. Since the chemically treated, heated water of the spa raises the humidity level and produces corrosive gases, the atmosphere surrounding the controls of the spa unit is inherently corrosive to spa control systems.
The accuracy of the temperature of the spa water is essential to the safety and comfort of the spa user. This temperature is difficult to accurately control, since the temperature of the water can vary rapidly depending on the number of spa users, the ambient temperature of the air, and other environmental factors. To conserve energy, the spa temperature is customarily raised to the desired level shortly before the expected use of the spa, and is not maintained at a constant temperature when the spa is unattended. Depending on the use of the spa, the temperature of the spa water may be cycled several times per day. During these cycles, the control of the water temperature is difficult to maintain without overheating or underheating the water. Typically, a spa control system merely heats the water with a heating element until the temperature of the water matches a predetermined setting selected by the spa user. Since the heating element is not turned off until that desired water temperature is reached, the residual heat in the heating element may increase the temperature of the water beyond the actual temperature desired. Conversely, the location of the temperature sensor may be located in the spa in such a fashion that it does not sense the actual, median water temperature. Accordingly, the heating element may be turned off before the temperature of the water reaches the desired level.
Present spa controllers operate on line voltages which can present a safety hazard to the spa users. To meet desired safety specifications, these controls are typically located away from the spa, however, this separation is inconvenient to the spa user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the foregoing difficulties by providing a spa control system which accurately and efficiently controls the operation of the spa and is not adversely affected by the corrosive environment surrounding the spa. The spa temperature control system generally comprises a heating element, a sensor for detecting the temperature of the water, and a microcomputer for processing signals generated by said sensor and for activating and deactivating the heating element. In one embodiment of the invention, the microcomputer assesses the time necessary to heat water from an initial temperature to a selected temperature. From this information, the heating rate of the water can be calculated. The heating rate can be stored by the microcomputer and can be used to determined the start time necessary to heat the spa water from an initial temperature to a selected temperature by a desired time. In the same or another embodiment of the invention, the temperature difference between two sensors in the spa system can be monitored to detect problems in the system.
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Plaintiff Siege's Opposition to Defendants' Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law; Case No. H-94-3180.
Plaintiff Siege's Opposition to Defendants' Requested Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Regarding Inequitable Conduct; Case No. H-94-3180.
Plaintiff Siege's Motion to Enjoin Defendants From Further Infringement of Siege's United States Patent No. 5,361,215; Case No. H-94-3180.
Deposition of Ronald G. Bliss; Case No. H-94-3180.
Defendants' Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Regarding Inequitable Conduct; Case No. H-94-3180.
Plaintiff Siege's Opposition to Defendants' Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law; Case No. H-94-3180.
Memorandum in Support of Defendants' Requested Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Regarding Inequitable Conducts; Case No. H-94-3180.
Defendants' Notice of Patent Invalidity Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §282; Case No. H-94-3180.
Defendants' Response to Plaintiff's Bench Memorandum on Claim Construction; Case No. H-94-3180.
Defendants' Response to Plaintiff's Bench Memorandum re 35 U.S.C. §102(g) Defense; Case No. H-94-3180.
Siege's Memorandum of Law on the Issue of Claim Construction; Case No. H-94-3180.
Siege's Supplemental Memorandum of Law on the Construction of Claims 1 and 37; Case No. H-94-3180.
Siege's Bench Memorandum on Defendants §102(g) Defense; Case No. H-94-3180.
Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Opposition to Siege's Motion for Dismissal of Complaint; Case No. SACV96-834-LHM.
Declaration of David Cline in Support of Opposition to Siege's Motion for Dismissal of Complaint; Case No. SACV96-834-LHM.
Declaration of Joseph A. Walker in Support of Opposition to Siege's Motion for Dismissal of Complaint; Case No. SACV96-834-LHM.
Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Opposition to Siege's Motion for dismissal of Complaint and in Response to the Court's Request for Briefing of the Stay Issue; Case No. SACV96-834-LHM.
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Declaration of David Cline in Support of Opposition to Siege's Motion for Dismissal of the Complaint; Case No. SACV96-834-LHM.
Declaration of Joseph Stone in Support of Opposition to Siege's Motion for Dismissal of the Complaint; Case No. SAVC96-834-LHM.
Ex Parte Application to File First Amended and Supplemental Complaint for Declaratory Judgment of Noninfringement, Invalidity and Unenforceability of Patents; Case No. SACV 96-834-LHM.
Declaration of Joseph A. Walker in Support of Ex Parte Application to File First Amended and Supplemental Complaint for Declaratory Judgment of Noninfringement, Invalidity and Unenforceabilty of Patents; Case No. SACV 96-834-LHM.
Notice of Motion and Motion for Relief from Order Dismissing Complaint and for Reconsideration; Memorandum of Points and Authorities and Declaration of Joseph A. Walker in Support Thereof; Case No. SACV 96-834-LHM.
Notice of Motion and Motion to File a Second Amended and Supplemental Complaint; Memorandum of Points and Authorities and Declaration of Joseph A. Walker in Support Thereof; Case No. SACV 96-834-LHM.
Ex Parte Application to Extend Time to File Notice of Appeal; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof; Case No. SACV 96-834-LHM.
Declaration of Joseph A. Walker in Support of Ex Parte Application to Extend Time to File Notice of Appeal; Case No. SACV 96-834-LHM.
Answer of Defendant Balboa Instruments, Inc.; Case No. H-96-3105.
Plaintiff's Reply to Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Reconsideration; Case No.SACV096-834-LHM.
Green Michael J.
Tompkins Michael E.
Balboa Instruments Inc.
Fulwider Patton Lee & Utecht LLP
Meky Moustafa M.
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