U.S. patent application number 10/357922 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-05 for method and device for controlling jet flow intensity for a spa.
Invention is credited to Anderson, Perry.
Application Number | 20040148693 10/357922 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32771095 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040148693 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson, Perry |
August 5, 2004 |
Method and device for controlling jet flow intensity for a spa
Abstract
A method and device for controlling the intensity of flow of
water leaving a single speed water pump and entering a spa tub. A
single speed water pump is connected to a spa tub via a pump
suction pipe and a pump outlet pipe. The single speed water pump
has its suction connected to the spa tub and sucks water out of the
spa tub via the pump suction pipe. A controller is electrically
connected to at least one air valve and the air valve is connected
to the pump suction pipe. The controller opens the air valve to
allow air into the pump suction. Air from the air valve mixes with
water pumped from the tub to create an air/water mixture. The air
water mixture is pumped back into the spa tub via the pump outlet
pipe. The intensity of the flow of the air water mixture back into
the spa tub depends upon the amount of air allowed into the
air/water mixture via the air valve. Preferably, the controller is
programmed with programming instructions to vary the intensity of
the flow of the air/water mixture back into the spa tub. Also,
several air valves may be utilized to provide a range of air
flows.
Inventors: |
Anderson, Perry; (Sedona,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John R. Ross, III
Ross Patent Law Office
P.O. Box 2138
Del Mar
CA
92014
US
|
Family ID: |
32771095 |
Appl. No.: |
10/357922 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/541.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 15/0044 20130101;
A61H 33/027 20130101; A61H 33/005 20130101; A61H 2033/022 20130101;
A61H 33/6073 20130101; A61H 33/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/541.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A spa, comprising: A. a spa tub for holding water, B. a single
speed water pump defining a pump suction and a pump outlet, C. a
pump suction pipe connecting said spa tub and to said pump suction,
D. a pump outlet pipe connecting said pump outlet to said spa tub,
E. at least one air valve for allowing air into said pump suction
pipe, and F. a controller electrically connected to said at least
one air valve, wherein said controller is capable of opening and
shutting said at least one air valve to allow air into said pump
suction pipe, wherein the air passing through said at least one air
valve mixes with the water in said pump suction pipe to form an
air/water mixture, wherein said air/water mixture is pumped via
said single speed water pump back into said spa tub via said pump
outlet pipe, wherein the intensity of flow of said air/water
mixture back into said spa tub depends upon the amount of air
allowed into said air/water mixture via said at least one air
valve.
2. The spa as in claim 1, wherein said spa is a whirlpool bath.
3. The spa as in claim 1, wherein said spa is a portable spa.
4. The spa as in claim 1 further comprising an air line connected
between said at least one air valve and said pump suction pipe,
wherein said at least one air valve allows air into said pump
suction pipe via said air line.
5. The spa as in claim 1, further comprising a keypad electrically
connected to said controller, wherein said keypad is user
controllable to open and shut said at least one air valve.
6. The spa as in claim 5, wherein programming instructions for said
controller are entered via said keypad, wherein said programming
instructions control said opening and shutting of said at least one
air valve, wherein said intensity of flow of said air/water mixture
back into said spa tub varies according to said programming
instructions.
7. The spa as in claim 1, wherein said controller is programmed
with programming instructions to control said opening and shutting
of said at least one air valve, wherein said intensity of flow of
said air/water mixture back into said spa tub varies according to
said programming instructions.
8. The spa as in claim 1, wherein said at least one air valve is a
plurality of air valves.
9. A spa, comprising: A. a spa tub means for holding water, B. a
single speed water pump means defining a pump suction and a pump
outlet, C. a pump suction pipe means connecting said spa tub means
and to said pump suction, D. a pump outlet pipe means connecting
said pump outlet to said spa tub means, E. at least one air valve
means for allowing air into said pump suction pipe means, and F. a
controller means electrically connected to said at least one air
valve means, wherein said controller means is capable of opening
and shutting said at least one air valve means to allow air into
said pump suction pipe means, wherein the air passing through said
at least one air valve means mixes with the water in said pump
suction pipe means to form an air/water mixture, wherein said
air/water mixture is pumped via said single speed water pump means
back into said spa tub means via said pump outlet pipe means,
wherein the intensity of flow of said air/water mixture back into
said spa tub means depends upon the amount of air allowed into said
air/water mixture via said at least one air valve means.
10. The spa as in claim 9, wherein said spa is a whirlpool
bath.
11. The spa as in claim 9, wherein said spa is a portable spa.
12. The spa as in claim 9 further comprising an air line means
connected between said at least one air valve means and said pump
suction pipe means, wherein said at least one air valve means
allows air into said pump suction pipe means via said air line
means.
13. The spa as in claim 9, further comprising a keypad means
electrically connected to said controller means, wherein said
keypad means is user controllable to open and shut said at least
one air valve means.
14. The spa as in claim 13, wherein programming instructions for
said controller means are entered via said keypad means, wherein
said programming instructions control said opening and shutting of
said at least one air valve means, wherein said intensity of flow
of said air/water mixture back into said spa tub means varies
according to said programming instructions.
15. The spa as in claim 9, wherein said controller means is
programmed with programming instructions to control said opening
and shutting of said at least one air valve means, wherein said
intensity of flow of said air/water mixture back into said spa tub
means varies according to said programming instructions.
16. The spa as in claim 9 wherein said at least one air valve means
is a plurality of air valve means.
17. A method for controlling the intensity of flow of water leaving
a single speed water pump and entering a spa tub, comprising the
steps of: A. connecting a single speed water pump to a spa tub
holding water via a pump suction pipe and a pump outlet pipe, B.
utilizing said single speed water pump to pump water out of said
spa tub via said pump suction pipe, C. electrically connecting a
controller to at least one air valve, D. utilizing said controller
to open said at least one air valve to allow air into said pump
suction pipe, wherein said air mixes with said water pumped out of
said spa tub to create an air/water mixture, and E. utilizing said
single speed water pump to pump said air/water mixture back into
said spa tub via a pump outlet pipe, wherein the intensity of flow
of said air/water mixture depends upon the amount of air allowed
into said air/water mixture via said at least one air valve.
18. The method as in claim 17, wherein said spa is a whirlpool
bath.
19. The method as in claim 17, wherein said spa is a portable
spa.
20. The method as in claim 17 further comprising the step of
connecting an air line between said at least one air valve and said
pump suction pipe, wherein said at least one air valve allows air
into said pump suction pipe via said air line.
21. The method as in claim 17, further comprising the step of
electrically connecting a keypad to said controller, wherein said
keypad is user controllable to open and shut said at least one air
valve.
22. The method as in claim 21, further comprising the step of
entering programming instructions for said controller at said
keypad, wherein said programming instructions control said opening
and shutting of said at least one air valve, wherein said intensity
of flow of said air/water mixture back into said spa tub varies
according to said programming instructions.
23. The method as in claim 17, further comprising the step of
programming said controller with programming instructions to
control said opening and shutting of said at least one air valve,
wherein said intensity of flow of said air/water mixture back into
said spa tub varies according to said programming instructions.
24. The method as in claim 17, wherein said at least one air valve
is a plurality of air valves.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to spas, and in particular, to
water pumps for spas.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A spa (also commonly known as a "hot tub") is a therapeutic
bath in which all or part of a person's body is exposed to hot
water, usually with forceful whirling currents. When located
indoors and equipped with fill and drain features like a bathtub,
the spa is typically referred to as a "whirlpool bath". Typically,
the spa's hot water is generated when water contacts a heating
element in a water circulating heating pipe system.
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a prior art hot tub spa 1. Spa controller 52 is
programmed to control the spa's components, such as the spa's water
pumps 1P and 2P, air blower 3, ozonator 7, stereo 1A, and light 1L.
In normal operation, water from drains 13A and 13B is pumped by
water pump 2P back into tub 2 and by pump 1P through heater 5A
where it is heated by heating element 5B. The heated water then
leaves heater 5A and enters spa tub 2 through jets 11. Water leaves
spa tub 2 through drains 13A and 13B and the cycle is repeated.
Varying the Intensity of the Water Stream Leaving the Jets
[0004] The therapeutic effect provided by the variation of the
intensity of the water stream leaving jets 11 is a desirable
feature for a spa. In the prior art, variation of the intensity of
the water stream is achieved by utilization of a variety of
different prior art methods. For example, the orifice of the jet
itself can be adjustable so that flow of water can be restricted
thereby decreasing its flow intensity. Also, diverter valves can be
used to spread the flow from the water pump over a greater or
lesser number of jets to change the flow, and consequently the
intensity, through a particular jet or group of jets. Or a variable
speed water pump can be utilized to control the intensity of the
flow. For example, as the pump is slowed down, the intensity of
flow through a jet will decrease. Likewise, as the speed of the
pump is increased, the intensity of the flow through a jet will
increase.
Variable Speed Pumps for Spas
[0005] The variable speed pump depends on the use of a universal
variable speed motor to vary the speed of the pump. An increase of
amperage to the motor increases the RPM of the motor. Likewise,
decreasing the amperage decreases the motor's RPM. Adjusting the
RPM of the motor naturally adjusts the flow rate of the pump and
the intensity of the water leaving the jets.
[0006] There are several disadvantages associated with the
utilization of a prior art variable speed pump for a spa. Some of
these disadvantages are: 1) pump size, 2) excessive noise, and 3)
high cost.
Pump Size
[0007] Available variable speed pumps tend to be built to include a
universal motor designed for the vacuum cleaner industry.
Therefore, the choices of motor size and power are limited to what
is available for the larger, more popular, vacuum cleaner market.
This means, typically, that the current variable speed pumps are
only commonly used for indoor whirlpool bath applications and not
in the larger outdoor portable spas. It is more desirable to have a
larger pump for an outdoor portable spa because the outdoor
portable spa usually contains a larger volume of water than a
whirlpool bath.
Excessive Noise
[0008] Another disadvantage associated with prior art variable
speed pumps for spas is that the universal variable speed motor is
very loud.
High Cost
[0009] Variable speed pumps are expensive. For example a typical
variable speed pump for an indoor whirlpool bath can cost
approximately $120.00. In contrast a similarly sized pump having a
single speed induction motor and can cost approximately $50.00
(less than half the price of the variable speed pump).
Cavitation
[0010] Cavitation is a well known phenomena associated with fluid
pumps. Cavitation can occur in a hydraulic system as a result of
low fluid levels that draw air into the system, producing tiny
bubbles that expand explosively at the pump outlet, causing
reduction in pump delivery capacity, metal erosion and eventual
pump destruction.
Purposeful Introduction of Air into a Pump to Vary Pump Delivery
Capacity
[0011] Air drawn into the pump system through cavitation is
potentially very harmful to a pump and is generally to be avoided.
However, it is known that air can purposely be added to a fluid
pump suction in a manner that will not cause damage to the pump. It
is known to add air to the suction of a single speed pump to vary
the delivery capacity of the pump.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a prior art spa whirlpool bath 130 having
manually controlled air valve 120. GG Industries with offices in
Valencia, Calif. currently manufactures manually controlled air
valves (part nos. 99126 and 99128) similar to air valve 120 for
utilization in spas.
[0013] Air valve 120 has an orifice. The amount of air that is
allowed to enter the orifice is controlled by the turning of knob
121. For example, when knob 121 is fully turned in the clockwise
direction, the orifice is completely covered and no air enters air
line 122. However, as knob 121 is turned counterclockwise, the
orifice is gradually revealed. When knob 121 is turned fully
counterclockwise, the orifice is completely uncovered and the
maximum amount of air is allowed into air line 122.
[0014] The delivery capacity of single speed induction motor pump
124 varies as air is added to the suction of pump 124 via air line
122. The greater the amount of air added, the lower the delivery
capacity of pump 124. By varying the delivery capacity of pump 124,
the user varies the intensity of the flow leaving jets 123.
[0015] What is needed is a better way to control the intensity of
flow of water entering the spa tub via the spa jets.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention provides a method and device for
controlling the intensity of flow of water leaving a single speed
water pump and entering a spa tub. A single speed water pump is
connected to a spa tub via a pump suction pipe and a pump outlet
pipe. The single speed water pump has its suction connected to the
spa tub and sucks water out of the spa tub via the pump suction
pipe. A controller is electrically connected to at least one air
valve and the air valve is connected to the pump suction pipe. The
controller opens the air valve to allow air into the pump suction.
Air from the air valve mixes with water pumped from the tub to
create an air/water mixture. The air water mixture is pumped back
into the spa tub via the pump outlet pipe. The intensity of the
flow of the air water mixture back into the spa tub depends upon
the amount of air allowed into the air/water mixture via the air
valve. Preferably, the controller is programmed with programming
instructions to vary the intensity of the flow of the air/water
mixture back into the spa tub. Also, several air valves may be
utilized to provide a range of air flows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a prior art spa.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a prior art whirlpool bath.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention may be described by reference to FIGS. 2-4. In
the present invention, the intensity of the flow leaving jets 71
(FIGS. 2 and 3) is controlled by controller 75. Controller 75 can
be pre-programmed at the factory, it can be programmed directly by
the user utilizing keypad 74 or the intensity of the flow leaving
jets 71 can be controlled by the user in a direct fashion via
controller 75 by the manipulation of keypad 74.
First Preferred Embodiment
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a side view and FIG. 3 shows a top view of the
first preferred embodiment of the present invention. Spa 61 is a
whirlpool bath. Prior to entering spa 61, the user fills tub 62 by
turning hand valve 63. Water (set to a temperature preferred by the
user) then exits faucet 64 and enters tub 62. When the user is
finished relaxing in spa 61, he may remove stopper 65 and water
will be drained out through drainpipe 66.
Operation of the First Preferred Embodiment
[0024] While spa 61 is in operation, pump 69 pumps the water in tub
62 into pipe 68. Pump 69 sucks the water from pipe 68 into pipe 70
and then forces it out through jets 71 back into tub 62.
Preferably, pump 69 is a single speed induction motor pump.
Controlling the Speed and Intensity of the Water Leaving the
Jets
[0025] Because pump 69 is a single speed induction motor pump, the
speed of the pump's motor is constant and is not varied. However,
the intensity and flow rate of the water (in gallons per minute)
flowing through pipe 70 and out through jets 71 can be varied by
introducing air into pump suction pipe 68. The introduction of air
into the suction of pump 69 causes pump 69 to operate less
efficiently. Therefore, when air is introduced into pipe 68, water
leaving pump 69 does so at a lower speed and with reduced
intensity.
[0026] Normally, as stated in the `Background of the Invention`
section, air added to a pump through cavitation can cause damage to
a pump. However, when done in a controlled fashion, the harmful
effects adding air to a pump can be greatly diminished and even
eliminated.
Introduction of Air into the Pump
[0027] Keypad 74 is electrically connected to controller 75.
Controller 75 is also electrically connected to air valves 72 and
73. A user sitting in spa 61 can manipulate keypad 74. For example,
after pressing keys on keypad 74, controller 75 will send
corresponding electrical signals to either "open" or "shut" air
valves 72 and 73. Preferably, air valves 72 and 73 are solenoid air
valves manufactured by Evolutionary Concepts, Inc. with offices in
San Dimas, Calif. Air valve 72 is preferably part no. 620-220 and
has a 0.047 inch orifice and air valve 73 is preferably part no.
621-220 and has a 0.062 inch orifice. Through experimentation,
Applicant has concluded that orifices of 0.047 inch and 0.062 inch
are preferred and result in no noticeable damage to the pump.
[0028] Water flowing through pipe 68 creates a drop in pressure
through pipe 68. Hence, after the opening of air valves 72 and/or
73, the moving water draws air into pipe 68 through pipe 76 via the
venturi effect (as the speed of a moving fluid (liquid or gas)
increases, the pressure within that fluid decreases).
[0029] A mixture of air and water enters pump 69. The greater the
amount of air that is present in the air/water mixture, the less
efficient the operation of pump 69. For example, when both air
valves 72 and 73 (FIG. 3) are closed, pump 69 operates at maximum
efficiency and the speed of the water leaving jets 71 is at its
highest. Likewise when both valves 72 and 73 are open, pump 69 is
operating at its lowest efficiency and speed of the water leaving
jets 71 is at its lowest. Table 1 summarizes the relationship of
the speed of the water leaving the jets and the position of
solenoid air valves 72 and 73.
1TABLE 1 Position of Valve 72 Position of Valve 73 Speed of Water
Leaving Jets (orifice = .047 inch) (orifice = .062 inch) High Speed
Closed Closed Med-High Speed Open Closed Med-Low Speed Closed Open
Low Speed Open Open
Second Preferred Embodiment
[0030] In the second preferred embodiment, controller 75 has been
pre-programmed at the factory so that the flow of the water leaving
jets 71 creates a soothing wave effect. For example, controller 75
is programmed to automatically open and shut valves 72 and 73 so
that the speed of the water exiting jets 71 varies from High Speed
to Med-High Speed to Med-Low Speed to Low Speed in a repetitive
manner until the user turns pump 69 off. Table 2 summarizes a
preferred sequence in which every 12 seconds the cycle is repeated
until the user turns pump 69 off.
2TABLE 2 Speed of Water Position of Valve 72 Position of Valve 73
Time Leaving Jets (orifice = .047 inch) (orifice = .062 inch)
(secs) High Speed Closed Closed T = 0-3 secs Med-High Open Closed T
= 3-6 secs Speed Med-Low Closed Open T = 6-9 secs Speed Low Speed
Open Open T = 9-12 secs* *from t = 12 secs until finish, repeat
sequence.
Third Preferred Embodiment
[0031] The third preferred embodiment is similar to the second
preferred embodiment, except that a user can personally program
controller 75 to switch between the speed settings in a fashion
according to the specific preferences of the user. For example, in
one preferred embodiment the user may program controller 75 so that
water leaving jets is at a High Speed for 1 minute, to be followed
immediately by Low Speed for 10 seconds, then Med-Low Speed for 10
seconds, and then Med-High Speed for 10 seconds. The user may also
program this cycle to repeat for a specific amount of time, or
alternatively he can have it repeat indefinitely until he turns
pump 69 off.
Fourth Preferred Embodiment
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention in which the present invention is utilized with a
portable spa. Spa 81 is a portable spa similar to the portable spa
shown in FIG. 1 and described above in the Background section, with
the exception that spa 81 utilizes the introduction of air into
pipes 93 and 94 to control the speed and intensity of water leaving
pumps 91 and 92, respectively. Air valves 72A and 73A and air
valves 72B and 73B are controlled by spa controller 52. Preferably
a user sitting in tub 2 manipulates keypad 8 to control valves 72A,
73A, 72B, and 73B in a fashion similar to that described above in
reference to the other preferred embodiments. Air entering valves
72A and 73A is drawn into pipe 93 via the venturi effect, causing
the speed and intensity of water leaving pump 91 to diminish.
Likewise, air entering valves 72B and 73B is drawn into pipe 94 via
the venturi effect, causing the speed and intensity of water
leaving pump 92 to diminish. As with the second preferred
embodiment, the user can control which air valves to open or shut
by pressing keypad 8. Or, as was the case with the second and third
preferred embodiments, spa controller 52 can be programmed to open
or shut the air valves is a cyclic sequence.
[0033] Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described
with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that
many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be
made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For
example, although it was stated that through experimentation
Applicant has concluded that orifices of 0.047 inch and 0.062 inch
are preferred, other orifice sizes could be utilized as well. Also,
although the preferred embodiments disclosed two air valves 72 and
73, it would also be possible to utilize just one air valve or more
than two air valves (for example, three or four air valves). Also,
although the above preferred embodiments disclosed air valves that
could be either fully "open" or fully "closed", it is possible to
utilize an air valve that can gradually be opened or closed. This
air valve would be more expensive, but would give more precise
control to the amount of air allowed into the pump suction.
Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should
determine the scope of the invention.
* * * * *