U.S. patent application number 14/205400 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for methods, systems, and devices for providing communications capabilities to equipment of swimming pools and spas.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark J. Bauckman, Tawny Jean Cothran, Eugene Keith McQueen.
Application Number | 20140266788 14/205400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50733295 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140266788 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bauckman; Mark J. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING COMMUNICATIONS
CAPABILITIES TO EQUIPMENT OF SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS
Abstract
Communications capabilities are supplied to components of pool
water recirculation systems, even if the components lack electrical
power or supply wires. Capabilities may be furnished by wireless RF
devices that connect to existing fittings or ports of the
components, for example. The devices are configured to obtain
desired information relating to the components (or the water within
them) and transmit the information remotely for processing or
consideration.
Inventors: |
Bauckman; Mark J.; (San
Marcos, CA) ; McQueen; Eugene Keith; (Vista, CA)
; Cothran; Tawny Jean; (Oceanside, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS, INC. |
Vista |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS, INC.
Vista
CA
|
Family ID: |
50733295 |
Appl. No.: |
14/205400 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61779552 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/870.07 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B23P 19/04 20130101;
H04Q 2209/43 20130101; F04B 49/065 20130101; C02F 2209/03 20130101;
H04Q 9/00 20130101; E04H 4/1245 20130101; C02F 2209/008 20130101;
C02F 2103/42 20130101; E04H 4/12 20130101; G08C 17/02 20130101;
H04Q 2209/50 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/870.07 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/12 20060101
E04H004/12; G08C 17/02 20060101 G08C017/02 |
Claims
1. A method of determining time-varying performance of a pump of a
water-circulation system of a pool or spa, comprising: a. measuring
water pressure values over time at a first location in the
water-circulation system; b. electronically transmitting the
pressure values via wires or wirelessly to a location different
than the first location; and c. determining pump performance based
on the pressure values.
2. A method according to claim 1 in which the act of electronically
transmitting the pressure values uses a transmitter, further
comprising electronically transmitting information either
identifying the transmitter or relating to the first location.
3. A method according to claim 1 in which the act of electronically
transmitting the pressure values uses a wireless RF
transmitter.
4. A method of communicating information relating to a
water-circulation system of a pool or spa, comprising: a.
connecting a wired or wireless electronic transmitter to the
water-circulation system; b. causing the transmitter to transmit
information to a device local to the water-circulation system; and
c. causing the local device to convey the transmitted information
to the Internet.
5. A device configured for (a) attachment to a drain port of a pump
of a water-circulation system of a pool or spa and (b) wired or
wireless electronic communication of information about at least one
time-varying characteristic of the water-circulation system.
6. A method of obtaining time-varying information about a
water-circulation system of a pool or spa, comprising: a. locating
a first attachment location of a first component of the system; and
b. mechanically attaching a first electronic transmitting device to
the first attachment location.
7. A method according to claim 6 further comprising operating the
system to circulate water.
8. A method according to claim 6 in which the first attachment
location is a port or fitting.
9. A method according to claim 6 in which the first electronic
transmitting device is a wireless RF transmitter.
10. A method according to claim 9 in which at least a portion of
the first electronic transmitting device is external of the
component when attached thereto.
11. A method according to claim 6 in which the first component is a
pump.
12. A method according to claim 11 in which the first attachment
location is present on the vacuum side of the pump.
13. A method according to claim 12 further comprising removing a
drain plug from the first attachment location before mechanically
attaching the first electronic transmitting device to the first
attachment location.
14. A method according to claim 11 further comprising (a) locating
a second attachment location of the pump and (b) mechanically
attaching a second electronic transmitting device to the second
attachment location.
15. A method according to claim 14 in which each of the first and
second electronic transmitting devices comprises a pressure sensor
and a wireless RF transmitter.
16. A method according to claim 15 further comprising networking
the first and second electronic transmitting devices.
17. A method according to claim 9 further comprising causing the
first electronic transmitting device to transmit information to the
Internet.
18. A method according to claim 6 in which the first component is a
filter.
19. A method of obtaining time-varying information about a
water-recirculation system of a pool or spa, comprising: a.
removing an existing plug from a first drainage port on the vacuum
side of the wet end of a pump of the system; b. mechanically
inserting into the first drainage port a first device comprising a
pressure sensor and a wired or wireless transmitter; c. removing an
existing plug from a second drainage port on the pressure side of
the wet end of the pump of the system; d. mechanically inserting
into the second drainage port a second device comprising a pressure
sensor and a wired or wireless transmitter; and e. operating the
system so as to cause transmissions from at least one of the
transmitters of the first or second device.
20. A method according to claim 19 in which each of the
transmitters of the first and second devices is a wireless RF
transmitter, further comprising processing information received
from at least one of the wireless RF transmitters of the first or
second device via the Internet and adjusting operation of the pump
based on the processed information.
21. A method according to claim 20 further comprising a third
device comprising a wireless RF transmitter mechanically connected
to a non-pump component of the system.
22. A method according to claim 21 further comprising networking
transmissions from the wireless RF transmitters of the first,
second, and third devices.
23. A water-recirculation system of a pool or spa comprising: a. a
component having an attachment location; and b. a device comprising
an electronic transmitter mechanically attached to the component at
the attachment location.
24. A system according to claim 23 in which at least a portion of
the device is external of the component when attached thereto.
25. A system according to claim 24 in which the component is a pump
having a wet end and the attachment location is present in the wet
end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/779,552, filed Mar. 13, 2013,
entitled "Means for Providing Internet Connectivity to Swimming
Pool Equipment," the entire contents of which are incorporated
herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to methods of establishing
communications with equipment and more particularly, but not
necessarily exclusively, to methods, systems, and devices for
retrofitting or otherwise furnishing to pool and spa equipment
capabilities of communicating via radio frequency signals or
otherwise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Equipment such as pumps and filters, for example, are
typically included as components of water-recirculation systems of
swimming pools and spas. Historically, this equipment has lacked
any electronic communications capabilities. Indeed, some components
of these water-recirculation systems may lack even an electrical
supply, wholly preventing them from communicating
electronically.
[0004] More recently, users of pools and spas have realized that
ability to adjust operations of pool and spa equipment remotely may
have benefit to them in numerous situations. Commonly-owned U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0185571 of Uy details
certain systems and methods for doing so. Some systems of the Uy
application include a computerized controller and a networking
device configured to transfer signals between transmit-capable pool
equipment, on the one hand, and mobile or fixed control devices
such as laptop or desktop computers or conventional smart phones
(as examples). The mobile or fixed control devices may be remote
from the pool equipment, furthermore, and signals may be
transmitted via the Internet if appropriate or desired.
[0005] Although systems and methods of the Uy application are
commercially successful, they do not resolve the problem of
furnishing signal-transmission and -receipt capabilities to pool
equipment that, as made or deployed, lacks such capabilities. The
systems and methods further do not address supplying wireless
signal-transmission and -receipt competencies to this
equipment.
[0006] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0027359 of
Stiles, Jr., et al., discloses an example of a pumping system in
which a controller controls operation of a motor of the system. The
controller, motor, and pump may form a single unit, or the
controller may be mounted onto a housing for the motor and pump.
Sensors may be "operatively connected" to the controller to
"provide . . . sensory information thereto." See Stiles, Jr., col.
3, 0027-28. No other "communication" appears contemplated by the
system of the Stiles, Jr., application, however, nor is any radio
frequency (RF) or other wireless signal-transmission and -receipt
ability ascribed to any component of the system.
[0007] Internet connectivity with an equipment pad at a pool
currently is limited to certain products with built-in control
systems or that connect to a master control system via electrical
wires. The master control system may, in turn, connect wirelessly
to the Internet via a router. Missing, however, is any solution for
connecting to the Internet any components lacking electrical power
or electrical supply wires.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides such a solution. Available
both for new manufactures and for retrofitting existing equipment,
the present invention provides communications capabilities to
components that may lack electrical power or supply wires. Devices
of the invention preferably may be easily configurable by
homeowners or other users or servicers of pools and spas as
well.
[0009] At least some versions of the invention include wireless RF
devices that connect to various types of pool equipment through
(preferably existing) fittings, ports, or other attachment or
access locations. For example, certain of these devices may be
screwed or otherwise inserted into existing drain ports of pumps or
pressure gauges of filter housings. The devices are capable of
obtaining desired information and transmitting it remotely for
direct or indirect connection to the Internet. Alternatively or
additionally, they may receive information and act responsively (as
by actuating another device, for example). The devices beneficially
may be low-power, battery-operated digital devices, although other
devices--and other power-generating means (e.g. solar power, water
turbines, piezoelectric devices, etc.) may be employed instead.
[0010] Communications protocols such as ZigBee and ZWave are
commonly used in home automation systems to interconnect low-power
components in a wireless network within the home. The network may
be connected to the Internet through a wireless gateway or other
device. Devices of the present invention may be compatible with
these or other communications protocols. Although wireless RF
devices are presently preferred, wired devices or wireless devices
signalling in other manners (e.g. laser, ultrasonic, sonic,
infrared, ultraviolet, optically, etc.) may alternatively or
additionally be used. The devices also may transmit
self-identifying information or information relating to their
locations in a pool water-circulation system.
[0011] Once inserted and operational, devices of the invention may
gather and transmit various types of information. Non-limiting
examples of such information include such things as filter housing
pressure, pump housing pressure (including decreased pressure or
"vacuum"), pump or filter turbidity, chemical characteristics of
pool or spa water, water temperature, water flow rate, number of
on/off cycles of the recirculating system, or run time (either for
a cycle or aggregated over multiple cycles) of the system. In
particular, pressure readings obtained of water in a circulating
system may allow for calculation or other determination of pump
performance over time. By passing some or all of the information to
the Internet, it may be processed or accessible remote from the
pool equipment pad and, if appropriate, result in operational
adjustments being made or suggested.
[0012] It thus is an optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide communications capabilities to components that
may lack electrical power or supply wires.
[0013] It is another optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide communications capabilities to such components
of water-recirculation systems of swimming pools and spas.
[0014] It is also an optional, non-exclusive object of the present
invention to provide wireless RF devices that mechanically connect
to such components through existing fittings, ports, or other
attachment or access locations.
[0015] It is a further optional, non-exclusive object of the
present invention to provide wireless devices capable of gathering
information about the component, system, or water of the system and
transmitting it remotely.
[0016] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in appropriate fields
with reference to the remaining text and the drawings of this
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pump useful as part of a
pool water recirculation system with exemplary devices of the
present invention connected to its drainage ports.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the pump, and a
partly-exploded view of the exemplary devices, of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a filter useful
as part of a pool water recirculation system together with an
exemplary device of the present invention incorporated into a
filter-loading gauge.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the filter of
FIG. 3 with the exemplary device of that figure connected
thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Depicted in FIGS. 1-2 is a pump P useful in a
water-recirculation system. Pump P may be conventional, as the
present invention is especially adapted for retrofitting existing
components with communications capabilities. Pump P need not be
conventional, however, as the present invention is not limited to
use with existing products or even with pumps.
[0022] The conventional pump P of FIGS. 1-2 includes inlet 10 and
outlet 14. Included within pump P may be such things as a strainer
basket, an impeller, and a motor. In use, the motor turns the
impeller, drawing water through inlet 10, the strainer basket, and
the impeller before exiting via outlet 14. The water-flow path
between inlet 10 and the impeller is typically called the "vacuum
side" of pump P, whereas the path between the impeller and outlet
14 is frequently referred to as the "pressure side" of the pump
P.
[0023] Conventionally, pump P includes drainage ports 18 and 22 on
its "wet end." Port 18 is present on the "vacuum side" of the pump
P, whereas port 22 is in the "pressure side" path of water within
the pump P. When pump P is not in use, port 18 may be used to drain
water that has passed through inlet 10 and the strainer basket but
not yet entered the impeller. By contrast, port 22 may be employed
to drain water that has passed through the impeller but not yet
exited outlet 14. Ports 18 and 22 traditionally are threaded so as
to receive threaded plugs, with the plugs configured to seal the
ports 18 and 22 (at least) when pump P is in use. For drainage, the
plugs simply may be unscrewed so as to expose the ports 18 and
22.
[0024] As the strainer basket fills with debris, the vacuum
pressure (i.e. the reduction in pressure below ambient) increases
in the region between the strainer basket and the impeller. Hence,
measuring vacuum pressure in this region as a function of time may
be beneficial. Because port 18 already exists in this region,
configuring a vacuum-pressure probe to fit in the port 18 likewise
would be beneficial.
[0025] Similarly, obtaining pressure measurements over time on the
"pressure side" of pump P may be advantageous. Together with the
vacuum pressure measurements and, perhaps, other data (e.g. motor
speed), various important characteristics of the
water-recirculation system may be calculated, deduced, or otherwise
determined. As (non-limiting) examples, system characteristics such
as water-flow rate and energy usage could be determined.
[0026] Illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 are devices 26A and 26B consistent
with the present invention. Devices 26A and 26B are configured to
fit within ports 18 and 22, respectively, replacing conventional
drain plugs. In the exemplary versions shown, therefore, devices
26A and 26B are threaded, may be used together with washers,
gaskets, or o-rings 30 if desired to facilitate sealing of the
ports 18 and 22, and have at least portions of their bodies
positioned externally of pump P. Devices 26A and 26B need not be
threaded or shaped, configured, or positioned as depicted, however,
as will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art.
[0027] Unlike conventional drain plugs, devices 26A and 26B include
sensors and, preferably, wireless RF transmitters. Alternatively,
one or both of devices 26A and 26B could communicate via wire or
other medium either remotely or one to the other or use other
carrier means such as laser, ultrasonic, sonic, infrared,
ultraviolet, or optics signals. In some cases either or both of
devices 26A and 26B could include wireless or wired receivers as
well.
[0028] In presently-preferred versions of the invention, devices
26A and 26B include pressure gauges so as to sense and measure
pressures at ports 18 and 22. The gauges may be transducers so as
to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. Transmitters
within devices 26A and 26B transmit the pressures, preferably doing
so either continuously or periodically over a predetermined or
determinable interval of time. Each of the gauges and transmitters
may itself be conventional as long as it is capable of functioning
adequately within device 26A or 26B. The devices 26A and 26B
further may if desired be low-power digital devices including
batteries or other power sources.
[0029] Devices 26A and 26B may be part of a network of devices,
including similar devices deployed in fittings or ports of (or
otherwise in connection with) other components of
water-recirculation systems. If desired they may transmit (and,
possibly, receive) wirelessly consistent with ZigBee, ZWave, or
other common communications protocols. Preferably (although not
necessarily), signals originating with one or both of devices 26A
and 26B eventually are conveyed via the Internet for processing or
consideration at a remote location. For example, information
obtained using one or more of devices 26A and 26B could be
forwarded to a smart phone, laptop, desktop, tablet computer, or
other equipment of a homeowner or pool servicer for processing or
consideration. Alternatively, the information may be conveyed
directly (either wirelessly or via wire) to an on-board pump
controller or other component.
[0030] If device 26A senses a rapid rise in vacuum (i.e. a rapid
pressure decrease), for example, the strainer basket may be clogged
with debris, inhibiting adequate water flow to the impeller. A
decision to withdraw power from the motor of pump P may thus be
made automatically or manually, remotely or nearby, based at least
in part on information obtained from device 26A. Information from
devices 26A and 26B additionally could be used to help determine
flow rates of water through pump P as a function of time, energy
usage of the pump P, and dynamic head of water to be pumped by pump
P, etc., for conveyance to a homeowner, servicer, manufacturer, or
otherwise via the Internet or otherwise.
[0031] As noted earlier, devices identical or similar to devices
26A or 26B may be used in connection with other pool or spa
equipment. FIGS. 3-4 depict such usage in connection with filter F.
The filter F may have port 34 into which conventionally a gauge is
placed to indicate loading of the filter with debris over time.
However, with the present invention, gauge 38 may include a
transmitter as well as a debris-loading sensor. As with preferred
versions of devices 26A and 26B, preferred embodiments of gauge 38
include low-powered devices with wireless RF transmitters
configured for networking using any suitable communications
protocol. Indeed, devices 26A and 26B and gauge 38 advantageously
may form part of the same network when used in the same
water-recirculation system. If any of devices 26A or 26B or gauge
38 includes a processor, information even may be conveyed among the
devices and gauge themselves.
[0032] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention.
Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, devices of the
invention may sense information such as (but not limited to)
temperature, flow, salinity, pH, ORP, FAC, turbidity, level,
motion, gas trap characteristics, etc. Moreover, "pool," "swimming
pool," and their plurals may include within their definitions spas
and other water-containing vessels used for recreational or
therapeutic bathing or swimming. The entire contents of the Uy and
Stiles, Jr. patent applications are incorporated herein by this
reference.
* * * * *