Opto-electronically controlled bathing systems

Abstract

Bathing systems with electronic and optionally microcomputer control of optionally multiple functions, user safety being assured by fibre-optic remoting techniques. Systems include electrically safe optical control means to be positioned in or proximate to the bathing location, this location being a swimming pool, bathtub, whirlpool bath, shower, bidet, or similar installation. These systems also include such valves, pumps, pulsation-causing devices, water conditioning devices, and the like, as may be required by any of the multiple functions that may be desired, all of these devices being under the control of a single electronic controller responsive to the optical control means at the bathing location, and also responsive to various water condition sensors. The optical control means includes a light altering mechanism, preferably an optical touch switch such as might be operated by light reflected from the user's finger, this mechanism being connected by fibre optic tube means to a remote light source and detector; it may also include a display means such as optical fibres or fibre bundles carrying light from remote light sources indicating water or other conditions known by the electronic controller. The electronic controller preferably includes a microcomputer because of the ease with which microcomputers can handle many input variables and many possible output functions, for the optimization of both comfort and efficiency of the bathing installations. For simplicity of installation, fibre optic tube means are preferably incorporated into the water-carrying plastic pipe.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.