US 9,808,397 B2 · Powered apparatus for fluid applications

Abstract

A powered apparatus for fluid applications includes a housing dimensioned and configured for mounting in a fluid conduit. The apparatus includes a generator for generating power. The apparatus also includes a power storage device for storing the generated power. The housing, generator and storage device comprise an integrated unit. The apparatus also includes a device connected to be powered by the generated power, for example, LED or OLED lighting. In certain embodiments, the apparatus can be mounted in a fluid conduit of a water feature. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a microprocessor for controlling at least one of power storage, wireless communication, and monitoring of a parameter associated with the fluid. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a controller and a power storage device and does not include a generator. The apparatus may further include a docking station for charging the power storage device.

Drawings

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Drawings

Claims20

Dependent claims

Control apparatus for controlling the operation of a pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, having a water conduit connected to the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, and through which water flows during operation of the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the control apparatus including:

a generator that can be positioned within the water conduit, the generator configured for generating power from the flow of water through the conduit for the operation of at least one electrical device connected to be powered by the generated power;
at least one monitoring device capable of monitoring a parameter associated with the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature;
and
a controller associated with the water conduit, the controller being positioned 1) within the water conduit, 2) at the outlet of the water conduit, 3) at the inlet of the water conduit, or 4) attached to the water conduit, the controller being configured to control the at least one electrical device powered by the generator, the controller being operatively connected to the monitoring device to receive data from the monitoring device, the controller being configured to process data received from the at least one monitoring device, thereby creating processed information, and the controller being remotely programmable to receive commands wirelessly, and the controller being configured to wirelessly transmit the processed information to a remote receiving device.

1 more element

a generator that can be positioned within the water conduit, the generator configured for generating power from the flow of water through the conduit for the operation of at least one electrical device connected to be powered by the generated power;
at least one monitoring device capable of monitoring a parameter associated with the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature;
a controller associated with the water conduit, the controller being positioned 1) within the water conduit, 2) at the outlet of the water conduit, 3) at the inlet of the water conduit, or 4) attached to the water conduit, the controller being configured to control the at least one electrical device powered by the generator, the controller being operatively connected to the monitoring device to receive data from the monitoring device, the controller being configured to process data received from the at least one monitoring device, thereby creating processed information, the controller being remotely programmable to receive commands wirelessly, and the controller being configured to wirelessly transmit the processed information to a remote receiving device;
and
a housing that is dimensioned and configured for mounting the generator within the water conduit, and wherein the housing defines a water flow path through the housing, with the generator generating power from the flow of water through the housing.

2 more elements

a generator that can be positioned within the water conduit, the generator configured for generating power from the flow of water through the conduit for the operation of at least one electrical device connected to be powered by the generated power;
a power storage device for storing the generated power;
at least one monitoring device capable of monitoring a parameter associated with the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature;
and
a controller associated with the water conduit, the controller being positioned 1) within the water conduit, 2) at the outlet of the water conduit, 3) at the inlet of the water conduit, or 4) attached to the water conduit, the controller being configured to control the at least one electrical device powered by the generator, the controller being operatively connected to the monitoring device to receive data from the monitoring device, the controller being configured to process data received from the at least one monitoring device, thereby creating processed information, the controller being remotely programmable to receive commands wirelessly, and the controller being configured to wirelessly transmit the processed information to a remote receiving device, wherein the controller is further configured for controlling the quantity of power storage and timing of power storage and is further configured to control one or more of the following functions:
conversion, regulation and storage of the power produced by the generator.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description8,033 words

Summary510 words

#This invention relates in general to powered apparatuses for fluid applications, and in particular to powered apparatuses for applications such as water features, irrigation systems, plumbing systems and others.

#It is common to include water features on properties for recreational or decorative purposes. For example, pools, spas and hot tubs are very popular for recreation and entertainment. Landscapers often use water features such as fountains, pools, ponds, cascades, waterfalls or streams to improve the decorative or aesthetic aspects of properties.

#The water features often include powered devices for improving their appearance or usefulness, or related to their operation. For example, the devices may relate to illumination, monitoring, testing or control of the water features. The inclusion of lighting can both improve the appearance of the water features and extend their useful operating period into the evening hours. Water features often include equipment or complete automation systems for testing, monitoring and/or controlling aspects such as water quality, flow, level, filtration, pumping, and/or the addition of chemicals.

Brief description of the drawings8 figures

#FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly in cross-section, of an assembled apparatus according to the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a circuit board of the apparatus with attached electrical components.

#FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a face plate of the apparatus.

Detailed description7,363 words

#For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the described apparatus, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

#The present invention relates to a powered apparatus for a fluid application. The fluid application can be any application in which fluid flows through a conduit, by which is meant any channel, pipe, tube, line, opening, orifice, or the like through which fluid flows. For example, the fluid application can be any commercial, household (residential), industrial or public fluid application. The fluid can be practically any type of fluid; in certain embodiments, the fluid is water or other non-volatile fluid.

#The fluid can be caused to flow through the conduit by returning or drawing in of fluid flow, for example by pushing or pulling the fluid by pump or gravity, or any other force that causes it to flow.

Facts

Application

14/817,757Filed 4 Aug 2015 · continuation

Priority

5 Jan 2012

Published

US 2015/0335525 A126 Nov 2015

Granted

7 Nov 2017

Term ends

20 Oct 2033

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment, including 289 days of adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification25 codes

F03B 13/00
Adaptations of machines or engines for special use
A61H 33/005
Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes: electrical circuits therefor
E04H 4/14
Swimming or splash baths or pools: parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
E04H 4/169
Specially adapted for cleaning: pool nozzles

Family

Application61/583,400Us provisional application · filed 5 Jan 2012

Application61/722,365Us provisional application · filed 5 Nov 2012

Application13/734,623Parent of this continuation · filed 4 Jan 2013

US 9,097,234 B2Parent of this continuation · filed 4 Aug 2015

US 2015/0335525 A1Pre-grant publication · published 26 Nov 2015

US 2013/0175802 A1Published application

US 9,808,397 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Powered apparatus for fluid applications

Life of this patent

Powered apparatus for fluid applications

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims20

Description8,033 words

Drawings

Classification25 codes

Life of this patent

Description8,033 words