Modular integrated multifunction pool safety controller (MIMPSC)

• US 20030034284A1
• Filed: 08/16/2002
• Published: 02/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael Lawrence Wolfe
• Original Assignee: Michael Lawrence Wolfe
• Inventors: Wolfe, Michael Lawrence
• Granted Patent: US 6,676,831 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 210/85
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0176 By stopping operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/6073 Intake mouths for recirculation of fluid in whirlpool baths
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/12 Devices or arrangements for circulating water , i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment

Abstract

Modular Pool Safety Controller used with swimming pool or spa. The controller stands alone, or integrated with a prior art controller. Emphasis is on safety of swimmers and pool equipment, providing low entry cost. Other modular features can be added. Safety features; Swimmer Protection: Excess Suction triggers latched pump shut-down and suction dump valve that admits air into the pump inlet, instantly releasing suction entrapment. When reduced daylight combines with swimmer activity, Pool Lights are turned on. Remote Control provides Emergency shut-down. Equipment Protection: Low pump Pressure triggers latched pump shut-down. Remote Control initiates draining high water levels. Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms (PIRA) offer specific voice messages when pump shut-down occurs; guidance concerning cause and actions required, plus chimes and red lights. After Startup PIRA delivers a green OK light and specific voice message confirming the communications link. End to end test of protection is simple; frequent tests are encouraged.

Claims

1. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa or whirlpool, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control comprising:

combinatorial logic such that any one of several devices or means may be used to start the pool pump, but that any one of several other devices or means is able to automatically shut-down the pool pump, in the event of a system safety problem, regardless of which means was used to start-up;

such logic may be implemented with simple relays and does not require memory, microprocessor, or software; and

it is inherently rugged and not as vulnerable to electromagnetic disturbances, and high temperature, which enhances fail-safe performance;

a Startup Module or means comprising a timer, one or more relays, a freeze sensor, terminals, and a logical System Ready signal, electrically connected to a power relay which feeds power to a pool pump;

a Shutdown Module or means comprising one or more of a suction sensor, a pressure sensor, and a pipe temperature sensor, a multiplicity of latching relays, terminals, a suction dump valve, and local alarms;

the sensors and the suction dump valve are connected to suitable ports in the pool hydraulic system;

a Pool Lights ON Module or means comprising an ambient light sensor, a movement sensor, a sound sensor, terminals, and a Pool Lights control interface;

the sensors are located close by and elevated near the pool;

an Alarm Interface Module or means comprising local alarms, terminals, and a suitable communications transmitter for triggering Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms (PIRA) as required;

said Portable Intelligent Remote Alarm (PIRA) comprising a communications receiver, a multiplicity of unique voice and sound status and action messages, and related visual status indicators;

said Alarms, one or more, are simply plugged in to any electrical outlet inside or outside the premises, or off premises via a modem/dialer;

a pool Drain Module or means comprising an electrically controlled drain valve, a timer, terminals, and a means of causing the pump Startup when necessary;

the drain valve is connected to a suitable port in the pump hydraulic system;

a Weir Stop, or stops, comprising a physical barrier, to prevent the weir becoming stuck in the blocking position, are connected to the pool skimmer interior side walls; and

the Modules may be housed in a cabinet or junction box in proximity to said pool pump, provided with a power supply, power relays, terminals, a remote control receiver and transmitters, and time clocks,

2. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa or whirlpool, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 wherein said communication interface with Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms preferably uses the X10 automation protocol for simplicity, reliability, flexibility and low cost.

3. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step(s) of a test of all solenoid valves at start-up to assure coil continuity is part of the fail-safe design;

if normal continuity does not exist the pump will shut down and a warning signal will be provided.

4. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the Suction Dump Valve which is direct acting for minimum time lag and pressure differential insensitivity, with inlet and outlet fine screens to avoid particle contamination of the valve seat, and is fixed timer controlled;

the valve is connected to the pump suction port and breaks the vacuum by admitting air when triggered.

5. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising several optional features which may be added on a modular basis, to the Core Safety Controller;

these include, but are not limited to;

pool filter cleaning alert, pool chemistry management, pump maintenance warning, heater controls and temperature warnings, and any other features for which sensors and/or controls are available. The sensors would connect with the appropriate media and the other components may be housed in a cabinet or junction box in proximity to the pool pump.

6. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising simple test pipe segments, to block the skimmer outlet to the pump, for an excess suction test, and a pipe to admit air and block water from the skimmer outlet to the pump, for a loss of prime test, are provided so that the pool operator can test the Suction or Pressure Protection Shutdown features on a regular basis;

these are end-to-end tests of the complete system and are a full demonstration of performance.

7. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the following step:

in the event of the pump being shut-down because of a suction or pressure problem the main pool power switch must be recycled in order to resume pump operation and stop the alarms.

8. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the following step:

in the event of a power failure, automatic restart of the pump occurs when power is restored.

9. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the pool water drain hose which is typically a flat flexible plastic type about 2 inches wide at rest;

this invention uses a small plastic wire reel shape wide enough to coil up the flat hose;

winding the hose from the underside of the reel it allows the water pressure to unreel the hose automatically projecting the reel forward;

the hose end is attached to the reel with a thermal or chemical bonding agent on the top side of the hose so that the flow is unobstructed;

when convenient the hose is rewound in the preferred orientation;

it is also possible to bond a light and thin spring to the hose that would automatically recoil the hose when the drain timer closes the valve and the water pressure ceases.

10. A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising all Modules or means comprised of, but not limited to:

sensors, timers, relays, switches, diodes, valves, alarms both visual and audible including voice messages;

the components chosen for the Preferred Embodiment emphasize reliability and ruggedness under sometimes difficult environmental stresses such as power surges due to lightning storms, high electromagnetic and electrostatic fields, and high temperatures due to solar insolation in southern climates during the summer;

each component of each Primary Element may be implemented in several different technologies, which each have tradeoffs regarding reliability, cost, serviceability, and ease of manufacture, test, and repair;

for example, the relay logic functions can be performed by transistors, Integrated Circuits, gates, gate arrays, PROMs, or microcontrollers/microprocessors, or other devices, or software combined with hardware, or firmware;

all Modules or means of interconnection may use sockets, printed circuits, point-to-point wiring, ribbon cables, or other techniques;

communication with Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms preferably uses the X10 automation protocol for simplicity, reliability, flexibility and low cost;

alternative means include radio links, IR links, and other electromagnetic and sonic techniques;

all sensors can be chosen with different operating principles and specifications;

the Preferred Embodiment uses one or more Suction switches, Pressure switches, and Temperature switches which are extremely rugged and resistant to electromagnetic environmental effects, fast acting, and provide low cost availability; and

substitute technologies could be used such as flow switches, semiconductors, strain gauges, bourdon tubes, mercury manometers, ultrasonic, and others.

20. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 further comprising A stand alone Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, and a pool light control as claimed in claim 1 further comprising all Modules or means comprised of, but not limited to:

sensors, timers, relays, switches, diodes, valves, alarms both visual and audible including voice messages;

the components chosen for the Preferred Embodiment emphasize reliability and ruggedness under sometimes difficult environmental stresses such as power surges due to lightning storms, high electromagnetic and electrostatic fields, and high temperatures due to solar insolation in southern climates during the summer;

each component of each Primary Element may be implemented in several different technologies, which each have tradeoffs regarding reliability, cost, serviceability, and ease of manufacture, test, and repair;

for example, the relay logic functions can be performed by transistors, Integrated Circuits, gates, gate arrays, PROMs, or microcontrollers/microprocessors, or other devices, or software combined with hardware, or firmware;

all Modules or means of interconnection may use sockets, printed circuits, point-to-point wiring, ribbon cables, or other techniques;

communication with Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms preferably uses the X10 automation protocol for simplicity, reliability, flexibility and low cost;

alternative means include radio links, IR links, and other electromagnetic and sonic techniques;

all sensors can be chosen with different operating principles and specifications;

the Preferred Embodiment uses one or more Suction switches, Pressure switches, and Temperature switches which are extremely rugged and resistant to electromagnetic environmental effects, fast acting, and provide low cost availability; and

substitute technologies could be used such as flow switches, semiconductors, strain gauges, bourdon tubes, mercury manometers, ultrasonic, and others.

11. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control;

and a prior art Pool Controller comprising;

combinatorial logic such that any one of several devices or means may be used to start the pool pump, but that any one of several other devices or means is able to automatically shut-down the pool pump, in the event of a system safety problem, regardless of which means was used to start-up;

such logic may be implemented with simple relays and does not require memory, microprocessor, or software; and

it is inherently rugged and not as vulnerable to electromagnetic disturbances, and high temperature, which enhances fail-safe performance;

a Startup Module or means comprising a timer, one or more relays, a freeze sensor, terminals, and a logical System Ready signal, electrically connected to a power relay which feeds power to a pool pump;

a Shutdown Module or means comprising one or more of a suction sensor, a pressure sensor, and a pipe temperature sensor, a multiplicity of latching relays, terminals, a suction dump valve, and local alarms;

the sensors and the suction dump valve are connected to suitable ports in the pool hydraulic system;

a Pool Lights ON Module or means comprising an ambient light sensor, a movement sensor, a sound sensor, terminals, and a Pool Lights control interface;

the sensors are located close by and elevated near the pool;

an Alarm Interface Module or means comprising local alarms, terminals, and a suitable communications transmitter for triggering Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms (PIRA) as required;

said Portable Intelligent Remote Alarm (PIRA) comprising a communications receiver, a multiplicity of unique voice and sound status and action messages, and related visual status indicators;

said Alarms, one or more, are simply plugged in to any electrical outlet inside or outside the premises, or off premises via a modem/dialer;

a pool Drain Module or means comprising an electrically controlled drain valve, a timer, terminals, and a means of causing the pump Startup when necessary;

the drain valve is connected to a suitable port in the pump hydraulic system;

a Weir Stop, or stops, comprising a physical barrier, to prevent the weir becoming stuck in the blocking position, are connected to the pool skimmer interior side walls; and

the Modules may be housed in a cabinet or junction box in proximity to said pool pump, provided by a prior art Pool Controller; and

integrated with said prior art Pool Controller which shall be comprised of;

a power supply, power relays, terminals, a remote control receiver and transmitters, and time clocks,

12. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 wherein said communication interface with Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms preferably uses the X10 automation protocol for simplicity, reliability, flexibility and low cost.

13. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the step(s) of a test of all solenoid valves at start-up to assure coil continuity is part of the fail-safe design;

if normal continuity does not exist the pump will shut down and a warning signal will be provided.

14. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the Suction Dump Valve which is direct acting for minimum time lag and pressure differential insensitivity, with inlet and outlet fine screens to avoid particle contamination of the valve seat, and is fixed timer controlled;

the valve is connected to the pump suction port and breaks the vacuum by admitting air when triggered.

15. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 further comprising several optional features which may be added on a modular basis, to the Core Safety Controller;

these include, but are not limited to;

pool filter cleaning alert, pool chemistry management, pump maintenance warning, heater controls and temperature warnings, and any other features for which sensors and/or controls are available. The sensors would connect with the appropriate media and the other components may be housed in a cabinet or junction box in proximity to the pool pump.

16. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 further comprising simple test pipe segments, to block the skimmer outlet to the pump, for an excess suction test, and a pipe to admit air and block water from the skimmer outlet to the pump, for a loss of prime test, are provided so that the pool operator can test the Suction or Pressure Protection Shutdown features on a regular basis;

these are end-to-end tests of the complete system and are a full demonstration of performance.

17. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the following step:

in the event of the pump being shut-down because of a suction or pressure problem the main pool power switch must be recycled in order to resume pump operation and stop the alarms.

18. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the following step:

in the event of a power failure, automatic restart of the pump occurs when power is restored.

19. An integrated Modular Integrated Multifunction Pool Safety Controller (MIMPSC) for use with a swimming pool and/or spa, a pool pump or pumps, pool pump inlet lines, pool pump outlet lines, pool drain lines, pool skimmer weir stop or stops, pool filters, pool heaters, a pool light control, and a prior art Pool Controller as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the pool water drain hose which is typically a flat flexible plastic type about 2 inches wide at rest;

this invention uses a small plastic wire reel shape wide enough to coil up the flat hose;

winding the hose from the underside of the reel it allows the water pressure to unreel the hose automatically projecting the reel forward;

the hose end is attached to the reel with a thermal or chemical bonding agent on the top side of the hose so that the flow is unobstructed;

when convenient the hose is rewound in the preferred orientation;

it is also possible to bond a light and thin spring to the hose that would automatically recoil the hose when the drain timer closes the valve and the water pressure ceases.