Modular integrated multifunction pool safety controller (MIMPSC)
First Claim
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,
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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.
113 Citations
20 Claims
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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:
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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, - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20)
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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, - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
- and a prior art Pool Controller comprising;
Specification