ANTI-ENTRAPMENT AND ANTI-DEAD HEAD FUNCTION
First Claim
1. A pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including:
- a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water;
a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;
means for determining a value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
means for determining a performance value of the pumping system;
means for comparing the performance value to the value indicative of a blockage; and
means for controlling the motor in response to the comparison between the performance value and the value indicative of a blockage.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A pumping system includes a water pump for moving water. The pumping system includes means for determining a value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system, and means for determining a performance value of the pumping system. In one example, the pumping system includes means for comparing the performance value to the value indicative of a blockage and means for controlling the pump in response to the comparison. In another example, the system includes means for determining a change in power consumption of the water pump. In another example, the system includes means for determining a threshold value and means for controlling the pump when the performance value exceeds the threshold value. In another example, the system includes means for determining a difference value based upon a plurality of performance valves during a first time period and a second time period. A method of controlling the pumping system is also included.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including:
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a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water;
a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;
means for determining a value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
means for determining a performance value of the pumping system;
means for comparing the performance value to the value indicative of a blockage; and
means for controlling the motor in response to the comparison between the performance value and the value indicative of a blockage. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including:
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a water pump for moving water, wherein the water pump is adapted to consume power;
means for determining a change in power consumption of the water pump;
means for determining a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system, wherein the determination of a blockage is based at least in part upon the change in power consumption; and
means for controlling operation of the pump to perform an operation upon the water, wherein the means for controlling is configured to alter operation of the pump in response to a determination of a blockage. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including:
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a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water;
a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;
means for determining a threshold value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
means for monitoring a performance value of the pumping system; and
means for controlling the motor, wherein the means for controlling is configured to alter operation of the motor when the performance value exceeds the threshold value. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including:
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a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water;
a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;
means for determining a value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
means for determining a performance value of the pumping system during a first time period and a second time period;
means for determining a difference value based upon the difference between the performance valves of the first and second time periods;
means for comparing the difference value and the value indicative of a blockage; and
means for controlling the motor in response to the comparison between the difference value and the value indicative of a blockage. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A pumping system for moving water of a pool or spa used by a pool or spa user, the pumping system including:
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a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the pool or spa water;
an inlet for movement of water from the pool or spa to the pump;
a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;
means for determining a value that is indicative of a blockage caused by an entrapment of the user at the inlet that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
means for determining a performance value of the pumping system;
means for comparing the performance value to the value indicative of a blockage; and
means for controlling the motor in response to the comparison between the performance value and the value indicative of a blockage to cause cessation of motor operation.
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30. A method of controlling a pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water and a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump, the method comprising the steps of:
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determining a value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
determining a performance value of the pumping system;
comparing the performance value to the value indicative of a blockage; and
controlling the motor in response to the comparison between the performance value and the value indicative of a blockage. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification