HOSES PRINCIPALLY FOR AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS

• US 20120211995A1
• Filed: 02/21/2012
• Published: 08/23/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, LLC (Fluidra, S.A.)
• Original Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems Incorporated (Fluidra, S.A.)
• Inventors: Uy, Dindo, Bauckman, Mark J., Mc QUEEN, E. KEITH, Mastio, Emmanuel
• Granted Patent: US 9,581,275 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 290/1.R
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1672 Connections to the pool water circulation system
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 28/00 Vibration generating arrangements for boreholes or wells, e.g. for stimulating production for fishing for or freeing objects E21B31/005; for transmitting measuring-signals E21B47/14; for geophysical measurements G01V1/02
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 41/0085 Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 11/1185 electrically conducting
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 51/025 with several corrugations
• CPC Class Codes: H02N 2/18 producing electrical output from mechanical input, e.g. generators for measurement devices G01
• CPC Class Codes: H02N 2/185 using fluid streams

Abstract

Creating and utilizing electricity and radiation via actions of hoses is detailed. Likewise described is using electricity to heat the hoses and radiation to sanitize fluid such as water of a pool or spa. Electricity may be generated by pulsation of the hoses when employed together with a water-interruption type of automatic pool cleaner, for example. Hoses alternatively or additionally may include chemicals or materials reactive to light or other radiation.

Claims

1. A hose assembly comprising:

a. a hose configured to expand and contract under influence of a pump; and

b. means for generating electricity from the expansion and contraction of the hose.

2. A hose assembly according to claim 1 in which the electricity-generating means comprises electrically-conductive wire.

3. A hose assembly according to claim 2 in which the wire is piezo wire.

4. A hose assembly according to claim 2 in which the electricity-generating means further comprises at least one magnet.

5. A hose assembly according to claim 2 in which the hose is corrugated, the wire is embedded in the corrugations, and the hose is configured to expand and contract longitudinally under influence of the pump.

6. A system for generating electricity comprising:

a. a pump having an inlet;

b. an automatic swimming pool cleaner having an outlet; and

c. a hose assembly positioned between the inlet of the pump and the outlet of the automatic swimming pool cleaner and comprising;

i. a hose configured to expand and contract under influence of the pump; and

ii. means for generating electricity from the expansion and contraction of the hose.

7. A system according to claim 6 in which the automatic swimming pool cleaner comprises a water-interruption valve.

8. A hose assembly for conveying water, comprising:

a. a hose configured for exposure to electromagnetic radiation; and

b. means for using the electromagnetic radiation to change a characteristic of water conveyed by or adjacent to the hose.

9. A hose assembly according to claim 8 in which the hose has a surface and photosensitive material is contained thereon.

10. A hose assembly according to claim 9 in which the photosensitive material is coated on or impregnated in the surface.

11. A hose assembly according to claim 9 in which the photosensitive material contains titanium or titanium dioxide.

12. A hose assembly according to claim 8 further comprising a photovoltaic material.

13. A hose assembly according to claim 8 further comprising a thermally-sensitive material.

14. A system for improving sanitary quality of pool or spa water, comprising:

a. a pump;

b. an automatic swimming pool cleaner; and

c. a hose assembly positioned between the pump and the automatic swimming pool cleaner and comprising;

i. a hose configured for exposure to electromagnetic radiation; and

ii. means for using the electromagnetic radiation to change the sanitary quality of water conveyed by or adjacent to the hose.