Dynamically balanced suction relief for hydrotherapy tubs and spas
First Claim
1. A dynamically balanced suction line relief for tubs, spas and pools comprising, a water circulation line having a water pump therein and including a suction line communicating between a water outlet in the tub and the pump and the water pressure line between the pump and a water inlet in the tub,an air inlet duct communicating with the suction line and extending upwardly therefrom and opening to the atmosphere at its upper end, said duct holding a column of water therein during normal operation while the tub is filled with water and the water outlet of the tub is unobstructed,a water make-up means operatively associated with the air inlet duct for forcing make-up water thereinto under pressure from the water circulation line to maintain the column of water therein until the outlet becomes obstructed whereupon the column of water is drawn down and air enters the suction line thereby causing the pump to cavitate relieving the suction.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dynamically balanced suction relief is provided for a hydrotherapy tub or spa in which a controlled amount of water under pressure is supplied from the water pump to an air inlet duct to maintain a column of water in the air duct under normal conditions.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A dynamically balanced suction line relief for tubs, spas and pools comprising, a water circulation line having a water pump therein and including a suction line communicating between a water outlet in the tub and the pump and the water pressure line between the pump and a water inlet in the tub,
an air inlet duct communicating with the suction line and extending upwardly therefrom and opening to the atmosphere at its upper end, said duct holding a column of water therein during normal operation while the tub is filled with water and the water outlet of the tub is unobstructed, a water make-up means operatively associated with the air inlet duct for forcing make-up water thereinto under pressure from the water circulation line to maintain the column of water therein until the outlet becomes obstructed whereupon the column of water is drawn down and air enters the suction line thereby causing the pump to cavitate relieving the suction.
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6. A dynamically balanced hydrotherapy system including a suction relief for preventing excessive suction comprising,
a hydrotherapy drain-and-fill tub adapted to hold a quantity of water for hydrotherapy and bathing purposes, said tub having a water outlet and a hydrotherapy jet, water circulation line connected between the water outlet and the hydrotherapy jet, said water circulation line including a pump, said line including a suction line between the water outlet and the pump and a pressure line between the pump and the hydrotherapy jet, an air inlet duct connected to the water suction line and extending upwardly therefrom and being open to the atmosphere at its upper end to allow air to enter the air inlet duct from the atmosphere and flow into the suction line when the water outlet becomes obstructed, a normally open check valve at the upper end of the air inlet duct to prevent water from flowing out the top thereof while allowing air to enter the check valve, a water make-up means dynamically balancing the water pressure in the air inlet duct to maintain a column of water therein when the water outlet is unobstructed, said water make-up means being connected to the air inlet duct for introducing water under pressure thereinto from the water circulation line.
Specification