Automated system for monitoring and maintenance of fluid level in swimming pools and other contained bodies of water

• US 9,410,336 B2
• Filed: 06/01/2010
• Issued: 08/09/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Richard Deverse
• Original Assignee: Richard Deverse
• Inventors: DeVerse, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Keasel, Eric
• Assistant Examiner(s): Soski, Frederick D
• Application Number:
  US12/791,687
• Publication Number:
  US 20100300548A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,261 Days
• Field of Search: 733/04.C, 733/04.R, 137/386, 137/392, 137/393
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1272 Skimmers integrated in the pool wall
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/14 Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0318 Processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7287 Liquid level responsive or maintaining systems

Abstract

An automated system for monitoring and maintaining fluid level in a swimming pool, spa, or other environment containing water is provided. The system includes a sensor assembly having a microprocessor and a proximity sensor encapsulated in a non-conductive material. A lower section of the sensor assembly has a flat profile and at least a portion of the proximity sensor is positioned in the lower section. The sensor assembly transmits a signal to a remote controller when the water level measured is above or below a predetermined target value. The remote controller in turn causes a remote water valve to turn on or off. In certain implementations, the sensor assembly incorporates a precision mounting system and algorithm, which work together to provide the end user with a means to mount the sensor easily and maintain precise operational level of the water. The combination of the physical mounting system and the range and resolution of the proximity sensor allow for precise maintenance of water level at the preferred level.

Claims

1. An automated system for monitoring and maintaining fluid level in an environment containing fluid, comprising:

a sensor assembly comprising a proximity sensor and a transmitter, said proximity sensor comprising one or more conductors encapsulated in a substantially non-conductive material having a thickness up to 7 mm thick, wherein the conductors are disposed in a lower section of the sensor assembly, said lower section having a generally flat profile and a cross sectional thickness between 2 mm and 10 mm;

a remote controller, said remote controller is operatively connected to at least one fluid control valve and in communication with the sensor assembly;

a substantially watertight housing, said housing having a wall that encloses the sensor assembly in a manner such that the one or more conductors does not directly contact the fluid, wherein the housing wall adjacent to the proximity sensor is between 1 mm to 3 mm;

wherein the sensor assembly senses fluid level changes in the environment by measuring an amount of time required for the conductors to charge to a preset voltage, wherein the sensor assembly transmits a signal to the remote controller when a measured fluid level deviates from a predetermined target value, wherein the remote controller turns the fluid valve on or off in response to the signal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor and transmitter are formed on a printed circuit board.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly further comprising a mount system having an attachment mechanism configured to couple with an opening on a skimmer deck lid in a manner such that the sensor assembly is configured to be mounted on an underside of the skimmer deck lid in a manner such that the proximity sensor is affixed at multiple predetermined levels, wherein the mount system comprises a spacer having a plurality of slots.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor assembly further comprises a sensing algorithm, the mount system works in combination with the sensing algorithm to provide greater range and resolution in the determination of the preferred set level.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the environment containing fluid is a swimming pool.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the environment containing fluid is irrigation landscape.