Powered apparatus for fluid applications
First Claim
1. Control apparatus for controlling the operation of a pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, having a water conduit connected to the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, and through which water flows during operation of the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the control apparatus including:
- a generator that can be positioned within the water conduit, the generator configured for generating power from the flow of water through the conduit for the operation of at least one electrical device connected to be powered by the generated power;
at least one monitoring device capable of monitoring a parameter associated with the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature; and
a controller associated with the water conduit, the controller being positioned
1) within the water conduit,
2) at the outlet of the water conduit,
3) at the inlet of the water conduit, or
4) attached to the water conduit, the controller being configured to control the at least one electrical device powered by the generator, the controller being operatively connected to the monitoring device to receive data from the monitoring device, the controller being configured to process data received from the at least one monitoring device, thereby creating processed information, and the controller being remotely programmable to receive commands wirelessly, and the controller being configured to wirelessly transmit the processed information to a remote receiving device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A powered apparatus for fluid applications includes a housing dimensioned and configured for mounting in a fluid conduit. The apparatus includes a generator for generating power. The apparatus also includes a power storage device for storing the generated power. The housing, generator and storage device comprise an integrated unit. The apparatus also includes a device connected to be powered by the generated power, for example, LED or OLED lighting. In certain embodiments, the apparatus can be mounted in a fluid conduit of a water feature. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a microprocessor for controlling at least one of power storage, wireless communication, and monitoring of a parameter associated with the fluid. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a controller and a power storage device and does not include a generator. The apparatus may further include a docking station for charging the power storage device.
27 Citations
20 Claims
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1. Control apparatus for controlling the operation of a pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, having a water conduit connected to the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, and through which water flows during operation of the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the control apparatus including:
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a generator that can be positioned within the water conduit, the generator configured for generating power from the flow of water through the conduit for the operation of at least one electrical device connected to be powered by the generated power; at least one monitoring device capable of monitoring a parameter associated with the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature; and a controller associated with the water conduit, the controller being positioned
1) within the water conduit,
2) at the outlet of the water conduit,
3) at the inlet of the water conduit, or
4) attached to the water conduit, the controller being configured to control the at least one electrical device powered by the generator, the controller being operatively connected to the monitoring device to receive data from the monitoring device, the controller being configured to process data received from the at least one monitoring device, thereby creating processed information, and the controller being remotely programmable to receive commands wirelessly, and the controller being configured to wirelessly transmit the processed information to a remote receiving device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. Control apparatus for controlling the operation of a pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, having a water conduit connected to the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, and through which water flows during operation of the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the control apparatus including:
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a generator that can be positioned within the water conduit, the generator configured for generating power from the flow of water through the conduit for the operation of at least one electrical device connected to be powered by the generated power; at least one monitoring device capable of monitoring a parameter associated with the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature; a controller associated with the water conduit, the controller being positioned
1) within the water conduit,
2) at the outlet of the water conduit,
3) at the inlet of the water conduit, or
4) attached to the water conduit, the controller being configured to control the at least one electrical device powered by the generator, the controller being operatively connected to the monitoring device to receive data from the monitoring device, the controller being configured to process data received from the at least one monitoring device, thereby creating processed information, the controller being remotely programmable to receive commands wirelessly, and the controller being configured to wirelessly transmit the processed information to a remote receiving device; anda housing that is dimensioned and configured for mounting the generator within the water conduit, and wherein the housing defines a water flow path through the housing, with the generator generating power from the flow of water through the housing. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. Control apparatus for controlling the operation of a pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, having a water conduit connected to the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, and through which water flows during operation of the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature, the control apparatus including:
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a generator that can be positioned within the water conduit, the generator configured for generating power from the flow of water through the conduit for the operation of at least one electrical device connected to be powered by the generated power; a power storage device for storing the generated power; at least one monitoring device capable of monitoring a parameter associated with the pool, spa, hot tub or water feature; and a controller associated with the water conduit, the controller being positioned
1) within the water conduit,
2) at the outlet of the water conduit,
3) at the inlet of the water conduit, or
4) attached to the water conduit, the controller being configured to control the at least one electrical device powered by the generator, the controller being operatively connected to the monitoring device to receive data from the monitoring device, the controller being configured to process data received from the at least one monitoring device, thereby creating processed information, the controller being remotely programmable to receive commands wirelessly, and the controller being configured to wirelessly transmit the processed information to a remote receiving device, wherein the controller is further configured for controlling the quantity of power storage and timing of power storage and is further configured to control one or more of the following functions;
conversion, regulation and storage of the power produced by the generator.- View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification