Abstract:
A method and an apparatus are presented for monitoring a concentration of a specific halogen in a body of water such as a spa or bathing unit for example. The apparatus comprises a housing in which is positioned an optical absorption analyzer for making first and second measurement of transmission of ultraviolet light from a light source emitting light at a specific wavelength. The second and first measurements are taken respectively before and after the ultraviolet light has travelled through a sample of water and are used to derive a concentration of the specific halogen. The derived concentration may then be communicated to a user using a display device and/or may be used to control operational components of a bathing unit for adjusting the concentration of halogen in the water. In some practical implementations, the apparatus may be embodied as a standalone device, which may be configured to float on the water of the bathing unit or, alternatively, may be configured for being installed in-line in a water circulation path of the bathing input by connecting the housing to circulation piping.
Abstract:
A bathing unit control system suitable for controlling a set of bathing unit components in a bathing unit system and having multimedia control functionality is provided. The bathing unit control system includes a bathing unit controller suitable for issuing signals for controlling the set of bathing unit components in the bathing unit system. The control system also includes a multimedia source interface in communication with the bathing unit controller, the multimedia source interface enabling access to media content associated with an external media source. The control system also includes a control interface in communication with the bathing unit controller the control interface is operative for enabling a user to enter information indicative of a desired change in a certain operational setting of the bathing unit and for enabling a user to enter a media control command to cause media content associated with the external media source to be conveyed to the user. Variants of the control system provide a multimedia source interface adapted for enabling access to a telephone network and a data network such as the Internet.
Abstract:
A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component. The first operational setting and the second operational setting are pre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus are presented for monitoring a concentration of a specific halogen in a body of water such as a spa or bathing unit for example. The apparatus comprises a housing in which is positioned an optical absorption analyzer for making first and second measurement of transmission of ultraviolet light from a light source emitting light at a specific wavelength. The second and first measurements are taken respectively before and after the ultraviolet light has travelled through a sample of water and are used to derive a concentration of the specific halogen. The derived concentration may then be communicated to a user using a display device and/or may be used to control operational components of a bathing unit for adjusting the concentration of halogen in the water. In some practical implementations, the apparatus may be embodied as a standalone device, which may be configured to float on the water of the bathing unit or, alternatively, may be configured for being installed in-line in a water circulation path of the bathing input by connecting the housing to circulation piping.
Abstract:
A topside control panel for a bathing unit system is provided. The topside control panel comprises a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface opposed to the top surface and a display touch or presence-sensitive assembly positioned upon the top surface of the housing. The topside control panel also includes a circuit board assembly positioned upon the bottom surface the housing. In some embodiments, the bottom surface may be circumscribed by a bottom peripheral wall, which with the bottom surface defines a recess in which is positioned the circuit board assembly. A back panel may be secured to the housing so as to enclose the second recess and form an enclosed space. The back panel may include a ventilation member configured for allowing air communication between the enclosed space and a space external to the topside control panel. In another aspect, a topside control panel having a cover frame including a cut out or window area may be provided for receiving the display touch or presence-sensitive assembly when assembled with the housing and may allow for customizing the aesthetic appearance of the topside control panel by selecting cover frames having different appearances.
Abstract:
A method and a control panel are described for facilitating the control of a bathing unit system so that the bathing unit system is caused to transition between operating in accordance with a first operational mode to operating in accordance with a second operational mode. A control signal is generated in response to a unitary user input event performed by a user at a control panel of the bathing unit system, the control signal conveying an ambiance activation command associated with a specific ambience setting, the generation of the control signal comprising selecting the specific ambience setting from a set of ambience settings stored in a memory device. The control signal is then transmitted from the control panel to the controller over a communication link where it is processed to cause the bathing unit system to transition from being in the rest mode to operating in accordance with the specific ambience setting. The method and a control panel may allow simplifying the control of the bathing unit system in order to achieve a desired total effect by allowing a user to cause the bathing unit to operate in accordance with an ambience setting by way of a unitary user input event performed at the control panel.
Abstract:
A programmable controller for operating a system is provided as well as a method and devices of configuring such controller. The controller includes firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the system, the firmware including a passive memory component and a processing unit programmed for operating the system at least in part based on the instructions of the firmware. The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received from an external device for drawing energy from the signal to activate the passive memory component and causing a firmware update process to be performed. Advantageously, the proposed controller can be configured in the absence of electrical power being supplied by an external source and in, some embodiments, using the signal carrying the firmware update information as the sole source of electrical energy in order to perform at least part of the firmware update process.
Abstract:
A topside control panel for a bathing unit system is provided. The topside control panel comprises a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface opposed to the top surface and a display touch or presence-sensitive assembly positioned upon the top surface of the housing. The topside control panel also includes a circuit board assembly positioned upon the bottom surface the housing. In some embodiments, the bottom surface may be circumscribed by a bottom peripheral wall, which with the bottom surface defines a recess in which is positioned the circuit board assembly. A back panel may be secured to the housing so as to enclose the second recess and form an enclosed space. The back panel may include a ventilation member configured for allowing air communication between the enclosed space and a space external to the topside control panel. In another aspect, a topside control panel having a cover frame including a cut out or window area may be provided for receiving the display touch or presence-sensitive assembly when assembled with the housing and may allow for customizing the aesthetic appearance of the topside control panel by selecting cover frames having different appearances.
Abstract:
A motor assembly comprising a motor body having a generally cylindrical outer surface on which is mounted a capacitor via a mounting bracket is provided. The mounting bracket has a generally arcuate member engaged with the generally cylindrical outer surface of the motor body and allows the capacitor to be positioned at different angles along a circumference of the motor body by rotating the mounting bracket about the generally cylindrical outer surface of the motor body.
Abstract:
A method, apparatus and system to facilitate maintenance of a network enabled bathing unit system. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is presented providing a user operable control for receiving from a customer a service request requesting that a technician contact the customer. The user operable control may in some cases be enabled in response to detection of an operational error in the bathing unit system and disabled otherwise. In response to receipt of the service request through the user operable control, a notification message indicating that the customer has requested to be contacted by a technician is sent over a communication network. In some embodiments, a message responsive to the service request is received to cause the GUI to present user-selectable options to enable the customer to selectively permit the remote control and monitoring of the bathing unit system by a specific remote service technician.