Machine for anticipatory sensing and intervention to avoid swimmer entrapment

Abstract

A machine for anticipatory sensing and intervention to avoid swimmer entrapment, with an active pre-entrapment sensor (e.g. ultrasonic) that assesses the relative hazard based on swimmer proximity to the drain cover. An Ultrasonic Transducer launches waves into the suction piping and / or drain system, and to receive echoes from the drain cover, swimmer limbs, hair or body, and the water surface parellel to the drain cover. A Transmitter / Pulser electrically energizes the ultrasonic transducer to launch waves into the suction piping and / or drain system, A Receiver / Processor detects the echoes electrical signals from the the ultrasonic transducer and to receive echoes from objects of interest beyond the pool drain. A Logic and Control element converts the detected signals into reliable information regarding a swimmer safety / hazard status. An Output provides a pump shutdown command when required. Solutions for both new construction and retrofit are described.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 549514, filed on Mar. 2, 2004 and provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 587367, filed on Jul. 13, 2004. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] This invention relates generally to the field of Swimmer Entrapment Avoidance and more specifically to a machine for anticipatory sensing and intervention to avoid swimmer entrapment. [0005] Entrapment comprises all of the hazards of evisceration, hair entanglement, limb entrapment, body entrapment, etc. [0006] To provide a means of detecting the required presence of the drain cover, the absence of which creates a lethal hazard. A missing drain cover requires immediate pump shutdown and no existing SVRS system can detect this situation. [0007] To provide a means of anticipating a potential swimmer en...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0045] Yet another object of the invention is to avoid the risk of evisceration which is an extremely rapid process, as is hair entanglement, and the damage is done before present SVRS devices can react to the hazard.

[0049] A further object of the invention is that the optimum sensors may be different for each category because in new construction there are fewer constraints on operating frequency, transmitter power and receiver sensitivity, which control object detection, resolution and maximum range.

[0051] Still yet another object of the invention is, for new construction, locating a sensor in or under / behind each drain and the beams are easily directed perpendicular to the drain cover and beyond to the swimming area. Thus, the presense of an approaching swimmer can be detected, and tracked, to allow the pump to be shutdown prior to a dangerous physical contact.

Problems solved by technology

A missing drain cover requires immediate pump shutdown and no existing SVRS system can detect this situation.

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