Methods, systems, and devices for providing communications capabilities to equipment of swimming pools and spas

Abstract

Communications capabilities are supplied to components of pool water recirculation systems, even if the components lack electrical power or supply wires. Capabilities may be furnished by wireless RF devices that connect to existing fittings or ports of the components, for example. The devices are configured to obtain desired information relating to the components (or the water within them) and transmit the information remotely for processing or consideration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 779,552, filed Mar. 13, 2013, entitled “Means for Providing Internet Connectivity to Swimming Pool Equipment,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to methods of establishing communications with equipment and more particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, to methods, systems, and devices for retrofitting or otherwise furnishing to pool and spa equipment capabilities of communicating via radio frequency signals or otherwise.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Equipment such as pumps and filters, for example, are typically included as components of water-recirculation systems of swimming pools and spas. Historically, this equipment has lacked any electronic communications capabilities. Indeed, some components of these water-recirculation systems may lack even ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a solution for giving components without electrical power or wires the ability to communicate. It can be used for both new manufactures and retrofitting existing equipment. The devices can be easily configured by people who own or service pools and spas. The technical effect of this invention is that it expands the ability of components to communicate with each other, even if they are not near a power source.

Problems solved by technology

Historically, this equipment has lacked any electronic communications capabilities.

Indeed, some components of these water-recirculation systems may lack even an electrical supply, wholly preventing them from communicating electronically.

Although systems and methods of the Uy application are commercially successful, they do not resolve the problem of furnishing signal-transmission and -receipt capabilities to pool equipment that, as made or deployed, lacks such capabilities.

The systems and methods further do not address supplying wireless signal-transmission and -receipt competencies to this equipment.

No other “communication” appears contemplated by the system of the Stiles, Jr., application, however, nor is any radio frequency (RF) or other wireless signal-transmission and -receipt ability ascribed to any component of the system.

Internet connectivity with an equipment pad at a pool currently is limited to certain products with built-in control systems or that connect to a master control system via electrical wires.

Missing, however, is any solution for connecting to the Internet any components lacking electrical power or electrical supply wires.

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