EP2984257A1 - Systems and methods for wirelessly communicating with automatic swimming pool cleaners - Google Patents

Systems and methods for wirelessly communicating with automatic swimming pool cleaners

Info

Publication number
EP2984257A1
EP2984257A1 EP14723249.0A EP14723249A EP2984257A1 EP 2984257 A1 EP2984257 A1 EP 2984257A1 EP 14723249 A EP14723249 A EP 14723249A EP 2984257 A1 EP2984257 A1 EP 2984257A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
automatic cleaner
swimming pool
wireless signals
cleaner
cleaners
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14723249.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Hendrikus Johannes Van Der Meijden
Phillip John NEWMAN
Mark J. Bauckman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zodiac Pool Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Zodiac Pool Systems LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zodiac Pool Systems LLC filed Critical Zodiac Pool Systems LLC
Publication of EP2984257A1 publication Critical patent/EP2984257A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
    • E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
    • E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
    • E04H4/1654—Self-propelled cleaners

Definitions

  • This invention relates to systems and methods for communicating with mobile cleaning equipment, such as automatic cleaners of swimming pools and spas, and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to employing hand- held devices in the form of "smart" telephones, tablet computers, etc. to communicate with hydraulic- type automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs), preferably with radio frequency (RF) signals employing protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Z-Wave (as examples).
  • mobile cleaning equipment such as automatic cleaners of swimming pools and spas
  • APCs hydraulic- type automatic swimming pool cleaners
  • RF radio frequency
  • an APC may be considered either “hydraulic” or “electric” depending on the source of energy employed to effect its movement within a pool, spa, or other water-containing vessel.
  • Electric cleaners sometimes also called “robots,” typically use electricity to power motors used to drive wheels or treads to allow the cleaners to move throughout the vessel.
  • on-board batteries are sometimes considered to supply electricity to the robots, more likely electricity from mains outside the vessels is conveyed via electrical cords to the robots within the vessels.
  • Hydraulic cleaners connect to external pumps and utilize water flow caused by operation of the pumps to effect their movement within a pool or spa.
  • Some hydraulic cleaners connect to pump outlets; these devices are called “pressure - side” APCs, as pressurized water from pump outlets typically drives the cleaners.
  • hydraulic cleaners may connect to inlets of pumps.
  • These "suction-side” cleaners often include valves and supporting structure designed periodically to interrupt water flow through their bodies to the pumps. Periodic flow interruption creates a "water-hammer” effect, with the resulting energy used to move the APCs within pools.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,569,371 to Perling discloses an electric cleaner, or robot, whose housing includes a microprocessor.
  • An electrical cable attached to the housing conveys power and signals to the robot from a poolside "intercommunication box.” See Perling, col. 2, 11. 60-64.
  • the robot additionally may transmit ultrasonically or optically to receivers within the pool for purposes of determining its location.
  • a wheeled caddy used to transport the robot outside of the pool contains a wireless receiver, although no corresponding wireless transmitter is identified.
  • WO 2013/160628 of Michelon discloses another robot which as illustrated communicates, via a wired connection, to a "modification device" outside the pool.
  • the modification box of the Michelon application may receive "wireless request signals" from a transmitter outside the pool, with the request signals overriding control signals received at the modification box via a wired connection to a control unit.
  • Hydraulic APCs are typically manufactured to perform in pre-determined manners due to hydraulic and mechanical principles and geometries. Some variations to improve cleaning performance may be implemented by end-users or servicers of the cleaners by, for example, physically changing parts or making mechanical adjustments to existing parts. Rarely do hydraulic APCs—whether or not in operation—provide any diagnostic or other feedback to users, however, as presently unavailable commercially is any mechanism for communicating electronically with hydraulic cleaners.
  • assemblies of the invention may include hydraulic APCs with on-board electricity-generating capabilities so as to power processors, sensors, and transceivers.
  • Control of the APCs may be accomplished or facilitated, further, using conventional "smart" devices such as (but not limited to) Internet-compatible telephones, tablets, personal computers, etc. Preferably such control devices are hand-held, although this feature is not absolutely necessary. Consequently, relevant applications software ("apps") may be updated via the Internet as appropriate or desired. In some cases, control of a particular APC may occur via remote commands sent via the Internet.
  • signals may be sent to change (directly or indirectly) movement speed of an APC, to change navigation parameters (turning, stopping, reversing, etc.) of a cleaner, to set time schedules for various functions, and to request desired output information from a cleaner.
  • Exemplary output signals from an APC may provide information such as (but not limited to) connectivity signal presence and strength, current cleaning mode engaged, water characteristics (e.g. flow through the cleaner, temperature, pressure, chemistry), electrical information (e.g. system voltage, amperage, charging information), cleaning cycles completed or remaining in a warranty period or expected life), and failure codes.
  • connectivity signal presence and strength e.g., current cleaning mode engaged
  • water characteristics e.g. flow through the cleaner, temperature, pressure, chemistry
  • electrical information e.g. system voltage, amperage, charging information
  • failure codes e.g. system voltage, amperage, charging information
  • Smart devices are ubiquitous in society. Prevalence of these devices allows for a wide audience to use them for communicating with APCs. Many of the devices already are configured for wireless, radio frequency (RF) communications via Bluetooth or WiFi protocols (or both or others) with sufficient signal strength to allow localized communication through pool water. They also often are configured to download software apps via the Internet upon demand, facilitating periodic updating of the apps. Moreover, software updates may also be downloaded to the devices and then transferred to the associated APCs for (as examples) any or all of added functionality, repairs, upgrades, or changing programmed settings of the APCs that the APCs then use autonomously thereafter. Pairing of a device and APC, for example using Bluetooth technology, additionally may occur if desired.
  • RF radio frequency
  • FIGURE is a schematicized representation of aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGURE Illustrated in the FIGURE is a water-filled swimming pool SP in which
  • APC 10 is operating. As noted above APC 10 preferably (but not necessarily) is of the hydraulic type. Accordingly, APC 10 may be in direct or indirect fluid communication with either an inlet or an outlet of a pump of a water-recirculation system using hose 14. However, unlike conventional hydraulic cleaners, APC 10 includes an on-board power source and a transceiver as well as, optionally, one or more sensors or processors. An example of such an APC is described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 14/205,408, filed March 12, 2014, entitled “Hydraulic swimming Pool Cleaners With Electricity Generators" (the "'408 Application”).
  • Hose 14 itself typically terminates at a fitting 18, a skimmer, or at some other terminus in or associated with pool SP. Moreover, if APC 10 is a hydraulic cleaner, it need not have any electrical cord, as electricity would not be required for its movement within pool SP. Hence, the invention may avoid need for any cord or hose to be positioned on deck D of pool SP while APC 10 is operating.
  • Human H may be an owner, user, or servicer of pool SP or any other person interested in controlling APC 10.
  • Device 22 preferably is a smart device configured to transmit and receive RF (or other) signals wirelessly with sufficient strength to communicate with APC 10 within pool SP and with the Internet in any appropriate manner.
  • Device 22 also preferably is hand-held for easy use around pool SP.
  • control software for APC 10 created by its manufacturer or a third party may be downloaded to device 22 via the Internet.
  • Such software in an executable form commonly called an "app," may be used by human H such that device 22 transmits to and receives information from APC 10.
  • controlling APC 10 may occur remotely, with control information passed via the Internet to device 22 for relay to APC 10.
  • information transmitted by APC 10 to device 22 may be relayed remotely for review, processing, storage, or consideration in any manner.
  • signals may be transmitted to change (directly or indirectly) movement speed of APC 10, to change navigation parameters (turning, stopping, reversing, etc.) of APC 10, to set time schedules for various functions associated with APC 10, and to request desired output information from APC 10.
  • Exemplary output signals from APC 10 may provide information such as (but not limited to) connectivity signal presence and strength, current cleaning mode engaged, water characteristics (e.g. flow through the cleaner, temperature, pressure, chemistry), electrical information (e.g. system voltage, amperage, charging information), cleaning cycles completed or remaining in a warranty period or expected life), and failure codes.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)

Abstract

Systems and methods for communicating wirelessly with automatic pool cleaners (10) are addressed. Hydraulic cleaners, in particular, may be provided with on-board electricity-generating capabilities, processors, sensors, and transceivers for purposes of communication. Control of the cleaners may be accomplished using "smart" devices (22) capable of downloading software via, for example, the Internet.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
WIRELESSLY COMMUNICATING WITH AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/809449, filed April 8, 2013, entitled "Smart Device
Communication with Swimming Pool Cleaner," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to systems and methods for communicating with mobile cleaning equipment, such as automatic cleaners of swimming pools and spas, and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to employing hand- held devices in the form of "smart" telephones, tablet computers, etc. to communicate with hydraulic- type automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs), preferably with radio frequency (RF) signals employing protocols such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Z-Wave (as examples).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventionally, an APC may be considered either "hydraulic" or "electric" depending on the source of energy employed to effect its movement within a pool, spa, or other water-containing vessel. "Electric" cleaners, sometimes also called "robots," typically use electricity to power motors used to drive wheels or treads to allow the cleaners to move throughout the vessel. Although on-board batteries are sometimes considered to supply electricity to the robots, more likely electricity from mains outside the vessels is conveyed via electrical cords to the robots within the vessels.
"Hydraulic" cleaners, by contrast, connect to external pumps and utilize water flow caused by operation of the pumps to effect their movement within a pool or spa. Some hydraulic cleaners connect to pump outlets; these devices are called "pressure - side" APCs, as pressurized water from pump outlets typically drives the cleaners.
Alternatively, hydraulic cleaners may connect to inlets of pumps. These "suction-side" cleaners often include valves and supporting structure designed periodically to interrupt water flow through their bodies to the pumps. Periodic flow interruption creates a "water-hammer" effect, with the resulting energy used to move the APCs within pools.
U.S. Patent No. 5,569,371 to Perling discloses an electric cleaner, or robot, whose housing includes a microprocessor. An electrical cable attached to the housing conveys power and signals to the robot from a poolside "intercommunication box." See Perling, col. 2, 11. 60-64. The robot additionally may transmit ultrasonically or optically to receivers within the pool for purposes of determining its location. A wheeled caddy used to transport the robot outside of the pool contains a wireless receiver, although no corresponding wireless transmitter is identified.
Detailed in European Patent Application Publication No. 1122382 of Clementi is another robot capable of communicating with a "feeding source" floating within a pool. Such communication again occurs via cable, however. The floating source, by contrast, may receive wireless signals from "a radio control transmitter held by an operator on an edge of the swimming pool." See Clementi, col. 2, 0011 (numeral omitted).
International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2013/160628 of Michelon discloses another robot which as illustrated communicates, via a wired connection, to a "modification device" outside the pool. Like the feeding source of the Clementi application, the modification box of the Michelon application may receive "wireless request signals" from a transmitter outside the pool, with the request signals overriding control signals received at the modification box via a wired connection to a control unit.
Hydraulic APCs are typically manufactured to perform in pre-determined manners due to hydraulic and mechanical principles and geometries. Some variations to improve cleaning performance may be implemented by end-users or servicers of the cleaners by, for example, physically changing parts or making mechanical adjustments to existing parts. Rarely do hydraulic APCs—whether or not in operation—provide any diagnostic or other feedback to users, however, as presently unavailable commercially is any mechanism for communicating electronically with hydraulic cleaners.
Many reasons for this lack of availability exist including, for example, that hydraulic APCs conventionally have no on-board source of electrical power, no processor, and no transceiver. Equally problematic are difficulties in transmitting information wirelessly through water. Existing wired robotic systems further typically utilize proprietary software neither easy nor quick to update. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention resolves these issues by creating systems and methods for communicating wirelessly with operating APCs. In particular, assemblies of the invention may include hydraulic APCs with on-board electricity-generating capabilities so as to power processors, sensors, and transceivers. Control of the APCs may be accomplished or facilitated, further, using conventional "smart" devices such as (but not limited to) Internet-compatible telephones, tablets, personal computers, etc. Preferably such control devices are hand-held, although this feature is not absolutely necessary. Consequently, relevant applications software ("apps") may be updated via the Internet as appropriate or desired. In some cases, control of a particular APC may occur via remote commands sent via the Internet.
Communicating with APCs, especially hydraulic ones, allows input and output data to be transferred for numerous purposes beyond controlling the cleaners within a pool or spa. As examples, signals may be sent to change (directly or indirectly) movement speed of an APC, to change navigation parameters (turning, stopping, reversing, etc.) of a cleaner, to set time schedules for various functions, and to request desired output information from a cleaner. Exemplary output signals from an APC may provide information such as (but not limited to) connectivity signal presence and strength, current cleaning mode engaged, water characteristics (e.g. flow through the cleaner, temperature, pressure, chemistry), electrical information (e.g. system voltage, amperage, charging information), cleaning cycles completed or remaining in a warranty period or expected life), and failure codes. Persons skilled in the relevant art will recognize additional potential purposes for communication.
Smart devices are ubiquitous in society. Prevalence of these devices allows for a wide audience to use them for communicating with APCs. Many of the devices already are configured for wireless, radio frequency (RF) communications via Bluetooth or WiFi protocols (or both or others) with sufficient signal strength to allow localized communication through pool water. They also often are configured to download software apps via the Internet upon demand, facilitating periodic updating of the apps. Moreover, software updates may also be downloaded to the devices and then transferred to the associated APCs for (as examples) any or all of added functionality, repairs, upgrades, or changing programmed settings of the APCs that the APCs then use autonomously thereafter. Pairing of a device and APC, for example using Bluetooth technology, additionally may occur if desired.
It thus is an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for communicating electronically with APCs.
It is another optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for communicating electronically with hydraulic APCs.
It is also an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for communicating wirelessly, preferably through RF signals, to hydraulic or other APCs.
It is, moreover, an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for communicating with APCs using apps of smart devices.
It is a further optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for communicating with APCs that conventionally have lacked any on-board electricity-generating mechanism.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art with reference to the remaining text and the drawing of this application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The FIGURE is a schematicized representation of aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Illustrated in the FIGURE is a water-filled swimming pool SP in which
APC 10 is operating. As noted above APC 10 preferably (but not necessarily) is of the hydraulic type. Accordingly, APC 10 may be in direct or indirect fluid communication with either an inlet or an outlet of a pump of a water-recirculation system using hose 14. However, unlike conventional hydraulic cleaners, APC 10 includes an on-board power source and a transceiver as well as, optionally, one or more sensors or processors. An example of such an APC is described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 14/205,408, filed March 12, 2014, entitled "Hydraulic Swimming Pool Cleaners With Electricity Generators" (the "'408 Application").
Hose 14 itself typically terminates at a fitting 18, a skimmer, or at some other terminus in or associated with pool SP. Moreover, if APC 10 is a hydraulic cleaner, it need not have any electrical cord, as electricity would not be required for its movement within pool SP. Hence, the invention may avoid need for any cord or hose to be positioned on deck D of pool SP while APC 10 is operating.
Also shown in the FIGURE is a human H holding device 22. Human H may be an owner, user, or servicer of pool SP or any other person interested in controlling APC 10. Device 22 preferably is a smart device configured to transmit and receive RF (or other) signals wirelessly with sufficient strength to communicate with APC 10 within pool SP and with the Internet in any appropriate manner. Device 22 also preferably is hand-held for easy use around pool SP.
Advantageously, control software for APC 10 created by its manufacturer or a third party may be downloaded to device 22 via the Internet. Such software, in an executable form commonly called an "app," may be used by human H such that device 22 transmits to and receives information from APC 10. Alternatively or additionally, controlling APC 10 may occur remotely, with control information passed via the Internet to device 22 for relay to APC 10. Similarly, information transmitted by APC 10 to device 22 may be relayed remotely for review, processing, storage, or consideration in any manner. As indicated earlier, signals may be transmitted to change (directly or indirectly) movement speed of APC 10, to change navigation parameters (turning, stopping, reversing, etc.) of APC 10, to set time schedules for various functions associated with APC 10, and to request desired output information from APC 10. Exemplary output signals from APC 10 may provide information such as (but not limited to) connectivity signal presence and strength, current cleaning mode engaged, water characteristics (e.g. flow through the cleaner, temperature, pressure, chemistry), electrical information (e.g. system voltage, amperage, charging information), cleaning cycles completed or remaining in a warranty period or expected life), and failure codes.
The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, although much of the foregoing description relates to hydraulic APCs, in some cases aspects of the invention may be utilized in connection with other equipment including, but not limited to, electric APCs. Moreover, "pool," "swimming pool," and their plurals may include within their definitions spas and other water-containing vessels used for recreational or therapeutic bathing or swimming. The entire contents of the Perling patent, the Clementi and
Michelon applications, and the '408 Application are incorporated herein by this reference.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A method of communicating with an automatic cleaner operating within a swimming pool, comprising:
a. loading control software into a device configured to transmit and receive signals wirelessly;
b. causing the device to transmit wireless signals to a receiver onboard the operating automatic cleaner; and
c. allowing the device to receive wireless signals from a transmitter on-board the operating automatic cleaner.
2. A method according to claim 1 in which loading control software into the device comprises downloading control software from a remote source via the Internet.
3. A method according to claim 2 in which the automatic cleaner lacks any electrical cord extending outside the swimming pool.
4. A method according to claim 3 in which the automatic cleaner is a hydraulic cleaner comprising an on-board electricity generation mechanism.
5. A method according to claim 4 further comprising connecting a hose to the automatic cleaner so as to place it in fluid communication with a pump associated with the swimming pool.
6. A method according to claim 5 in which the device is hand- he Id.
7. A method according to claim 6 in which wireless signals transmitted by the device to the automatic cleaner change a characteristic of movement of the automatic cleaner within the swimming pool.
8. A method according to claim 7 in which wireless signals transmitted by the automatic cleaner to the device provide information about operation of the automatic cleaner or at least one characteristic of the water within the swimming pool.
9. A method according to claim 8 further comprising causing the device to transmit wireless signals to a location remote from the swimming pool.
10. A method according to claim 1 further comprising pairing the device and the automatic cleaner.
11. A method according to claim 1 in which wireless signals transmitted by the device to the automatic cleaner change a pre-programmed setting of the automatic cleaner.
EP14723249.0A 2013-04-08 2014-04-08 Systems and methods for wirelessly communicating with automatic swimming pool cleaners Withdrawn EP2984257A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361809449P 2013-04-08 2013-04-08
PCT/US2014/033278 WO2014168918A1 (en) 2013-04-08 2014-04-08 Systems and methods for wirelessly communicating with automatic swimming pool cleaners

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2984257A1 true EP2984257A1 (en) 2016-02-17

Family

ID=50687706

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14723249.0A Withdrawn EP2984257A1 (en) 2013-04-08 2014-04-08 Systems and methods for wirelessly communicating with automatic swimming pool cleaners

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20140303810A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2984257A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2014251158B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2014168918A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9097234B2 (en) 2012-01-05 2015-08-04 Kenneth William Breau Powered apparatus for fluid applications
CA2883504A1 (en) 2012-09-04 2014-03-13 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Pool cleaner generator module with magnetic coupling
ES2762510T3 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-05-25 Hayward Ind Inc Modular pool / whirlpool control system
CA3147577C (en) 2015-01-26 2023-01-24 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner with hydrocyclonic particle separator and/or six-roller drive system
US9885196B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2018-02-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner power coupling
US9995050B2 (en) 2015-03-26 2018-06-12 Aqua Products, Inc. Method and apparatus for communicating over a two-wire power cable between an external power supply and a self-propelled robotic swimming pool cleaner
CN105654692A (en) * 2016-01-15 2016-06-08 杭州高越科技有限公司 Method and system for cleaning swimming pool through WIFI remote controller
US11720085B2 (en) 2016-01-22 2023-08-08 Hayward Industries, Inc. Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment
US11129256B2 (en) 2016-01-22 2021-09-21 Hayward Industries, Inc. Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment
EP3199725B1 (en) * 2016-01-26 2020-05-27 Maytronics Ltd. Method of operating a pool cleaning robot
US20170293490A1 (en) 2016-04-11 2017-10-12 Aqua Products, Inc. Method for modifying an onboard control system of a pool cleaner, and power source for a pool cleaner
US10167650B2 (en) 2016-08-10 2019-01-01 Aquatron Robotic Technology Ltd. Concurrent operation of multiple robotic pool cleaners
LT3604712T (en) * 2016-09-13 2022-02-10 Maytronics Ltd. Pool cleaning robot
US9896858B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-02-20 Hayward Industries, Inc. Hydrocyclonic pool cleaner
US10214933B2 (en) 2017-05-11 2019-02-26 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner power supply
US9885194B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-02-06 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner impeller subassembly
US10156083B2 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-12-18 Hayward Industries, Inc. Pool cleaner power coupling
US10696363B2 (en) * 2018-02-16 2020-06-30 Ut-Battelle, Llc Floating membrane reservoir system
US10982456B2 (en) * 2018-03-16 2021-04-20 Maytronic Ltd. Pool cleaning system
WO2022029713A1 (en) * 2020-08-06 2022-02-10 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Devices, systems, and methods for communication with equipment such as automatic swimming pool cleaners
WO2022180515A1 (en) 2021-02-23 2022-09-01 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Wireless automatic swimming pool cleaners and associated systems and methods
US20230344252A1 (en) 2022-03-29 2023-10-26 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Systems and methods for contact self-protection for automatic swimming pool cleaner
WO2023187590A1 (en) 2022-03-29 2023-10-05 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Guiding systems for automatic swimming pool cleaner
US20230313551A1 (en) 2022-03-29 2023-10-05 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Automatic swimming pool cleaner charging systems and devices with corrosion mitigation
US20230313550A1 (en) 2022-03-29 2023-10-05 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Automatic swimming pool cleaner systems with improved visual communication
WO2024035739A1 (en) 2022-08-08 2024-02-15 Zodiac Pool Systems Llc Debris control systems and methods for swimming pools and spas
WO2024035734A1 (en) 2022-08-08 2024-02-15 Zodiac Pool Systems Llc Swimming pools and spas with water usage control
US20240046651A1 (en) 2022-08-08 2024-02-08 Zodiac Pool Systems Llc Swimming pools and spas with pool vision
US20240068258A1 (en) 2022-08-26 2024-02-29 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Automatic swimming pool cleaner with water sensing
WO2024042463A1 (en) 2022-08-26 2024-02-29 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Pool equipment with water-filled cavity
US20240093522A1 (en) 2022-09-15 2024-03-21 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Docking system with camera for automatic swimming pool cleaner
WO2024057269A1 (en) 2022-09-15 2024-03-21 Zodiac Pool Care Europe Docking system for automatic swimming pool cleaner

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002068778A1 (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-09-06 Azoteq (Pty) Ltd Method of and apparatus for controlling the operation of a suction-type pool cleaner
US20110197932A1 (en) * 2009-12-22 2011-08-18 Emmanuel Mastio Apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface provided with an accelerometer device which detects gravitational acceleration
WO2011153551A1 (en) * 2010-06-04 2011-12-08 Gedaliahu Finezilber Reversing mechanism for a programmable steerable robot
WO2014151267A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-25 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner with docking system and/or other related systems and methods

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5203646A (en) * 1992-02-06 1993-04-20 Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. Cable crawling underwater inspection and cleaning robot
US5435031A (en) * 1993-07-09 1995-07-25 H-Tech, Inc. Automatic pool cleaning apparatus
IL109394A (en) 1994-04-22 1997-03-18 Maytronics Ltd Swimming pool cleaning, navigational control system and method
US5454129A (en) * 1994-09-01 1995-10-03 Kell; Richard T. Self-powered pool vacuum with remote controlled capabilities
US6412133B1 (en) * 1999-01-25 2002-07-02 Aqua Products, Inc. Water jet reversing propulsion and directional controls for automated swimming pool cleaners
IT1316336B1 (en) 2000-02-04 2003-04-10 Internat Caratti S R L ROBOTIC CLEANER FOR SWIMMING POOLS
DE60330361D1 (en) * 2002-08-23 2010-01-14 Aqua Products Inc SWIMMING POOL CLEANING DEVICE WITH ONBOARD WATER ANALYSIS, DATA RECORDING AND DATA TRANSFER ESTABLISHMENT
US8043070B2 (en) * 2004-08-26 2011-10-25 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Speed control
AU2011320874A1 (en) * 2010-10-26 2013-05-30 Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc. Hydroelectric devices principally for use in recirculating fluid systems of vessels such as swimming pools and spas
US8489242B2 (en) * 2011-01-06 2013-07-16 General Electric Company Home energy management system incorporating a pool pump
FR2990032B1 (en) 2012-04-27 2014-06-06 Zodiac Pool Care Europe METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MODIFYING A DEVICE FOR CLEANING AN IMMERED SURFACE AND ASSOCIATED CLEANING DEVICE
US9388595B2 (en) * 2012-07-10 2016-07-12 Aqua Products, Inc. Pool cleaning system and method to automatically clean surfaces of a pool using images from a camera

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002068778A1 (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-09-06 Azoteq (Pty) Ltd Method of and apparatus for controlling the operation of a suction-type pool cleaner
US20110197932A1 (en) * 2009-12-22 2011-08-18 Emmanuel Mastio Apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface provided with an accelerometer device which detects gravitational acceleration
WO2011153551A1 (en) * 2010-06-04 2011-12-08 Gedaliahu Finezilber Reversing mechanism for a programmable steerable robot
WO2014151267A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-25 Hayward Industries, Inc. Swimming pool cleaner with docking system and/or other related systems and methods

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2014168918A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2014251158B2 (en) 2017-06-01
WO2014168918A1 (en) 2014-10-16
AU2014251158A1 (en) 2015-11-12
US20140303810A1 (en) 2014-10-09
AU2014251158A2 (en) 2016-01-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2014251158B2 (en) Systems and methods for wirelessly communicating with automatic swimming pool cleaners
US20210164477A1 (en) Pumping system with two way communication
KR102589785B1 (en) Home air purification system
US6900736B2 (en) Pulse position modulated dual transceiver remote control
US8720579B2 (en) Emergency blowout preventer (EBOP) control system using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and method of use
RU2014146512A (en) DRIVE WASHING SYSTEM
CN110462974B (en) Wireless power transmitter, wireless power receiving electronic device, and operating method thereof
WO2012006254A3 (en) Method and system for controlling power to an electrically powered device
EP2680394A1 (en) Portable charger and method of operating the same
US20180224856A1 (en) Method for modifying an onboard control system of a pool cleaner, and power source for a pool cleaner
AU2012244365A1 (en) Speed control
US20230140339A1 (en) Variable speed pumping system and method
EP3231964A1 (en) Method for modifying an onboard control system of a pool cleaner, and power source for a pool cleaner
WO2012170083A1 (en) Low-power startup and direction control circuitry for an irrigation system
CN204016964U (en) A kind of PDS
CN103920201A (en) Peritoneal dialysis system and control method thereof
KR102562556B1 (en) Mobile robot system and remote control method thereof
CN111757986B (en) Pressure sensor with integrated pump control
KR20150136424A (en) Wireless power charging apparatus of vehicles
US20240093521A1 (en) Docking system for automatic swimming pool cleaner
US20240068258A1 (en) Automatic swimming pool cleaner with water sensing
KR200414637Y1 (en) Cleaning robot remote control system
US8659385B2 (en) Center pivot irrigation system diagnostic tool
WO2019091147A1 (en) Interactive mobile platform control system
AU2014100902A4 (en) Remotely operated controller for an electrically operated system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
TPAC Observations by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20151105

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20160729

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20171114