Balboa Water Group, Inc.

Steven Kuo

Graham J Campbell

Charles Joseph Heiden

A flow control valve for a bathing installation. The flow control valve is configured to operate between an open state and a closed state in dependence on the applied water pressure. As water pressure increases, the valve progressively reduces flow dynamically, until flow increases to a point that the valve is placed in the closed state. The valve may be placed in the bathing installation recirculating water path downstream of a bypass path and upstream of a heat pump. By regulating water flow and pressure to the heat pump, the heat pump may be operated in a flow rate for efficient operation. The valve also prevents water pressure at a high level which may damage the heat pump.

Flow control valve and spa recirculation system with heat pump using the valve

An exemplary embodiment of a user interface display panel includes a top or cover glass layer which extends to the perimeter of the panel housing. A touch-sensitive display layer is adhered to the bottom surface of cover glass layer to form a touch sensitive display assembly and is just smaller in area than that of the cover glass layer to provide a peripheral lip region for adherence to a waterproof gasket to bond the cover glass and display layer to the housing structure. The display layer is supported above the surface of the tub wall. The arrangement results in an active touch-sensitive display area significantly larger than display areas provided in the past by interface panels.

Bathing installation user interface panel with large active display area

Embodiments of a connector cover are described, which are easily attached to a keyed electrical connector housing, and which prevent misconnection with a mating connector. One embodiment features a snap-on design, in which the cover simply snaps onto the keyed connector housing. A second embodiment is in the form of a two-piece cover, which snap together about the keyed connector housing. A third exemplary embodiment features a slip-on design, in which the cover slips onto the keyed connector housing. In another aspect, an electrical connector system is described, which includes the connector cover and first and second keyed electrical connectors.

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Chino Hills, CA, United States of America

Steven Kuo