Self-cleaning whirlpool system
US5383239A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2033/0016
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-cleaning system and method for a whirlpool includes a whirlpool basin having inner and outer surfaces, a drain, closable nozzles for introducing a water/air mixture into the basin, a water circuit, an air circuit, and a one-way valve that couples the water circuit and the air circuit. Hot and/or cold water sources are connected to the air circuit for introducing water into the basin via the air circuit, the one-way valve, the water circuit, and the opened nozzles. A detergent dispensing unit is also connected to the air circuit for use during a self-cleaning mode. In a whirlpool mode, hot and/or cold water is introduced into the basin by water flow through the air circuit, the one-way valve, and the water circuit. Water is withdrawn from the basin through an inlet into the water circuit, mixed with air provided from the air circuit, and reintroduced into the basin under pump-supplied pressure as a water/air mixture. In the self-cleaning mode, the nozzles are closed to isolate the interior of the basin from the air and water circuits. Hot and/or cold water and detergent from the detergent dispensing unit flow through the air circuit, the one-way valve, the water circuit, the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.