Abstract:
The present invention provides systems and methods for chemical analysis of solutions. Some of the systems include a test station with test equipment handling, record maintenance, and solution preparation facilities. In some cases, the test stations are electronically enabled, while in others they are not.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/460,280, filed on Apr. 2, 2003, and entitled “SYSTEMS FOR PROFESSIONAL WATER TEST STATION,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention is related to systems and methods that can be used to test the chemical composition of a solution. More particularly, the present invention is related to systems and methods for testing the chemical composition of pool water.  
           [0003]    Chemical analysis is performed in a large number of industries. For example, in the pool industry, testing may be performed multiple times a day to assure that chemical concentrations remain at acceptable levels. In some cases, governments have promulgated extensive regulations governing the chemical composition of pools and the frequency at which the chemical composition must be tested. This is in part to avoid the communication of various diseases that can be transmitted through improperly maintained pool water. For example, a form of herpes is commonly communicated through bathing in an improperly maintained hot tub. Unfortunately, the testing of pools is often impeded by the lack of testing facilities. In some cases, tests are performed by placing testing equipment on a filter or other surface near the pool. This ad hoc approach can result in incomplete or spurious readings, or of failure to perform testing altogether.  
           [0004]    Not only does this problem pervade the pool industry, but it is also present in a number of other areas where chemical analysis is performed in relation to industrial water treatment including waste water, cooling towers, boilers, fresh water etc. Further, chemical analysis is performed by municipal utilities in relation to both drinking and waste water. Other industries include battery and lead manufacturers, agricultural entities for soil sampling, aquaculture for fish farms, and a number of other uses. Often the analysis in these industries is impeded by improper facilities. Thus, for at least the aforementioned reasons, there exists a need in the art for advanced systems and methods for performing chemical analysis.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention provides systems and methods that can be used to test the chemical composition of a solution. Some embodiments of the present invention are particularly tailored for use in testing the chemical composition of pool water, and for disposition at or near the location where testing is performed.  
           [0006]    Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems for testing solution composition. In some cases, the systems are formed as a test station with features designed to facilitate composition testing. Such systems include a test equipment station, and a solution preparation station that are formed to adjoin. In some cases, the test equipment station and the solution preparation station are formed as a unified molded body. Such a unified molded body can be made of, for example, fiberglass. In other cases, the test equipment station and the solution preparation station are formed such that they can be assembled into a single test station.  
           [0007]    In various cases, the test equipment station includes two molded areas—one for receiving a test unit, and the other for receiving a plurality of test vials. The test vials can be used in relation to the test unit to complete solution testing, and in some cases, the molded test vial area is arranged to reinforce test procedures associated with the test unit. Various instances of the test equipment station are formed to hold a variety of test vials, but in one particular embodiment, the test equipment station is designed to hold sixteen test vials—eight in each of two different test vial areas.  
           [0008]    Other embodiments of the present invention provide systems for testing pool water. Such systems include a test equipment station, a record station, and a solution preparation station that are unified as a single body. In some cases, the unified body is formed of molded fiberglass, or in some cases a smooth gel coat fiberglass. Further, in various cases, the unified body comprises one or more materials that are non-reactive when contacted by substances including chlorine, bromine, and muriatic acid.  
           [0009]    In some instances of the embodiments, the test equipment station includes a molded area for receiving a test unit. Such test units can be, for example, comparators and photometers. The test equipment station can further include a protective cover operable to cover the molded area. Such protective cover can be hinged to the unified body. In some cases, the test equipment station includes an equipment receptacle for accepting a test equipment hookup. Such test equipment hookup can be, but is not limited to, a power cord or a datalink. The datalink can be in the form of a communication cable, or wireless link including, for example, optical or radio frequency links. The datalink can be, for example, a USB link, a firewire link, an RS232 link, an EEE488 link, or the like.  
           [0010]    In particular instances of the embodiments, the systems further comprise a storage area at least partially encompassed by at least a portion of the unified body. Such a storage area can be, for example, a shelf mounted under an upper surface of the record station and/or test equipment station. The storage area can be configured to hold or maintain a computer communicably coupled to the datalink. Alternatively, or in addition, the storage area can be configured to hold or maintain one or more reagents used in relation to the solution preparation area.  
           [0011]    In various instances of the embodiments, the solution preparation area includes a molded basin with a drain, along with a water source. In various cases, the system includes a leveling mechanism operable to bring a surface of the test equipment station to a level orientation. In some cases, the record station includes a log sheet holder that can include a moveable cover operable to protect a log sheet placed in the log sheet holder. In other cases, the record station further includes an instruction display that can be, for example, an electronic display. Such an electronic display can also be used to display results received from a test equipment mounted in the test equipment station.  
           [0012]    Yet other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for manufacturing a test station. The methods include forming a test equipment section and a solution preparation section of a single continuous material such as, for example, plastic or fiberglass. Additional embodiments of the present invention provide test station kits that include a test equipment, and a test station that includes a test equipment station, a record station, and a solution preparation station. Such test equipment stations can further include a computer and a cable operable to communicably coupled the test equipment to the computer.  
           [0013]    This summary provides only a general outline of some embodiments according to the present invention. Many other objects, features, advantages and other embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    A further understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention may be realized by reference to the figures which are described in remaining portions of the specification. In the figures, like reference numerals are used throughout several to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sub-label consisting of a lower case letter is associated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a top view of a test station in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is a front view of the test station of FIG. 1;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of the test station of FIG. 1;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a component connection diagram of a test station similar to that of FIG. 1 that incorporates electronic connector capability in accordance with particular embodiments of the present invention; and  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a diagram of a monitoring system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]    Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems for testing solution composition. In some cases, the systems are formed as a test station With features designed to facilitate composition testing. Such systems include a test equipment station, and a solution preparation station that are formed to adjoin. In some cases, the test equipment station and the solution preparation station are formed as a unified molded body. Such a unified molded body can be made of, for example, fiberglass. In other cases, the test equipment station and the solution preparation station are formed such that they can be assembled into a single test station. While the present invention is described in relation to a water test station for use in the swimming pool industry, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate a number of other uses for the invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 is a top view  100  of a test station  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Test station  10  includes a solution preparation section  140 , a test equipment section  150 , and a record section  160 . In some cases where caustic solutions are prepared and/or tested, it may be desirable to manufacture sections  140 ,  150 ,  160  from materials that do not corrode when exposed to such caustic solutions. For example, in the swimming pool industry, a material that does not corrode when exposed to chlorine, bromine, and/or muriatic acid may be desired. In one particular embodiment, sections  140 ,  150 ,  160  are molded fiberglass, while in a specific embodiment, the single body is molded non-corrosive FRP smooth gel coat finish material. In other embodiments, sections  140 ,  150 ,  160  are formed of plastic. Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate a variety of materials that can be used to manufacture sections  140 ,  150 ,  160  for a specific application.  
         [0022]    In some embodiments, sections  140 ,  150 ,  160  are formed as a single body where each of the sections are adjoined in the manufacturing process. For example, test station  10  may be formed of a continuous portion of fiberglass material. In other embodiments, one or more of sections  140 ,  150 ,  160  are manufactured as separate pieces and can be subsequently adjoined at a final destination. In some cases, it can be advantageous to manufacture sections  140 ,  150 ,  160  as a single body to facilitate shipping, installation, and to assure a minimal foot print. In various cases, test station  10  includes a wall mounting bracket that can allow for custom height requirements. Further, some embodiments of test station  10  are designed to facilitate completion all phases of pool/spa testing and record keeping by a pool operator.  
         [0023]    As depicted, solution preparation section  140  includes a basin  130  with a drain  138  located therein. A goose neck faucet  135  with hot and cold water valves  136  is associated with the basin and aids in the preparation of various solutions and the cleaning of various vials. It is advantageous to have a basin and water source near test equipment section  150  as unwashed test vials can lead to improper results and/or other problems. By placing basing  135  near test equipment section  150 , a user is encouraged to clean test vials used in the various tests, thus providing for more accurate readings. In some cases, no hot water is provided to solution preparation section  140 .  
         [0024]    Test equipment section  150  includes a test equipment area  120  that is covered by a clear acrylic cover  122  attached to test equipment section  150  by two hinges  124 . Test equipment area  120  includes a level interior surface for maintaining a piece of test equipment in the proper orientation for testing. Further, test equipment area  120  can be formed of a size that accommodates a particular piece of test equipment, or a range of test equipment. Examples of test equipment that can be accommodated in test equipment area  120  include, but are not limited to, a photometer 8000, a photometer 5000, a photometer 7000, a chlorometer 1000, a chlorometer duo, a chlordioxmeter, a clhlordiox duo meter, a micro 500 TDS meter, a micro 500 conductivity meter, a combined waterproof pH/conductivity/TDS meter, a waterproof dissolved oxygen meter, a micro 500 pH meter, an ammonia meter, an ozone meter, a turbidity meter, a molybate duo meter, a comparator kit, a pooltest 3 photometer, a pooltest 5 photometer, a pooltest 9 photometer, each available from PALINTEST LTD. of the United Kingdom. Based on this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate a variety of other test equipment that can also be placed in test equipment area  120 . In one particular embodiment, test equipment area  120  is specifically designed to house a PALINTEST Pooltest 9 Photometer. In another embodiment, the test equipment can be attached through a clamping device to test area  120 . In some cases, the test equipment and the test station are packaged together and sold as a kit.  
         [0025]    In addition, test equipment section  150  includes an accessory basin  180 . Accessory basin can be used to store various accessories related to solution testing. In some embodiments, accessory basin  180  includes a removable cover and a drain. The drain can attach to basin  135 , thereby allowing any liquid in accessory basin  180  to be gravitationally transported from accessory basing  180  to basin  135 , and out through drain  138 . Thus, various accessories can be stored in accessory basin  180 , and covered for storage. Further, water can be run over the accessories while the accessories are in accessory basin  180 . This allows for quick and easy washing of the various accessories. As previously mentioned, improperly cleaned accessories can lead to false readings, and thus the accommodations for cleanliness found in embodiments of the present invention facilitate proper testing.  
         [0026]    Yet further, test equipment section  150  includes two test vial holding areas  110 . Test vial holding areas can be molded to hold one or more test vials in an orientation conducive to the tests to be performed. This can be in a level orientation, or at an angle depending upon the test to be performed. In one particular case, storage for four test vials in a level (straight up) orientation is provided in each of test vial holding areas  110 . In some cases, the orientation of the test vials is controlled by the molding of test vial areas  110 , while in other cases, a molded insert is placed in test vial holding areas  110  to hold various test vials. In some cases, the molded insert is prepared such that the test vial holders are arranged in an order that reinforces a test procedure to be implemented in relation to test station  10 .  
         [0027]    Record section  160  includes a record area  170  that is covered by a clear acrylic cover  174  attached to record section  160  by two hinges  172 . In some embodiments, record area  170  is designed to hold a log sheet that can be filled in by an operator using some writing instrument. In other embodiments, record area  170  includes a video or LCD display that can include instructions for performing a test and/or results of a test. In some cases, the display is a touch screen display that allows an operator to electronically record, accept, verify, and/or modify test results using a stylus. The test results can be communicated directly from the test equipment to the display, or indirectly via a computer communicably coupled to both the test equipment and the display.  
         [0028]    A minimal foot print is helpful to facilitate the location of tests station  10  near a pool in an existing pool house. Such proximity eases the testing process, and assures that the testing process is more likely to occur. In one particular embodiment, a minimal foot print includes basin  130  that is approximately fifteen inches by seventeen inches in cross section, and about nine inches deep. Storage area  220  is approximately twenty inches wide, fourteen inches tall, and twenty inches deep. Test equipment area  120  is approximately eight inches by six and one-half inches in cross section, and about 2 and three-eighths inches deep. Record area  170  is approximately twelve inches by eleven inches in cross section. In one embodiment, the upper surface of test equipment section  150  and record section  160  slope at an angle approximately the arcsine of one-third.  
         [0029]    Turning to FIG. 2, a front view  200  of test station  10  is illustrated. In addition to the previously described elements of test station  10 , a storage area  220  is provided below test equipment section  150  and record section  160 . Storage area  220  can be segmented to hold a computer useful in relation to the testing processes and reagents and other chemicals used in the testing process. In some embodiments, storage area  220  is open, while in other embodiments, a hinged door (not shown) covers storage area  220 . In addition, a drain pipe  210  can couple an external drain to drain  138  of basin  130 . Test station  10  can also include leveling controls  230  operable to adjust the orientation of test station  10 .  
         [0030]    Turning to FIG. 3, a left side view  300  of test station  10  is depicted. Left side view  300  illustrates the slanted top of test equipment section  150  and record section  160 . This angle provides a variety of advantages. For example, when liquids are spilled on the surface of test equipment section  150  and/or record section  160 , the liquid drains off the surface without any effort on the operator&#39;s part. In addition, the angle precludes storage of items on test station  10 . Thus, when an operator desires to start a test, he is not required to first remove items from test station  10 . Record area  170  is also shown in left side view  300 . As illustrated, record are  170  has a level interior surface protected under the acrylic cover. FIG. 4 depicts a right side view  400  of test station  10 . As illustrated, test equipment station  120  is disposed within tests station  10  similar to that previously discussed in relation to record area  170 . This can be important as various test equipment operate more effectively when deployed in a level orientation. Also shown is the drain  410  leading from accessory basin  180  to basin  130 .  
         [0031]    Some embodiments of the present invention are electronically enabled. FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram  600  of such an electronically enabled test station. Included is a connector interface  610  that can include power and data distribution ports. In some embodiments, connector interface  610  is distributed to three locations. Part of connector interface  610  is located at the back of storage area  220  and includes power  634  and data  632  connections for a computer  630 . Another part of connector interface  610  is located on the back vertical wall of test equipment area  120  and includes power  624  and data  622  connections for a test equipment  620 . Yet another part of connector interface  610  is located on the back vertical wall of record area  170  and includes power  644  and data  642  connections for an electronic log sheet  640 . Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that connector interface  610  can be mounted in a number of different ways, or together as a single interface. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the electronic log sheet may be replaced by another type of electronic display and/or input device, or by a pad of paper. Yet further, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one or more of computer  630 , test equipment  620 , and/or electronic log sheet  640  may or may not be included, or that other components may be included. Further, a printer  670  can be communicably coupled to computer  630 , test equipment  620 , and/or electronic log sheet  640  via a communication link  672 . Printer  670  can print various test reports.  
         [0032]    In one particular embodiment, data connections  622 ,  632 , and  632  are Universal Serial Bus connections allowing for communication between electronic log sheet  640  and computer  630 , and between test equipment  620  and computer  630 . In addition, connector interface  610  can include a data connection  612  communicably coupling the test station to a communication network. Further, a power source  614  is provided that can connect the test station to a power source such as, for example, a 120V AC outlet. In one particular embodiment, data connection  612  is a WiFi connection as is known in the art.  
         [0033]    In operation, a test can be performed using test equipment  620 . Instructions for the test can be displayed on electronic log sheet  640  along with the test results received from test equipment  620 . A user can use the stylus to accept the test results, in which case the test results are stored electronically on a computer readable medium associated with computer  630 . Electronic log sheet  640  may also display a range a acceptable test results, and based on these ranges, the operator may decide to run the test again to assure the accuracy of the results before recording the results.  
         [0034]    In some cases, the results can be communicated to an external storage area via connection  612 . FIG. 6 depicts a system  500  where such a process is carried out. System  500  includes an electronically enabled test station  510  communicably coupled to a communication network  530  via data connection  612 . System  500  further includes a pool monitoring set  540  comprising one or more pool monitoring equipment  542 ,  544 ,  546 . Such pool monitoring equipment can include, for example, temperature sensors, water level sensors, chemical sensors, pool area humidity and temperature sensors, filter operation sensors, and/or the like. Pool monitoring equipment  542 ,  544 ,  546  can be individually coupled to communication network  530  via data links  552 ,  562 ,  572 . Alternatively, pool monitoring equipment  542 ,  544 ,  546  can be communicably coupled to a computer (not shown) that is in turn communicably coupled to communication network  530 . System  500  also includes a monitoring server  520  that includes a CPU  524  and a computer readable medium  524 . Monitoring server  520  can be communicably coupled to communication network  530  via datalink  526 .  
         [0035]    Communication network  530  can be any communication network capable of providing communications between the various elements of system  500 . In some embodiments, communication network  530  is the Internet providing message based communication between test station  510  and monitoring server  520 , and between pool monitoring equipment set  540  and monitoring server  520 . In other embodiments, communication network  530  comprises a TCP/IP compliant virtual private network (VPN). In yet other embodiments, communication network  530  includes the Internet for communication between test station  510  and monitoring server  520 , and a VPN between pool monitoring equipment set  540  and monitoring server  520 . However, it should be recognized that other communication networks could be used to provide similar functionality. For example, communication network  530  can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telephone network, a cellular telephone network, a virtual private network (VPN), the Internet, an optical network, a wireless network, or any other similar communication network or combination thereof.  
         [0036]    In operation, pool monitoring set  540  monitors various attributes of a pool and periodically, or on an alarm basis, reports the sensed status of the pool to monitoring server  520  via communication network  530 . Further, the results of periodic tests run by an operator using test station  510  can also be communicated to monitoring server  520  via communication network  530 . Monitoring server  520  can maintain a record of the results on computer readable medium  522 . Further, in some cases, monitoring server  520  can forward instructions to pool monitoring set  540  to cause changes in the status of the pool. For example, an instruction to increase a chemical level can be sent. Thus, a pool can be monitored, and in some cases controlled remotely.  
         [0037]    The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, it should be recognized that many other systems, functions, methods, and combinations thereof are possible in accordance with the present invention. Thus, although the invention is described with reference to specific embodiments and figures thereof, the embodiments and figures are merely illustrative, and not limiting of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined solely by the appended claims.