Patent Description:
The present invention relates generally to a self-maintaining immersion structure. More specifically, the immersion structure includes a generator device which generates nano bubbles for cleaning water in the hot tub or spa. Attributes of nano bubbles (e.g., stability, surface charge, neutral buoyancy, scarification, oxidation, etc.) allow the nano bubbles to treat the water and/or surfaces in the absence of chemicals. Some embodiments include the incorporation of ozone gas and/or UV in partnership with the nano bubbles.

A conventional immersion structure (e.g., hot tubs, spas, swim spas, whirlpool bathtubs, basin of water, pool, showerhead, and whirlpool baths) includes a plumbing system and at least one pump that cooperate to circulate water between a water intake and jets positioned under the water level of the immersion structure. In many immersion structures, air from an adjustable air valve or other ventilating system is mixed with the water circulated through jets or nozzles to increase impingement thereof on the body. Water in the immersion structure can be kept over a period of time and reused. The reuse of the water can lead to fluctuations in the cleanliness of the water and surfaces of the immersion structure and plumbing system. Chemicals can be repeatedly added to the water in order to improve the quality of the water. However, users of the immersion structure are necessarily exposed to the added chemicals and can experience adverse reactions therefrom. Further, the chemicals can cause harm to the plumbing system and components of the immersions structures. <CIT> discloses a self-maintaining immersion structure comprising: a shell forming a receptacle sized and shaped to hold water; and a plumbing system comprising a nano bubble generator, the plumbing system being configured to circulate the water between the receptacle and at least the nano bubble generator. A further immersion structure is disclosed in <CIT>. <CIT> discloses cleaning assembly providing water full of nano-scale bubbles for cleaning, disinfecting and repairing for excretory and reproductive organs.

According to some embodiments, the immersion structure (e.g., hot tubs, spas, swim spas, basin of water, pool, showerhead, whirlpool bathtubs, and whirlpool baths) described herein includes a water treatment system. According the invention, the water treatment system includes a generator for generating nano bubbles which clean the water circulating within the immersion structure and/or clean the immersion structure itself.

According to the invention, the water treatment system is integrated into a plumbing system of the immersion structure to clean and purify the water and/or surfaces within the plumbing system. This can reduce the need for chemical sanitizers and allow the immersion structure to be self-maintaining.

In certain embodiments, the water treatment system can maintain a drinking level quality of the water and decrease the time needed to clean or purify the water after the immersion structure is used.

In certain embodiments, the water treatment system maintains visibly clear water by both killing bacteria but also because nano bubbles are not visible to the naked eye. In certain embodiments, the immersion structure can be odor free and generate reduced amounts of off-gas during use and when covered. Further, since fluctuations in water quality (e.g., pH, alkalinity levels, etc.) are reduced by the water treatment systems disclosed herein, the need for user maintenance is also reduced. User intervention to balance the need for draining and filling the immersion structure versus chemically shocking the water can be reduced or eliminated.

A self-maintaining immersion structure according to the invention is defined by the features of claim <NUM>.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plurality of nano-bubbles produce hydroxyl radicals.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plurality of nano-bubbles comprises ozone.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the nano bubbles have a density of at least. <NUM>% and/or less than or equal to. <NUM>% of ozone by weight.

According to the invention the plurality of nano-bubbles have a mean diameter of less than <NUM> microns.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the nano bubbles have a mean diameter less than <NUM>.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the nano bubbles have a mean diameter ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plurality of nano-bubbles do not coalesce for more than <NUM> hour.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plumbing system further comprises an ozone generator, and wherein the ozone generator is configured to provide ozone to the nano bubble generator, the plurality of nano bubbles comprising the ozone.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the ozone generator has a flow rate, considering that 1SCFH corresponds to <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>m<NUM>/s, of at least. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to <NUM> SCFH, for example between. <NUM> SCFH and. <NUM> SCFH.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the ozone generator provides <NUM> to <NUM>/hr of ozone.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plumbing system further comprises a UV system configured to sanitize the water before the water enters the nano-bubble generator.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the UV system is disposed in the plumbing system directly upstream from the nano bubble generator.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the nano bubbles in the water have a concentration of at least <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> nano-bubbles/ml.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the nano bubbles are stable in the water for at least one month under ambient pressure and temperature.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the nano bubble are filled with a gas.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the gas has a pressure of at least <NUM> bar (<NUM> PSI) and/or less than or equal to <NUM> bar (<NUM> PSI).

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein, the gas is selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, ozone, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, mineral gas, and combinations thereof.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the gas comprises one or more additives.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more additives are selected from the group consisting of minerals, nutrients, and aromatherapy scents or oils.

A variation of the aspect above further comprises a recirculation pump configured to pump water through the nano bubble generator.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the recirculation pump has a flow rate, considering that 1gallon per minute corresponds to <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>m<NUM>/s, of at least <NUM> gallons per minute and/or less than or equal to <NUM> gallons per minute.

A variation of the aspect above further comprises one or more jets disposed in the receptacle.

A variation of the aspect above further comprises a cabinet housing the shell.

A variation of the aspect above further comprises a control system having one or more sensors configured to measure one or more of a water quality parameter or a concentration of nano bubbles in the water.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the nano bubble generator comprises a gas-permeable member.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the gas-permeable member comprises a rigid, ceramic member.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the gas-permeable member comprises a porous sidewall having a mean pore size ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>.

A variation of the aspect above further comprises a control system having one or more sensors configured to monitor performance of the nano bubble generator.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the plumbing system further comprises an ozone generator, and wherein the ozone generator can be configured to provide ozone to the nano bubble generator, the plurality of nano bubbles comprising the ozone.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a pressure sensor that can be configured to measure a pressure of zone entering the nano bubble generator.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the control system can be configured to issue an alert when the sensor measures a drop in the pressure, the alert can be indicative of a failure in water treatment.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the control system can be configured to issue an alert when the pressure falls below <NUM> bar (<NUM> PSI).

The immersion structure includes a receptacle sized and shaped to hold water and a plumbing system comprising a nano bubble generator. The plumbing system can be configured to circulate the water between the receptacle and at least the nano bubble generator. The nano bubble generator being configured to create and inject a plurality of nano bubbles into the plumbing system. According to an embodiment, the structure can further include a control system configured to measure at least one of (<NUM>) a water quality parameter or (<NUM>) a concentration of nano bubbles in the water and adjust one or more operating parameters of the plumbing system based on the measurement to improve cleaning efficiency.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the immersion structure is a hot tub.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the immersion structure is a swim spa.

According to some embodiments, which are not part of the claims, a water quality monitoring and treatment system for remotely monitoring operation of an immersion structure that includes at least a nano-bubble generator includes a monitoring system configured to receive sensor data indicative of an operational status of the nano-bubble generator, a treatment algorithm configured to identify outcomes for the nano-bubble generator based on changes in one or more operational parameters for the immersion structure, a control system configured to change the one or more operational parameters based at least in part on the treatment algorithm, and a communication network configured to facilitate data transfer between the control system and a client device, the transferred data comprising at least the sensor data, and wherein the client device is configured to receive input from a user.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the treatment algorithm employs machine learning.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the communication network is wireless, and wherein at least some of the functionality of the control system or the treatment algorithm is disposed on the client device.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein a smart app is configured to perform at least some of the functionality of the control system or the treatment algorithm.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the smart app is configured to run on the client device.

According to some embodiments, which are not part of the claims, a container is configured to couple to a port of a plumbing system for an immersion structure. The plumbing system comprises a nano bubble generator configured to create and inject a plurality of nano bubbles into the plumbing system. The container comprises a receptacle configured to store an additive for injecting into the plurality of nano bubbles and an opening configured to releasably connect to the port so as to allow the additive to be injected into the nano bubbles.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the additive is a mineral.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the additive is a nutrient.

A variation of the aspect above is, wherein the additive is an aromatherapy scent or oil.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing figures or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of an exemplary immersion structure <NUM> (e.g., hot tub, spa, swim spa, basin of water, pool, showerhead, whirlpool bathtub, and whirlpool bath) that includes a water treatment system <NUM>. The immersion structure <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a hot tub.

According to the invention, the water treatment system <NUM> comprises a nano bubble generator <NUM> which generates nano bubbles. As described further below, nano bubbles have several unique properties which are advantageous to water quality. For example, nano bubbles can be neutrally buoyant, negatively charged, and primed for oxidative reactions, enabling them to distribute oxygen throughout the water while removing water contaminants and pathogens. Their negatively charged surfaces allows the nano bubbles to have a long lifetime in the water. Nano bubbles can have high internal pressure which improve gas solubility into the water. One or more of these unique properties can allow the nano bubbles to efficiently treat the water within the immersion structure <NUM>. Conversely, micro and macro bubbles do not exhibit these same properties. For example, micro and macro bubbles are larger in size and thus rise rapidly and burst at the water surface.

In certain embodiments, the immersion structure <NUM> comprises a shell <NUM> forming a basin or receptacle <NUM>. As shown, the basin <NUM> includes a volume of circulating water and is large enough to accommodate one or more users therein.

According to the invention, the immersion structure <NUM> comprises a plumbing system <NUM>. The plumbing system <NUM> can be in flow communication with the basin <NUM> so as to circulate water between the basin <NUM> and the water treatment system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the plumbing system <NUM> is housed in a cabinet <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the basin <NUM> is located in the cabinet <NUM>.

The water treatment system <NUM> iis implemented to clean and/or sanitize the water circulating in the immersion structure <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> cleans the water contained within the basin <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the plumbing system <NUM> pumps water thorough a variety of jet nozzles, waterfalls, or other inlet features that allow for the flow of water to enter the basin <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the water treatment system <NUM> of the plumbing system <NUM> is contained in the cabinet <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the water treatment system <NUM> is accessible and serviceable inside the cabinet <NUM>. In other embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> is disposed outside of the cabinet <NUM> but still in flow communication with the plumbing system <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a schematic of the plumbing system <NUM> from <FIG> that incorporates the water treatment system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the plumbing system <NUM> comprises suction fittings <NUM> which pull water from the basin <NUM> and into the plumbing system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction fittings <NUM> are in fluid communication with one or more pumps <NUM> within the plumbing system <NUM>. The one or more pumps <NUM> can be configured to draw water from the basin <NUM> through a filter <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the filter <NUM> helps clean and purify the water.

In certain embodiments, the plumbing system <NUM> comprises a circulation pump <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the circulation pump <NUM> is in fluid communication downstream of the filter <NUM> and is used to increase the flow rate of the water upon leaving the filter <NUM>. In some cases, considering that <NUM> gallon per minute corresponds to <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>m<NUM>/s, the circulation pump <NUM> can have a flow rate of at least <NUM> gallons per minute and/or less than or equal to <NUM> gallons per minute, at least <NUM> gallons per minute and/or less than or equal to <NUM> gallons per minute, and/or at least <NUM> gallons per minute and/or less than or equal to <NUM> gallons per minute. The circulation pump <NUM> can operate <NUM> hours per day. In some cases, however, the circulation pump operates for less than <NUM> hours per day. In certain embodiments, the circulation pump <NUM> moves the water to one or more of the water treatment system <NUM>, a waterfall <NUM>, and/or a heater <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, water that enters the water treatment system <NUM> is then returned to the basin <NUM> through a return <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, water that is diverted to the waterfall <NUM> is returned to the basin <NUM> through the waterfall feature. For example, in certain embodiments, water that is diverted to the heater <NUM> is heated and returned to the basin <NUM> through the return <NUM>. In certain embodiments, an exterior drain is attached to the flow line between the heater <NUM> and the heat return <NUM>. The water circulating through the plumbing system <NUM> can, in some cases, have a temperature of at least <NUM> (<NUM> °F) and/ or less than or equal to <NUM> (<NUM> °F). In some cases, the water can have a temperature of at least <NUM> (<NUM> °F) and/or less than or equal to <NUM> (<NUM> °F), at least <NUM> (<NUM> °F) and/ or less than or equal to <NUM> (<NUM> °F), at least <NUM> (<NUM> °F) and/or less than or equal to <NUM> (<NUM> °F), and/or at least <NUM> (<NUM> °F) and/or less than or equal to <NUM> (<NUM> °F).

In certain embodiments, the plumbing system <NUM> comprises one or more flow lines <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the flow line <NUM> transports water and can be configured as a pipe, tube, or channel. In certain embodiments, one or more of the above mentioned structures of the plumbing system <NUM> connects to the next structure via one or more flow lines <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the plumbing system <NUM> comprises a flow switch <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the flow switch <NUM> is configured to control water flow between the exterior drain <NUM> and the heater <NUM>. In this way, the flow switch <NUM> can divert water back to the circulation pump <NUM> and the one or more pumps <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the plumbing system <NUM> comprises an air bleed valve <NUM> located upstream of the circulation pump <NUM> and the one or more pumps <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the air bleed valve <NUM> is configured to release trapped gas from the plumbing system <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a schematic of invention, in which the water treatment system <NUM> from <FIG> includes a gas generator <NUM> and a nano bubble generator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the nano bubble generator <NUM> is in flow communication with the gas generator <NUM> via a gas line <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, water from the plumbing system <NUM> enters and leaves the nano bubble generator <NUM> via the flow line <NUM>. As is explained in more detail below, the water exiting the nano bubble generator <NUM> is comprised of nano bubbles.

According to the invention, the nano bubbles are filed or injected with a gas (e.g., air, ozone, mineral gas, etc.) , the gas can be selected to enhance the cleaning effect the nano bubbles have on the water. In certain embodiments, the gas can comprise one or more additives (e.g., minerals, nutrients, and/or aromatherapy scents or oils, etc.) to enhance the user's experience. In certain embodiments, the injection of certain minerals and/or nutrients within the nano bubbles can provide skin and/or health benefits to the user. For example, in certain embodiments, symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis, acne, eczema, and dry scalp can be relieved by the skin absorbing the mineral and nutrients released by the nano bubbles. In certain embodiments, the minerals and/or nutrients within the nano bubbles can help improve vascular health by increasing blood circulation of the user. In certain embodiments, the minerals and/or nutrients within the nano bubbles can improve the user's metabolism. The injection of certain aromatherapy scents or oils within the nano bubbles can promote health and well-being of the user.

In certain embodiments, the additives (e.g., minerals, nutrients, and/or aromatherapy scents or oils, etc.) are provided to the user in one or more containers. The container can be configured for the user to simply couple the container to a port on the water treatment system <NUM> so as to allow the additive in the container to be injected into the nano bubbles. In certain embodiments, the port is disposed on a component water treatment system <NUM>. In this way, when the additive in the container is consumed, the user can simply disengage the empty container from the port and then connect a new filled container.

In certain embodiments, the port is sized and shaped to engage containers of different additives. In certain embodiments, the port is sized and shaped to engage a specific container that contains a certain additives.

In certain embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> comprises a plurality of ports to allow the user to connect more than one container at the same time. In certain embodiments, a first container can comprise a supplemental port for coupling a second container to the first container. In certain embodiments, the additive in the second container can enhance the beneficial effect of the additive from the first container. In certain embodiments, the additive in the second container is selected to flow into the first container before being injected into the nano bubbles. The order in which the additives are combined can be controlled so as to enhance a desired beneficial effect from the combination of the additives. In this way, the user experience can be enhanced by any desired combination of additives being injected into the nano bubbles.

<FIG> depicts a schematic of an embodiment of the water treatment system <NUM> from <FIG> that is similar to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> but also includes a UV system <NUM> disposed upstream of the nano bubble generator <NUM>. Locating the UV system <NUM> upstream of the nano bubble generator <NUM> may delay exposure of the nano bubbles to the UV system <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the UV sanitizing system <NUM> is located upstream of the nano-bubble generator <NUM> but the disclosure is not so limited. For example, in other embodiments, the UV sanitizing system <NUM> is located downstream of the nano bubble generator <NUM> or in another location within the plumbing system <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> comprises a control system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> can comprise one or more sensors or other means for measuring (<NUM>) one or more water quality parameter; (<NUM>) a concentration of nano bubbles in the water. In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> may be either closed-loop or open. The one or more sensors can be positioned anywhere within the water treatment system <NUM>, for example within the nano bubble generator <NUM>, at an inlet of the nano bubble generator <NUM>, in a flow path between a gas generator and the nano bubble generator <NUM>, or any other positioned suitable for detecting the desired parameters. In certain embodiments, the one or more sensors detect a pressure change in the nano bubble generator <NUM>, for example a pressure change in the incoming gas (e.g., air, oxygen, ozone, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, mineral gas, or combinations thereof). A pressure change may indicate the operational status of the nano bubble generator <NUM>. For example, a pressure increase could indicate flow through the nano bubble generator <NUM> is not being treated and may alert the user to check the equipment for failures for example in the gas generator or check valves. A pressure decrease could indicate that pressure at the nano bubble generator <NUM> is not optimal for bubble generation and/or that water is flowing back to the bubble generator <NUM>, which could indicate a failure in nano bubble treatment. A pressure change (e.g., of at least <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, etc.) at the nano bubble generator <NUM> can cause the one or more sensors to alert the user to check the equipment. Optimal pressure and flow rate can beneficially prevent the bubbles generated by the bubble generator <NUM> from bursting and thus ensure proper operation of the bubble generator <NUM>. Higher flow rates than those described herein may cause the nano bubbles to burst or prevent the gas from properly transferring to the nano bubbles. Thus, the one or more sensors may include flow sensors to monitor flow through the water treatment system, for example at or near the circulation pump or the bubble generator or at any location therebetween. In other embodiments, the flow sensor may be downstream from the bubble generator. In certain embodiments, a conductivity sensor monitors the operational status of the nano bubble generator <NUM>. For example, the sensor could detect a change in the charge of the water as the water passes through the nano bubble generator <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the one or more sensors monitor one or more operating parameters (e.g., pressure, flow, timing, contact time that is needed to treat the water, output of ozone to treat the water, performance of the UV system <NUM>) of the nano bubble generator <NUM> to ensure treatment meets performance criteria. In certain embodiments, cleaning performance of the water treatment system <NUM> can be improved by changing one or more of: contact time, flow rate, ozone output, and/or gas injection pressure. In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> is configured to change one or more operating parameters of the plumbing system <NUM> in response to the one or more measurements.

In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> communicates with an external local area network (LAN) or mobile carrier's network. In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> includes a LAN module, a WiFi module and/or a cellular module. In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> comprises an antenna. In certain embodiments, the Wi-Fi module connects the control system <NUM> to the LAN via a Wi-Fi connection.

In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> comprises the cellular module. In certain embodiments, the cellular module communicates to the Internet via a mobile carrier's network. Depending on the location and carrier, various standards, such as GPRS, GSM, and CDMA, and the like may apply. In certain embodiments, the user controls the control system <NUM> from an Internet enabled user device via its web browser, custom software, or a dedicated application. Internet enabled user devices include tablets, smart phones, computers, laptops, tablets, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the user sends commands to a webpage on the internet enabled user device. In certain embodiments, the user interacts with a dedicated application running on their Internet enabled user device. In certain embodiments, the dedicated application is written for various platforms, such as iPhone, Android, or the like. The application then communicates with the control system <NUM>. In this way, the user is able to monitor the operating parameters/condition of the plumbing system <NUM> (e.g., the nano bubble generator <NUM>) as well as change one or more operating parameters.

In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> comprises one or more controllers <NUM> (e.g. one or more microcontrollers). The one or more controllers <NUM> can be arrange on one or more printed circuit boards (PCB). For example, in certain embodiments, a controller <NUM> can be disposed on a motherboard and another controller <NUM> can be disposed on a daughterboard. In this way, the daughterboard can optionally plug into and extend the circuitry of the motherboard to accommodate additional components and/or functionality. In certain embodiments, the connection(s) between the daughterboard and the motherboard provides for the transmission of power, ground, and/or electrical signals.

In certain embodiments, the daughterboard can connect to an existing port (e.g., serial port for stereo connection, etc.) on the motherboard to function as a daughterboard to the motherboard. In certain embodiments, the existing port is available for connecting either the stereo (for example) or the nano bubble generator <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the connection that was originally provided by the existing port (e.g., serial port for stereo connection, etc.) on the motherboard can be duplicated on the daughterboard. In this way, the connection (e.g., serial port for stereo connection, etc.) on the motherboard that is now being employed to connect the daughterboard is provided on the daughterboard. Continuing with this example, the serial port for the stereo connection becomes available on the daughterboard when the daughterboard is added to the motherboard. In this way, the stereo connection on the daughterboard can passthrough to the motherboard. Of course, the connection can be any type of connection (e.g., serial, USB, PCI, PCIe, AGP) for any type of functionality (stereo, water sensor, temp sensor, flow sensor, etc.). In certain embodiments, a dongle can be employed to electrically connect the motherboard to the daughterboard.

In certain embodiments, the one or more controllers <NUM> can be dedicated to operate/control certain components of the immersion structure <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, a first controller <NUM> can be disposed on the daughterboard and configured to control one or more components of the immersion structure <NUM> (e.g., one or more of the nano bubble generator <NUM>, gas generator <NUM>, etc.). Continuing with this example, a second controller <NUM> can disposed on the motherboard and configured to control the one or more components of the immersion structure <NUM> not controlled by the first controller <NUM>.

An advantage of employing a separate controller <NUM> on a daughterboard is to allow the user the option of adding certain components and their related functionalities to an existing immersion structure <NUM>. For example, the nano bubble generator <NUM> and/or the gas generator <NUM> could be added to an existing immersion structure <NUM>. A daughterboard could be added extending the circuitry of the motherboard to support a controller <NUM> dedicated to controlling the added component(s).

In certain embodiments, the nano bubble generator <NUM> requires an input voltage between <NUM> V and <NUM> V. In certain embodiments, the nano bubble generator <NUM> draws about <NUM> mA. Of course, the power requirements of the nano bubble generator <NUM> need not be the values listed above and can instead be any other values depending on the design and operation of the nano bubble generator <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the one or more controllers <NUM> communicate and/or control operation of the nano bubble generator <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, the nano bubble generator <NUM> sends signal to the controller <NUM> when nanobubble generation stops or has an error condition. For example, an error may occur when the control system <NUM> determines a level of current being drawn by the nano bubble generator <NUM> drops below a predetermined or preset level. As explained below, in certain embodiments, the treatment algorithm <NUM> and/or the control system <NUM> informs or notifies the user that the nano bubble generator <NUM> is not working properly or is not working at an optimum level.

In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> sends signals to the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> to turn on during a filtration cycle for the immersion structure <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the signals sent to the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> include one or more operating parameters for the operation of the nano bubble generator <NUM> and/or the gas generator <NUM> during the filtration cycle.

In some cases, the filtration cycle includes one or more cycle modes. For example, the filtration cycle can include a first cycle mode where the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> are turned on for or about <NUM> hours per day. In a second cycle mode, the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> can be turned on for or about <NUM> hours per day. In a third cycle mode, the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> can be turned on for or about <NUM> hours per day. The cycle modes can last less than or more than the periods above (e.g., less than or more than <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours). The on periods of any of the cycle modes can be continuous or non-continuous. For example, in a continuous mode, the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> can be on for <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> consecutive hours. In a non-continuous mode, the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> can be turned on and off periodically throughout the day. Using the first cycle mode as an example, the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> can be turned on for four <NUM>-hour periods and turned off for four <NUM>-hour periods. In the second cycle mode, the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> can be turned on for four <NUM>-hour periods and turned off for four <NUM>-hour periods. In the third cycle mode, the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> can be turned on for four <NUM>-hour periods and turned off for four <NUM>-hour periods. In the non-continuous mode, the duration and number of on and off periods can vary. For example, each cycle mode can include two or more on periods of the same or different duration and one or more off periods of the same or different duration.

In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> sends signals to the nano bubble generator <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> to turn off when pumps for the one or more jets 1002B are in operation. In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> and/or components of the immersion structure <NUM> communicate via Modbus or any other communication protocol. As explained below, in certain embodiments, the system <NUM> communicates via Modbus (or any other communication protocol) to one or more IoT devices.

In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> (e.g., a controller <NUM> for the immersion structure <NUM> or for the nano bubble generator <NUM>) provides a counter of days of life remaining for the gas generator <NUM>. As described below, the system <NUM> can display the days remaining to the user. In certain embodiments, preset consumer usage profiles (e.g., light user, heavy user, etc.) are used by the control system <NUM> to operate one or more components of the immersion structure <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an illustration of the water treatment system <NUM> from <FIG> in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the nano bubble generator <NUM> is in-line with the circulation pump <NUM> and the flow line <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas generator <NUM> is embodied as a pressurized tank of the desired gas but is not so limited. In other embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> generates the desired gas via one or more chemical reactions. For example, in certain embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> creates ozone from ambient air by adding energy in the form an electrical charge to oxygen molecules in the ambient air.

In certain embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> comprises a compressor <NUM> in flow communication with the nano bubble generator <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the compressor <NUM> connects to gas inlet <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the compressor <NUM> increases the pressure of the gas produced by the gas generator <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the compressor <NUM> provides <NUM> liters per minute at <NUM> atm. In some cases, the compressor <NUM> provides at least. <NUM> liters per minute and/or less than or equal to <NUM> liters per minute, at greater than or equal to <NUM> atm and/or less than or equal to <NUM> atm. Of course, the operational parameters of the compressor <NUM> are not limited to the listed values and can instead be any other values depending on the design and desired function of the compressor <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the compressor <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> are disposed in a single enclosure <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the single enclosure <NUM> includes connections for power and/or communication. In certain embodiments, the voltage required by the single enclosure <NUM> is <NUM> V or <NUM> V. In certain embodiments, the single enclosure <NUM> operates on <NUM> or <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> is designed so that any off-gassing does not exceed UL <NUM> Standard for Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and Associated Equipment.

In certain embodiments, the compressor <NUM> and the gas generator <NUM> are designed for an average life of <NUM> years of operation based on <NUM> hours of daily operation as assumed "normal" use. In certain embodiments, the single enclosure <NUM> comprises a wired connector (e.g., Molex) for connecting to components of the immersion structure <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> produces gas at a high enough pressure that the compressor <NUM> is not needed. Further, in other embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> functions to both produce and pressurize the gas entering the nano bubble generator <NUM>.

<FIG> is a picture of a portion of the plumbing system <NUM> from <FIG> that includes the nano bubble generator <NUM> of the water treatment system <NUM>. As is illustrated, the water treatment system <NUM> fits into the cabinet <NUM> of the immersion structure <NUM> along with the rest of the plumbing system <NUM> so as to be easily accessible by the user. In some cases, the dimensions of the bubble generator <NUM> are such that allow the bubble generator <NUM> to fit into the cabinet <NUM>. The bubble generator <NUM> can have a length dimension of less than for equal to about <NUM> inches, or less than or equal to about <NUM> inches, less than or equal to about <NUM> inches, for example about <NUM> in. The bubble generator <NUM> can have a width dimension of less than or equal to about <NUM> inches, less than or equal to about <NUM> inches, or less than or equal to about <NUM> inches, for example by about <NUM> in. In other embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> may be located outside of the cabinet <NUM>. The components of the water treatment system <NUM> may be detachably attached within the plumbing system <NUM> and replaceable as a serviceable part. In certain embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> itself may be detachably attached to the plumbing system <NUM> and replaceable as a serviceable system.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the nano bubble generator <NUM> from <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, the nano bubble generator <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> can have a generally cylindrical outer shape. In certain embodiments, the nano bubble generator <NUM> comprises a tube <NUM> which will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube <NUM> spans between end walls <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and is rigidly supported within the housing <NUM>. An exemplary embodiment of the nano bubble generator <NUM> is disclosed in <CIT>, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

In certain embodiments, the flow line <NUM> is in fluid communication with each end wall <NUM> of the nano bubble generator <NUM>. In this way, water entering the nano bubble generator <NUM> enters via the flow line <NUM> through inlet <NUM> and leaves through outlet <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the circulation pump <NUM> is connected to the inlet <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a pressure regulator is disposed between the circulation pump <NUM> and the inlet <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, a pressurized source of the desired gas is connected via gas inlet <NUM> to the tube <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the tube <NUM> preferably includes a rigid material adapted to maintain a constant pore size when filled with the pressurized gas. For example, the tube <NUM> can be made of a material having sufficient strength or wall thickness for maintaining a constant pore size when the pressurized gas is introduced into a lumen of the tube <NUM>. In certain embodiments, having a constant pore size in the wall of the tube <NUM> can be beneficial for controlling the diameter range and mean diameter of the nano bubbles formed on the outer surface of the tube <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the tube <NUM> can be a commercially available single channel ceramic membrane coated with metallic oxides (such as alumina, titania, zirconia, manganese, or combinations thereof). The dimensions of the ceramic membrane is not limited to any form or size and can be in the form of a monolith, multichannel tubes, etc. In certain embodiments, a singular mean pore size of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM> micron) can be employed depending on the size of the desired nano bubble. Examples of commercially available single channel ceramic membranes coated in either an Al<NUM>O<NUM> or TiO<NUM> crystalline coating with a known mean pore size are those sold by Inopor GmbH. In certain embodiments, the tube can be one meter long, with a hollow lumen of at least <NUM>, and up to <NUM>, in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, an external diameter of the tube <NUM> can range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In certain embodiments, several tubes <NUM> can be contained within the housing <NUM> to increase nano bubble production. In certain embodiments, the tube <NUM> can be detachably mounted inside the housing <NUM> and replaced as a serviceable part. In certain embodiments, the liquid (e.g., water) is fed by the circulation pump <NUM> into the inlet <NUM>.

As is illustrated in <FIG>, the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> are parallel to the flow line <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the inlet <NUM> and/or the outlet <NUM> may not be parallel (e.g., skew, perpendicular, etc.) so as increase any turbulence of the water within the nano bubble generator <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, the inlet <NUM> and/or the outlet <NUM> may be positioned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube <NUM> in order to force a circular or spiral motion of water around the tube <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, the inlet <NUM> and/or the outlet <NUM> may be positioned tangential to the housing <NUM> to allow entry of the water into the housing <NUM> without significant losses and to generate a spiraling motion. The tube <NUM> and the housing <NUM> can also be arranged and spaced respectively to one another to prevent clogging of the water.

The size and shape of the nano bubble generator <NUM> is not limited to the cylindrical structure of the housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> can have a shape that forces a circular or spiral motion of the fluid around the tube <NUM>. In other embodiments, the housing <NUM> can have a shaped that increases the turbulence of the water passing through, such as, but not limited to a box, pyramid, or other three dimensional shape.

The gas used in the nano bubble generator <NUM> to generate the nano bubbles can be any gas (e.g., oxygen, ozone, air, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or combinations thereof). As the tube <NUM> is closed apart from at its inlet <NUM>, the gas entering the tube <NUM> can only escape through the pores in the tube <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a pressure differential is maintained between the gas pressure inside the tube <NUM> and the water pressure outside the tube <NUM> so that gas is forced through the pores of the tube <NUM>. The gas emerges as nano bubbles into the flowing stream of water passing through the housing <NUM>. The flowing stream of water carries away the nano bubbles as they form and before they coalesce into larger bubbles. In certain embodiments, the velocity of the liquid can be <NUM>/s or greater (e.g., at least <NUM>/s, or <NUM>/s).

It is known that <NUM> PSI corresponds to <NUM> bar. In certain embodiments, the gas pressure inside the tube <NUM> is <NUM> PSI or above. In some cases, the gas pressure inside the tube <NUM> is at least about <NUM> PSI and/or less than or equal to <NUM> PSI, including values or ranges therebetween, for example between about <NUM> PSI and <NUM> PSI, between about <NUM> PSI and <NUM> PSI, between about <NUM> PSI and <NUM> PSI, between about <NUM> PSI and <NUM> PSI. The gas pressure inside the tube <NUM> can also be at least about <NUM> PSI and/or less than or equal to <NUM> PSI, including values or ranges therebetween. Beneficially, the gas pressure inside the tube <NUM> can maintain bubble generation and prevent bubbles from breaking up. The gas can have a humidity ranging from about <NUM>% to or about <NUM>% including values or ranges therebetween (e.g., about <NUM>% to or about <NUM>% , about <NUM>% to or about <NUM>% , about <NUM>% to or about <NUM>% , about <NUM>% to or about <NUM>%, etc.) and have a temperature of less than or equal to <NUM> (<NUM> °F).

In certain embodiments, the water exiting the housing <NUM> includes nano bubbles having a mean diameter less than <NUM> micron. In certain embodiments, the created nano bubbles have a mean diameter ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and other values between the listed values. In certain embodiments, the nano bubbles in the composition may have a unimodal distribution of diameters, where the mean bubble diameter is less than <NUM> micron.

In certain embodiments, the nano bubble generator <NUM> is capable of generating greater than <NUM> million nanobubbles per milliliter of water passing through.

In certain embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> disclosed herein can produce compositions in which the water contains nano bubbles that remain stable over a desired time. In some embodiments, the nano bubbles are stable in the water for at least one month, and preferably at least <NUM> months, under ambient pressure and temperature. In certain embodiments, the smaller surface area and high solubility of the nano bubbles allows the nano-bubbles to be more efficient at transferring gases such as oxygen into the water than conventional aeration.

In certain embodiments, the nano bubbles purify the water due to the production of hydroxyl radicals, a reactive oxygen species. Hydroxyl radicals are formed when a nano bubble interacts with a stimulus, such as an external force, that causes the nano bubble to collapse. This stimulus could be UV, sunlight, aeration, mixing, etc. Hydroxyl radicals serve to degrade algae and pathogens by weakening cell integrity which in turn breaks down these organics and others such as toxins, taste and odor compounds, and emerging contaminants. In certain embodiments, the nano bubbles do not rise and burst like normal bubbles but rather through a phenomenon known as Brownian motion.

An advantage of the nanobubble generator <NUM> is that it increases the amount of gas in the water by introducing two forms of gas into the water: dissolved gas and nano bubbles. Thus, in certain embodiments, if oxygen is used as the gas, and water as the liquid, the nano bubble generator <NUM> is capable of producing greater than <NUM>% oxygen transfer efficiency regardless of the water depth. In certain embodiments, the nano bubbles transfer gas <NUM> times more efficiently than traditional means and can evenly oxygenate the flowing water. In certain embodiments, this results in dissolved oxygen levels produced in the water that are both stable and uniform. In certain embodiments, off-gassing is minimalized due to the strength and longevity of the nano bubbles. In certain embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> is designed so that any off-gassing does not exceed UL <NUM> Standard for Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and Associated Equipment.

Incorporating a nano bubble generator <NUM> into the plumbing system <NUM> of an immersion structure <NUM> is highly advantageous. In addition to the capabilities mentioned above, nano bubbles scrub while they circulate to clean the plumbing system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the nano bubbles act like hard particles in flowing liquids to break apart biofilm, remove scum lines, clean pipes, and/or allow longer filter <NUM> life. The negative charge of the nano bubbles enables the nano bubbles to bond to particles with the opposite charge and change the particles density which prohibits the buildup of materials that hinder efficient water sanitation.

In certain embodiments, an advantage of the water treatment system <NUM> is the elimination of the need for chemical sanitizers which in turn leads the immersion structure <NUM> to be self-maintaining. In certain embodiments, water purified by the water treatment system <NUM> maintains drinking level quality and decreases the time necessary to purify the water after the immersion structure <NUM> is used.

In certain embodiments, the water treatment system <NUM> maintains visibly clear water by both killing bacteria but also because nano bubbles are not visible to the naked eye. In certain embodiments, the immersion structure <NUM> can be odor free and generate reduced amounts of off-gas during use and when covered. Further, since fluctuations in water quality (e.g., pH, alkalinity levels, etc.) are reduced by the water treatment systems <NUM> disclosed herein, the need for user maintenance is also reduced. In some cases, the system <NUM> can help maintain a pH between at least to or about <NUM> and/or less than or equal to <NUM>, at least to or about <NUM> and/or less than or equal to <NUM>, and/or at least to or about <NUM> and/or less than or equal to <NUM>. The system <NUM> can also help maintain alkalinity between at least <NUM>/L and/or less than or equal to <NUM>/L, at least <NUM>/L and/or less than or equal to <NUM>/L, and/or at least <NUM>/L and/or less than or equal to <NUM>/L. User intervention to balance the need for draining and filling the immersion structure <NUM> versus chemically shocking the water can be reduced or eliminated.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the UV system <NUM> from <FIG>. In certain embodiments, the UV system <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> and one or more UV light sources <NUM> disposed in the housing <NUM>. The use of UV light on the water flowing through the immersion structure <NUM> can clean and disinfect the water. In certain embodiments, the UV light source <NUM> is selected to transmit a range of wavelengths that is lethal to bacteria and micro-organisms. In certain embodiments, the UV light source <NUM> is a mercury vapor bulb. In certain embodiments, the UV light source <NUM> has a wavelength range of <NUM>-<NUM> nanometers. In certain embodiments, the wavelength of the UV light source <NUM> is approximately <NUM> nanometers. Other wavelengths that also kill bacteria and micro-organisms could also be used.

In certain embodiments, the UV light source <NUM> is selected to interact with gaseous molecules in the plumbing system <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, the UV light source <NUM> transmits a range of wavelengths that is lethal to bacteria and micro-organisms while simultaneously separating and disassociating ozone molecules into oxygen molecules. In certain embodiments, the UV light source <NUM> has a UV light wavelength characteristic such that it creates ozone molecules from normal oxygen molecules. To maximize the microorganism and ozone exposure to the light, several lights sources <NUM> and reflectors may be used within the system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the UV system <NUM> is located upstream of the nano bubble generator <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the nano bubble generator <NUM> produces nano bubbles that contain ozone. In certain embodiments, the UV light source <NUM> interacts with the ozone within the water before the water reenters the nano bubble generator <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the UV light source <NUM> can reduce the amount of residual ozone in the plumbing system <NUM> or reduce the cumulative amount of ozone within the plumbing system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the gas generator <NUM> from <FIG>. In certain embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> is configured to generate ozone. In certain embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> is in fluid communication with the gas line <NUM> which is in fluid communication with the tube <NUM> in the nano bubble generator <NUM>. The gas generator <NUM> is not limited to a particular design or product, but rather includes any system that generates the desired gas or releases the desired gas. In certain embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> is a pressurized tank or canister full of the desired gas. In other embodiments, the gas generator <NUM> is a commercial gas generator. Exemplary ozone gas generators <NUM> can produce <NUM>-<NUM> of ozone per hour. In certain embodiments, considering that 1SCFH corresponds to <NUM> x <NUM>-<NUM>m<NUM>/s, the gas generator <NUM> produces no less than <NUM> per hour at no more than <NUM> SCFH (standard cubic feet per hour) gas flow. In some cases, the gas generator <NUM> produces no less than <NUM> of ozone per hour at greater than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to <NUM> SCFH gas flow, for example at greater than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to <NUM> SCFH gas flow, at greater than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to <NUM> SCFH gas flow, and/or at greater than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH gas flow. In some cases, the gas generator <NUM> produces no less than <NUM> of ozone per hour at greater than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to <NUM> SCFH gas flow, for example at greater than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to <NUM> SCFH gas flow, at greater than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to <NUM> SCFH gas flow, and/or at greater than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH and/or less than or equal to. <NUM> SCFH gas flow. Optimal gas flow can beneficially prevent the bubbles generated by the bubble generator <NUM> from bursting. The nano-bubbles can have a density between at least. <NUM>% and/or less than or equal to. <NUM>% ozone by weight, at least. <NUM>% and/or less than or equal to. <NUM>% ozone by weight, and/or at least. <NUM>% and/or less than or equal to. <NUM>% ozone by weight. The density described herein beneficially ensure proper bubble generation and treatment.

The use of ozone as the desired gas can enhance cleaning and disinfecting of the water while producing minimal off-gassing as ozone is an effective sanitizer because of its strong oxidizing properties.

<FIG> illustrates a water quality monitoring and treatment system <NUM> being used to control (e.g., water treatment, operational parameters, cleaning boost, part replacement, etc.) aspects of the immersion structure <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> provides proper treatment by adding one or more additives to the water so that the quality of the water is maintained within its desired tolerance(s), depending on the number and type of parameters measured. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> includes a monitoring system <NUM>, a treatment algorithm <NUM>, and a control system <NUM>. The components of the system <NUM> do not necessarily represent distinct components, rather, this schematic is intended to convey functionality of the system. Thus, while system <NUM> can be composed of components that correspond in a one-to-one manner to the functionality blocks of <FIG>, this need not be so. For example, the treatment algorithm <NUM> need not be disposed in a standalone device; it can be in any suitable form, such as a set of software instructions executed onboard a component of the monitoring system <NUM>, or onboard another component or device, such as a computing device (e.g., webserver, smartphone, home computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, desktop computer, etc.) located remotely from the immersion structure <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the monitoring system <NUM> is designed and configured to monitor (e.g., measure repeatedly) at least one parameter indicative of the quality of water in the immersion structure <NUM>. Though the number of measured parameters can be as few as one, in many applications, such as spa monitoring applications, the number of measured parameters will be greater than one. The monitoring system <NUM> can monitor each of the parameters using one or more suitable sensors <NUM>, such as one or more chemical indicators, one or more electrodes, one or more chemical probes, among others, and any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the sensor <NUM> is wireless and floats in the basin <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the sensor <NUM> is integrated into the plumbing system <NUM>.

In certain embodiment, the monitoring system <NUM> generates one or more outputs indicative of the measurement(s) taken by the sensor <NUM> and outputs the resulting signal(s) to the control system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the monitoring system <NUM> takes the measurement(s) from the sensors <NUM> and outputs the corresponding output multiple times (e.g., periodically or at differing intervals) over a given time period. Each output can be in any suitable form. The type of output used in a particular implementation may depend, for example, on whether the control system <NUM> is implemented within the monitoring system <NUM> or outside of the monitoring system <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> can be implemented on a remote device, such as a client device <NUM> (e.g., laptop computer, tablet computer, webserver, smartphone, desktop computer, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the monitoring system <NUM> generates data containing information regarding readings of the one or more parameters and sends the data to the control system <NUM> via communications network <NUM>. The control system <NUM>, which can reside on one or more computing systems, for example, on one or more webservers, one or more client devices <NUM> (e.g., tablets computers, laptop computers, smartphones, etc.) or other computing system in data communication with communications network <NUM>, processes the data. In certain embodiments, the data is displayed via a user interface <NUM> to a user.

In certain embodiments, the treatment algorithm <NUM> is designed and configured to determine whether or not any one or more of the measured parameters are out of acceptable range. In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> adds one or more additives to the water with the goal of restoring the one or more out-of-range parameters to the corresponding respective acceptable ranges.

For example, in certain embodiments, the treatment algorithm <NUM> and/or the control system <NUM> measures and adjusts water chemistry parameters (e.g., pH, alkalinity, etc.). In certain embodiments, the treatment algorithm <NUM> and/or the control system <NUM> measures and informs/notifies the user of the need to balance the water chemistry parameters (e.g., pH, alkalinity, etc.). In certain embodiments, the treatment algorithm <NUM> and/or the control system <NUM> provides instructions on how the user can balance the water chemistry parameters (e.g., pH, alkalinity, etc.).

In certain embodiments, an error may occur when the control system <NUM> determines a level of current being drawn by the nano bubble generator <NUM> drops below a predetermined or preset level. In certain embodiments, the treatment algorithm <NUM> and/or the control system <NUM> informs or notifies the user that the nano bubble generator <NUM> is not working properly or is not working at an optimum level.

In certain embodiments, the treatment algorithm <NUM> can employ machine learning modeling along with predictive algorithms to determine rules, where machine learning modeling and predictive algorithms include but are not limited to: supervised and unsupervised algorithms for regression and classification. Specific classes of algorithms include, for example, Artificial Neural Networks (Perceptron, Back-Propagation, Convolutional Neural Networks, Recurrent Neural networks, Long Short-Term Memory Networks, Deep Belief Networks), Bayesian (Naive Bayes, Multinomial Bayes and Bayesian Networks), clustering (k-means, Expectation Maximization and Hierarchical Clustering), ensemble methods (Classification and Regression Tree variants and Boosting), instance-based (k-Nearest Neighbor, Self-Organizing Maps and Support Vector Machines), regularization (Elastic Net, Ridge Regression and Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator), and dimensionality reduction (Principal Component Analysis variants, Multidimensional Scaling, Discriminant Analysis variants and Factor Analysis).

In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> can use the rules developed (without or without machine learning) between features and one or more parameters to automatically determine operation profiles for the immersion structure <NUM> that correspond to the desired range. The control system <NUM> can also use the one or more operational profiles to control or change settings of the immersion structure <NUM> including but not limited to parameters for components (e.g., the gas generator <NUM>, the nano bubble generator <NUM>, the UV system <NUM>, and the like).

In certain embodiments, the treatment algorithm <NUM> may communicate treatment instructions to the control system <NUM> in any manner suited to the implementation. The treatment algorithm <NUM> can be implemented in any suitable manner, such as any one of the manners described in this disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> is implemented over a communications network <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> comprises wired communications links, wireless communications links, or both. Examples of a communications network include, but are not limited to, a local area network, a wide area network, a cellular telecommunications network, and a global network (e.g., the Internet), other network type, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> communicates via Modbus (or any other communication protocol) to one or more IoT devices.

It is noted that the processing and displaying of data and data derived therefrom through processing by the control system <NUM> can be distributed in a webserver/client context. For example, the webserver may provide some initial processing of the data while a client device <NUM>, for example, via a smartphone "app" (i.e., a software application), receives the processed data from the webserver and uses that data to generate one or more suitable graphical displays on the client device <NUM> representing, for example, the data.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary display of data on the user interface <NUM> of the client device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the displayed data is sensed by the one or more sensors <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, below the app title <NUM> can be one or more statuses 1002A-D. For example, the display can include one or more icons indicating the status of one or more lights 1002A for the immersion structure <NUM>, indicating the status of one or more jets 1002B for the immersion structure <NUM>, indicating the status of music 1002C for the immersion structure <NUM>, and/or indicating the status of the water chemistry 1002D for the immersion structure <NUM>.

In certain embodiment, the user interface <NUM> can display a temperature 1002E of water within the immersion structure <NUM>. Temperature controls 1002F can be provided for the user to remotely adjust the temperature 1002E. In certain embodiments, the display of data includes icons for monitor <NUM>, home <NUM>, manage 1002I, and/or shop 1002J. The icons may allow the user to navigate to other icons and/or pages. The exemplary displayed data can also include buttons for navigation to other pages of the app. The appearance and arrangement of the displayed data is exemplary only; in embodiments, these features and others may be rearranged or provided with differing appearances, colors, brightness and/or functionality.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary display of data on the user interface <NUM> of the client device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> indicates a remaining life for one or more components of the immersion structure <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, the display of data includes status of the ozone remaining 1004A. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> provides a counter of days of life remaining for the gas generator <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the display of data includes status of the UV remaining 1004B. In certain embodiments, the display of data includes status of the pH level 1004C. In certain embodiments, the display of data includes status of the alkalinity 1004E. In certain embodiments, the display of data includes an icon for adjusting the pH level 1004C. In certain embodiments, the display of data includes an icon for adjusting the alkalinity 1004E.

In certain embodiments, the display of data includes an icon for a cleaning boost 1004D. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> selects from preset durations of time for the cleaning boost 1004D. In certain embodiments, the preset durations of time are based at least in part on past user usage. In certain embodiments, preset consumer usage profiles (e.g., light user, heavy user, etc.) are relied on, at least in part, by the control system <NUM> to operate the immersion structure <NUM>. For example, the control system <NUM> can adjust the run time of components (e.g., the nano bubble generator <NUM>) of the immersion structure <NUM> based at least in part on the user profile without user intervention.

In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> employs an auto schedule. In certain embodiments, the auto schedule enhances cleaning cycles to ensure the water in the immersion structure <NUM> is always ready for the user.

In certain embodiments, the display of data includes a status of the water 1004F. In certain embodiments, the status of the water indicates the completion of the daily scheduled cleaning cycle and shows the user they have "clean water" and the basin <NUM> is "ready to use.

In certain embodiments, the display of data includes one or more recommendations <NUM> for the user. For example, in certain embodiments, the system <NUM> indicates to the user when a part needs to be replaced. For example, in certain embodiments, the system <NUM> indicates when to replace the filter <NUM>. In this way, the system <NUM> can monitor the remaining life of the immersion structure <NUM> core components (e.g., the gas generator <NUM>, the nano bubble generator <NUM>, the compressor <NUM>, and/or the UV system <NUM>) and prompt the user when a component needs to be replaced. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> prompts the user when the remaining life is low and the component should be ordered. In certain embodiments, the components of the immersion structure <NUM> are designed for an average life of <NUM> years of operation based on <NUM> hours of daily operation as assumed "normal" use.

In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> indicates to the user when a consumable needs to be replaced. For example, in certain embodiments, the system <NUM> indicates when to replace the one or more containers containing the additives. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> can monitor the remaining amount of the additive in the container (directly or indirectly) and prompt the user when the container needs to be replaced. In certain embodiments, the system <NUM> prompts the user when the remaining amount is low and a new container should be ordered. In this way, the system <NUM> can create alerts and send reminders to the user to replace the consumable. Once the new container is received, the user can simply couple the container to a port on the water treatment system <NUM> so as to allow the additive in the container to be injected into the nano bubbles. In this way, when the additive in the container is consumed, the user can simply disengage the empty container from the port and then connect a new filled container.

Referring back to <FIG>, in certain embodiments, the display of data includes an icon to order supplies <NUM>. In certain embodiments, each icon may also function as a button that can be activated to take the app to an order supply page for the corresponding component. In certain embodiments, the user can order the core components directly from the manufacturer via the user interface <NUM> of the client device <NUM>. As explained above, in certain embodiments, the operational status of the system <NUM> is monitored remotely. In certain embodiments, a third party provides servicing needs (e.g. water concierge service) to maintain the immersion structure <NUM> without the user having to order components. In this way, the third party provides the component to the user based on the remote monitoring of the immersion structure <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the client device <NUM> receives unprocessed data, in which case a software application on the client device <NUM> may use the unprocessed data directly to create suitable graphical displays and/or allow a user to use the unprocessed data in another way. For example, the client device <NUM> can receive data directly, via a wired or wireless data connection, and the client device <NUM> may include a software application for processing the data, or not, and use either the processed data or unprocessed data, or both, in any suitable manner, such as for producing graphical displays or transferring the data to a spreadsheet or other program for detailed analysis, among many other possibilities.

In certain embodiments, the control system <NUM> itself may provide a relatively high level of data processing, such that the data is already processed for high level use, such as graphical display by the client device <NUM>.

The treatment algorithm <NUM> can be embodied and realized in any of a number of different ways. In addition to being located at various locations within the system <NUM>, the treatment algorithm <NUM> can be configured to provide treatment instructions for manual treatment or automated treatment, or both.

Manual treatment can be performed in any one or more of a variety of ways. For example, if the control system <NUM> is manually controllable, i.e., requires a human operator to control the treatment, the user interface <NUM> can display certain operational parameters and/or an indication of the amount of an additive that the user needs to cause the control system <NUM> to dispense. For remote operation, the user instructs the control system <NUM>, via the user interface <NUM>. In this way, the system <NUM> can be monitored and/or controlled from virtually any location having access to communications network <NUM>.

Depending on the spacing of the monitoring system <NUM> and the control system <NUM> from one another, they can be in data communication via any suitable means, such as wired communication or wireless communication. Examples of suitable wireless communication includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, short-range radio communication, and infrared communication, among others.

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, inventive subject matter extends beyond the examples in the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. While we have described and illustrated in detail embodiments of a water treatment system that includes a nano bubble generator, it should be understood that our inventions can be modified in both arrangement and detail. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described above. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components. For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without other input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Claim 1:
A self-maintaining immersion structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a shell (<NUM>) forming a receptacle (<NUM>) sized and shaped to hold water; and
a plumbing system (<NUM>) comprising a nano bubble generator (<NUM>) in flow communication with a gas generator (<NUM>), the plumbing system (<NUM>) being configured to circulate the water between the receptacle (<NUM>) and at least the nano bubble generator (<NUM>), the nano bubble generator (<NUM>) being configured to create and inject a plurality of nano bubbles into the plumbing system (<NUM>) to clean the water within the plumbing system (<NUM>),
characterised in that the gas generator (<NUM>) is configured to inject the plurality of nano bubbles with a gas;
wherein the plurality of nano bubbles have a mean diameter of less than <NUM> micron.