Automatic speed control for swimming flume system

Abstract

Provided herein are systems and devices for detecting the position of an object (e.g., a swimmer) within a pool and adjusting the rate of flow produced by an swimming flume system to maintain the object's position within the pool.

1 . A system comprising a water current generator and a position monitor, wherein the water current generator is configured to produce a current within a body of water, wherein the position monitor is configured to monitor the position of an object within the body of water; wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the object in a forward direction opposing the current, then the water current generator increases the rate of flow. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein if the position monitor detects movement of the object in a backward direction with the current, then the water current generator decreases the rate of flow. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the body of water is a pool. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system is integrated into the sides and/or bottom of the pool. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system is mounted onto a pool deck, sides, and/or bottom of the pool. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the water current generator comprises a one or more of a hydraulic motor, a jet, a pump, and a propeller; wherein the water current generator produces a current by forcing water into the body or water. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , comprising a second water current generator comprising one or more of a hydraulic motor, a jet, a pump, and a propeller; wherein the second water current generator produces a current by pulling water from the body or water. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the position monitor uses radar, sonar, lidar, or a light beam to monitor the position of the object within the body of water. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the position monitor detects forward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line in the body of water. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the position monitor detects backward movement of the object if the object passes a defined point or line in the body of water. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the position monitor continuously monitors the position of the object in the pool and the current generator increases or decreases the rate of flow to maintain stable forward to backward position of the object within the body of water. 
     
     
         12 . A pool comprising the system of one of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . A method of maintaining the position of a subject swimming within a pool, the method comprising:
 (a) generating a current within the pool, against which the subject can swim; and   (b) monitoring the position of the subject within the pool;   (c) modifying the force of the current if the subject advances or retreats position within the pool with respect to the current.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the current is generated by one or more hydraulic motors, jets, pumps, and/or propellers forcing water into and/or out of a portion of the pool. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the position of the subject is monitored by one or more of radar, sonar, lidar, and/or a light beam.