Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaners capable of cleaning the floor of a pool and also climbing and cleaning the walls of the pool utilize a flotation device of the type having a pair of interconnected float members pivotally connected to the cleaner to permit the float members to move between a position parallel to the cleaner drive tubes and a position angularly forward of the drive tubes. The improvement comprises a brace which at one end is removably connectable with the float members and at its other end abuts against a drive tube to prevent to float members from achieving the parallel position.

Abstract: A cleaner for a submerged surface (11) comprises a body (15) defining a suction passage (16) and pressure passage (17) therethrough. Suction passage (16) extends between inlet (18) and outlet (19) in the body and is connectable to the inlet of a filtration system by flexible hose (13). Pressure passage (17) extends between inlet (20) and outlet (21). Inlet (20) is connectable to an outlet of the system. Drive means in the form of a water turbine (22) is located in passage (17). Water flow under pressure through passage (17) drives turbine (22) which in turn drives hind wheels (23) to displace the apparatus over surface (11), while debris or the like is sucked up through the suction passage (16).

Abstract: A submersible automatic swimming pool cleaner (10) comprises a body (13) defining a flow passage (14) extending between an inlet (15) thereto and an outlet (16) therefrom. An auxiliary inlet (15) to the passage is also defined in body (13). A flap (19) is mounted in inlet (18) and is pivotal between a first position, wherein the auxiliary inlet (18) is open and wherein part of the flap extends into passage (14) to form a constriction to liquid flow through the passage, and a second position, wherein the auxiliary inlet (18) is closed and the constriction is removed. In use, the flap (19) oscillates between the first and second positions thereby causing water flow through the cleaner intermittently to be varied. In this way kinetic energy is imparted to the cleaner to cause it to move over a surface (12) to be cleaned, while sucking debris from the surface.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator 10 comprises a body 11 defining three converging flow passages A, B and C between inlets 14, 13 and 12 respectively, and outlet 15, which is connectable to a suction source. Passages A and B each includes a valve. Turbine 16 in passage C drives actuating means periodically to operate the valves thereby to cause passages A and B periodically to be opened and closed in tandem. The regulator may be employed to suck predetermined quantities of fluid from two sources connected to inlets 14 and 13, respectively. Another embodiment serves as displacement apparatus for a submersible cleaner. With passage B open to admit water to drive a propeller 34 for displacing the apparatus and cleaner, passage A is closed to reduce suction at the cleaner. With passage B closed, passage A is open to transmit suction to the cleaner for it to be propelled by its own driving mechanism.

Abstract: Submersible displacement apparatus 10 for periodically displacing a submersible suction cleaner connected to a suction source by a suction hose is disclosed. The apparatus 10 comprises a body 11 defining two converging flow passages 12 and 16 therethrough. Flow passage 16 is connectable in the hose with outlet 14 communicating with the source. Flow passage 12 at its inlet has a valve 17 for periodically opening and closing that passage. An actuation mechanism driven by water wheel 28 is provided for opening and closing valve 17. An impeller is rotatably mounted in passage 12 to drive propeller 20 when water is admitted through valve 17 thereby periodically to exert a displacement force on the body and therefore also on the suction cleaner.

Abstract: A valve for periodically opening and closing a flow path 11 leading to a suction source for predetermined periods is disclosed. The valve comprises a body 12 defining a first flow passage 13 and a further flow passage 23 therethrough. In body 12 there is mounted a fluid pressure operable closure member 16 for periodically opening and closing flow passage 13. Actuating means driven by water wheel 17 and which includes a variable volume chamber 21, a stopper 19 for an equalization port 20 in chamber 21 and a gear train 18 is adapted periodically to vary the pressure in chamber 21 acting on closure member 16 in response to fluid flow past water wheel 17.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of water to a filter of a swimming pool has a tubular member with a main inlet opening at one end connectable to a suction hose, an outlet opening at its other end connectable to a suction source, an auxiliary opening intermediate its ends and a communication opening also intermediate its ends. A sleeve is located about the tubular member to be slidable therealong and is positioned on one side of the communication opening. A flexible bellows is secured at one end to the sleeve and at its other to the tubular member on the other side of the communication opening to define a varible volume chamber in communication with the interior of the tubular member via the communication opening. A closure is located in the auxiliary opening and is fast with the sleeve to be slidable therewith. A spring urges the sleeve into a position in which the auxiliary opening is substantially closed.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a swimming pool cleaning device has an elongate carrier element on which are rotatably mounted a plurality of bumper elements.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements to apparatus for automatically cleaning surfaces submerged in a liquid. Thus, there is provided an apparatus having a pivotally displaceable float by means of which the apparatus is caused to turn around when migrating up an upright surface so as not to break the surface of the liquid. The pivotal axis of the float is further tiltable, a tilting float being provided to tilt the pivotal axis to assist in displacing the float. The apparatus further has a sealing flange which has perimetral concertina-like folds so as to be resiliently extensible. Still further, the apparatus has a cleaning head, the region thereof that engages the surface to be cleaned having zones with differing frictional characteristics to cater for various surfaces. In a preferred embodiment this is effected by providing sockets in the cleaning head in which studs having the required frictional characteristics are secured.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements to apparatus for automatically cleaning surfaces submerged in a liquid. Thus, there is provided an apparatus having a pivotally displaceable float by means of which the apparatus is caused to turn around when migrating up an upright surface so as not to break the surface of the liquid. The pivotal axis of the float is further tiltable, a tilting float being provided to tilt the privotal axis to assist in displacing the float. The apparatus further has a sealing flange which has perimetral concertina-like folds so as to be resiliently extensible. Still further, the apparatus has a cleaning head, the region thereof that engages the surface to be cleaned having zones with differing frictional characteristics to cater for various surfaces. In a preferred embodiment this is effected by providing sockets in the cleaning head in which studs having the required frictional characteristics are secured.