Abstract: A programmable steerable robot, particularly useful for cleaning swimming pools, includes: a body member; a first ground-engaging rotary propelling device at one side of the body member; a second ground-engaging rotary propelling device at an opposite side of the body member; a rotary brush carried by the body member engageable with walls of the swimming pool for cleaning same; a drive for driving both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; a transmission system connecting the drive to both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; and a programming device controlling the transmission system such that, for preselected travel intervals, both rotary propelling devices are driven in the same direction to propel the body member along a linear path, and for other preselected time intervals, the rotary propelling devices are controlled such that the body member is propelled along a different path.

Abstract: A programmable steerable robot, particularly useful for cleaning swimming pools, includes: a body member; a first ground-engaging rotary propelling device at one side of the body member; a second ground-engaging rotary propelling device at an opposite side of the body member; a rotary brush carried by the body member engageable with walls of the swimming pool for cleaning same; a drive for driving both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; a transmission system connecting the drive to both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; and a programming device controlling the transmission system such that, for preselected travel intervals, both rotary propelling devices are driven in the same direction to propel the body member along a linear path, and for other preselected time intervals, the rotary propelling devices are controlled such that the body member is propelled along a different path.

Abstract: A programmable steerable robot, particularly useful for cleaning swimming pools, includes: a body member; a first ground-engaging rotary propelling device at one side of the body member; a second ground-engaging rotary propelling device at an opposite side of the body member; a rotary brush carried by the body member engageable with walls of the swimming pool for cleaning same; a drive for driving both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; a transmission system connecting the drive to both of the rotary propelling devices and the rotary brush; and a programming device controlling the transmission system such that, for preselected travel intervals, both rotary propelling devices are driven in the same direction to propel the body member along a linear path, and for other preselected time intervals, the rotary propelling devices are controlled such that the body member is propelled along a different path.

Abstract: A pitcher-style reusable bottle holder having a spout with internal lower thread flanges for attachment to the thread-flanged top of a bottle, external upper thread flanges for attachment of the original bottle cap, and a strategically designed handle which turns the bottle as a whole into a pitcher. The threads are in the form of flanges defining interrupted threads to reduce the surface area bearing on the mating thread flanges, thereby reducing the friction between the mating thread flanges and the torque needed to attach the handle to the bottle. There are spaces or gaps formed in the thread flanges for the controlled release of carbon dioxide gas when the original cap of the bottle is unscrewed from the bottle, and for the introduction of air from the atmosphere into the interior of the bottle when the bottle holder is applied and used for pouring liquid from the bottle. An open grasping portion depends outwardly and downwardly from the spout. The pouring spout may be oriented horizontally or vertically.