Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for removing undesired twists and loops in a power supply cable attached to a robotic swimming pool cleaner during the cleaner's pre-programmed movement over the bottom and/or side walls of the pool. An on-board electronic compass determines an initial reference directional heading of the pool cleaner and the subsequent true or actual directional heading of the pool cleaner is determined intermittently or continuously as the pool cleaner moves through the program cycle. The subsequent directional headings of the moving pool cleaner are compared to the reference directional heading to provide a cumulative positive or negative value. When the cumulative value indicates that one or more complete 360° turns have been made from the reference directional heading, a correction signal is generated for immediate or delayed transmission to the directional control means to turn the pool cleaner in a direction to remove any twists or loops that have formed in the power cable.

Abstract: A stable, manually portable floating electronic platform for use in pools and spas is equipped with recesses for receiving beverage containers and is equipped with any of a variety of electronic audio/visual entertainment devices that are powered by an on-board battery, or a remote rechargeable battery or a conventional remote low-voltage power supply unit via a power cable. Solar power collector panels on the platform provide a recharging current to on-board or remote batteries via a power cable.