Abstract: A fluid filter having a hollow, molded, plastic housing with an open end, a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet. An internally threaded, plastic, molded cap is threadedly received on the housing via mating external threads for sealing the open end of the housing. A cap seal prevents fluid contamination of the threads. A removable filter element is contained within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A molded, resilient, plastic retainer captured between the cap and the filter element retains the filter element in position within the filter. If the filter element is of a bag filter type, as compared with a filter cartridge type, the retainer has a plurality of resilient legs which press down upon a bag mouth seal forcing it into contact with a flared mouth of the bag support.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating a valve from a first position to a second position includes a housing and a rotatable stem mounted within the housing and restricted from moving axially. The actuator also includes a non-rotatable plunger engaging the stem such that the plunger moves axially in response to rotation of the stem, whereby the valve is actuated from the first position to the second position. The actuator is also provided with a non-rotatable indicator member, which is mounted within the housing and through which the stem extends. The indicator member engages the stem such that the indicator member moves axially in response to rotation of the stem. A viewing window is formed in a wall of the housing such that the indicator member can be seen through the window for indicating the first position and the second position of the valve.

Abstract: A housing for an underwater lighting fixture includes a wet niche formed from plastic and provided with three alternative grounding pathways. A conductor strap is attached to the niche by a threaded lug which extends through the strap and an adjacent wall of the niche to permit an internal ground wire and an external ground wire to be connected to the strap. As a further grounding assurance, the lighting fixture is grounded through a bracket which attaches to the conductor strap. The bracket also serves as a current collector to receive electrical charge from the surrounding water.

Abstract: A suction nozzle adapted for use in a suction cleaning device, such as an automatic swimming pool cleaner, includes a body having a throat extending from an inlet at one end of the body to an outlet at an opposite end of the body. The body itself is split longitudinally into a plurality of discrete body portions to form the throat of the nozzle. One body portion is movable relative to the other body portion, whereby the throat automatically expands in response to the relative movement of the body portions. The resulting expansion of the nozzle allows substantially unrestricted passage of large foreign objects through the throat during the operation of the suction cleaning device.

Abstract: A device for filtering fluid includes a hollow housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A filter element formed of fluid permeable material is disposed within the housing for filtering fluid entering the fluid inlet, the fluid passing through the element and out the fluid outlet. The element has a generally cylindrical configuration with the permeable material forming a plurality of elongated, radially extending pleats. The pleats are supported by spacers having a plurality of blades attached to a web with channels therebetween. The element is used as a septum for supporting a diatomaceous earth precoat. A regeneration piston creates fluid flows within the filter that cause the element to flutter, thereby displacing DE precoat from the septum for regeneration.

Abstract: A backflush conduit for an automatic back flushing filter having an inlet portion with a symmetrical converging bell-shaped cross-section, an outlet portion with a generally cylindrical shape, and a converging and reorienting transition portion connecting the inlet and outlet portions. Converging convex surfaces of the bell shaped opening smooth fluid inflow and prevent fulid separation. The transition portion interior contour redirects the fluid flow without inducing turbulence, resulting in more efficient backflushing to clean the entire filter element even at small element pore sizes.

Abstract: A diffuser, which is adapted for use in a filter, includes a pair of tiers. Once of the tiers is supported on and is laterally movable relative to the other tier in response to contact by a closure dome as the dome is applied to an access opening formed in a housing of the filter, whereby the diffuser automatically and properly adjusts itself in relation to the access opening during its assembly in the housing.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow through a conduit includes a ball valve with a ball having a conduit terminating at an end thereof in an outlet orifice having a non-circular shape. The orifice shape is compound and may be selected to linearize the flow/ball angle relationship. The ball may be reversible to permit reversing the flow change dynamic and may also be a flow reducer.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a pair of pipe elements through an opening formed in a wall includes a flange mounted thereon. The flange is pivotable relative to the adapter, whereby the flange automatically compensates a non-uniform thickness of the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning submerged surfaces, such as the bottom and side walls of a swimming pool. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes onboard sensors, and an onboard processor (preferably, a microprocessor) which controls operation of the apparatus in response to status information supplied from the sensors. Preferably, the apparatus has an onboard watertight battery and an adjustable inlet nozzle size, and includes left and right track treads which are controllable to cause the apparatus to turn or rotate (clockwise or counterclockwise), or translate in a forward or reverse direction, on a horizontal or vertically inclined submerged surface. A transmission assembly is provided for each track tread, including a cam wheel and a cam follower connected thereto within a sealed control assembly, and a shift link extending through a seal in the control assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning submerged surfaces, such as the bottom and side walls of a swimming pool. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes onboard sensors, and an onboard processor (preferably, a microprocessor) which controls operation of the apparatus in response to status information supplied from the sensors. Preferably, the apparatus has an onboard watertight battery and an adjustable inlet nozzle size, and includes left and right track treads which are controllable to cause the apparatus to turn or rotate (clockwise or counterclockwise), or translate in a forward or reverse direction, on a horizontal or vertically inclined submerged surface. A transmission assembly is provided for each track tread, including a cam wheel and a cam follower connected thereto within a sealed control assembly, and a shift link extending through a seal in the control assembly.

Abstract: A housing for an underwater lighting fixture includes a wet niche formed from plastic and provided with a grounding strap. The grounding strap is attached to the niche by a threaded lug which extends through the strap and an adjacent wall of the niche to permit an internal ground wire and an external ground wire to be connected to the strap. As a further grounding assurance, the lighting fixture may be grounded through the grounding strap, which mechanically and electrically attaches the lighting fixture to the niche.