Abstract: An improved suction powered cleaner is provided for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a primary suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. An oscillatory main control valve is pivotally mounted at an upstream end of the primary suction tube and spring-loaded toward a normal open position relative to an annular valve seat. Suction flow through the primary suction tube draws the control valve toward a closed position substantially interrupting water flow, whereupon the control valve returns by spring action to the normal open position, resulting in pressure fluctuations which cause the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces.

Abstract: A pool cleaner is provided of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source, such as by connecting the pool cleaner via a vacuum hose or the like to the suction side of a conventional pool water filtration system. The pool cleaner comprises a compact housing carried on wheels for rolling movement along a submerged pool surface. A debris intake nozzle is formed at a lower end of the housing in close proximity with the pool surface, and communicates through a turbine chamber in the housing to the vacuum hose for water-borne vacuuming of debris from the pool surface. Water draw through the turbine chamber rotatably drives a turbine which in turn powers a drive train to rotatably drive the cleaner wheels together with a downforce fan for improved wheel traction. In addition, the drive train operates at least one timer cam for periodically actuating a reverse clutch assembly to drive at least one of the cleaner wheels in reverse for a brief time interval.