Patents Assigned to Zodiac Pool Care Europe
  • Patent number: 8771504
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface, comprising a hollow body, guiding and driving members, a filtration chamber which is provided in the hollow body and which has at least one liquid inlet, at least one liquid outlet and a hydraulic circuit for circulation of liquid through a filtering device. An accelerometer device is fixedly joined to the hollow body and which is adapted to provide instantaneous measurements of at least one acceleration component of the terrestrial gravity in at least one fixed direction which is fixed relative to the hollow body, and a processing unit for processing the acceleration measurements supplied by the accelerometer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mastio, Thierry Michelon
  • Patent number: 8763187
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, guiding and driving members, a filtration chamber in the hollow body, at least one liquid inlet, at least one liquid outlet out of the hollow body, at least one axial pumping propeller, a single reversible electric motor whose drive shaft, in order to move it, is simultaneously mechanically connected to at least one motorized member and to each pumping propeller. In a first rotation direction of the drive shaft, each motorized member is driven in a forward direction, and each pumping propeller generates the flow of liquid in the normal direction ensuring the cleaning of the immersed surface. In a second rotation direction of the drive shaft, each motorized member is driven in a backward direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mastio, Philippe Blanc-Tailleur, Philippe Pichon
  • Patent number: 8702980
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, guiding members defining at least one axle, a filtration chamber, at least one electric motor, a pumping device which creates, in a normal cleaning direction through a filtering device, a liquid flux which is discharged via at least one main outlet, and at least one secondary liquid outlet arranged so as to orientate a current of liquid which is discharged in a backward direction via this secondary outlet so that this current creates a secondary hydraulic reaction force which generates a nosing-up torque of the apparatus by the hollow body being pivoted about the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mastio, Philippe Blanc-Tailleur, Philippe Pichon
  • Publication number: 20140076791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning an immersed surface comprising a hollow body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface; a filtration chamber which is provided in the hollow body and which has: a liquid inlet; a liquid outlet; a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device (11), wherein the filtering device (11) comprises a filtering casing (49, 55) which is removably mounted in the filtration chamber and which can be inserted into/removed from the filtration chamber in one piece, and the filtering casing (49, 55) has at least a lower end which opens at the base of the hollow body and which constitutes a liquid inlet into the hollow body of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8627533
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface, including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which has a liquid inlet in the body located at the base of the body, at least one liquid outlet out of the body, a hydraulic circuit for flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, wherein it includes: at least one rear outlet, and a rigid wall which is arranged in the filtering device and which extends in a direction which is non-parallel with at least one direction which connects an inlet and an outlet in order to form an obstacle to the flow of liquid from this inlet to this outlet which brings about a swirling flow of liquid in the filtering device downstream of this rigid wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8615836
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface; a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has: a liquid inlet; a liquid outlet; a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, wherein the filtering device includes a filtering casing which is removably mounted in the filtration chamber and which can be inserted into and removed from the filtration chamber in one piece, and the filtering casing has at least a lower end which opens at the base of the body and which constitutes a liquid inlet into the body of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8595880
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface comprising a hollow body; rolling members; a filtration chamber which is provided in the hollow body; a motorized pumping device configured for generating a flow of liquid between a liquid inlet (9) and a liquid outlet which are connected, wherein it comprises a directional flux guide (91) which is mounted for rotation on a liquid outlet (10) about an axis of rotation and which has a shape configured for orientating the current of liquid which is discharged via this propulsion outlet (10) through this flux guide (91) so that it creates, by means of reaction, in the region of an outlet of the flux guide, forces whose resultant has a non-zero drive component of the apparatus parallel with the immersed surface; an actuator for rotatably driving said flux guide (91); and a unit for controlling said actuator for rotatably driving said flux guide (91).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8590089
    Abstract: Automatic pool cleaners and associated hoses are detailed. Hoses may contract and expand in use and include sections of differing compliancies. Such contractions and expansions may be intensified in more compliant portions and attenuated in less compliant portions. Also discussed are positive locking mechanisms for adjacent hose sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Mark J. Bauckman, Hendrikus Johannes Van Der Meijden, Peter Hugh Harrison
  • Patent number: 8590088
    Abstract: Automatic pool cleaners and associated hoses are detailed. Hoses may contract and expand in use and include sections of differing compliancies. Such contractions and expansions may be intensified in more compliant portions and attenuated in less compliant portions. Also discussed are positive locking mechanisms for adjacent hose sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Mark J. Bauckman, Hendrikus Johannes Van Der Meijden, Peter Hugh Harrison
  • Patent number: 8578538
    Abstract: Devices for cleaning vessels, especially swimming pools, are discussed. The devices may include repositionable in-line valves, with the valves typically moving laterally (from side to side) and changing the initial direction of the main fluid-flow path through the valves and corresponding cleaner bodies. Asymmetric feet may be utilized as part of the devices, whose bottom bearing surfaces may include elongated strips of material placed parallel to the normally-forward direction of travel of the devices. Discs of non-uniform flexibility also may be employed, and blocking tabs or gripping material may be used to inhibit undesired backward movement of a cleaner when its operation commences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Michael Edward Moore, Hendrikus Johannes Van Der Meijden
  • Patent number: 8505565
    Abstract: Treating, sensing, diverting, measuring, and collecting devices for fluid such as water are described. When designed for use as chlorinators, the devices may divert water flowing in conduits into the devices for treatment and subsequent return to the flow stream. A return tube of the device may be designed to create vortex action, using a pressure differential to evacuate treated water from the device back into the conduit. When designed for use as feeders for supplying acid or other material to flowing water, the devices may include one or more channels communicating between the material and the flowing water. When designed for use as flow sensors or otherwise, the devices may include objects acted upon by flowing water to indicate that water indeed is flowing. Yet other sensors may be utilized to determine characteristics of water passing through the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Raymond Albert Hin, Craig Andrews
  • Publication number: 20130133145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface comprising a hollow body (1), a guiding and driving device (2, 11, 14) for guiding and moving the hollow body (1) over the immersed surface, said hollow body (1) having a base (3) immediately facing immersed surface, at least one liquid inlet (4), at least one member protruding from the base of the hollow body towards the immersed surface, wherein it comprises, immediately in front of a protruding member (7), in a movement direction of the hollow body (1), at least one member, called an anti-blocking member (6), which can rotate about a rotation axis (10) which is fixed in relation to said protruding member (7), said anti-blocking member (6) being provided in order to be able to roll over an obstacle of the immersed surface, and to drive said protruding member (7) in movement so as to overcome the obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Philippe Blanc-Tailleur, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8438684
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, members which are integral with the hollow body and which come into contact with the immersed surface, a filtration chamber, at least one electric motor which is carried by the hollow body, and a control unit which is configured to control the motor. For at least one movement configuration of the apparatus, at least one non-steering non-driving rolling member in contact with the immersed surface is arranged relative to the instantaneous drive orientation so as to apply a gyration torque of the apparatus only due to such an arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mastio, Philippe Blanc-Tailleur, Philippe Pichon
  • Publication number: 20130104321
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automobile apparatus (1) for cleaning surfaces submerged in a basin (2) comprising a driving mechanism, a programmed controlling device for the driving mechanism, a man-machine interface consisting of an input device, and a filter chamber, characterized in that, on activation of a return command button (12), a return setpoint is emitted to the programmed controlling device, which is adapted to inhibit a cleaning program and control the driving mechanism such that it drives the apparatus up to the surface of the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
    Inventor: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
  • Publication number: 20130110319
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method of remotely controlling a motorized submerged surface cleaning apparatus (1) comprising a body and a drive device, said remote control device comprising a control terminal (15) having a housing, a device (16) for transmitting control signals for the drive device, characterized in that the housing comprises an orientation detector furnishing at least one orientation parameter of the housing, and in that said device comprises a unit for processing orientation parameters, producing a first command for the drive device for an orientation parameter that is within a first interval of values, and a second command for the drive device for an orientation parameter that is within a second predetermined interval of values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
    Inventor: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
  • Patent number: 8409434
    Abstract: Treatment devices for fluid such as water are described. Principally (although not necessarily exclusively) designed for use as chlorinators, the devices may divert water flowing in conduits into the devices for treatment and subsequent return to the flow stream. A return tube of the device may be designed to create vortex action, using a pressure differential to evacuate treated water from the device back into the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Craig Andrews, Raymond Albert Hin
  • Patent number: 8397331
    Abstract: Detailed is a cleaner apparatus for a submerged surface including a body and at least one liquid inlet at the base of the body, characterized in that it includes at least one accelerating protuberance extending toward the submerged surface while maintaining a height of liquid, and extending, with respect of a forward travel direction of the apparatus, in front of an adjacent liquid inlet while maintaining the passage cross section of the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio, Robert Rey
  • Patent number: 8397330
    Abstract: Detailed is a rolling device for cleaning an immersed surface, including at least one front drive rolling member and a hydraulic circuit which has at least one liquid outlet which is orientated towards the rear, and which is capable of creating a flow of liquid which is discharged from each rear outlet in order to create a hydraulic reaction force, and which has a longitudinal component for driving the device forwards which is not equal to zero and whose value is adapted to create a pressure torque for each front drive rolling member the immersed surface and, alone, to move the device forwards when it is immersed and when each front drive rolling member is lifted from the immersed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393035
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface in a main direction of advance; a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has: a liquid inlet conduit which extends inside the body and which has a lower end which forms a liquid inlet and an opposing upper end which opens into a filtering device; a liquid outlet out of the body; a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the liquid outlet through the filtering device, wherein the inlet conduit has a regular cross-section whose surface-area varies from the lower end thereof up to a maximum value at the upper end thereof which opens in the filtering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393030
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a hydraulic circuit for flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, wherein the filtering device includes an opening which is in communication with the liquid inlet and, for filtering and recovering debris, a space which is delimited by filtering walls and which extends towards the liquid outlet, the space having a regular cross-section which decreases from the opening towards the liquid outlet in order to form a convergent chamber for tangential filtration of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio