Abstract: A light fixture for underwater use in swimming pools has a waterproof gasket between the lens and the housing enclosing the electrical components. The gasket is fabricated of an off-white, neoprene material and is devoid of any coloring agents, such as carbon black, which are subject to leaching by chlorine-containing water in the pool. As a result, discoloration of the wall of the pool and also of the lens will not occur, even where chlorine concentrations are relatively high.

Abstract: A skimmer assembly for use in swimming pools in which a skimmer housing is provided with a skimming inlet and a drain inlet for receiving water from a pool. An outlet is also provided for connection with a vacuum source for discharging water from the housing. A floating weir is disposed in the housing for regulating the amount of water entering the housing from the skimming inlet and a filter basket is disposed in the housing with its open end communicating with the skimming inlet and a wall portion communicating with the drain inlet. An adaptor member and a cover plate cooperate with said basket for selectively controlling the flow of water from said skimming inlet to said outlet. The basket is adapted to attain a plurality of positions in the housing for regulating the flow through the drain inlet to the housing, and a sealing assembly is provided on the weir and the basket for sealing off flow through the skimmer inlet when the level of water in the pool falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A liquid level presence detection circuit includes a selectively gatable TRIAC serially connected with a load and triggered into conduction by twin sensitive-gate SCR's connected anode-to-cathode with the gates of the SCR's connected to voltage divider circuits which provide gating current to the SCR's in response to the presence of a conductive liquid bridging the two spaced apart contacts of a liquid presence detecting probe. The circuit is used in wet-niche type lamp assemblies that provide underwater illumination in swimming pools and the like and in which cooling is effected by the surrounding liquid. The detection circuit advantageously interrupts the flow of electrical energy to the lamp when the level of surrounding liquid falls below a predetermined level to prevent over-temperature operation of the lamp and consequent damage thereto and resumes the flow of electrical energy to the lamp when the level of the surrounding liquid increases to a safe level to permit adequate cooling thereof.

Abstract: A threaded lid for closing the opening in a pump housing having a body portion and a gripping formation defined by a ridge on the body portion having a central portion and projections extending beyond the central portion. A juncture between the central portion and each of the projections varies gradually from a rounded angle at one terminus of the juncture to a gently sloping ramp at the other terminus of the juncture, so that a simple elongated tool such as a stick may be placed between the projections of the gripping formation and rotated to loosen the lid, but not to tighten it. Furthermore, the mildly curved S-shape provides surfaces which conform to the hand to enable substantial manual loosening force to be applied comfortably to the lid, whereas the surfaces of the gripping formation engaged by the hand to tighten the lid are not conducive to the application of a substantial amount of manual force.

Abstract: A wet-niche type lamp for providing underwater illumination in a swimming pool or the like includes an over-temperature protection circuit which interrupts the supply of electrical energy to the lamp when the level of the cooling water surrounding the lamp drops below a predetermined level. The circuit includes thermistor mounted in an heat exchange relationship with the surrounding water so that heat energy generated in the thermistor, as a consequence of the current flow through it, is normally transferred to the surrounding water. Should the level of the surrounding water drop below that of the thermistor, the thermistor heat energy quickly evaporates any remaining water film on the exterior surface of the thermistor to allow its temperature to rise. The control circuit, in response to the temperature increase, interrupts the flow of electrical energy to the lamp to prevent over-temperature operation.

Abstract: A platform for supporting a motor-pump combination is molded as a unitary structure and includes a primary support and a detachable secondary support. The primary support includes a supporting surface formed at a first radius, and the secondary support includes a supporting surface formed at a second radius and a cavity adapted to receive the primary support. The platform, which retains the cost advantages attendant to one-step molded structures, may be readily converted from a platform for supporting a motor having a first radius to a platform for supporting a motor having a second radius by detaching the secondary support from the platform and mounting it over the primary support.

Abstract: A filtering system in which a plurality of filter assemblies are supported in a spaced relation relative to a common header which communicates with each of the assemblies. Each filter assembly consists of a plurality of individual filter units each of which is formed by a perforated tube and a filter material extending around the tube. The fluid to be filtered is drawn through the filter units and the header for passage externally of the system.

Abstract: A test plug assembly for insertion into a housing for preventing liquid under pressure from flowing therethrough includes an assembly body with an undersurface shaped and dimensioned to mate with a shaped upper portion of the housing. A plurality of flanges which project from the outer surface of the body are located and spaced apart so that the studs can pass between the flanges when the body is inserted into the housing and so that the uppermost surface of the flanges will engage the lowermost surface of the studs when the shaped upper portion and undersurface are in contact and the body is rotated relative to the housing. The body further includes a gripper for gripping the body so it can be rotated into engagement with the housing.

Abstract: A liquid distributor valve assembly in which an impeller means is disposed in a housing and is rotatable in the housing by the force of liquid entering the housing. A valve assembly is adapted to rotate in the housing in a manner to selectively control the flow of fluid through a plurality of outlets, and a gear arrangement selectively rotates the valve means in response to rotation of the impeller means.

Abstract: A liquid filter apparatus in which a plurality of filter units are disposed in a vessel with each of the filter units comprising a perforated tube and a filter material extending around the tube. A collection manifold is located in the upper portion of the vessel and communicates with the tubes of the filter units for receiving the filtered liquid. A cover is provided separate from the manifold for the vessel and the filter units can be disposed into at least two groups extending in a vertically stacked relationship.

Abstract: A pump assembly in which a mounting bracket supports a pump housing relative to an electric motor with the output shaft of the motor extending through an opening formed in the pump housing. An electrical insulating seal plate extends between the housing and the mounting bracket to electrically insulate the two, and an impeller is mounted on the shaft and rotable therewith to pump water through the housing.

Abstract: An underwater floodlight assembly in which an open-ended shell extends in an opening formed in the wall of a reservoir for water, with the shell having an outwardly extending integrally formed flange which engages the surface of the wall. A plurality of integrally formed bosses extend from the flange and into the wall. An open-ended inner housing is disposed within the shell and includes a receptacle for a lightbulb, and a mounting assembly mounts a cover over the open end portion of the housing and the shell. An insert of an electrical conductive material is molded integral with the flange and is connected to ground, and the mounting assembly establishes an electrical current flow path from the housing to the insert.

Abstract: A fluid pumping assembly in which an electrically operated motor is operatively connected to an impeller disposed in a volute housing. The volute housing is formed of two portions of a molded synthetic material which are joined together and which have rib means integrally formed on their inner faces for defining a priming chamber in the volute housing. A seal plate of a dielectric material extends within the volute housing and defines an opening for receiving drive means for the impeller.