Abstract: A suction-operated swimming pool cleaner includes a valve in the outlet for venting applied suction upon contact of the pool cleaner with an obstruction to movement. Venting of applied suction reduces suction adherence of the head to the pool surface and permits reorientation of the cleaner to be free of the obstruction.

Abstract: A pressure pad disc for use around the inlet of vacuum suction swimming pool cleaners as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,023,227 and 4,208,752. The disc has radial slots 3 extending from the edge of the disc across the majority of the radius to define separate segments to which independently of the remainder of the disc.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus of the type including a cleaning head for cleaning submerged surfaces and a flapper valve for moving the head relative to the surface by oscillation thereof. An annular flexible disc located at the inlet end of the suction head surrounds a central opening below the flexible disc and at least one transverse inlet opening to the passage through the suction head is located above and adjacent the flexible disc. The transverse inlet opening is substantially symmetrical about the direction of movement of the head and faces in the general direction towards which the head moves in operation. An upper member held in spaced relation relative to the disc may be provided to define a flow path between it and the disc towards the transverse inlet opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning swimming pools in a stepwise movement over the pool walls comprises a balanced operating head having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet adapted to be swivelably connected to a longitudinally resilient and flexible suction hose. The inlet axis is inclined at an angle of between thirty degrees and sixty degrees to that of the outlet. A passage extends through the head from inlet to outlet, and an oscillatable valve in the head is adapted to alternately open and close said passage. A baffle plate is disposed in the head between the inlet and valve to form a restricted suction connection between inlet and outlet around the valve when the passage is closed, the connection being as restricted as practical commensurate with proper valve movement.

Abstract: The invention comprises a simple compact automatically operating apparatus for cleaning swimming pools in a stepwise movement over the pool walls comprising a balanced operating head having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet adapted to be swivelably connected to a longitudinally resilient and flexible suction hose. The inlet axis is inclined at an angle of between thirty degrees and sixty degrees to that of the outlet. A pair of passages extend through the head from inlet to outlet, and an oscillatable valve in the head is adapted to alternately close said passages. A baffle plate is placed in the head between the inlet and valve to cause one of the passages to be more restricted and less direct between inlet and outlet than the other and the valve is shaped so that liquid flow through the passages will cause automatic oscillation thereof between terminal positions in each of which one of the passages through the head is closed.