Abstract: A pressure type pool cleaner includes a head (10) propelled forwardly (34) over a surface (12). Water pumped (14, 16) to the head drives wheels (22) turbine fashion; inducts debris into a cleaner system; and is ejected via a thrust nozzle (42) onto a guide (68) and thence along a thrust line (80) to thrust the head along the line (80). A pivoted director (44) mounts the guide (68) and includes a surface member (56) exposed to the water. During forward movement, water pressure on the member (56) counteracts jet stream pressure on the guide and maintains the guide's orientation for the thrust line (80) to above a wheel rotation axis (24). When an obstacle stops forward motion, pressure on the member (56) and its counteracting stop, the guide (68) is reoriented and redirects the thrust to well below the axis (24) to pivot the head (10) about the axis to assist the wheels (22) to scale the obstacle.

Abstract: A swivel connector (10) for a pipeline includes first and second connecting members (12, 14) connectable in the pipeline. The connecting members (12, 14) have round, telescopic pipe sections (32, 42), an annular seal (36, 46) between the pipe sections, and connectors (52, 56) which swivellably, releasably connect the connecting members (12, 14). The seal includes an inwardly proud standing peripheral ridge (36) on the first pipe section (32) which is telescopically outermost, and an aligned, complemental, thin walled, dilatable band (48) on the second pipe section, which is telescopically innermost. Liquid pressure dilates the band (48) to touch the ridge (36) to effect sealing. The connectors include a peripheral shoulder (52) on a collar (50) of the member (12) and a diametrically opposed pair of hooks (56) on the member (14) and which are releasably engageable with, to be relatively swivellable to, the shoulder (52). The sealing and swivelling surfaces can be separated for cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: Adaptor assemblies are detailed. Preferably for connecting automatic pool cleaning apparatus to return lines of swimming pool water-circulation systems, the assemblies utilize spurs that may affirmatively grip, or cut or gouge into, the return lines to retain the adaptors in position. Releasing the adaptors may occur with use of a release line which retracts the spurs when activated. Avoiding release of the spurs through rotation of the assemblies allows rotation for other purposes as, for example, to connect the device to a hose or other apparatus. A bellows or other assembly additionally may be included with the assemblies to facilitate their sealing against walls or other surfaces in which the return lines are embedded.