Abstract: A self-propelled swimming pool cleaner which randomly covers the bottom of the pool. Water pumped from the bottom of the unit filters dirt carried thereby, then uses the pumped water to propel the device either forward or backward. A pivoted front axle causes the path of the unit to vary when changing from forward to backward so that the unit randomly covers the entire pool bottom. Spring loaded doors may be provided to allow water to exit when the unit is lifted out of the pool. A sealed motor unit has a metal portion to transfer heat from the motor.

Abstract: A pool cleaner for cleaning a pool includes a housing with an upper surface and downwardly projecting sidewalls extending from the upper surface for defining a front, a rear, a first and a second side of the housing. A first pair of wheels includes a first wheel being pivotally mounted relative to the first side of the housing and a second wheel being pivotally mounted relative to the second side of the housing. A tie rod is operatively mounted relative to the first wheel and the second wheel. A second pair of wheels is mounted on the rear end of the housing. As the pool cleaner traverses a pool surface and the first or second wheel is moved to be at a predetermined angular relationship relative to the housing, the tie rod ensures that the first and second wheels are at substantially the same angular relationship relative to the housing.

Abstract: A salt chlorine generator for use in conjunction with a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or large vessel of water includes a bracket for mounting a housing on a wall of a swimming pool, spa, hot tub or large vessel of water. The housing is releasable mounted relative to said bracket and contains a compartment wherein a halogen-producing electrode configuration is removably mounted relative to the compartment. A predetermined length of electrical cable is stored within the compartment for enabling the halogen producing electrode configuration to be selectively removed from said compartment for replacing, servicing or winterizing.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell combined into a unitary structure with a liquid circulation fitting, which purifies water by electrode plates inside the cell when an aqueous solution is present. The unitary structure replaces the existing water return fitting. This integrated structure is well suited for use in pools, tubs, spas, fountains or similar large liquid containers. The production of halogen inside the structure is not required to coincide with the cycle of the existing pool filtration system. Rather, the electrodes receive a continuous supply of low level power and the halogen produced inside the structure is disbursed back into the body of water through the fitting using an integrated, dedicated circulation pump, special channels in the surface and a check valve to insure one directional flow from the pool pump and natural convection. Using fresh water drawn from the vessel, halogen is then disbursed back into the vessel with the water at a location different from where the fresh water was drawn.

Abstract: A ring for surrounding a pool drain to permit a pool cleaner to easily traverse the pool drain without interfering with the traversing movement of the pool cleaner includes a central portion positioned to surround a pool drain. The central portion has a predetermined height. An outer portion is displaced a predetermined distance relative to the central portion. The outer portion has substantially the same predetermined height as the central portion. An intermediate portion extends from the outer portion to the central portion. The intermediate portion provides a surface of substantially the same height as the central portion and the outer portion for enabling a pool cleaner to easily traverse a pool drain.

Abstract: An underwater light for use with soft-sided aboveground pools includes a watertight light fixture utilizing a low voltage (12V) current for use in underwater illumination of a swimming pool. A mounting assembly is provided that is attached to the light fixture for allowing attachment of the assembly to a support frame of a soft-sided aboveground pool. A transformer is provided for containing controls for an automatic timer and for providing variable intensity lighting to the system.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell combined into a unitary structure with a liquid circulation fitting, which purifies water by electrode plates inside the cell when an aqueous solution is present. The unitary structure replaces the existing water return fitting. This integrated structure is well suited for use in pools, tubs, spas, fountains or similar large liquid containers. The production of halogen inside the structure is not required to coincide with the cycle of the existing pool filtration system. Rather, the electrodes receive a continuous supply of low level power and the halogen produced inside the structure is disbursed back into the body of water through the fitting using an integrated, dedicated circulation pump, special channels in the surface and a check valve to insure one directional flow from the pool pump and natural convection. Using fresh water drawn from the vessel, halogen is then disbursed back into the vessel with the water at a location different from where the fresh water was drawn.

Abstract: A catalyst suitable for the treatment of automotive engine exhaust exhibiting enhanced oxygen storage capacity. The catalyst composition contains, in addition to a catalytic material such as one or more of platinum, rhodium and palladium dispersed on an activated alumina support, an oxygen storage component ("OSC") which is an intimately mixed oxide of ceria and praseodymia having a Pr:Ce atomic ratio in the range of about 2:100 to 100:100 and optionally containing one or more other rare earth metal oxides. The OSC is segregated from the catalytic material and may optionally have dispersed thereon a limited amount of a second catalytic metal component, such as platinum, rhodium and/or palladium. The intimately mixed oxide may be formed by co-precipitation by impregnation of bulk ceria particles with a praseodymium precursor, or any other method to form an intimately mixed oxide. The OSC may comprise at least about 5% by weight of the combined weight of the OSC and the catalytic component.

Abstract: An apparatus for sounding an audible alarm when an object, such as a child or a pet, falls into a pool. An elongated housing is secured to the pool such as by fastening it to a pool ladder, with a control head on one end above the water surface and the other, sensing, head below the surface. At least one reed switch is positioned at the lower end of the housing. An elongated permanent magnet is mounted in a support body typically a buoyant body fastened to a flexible but stiff strap so that one pole of the magnet is adjacent to the reed switch. The magnet is positioned with the line through the north and south magnetic poles being approximately perpendicular to the switch. The strap is secured to an open container below the housing such that the strap and buoyant body can pivot in a single plane lying substantially parallel to the length of the reed switch. Thus, when the pool is calm the center of the magnet is adjacent to the reed switch.

Abstract: A catalytic material effective for the reduction of NO.sub.x and the oxidation of at least carbon monoxide includes an oxygen storage component that provides superior oxygen storage function. The oxygen storage component includes an intimately combined mixed oxides including cerium, neodymium and zirconium. Typically, the ceria constitutes more than about 30 percent by weight of the ceria plus zirconia in the intimately combined mixed oxide, e.g., from about 32 to 44 weight percent. Preferably, the intimately combined mixed oxide also includes up to about 26 percent neodymia by weight of the ceria, e.g., from 18.6 to 23.5 percent. The intimately combined mixed oxide may be a co-formed material that may be prepared by, e.g., co-precipitating compounds of zirconium and the rare earth metal and calcining the co-precipitate.