Abstract: A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switching the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly including a cam wheel that is fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switches the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner.

Abstract: A drive system for a pool cleaner is disclosed, the drive system including a motor operatively connected relative to an axle for driving rotation of the axle. The axel in turn is connected to and drives the rotation of (i) a roller assembly including a roller for cleaning a target surface and (ii) a wheel drive assembly engaged with an idler gear for driving a wheel. Notably the axis of rotation of the roller assembly is different than the axis of rotation of the wheel. Thus, the wheel drive assembly may drive the wheel by interacting with a surface of a cylindrical flange of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a probe apparatus and an associated method for measuring a magnetite deposit thickness, which apparatus and method is independent of the porosity and magnetic permeability of the magnetite deposit. The probe apparatus of this invention is an axial scanning and inside surface-following probe that can accurately and reliably measure the inside diameter of a tube. The probe apparatus of the present invention optionally comprises two modules: the first module is the surface-following module and the second module is a conventional eddy current probe.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to spade connectors for mating with an electrolytic blade. The electrolytic blade can include a body defining side walls. The electrolytic blade can include a protrusion defining a top edge and a bottom edge. The spade connector can include a body defining a distal end and a proximal end. The spade connector can include a connector extending from the body. The connector can include first and second inwardly biased flanges configured and dimensioned to engage the top and bottom edges of the protrusion of the electrolytic blade. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to systems and methods associated with the spade connectors.

Abstract: A pool filter with integrated pump is disclosed herein. The pool filter with integrated pump, comprising a filter housing having an inlet, an outlet, and defining one or more chambers in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet thereby at least partially defining a fluid flow path therebetween, a filter media housed within the filter housing and positioned such that the fluid flow path progresses through the filter media, and a pump assembly (at least partially) housed within the filter housing, the pump assembly including a pump motor and an impeller in mechanical communication with the pump motor, the pump assembly positioned such that the fluid flow path progresses through the impeller.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is includes a support section and a punted section that has an underdrain mounting member. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an automated pool cleaning apparatus configured to traverse an surface having varying elevations. Embodiments of the automated pool cleaning apparatus can include a housing that has a base portion with one or more intake ports and two or more wheel assemblies with at least one wheel assembly being disposed proximate to a front end of the housing and one wheel assembly being disposed proximate to a rear end of the housing. The base portion of the house can include a relief structure formed between the first and second wheel assemblies to facilitate improved and/or enhanced cleaning of the surface when transitioning between portions of the surface that have different elevations.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly including a cam wheel that is fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switches the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is includes a support section and a punted section that has an underdrain mounting member. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.

Abstract: Improved strainer members for use with pump assemblies and/or fluid systems (e.g., fluid circulation systems) are provided. The present disclosure provides for advantageous strainer members that strain and/or filter fluids in fluid systems (e.g., recreational bodies of water). More particularly, the present disclosure provides for strainer members (e.g., strainer baskets) that include features that improve performance characteristics. Strainer members with an improved ability to resist degradation of pump hydraulic performance when loaded with debris, and/or an improved ability to remove air pockets trapped under the strainer cover at low flow rates are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a steering system for a suction cleaning device, a locomotion system for a pool cleaner, and a turbine for use in an automatic cleaner. The steering system includes a fluid driven turbine that rotates a cam gear that is interconnected with a cam wheel for directing a drive pinion. The drive pinion is positionable in a plurality of positions to drive a nose cone that steers the suction cleaning device. The locomotion system includes first and second A-frame arms that respectively engage first and second bearings about first and second eccentrics of a turbine. Rotation of the turbine causes the first and second A-frame arms to rotate back and forth driving associated walking pod assemblies. The turbine includes a turbine rotor and a plurality of vanes connected to the turbine rotor. The plurality of vanes including lateral edges having lateral open regions to facilitate debris-removing efficiency.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is reinforced using multiple polymer layers that have been folded and/or pinched together. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to swimming pool cleaners, systems and methods that generally include a swimming pool cleaner and a docking station. Embodiments of the swimming pool cleaner can include a battery and a debris container. The docking station generally includes an opening configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the swimming pool cleaner. Upon receipt of the swimming pool cleaner in the opening of the housing, the docking station can automatically recharge the battery of the swimming pool cleaner and/or automatically clean the debris container of the swimming pool cleaner.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a pool cleaner having a body and articulated cleaning member extending from the body. The articulated cleaning member can be pivotally and/or rotatably coupled to the body. The articulated cleaning member can be pivoted or rotated with respect to the body to accommodate changes in the terrain of a pool.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric top bottom cleaner for pools or spas that includes internal pumps for suction and propulsion purposes. The pool cleaner includes a housing having a front end, a rear end, a first side, a second side, a bottom wall, and a top wall, with a first aperture extending through the bottom wall and a second aperture extending through the top wall. A tube extends through the housing between the first aperture and the second aperture. A debris retention mechanism is connectable to the housing. A first pump, a second pump, and a third pump are positioned within the housing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular electric hose swivels for reducing entanglement of a swimming pool cleaner power cable. The exemplary modular electric hose swivels generally include a swivel body that includes a first swivel half and a second swivel half. The first swivel half and the second swivel half are generally configured to receive a first cable and a second cable. The first swivel half and the second swivel half further provide a continuous electrical contact between the first and second cables. The exemplary swivel body can also be detachably secured to a skimmer. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to methods of reducing entanglement of a swimming pool cleaner power cable.

Abstract: A drive system for a pool cleaner is disclosed, the drive system including a motor operatively connected relative to an axle for driving rotation of the axle. The axel in turn is connected to and drives the rotation of (i) a roller assembly including a roller for cleaning a target surface and (ii) a wheel drive assembly engaged with an idler gear for driving a wheel. Notably the axis of rotation of the roller assembly is different than the axis of rotation of the wheel. Thus, the wheel drive assembly may drive the wheel by interacting with a surface of a cylindrical flange of the wheel.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switching the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved swimming pool cleaner drive mechanisms and associated methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides an improved pool cleaner drive mechanism that includes a motor that powers the: (i) wheel(s) and (ii) drive member of the pool cleaner. A pool cleaner having a housing, a drive mechanism, one or more wheels, and a drive member is provided. The drive mechanism includes a gear drive and a motor associated with the housing. The motor powers the one or more wheels to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction and provides steering of the wheels. The motor also powers the drive member (e.g., a rotating drive member such as a propeller, impeller, fan, rotor, suction fan) into an ON and OFF position/state to propel the swimming pool cleaner. Embodiments are also directed to systems/methods of driving a swimming pool cleaner.