Abstract: The inventive technology, in certain embodiments, may be described as a hydraulic energy converter 1 that comprises: a frame assembly 2 that itself comprises a first frame portion 3 and a second frame portion 4 that is positionally adjustable relative to said first frame portion, said first frame portion affixable in stationary position relative to a water channel structure 5; an axle 6 connected with said second frame portion 4; a driveshaft 7 established substantially orthogonally to said axle 6; waterwheels 8 connected with said axle 6; a gearbox 9 connecting said driveshaft 7 with said axle 6 and established between said waterwheels 8; and at least one rotational energy converting device 10 connected with said driveshaft 7 and said second frame portion 4. A related aspect of the inventive technology—a wind energy converter—may include rotors instead of waterwheels (in addition to perhaps reflecting other differences).

Abstract: The inventive technology, in certain embodiments, may be described as a hydraulic energy converter 1 that comprises: a frame assembly 2 that itself comprises a first frame portion 3 and a second frame portion 4 that is positionally adjustable relative to said first frame portion, said first frame portion affixable in stationary position relative to a water channel structure 5; an axle 6 connected with said second frame portion 4; a driveshaft 7 established substantially orthogonally to said axle 6; waterwheels 8 connected with said axle 6; a gearbox 9 connecting said driveshaft 7 with said axle 6 and established between said waterwheels 8; and at least one rotational energy converting device 10 connected with said driveshaft 7 and said second frame portion 4. A related aspect of the inventive technology—a wind energy converter—may include rotors instead of waterwheels (in addition to perhaps reflecting other differences).

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for controlling the operation of a swimming pool cleaning device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a plurality of outlet openings and a valve chamber between the inlet and outlet openings. The housing has at least one compound cylinder having two portions with different bore diameters for slideably accommodating therein a mating stepped piston. Each portion of the compound cylinder fluidly communicates with pressurized water in the valve chamber via associated fluid pathways. The larger cylinder is vented by a relief valve actuated by a fluid driven cam that periodically opens and closes the relief valve. When the relief valve is closed, the pressure within the large cylinder pushes the piston to a first position which effects the opened/closed status of a port, e.g., allowing one of the outlets to communicate with the pressurized water in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for controlling the operation of a swimming pool cleaning device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a plurality of outlet openings and a valve chamber between the inlet and outlet openings. The housing has at least one compound cylinder having two portions with different bore diameters for slideably accommodating therein a mating stepped piston. Each portion of the compound cylinder fluidly communicates with pressurized water in the valve chamber via associated fluid pathways. The larger cylinder is vented by a relief valve actuated by a fluid driven cam that periodically opens and closes the relief valve. When the relief valve is closed, the pressure within the large cylinder pushes the piston to a first position which effects the opened/closed status of a port, e.g., allowing one of the outlets to communicate with the pressurized water in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A circular suction outlet assembly is provided for use in swimming pools, spas, and the like, which includes a sump body having a central stem which forms an annular space within the sump body, and a nozzle which communicates with the annular space to convey water to the swimming pool drain circuit. A circular, domed-shaped cover is removeably fitted to the top of the sump body. Safety features of the suction outlet assembly include openings in the cover arranged to allow a bather to safely break a seal formed between a body part and the cover. In the event the cover becomes separated from the sump body, the annular space and the central stem also inhibit the insertion and entrapment of human body parts in the sump body.

Abstract: An elongated suction outlet assembly is provided for use in swimming pools, hot tubs and the like. The suction outlet assembly includes an elongated sump having at least one longitudinal, raised island extending upwardly from inside the sump, and an elongated cover engaging the sump. Safety features of the suction outlet assembly are designed to inhibit human entrapment and thereby reduce the related risk of serious injury or death. The cover is long enough to prevent a bather's body from covering and blocking all of the openings therein, and thereby avoids the creation of a dangerous entrapping force. In the event the cover becomes separated from the sump, the raised island(s) provides a back-up safety feature by preventing a bather's access to the suction outlet nozzle via narrow axial flow channels, thereby virtually eliminating the risk of limb entrapment.

Abstract: An underwater light, e.g., for a pool or spa, includes an ordinarily watertight housing, an outer compartment within the housing and floodable by water flowing therein in the event the housing is no longer watertight, a current shield within the outer compartment and at least partially defining an inner compartment within the outer compartment, a light emitter within the inner compartment, a passageway communicating between the inner and outer compartments such that outer compartment flood water can enter the inner compartment and contact the light emitter, and a conductor. The conductor is positioned so as to collect stray electrical current conducted from the inner compartment by water within the passageway, thereby reducing the risk of shock presented by such stray electrical current. The underwater light is installable within a wet niche, and includes a transformer housed in a separate compartment that extends into the wet niche for thorough cooling thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a housing passage with a passage inlet, air entering through the passage inlet flowing in a first direction and the housing passage directing air flowing therethrough in a second direction which is more than 90 degrees different from the first direction. The vacuum cleaner also includes a blower adapted to be used separately from the vacuum cleaner, the blower having a blower housing with a blower inlet, a blower outlet, and defining a blower passage between the blower inlet and the blower outlet, an impeller disposed in the blower passage to move air between the blower inlet and the blower outlet and a motor mounted to the blower housing and coupled to the impeller to move the impeller. The blower is detachably secured to the housing with the blower outlet disposed in communication with the passage inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cord retainer for holding looped cord in a horizontal position against the housing of the vacuum cleaner. The cord retainer includes two cord locks that are pivotally mounted to the vacuum cleaner housing. The cord locks are limited in their pivotal movement from a horizontal or near horizontal position to a vertical or near vertical position. The cord locks are mounted onto shafts which, in turn, are either integrally molded with the vacuum cleaner housing or connected to the vacuum cleaner housing in a suitable fashion.

Abstract: A convertible blower port for a vacuum cleaner includes a cylindrical port wall carried by a portion of a vacuum cleaner. The port wall has a first end facing inwardly toward the vacuum cleaner and a second end opposite the first end. The port wall defines a blower passage in communication with the plenum of the vacuum cleaner. A blower port outlet is provided on the second end of the port wall. A removable cap closes off the blower port outlet and has an exterior surface for gripping the cap and has a hub configured to fill the blower passage. The hub has a substantially smooth inner end face that is positioned generally across the first end of the port wall and faces the plenum of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A wheel mounting system for a wet/dry vacuum cleaner is disclosed. A system provides a wet/dry vacuum cleaner base having a plurality of mounting surfaces extending therefrom. First and second wheels are mounted to first and second stub shafts which are inserted through at least two of the plurality of bearing surfaces and secured thereto using set screws. Flanges on outer ends of the stub shafts secure the wheels between the flanges and wheel wells extending from the base of the vacuum cleaner. A reinforcing shaft can be telescopingly received within the first and second stub shafts in order to enable the vacuum cleaner base to support relatively heavy loads.

Abstract: A convertible blower port for a vacuum cleaner includes a cylindrical port wall carried by a portion of a vacuum cleaner. The port wall has a first end facing inwardly toward the vacuum cleaner and a second end opposite the first end. The port wall defines a blower passage in communication with the plenum of the vacuum cleaner. A blower port outlet is provided on the second end of the port wall. A removable cap closes off the blower port outlet and has an exterior surface for gripping the cap and has a hub configured to fill the blower passage. The hub has a substantially smooth inner end face that is positioned generally across the first end of the port wall and faces the plenum of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided which includes a housing and a latch assembly disposed on the housing. The latch assembly includes a latch that is movable relative to the housing between a first state and a second state. The vacuum cleaner also includes a blower that is disposable on the housing and has a first state wherein the blower is detached from the housing and a second state wherein the blower is disposed on the housing. The blower includes a latching surface disposed adjacent the latch with the blower in the second state. The blower moves the latch between the first state and the second state as the blower is moved between the first state and the second state, and the latch engages the latching surface with the blower in the second state and the latch in the first state to secure the blower to the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided which includes a housing and a latch assembly disposed on the housing. The latch assembly includes a latch that is movable relative to the housing between a first state and a second state. The vacuum cleaner also includes a blower that is disposable on the housing and has a first state wherein the blower is detached from the housing and a second state wherein the blower is disposed on the housing. The blower includes a latching surface disposed adjacent the latch with the blower in the second state. The blower moves the latch between the first state and the second state as the blower is moved between the first state and the second state, and the latch engages the latching surface with the blower in the second state and the latch in the first state to secure the blower to the housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cord retainer for holding looped cord in a horizontal position against the housing of the vacuum cleaner. The cord retainer includes two cord locks that are pivotally mounted to the vacuum cleaner housing. The cord locks are limited in their pivotal movement from a horizontal or near horizontal position to a vertical or near vertical position. The cord locks are mounted onto shafts which, in turn, are either integrally molded with the vacuum cleaner housing or connected to the vacuum cleaner housing in a suitable fashion.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a housing passage with a passage inlet, air entering through the passage inlet flowing in a first direction and the housing passage directing air flowing therethrough in a second direction which is more than 90 degrees different from the first direction. The vacuum cleaner also includes a blower adapted to be used separately from the vacuum cleaner, the blower having a blower housing with a blower inlet, a blower outlet, and defining a blower passage between the blower inlet and the blower outlet, an impeller disposed in the blower passage to move air between the blower inlet and the blower outlet and a motor mounted to the blower housing and coupled to the impeller to move the impeller. The blower is detachably secured to the housing with the blower outlet disposed in communication with the passage inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of drawing different current levels in vacuum and blower modes is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner comprises at least one electric motor and an impeller disposed in an impeller housing, the impeller driven by the at least one electric motor. A receptacle has an inlet and an orifice in fluid communication with the impeller housing, wherein the impeller creates a low pressure area in the receptacle thereby drawing air into the inlet. An outlet is in air flow communication with the impeller housing, wherein air from the impeller is expelled through the outlet. A switch is associated with the outlet, wherein the switch has a first position in which a first current may be drawn by the at least one motor and a second position in which a second current, less than the first current, may be drawn by the at least one motor. A device is removably attached to the outlet for directing air.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a receptacle with an interior, a motor assembly that draws air from the interior of the receptacle, an inlet on the receptacle wherein the inlet receives vacuumed material, and an opening on the receptacle in air flow communication with the interior of the receptacle. The vacuum cleaner also includes a dust pan that opens and closes the opening. The dust pan may be used for collecting large and small debris, liquids, and any other objects that cannot or should not enter the inlet.

Abstract: A robot transport platform adapted for locomotion, having a base with three wheels on each side. Of the three wheels on each side, the wheels near the fore end and the aft end are omnidirectional wheels; the intermediate wheel in between the omnidirectional wheels is a conventional wheel. The omnidirectional wheels have staggered rows of spherical rollers rotatably mounted to the circumference of the wheel's hub. More precisely, the rollers are mounted to annular shafts that circumscribe the circumference of the hub, and are supported in an overlying position over the hub by radially extending spokes. Anti-rattle washers are provided in between adjacent rollers. Torque is provided by two electric motors independently operating the wheels on each side. Torque is transferred to the wheels via a gear box, a chain, and cogged drive belts. The robot transport platform is controlled by radio and accordingly has a radio receiver mounted to the base. Servo controllers are used to control the motors and gear box.