Abstract: A portal and method facilitate routing and holding at least one electrical cable having a plug end. The portal may include a body which fits into a hole in a mounting surface and has a cable opening therein. A closure member moves between a closed position and an open position relative to the cable opening. A retainer movably mounted to the closure member confines the cable in a desired position to inhibit the plug end from moving back toward the interior of the portal body and to permit the plug end to be pulled substantially freely away from the body.

Abstract: An organizer and method of use is disclosed, wherein the organizer includes a plurality of movable and repositionable walls, and securing devices for movably and repositionally attaching the divider walls to a support to accommodate different sizes and shapes of electronic devices to be stored and recharged. Routing devices position cables for recharging electronic devices leaning against the divider walls.

Abstract: A multimedia storage device for supporting packages is disclosed. The device includes at least two spaced-apart rails, each rail having at least one series of package supporting portions. A front retainer and a rear retainer is adapted to confine a plurality of packages therebetween. A cross-bar may be provided to secure the rails in a spaced-apart configuration. One of the retainers may be adapted to glide along the rails. The gliding retainer may include a glide portion having a central portion and a pair of wings. Each wing may be adapted to secure the glide to a rail and to enable the glide to be movable along the rail.

Abstract: A magnetic control valve is provided in a suction powered pool cleaner of the type for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The pool cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. The control valve includes an oscillatory valve member movable between open and substantially closed positions relative to an upstream end of the suction tube to produce pressure fluctuations causing the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces. Oscillatory driving of the valve head is assisted by permanent magnets mounted on the valve member and cleaner head to generate repulsion forces as the valve head respectively approaches the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A magnetic control valve is provided in a suction powered pool cleaner of the type for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The pool cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. The control valve includes an oscillatory valve member movable between open and substantially closed positions relative to an upstream end of the suction tube to produce pressure fluctuations causing the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces. Oscillatory driving of the valve head is assisted by permanent magnets mounted on the valve member and cleaner head to generate repulsion forces as the valve head respectively approaches the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A ramped cap unit is provided for installation into a swimming pool in a position covering a main pool drain equipped with an upstanding antivortex safety drain cover plate, wherein the ramped cap unit has a smoothly contoured shape to permit a pool cleaner device to travel thereover without interrupting or obstructing cleaning operation. The cap unit comprises a generally inverted saucer defining a smoothly sloping and convex or ramped upwardly presented surface having a diametric size and shape to fit over the safety drain cover plate. An array of ribs formed on the underside of the cap unit engage an outer periphery of the upstanding cover plate to retain the cap unit in position thereon. A large plurality of vents are formed in the cap unit at spaced-apart locations to permit downward water flow therethrough substantially without disrupting the antivortex and safety functions of the underlying drain cover plate.

Abstract: An improved swivel coupling is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly for use in connecting a pool cleaner of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source to a flexible vacuum hose which is connected in turn to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment. The swivel coupling comprises outer and inner part-spherical ball segments adapted for respective connection to the vacuum hose and to a water flow port on the pool cleaner, wherein the outer ball segment defines a socket for rotationally receiving and supporting the inner ball segment in a manner to accommodate substantial angular and rotational swivel displacement therebetween. A plurality of generally axially extending ribs are formed within the socket for rotationally supporting the inner ball segment with minimal contact area, and to define therebetween a plurality of axially elongated recessed channels.

Abstract: A pool cleaner is provided of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source, such as by connecting the pool cleaner via a vacuum hose or the like to the suction side of a conventional pool water filtration system. The pool cleaner comprises a compact housing carried on wheels for rolling movement along a submerged pool surface. A debris intake nozzle is formed at a lower end of the housing in close proximity with the pool surface, and communicates through a turbine chamber in the housing to the vacuum hose for water-borne vacuuming of debris from the pool surface. Water draw through the turbine chamber rotatably drives a turbine which in turn powers a drive train to rotatably drive the cleaner wheels together with a downforce fan for improved wheel traction. In addition, the drive train operates at least one timer cam for periodically actuating a reverse clutch assembly to drive at least one of the cleaner wheels in reverse for a brief time interval.

Abstract: The foot pedal assembly of the present invention generates and provides three inputs to a personal computer. Each of the two foot pedals of the foot pedal assembly pivot and generate an input in the form of an electrical signal in proportion to the pivoted position of the foot pedal. Each foot pedal is connected to a slidable foot pedal support, which pivotally supports the foot pedal and which allows the foot pedal to slide in forward and reverse directions. A connecting member rotatably and slidably connects the two foot pedal supports, and rotates about an axis located between the two foot pedal supports. A signal generator is operably connected to the connecting member for generating a third axis of input in the form of an electrical signal in proportion to a rotated position of the connecting member.