Having Floating Means Patents (Class 210/167.2)
  • Patent number: 12032376
    Abstract: Systems and methods can support an autonomous pool skimming system. The pool skimming system may have a body with two or more hulls. Two or more paddlewheels may be coupled to the body. An independent motor may drive each paddlewheel. The motors may be independently controllable to support steering. The pool skimming system may have one or more processing units, two or more distance sensors, one or more solar cells, and a power supply operable to power the processing units and the motors from energy supplied by the solar cells. One or more processing modules may configure the processing units to plan and execute a traversal path across the surface of a body of water, such as a swimming pool, to collect debris into a removable basket. A portion of the traversal path may be established according to signals from distance sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Skimdevil Pure, LLC
    Inventors: Milan Simik, Miroslav Kremecek
  • Patent number: 11814868
    Abstract: Debris filters for automatic swimming pool cleaners may be formed of metal, carbon fibers, or composites more rigid than soft nylon bags. In at least one version, the filter may be made of, or include, steel or stainless steel. Non-uniform sizes, densities, and/or shapes of openings in the filtration material may be created to provide different levels of filtration in a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: E. Keith McQueen, Remi Deloche, Louis Favie
  • Patent number: 11802418
    Abstract: Swimming pool cleaning apparatus may include a cleaning unit intended to be immersed in a swimming pool and at least one liquid filter circuit between at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet via a filter chamber removable from the body of the cleaning unit. The filter chamber may include a cover and a filter basket. The cover may include components for fastening the filter basket and locking the filter chamber to the body of the cleaning unit. The locking component may be releasable and, when released, may cause an extraction handle to be deployed from the filter chamber and urged toward a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
    Inventors: Philippe Blanc Tailleur, Faustine Munoz, Philippe Pichon
  • Patent number: 10787831
    Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer comprises a buoyant skimmer body. The swimming pool skimmer further comprises an electrical power supply including a solar cell mounted to a topside of the skimmer body. A set of proximity sensors are operatively connected to the electrical power supply, and are mounted at a forward end of the skimmer body. The set of proximity sensors are configured to generate a signal in response to detecting an obstruction. A set of pump jets are operatively connected to both the electrical power supply and the set of proximity sensors. The set of pump jets are configured to activate in response to the signal from the set of proximity sensors, thereby rotating the swimming pool skimmer away from the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: J. Murray Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10519616
    Abstract: A skimming device configured to collect and store floating debris captured from a body of water. The debris includes at least one of liquid debris such as petrochemicals, semi-solid debris, and/or solid debris on or near the surface of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SKIMKING, INC.
    Inventors: Nicolas Casadio, Christian Casadio, Guy Raz, Moshe Zruya
  • Patent number: 9587409
    Abstract: An invention for cleaning the surface and near surface of pools and ponds is disclosed. The invention comprises a floating skimmer with a screening medium that can easily be controlled by an operator and maneuvered above and below the surface of the pool or attached to the side of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Bair
  • Patent number: 9499997
    Abstract: A pool water surface screening device comprising, in combination, a fixed arm having a hollow tubular configuration forming a fixed arm passageway through the fixed arm, a net holder being coupled to the fixed arm, a swing arm having a passageway therethrough, with the swing arm being coupled to the net holder, and a net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Robert T. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8877047
    Abstract: The invention comprises a net stretched across the pool surface, either partially or completely, and a pull chord attached to either end. Each pull cord is operated by an individual. The upper edge of the net is attached to a float and the lower edge is weighted to ensure it submerges below the water surface. Two side edges of the net are incorporate a spreader bar to create separation between the top and bottom of the net to create maintain an opening to captures water surface debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Gary J. Stroeder
  • Publication number: 20140262997
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Joseph Renaud, David John Hardy
  • Patent number: 8826936
    Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Fuel Active Limited
    Inventor: Michael John James
  • Patent number: 8707991
    Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fuel Active Limited
    Inventor: Michael John James
  • Publication number: 20120305461
    Abstract: A mobile skimmer that can be propelled by either human manipulation or wind power to capture debris floating on or near the surface of a body of liquid, and more particularly, a swimming pool. It further comprises a unique netted trap design to trap and retain debris even while floating freely in the water. A hinged buoyant flap has one end positioned below the surface of the water, with another end that moves above and below the surface depending on the movement of the skimmer, thereby collecting and trapping debris. A sail may be used to move the skimmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: SCOTT VERONIE
  • Patent number: 7993515
    Abstract: A pool skimming device comprising an outer body with an outlet to the pool pump line, a hollow mating member which floats within the outer body so that its top rim is at the surface of the pool and a litter basket which fits within the floating member. The device has an inlet to attach a pool suction device and the outer body has a backing plate which fits over the opening of the pool skimmer box which provides access to the pool pump line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Allan Davies, Paul Maarten Degroot
  • Publication number: 20110180489
    Abstract: A cleaning device for artificial pools comprises a flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material, and that is buoyant in water. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet is circular and is formed from a plurality of individual layers secured in overlapping relation to one another. Each of the layers comprises a fibrous mat composed of fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: James Barrie Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 7972504
    Abstract: A skimmer apparatus including a floatation element defining an operative top end and configured to remain on top of a body of water, a net material having a top edge connected to the floatation element and extending nearly a complete width of the floatation element, a non-floatation element defining an operative bottom and connected to a bottom edge of the net material, a guide element extending from a first side and second side of the floatation element and first side and the second side of the non-floatation element, and a handle attached to the end of the guide element distant from the floatation element and the non-floatation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Scot H. Weiss
  • Patent number: 7811461
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment apparatus, method and system for use in the treatment of an open or closed body of water including water in a vessel, pipe, reservoir, river, chamber, lake or similar bodies of water, the water being retained in a water containment means being referenced or tied to ground potential, the apparatus including an energisable material defined as an active electrode being configured and arranged for placement in the body of water, the active electrode being adapted to be energised or electrostatically charged with a negative electrostatic voltage charge from a power supply means, in use, to induce and set up an electrostatic field in the water causing contaminants in the water effected by the induced charge to bond and be removed from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Iogenyx Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Andrew Peter Musson
  • Publication number: 20100230336
    Abstract: A pool skimming device comprising an outer body with an outlet to the pool pump line, a hollow mating member which floats within the outer body so that its top rim is at the surface of the pool and a litter basket which fits within the floating member. The device has an inlet to attach a pool suction device and the outer body has a backing plate which fits over the opening of the pool skimmer box which provides access to the pool pump line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Allan Davies, Paul Maarten Degroot
  • Patent number: 7686951
    Abstract: A vacuum skimmer for ponds, swimming pools or similar bodies of water has housing with an intake opening and a dirt collecting container arranged downstream for collecting coarse materials. The water to be purified is sucked in through the dirt collecting container by a pump arranged downstream. The intake opening is provided on one housing side. The vacuum skimmer is movable in such a way that the intake opening upon operation of the vacuum skimmer can orient itself in different directions. The vacuum skimmer has an aeration device by means of which air can be blown into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: OASE GmbH
    Inventors: Utz Wagner, Michaela Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20090188851
    Abstract: The present invention is a stationary pool skimming apparatus that uses the flow of water in a pool to collect free flowing debris from the water in the pool. In one embodiment, a pool skimming apparatus for collecting debris from water in a pool includes a frame having a net attached thereto. A first end of the frame includes a compression mechanism. The compression mechanism is adapted for being connected to a skimmer port of the pool such that the frame and net extend into the pool in a manner enabling the net of the pool skimming apparatus to collect debris from the water in the pool. The compression mechanism operates in either of an inverted position and a non-inverted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Nick DePinto, Shawn Kenavan
  • Publication number: 20090152182
    Abstract: A remote control pool skimmer for picking up surface debris, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a pair of elongated buoyant hulls spaced from one another, each hull having a bow and a stern, and at least one cross member interconnecting the hulls to one another, a remotely controlled drive system connected to the pool skimmer for propelling the hulls across the surface of the water in a selected direction and a collection net spanning the space between the pair of hulls, the net being oriented in order to collect surface debris as the hulls move through the water. In terms of weight distribution from bow to stern, the hulls are weighted more toward the stern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald R. Cosentino
  • Patent number: 7504025
    Abstract: A floating self-propelled cleaning device (10) for water surfaces, in particular swimming pools, comprises a central floating body (11) and two side floating elements (12) to it connected at opposite sides by two arms (14) to which two net-shaped collecting containers (13) are fastened. The net-shaped containers (13) have openings (17) that allow the inlet of impurities, but prevent the outlet thereof during possible stops or under the action of waves that can occur during the travel on the water surface. The floating device (10) is driven by propelling means (20) and (30) that substantially cause the side floating elements (12) to rotate about an instantaneous centre of rotation located approximately at the central body (11). The rotation of the side floating elements (12) is associated to a shifting movement caused by at least a distribution element (15) movable with respect to the floating body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Watertech S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rinaldo Burgassi
  • Patent number: 7504027
    Abstract: A remote control pool skimmer for picking up surface debris, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a pair of elongated buoyant hulls spaced from one another, each hull having a bow and a stern, and at least one cross member interconnecting the hulls to one another, a remotely controlled drive system connected to the pool skimmer for propelling the hulls across the surface of the water in a selected direction and a collection net spanning the space between the pair of hulls, the net being oriented in order to collect surface debris as the hulls move through the water. In terms of weight distribution from bow to stern, the hulls are weighted more toward the stern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Dunn-Rite Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. Cosentino
  • Patent number: 7455767
    Abstract: A device for gathering debris floating at or near the surface of a swimming pool, the device having a spray head assembly releasably installable in front of an in-wall skimmer on a side of the swimming pool, the spray head assembly comprising a connector through which a pressurized flow of water is receivable from an external source; an inlet duct assembly pivotably connected to the spray head assembly; and an elongate debris collection bag releasably attachable to the inlet duct assembly, the collection bag extending into the pool at or near the water surface and substantially perpendicular to that portion of the pool wall adjacent to the spray head assembly, and having at least one water outlet disposed distally from the inlet duct assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Roger F. Pamperin
  • Patent number: 7452461
    Abstract: A skimmer device for cleaning the surface of a body of liquid having a housing with a front and rear opening. Disposed within the housing is at least one float, a removable tray, and a battery powered motor with an attached propeller. Attached to the exterior of the housing is a guide fin and a net. Additionally, the housing has a solar device thereon that operates to recharge the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Louis F. Riley
  • Patent number: 7404905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment apparatus, method and system for use in the treatment of wastewater or contaminated water, the apparatus including an energisable material or base platform configured and arranged for placement in the flow of wastewater, the platform having a substantial surface area with a media layer suitable for use in hosting bacterial cultures, and further including an energisable layer attachable to the media layer which, when energized with an electrostatic negative voltage charge from a direct current power source, can attract suspended solids in the wastewater and bond aerobic bacterial cultures to the media layer, and whereby additional media can be introduced into the area about the energisable material or layer that can also attract suspended solids thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Water Rite Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Peter Musson
  • Patent number: 7332082
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a water treatment system (2) for treating and/or keeping clean water (1), in particular from swimming facilities (4), whereby the water (1) is pre-cleaned in a first step in at least one mechanical cleaning device (5, 8) and in a second step is put through a biological cleaning process in at least one biological cleaning device (12, 13). The water (1) is transported between the cleaning steps by force of gravity and the cleaned water (1) is optionally returned to the swimming facility (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Rainer Grafinger
    Inventor: Gerhard Brandlmaier
  • Patent number: 7309421
    Abstract: A skimmer device for cleaning the surface of a body of liquid having a housing with a front and rear opening. Disposed within the housing is at least one float, a removable tray, and a battery powered motor with an attached propeller. Attached to the exterior of the housing is a guide fin and a net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Weston Consumor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis F Riley