Abstract: A portable liquid surface skimmer efficiently removes small spills of petroleum derivatives from the surface of water, and is useful, for example, on thin sheen spills of oil or gasoline, in boating marinas. The skimmer is controlled by a long handle held by an operator, with a swivel connection to the skimmer body. The skimmer body is placed in the water empty, to take on a controlled amount of water as ballast, putting the skimmer at a proper level to skim the surface using a floating weir. A withdrawal conduit from the skimmer's sump leads to a storage tank or more preferably to some form of separator on shore or on a dock, for further separation of water from the contaminants. In one preferred form of the system and method, the skimmed oil/water mix is passed through a special filter medium which removes the petroleum sufficiently that the water can be returned to its source, eliminating the need for hauling large volumes of liquid away to a disposal site.

Abstract: A pool cleaning apparatus includes a head having a forward portion and a rearward portion, a debris reservoir detachably connected to the rearward portion or the head, a first deflectable blade detachably connected to a lower end of the forward portion of the head, and being movable downwardly to engage a surface of the pool in response to water flow in the direction of the debris reservoir, and a bracket for connecting a handle to the head.

Abstract: A restaurant and residential tool for cleaning debris from kitchen sinks and table tops by scraping and straining. The tool includes a rectangular or square shape with more than a thousand holes. On one side is formed a handle, perpendicular to the handle are two perforated sides raised half an inch. Opposite the handle is attached a flat piece of rubber. The rubber is sandwiched between two securing strips of metal fastened with nuts and bolts. Possible materials used include non rusting stainless steel, aluminum, durable rubber and plastic. The rubber material is non marking, durable and chemical and heat resistant. The multitude of holes allow water to drain quickly during use. The rigid nature of this tool provides stability during lifting of sink refuse. The tool is used for the following: safely remove and clean refuse and broken glass from various sized sinks, squeegee work table tops, clean grease traps and ice from salad bars.

Abstract: A strainer device for assisting in draining packing liquid from opened tuna fish cans, as well as from opened cans of produce such as vegetables, fruit, and beans, the device including a molded plastic short hollow cylinder open at the top end and closed at the bottom end with a perforated bottom wall, the strainer body sized to be slidably fit into an opened tuna fish can. A pair of flange ears at the top enable the bottom each to be pushed into the tuna to force the liquid out through the bottom wall perforations as well as a series of slots around the perimeter. The bottom wall bulges down to be convexly shaped, aiding in moving the liquid out through the slots and also allows an inverted open can of produce to drain through the perforations as the strainer is resting on a supporting surface.

Abstract: A portable container (2) for purifying drinking water (4), which container (2) comprises a body portion (6) for containing the drinking water (4), a handle (8) for lifting the container (2) for water pouring and water re-filling purposes, an ozone generator (10) for generating ozone from air, an air pump (12) for delivering air to the ozone generator (10) in order to produce a mixture of air and ozone and for delivering the mixture of air and ozone to the drinking water (4) in the body portion (6), and a filter (14) for the drinking water (4), and the container (2) being such that the mixture of air and ozone delivered to the drinking water (4) in the body portion (6) causes the drinking water (4) and the mixture of air and ozone continuously to pass through the filter (14) whereby the filter (14) filters the drinking water (4), and the ozone purifies both the water and the filter means (14).

Abstract: A strainer formed by a body member defining an inlet passage for receiving the fluid and an outlet passage for discharging the fluid. A chamber is connected to the outlet passage and an internal passage connects the inlet passage to the chamber. A separator is disposed in the chamber for separating particles from the fluid as the fluid passes through the chamber. The fluid is thus routed into the inlet passage, and through the inlet passage to the chamber where the particles are separated. The fluid is then passed to the discharge passage for discharging the fluid to a conduit.

Abstract: An easy clean system (18) for a gutter (20) at the eaves (24) of a roof (26) on a building (28) comprising a leader (34) connected to an aperture (36) in the gutter (20), so that the leader (34) will extend vertically down along an exterior wall (38) of the building (28) and carry rainwater away from the roof (26). A facility (40) within the leader (34) is for separating any dirt and debris (30) that falls into the rainwater in the gutter (20), so that the rainwater will flow without obstruction out through the leader (34).

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering and cooling liquid, with four filtration chambers are connected by a series of passageways. The apparatus is mounted on a cart so that it may be rolled into position under a machine quickly and easily. Once the apparatus is in position, the machine is drained of its debris-laden oil which flows directly into the first chamber and through the first wire mesh filter. The liquid is then forced either by gravity or by pressure through the remaining chambers and their respective filters which have progressively smaller pore sizes. The tortuous movement of the liquid around the weirs helps to cool the liquid while the filters remove foreign particles from the liquid. Once the liquid reaches the fourth chamber, a pump is used to pump the cleansed liquid back into the machine so that it may be reused. The inlet to the pump may be fitted with an optional fifth filter element.

Abstract: A low cost, repairable pool cleaning tool for cleaning debris from a pool bottom wall, comprising a mesh fabric debris receiver having a perimetrical portion, a frame supporting the mesh fabric receiver by its perimetrical portion for debris reception, a protective sleeve surrounding the frame against contact with the pool bottom wall, and a pole attached to said frame for manipulating the receiver in the pool to gather debris from the pool, the mesh fabric being adhesively bonded to the frame or to the sleeve for ease of manufacture and for ready replacement and repair. The tool further includes positive clamping of the fabric mesh at the pole connection to the frame, and a rotatable and removable scrubber lip journaled on the sleeve.

Abstract: A colander like receptacle mounted over a portable liquid storage container. The container has a drain valve and may have casters to permit its rolling. Interlocking male fins in the receptacle engage slots in the container and are locked together by turning the receptacle relative to the container. A male retaining slot in the container adjacent the slot can lock the container and receptacle together when turned. After, the items such as dishes, glassware or other kitchen items, are placed in the receptacle are drained of their liquids, the drained liquids are stored in the container until sufficiently full. These stored liquids may be drained off to permit the containers reuse.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aligning a powder spray canopy of a powder coating booth with a fan plenum assembly so that a powder collector can be quickly aligned and simultaneously sealed to both the powder spray canopy and the fan plenum. The invention also relates to an improved filter cartridge and filter cartridge mounting assembly which allows for quick and easy mounting and dismounting of filter cartridges to the powder collector.

Abstract: Undesired contact with dental debris is minimized by a disposable dental trap which is provided with a removable top cover and a pivotable handle. The useful capacity of the trap is increased with a corrugated filter which increases the available filter surface area and thereby reduces the frequency of trap replacement.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to filters for removing impurities from liquids, and more particularly to a replaceable filter cartridge having a barrier for preventing contaminants from draining from a spent cartridge, as it is being replaced. The barrier comprises a layer of filter media closely surrounding an inner perforated conducting conduit.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a storage vessel for storing purified water. A dispensing spigot is connected to the vessel. The spigot includes a valved body and a lever for operating the valve. The lever can be rotated rearwardly from an "off" position to temporarily dispense water, i.e., to dispense water so long as a rearward force is applied to the lever. When the rearward force is relieved, the level automatically returns to the off position. The lever can also be rotated forwardly from the "off" position to continuously dispense water, i.e., to dispense water until the lever is forcefully rotated rearwardly by the user. A stop pin is removably mounted in the lever to prevent the lever from being rotated forwardly from the "off" position until the pin is removed, thereby preventing the continuous dispensing mode from being accidentally initiated.

Abstract: An improved filter assembly is provided using a bag-type vessel shell and a removable adapter assembly that contains multiple filter cartridges. The invention can be used with both double-open-end filter cartridges and single-open-end filter cartridges. In either case, both ends of the filter cartridges are held in place by individual positioning guides, so as to maintain a perpendicular orientation and seal integrity. In all cases, a knife-edge end seal is provided to be forced into the end surfaces of the filter cartridges. In one embodiment, a compression plate is provided with a single coil spring to force the multiple knife-edge end seals against their respective filter cartridges. In a second embodiment, individual floating end seals are provided at the compression plate to provide good seal integrity regardless of variations in length of the individual filter cartridges.

Abstract: A device for use in a generally round or oval swimming pool or like body of water wherein a generally circular flow of water proximate the periphery of the pool occurs, the device comprising a preferably floatable skimming device having a water inlet and a water outlet with filter means between the inlet and outlet such that the flow of water tends to pass through the filter means, and means for securing the device to a fixed point to allow the water inlet to be situated such that the circular flow of water enters the inlet.

Abstract: An in-pool skimmer is disclosed for maintaining large area swimming pools and demarcated swimming areas free of offensive floating debris. PVC tubing interconnected in a water-proof manner, and having additional buoyancy floats attached, forms the frame for the skimmer netting. In place of traditional perimeter operation of a pool skimmer, the in-pool skimmer floats within the pool and is directed by an operator either walking behind or swimming behind the skimmer, guiding the skimmer with its convenient handles. When not in use the wedge shaped skimmer floats open side up, above the water, retaining collected debris within the netting of the skimmer.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in draining, cleaning and refilling an aquarium tank including an elongated flexible hose having first and second opposite ends, a tube including an upper distal end for connection to the first end of the flexible hose, and a lower distal end adapted to be immersed in the aquarium tank such that the lower end may be placed near the bottom of the aquarium tank, a first device attachable to the second end of the flexible hose and for connection to a flowing water source for creating a flow of water from the tank through the tube and the flexible hose, and a grille, defined by a chamber and including a plurality of apertures formed in the walls thereof that are narrower than the width of the gravel particles, the grille and chamber attached to the lower distal end of the tube for contact with the gravel for moving the gravel about the floor of the tank such that the gravel particles are forced by the movement to bump and rub against each other outside the tube to dislodge the sediment and impur

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly (10) includes a housing (12) with an internal chamber (14) and inlet and outlet (18, 22). The chamber is bounded by an annular wall (16) and has an opening (30) at an upper end thereof. An element (26) is accepted in the chamber. The element includes a manually engagable cap portion (28) for closing the opening, and a disk shaped member (46). The disk shaped member has a deformable lip portion (50) for engaging the annular wall, and for fluidly separating an aperture (24) in connection with the outlet fitting, from an aperture (20) in fluid communication with the inlet fitting. A media body (54) of filter media (56) removes impurities from liquid flowing therethrough. Fuel flows from the inlet to the chamber and then through the media. From an interior area (60) of the media body, the fuel passes through a passage (62) into an intermediate area (52) and out the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid filter having a hollow, molded, plastic housing with an open end, a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet. An internally threaded, plastic, molded cap is threadedly received on the housing via mating external threads for sealing the open end of the housing. A cap seal prevents fluid contamination of the threads. A removable filter element is contained within the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A molded, resilient, plastic retainer captured between the cap and the filter element retains the filter element in position within the filter. If the filter element is of a bag filter type, as compared with a filter cartridge type, the retainer has a plurality of resilient legs which press down upon a bag mouth seal forcing it into contact with a flared mouth of the bag support.

Abstract: Removable filter cartridge assemblies (10) for housings (28) having a removable member (101, 130) to provide access to the interior (102, 136) of the housing and an inlet (108, 134) and an outlet (109, 135) to and from the interior thereof (102, 136) comprising at least one filter cell (12) through which fluids are passed for filtration, the cell having a central aperture (18) therethrough for the passage of fluid, separate from the fluid within the housing; opposed disks of filtration media (16), spaced apart and defining upper (16U) and lower (16L) surfaces of the cell emanating radially from the central aperture; and, an outer peripheral edge (14) circumscribing the cell; first and second retainer ring members (22) securably disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of said filter cell, open to and concentric with the central aperture, said first retainer ring members being contiguous with the outlet of the housing; and lifting means (42, 50, 80, 90) communicable with one of the retainer ring members for mo

Abstract: An apparatus for removing grease from a compartmental grease trap that has water provided therewithin so that grease forms a layer atop the water in the trap. The apparatus has a mounting portion that is securable to the grease trap and a housing portion pivotally connected to the mounting portion. A filter media is then secured by the housing portion. The housing portion is preferably constructed from a framing structure and an inner structure. The framing structure has two sets of opposed sidewalls and a perforated or mesh bottom sheet that allows water to pass therethrough. The inner structure is separably secured to the framing structure, such as by pivotal connection and the filter media is preferably held between the inner structure and the framing structure. The inner structure is capable of being locked into position with respect to the framing structure by a locking device.

Abstract: A cell strainer to be equipped at the top of a tube for removing impurities, such as supporting tissues, speculae, etc. from a suspension of cells or tissues comprising:a) a flange to be held by the upper opening of said tube,b) a grip externally projecting from said flange,c) a section which holds a filter havingd) a frame body provided below said flange being housed in the opening of a tube,e) a filter component equipped with a frame body extending below the section holding said filter,which receives and filters said suspension, characterized in that said filter component of said cell strainer is formed of a nylon net having a pore size of 40-200 microns.

Abstract: A portable drinking water filtration apparatus for filtering and purifying water comprises a housing, a chamber formed inside the housing having an inlet opening, a first outlet opening, and a second outlet opening, filtration media positioned inside the chamber between the chamber inlet opening and the chamber outlet openings, and a pump mounted on the housing for forcing water through the filtration media, the second chamber outlet opening being in contact with the first chamber outlet opening for venting air as water is forced through the filtration media and discharged from the first chamber outlet opening and for discharging water from the chamber when the first chamber outlet opening is plugged. A plurality of bottle connection members are formed on the housing adjacent to the first chamber outlet opening for connecting the housing to a variety of different sized bottles.

Abstract: A gravity percolation water purifier assembly. The assembly includes a covered storage container having a dispensing spigot. A flanged filtration chamber is supported beneath the cover to receive untreated water. A porous filter cartridge is sealed to an outlet port. A purifier cartridge is threaded to the outlet port and supports multiple fibrous spacers and treatment chambers containing beds of treatment media, including a multi-valent iodine media, granular activated carbon, and a halogen scavenger media. In one purification cartridge, water passes from multiple inlet ports at an inlet bore through adjoining concentric chambers and to the storage container via outlet ports at the periphery of the purifier cartridge.

Abstract: An attachment device is disclosed incorporating a self-returning hinge releasably joining a pair of prongs disposed on a basket frame with a flattened open end of a tubular handle member. A crimping device is carried at the joint operable to be forcibly compressed to crimp or frictionally engage the device with the flattened open end to secure the prongs in place. The frame and prongs are composed of a flexible spring metal so as to constitute a self-returning hinge when the frame is bent or pushed to-either side of a handle center line.

Abstract: A kit for preparing batches of filtered water includes a container, a reservoir/funnel and a filter cartridge. The reservoir funnel is dimensioned to conform to a predetermined surface of the container to fit thereon during storage of the kit and the reservoir funnel further includes a tapered outlet designed to cooperate with the filler opening on the top of the container so as to be rigidly supported by the container. The funnel/reservoir includes a well into which a cartridge carrying a filter media can be inserted. The configuration is such that water poured into the funnel/reservoir must pass through the filter cartridge before entering the container.

Abstract: A portable, manually-operated water filtration pump for purifying water. The pump includes an inexpensive, disposable filter cartridge which can be easily changed when the filter elements are no longer effective. The pump uses a lever to actuate a double-acting piston. The lever is collapsible to one side of the pump for compact storage. The filter cartridge is a tubular cylinder having an inner bore forming the pump cylinder. A cylindrical mechanical filter is concentric with and adjacent to the inner bore to filter out particulates larger than 0.3 microns. A fluidized granual activated carbon filter surrounds the mechanical filter to absorb halogen and halogen-related compounds such as herbicides and pesticides. The pump pumps filtered water into a bottle adaptor which will fit most standard water containers. A prefilter is provided to screen out large particulates from the pump to enhance the life of the filter elements.

Abstract: In order to remove liquid fats that collect on the surface of hot soups or stews during cooking, a long handled ladle with a shallow cylindrical cup is provided. The bottom of the cup is modified into the shape of a truncated cone open at both ends, with the large lower end of the cone opening into the underside of the cup and with the small upper end of the cone opening into the reservoir for collected fat of the ladle. The sides of the ladle are higher than the small end of the cone to prevent overflow. The large end of the cone can be covered with a removable, coarse screen to separate floating particulate matter from the fat to be separated and to prevent the device from becoming clogged by particulate matter during use.

Abstract: A device for separating liquids has a side wall enclosing an interior space. A bottom is connected to the side wall adjacent a lower edge of the side wall and has an aperture formed therein at a position above the lower edge. The bottom extends upwardly and inwardly toward the aperture such that as the device is forced downwardly into a combination of liquids, a liquid floating on top of another different liquid is forced through the aperture and contained by the side wall and the bottom portion.

Abstract: Filter device useful in continuous separation of solid matter from a fluid, such as liquid wastewater where the filter includes a tubular filter element with a series of slots of selected width extending through the tubular element.The element has a central opening and can be received in a casing to form an annular area between the tubular filter element and the casing so the central opening is open to receive the fluid to be filtered as the fluid flows through the slots from the central opening to the annular area. The casing can also include an outlet from the annular area so the fluid can be emitted from the assembly. A seal can be provided between the tubular element and the inside of the casing at a location below the slots in the tubular element and above the outlet from the casing.

Abstract: Filter cartridge assemblies (10) comprising at least one filter cell (12) having an aperture (18) therethrough; a retainer ring (22) securably disposed on the filter cell and concentric with the aperture; and a lifting device (42, 50, 70, 80, 90) in communication with the retainer ring. A device for lifting and carrying a filter cell (12) comprising a retainer ring (22); and a lifting device (42, 50, 80, 90) in communication with the retainer ring. A method for the assembly of a cell-type filter cartridge device (10) comprising the steps of providing a filter housing (28) for at least one filter cell (12), the filter housing having a removable opening, an inlet and an outlet; providing at least one filter cell, the cell having an aperture (18) communicable with the outlet and a retainer ring (22) secured to the cell and providing a lifting device (42, 50, 80, 90); depositing the filter cell into the filter housing; and fastening the removable opening to the filter housing.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from metal and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends welded to a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure. A corresponding preferred method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A duplex strainer for straining material includes a housing, housing inlet port through which material enters the housing under pressure for straining and an outlet port through which strained material exits the housing. The housing includes a first strainer chamber having the first and second ports in separate fluid communication with the housing. A second strainer chamber includes third and fourth ports in separate fluid communication with the housing. The first port opposes the third port and the second port opposes the fourth port. A valve control structure includes a first three-way ball valve disposed within the housing for controlling fluid flow between the first port, third port and the housing. A second three-way ball valve is disposed within the housing to control fluid flow between the housing, second port and fourth port.

Abstract: A portable, manually-operated water filtration pump for purifying water. The pump includes an inexpensive, disposable filter cartridge which can be easily changed when the filter elements are no longer effective. The pump uses a lever to actuate a double-acting piston. The lever is collapsible to one side of the pump for compact storage. The filter cartridge is a tubular cylinder having an inner bore forming the pump cylinder. A cylindrical mechanical filter is concentric with and adjacent to the inner bore to filter out particulates larger than 0.3 microns. A fluidized granular activated charcoal filter surrounds the mechanical filter to absorb chlorine and chlorine-related compounds such as herbicides and pesticides. The pump pumps into a bottle adaptor which will fit most standard water containers. A prefilter is provided to screen out large particulates from the pump to enhance the life of the filter elements.

Abstract: An enlarged pool skimmer with a buoyancy component including a frame. The frame is formed of an upper horizontal tube in an inverted U-shaped configuration with downwardly extending ends and a lower angled tube in a U-shaped configuration with upwardly extending ends and with vertically extending brackets coupling the ends of the tubes at an outboard side and an inboard side. The brackets are formed with longitudinal slots extending vertically over the majority of the central extent of the brackets. A cylindrical pipe is positionable in a horizontal orientation with supports at the opposite ends thereof for adjustably coupling the ends of the pipe to the slots of the brackets. Also included are bolts and associated nuts which extend through the brackets at the ends of the pipe to allow for vertical adjustment of the pipe with respect to the frame. A fine mesh screen is formed of a plastic material covering the space between the upper tube, the lower tube and the side brackets.

Abstract: A portable curb inlet sediment filter which has a box filter frame and a primary baffle panel defining a filter chamber, to be filled with a particulate filter medium, such as gravel, for sediment removal, and an overflow chamber. The overflow chamber has at least one overflow baffle panel in order to provide a hydraulic opening and a peripheral end cap chamber. The end cap chamber is gravel filled in order to clarify water escaping around the front of the frame and into the hydraulic opening through the side panel. The filter frame and baffle panels are a mesh construction having apertures smaller in size than the particles of gravel to be contained.

Abstract: A filter for a refrigeration unit having a heat exchange fluid supply conduit. The filter is a substantially cylindrical filter screen having a radial flange disposed at each end. One or more filters are disposed along the entire length of the fluid supply conduit to maximize the surface area of the filter screen. Each radial flange has a gasket disposed thereon for providing a seal that prevents the fluid from circumventing the filter screen of the one or more filters. As fluid passes through the conduit, it flows radially through the filter along the entire length of the conduit thereby reducing the adverse effect on fluid pressure in the conduit and passes through the screen, into a volume defined exterior to the filter, thereby minimizing the pressure drop experienced along the fluid supply conduit.

Abstract: The device has an elongate net with an extended, open mouth. The net forms a channel-shaped volume in which floating debris from a swimming pool can be collected. A tubular frame member extends lengthwise across the mouth of the net, and floats are provided to support the net and the tubular frame member at the surface of the pool water, with the mouth of the net orientated to receive floating debris. In operation, the tubular frame member is connected to the return flow inlet of the swimming pool so as to receive a portion of the flow returning to the pool through the inlet. Sprays on the tubular frame member are directed into the net. There is also an outlet for directing another portion of the return flow of water into the swimming pool so as to create a swirling flow of water in the pool which encourages floating debris to migrate about the pool to the net.

Abstract: A fish handling net comprises a body portion having a triangular opening. The body portion can be formed from a net material or from waterproof plastic sheet material such as PVC which has been perforated to provide drainage holes.The body portion is provided with attachment means comprising weighing rings, and VELCRO.RTM. strips along each side of the body portion. The weighing ring is attachable to a projection of a sleeve which is clamped to a pole.

Abstract: A water filter including an inlet assembly which comprises a prefiltering foam tip. The inlet hose includes an adjustable float and a weight on the end of the hose which allows a given length at the end of the inlet hose to extend below the surface of the water being filtered. The water filter further includes a check valve assembly to relieve pressure buildup inside the pump. A unique lever-action handle, in combination with a rocking piston, allows efficient filtering with few moving parts. The filter components are easily replaceable. The main filter assembly is suspended resiliently at its periphery to provide shock-absorbing characteristics. The filter also includes an adaptor base which allows for a direct connect between the vessel into which water is filter. The water filter also provides a unique method of storing the inlet hose to render the water filter easy to carry and prevent foreign objects and debris from entering into the area of working parts.

Abstract: A seamless filter bag with integral sealing means for use in a filter housing utilizing a filter basket includes an integral sealing means, which is part of a semi-rigid ring member affixed to a filter bag. Upon closing the filter housing cover a complete seal circumscribing the filter basket and filter housing cover is provided.

Abstract: A portable cooking oil filtering unit has an outer housing completely enclosing all the filter stages and providing access to the stages for maintenance purposes via doors and removable closures. The housing has an inlet conduit for connection to a cooking vat drain outlet, and an outlet conduit for returning filtered oil to the cooking vat. A first stage filter in the housing is connected to the inlet conduit for filtering relatively large size particles from the oil, and the filtered oil is connected to at least one additional filter stage for filtering smaller particles from the oil. A pump is connected downstream of the final filter stage, between that filter stage and the outlet conduit, for drawing oil through the filter stages under vacuum rather than pumping it through the filters under positive pressure. One of the filter stages is accessible to allow oil-life enhancing chemicals to be added to the oil.

Abstract: A net for removing debris is mounted on a frame which is extendable across the width of a swimming pool. The frame has a rounded or ball-type element at each lower end which rotates about an axis to facilitate travel and to protect the swimming pool surfaces from damage as the swimming pool cleaning device is moved through the water during a cleaning operation. Handles are provided for pulling the net through the water by persons on opposing sides of the pool. The pool may be cleaned in a single pass across the length of the pool. The net may be completely or partially rolled up about at least one of the side members of the frame.

Abstract: A skimmer/separator ladle comprises a handle of an elongated configuration and a bowl of a cup-shaped configuration defining an upper rim. The handle and the bowl are connected together and the handle extends upwardly from the bowl at the upper rim of the bowl. In order to render it possible to carry out any skimming/separation operation, the bowl has an outwardly protruding tongue arranged at a first rim section of the bowl, which tongue is located below the upper rim of the bowl, and further one or more through-going holes which are provided in the bowl and arranged at a second rim section of the bowl, which one or more through-going holes are located below the upper rim of the bowl and further located above the tongue.

Abstract: Filter apparatus for filtering liquids in pressure vessels. The invention solves the sealing problem associated with filter bags by providing a filterable seal fabricated from the filter material itself fastening to a flexible collar. The filter provides simple insertion or removal, low cost of fabrication yet ensures that substantially all liquid passing through the pressure vessel will be filtered.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing floating debris from the surface of a pool of liquid disposed in a container comprising a bracket adapted to be fastened adjacent a wall of the container and having an arm extending interiorly over the pool of liquid, the arm being adjustable horizontally and further comprising a vertically extending member directed perpendicularly with respect to the surface of the pool of liquid for receiving a strainer member, the strainer member comprising a net through which the liquid flows during circulation of the liquid. Preferably, the strainer member has a shaft receivable in the vertically extending member and the vertically extending member comprises a hollow cylinder having an interior diameter and at least two circumferentially disposed holes therein spaced apart, the shaft of the strainer member being receivable within the interior diameter of the hollow cylinder and having two spring loaded projections receivable in the holes in the cylinder for securing the strainer member thereto.

Abstract: A pool skimmer of the invention includes a pair of rectangular frames hinged together along adjacent first short frame members by a plastic hinge member extending substantially the length of the short frame members, a pair of poles attached at an intermediate position along each of the short frame members and a net held by each of the frames. The pool skimmer is almost as wide as the pool being skimmed. The hinged frames are folded together when the skimmer is not being used. In use, the skimmer is unfolded and two operators, each holding a pole, position the skimmer in the water at one end of the pool and walk along opposite sides of the pool with the skimmer in the water between them. At the other end of the pool, the skimmer is removed from the water, debris collected in the net is emptied and the skimmer is folded for storage.

Abstract: An engagement member, which is detachably securable to the liquid outlet nipple of a filter receiving fitting, is movably carried by a filter housing which also carries an annular seal which resides against the sealing surface of the fitting. An actuating rod extending from the engagement means is received at one end of a lever which is pivotally secured to the housing. In response to movement of the lever, the housing moves relative the engagement member and the seal is separated from the sealing surface.

Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed having a pleated filter element, hollow perforated core, a lower annular end cap sealed to the bottom ends of the core and filter element and an upper circular end cap sealed to the top ends of the filter element and core. A hollow threaded nipple open at both ends extends coaxially downwardly from the annular end cap, the hollow interior of the nipple being continuous with the hollow interior of the core. A handle extends upwardly from the circular end cap.