With Cleaning Means Patents (Class 4/490)
-
Publication number: 20080128342Abstract: A grate cover in combination with a swimming sump being installed in a recess in the top of the sump. The grate cover having a multiple of interstices or openings there through. The size of the interstices being held to a minimum so that fingers of a human cannot be sucked into the openings. The top surface of the grate cover has a curvature thereon while the bottom surface is flat. This way, the forceful suction within the sump cannot obtain enough force to suction the skin of a human against the grate cover to cause any injuries.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Robert B. Lawson
-
Publication number: 20080099386Abstract: The present invention provides a swimming pool safety system including a housing having a first opening for coupling to a pump, a second opening for coupling to a pool drain, and a third opening for receiving water form a surface of a pool. The present invention may further include a skimmer basket positionable in the housing, where the skimmer basket defines a debris-retaining region and a member having a passage therethrough. A method of use of the present invention is also provided in which the housing may be configured to reduce an entrapment force experienced at a pool drain, and to further provide a fluid flow path through the debris-retaining region of the skimmer basket to place the first opening of the housing in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: George S. Pellington, Paul E. Pennington, Shane Stevens
-
Patent number: 7346938Abstract: A safety cover having a filter and an optional chemical dispenser, that covers and existing faceplate on a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and water pump. When the cover and filter cover an existing faceplate the cover and filter increases the vacuum on a suction line leading to a water pump by less than 5? Hg. The chemical in the dispenser releases in a metered dose of a substance having antimicrobial properties and the dose is in a sufficient amount to inhibit a growth of a microorganism in at least a segment of a water vessel. The combination of cover, filter and chemical chamber are disposable, or the filter is replaceable and the chemical in the chemical chamber is replenishable. The cover with filter and chemical chamber or just the cover and chemical chamber, or just the cover and filter are retrofitable to any existing faceplate on a water vessel having a closed looped piping system and a water pump.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Jr., Paulette C. Ogden, Philip I. Ogden
-
Patent number: 7311820Abstract: A water distribution header for a swimming pool recirculation system includes a nozzle having an arcuate face with a plurality of dispensing apertures positioned thereon. The dispensing apertures are in fluid communication with an inlet having a ball joint thereon that is coupled with the filtering system return line. The ball joint allows the angle between the header and return line to be selectively varied to assure that the nozzle is directed toward the bottom surface of the pool. Accordingly, the nozzle directs multiple, radially projecting streams of water toward the bottom of the pool thereby propelling any large debris resting thereon toward the filtering system intake drain.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventor: C. Arthur Anderson
-
Patent number: 7296308Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a water circulator that connects to the pressurized water inlet in a swimming pool. Water from the pool is pumped through the pool's filter system and into the water circulator through the pool inlet. The water circulator includes a jet tube that is vertically oriented and proximate to the pool's side wall. The pressurized water exits the jet tube through several nozzles in the jet tube. The nozzles direct the pressurized water along the side wall to thereby direct debris toward the pool outlet. The pool outlet carries the debris and water to the pool's filter system. The nozzles direct the water away from the pool outlet so that the water current travels along the majority of the side wall before reaching the pool outlet. Thus, more debris may be picked up in the current and slower moving water passes the pool outlet. The jet tube further includes one or more outlets proximate to the pool floor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: John B. Turner
-
Publication number: 20070181476Abstract: A leaf and debris catcher for removing leaves and/or debris from a body of water. The leaf and debris catcher includes a leaf and debris collection member having top, bottom, front, rear, first, and second sides, the bottom side defining an interior side. A female vertical stem extends from a central location on the interior side of the bottom side, the stem defining a bore having opposite open ends. At least one inward opening front flap is located at the front side of the leaf and debris collection member. A plurality of debris and leaf guides converge and extend from the at least one front flap. The first and second sides of the leaf and debris collection member define a plurality of male tongues, and the top and bottom sides define complementary female slots, which are aligned such that the tongues snap-fit into the complementary female slots.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2007Publication date: August 9, 2007Inventor: MICHAEL N. BLAKE
-
Patent number: 7243379Abstract: A self-cleaning advanced hot tub-bath tub, pool with dispensing functions for providing a hot tub with the functionality to automatically cleanse itself and to inject bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other items to the hot tub as desired either automatically through memory circuits or manually. A consumer can release bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other luxury items to the hot tub as are desired either manually for each individual item desired, or the consumer depresses the automatic setting and the hot tub prepares the bath as automatically set by the consumer from water temperature, to jet cycle time, pressure strength, and which nozzles will be on or off, including what items if any will be injected into the water including but not limited to bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other items.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventor: Peter John Panopoulos
-
Patent number: 7214310Abstract: A portable pool cleaning system for the remote cleaning of a swimming pool including a housing and a base. A motor is connected to the housing and is attached to a high pressure pump wherein the pump includes both intake and ports. The first tubing is connected to the intake port and the opposite end is inserted into the swimming pool for the transportation of water from the swimming pool to the pump. A second tubing is connected to an output port of the high pressure pump with the opposite end of the second tubing placed into the swimming pool and attached to a self-propelled cleaning device. The self-propelled cleaning device uses a high pressure water stream as a scrubbing function. The motor is connected to a timer which is connected to a power source. The timer initiates the activation and deactivation of the motor and the self-propelled cleaning device. A means for attaching the base and portable pool cleaning system to the periphery of the swimming pool is also included.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Inventor: Michael Charles Stephenson
-
Patent number: 7182090Abstract: A system for cleaning components of one or more water retaining devices (e.g., tubs) includes two pumps, a tank, one or more supply valves, a water retaining device, and control circuitry. The pumps control the flow of a concentrated cleaning agent and water to the tank. The tank stores the cleaning agent and water as a diluted cleaning solution at a desired pressure, and selectively dispenses the diluted solution to the tub(s) through appropriate piping. The supply valve(s) controls the flow of cleaning solution to components of the tub. The tub includes a water propulsion device (e.g., jet) configured to facilitate efficient cleaning of the propulsion device's various surfaces. The control circuitry controls the operation of the pumps and preferably the supply valve(s) in accordance with a predetermined cleaning procedure. The system may optionally include an outflow device to prevent premature evacuation of the cleaning solution from the tub's components.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventor: W. T. David Abbott
-
Patent number: 7152255Abstract: A pool return nozzle assembly, wherein water enters through the gear sleeve assembly causing the turbine blade assembly to turn, which then causes the oscillation of the gear assembly and which then contributes to the revolution of the rotor head for smooth rotation. The assembly focuses on circulating water along the walls of the pool down to the radius and floor of the pool; therefore, enhancing the effectiveness of pool cleaning and return distribution of the water to the pool. The assembly can also be converted into a water fountain with its optional fountain design, which includes a spray head to create aesthetic water spray and fountain characteristics. Internal components are configured to allow water passageways that will direct sand particulates away from working components thereby providing a self-cleaning capability.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Welden Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Wesley T. Welden
-
Patent number: 7146658Abstract: The invention relates to a pool skimmer including first and second tubular members that are telescopically displaceable with respect to one another, flotation means for suspending it substantially vertically in a body of water, and a tubular connector mounted on the second tubular member in liquid communication with a space defined within the tubular members and defining connector formations for connecting it in line with a hose of a pool pump. In operation in a body of water, the pump creates suction in the tubular connector and surface water flows via a weir defined by the top of the first tubular member, into the said space, via the tubular connector, and into the pool hose. The tubular members define in their side walls apertures that increasingly come into register as overlap of the members increase, thereby permitting water to flow via the apertures directly into the said space.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventor: Douglas Frank Rea Lyall
-
Patent number: 7096876Abstract: In conjunction with a pool cleaning apparatus having a flexible hose supported by floats, an apparatus for deploying the hose into the pool includes at least one tube through which the hose extends. A cylindrical water jet discharges into the tube toward the outer, pool end of the tube. The jet interact with the floats to drive the floats and the hose into the pool. A donut-like pressure chamber at the inner end of the tube has an annular vent to create the cylindrical water jet.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Inventor: Andrew L. Pansini
-
Patent number: 7090769Abstract: An improved spa vacuum for removing debris from the bottom of a spa or hot tub includes a removable lower assembly which includes a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter housing having three stacked filter elements. The spa vacuum also has a removable nozzle having rounded side edges. A compression fitting connects a telescoping pole to an upper chamber cap of a debris chamber. The telescoping pole may be removed from the debris chamber if damaged or for purposes of packaging and shipping.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventors: John C. Peterson, Marilyn G. Peterson
-
Patent number: 7065803Abstract: A preferred embodiment method for dispensing a product (121) such as cyanuric acid into an existing swimming pool circulation system includes providing a product (121) placed within a permeable bag (120). The permeable bag (120) containing the product (121) is placed into a cavity (104) of a flood feeder (100) having an inlet (105) and an outlet (108). The inlet (105) and the outlet (108) are in fluid communication with the cavity (104) of the feeder (100). A diluent is supplied to the inlet (105) and the diluent is allowed to flood the cavity (104) thereby contacting the permeable bag (120) and dissolving a portion of the product (121) to create a use solution within the cavity (104). The use solution is allowed to exit the cavity (104) through the outlet (108) and to flow into the swimming pool.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: James Richard Mock, Sr., Roy Siqueiros
-
Patent number: 7037038Abstract: A water skimmer vessel has two hulls (12, 14) between which a debris collection net or basket-like catcher (22) is arranged. Hinged flaps (68) are provided at each end of the catcher and operate to allow inflow but block outflow of debris from the catcher. Each hull of the vessel is equiped with amoter covered by a guard (28). The vessel may move in either direction and is equipped with sensors (30) on each hulll for effecting the turning and reversing of the vessel upon contact with pool skimmer box inlet (206) and the vessel can be controlled to enter the dock and permit the contents of the catcher to be discharged into the current of pool water flowing into the skimmer box.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Inventors: Robert R. Haski, Allan Dolph Meyer, Norman Michael Berry
-
Patent number: 6997431Abstract: Disclosed herein is a childproof valve for a swimming pool. In one embodiment, the valve may include a valve body having an inlet and an outlet and a flow-passage extending therebetween, a plunger movable within the valve body between closed and open positions to either close or open the flow-passage, a tap mounted to the valve body, and a clutch device interposed between the tap and the plunger and co-operating with the tap such that rotation of the tap will not move the plunger unless the tap is first moved axially.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Aqua-Leisure Industries, Inc.Inventor: Kuang Cheung Yuan
-
Patent number: 6984315Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning apparatus that includes a housing with a substantially hollow cavity that runs along the longitudinal axis of the housing; a handle means mounted to the housing for providing directional control and movement of the housing; a wheel means movably mounted to the housing for facilitating forward, backward, and angular movement of the housing along a swimming pool surface; a debris agitator means rotatably attached to the housing to facilitate water movement through the housing and the removal of debris from the swimming pool surface; a scraping means attached to the bottom of the housing for scraping the swimming pool surface; and a debris collection means detachably connected to the housing that filters debris from pool water and that allows filtered pool water to exit from the debris collection means.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: Edward Gerard Dolton, III
-
Patent number: 6978792Abstract: A pump and conduit sterilizing system for cleaning out and sterilizing the pump and the conduits attached to the pump for spas and swimming pools and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Inventor: Joseph M. Strawbridge
-
Patent number: 6971588Abstract: A cleaning head for installation in a swimming pool floor fitting (9) includes a pop-up cylinder (5) having a plurality of first camming elements (44) disposed on its outer wall, a compression spring (6) disposed around it, and an outer cylinder (11) having a plurality of second camming elements (42) and third camming elements (40) disposed along the inner wall (47A) of the outer cylinder (11) for engagement with the first camming elements. A nozzle cap (15) is removably attached to the upper end of the pop-up cylinder (5), and includes a plurality of nozzles having various diameters, respectively, only a selected one of the nozzles being aligned with a clearance opening (20) of the pop-up cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Shasta Industries, Inc.Inventors: William C. Tarr, Andy F. Blake, Paul A. Womack
-
Patent number: 6971124Abstract: An improved storage receptacle for an automatic swimming pool cleaning device that incorporates a cleaning head secured to a retractable hose includes a barrier that is selectively operated to block the opening of the storage receptacle and prevent the cleaning head from entering the storage receptacle during use and becoming trapped. The barrier is a rod slidably disposed within a tube adjacent to the receptacle opening, and hydraulic action drives the rod upwardly to block the opening of the storage receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventor: Andrew L Pansini
-
Patent number: 6942790Abstract: An open-air filtration device cleans swimming pools and hot tubs in an efficient, reliable manner. An open-air filter with a suction chamber unit comprises two scrubbing brushes and an impeller powered by a motor drive. Water containing debris is pumped to a level above the swimming pool or hot tub surface. The debris containing water is discharged through a spout into a filter tube. A filter element associated with the filter tube, and open to atmosphere filters the debris containing water by gravitational forces solely. The spout and filter tube are, optionally, attached to a pole that manually propels the suction unit. They may alternatively be attached to a floating platform that floats on the water surface of the pool or hot tub. If filter efficiency decreases, the water level in the filter tube rises, indicating that the filter element must be replaced. A rise in water level is visually observed or detected automatically and communicated using a visible or audible alarm.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Inventor: Edward Dolton
-
Patent number: 6922855Abstract: A self-storing apparatus and method for cleaning a swimming pool include a water pump; a self-propelled pool vacuum cleaner; a flexible hose fluidly connecting the water pump with the pool vacuum cleaner; a housing positioned along a submerged surface of the swimming pool and having sufficient capacity for therein receiving and storing the pool vacuum cleaner; a storage conduit in fluid communication with the housing and the water pump for therein receiving and storing the flexible hose upon retraction, the fluid communication being selectable between pressure and suction; a piston connected to the flexible hose and movably positioned within the conduit responsive to the water pump to thereby deploy and retract the hose and pool vacuum cleaner; and a retaining member positioned to engage the piston for retaining the hose deployed from the storage conduit responsive to water circulation generated by the water pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventors: Robert D. Swalley, Eugene W. Barco
-
Patent number: 6899285Abstract: A protruding nozzle assembly, mounted in a side wall of a swimming pool in communication with a source of water, will eject through a nozzle of a nozzle housing a stream of water at a predetermined angle relative to the adjacent side wall surface. During each erection and retraction of the nozzle housing precipitated by initiation and cessation of water flow to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle housing will rotate incrementally to provide a plurality of streams of water defining a fan-like area from each nozzle as such nozzle comes into fluid communication with an opening in a cover enclosing the nozzle housing. Each nozzle is canted to a different angle above the adjacent surface to assist in cleaning sloping parts of the side wall/bottom surface junction and to assist in cleaning any adjacent structures extending from the side wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.Inventors: John M. Goettl, Richard D. Conn
-
Patent number: 6895984Abstract: In conjunction with a pool cleaning apparatus having a flexible hose supported by floats, an apparatus for deploying the hose into the pool includes at least one tube through which the hose extends. A plurality of water jets extend into the tube downstream from the entrance and are angled obliquely toward the outer, pool end of the tube. The jets interact with the floats to drive the floats and the hose into the pool. A pressure chamber may be provided surrounding the tube to supply the jets.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: Andrew L. Pansini
-
Patent number: 6866774Abstract: A portable pool cleaning system for the remote cleaning of a swimming pool including a housing and a base. A motor is connected to the housing and is attached to a high pressure pump wherein the pump includes both intake and ports. The first tubing is connected to the intake port and the opposite end is inserted into the swimming pool for the transportation of water from the swimming pool to the pump. A second tubing is connected to an output port of the high pressure pump with the opposite end of the second tubing placed into the swimming pool and attached to a self-propelled cleaning device. The self-propelled cleaning device uses a high pressure water stream as a scrubbing function. The motor is connected to a timer which is connected to a power source. The timer initiates the activation and deactivation of the motor and the self-propelled cleaning device. A means for attaching the base and portable pool cleaning system to the periphery of the swimming pool is also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Michael Charles Stephenson
-
Patent number: 6851446Abstract: Adaptor assemblies are detailed. Preferably for connecting automatic pool cleaning apparatus to return lines of swimming pool water-circulation systems, the assemblies utilize spurs that may affirmatively grip, or cut or gouge into, the return lines to retain the adaptors in position. Releasing the adaptors may occur with use of a release line which retracts the spurs when activated. Avoiding release of the spurs through rotation of the assemblies allows rotation for other purposes as, for example, to connect the device to a hose or other apparatus. A bellows or other assembly additionally may be included with the assemblies to facilitate their sealing against walls or other surfaces in which the return lines are embedded.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes van der Meijden, Peter Hugh Harrison, Mark J. Bauckman
-
Patent number: 6848124Abstract: A recessed incrementally rotating nozzle assembly is located in a wall or bottom surface of a swimming pool in fluid communication through a conduit with a source of water under pressure from a valve, which valve periodically releases water into the conduit. Each time water flows, a nozzle housing is raised to eject a stream of water. As the nozzle housing rises, it is incrementally rotated by a pin engaging a saw tooth member of a cam ring. Upon cessation of flow, the nozzle housing is retracted and during retraction the nozzle housing is further incrementally rotated by the pin engaging another saw tooth member of the cam ring. After a predetermined degree of angular rotation, a cam reverser slidably reorients protrusions guiding the pin into and out of the saw tooth members to cause the pin to be guided by the opposite side of the saw tooth members and thereby cause reversal of the direction of rotation of the nozzle housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.Inventor: John M. Goettl
-
Publication number: 20040261167Abstract: A self-cleaning advanced hot tub-bath tub, pool with dispensing functions for providing a hot tub with the functionality to automatically cleanse itself and to inject bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other items to the hot tub as desired either automatically through memory circuits or manually. A consumer can release bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other luxury items to the hot tub as are desired either manually for each individual item desired, or the consumer depresses the automatic setting and the hot tub prepares the bath as automatically set by the consumer from water temperature, to jet cycle time, pressure strength, and which nozzles will be on or off, including what items if any will be injected into the water including but not limited to bath oils, perfumes, soaps, bubble baths, medications, and or other items.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Peter John Panopoulos
-
Publication number: 20040210998Abstract: A cleaning system for swimming pools includes a recirculating pump system which has a suction inlet and a water outlet. A suction return is located in the pool; and the suction return is connection to the suction inlet of the recirculating pump system. In-floor cleaning heads are located adjacent the ends of the pool and operate in a 360° circle to sweep the bottom of the pool and place debris in suspension. Intermediate the 360° rotatable heads, between the ends of the pool and the suction return, cleaning heads which sweep in substantially a 180° arc are directed toward the suction return to move debris toward the suction return for removal by the recirculating pump system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: Lester Mathews
-
Patent number: 6805792Abstract: A device for switching between two inlet ports in a skimmer submerged in a body of water so that the latter can be cleaned (filtered) from two different areas. A conventional skimmer has first housing with a filter basket mounted therein and a second housing mounted within the first housing below a cover assembly centrally mounted within the first housing. A vertically movable piston assembly movable within the second housing and with an upright elongated tubular shaft that slides through a shaft opening in the cover activates a valve when the piston approaches its uppermost position closing one of the two inlet ports in the cover. The speed at which the piston assembly moves upwardly to close the first inlet is regulated with a restricting valve at the upper end of the tubular shaft. The result being to change the active inlet ports allowing the cleaning of the body of water from two inlet locations.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Inventor: Abelardo Caraballo
-
Patent number: 6701542Abstract: A floating weir skimmer (1) with a pivoting flap (2) that can be fixed to a flexible wall (3) of an above-ground pool, comprising: a flexible pouch (4) with an open front face (7) that can be sealed to the exterior face of the flexible wall (3) to correspond with an opening (8) therein, and a removable rigid cassette (9) in the flexible pouch (4), with two side walls (10) frontally defining a water inlet (11) facing the opening (8) and at the bottom a water outlet (12), this cassette containing a pivoting floating flap (2) with its axle (13) fixed to the base of the side walls (10) near the inlet (11).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Sevylor InternationalInventor: Gerard Marbach
-
Patent number: 6652742Abstract: An automatic pool cleaning system employing a unitary body configured to move through a pool to collect debris from adjacent to the pool containment wall surface and/or the pool water surface and more particularly to such systems which utilize electric power for propulsion and/or cleaning in combination with water suction power for cleaning and/or propulsion and/or electric generation.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
-
Patent number: 6643857Abstract: Pop-up cleaning heads of the type used in intermittently operated water delivery systems for cleaning pools and the like are provided with a decorative cover, removably attached to the upper surface of the pop-up cleaning head and extending beyond the edge of the cleaning head to overlie the top of the sleeve in which the cleaning head reciprocates. The decorative cover bears indicia and coloring on its upper surface selected to match the appearance of the pool floor surrounding the water delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Kenna, Matthew Terrell
-
Patent number: 6645375Abstract: A conduit assembly including a flexible elongate conduit for delivering operating power to a pool cleaner body which assembly includes multiple substantially rigid elongate buoyancy (positive or negative) members attached to the conduit for situating the conduit at a level between the pool water surface and floor surface to avoid obstructing the cleaner's movement along its travel path, whether at the water surface or at the floor surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
-
Patent number: 6601244Abstract: A removable retainer for holding a nozzle stem in a body has opposed indentations for receiving the tines of a forded tool. The periphery of the retainer and the inner edge of the body are relieved to receive and guide the tool tines to the indentations.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.Inventor: John M. Goettl
-
Patent number: 6598243Abstract: A wind sensitive operating system for swimming pools would enable swimming pools to activate cleaning systems during times of high winds. Currently swimming pools cannot sense high wind conditions and altar their running conditions accordingly. This invention would have a control box which could sense high winds and start up swimming pool cleaning systems at a predetermined wind velocity and a predetermined time length of high wind.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Christopher John Thomas
-
Patent number: 6592752Abstract: A recirculating pump system is connected to either skimmers, or a catch basin for a vanishing edge of a swimming pool, to supply water to the suction inlet of the pump system. A water distribution valve operated by an electric control system distributes water from the outlet side of the recirculating pump system to pool cleaning heads normally in accordance with a preprogrammed timed sequence. As part of each programmed cycle of operation of the water distribution valve, water is supplied to one or more pool return jets located on a side opposite the skimmer or catch basin. The return jets create moving surface currents on the water to sweep debris floating on or near the water surface to the skimmer or catch basin. An electric wind speed detector located in the vicinity of the pool and coupled to the electric control system causes the control system to override the programmed sequence in response to wind exceeding a pre-established threshold to operate the pump system to supply water to the pool return jets.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.Inventor: Lester Mathews
-
Publication number: 20030056284Abstract: A cleaning system for swimming pools includes a recirculating pump system which has a suction inlet and a water outlet. A suction return is located in the pool; and the suction return is connected to the suction inlet of the recirculating pump system. In-floor cleaning heads are located adjacent the ends of the pool and operate in a 360° circle to sweep the bottom of the pool and place debris in suspension. Intermediate the 360° rotatable cleaning heads, between the ends of the pool and the suction return, cleaning heads which sweep in substantially a 180° arc are directed toward the suction return to move debris toward the suction return for removal by the recirculating pump system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Lester Mathews
-
Patent number: 6497814Abstract: A water pump normally used in a system circulating pool water through a filter cartridge 26 is used to clean the filter cartridge by coupling a 3-way or inline valve 32 and a tee 36 in the piping 12 between the pump 16 and the filter. In a first valve position, the filter housing receives the entire water output from the pump, and in a second position, the entire water output of the pump is diverted to a flexible hose 52 secured to a first water discharge wand 58. A circular ring-shaped manifold 64 with an array of discharge apertures 66 directs streams of water radially outward into the filter cartridge in a direction opposite the normal flow of water for hydraulically flushing debris from the filter cartridge. A second wand with a C-shaped manifold (FIG. 5) is then connected to the hose and used to direct water streams onto the outer periphery of the filter cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Inventors: Ken Alexander, Robert Henderson
-
Publication number: 20020166804Abstract: A conduit assembly including a flexible elongate conduit for delivering operating power to a pool cleaner body which assembly includes multiple substantially rigid elongate buoyancy (positive or negative) members attached to the conduit for situating the conduit at a level between the pool water surface and floor surface to avoid obstructing the cleaner's movement along its travel path, whether at the water surface or at the floor surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
-
Patent number: 6438766Abstract: A swimming pool bottom flushing device comprising a tubular supporting arrangement attached to a pipe arranged at the bottom of a swimming pool, and a water ejector nozzle axially fitted into said supporting arrangement in a rotatable, vertically shiftable arrangement. This device is characterized in that the nozzle is formed by an open-ended tubular body provided at least with one opening in its periphery and fitted with a tubular, rotationally positionable plug peripherally provided with openings of different diameters provided to selectively face the openings of the tubular body in order to control the outflow of the water jet being ejected for the flushing of the swimming pool bottom. The top plug is selectively secured by means of a bayonet attachment into a number of positions when fitted to the tubular body of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Sacopa, S.A.Inventors: Joan Capdevila Arnau, Armand Puiggros Roig
-
Patent number: 6423217Abstract: A suction cleaner comprising a water intake inlet configured to be positioned on an inner surface of a pool and at least one elongate member coupled to the water intake inlet. The elongate member has a generally cylindrical shape with an interior surface and at least one corkscrew edge positioned on the interior surface of the elongate member and in communication with the water intake inlet. The interior surface configured to generate a vortex effect on fluid flowing though the member.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Letro Products, Inc.Inventors: Sanford F. Campbell, Suresh Cherulassery Gopalan
-
Patent number: 6419840Abstract: A cleaning system for a swimming pool having plural active drains deployed about the bottom wall of a swimming pool and that cooperate with plural stationary nozzles mounted in the side walls that direct a flow of water down the side wall of the swimming pool. The directional nozzles dislodge debris from the side and bottom walls which is swept toward and received by the plural active floor drains, thus cleaning the pool. Additionally, the active floor drains have a grid cover that admits larger debris and does not prohibit the use of mobile pool cleaners. The active floor drains are connected to in-deck, fine mesh cannister filters to remove medium and large size debris before it reaches the water pump and balance of the pool filtration system.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Inventor: Jonathan E Meincke
-
Patent number: 6393628Abstract: A valve assembly (23) for use with automatic swimming pool cleaners which is arranged in a skimmer and in series with the suction pipe (22) to the pool cleaner. It includes a branch passage provided with a biased pivoting flap valve (31) opening in accordance with the pressure demands in the system to relieve pressure and provide constant suction to the cleaner and permits the skimming action of the skimmer to continue whilst the swimming pool cleaner is operating. The bias is provided by a coil or leaf spring or an arcuate compression coil spring located substantialy within the passage. Two flap valves (optionally with different surface areas and spring constants) may be provided and optionally angled to the passage when closed. Hinge pins of the flap may snap fit into open sided sockets in the branch passage wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: James Edward Kellogg
-
Patent number: 6393629Abstract: Lower region of a cylindrical nozzle stem is longitudinally slotted to provide flexible tines and the tines have outwardly projecting lands at their distal ends. The flexibility of the tines permits the nozzle stem to be force filled into and through a ribbed region of a surrounding retainer. Further, the flexible tines permit a cylindrical metal weight, and a weight cover to be slipped over the lower end of the nozzle stem to be held in place by the lands on the tines. No separate fasteners nor adhesives are required to hold the assembly together.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Barnes, Richard D. Conn
-
Patent number: 6379542Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface of a pool submerged in a liquid. The apparatus comprises an elongated cleaning body adapted to migrate across said surface and having a top portion and a bottom portion, a track positioned at the top of the cleaning body, and a ball bearing weight member sealed in the track and having the ability to roll from the first end of the track to the second end of the track.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Letro Products, Inc.Inventor: Sanford F. Campbell
-
Patent number: 6367097Abstract: A swimming pool bottom flushing device comprising a tubular arrangement attached to the pipe arranged at the swimming pool bottom, and a water ejector nozzle axially fitted into said supporting arrangement in a freely rotatable, vertically shiftable arrangement. The device is characterized in that the nozzle supporting arrangement comprises a socket attached to the inside of the pipe and does also incorporate a fitted-in ball-bushing housing the nozzle. Said socket has on its inner surface alternate, longitudinal protrusions some of which have a concave profile in the vicinity of one of the socket's openings, whereas the other protrusions have said concave profile in the vicinity of the opposed one of both socket's openings.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Sacopa, S.A.Inventors: Joan Capdevila Arnau, Armand Puiggros Roig
-
Patent number: 6367098Abstract: The upper nozzle portion of a pop-up nozzle stem has a removable cap thereon. Caps having different size openings therein can be substituted to alter the performance characteristics of the water delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.Inventor: Steven R. Barnes
-
Patent number: 6355180Abstract: A covering, cleaning and heating system, which includes a solar cover dimensioned for covering a swimming pool and effectively heating the water therein using solar energy. The solar cover has a free end securable to an elongated pole. The elongated pole has a rope loop which facilitates selective securement of the pool cover to the elongated pole without requiring permanent fastening thereof. The elongated pole has a offset handle disposed on a free end thereof which acts like a crank such that whereby rotation of the handle will cause the solar cover to wrap around the elongated pole. A bracket is fixed at or near the periphery of the pool. The elongated pole selectively extends into the bracket while the cover is being rolled up or unrolled. A cleaning portion is also selectively secured within the bracket at the periphery of the swimming pool. The cleaning portion has a horizontal pole which attaches within the bracket and extends outwardly therefrom over the swimming pool.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Inventor: Joseph Valentine
-
Patent number: 6306295Abstract: A swimming pool float net is described which hangs onto the side or fence of a swimming pool. The float net can be multiplied in size with additional units. The float net can be folded when temporarily not in use or completely disassembled into a compact form when not be used for long periods of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Nicholas Giacalone