With Cleaning Means Patents (Class 4/490)
  • Patent number: 11994391
    Abstract: Augmented (virtual) reality techniques are described for assisting in determining characteristics of swimming pools and spas. Such pools and spas may, for example, be mapped at least as to their general sizes and shapes. The mapped and other information may be available for display and may be furnished to an automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) to improve its operational efficiency in cleaning the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes van der Meijden, E. Keith McQueen, Phillip Newman, Richard E. Mills
  • Patent number: 11784591
    Abstract: A dual motor system includes a first motor providing a lower speed range and a second motor providing a higher speed range, wherein the motors are coaxially arranged and aligned on and drive a common shaft, and a motor control system controlling the speed of the first motor and engaging the second motor as needed. The first motor is a variable speed motor providing a lower two-thirds of a full speed range, and the second motor is an induction motor providing the upper one-third in the form of one or more discrete fixed speeds. The system may include a transformer including a first winding tap which provides a first higher speed, and a second winding tap which provides a second higher speed. The system may also include a flow control system for automatically controlling the speed of the motors for particular applications, such as flow control in a pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Coupart, James D. Ellis, II, Pranesh Rao, Bret S. Clark, John G. Schrader
  • Patent number: 11522326
    Abstract: A control system for a whirlpool bath installation, including a single input source wiring for connecting to an input source of high voltage AC electrical power having a nominal current rating. A plurality of high voltage output connections are connected to the input source through a corresponding plurality of switches, for power connections to a respective high voltage load devices, whose cumulative nominal current draw ratings exceeds the current rating of the input source. An electronic controller controls states of the switches in response to user input commands. The electronic controller implements an algorithm or a set of rules preventing a system utilization of the high voltage loads from exceeding a total current draw exceeding said nominal maximum current rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Balboa Water Group, LLC
    Inventor: Graham J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11180389
    Abstract: A floating water jet for spraying chlorinated water at water surface of a pool is disclosed herein. The floating water jet includes a cylindrical body having a closed end and an open end, an internal wall within the cylindrical body defining a sealed air chamber within the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end, the sealed chamber providing buoyancy to the cylindrical body such that the cylindrical body floats on the water surface of the pool with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body being parallel to the water surface. An internal chamber is provided within the cylindrical body between the open end and the internal wall for receiving the chlorinated water. An end wall is sealed to the open end, the end wall including a central inlet opening adapted for connection to an outlet end of a floating pool hose, and a plurality of outlet openings in the end wall arranged concentrically about the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lane
  • Patent number: 10919057
    Abstract: A flow control device includes a body having an inner and an outer surface that oppose each other. The body may have a first opening and a second opening spaced from the first opening along a first axis. The inner surface may define a passage that extends from the first opening to the second opening along the first axis. The body may also include an inlet port between the first opening and the second opening, and a constriction in the passage between the first opening and the second opening. The flow control device may also comprise a nozzle disposed at least partially in the inlet port and extend at least partially across the passage along a second axis that is angularly offset with respect to the first axis. The nozzle may define an exit port in the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: ELLIPTIC WORKS, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Walsh, John Bouvier
  • Patent number: 10661286
    Abstract: A waterjet apparatus can be installed a wall for containing an artificial body of water, such as a pool bottom and/or sidewalls. The waterjet apparatus can be used with an intermittently operated water delivery system to clean pool bottom and/or sidewalls. The waterjet apparatus has a plaster attachment device for securing a plaster mixture to the waterjet apparatus The plaster attachment device can protrude from or be substantially flush with the pool bottom and/or sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Todd Krombein
  • Patent number: 10179339
    Abstract: A bubbler assembly including a pipe that telescopes relative to a surface of a pool or spa such that an exit opening of the bubbler is closer to the water surface than is conventionally possible. When in the initial position, a first end of the telescoping pipe is flush or substantially flush with the surface of the pool or the spa. When in the extended position, the first end of the telescoping pipe is adjacent the water surface, which is spaced apart from the surface of the pool or spa. By transferring the exit opening of the bubbler to a location adjacent the water surface, the plume need travel only a small distance through the main body of water before penetrating the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems LLC
    Inventors: Roy Archer, Joseph A. Palma
  • Patent number: 9896854
    Abstract: A pool apparatus includes a pool body, a water inlet, a water outlet, and an outlet valve. The water inlet is used for carrying water into the pool body. The water outlet is used for draining water out of the pool body. The outlet valve covers the water outlet. The outlet valve has a drainage surface for draining water out of the pool body from the drainage surface with a drainage direction. The outlet valve has a protrusion block protruding with a distance opposite to the drainage direction from the drainage surface to decrease the risk that the user may be sucked on the outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Bestway Inflatables & Material Corp.
    Inventor: Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 9409190
    Abstract: Herein is disclosed an in-situ system for automatically washing the walls of a wet well. The system includes a high pressure water pump coupled to a plurality of elongated high pressure water spray heads mounted along the walls of the wet well. The high pressure water spray heads are each coupled to the water pump via a solenoid valve which is in turn coupled to a control panel. The control panel is configured to operate the spray heads one at a time so that the wet well is washed by operating only one spray head at a time. The system uses standard municipal water line as a water source and uses inexpensive motors, pumps and fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Richard Perry
  • Publication number: 20150107012
    Abstract: Systems and methods for circulating water of swimming pools or spas are detailed. The systems may include both a main filtration pump and a secondary booster pump, with the booster pump containing a variable-speed motor. By adjusting motor speed of the booster pump, pressurized water may be supplied to certain automatic swimming pool cleaners more efficiently, without need for energy-wasting by-pass paths or restrictor plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Bauckman, Eugene Keith Mc Queen, Steve Gutai
  • Patent number: 8997269
    Abstract: The present invention is a swimming pool hose holder used to retain a sweeper hose along a side wall of a swimming pool when the sweeper hose is not in use. The swimming pool hose holder includes a mounting plate that is attached to a securing plate using a spring-biased hinge. In use the swimming pool hose holder is located such that a retained sweeper hose is half above the waterline and half below the waterline. Either a fastening surface on the mounting plate is used to attach the swimming pool hose holder to a pool side wall or the mounting plate includes openings for fasteners to be used to attach the swimming pool hose holder to a pool side wall. In operation the sweeper hose is retained between the plates when the sweeper hose is not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Ray A. Jackson, Debra L. Bindel
  • Patent number: 8959739
    Abstract: An alignment kit for aiming a variable rotating pool cleaning nozzle assembly in a pool is disclosed. The alignment kit includes an aiming tool and a locking tool. The aiming tool includes a tray that includes a plurality of aiming reference figures, a cleaning arc indicator coupled to the tray, and a base rotatably coupled to the tray. The cleaning arc indicator includes an adjustable visual area representing a cleaning arc of a variably rotating pool cleaning nozzle assembly. The cleaning arc indicator may include a first ring and a second ring interleaved together and the adjustable visual area may include an area of the second ring not covered by the first ring. The base includes an aiming reference marker adjacent the tray and one or more indexing lugs. The locking tool includes a plurality of aiming symbols and one or more locking lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: GSG Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Goettl, Steve Sharp
  • Publication number: 20140331398
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pool jet fitting configured to direct flow of water in a closed loop pool pumping filtration system. The pool jet fitting may include a housing and a valve positioned in the housing. The housing may include a housing body that defines a bore that extends through the housing body. The valve may be positioned in the bore of the housing and may be configured to receive water flow from a water pump. The valve may define an adjustable opening having a dimension capable of automatically adjusting between a first dimension and a second dimension to facilitate a predetermined outflow velocity of the water received from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Sean Walsh, James Patrick Mulhern
  • Patent number: 8820355
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for substantially improving the energy efficiency of swimming pools having in-floor cleaning systems. Comprehensive data is provided demonstrating the improvement in cleaning capacity realized in a typical prior art pool before and after conversion to the present invention. Methods are disclosed for the reallocation of all or a substantial part of the increase in cleaning capacity toward a proportionate reduction in energy consumption by reducing the run time or operating speed of the pool pump motor while maintaining the same or a higher level of cleaning capacity achieved by the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aspen Research, Ltd
    Inventors: S. Jepson Sutton, Sam Sutton
  • Publication number: 20140237713
    Abstract: A variable depth swimming pool/spa can comprise a movable deck and a bottom. The movable deck can be movable relative to the bottom of a variable depth swimming pool/spa to provide for a variable depth of the portion of pool/spa that is accessible to a pool/spa user. The movable deck can be connected to the bottom of the variable depth swimming pool/spa via one or several legs. The one or several legs can be rotatingly connected to the movable deck and can be slidingly connected to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. The rotational displacement of the legs can result in the vertical displacement of the movable deck. The legs can be connected to synchronizing arms that can interact with a synchronizing drive to coordinate the movement of a first leg with a second leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: PATIO 2 POOL, LLC
    Inventor: Stefan Kanetis
  • Patent number: 8782823
    Abstract: A system for stowing a swimming pool cleaner robot in a location has a deployment piston connected to the robot and suitable for moving in a pipe of the swimming pool. The system also has a device to generate extra pressure in the pipe during a cleaning stage during which the swimming pool is cleaned by the robot in such a manner as to drive the deployment piston to a first position in the pipe; and a device to generate suction in the pipe during a filtering stage during which the water of the swimming pool is filtered, while the robot is inactive in such a manner as to suck the deployment piston to a second position in the pipe, making it possible for the robot to be stowed in the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Gonzalez
    Inventor: Serge Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8590071
    Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool structure, the swimming pool structure including a circulation system having a piping assembly and a pump for cyclically communicating water through the piping assembly. The device includes an insert coupled in fluid communication to the piping assembly, a piston carried within the insert for reciprocal movement between a lowered position and a raised position in which the piston is above the insert, a nozzle in the piston is unobstructed, and the piston is in one of a plurality of indexed orientations. The piston rotates to an adjacent indexed orientation in response to reciprocation between the raised and lowered positions in response to the cyclical application of water through the chamber. Upper and lower engagement assemblies prevent rotational movement of the piston with respect to the insert in the raised and lowered positions of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pool Patch LLC
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 8533874
    Abstract: A pool cleaning system, method of designing a pool cleaning system and method of making a pool cleaning system comprising origin cleaning heads, transition cleaning heads and debris capture zones. Transition heads comprising net water flow vectors may be positioned to establish net water flow in the direction of one or more debris capture zones. Transition heads may comprise incrementally rotating pool cleaning head assemblies or a recessed incrementally rotating nozzle assembly configured to establish the net water flow. Cleaning head structure may comprise a slidably rotatable reverser between upper and lower portions of a cam assembly, the slidably rotatable reverser adjustable between first and second positions such that an incrementally rotating stem slidably mounted to the cam assembly incrementally rotates clockwise when the reverser is in its first position and counter clockwise when the reverser is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8499372
    Abstract: A nozzle mounting assembly for an in-ground swimming pool cleaning system may comprise a plurality of mounting rings that are formed within the shell of a prefabricated swimming pool. The plurality of mounting rings may couple at a first end with a corresponding plurality of trim rings. The plurality of trim rings forms a flanged ring around each of the openings in the pool surface for cleaning nozzle mechanisms. The plurality of mounting rings may further couple with a corresponding plurality of nozzle retainer bodies, where the nozzle retainer bodies provide an interface for standard cleaning system fittings. Nozzle mounting assemblies may be adapted to a variety of pool types and surfaces, and may be sized for the floor surface, the steps or the walls of a swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Paramount Pool & Spa Systems
    Inventor: Dominic Conn
  • Patent number: 8394266
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rolling cleaner apparatus for a submerged surface, comprising rolling drive members, at least one motor (20a, 20b) for driving at least one rolling drive member, a filtration chamber formed in the hollow body and having a liquid inlet into the hollow body, a liquid outlet from the hollow body, a hydraulic circuit for circulating liquid between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet through a filtering device, a motorized pumping device (12) designed to generate a flow of liquid between each liquid inlet and each liquid outlet, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (90) designed to modulate the flow of liquid circulating between each liquid inlet and each liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Publication number: 20130007954
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for substantially improving the energy efficiency of swimming pools having in-floor cleaning systems. Comprehensive data is provided demonstrating the improvement in cleaning capacity realized in a typical prior art pool before and after conversion to the present invention. Methods are disclosed for the reallocation of all or a substantial part of the increase in cleaning capacity toward a proportionate reduction in energy consumption by reducing the run time or operating speed of the pool pump motor while maintaining the same or a higher level of cleaning capacity achieved by the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Aspen Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: S. Jepson Sutton, Sam Sutton
  • Publication number: 20120291193
    Abstract: A system for cleaning water of a swimming pool is disclosed. The system includes at least one first housing, at least one second housing, at least one third housing and pipes. The first housing includes at least one skimmer element and a corresponding filtration element. The skimmer element receives water. The corresponding filtration element filters water drawn via the skimmer element. The second housing includes a pump element spaced apart from the first housing and draws water from the swimming pool and pump water into the first housing through the skimmer element and the filtration element, for filtering and purification purposes and finally ejecting filtered water. The third housing is spaced apart from the first and second housing and includes an output element to receive and eject filtered water. The system of the present disclosure is non invasive in nature and provides flexibility of installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Yogesh Jaikishan Panchal
  • Patent number: 8308081
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Publication number: 20120227175
    Abstract: A swimming pool circulation and cleaning system includes a first zone with a plurality of stationary wall inlet nozzles and a second zone with a plurality of pop-up nozzles. The stationary wall inlet nozzles are strategically located in the walls of the swimming pool. Each stationary wall inlet nozzle comprises several tangential openings for directing the forced water flows downwardly towards the pool floor. The pop-up nozzles are strategically located in the pool floor to work in conjunction with the stationary wall inlet nozzles to continue the water flow from the stationary wall inlet nozzles in a direction towards the main pool drain. The pop-up nozzles may be non-rotating or rotating only about 90 degrees. A water recirculation system can be operated to re-circulate and deliver the swimming pool water either sequentially or simultaneously to the stationary wall inlet nozzles and the floor pop-up nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin C. Ford
  • Patent number: 8250682
    Abstract: A pool and spa plumbing adapter to relocate existing directional water flow plumbing fittings to new positions to accommodate new surfacing overlaid on the existing pool or spa surface. The adapter provides for a threaded engagement with existing plumbing and has a shoulder portion providing a visual cue for proper rotational translation of the adapter into the existing plumbing fitting to accommodate the new surface layer. A sealing ring can be provided extending above the shoulder portion to prevent fluid passage between the new surface and the adapter and to prevent rotation of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Olaf W. Mjelde, Wade H. Arens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8136176
    Abstract: The present invention involves a pool system including ventilation for offending gases from the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Automatic Pool Covers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Shebek, Michael F. Shadoan
  • Patent number: 8056154
    Abstract: A device for opening a toilet flushing system, of the type that includes a water cistern fed by a filling tap, and that includes a bottom discharge orifice and a vertical mobile discharge valve element associated with this orifice, which is capable of occupying a low closed position for keeping the water in the cistern or a high open position to discharge the water to a toilet pan, and of the type that includes a float which, when the cistern is full, is submerged to push the valve element towards its open position, and of the type that includes an element for locking the valve element to keep the valve element closed, characterized in that the float is secured to the valve element and in that the locking element includes a vertically mobile locking finger which is capable of being locked or released by an associated latching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: CELEC Conception Electronique
    Inventor: Christian Martin
  • Patent number: 8056155
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8024832
    Abstract: An aquarium cleaning device structured for use with glass or plastic aquarium walls, enabling a dislodging and freeing of debris from the walls, while also simultaneously enabling a collecting of dislodged and freed debris for subsequent removal. The cleaning device includes a frame providable of a rigid, possibly closed, and flattened loop, and a netting material, each of which are preferably sandwiched between two scrubbing pads. An elongated handle portion is fixable to the rigid loop and scrubbing pads, and arranged for secure grasping by a user such that aquarium wall cleaning activities may be conducted. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventors: John R. Niehoff, Jennifer Coppola
  • Patent number: 8014902
    Abstract: A system for load control in an electrical power system is described, wherein one or more temperature-monitoring devices are provided to control operation of a pool pump. When ambient temperatures are relatively high, and thus, electrical power demands from air conditioning systems are relatively high, the temperature-monitoring devices can remove power from the controlled device during the hottest portions of the day. The temperature-monitoring devices can provide power to the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day. During heat waves or other periods of relatively continuous high heat, the temperature-monitoring devices can schedule power to the controlled devices to reduce overall power demands and to run the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day when air conditioning electrical loads are reduced. The temperature-monitoring devices can also coordinate operation of the pool pump and a pool heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7984811
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pivoting swimming pool tool device including a pivot mechanism, a frame member, and a net to allow a person to remove large quantities of surface debris from a swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Salomon Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7979924
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7909991
    Abstract: A device for skimming the surface of the water in a swimming pool or the like, in a single, generally sweeping motion and thereby collecting most all of the debris floating on or near the surface of the pool into one spot where it may be lifted and removed from the pool. The system incorporates a long rectangular section of netting that is wound onto a cylindrical reel and contained on a vertically oriented cylindrical axel. The cylindrical axel and reel are mounted by brackets or weights to the side of the pool. The cylindrically wound netting may be drawn out from the fixed cylinder mounted on the side of the pool through a slot in a pivoting debris deflector positioned on the same cylindrical axel. One end of the long rectangular section of netting may be fixed to a second smaller cylinder or pipe which serves to keep the net from being drawn completely into the enclosure comprising the cylindrical reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7874808
    Abstract: A variable speed pumping system and an associated method for moving water of an aquatic application. The variable speed pumping system includes a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water. A variable speed motor is operatively connected to drive the pump. A sensor senses a parameter of the operation performed upon the water. A controller controls speed of the motor in response to the sensed parameter of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Stiles
  • Patent number: 7819338
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning head. Implementations may include a cleaning head assembly having a housing having a cam assembly with an upper section, a lower section, and a rotatable section disposed between the upper section and the lower section. A stem having an outlet configured to eject a stream of water under water therethrough under water pressure force may also be included, the stem extending through the cam assembly. The stem may also include at least one pin slidably engaged within the cam assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Paramount Pool & Spa Systems
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Publication number: 20100187169
    Abstract: A uniquely designed drain cover for swimming pools, spas, whirlpools and the like that is non-flat and clover shaped containing three or more “leaves” that provides for strengthened rigidity, increased protection against hair and body entrapment and that is connected to the sump through ribs that run across the body of the drain cover that allow for securing the drain cover to the sump through these ribs in addition to the perimeter providing for greater anti-deflection properties and anti-vortexing properties. Apertures found on the surface of the cover and along the perimeter add to the anti-deflection and anti-vortexing properties of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Brooks Hilton, M. Reza Mirzaei, Frank Hinjosa
  • Patent number: 7744765
    Abstract: A system, a device and a method for maintaining water quality in a pool or similar water container for use by people which is characterized in that a pressure sensor is arranged to sense the pressure variations inside a main water container 1 and to provide a pressure variation signal to a control and processing unit 3. The control and processing unit is connected with a dispensing module and is adapted to generate and transfer control signals to said dispensing modules. The control signal depends on the detected pressure variation signal. The system for water treatment comprises also a water treatment circulation loop 3A-D at least one controllable chemical dispensing module 8A-D, 9A-D. The circulation loop is adapted to pump water from the main water container 1, around the circulation loop 3A-D, and back into the main water container 1 via the dispensing module for dispensing a chemical treatment agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Firstwater Controls DA
    Inventors: Jørn-Rudi Bjerkan, Morten Fredriksen
  • Publication number: 20100125942
    Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer formed to include an integral disinfectant dispenser. The disinfectant dispenser is adapted to enable infinite adjustment to the level of disinfectant dispensed into the normal flow of the pool water. The skimmer includes a valve that is used to adjust the flow of water distributed to the disinfectant dispenser. The flow rate of water entering the dispensing chamber is controlled by the valve, which controls the water level within the dispensing chamber. The amount of water exiting the dispensing chamber is controlled by a vertically extending elongated flow slit. The higher the water level in the dispensing chamber causes more exposure to the chlorine tablets, increasing the chlorine level in the dispensing water. Chlorinated water exits the flow slit and enters the skimmer main chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: P.I. INC.
    Inventor: Laurence A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100122948
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pool cleaning vehicle. The vehicle includes a housing, a bottom frame and a filter bag between the housing the bottom frame and attached to the bottom frame. The vehicle includes an intake and an outlet, both of which are in communication with the filter bag. The housing is releaseably attached to the bottom frame and the filter bag releaseably connected to the bottom frame. A V-shaped self locking clip with normally outwardly extending legs serves as the attachment member and when urged toward each other with the housing in the locked position allows for easy release. At least one of the intake or outlet includes a filter member. The filter member includes a means for attachment and a particulate filter member for filtering particulates from the water. The filter member is attached to the vehicle at or proximate to the perimeter of the intake or outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Wing-kin Hui
  • Publication number: 20100089842
    Abstract: A device for skimming the surface of the water in a swimming pool or the like, in a single, generally sweeping motion and thereby collecting most all of the debris floating on or near the surface of the pool into one spot where it may be lifted and removed from the pool. The system incorporates a long rectangular section of netting that is wound onto a cylindrical reel and contained on a vertically oriented cylindrical axel. The cylindrical axel and reel are mounted by brackets or weights to the side of the pool. The cylindrically wound netting may be drawn out from the fixed cylinder mounted on the side of the pool through a slot in a pivoting debris deflector positioned on the same cylindrical axel. One end of the long rectangular section of netting may be fixed to a second smaller cylinder or pipe which serves to keep the net from being drawn completely into the enclosure comprising the cylindrical reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick HERNANDEZ
  • Patent number: 7578010
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Paramount Leisure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7571496
    Abstract: A pop up nozzle assembly useful for cleaning swimming pool surfaces is disclosed. The present invention includes a continuously rotating spray nozzle, a water driven impeller, gearing to move the pop up head, interchangeable heads, and means for returning back within the floor or wall. The present invention includes important features for efficient cleaning, easy removal for repair, and the prevention of vandalism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: James H. Martin
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7520282
    Abstract: An automatic swimming pool cleaner includes a body (18) and a wheeled undercarriage (42) for the body. The undercarriage comprises a first submerged surface (14) engaging section (50) and a normally leading second section (52). The second section is pivotable in elevation (?) relative to the first section. The pivotable second section enables the cleaner to negotiate sharp corners between a floor (14) and a wall (16) of the pool and further lengths a wheelbase provided by the first section during reverse motion of the cleaner. A surface engaging brake (81) on the second section facilitates change of direction during reverse motion of the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventor: Herman Stoltz
  • 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: 7501056
    Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner configured to be powered by a supplied positive pressure water flow including an improved propulsion subsystem for propelling the cleaner body through a swimming pool along a substantially random travel path. The subsystem includes a hydraulic valve actuator configured to use water pressure to switch a valve element mounted for reciprocal linear movement from a default state (e.g., redirect travel state) to an active state (e.g., forward travel state) and to then restore the valve element to the default state. The water pressure for controlling the actuator is selectively supplied by a direction controller which responds to regular periodic occurrences and/or irregularly occurring events such as the interruption of cleaner body motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Henkin-Laby, LLC
    Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
  • Publication number: 20090000021
    Abstract: A pop up nozzle assembly useful for cleaning swimming pool surfaces is disclosed. The present invention includes a continuously rotating spray nozzle, a water driven impeller, gearing to move the pop up head, interchangeable heads, and means for returning back within the floor or wall. The present invention includes important features for efficient cleaning, easy removal for repair, and the prevention of vandalism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: James H. Martin
  • Patent number: 7441284
    Abstract: A device for moving the hose of an automatic pool cleaner in and out of a swimming pool using water power. The device includes a rotatable hose reel disposed within a tank spaced from the pool. In one embodiment, the tank communicates with the pool through an under-the-deck tunnel. In another, the tunnel extends from the tank and over the deck of the pool, for discharge into the pool. The hose reel is connected to a rotatable water wheel having vertically-oriented blades disposed around its circumference. To move the hose from the storage position into the pool, a stream of water from a blow out jet nozzle flushes the hose into the pool and rotates the hose reel in a first direction, causing the hose to unwind and travel into the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew L. Pansini
  • Publication number: 20080230453
    Abstract: The invention provides a shield for attachment to a swimming pool skimmer to prevent debris in the pool water from entering the skimmer. The skimmer shield has a closure member in the form of a door that can be opened or closed to allow unrestricted flow into the skimmer when necessary. The shield mounts in the skimmer opening using a pair of tapered flanges and releasable lock in the form of a screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: John D. Szymczak, Jackie Szymczak
  • Publication number: 20080216877
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards devices combining swimming pool skimmers, pumps, and removable, disposable filters into integral, sidewall-mounted systems for above-ground pools and other above-ground liquid containment enclosures, and methods for the use of such systems to remove both larger floating debris and smaller particulate matter to maintain water clarity and hygienic safety within such pools or like liquid containment enclosures. The present invention is an above-ground pool comprising a base, a side wall, and at least a portion of a cleaning system solely supported by the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicants: GP Limited, General Foam Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Lee LAWSON