Automatic pool cleaning apparatus
US5435031A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04H4/1654
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus for automatically cleaning submerged surfaces, such as the bottom and side walls of a swimming pool. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes onboard sensors, and an onboard processor (preferably, a microprocessor) which controls operation of the apparatus in response to status information supplied from the sensors. Preferably, the apparatus has an onboard watertight battery and an adjustable inlet nozzle size, and includes left and right track treads which are controllable to cause the apparatus to turn or rotate (clockwise or counterclockwise), or translate in a forward or reverse direction, on a horizontal or vertically inclined submerged surface. A transmission assembly is provided for each track tread, including a cam wheel and a cam follower connected thereto within a sealed control assembly, and a shift link extending through a seal in the control assembly. Each shift link has an end connected to one of the cam followers and another end connected to a gear assembly, for shifting the gear assembly into a forward or a reverse gear. The apparatus preferably includes Hall effect transducers (with associated permanent magnets) and a microprocessor mounted wi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.