Liquid purification or separation – Automatic control
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-15
2001-09-25
Drodge, Joseph W. (Department: 1723)
Liquid purification or separation
Automatic control
C015S001700, C134S16700R, C210S167150, C210S242100, C210S416200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06294084
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically cleaning a swimming pool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The prior art is replete with different types of automatic swimming pool cleaners. They include water surface cleaning devices which typically float at the water surface and can be moved across the water surface for cleaning, as by skimming. The prior art also shows pool wall surface cleaning devices which can rest at the pool bottom and can be moved along the wall (which term should be understood to include bottom and side portions) for wall cleaning, as by vacuuming and/or sweeping. Some prior art assemblies include both water surface cleaning and wall surface cleaning components tethered together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus useful for automatically cleaning a water pool contained in an open vessel defined by a wall having bottom and side portions.
Applicant's parent application describes apparatus including a unitary body having (1) a level control subsystem for selectively moving the body to a position either proximate to the surface of the water pool or proximate to the interior surface of the containment wall, (2) a propulsion subsystem operable to selectively propel the body in either a forward or rearward direction, and (3) a cleaning subsystem operable in either a water surface cleaning mode (e.g., skimming or scooping) or a wall surface cleaning mode (e.g., vacuuming or sweeping). The parent application discloses that these subsystems can be powered by hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric power sources and specifically describes hydraulic embodiments powered by positive and negative water pressure. The present invention is directed to electric powered embodiments.
More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, one or more of the aforementioned subsystems is powered by an electric source such as solar cells and/or rechargeable batteries and/or a wire extending to the unitary body from an external (e.g., deck mounted) power source. The batteries can be charged from solar cells carried by the unitary body or via electric terminals in an appropriately configured docking station.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are configured with one or more electric motors which are selectively controlled to generate pool water flows for level control, propulsion, and/or cleaning.
Embodiments of the invention can use either a heavier-than-water body or a lighter-than-water body. When a heavier-than-water body is used, the body in its quiescent or rest state typically sinks to a position proximate to the bottom portion of the containment wall. In an active state, the level control subsystem produces a vertical force component for lifting the body to proximate to the water surface.
When a lighter-than-water body is used, the body in its quiescent state floats at a position proximate to the water surface. In an active state, the level control subsystem produces a vertical force component for causing the body to descend to proximate the wall bottom portion.
Embodiments of the invention are preferably configured to return the body to its quiescent state in the event electric power terminates; e.g., battery depletion.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4154680 (1979-05-01), Sommer
patent: 4835809 (1989-06-01), Roumagnac
patent: 4837886 (1989-06-01), Rawlins
patent: 4849024 (1989-07-01), Supra
patent: 5197158 (1993-03-01), Moini
patent: 5337434 (1994-08-01), Erlich
patent: 5435031 (1995-07-01), Minami et al.
patent: 5985156 (1999-11-01), Henkin et al.
patent: 6039886 (2000-03-01), Henkin et al.
patent: 6090219 (2000-07-01), Henkin et al.
Henkin Melvyn L.
Laby Jordan M.
Drodge Joseph W.
Freilich Hornbaker & Rosen
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