Vortex pool cleaner

• US 20030132152A1
• Filed: 01/17/2002
• Published: 07/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DMR Holding Group LLC
• Original Assignee: Vortex Holding Company
• Inventors: Illingworth, Lewis
• Granted Patent: US 6,811,687 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 210/169
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/08 with means adapted for blowing
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/102 Dust separators cyclones A47L9/16
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1654 Self-propelled cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: F15D 1/00 Influencing flow of fluids
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 55/03 Vacuum cleaner
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2087 Means to cause rotational flow of fluid [e.g., vortex generator]

Abstract

The present invention aims at improving pool cleaners. The improved pool cleaners utilize toroidal vortex technology to provide efficient fluid flow in a sealed system. The sealed system prevents dirt from escaping into surrounding fluid and retains kinetic energy of the flowing fluid. The present invention is also quieter, lighter, and simpler than conventional designs.

Claims

1. A fluid cleaner utilizing a fluid flow comprising:

fluid delivery means; and

a toroidal vortex nozzle, said nozzle comprising an inner tube and an outer tube;

wherein a fluid flow through said nozzle has substantially the characteristics of a toroidal vortex wherein said toroidal vortex creates a low pressure region to attract matter.

2. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising wheels.

3. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a brush.

4. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a rotating brush.

5. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein the distal end of said toroidal vortex is rectangular.

6. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein the annular duct formed between said inner tube and said outer tube is vented.

7. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a watertight housing.

8. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid cleaner is capable of traversing a surface.

9. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a traction motor.

10. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid flow is generated by an impeller.

11. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid flow is generated by a centrifugal pump.

12. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid flow is generated by a propeller.

13. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a collector.

14. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a collector, wherein the pressure in said collector is greater than in said centrifugal separation means.

15. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising centrifugal separation means.

16. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

centrifugal separation means; and

a removable collector.

17. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

centrifugal separation means; and

a collector.

18. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

centrifugal separation means;

a collector; and

a removable plug in said collector.

19. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

centrifugal separation means;

a collector; and

a door in said collector.

20. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

centrifugal separation means; and

a collector;

wherein the pressure in said collector is greater than in said centrifugal separation means such that a cylindrical fluid flow inside said centrifugal separation means is maintained without preventing matter from traveling into said collector.

21. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid cleaner effects a recirculating fluid flow.

22. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid cleaner performs a sealed operation.

23. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid cleaner operates in a pool.

24. A fluid cleaner in accordance with claim 1 wherein said fluid cleaner traverses a surface submerged in a fluid.

25. A method of cleaning surfaces submerged in a fluid comprising the steps of:

attracting matter with a flowing fluid;

centrifugally separating said matter from said fluid; and

recirculating said fluid.

26. A method according to claim 25 wherein attracting said matter occurs in a toroidal vortex nozzle.

27. A method according to claim 25 further comprising the step of loosening said matter from said surface.

28. A method according to claim 25 further comprising the step of loosening said matter from said surface with a brush.

29. A method according to claim 25 further comprising the step of loosening said matter from said surface with a rotating brush.

30. A method according to claim 25 wherein said attracting is performed by a toroidal vortex fluid flow.

31. A method of separating matter from a fluid comprising the steps of:

centrifugally separating said matter from said fluid; and

recirculating said fluid through a toroidal vortex nozzle.

32. A method in accordance with claim 31 further comprising the step of brushing a surface to loosen matter from said surface.

33. A method in accordance with claim 31 further comprising the step of:

brushing a surface to loosen matter from said surface; and

attracting said matter with said toroidal vortex nozzle.

34. A method in accordance with claim 31 wherein said fluid is pool water and said matter is in said pool water and on the submerged surfaces of a pool.