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Water jet reversing propulsion and directional controls for automated swimming pool cleaners

  • US 7,165,284 B2
  • Filed: 03/03/2004
  • Issued: 01/23/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/25/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for propelling a robotic pool cleaning apparatus over the bottom and side wall surfaces of a pool by means of a water jet, where the apparatus comprises a pump operatively attached to a pump motor for delivery of a stream of pressurized water to a pump outlet having a plurality of discharge conduits and a diverter interposed in said pump outlet between the discharge conduits and the pump, said method comprising:

  • (a) discharging a jet of water received from the pump outlet in a first predetermined direction, wherein a first high pressure water stream passing through said pump outlet causes said diverter to be disposed in a first position to close a first one of said plurality of discharge conduits;

    (b) continuing the discharge of the water jet in the first predetermined direction for a period of time;

    (c) terminating the flow of the water jet in the first predetermined direction by interrupting power to the pump motor to effect a low pressure condition in said pump outlet that moves said diverter to a second position between said discharge conduits;

    (d) discharging the water jet in a second predetermined direction by providing power to the pump motor to direct a second high pressure water stream that passes through said pump outlet to cause said diverter to be disposed in a third position to close a second one of said plurality of discharge conduits; and

    (e) continuing the flow of the water jet in the second predetermined direction for a period of time, wherein the pool cleaning apparatus is propelled in directions which change in response to the changes in the direction of the discharged water jet.

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