Patent ID: 6099658
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
A method of operating a power-driven pool cleaner to clean the bottom and side walls of a pool or tank, the method comprising the steps of(a) providing a pool cleaner having a cover, drive means for moving the cleaner in forward and reverse directions and a timer;(b) activating the pool cleaner while the cleaner is in operating position in the pool;(c) causing the pool cleaner to traverse the bottom of the pool in a forward direction at a primary drive speed until the cleaner encounters a side wall of the pool;(d) causing the pool cleaner to ascend the side wall of the pool to the waterline of the pool;(e) generating a control signal when the cleaner is in a vertical orientation on the side wall of the pool;(f) activating the timer in response to the control signal;(g) changing the drive speed of the pool cleaner to a secondary drive speed that is relatively slower than the primary drive speed while the cleaner is at the waterline of the pool;(h) operating the cleaner for a predetermined operational period of time at the secondary drive speed;(i) causing the cleaner to descend the side wall of the pool at the secondary speed, whereby any air entrained under the cover is displaced as the cleaner descends in contact with the side wall; and(j) changing the drive speed of the pool cleaner after the predetermined operational period of time to the primary drive speed.