Patent ID: 7101475
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
1. A self propelled solar swimming pool skimmer having a body configured as a boat, the body having outermost extremities at the port bow and starboard bow positions respectively, said body containing an internal water channel having a bow entrance at the waterline and an exit, the improvement comprising: a) an electrical power means including a solar cell array b) a bow mounted impeller whereby water and floating debris shall be propelled in a rearwards direction through said internal water channel upon rotation of said bow mounted impeller in its normal direction of rotation c) a porous filter medium oriented across said internal water channel suitable for capturing floating debris d) an electrical motor rotationally coupled to said bow mounted impeller by a conventional rotary energy transmission means including a shaft and electrically powered by said electrical power means whereby said bow mounted impeller may be caused to rotate e) powered bumper wheels, having vertical shafts, said powered bumper wheels having their outer perimeters protrude both forwards and laterally beyond the port bow and starboard bow extremities of said body, respectively f) said powered bumper wheels each being rotationally connected to an electrical motor by conventional rotary energy transmission means g) the electrical motor powering each of said powered bumper wheels being electrically connected to said electrical power means h) with rotational direction of said rotary energy transmission means being chosen such that the gunwale perimeter of each powered bumper wheel shall normally rotate in a direction parallel to the normal direction of travel of the skimmer, whereby contact of said powered bumper wheels with obstacles shall serve to deflect said skimmer away from said obstacles by means of reactive forces of the rotating powered bumper wheels with said obstacles.