Patent ID: 7900308
Filing Date: 2011-03-08
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
1. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning the submerged surface of a pool or tank, comprising: a discharge outlet for discharging a pressurized stream of water which forms a water jet for propelling said apparatus over the submerged surface; a directional conduit having opposing ends and in fluid communication with the discharge outlet for receiving the pressurized stream of water discharged from the discharge outlet, the directional conduit including at least one conduit discharge opening located at the opposing ends through which the water jet is alternatively directionally discharged through one end to propel the apparatus in a first direction and through the opposing end to propel the apparatus in an opposite direction; and a water jet valve positioned intermediately between the discharge outlet and the at least one conduit discharge opening at the opposing ends of the directional conduit, the water jet valve being operable between first and second discharge positions to selectively direct the water jet in generally opposite directions through the directional conduit, wherein the discharge outlet, the water jet valve, the directional conduit, and the at least one discharge opening are arranged serially such that the pressurized water stream discharged from the discharge outlet undergoes only one right-angle change of direction after flowing through the discharge outlet and before being discharged from the apparatus to move the apparatus over the submerged surface of the pool or tank in opposing directions as determined by the operable discharge position of the water jet valve.