Patent ID: 8728307
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: B01D,E04H

Abstract:
1. A whirlpool skimmer for creating a vortex or whirlpool extending to a surface of a pool for removing debris from the surface of the pool, comprising: a first cup-shaped member having an interior region bounded by an upper portion and a lower tapering portion, said upper portion having an enlarged open end adapted to receive fluid and said tapering portion having a distal tapered end so as to form a funnel shape; said distal tapered end having an outlet opening; a second cup-shaped member which is substantially smaller in length and diameter relative to a length and diameter of said first cup-shaped member; said second cup-shaped member having an uppermost edge and a lowermost edge, said lowermost edge being mounted adjacent a lowermost portion of said first cup shaped member and coaxially disposed relative to said first cup-shaped member such that fluid exiting said first cup-shaped member first passes through said second cup-shaped member and then into said outlet opening of said distal tapered end; said second cup-shaped member extending substantially coaxially with said first cup-shaped member, and wherein said uppermost edge of said second cup-shaped member extends only partially into the interior of the tapering portion of the first cup-shaped member; said second cup-shaped member having a generally cylindrical body and having two opposed open ends through which the fluid flows when exiting from said interior region of said first cup-shaped member; a first jet member mounted in the interior region of said first cup-shaped member such that it is adjacent an outermost surface of said second cup-shaped member and is at a location between said uppermost edge and said lowermost edge of said second cup-shaped member, said first jet member directing liquid in a direction generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of said second cup-shaped member to cause a rotational fluid flow in a specified rotational direction; and wherein liquid directed by said first jet member flows toward said uppermost edge of said second cup-shaped member in order to exit through said second cup-shaped member; a second jet member mounted adjacent an innermost surface of said second cup-shaped member at a location between said uppermost edge and said lowermost edge of said second cup-shaped member for directing liquid in a direction generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of said second cup-shaped member to cause a rotational fluid flow in said specified rotational direction; said first and second jet members being arranged so that liquid from each is directed in the same specified rotational direction relative to said longitudinal axis; and a source of suction disposed below said lowermost opening in said second cup-shaped member and below said outlet opening of said distal tapered end of said first cup-shaped portion, such that the combined effect of the suction and the directed liquid from the jets causes formation of a vortex within the first and second cup-shaped members and which vortex extends above the uppermost surface of the first cup-shaped member to the surface of the pool so as to draw in debris, leaves and insects from the surface of the pool.