Patent ID: 6365039
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
Apparatus configured to be driven by a positive pressure water source for cleaning the interior surface of a containment wall and the upper surface of a water pool contained therein, said apparatus comprising:a body configured for immersion in said water pool; means for supplying a positive pressure water flow to said body from said source; a level control subsystem responsive to said water flow for producing a vertical force to selectively place said body either (1) in a first mode proximate to said water surface or (2) in a second mode proximate to said wall surface below said water surface; at least one pool water inlet in said body; and a propulsion control subsystem responsive to said water flow for selectively moving said body either (1) along a path adjacent to said water surface for collecting pool water through said inlet from adjacent to said water surface or (2) along a path adjacent to said wall surface for collecting pool water through said inlet from adjacent to said wall surface. said propulsion control subsystem including a controller for selectively causing said body to move either in a forward direction or in a second direction different from said forward direction; said controller including (1) a periodic control device for alternately defining first and second conditions and (2) a motion responsive control device for defining a first condition when the rate of forward motion of said body is greater than a certain threshold and a second condition when the rate of forward motion of said body is less than a certain threshold; and wherein said controller causes said body to move in said second direction when said periodic control device and said motion responsive control device both define said second condition.