Source: {"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"}

1. Field of the Invention
A vacuum powered automatic swimming pool sweep for cleaning the bottom of a swimming pool.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically swimming pool cleaning has been done manually. This has been accomplished by manipulating a vacuum head supported on a pole extended down into the swimming pool. Efforts have been made to automate the vacuum cleaning. One such device merely agitates the water sufficiently to place the dirt in suspension to be drawn through the pool filter. Unfortunately this does little more than disperse the dirt throughout the swimming pool water where it becomes an irritant to the swimmer. Other prior devices have included relatively complex switching arrangements to reverse the movement of the cleaning device on the pool floor requiring precise directional setting while being inoperative in pools of irregular contour.
The principal effort in cleaning a swimming pool consists of removing the sedimentary material which accumulates at the bottom of the pool. Thus, various suction-type cleaning devices have been developed. Some such devices are electricallydriven reversible cleaners. The vacuum-cleaner operates by suction and filtration of the water to clean the bottom of the pool.
German Utility Model No. 7,140,569 describes a device for vacuuming the bottom of swimming pools which comprises a double-slotted water suction nozzle and an undercarriage. The undercarriage is driven through turbine. The power required for both suction of the sediment and for propelling the device is supplied by the suction flow. The device further comprises a steering rod which is displaceable in the direction of travel and projects out beyond either the one or the other of the device. Whenever the device moves up toward a wall, the steering rod strikes the wall first and is thereby moved into its other position. This actuates the changeover gear, so that the device then travels on in opposite direction.
Other examples of prior art are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,979,788; 3,229,315; 3,439,368; 3,972,339; 4,100,641.