Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/788,873 filed Mar. 15, 2013, all of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a swimming pool pressure cleaner, and, more specifically to a swimming pool pressure cleaner that is capable of switching between bottom and top cleaning modes, as well as automatically switching into a reverse mode. 
     Related Art 
     Swimming pools generally require a certain amount of maintenance. Beyond the treatment and filtration of pool water, the walls of the pool should be scrubbed regularly. Further, leaves and various debris can float on the surface of the pool water, and should be removed regularly. This means that a pool cleaner should be capable of cleaning both the walls of the pool as well as the surface of the pool water. 
     Swimming pool cleaners adapted to rise proximate a water surface of a pool for removing floating debris therefrom and to descend proximate to a wall surface of the pool for removing debris therefrom are generally known in the art. These “top-bottom” cleaners are often pressure-type or positive pressure pool cleaners that require a source of pressurized water to be in communication therewith. This source of pressurized water could include a booster pump or pool filtration system. Generally, this requires a hose running from the pump or system to the cleaner head. In some instances, a user may have to manually switch the pool cleaner from a pool wall cleaning mode to a pool water surface cleaning mode. 
     Additionally, swimming pool cleaners can utilize jet nozzles that discharge pressurized water to generate a vacuum or suction effect. This suction effect can be utilized to dislodge debris that is on a pool wall and to pull the debris and water through a filtering arrangement or filter bag. The jet nozzles can be placed inside a vacuum tube such that the debris and pool water are directed through the tube. The jet nozzles can be grouped and/or arranged to discharge the pressurized water stream in general alignment with the flow of water through the vacuum tube, e.g., parallel flow. However, this alignment of flow can result in areas of concentrated water flow, e.g., “hot areas,” and areas with significantly reduced flow. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in pool cleaners that are capable of cleaning both the pool water surface and the pool walls, and jet nozzles that create more uniform distribution of water flow through a vacuum tube. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a swimming pool pressure cleaner that is capable of switching between bottom and top cleaning modes, as well as automatically switching into a reverse mode. The cleaner includes a top housing having a retention mechanism attached thereto, a chassis, and a plurality of wheels rotationally connected to the chassis. The chassis houses a drive assembly that is connected with a water distribution manifold. The drive assembly includes a timer assembly, a reverse/spinout mode valve assembly, and a top/bottom mode valve assembly. The water distribution manifold includes a reverse/spinout mode manifold chamber, a top mode manifold chamber, and a bottom mode manifold chamber. An external pump provides pressurized water to the cleaner, which is provided to the timer assembly and to the reverse/spinout mode valve assembly. The timer assembly includes a turbine that is rotated by the pressurized water, and drives a gear reduction stack that drives a Geneva gear. The Geneva gear rotates a valve disk positioned within the reverse/spinout mode valve assembly. The valve disk includes a window that allows the provided pressurized fluid to flow there through to either a reverse drive chamber or a forward drive chamber of a reverse/spinout mode valve body. When the window is adjacent the reverse drive chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the reverse drive chamber and to the reverse/spin-out mode manifold chamber, which in turn directs the pressurized fluid to a reverse/spinout jet nozzle. The reverse/spinout jet nozzle propels the cleaner rearward or offsets the general path of the cleaner. When the window is adjacent the forward drive chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the forward drive chamber and to the top/bottom mode valve assembly. The top/bottom mode valve assembly includes a top/bottom mode valve body and a top/bottom mode valve disk that has a window. The top/bottom mode valve disk window directs the pressurized fluid into either a top mode chamber or a bottom mode chamber of the top/bottom mode valve body. When the window is adjacent the top mode chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the top mode chamber and to the top mode manifold chamber, which in turn directs the pressurized fluid to at least one skimmer jet nozzle and a thrust/lift jet nozzle. The thrust/lift jet nozzle discharges the pressurized fluid to propel the cleaner generally toward a pool water surface and along the pool surface, while the at least one skimmer jet nozzle discharges the pressurized fluid into the debris retention mechanism. When the window is adjacent the bottom mode chamber, the pressurized fluid flows into the bottom mode chamber and to the bottom mode manifold chamber, which in turn directs the pressurized fluid to a forward thrust jet nozzle, and a suction jet ring. The forward thrust jet nozzle discharges the pressurized fluid to propel the cleaner along a pool wall surface. The suction jet ring is positioned adjacent a suction head provided on the bottom of the cleaner and a suction tube that extends from the suction jet ring toward the top housing. The suction jet ring directs the pressurized fluid to at least one vacuum jet nozzle that discharges the pressurized fluid through the suction tube and into the debris retention mechanism. 
     The present disclosure further relates to a fluid distribution system for controlling the operation of a device for cleaning a swimming pool. The distribution system includes an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body including first and second inlet openings and first and second outlet openings and defining a first valve chamber extending between the first inlet opening and the first outlet opening, and a second valve chamber extending between the second inlet opening and the second outlet opening, and a valve subassembly. The valve subassembly includes a turbine rotatably driven by a supply of pressurized fluid, a cam plate including a cam track and which is operatively engaged with the turbine such that the cam plate is rotationally driven by the turbine, the cam track having a first section and a second section, and a valve seal including a sealing member and a cam post, wherein the valve seal is rotatably mounted adjacent the cam plate and the valve assembly body with the cam post engaged with the cam track. The valve seal is rotatable between a first position where the sealing member is adjacent the first inlet opening and a second position where the sealing member is adjacent the second inlet opening. The valve assembly body is adjacent the inlet body such that the inlet is in fluidic communication with the first and second valve chambers. When the cam post is engaged with the first section of the cam track the valve seal is placed in the first position where the valve seal prevents fluid from flowing through the second inlet opening and across the second valve chamber. When the cam post is engaged with the second section of the cam track the valve seal is placed in the second position where the valve seal prevents fluid from flowing through the first inlet opening and across the first valve chamber. 
     The fluid distribution system could be incorporated into a swimming pool cleaner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing features of the invention will be apparent from the following Detailed Description of the Invention, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a positive pressure pool cleaner of the present disclosure in a pool; 
         FIG. 2  is a first perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a second perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a third perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a left side view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a right side view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of the water distribution and timing system of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a first perspective view of the drive assembly and flow manifold of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a second perspective view of the drive assembly and flow manifold of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly and flow manifold of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a right side view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a left side view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a top view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is a bottom view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  is a sectional view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure take along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a sectional view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure take along line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 20  showing a turbine; 
         FIG. 27  is a sectional view of the drive assembly of the present disclosure take along line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 20  showing a Geneva gear; 
         FIG. 28  is an exploded view of the reverse/spin-out mode assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of the reverse/spinout mode valve body of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30  is a sectional view of the reverse/spin-out mode assembly of the present disclosure take along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 20  showing the fluid chambers; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the top/bottom mode assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 32  is a front view of the top/bottom mode valve body of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 33  is a sectional view of the top/bottom mode assembly of the present disclosure take along line  33 - 33  of  FIG. 20  showing the fluid chambers and ports; 
         FIG. 34  is a first perspective view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 35  is a second perspective view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  is a right side view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 37  is a left side view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 38  is a front view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 39  is a rear view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 40  is a top view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 41  is a bottom view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure taken along line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a sectional view of the flow manifold and suction jet ring of the present disclosure taken along line  43 - 43  of  FIG. 40  showing the bottom mode flow path; 
         FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure taken along line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a hose connection of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 46  is a top view of a hose connection of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 47  is a sectional view of the hose connection of the present disclosure taken along line  47 - 47  of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of a hose swivel of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 49  is a top view of the hose swivel of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 50  is a cross-sectional view of the hose swivel of the present disclosure taken along line  50 - 50  of  FIG. 49 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a filter of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 52  is an exploded perspective view of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure showing another embodiment of the drive assembly; 
         FIGS. 53-54  are partial sectional views of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure, illustrating the drive assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 55  is a schematic diagram of the water distribution and timing system of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 56  is a first perspective view of the drive assembly and water distribution manifold of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a second perspective view of the drive assembly and water distribution manifold of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 58  is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly and water distribution manifold of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 59  is a right side view of the drive assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a left side view of the drive assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 61  is a top view of the drive assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 62  is a bottom view of the drive assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 63  is a front view of the drive assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 64  is a rear view of the drive assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 65  is an exploded perspective view of the drive assembly of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 66  is a sectional view of the drive assembly taken long line  66 - 66  of  FIG. 64 ; 
         FIG. 67  is a sectional view of the drive assembly taken along line  67 - 67  of  FIG. 61  and showing a turbine; 
         FIG. 68  is a sectional view of the drive assembly taken along line  68 - 68  of  FIG. 61  and showing a cam track in a reverse/spin-out position; 
         FIGS. 69-70  are exploded views of the reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly, the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly, and the top/bottom mode valve assembly of the drive assembly of present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 71-73  are front, rear, and sectional views, respectively, of the reverse/spinout mode valve body of the drive assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 74-75  are exploded perspective and sectional views, respectively, of the top/bottom mode valve assembly of the drive assembly of present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 76-78  are perspective, left side, and sectional views, respectively, of the water distribution manifold of the pool cleaner of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 79  is a side view of a jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 80  is a perspective view of the jet nozzle assembly of  FIG. 79 ; 
         FIG. 81  is a top view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube of  FIG. 79 ; 
         FIG. 82  is a cross-sectional view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube taken along line  82 - 82  of  FIG. 81  showing the vortex angle of a jet nozzle; 
         FIG. 83  is a cross-sectional view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube taken along line  83 - 83  of  FIG. 81  showing the convergence angle of a jet nozzle; 
         FIG. 84  is a top view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube with the jet nozzle assembly having one jet nozzle; 
         FIG. 85  is a top view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube with the jet nozzle assembly having two jet nozzles; and 
         FIG. 86  is a top view of the jet nozzle assembly and vacuum suction tube with the jet nozzle assembly having four jet nozzles. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a positive pressure top/bottom pool cleaner, as discussed in detail below in connection with  FIGS. 1-78 . 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a positive pressure pool cleaner  10  of the present disclosure is shown operating in a swimming pool  12 . The cleaner  10  is configured to switch between two cleaning modes, a bottom cleaning mode and a top/skim cleaning mode. When the cleaner  10  is in the bottom mode, it will traverse the pool walls  14 , including side walls and bottom floor wall, cleaning them with a suction operation that removes debris. When the cleaner  10  is in the top mode, it travels across and skims the pool water line  16 , trapping any floating debris proximate the pool water line  16 . The cleaner  10  is capable of being switched between the bottom mode and the top mode by a user, as discussed in greater detail below. The cleaner  10  is also adapted to occasionally switch from a forward motion to backup/spin-out mode whereby the cleaner reverses direction and/or moves in a generally arcuate sideward path to prevent the cleaner  10  from being trapped and unable to move, e.g., by an obstruction or in the corner of the pool  12 . A discussion of the backup/spin-out mode is provided below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the pool cleaner  10  is connected to an external pump  18  by a hose connection  20  and a segmented hose  22 . The segmented hose  22  is connected to a rear inlet of the pool cleaner  10  and extends to the hose connection  20 , which is connected to the external pump  18 . This connection allows the external pump  18  to provide pressurized water to the pool cleaner  10  to both power locomotion of the cleaner  10  as well as the cleaning capabilities of the cleaner  10 . The segmented hose  22  may include one or more swivels  24 , one or more filters  26 , and one or more floats  28  installed in-line with the segmented hose  22 . As such, the pressurized water flowing through the segmented hose  22  can also flow through the one or more swivels  24 , one or more filters  26 . The swivel  24  allows the segmented hose  22  to rotate at the swivel  24  without detaching the cleaner  10  from the external pump  18 . As such, when the cleaner  10  travels about the pool  12 , the segmented hose  22  will rotate at the one or more swivels  24 , thus preventing entanglement. The one or more filters  26  may provide a filtering functionality for the pressurized water being provided to the cleaner  10 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2-11 , the cleaner  10  includes a top housing  30  and a chassis  32 . The top housing  30  includes a body  34  and a cross member  36 . The cross member  36  connects to and spans across sidewalls of the body  34 , forming a skimmer opening  38 , a channel  40 , and a rear opening  42 . The skimmer opening  38  is an opening generally at the front of the cleaner  10  formed between the body  34  and the cross member  36  such that the skimmer opening  38  allows the flow of liquid and debris between the body  34  and the cross member  36 , along the channel  40 , and exiting the rear opening  42 . The body  34  includes a deck  44 , first and second sidewalls  46 ,  48  extending generally upward from the deck, and a rounded front wall  50 . As discussed, the cross member  36  spans across and connects to the sidewalls  46 ,  48 . The deck  44 , the sidewalls  46 ,  48 , and the cross member  36  provide the structure that forms the channel  40 . 
     A debris bag retention mechanism  52  is provided at the rear of the top housing  30  generally adjacent the rear opening  42 . The retention mechanism  52  is adapted to have a debris bag  54  attached thereto. When the debris bag  54  (see  FIG. 1 ) is attached to the retention mechanism  52  the rear opening  42  is adjacent the opening to the debris bag  54  such that any debris that passes through the rear opening  42 , flows into, and is deposited in the debris bag  54 . In operation, when the cleaner  10  is in top mode debris that floats along the water line  16  of the pool  12  would travel through the skimmer opening  38 , across the channel  40 , e.g., along the deck  44 , and out through the rear opening  42  into the debris bag  54 . 
     The rounded front wall  50  includes a plurality of removed portions  56  adapted for a plurality of diverter wheels to extend therethrough and past the rounded front wall  50 . The deck  44  includes a debris opening  58  that traverses through the deck  44 . The debris opening  58  allows debris removed from the pool walls  14  to be moved through the deck  44  of the top housing  34  and into the debris bag  54 . 
     A plurality of skimmer/debris retention jets  60  are positioned on each of the first and second sidewalls  46 ,  48  of the top housing body  34  to spray pressurized water rearward toward the debris bag  54 . The skimmer/debris retention jets  60  are in fluidic communication with a fluid distribution system, discussed in greater detail below, such that the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  spray pressurized water when the cleaner  10  is in the skim/top mode of operation. The skimmer/debris retention jets  60  function to force water and any debris that may be in the channel  40  rearward into the debris bag  54 . Furthermore, the jetting of water rearward causes a venturi-like effect causing water that is more forward than the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  to be pulled rearward into the debris bag  54 . Thus, the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  perform a skimming operation whereby debris is pulled and forced into the debris bag  54 . Furthermore, the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  prevent debris that is in the debris bag  54  from exiting. 
     The chassis  32  includes a first wheel well  62 , a second wheel well  64 , a front wheel housing  66 , a rear wall  68 , and a bottom wall  70 . The first wheel well  62  functions as a side wall of the chassis  32  and a housing for a first rear wheel  72 . The second wheel well  64  functions as a second side wall of the chassis  32  and a housing for a second rear wheel  74 . The first and second rear wheels  72 ,  74  are each respectively rotationally mounted to the first and second wheel wells  62 ,  64 . The front wheel housing  66  extends outwardly from the front of the chassis  32  and functions to rotationally secure a front wheel  76  to the chassis  32 . The front wheel  76 , and the first and second rear wheels  72 ,  74 , which are freely rotatable, support the cleaner  10  on the pool walls  14  and allow the cleaner  10  to traverse the pool walls  14 . 
     The rear wall  68  includes an inlet port  78 , a top/bottom mode adjustment aperture  79 , a forward (bottom mode) thrust jet nozzle aperture  80 , and a top mode jet nozzle aperture  81 . The rear wall  68  also includes a forward (bottom mode) thrust jet nozzle  82  extending through the forward thrust jet nozzle aperture  80 , and a top mode jet nozzle  83  extending through the top mode jet nozzle aperture  81 , which are discussed in greater detail below. The inlet port  78  includes an external nozzle  84  and an internal nozzle  86 , each respectively have a barb  88 ,  90  that facilitates connection of a hose thereto. The external nozzle  84  allows a hose, such as the segmented hose  22 , to be connected to the cleaner  10 , putting the cleaner  10  in fluidic communication with the external pump  18 . The external nozzle  84  is generally a fluid inlet, while the internal nozzle  86  is generally a fluid outlet. That is, the external nozzle  84  is connected to and in fluidic communication with the internal nozzle  86  such that water provided to the external nozzle  84  travels to and exits the internal nozzle  86 . The internal nozzle  86  is connected to a hose  87  (see  FIG. 11 ) or hose  503   a  (see  FIG. 54 ) which is connected, and in fluidic communication, with a drive assembly, discussed in greater detail below. The forward (bottom mode) thrust jet nozzle  82  extends through the rear wall  68 , and includes an internal nozzle  94 , and a barb  96 , and is discussed in greater detail below. 
     The bottom wall  70  includes a suction head  98  and a suction aperture  100 . The suction head  98  is formed as a pyramidal recess or funnel disposed in the bottom wall  70  and extending to the suction aperture  100 , which extends through the bottom wall  70 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 10 , the suction head  98  may include a rectangular perimeter that extends generally across the width of the bottom wall  70  of the cleaner  10 . A suction tube  102  is positioned adjacent the suction aperture  100  and extends from the suction aperture  100  to the debris opening  58  of the top housing  30 . A plurality of suction jet nozzles  104  are mounted adjacent the suction aperture  100  and oriented to discharge a high velocity stream of water through the suction tube  102 , creating a venture-like suction effect. The high velocity discharge from the suction jet nozzles  104  removes debris from the pool walls  14  when the cleaner  10  is in bottom mode. In such an arrangement, the suction head  98  functions to direct loosened debris into the suction aperture  100 , this debris is forced through the suction tube  102  by the suction jet nozzles  104 . The plurality of suction jet nozzles  104  may be three nozzles arranged in a triangular orientation, four nozzles arranged in a rectangular orientation, or various other orientations. Furthermore, the plurality of suction jet nozzles  104  may be oriented to direct their respective stream of water parallel to the central axis of the suction tube  102 , or may be oriented to direct their respective stream of water at an angle to the central axis of the suction tube  102  to cause a helical flow, which also results in increase performance/efficiency of the cleaner. 
     The chassis  32  includes a front rim  106  having a plurality of cut-outs receiving diverter wheels  108 . The front rim  106  and cut-outs define an upper frontal perimeter of the chassis  32 . The plurality of diverter wheels  108  are rotatably mounted to the chassis  32  adjacent the front rim  106  such that the diverter wheels  108  extend through the cut-outs. The diverter wheels  108  function as rotatable bumpers so if the cleaner  10  approaches a pool wall  14  the diverter wheels  108  contact the pool wall  14  instead of the top housing  30  or the chassis  32 . When in contact with the pool wall  14 , the diverter wheels  108  rotate, allowing the cleaner  10  to be continually driven and moved along, and/or diverted away from, the pool wall  14 . Thus, the diverter wheels  108  protect the cleaner  10  from damage due to contact with the pool wall  14 . Vice versa, the wheels  108  protect the pool walls from damage due to the cleaner  10 , e.g., scuffing, scratching, etc. 
     The chassis  32  includes a reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle housing  110  located at a frontal portion generally adjacent the front wheel housing  66 . The jet nozzle housing  110  includes a removed portion  111  providing access to a reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle  112 . The reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle  112  is secured within the jet nozzle housing  110  and includes an outlet  114  and an inlet  116  having a barb  118 . The barb  118  facilitates attachment of a hose  119   a  to the inlet  116 . Water provided to the inlet  116  is forced out the outlet  114  under pressure causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally forward. This jet of pressurized water causes the cleaner  10  to move in a rearward direction. Alternatively, the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle  112  may be positioned at an angle to the chassis  32  such that it causes an angular movement of the cleaner  10 , e.g., a “spin-out,” instead of rearward movement of the cleaner  10 . In either configuration, the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle  112  functions to occasionally cause the cleaner  10  to move in a reverse motion or spin-out motion so that if it is ever stuck in a corner of the pool  12 , or stuck on an obstruction in the pool  12 , such as a pool toy or pool ornamentation, it will free itself and continue to clean the pool  12 . 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional view of the pool cleaner  10  taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 5 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the chassis  32  forms a housing for a drive assembly  120 , a water distribution manifold  122 , and the suction tube  102 . 
       FIGS. 14-17  illustrate the drive assembly  120  and the water distribution manifold  122 , which are in fluidic communication with one another. The drive assembly  120  includes a timer assembly  124 , a back-up/spin-out mode valve assembly  126 , and a top/bottom mode valve assembly  128 , each discussed in greater detail below. The water distribution manifold  122  includes a manifold body  130  and a jet ring  132 . The manifold body  130  includes a plurality of chambers that function to direct water flow amongst the various jet nozzles of the cleaner  10 . The suction tube  102  includes a bottom end  134  and a top end  136 . The jet ring  132  is connected with the bottom end  134  of the suction tube  102  and includes the plurality of suction jet nozzles  104 . 
       FIGS. 17-27  show the drive assembly  120  in greater detail. Particular reference is made to  FIG. 24 , which is an exploded view of the drive assembly  120  showing the components of the timer assembly  124 , the inlet body  138 , the back-up/spin-out mode assembly  126 , and the top/bottom mode assembly  128 . The timer assembly  124  includes a turbine housing  140 , a gear box  142 , a Geneva gear lower housing  144 , and a Geneva gear upper housing  146 . The drive assembly  120  is configured such that the backup/spin mode assembly  126  is adjacent the inlet body  138 , the inlet body  138  is adjacent the Geneva gear upper housing  146 , the Geneva gear lower housing  144  is adjacent the Geneva gear upper housing  146 , the gear box  142  is adjacent the Geneva gear lower housing  144 , and the turbine housing  140  is adjacent the gear box  142 . 
     The inlet body  138  includes an inlet nozzle  148  having a barbed end  150 . The inlet nozzle  148  provides a flow path from the exterior of the inlet body  138  to the interior. The inlet body  138  defines an annular chamber  152  that surrounds a central hub  154 . The inlet nozzle  148  is in communication with the annular chamber  152  such that fluid can flow into the inlet nozzle  148  and into the annular chamber  152 . The annular chamber  152  includes a closed top and an open bottom. An outlet nozzle  156  having a barbed end  158  is provided on the inlet body  138  generally opposite the inlet nozzle  148 . The outlet nozzle  156  provides a path for water to flow out from the inlet body  138 . As such, water flowing into the inlet nozzle  148  flows through the annular chamber  152  and exits the inlet body  138  through the outlet nozzle  156 . The inlet body  138  is generally closed at an upper end, e.g., the end adjacent the Geneva gear upper housing  146 , and open at a lower end, e.g., the end adjacent the backup/spin-out mode assembly  126 . 
     The turbine housing  140  includes an inlet nozzle  160  having a barbed end  162 , and a turbine  164 . A hose  159  is connected at one end to the barbed end  158  of the inlet body outlet nozzle  156  and at another end to a the barbed end  162  of the turbine housing inlet nozzle  160 . Accordingly, water flows out from the inlet body  138  through the outlet nozzle  156  and to the turbine housing inlet nozzle  160  by way of the hose  159 . The turbine  164  includes a central hub  166 , a plurality of blades  168 , a boss  170  extending from the central hub  166  and having an output drive gear  172  mounted thereto, a central aperture  174 . The central hub  166 , boss  170 , and output drive gear  172  are connected for conjoint rotation. Accordingly, rotation of the blades  168  causes rotation of the central hub  166 , boss  170 , and output drive gear  172 . The central aperture  174  extends through the center of the turbine  164 , e.g., through the output drive gear  172 , the boss  170 , and the central hub  166 . A first shaft  176  extends through the central aperture  174  and is secured within a shaft housing  178  that is provided in a top of the turbine housing  140 . The first shaft  176  extends from the shaft housing  178 , through the turbine  164 , and into the gear box  142 . The turbine housing  140  also includes one or more apertures  180  in a sidewall thereof that allow water to escape the turbine housing  140 . When pressurized water enters the turbine housing  140  through the inlet nozzle  160  it places pressure on the turbine blades  168 , thus transferring energy to the turbine  164  and causing the turbine  164  to rotate. However, once the energy of the pressurized water is transferred to the turbine  164  it must be removed from the system, otherwise it will impede and place resistance on new pressurized water entering the turbine housing  140 . Accordingly, new pressurized water introduced into the turbine housing  140  forces the old water out from the one or more apertures  180 .  FIG. 26  is a sectional view of the turbine housing  140  taken along line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 20  further detailing and showing the arrangement of the turbine  164  within the turbine housing  140 . The turbine housing  140  is positioned on the gear box  142 . 
     The gear box  142  includes a turbine mounting surface  182  having an aperture  184  extending there through. The turbine housing  140  is positioned on, and covers, the gear box turbine mounting surface  182 , such that the turbine  164  is adjacent the turbine mounting surface  182  and the turbine output drive gear  172  extends through the aperture  184  and into the gear box  142 . The gear box  142  houses a reduction gear stack  186  that is made up of a plurality of drive gears  188 , some of which include a large gear  190  connected and coaxial with a smaller gear  192  (see  FIG. 25 ) for conjoint rotation therewith. The conjoint rotation of the large gear  190  with the smaller gear  192  causes for a reduction in gear ratio. As can bee seen in  FIG. 25 , which is a sectional view of the drive assembly  120 , the gear reduction stack  186  includes two series of coaxial gears  188  that both include a central aperture  194  extending through the gears  188 . One of the series gear  186  is coaxial with the turbine  164  such that the first shaft  176  extends through the gears  188 , and into a first shaft bottom housing  218  of the Geneva gear upper housing  146 , discussed in greater detail below. Thus, the first series of gears  188  rotates about first shaft  176 . A second series of gears  188  is positioned to engage the first series of gears  188  and have a second shaft  196  extending through the central aperture  194  thereof. The second shaft  196  is parallel to the first shaft  176  and is secured within a second shaft top housing  198  that is positioned in a top wall of the gear box  142 . The second shaft  196  extends through the Geneva gear lower housing  144 . The turbine output drive gear  172  engages a large gear  190  of the first gear  188  that rotates about the second shaft  196 . The smaller gear  192  of the first gear  188  engages another gear  188  that rotates about the first shaft  176 . A series of such gears are positioned within the gear reduction stack  186  with particular gear ratios, and engaged with one another in the above-described fashion, so that rotation of the turbine  164 , and subsequent rotation of the turbine output drive gear  172 , causes each gear  188  of the gear reduction stack  186  to rotate with each subsequent gear rotating at a different speed. The gear reduction stack  186  includes a final gear stack output gear  200  that rotates about the first shaft  176 . The gear stack output gear  200  includes a drive gear  202  and a Geneva drive gear  204  extending from the drive gear  202  for conjoint rotation therewith. The gear stack output drive gear  202  engages and is driven by one of the smaller gears  192  of a gear  188  of the gear stack  186 . Accordingly, rotation of the turbine blades  168  causes rotation of the central hub  166 , boss  170 , and output drive gear  172 , which output drive gear  172  causes rotation of the gears  188  of the gear reduction stack  186 , and ultimately rotation of the gear stack output gear  200 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , the Geneva drive gear  204  includes a central hub  206 , a central aperture  208 , and a post  210 , which all extend from the drive gear  204 , thus having conjoint rotation therewith. The central hub  206  includes a remove section  212 . The function of the Geneva drive gear  204  is discussed in greater detail below in connection with  FIG. 27 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27 , the Geneva gear lower housing  144  is positioned between the gear box  142  and the Geneva gear upper housing  146 . The Geneva gear lower housing  144  includes an aperture  214  that the Geneva drive gear  204  extends through. The Geneva gear upper housing  146  includes the first shaft bottom housing  218  and a Geneva output aperture  230  (see  FIG. 25 ). The Geneva gear lower and upper housings  144 ,  146  house a Geneva gear  220 . The Geneva gear  220  includes a second shaft bottom housing  221 , a plurality of cogs  222 , a plurality of slots  224  between each cog  222 , and a socket  228  (see  FIG. 25 ). The second shaft  196  (see  FIG. 25 ) extends through the Geneva gear lower housing  144  and is secured within the shaft bottom housing  221 . The Geneva gear  220  shown in  FIG. 27  includes eight cogs  222  separated by eight slots  224 . The slots  224  extend radially inward from the periphery of the Geneva gear  220 . Each of the cogs  222  include an arcuate portion  226  on the peripheral edge thereof. The socket  228  extends from the Geneva gear  220  and through the upper housing Geneva output aperture  230 , which generally have mating geometries so that the Geneva gear socket  228  can rotate within the Geneva output aperture  230 , but is restricted from planar translation. The Geneva gear socket  228  generally has a circular outer geometry, for rotation within the Geneva output aperture  230 , and a non-circular inner geometry, here square. 
     In operation, rotation of the drive gear  202  (see  FIG. 25 ) results in rotation of the Geneva drive gear  204  (see  FIG. 25 ). Accordingly, because the Geneva gear central hub  206  and the Geneva gear post  210  are a part of the Geneva drive gear  204 , and thus attached to the underside of the drive gear  202 , they rotate about the first shaft  176 . The Geneva gear post  210  is positioned radially and at a distance from the central hub  206  so that it can engage the Geneva gear  220 . Similarly, the Geneva gear  220  is sized so that each of the cogs  222  can be positioned adjacent the Geneva dive gear central hub  206 . Additionally, the Geneva gear  220  is sized so that the Geneva gear post  210  can be inserted into the slots  224 . When the Geneva drive gear  204  is rotated, the post  210  orbits the central aperture  208 , while the central hub  206  rotates adjacent an arced removed portion  226  of an adjacent cog  222 . Accordingly, the central hub  206  does not engage the cogs  222 . Continued rotation of the Geneva drive gear  204  results in the post  210  making a full orbit about the central aperture  208  until it reaches a point where it intersects a cog slot  224 . Further rotation of the post  210  causes the post  210  to enter a slot  224  and engage a side wall of a cog  222 , pushing the cog in the rotational direction of the post  210 . To facilitate this rotation, the removed portion  212  of the central hub  206  allows any extraneous portions of the cogs  222  that would otherwise contact the central hub  206  to instead move within the removed portion  212 . Thus, the central hub  206  does not restrict the Geneva gear  220  from rotating. As the post  210  rotates while engaging the cog  222  it pushes the cog  222  and causes the entire Geneva gear  220  to rotate in an opposite direction than the rotational direction of the post  210 . The post  210  does not continually rotate the Geneva gear  220  for the entirety of the rotational cycle of the post  210 , but instead acts as an incremental rotation device that “clicks” a cog  222  over one position while it engages the cog  222 . As such, the Geneva gear  220  has a series of distinct positions, with the number of distinct positions being based on the number of cogs  222 . Here, there are eight cogs  222 , so there are eight distinct positions, e.g., each position being at 45°. Therefore, the entire Geneva gear  220  is rotated, or “clicked” over, 45° per rotational cycle of the post  210 , as opposed to continuous rotation if this were a standard gear. Accordingly, the Geneva gear  220  does not gradually switch positions, but is instead more quickly “clicked” over to a new position. The Geneva gear  220  can be altered to accommodate different scenarios that could require lesser or greater angular positioning of the Geneva gear  220 , for example if it is required for there to be 20° positioning, then the Geneva gear could include eighteen cogs and eighteen slots. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 25 , rotation of the Geneva gear  220  causes conjoint rotation of the Geneva gear socket  228  within the upper housing Geneva output aperture  230 . The Geneva gear socket  228  rotationally engages a drive head  260  of a reverse/skim-out valve selector  238 , which will be discussed in greater detail. 
       FIGS. 28-30  show the reverse/spin-out mode assembly  126  in greater detail.  FIG. 28  is an exploded view of the reverse/spin-out mode assembly  126 , and the inlet body  138 . The reverse/spin-out mode assembly  126  includes a reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236  and a reverse/skim-out mode valve selector  238 . The reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236  includes an opening  240 , an internal forward drive chamber  242 , an internal reverse drive chamber  244 , and a plurality of dividers  246  that separate the internal forward drive chamber  242  and the internal reverse drive chamber  244 . As can be seen, internal structural support ribs are provided within the chamber  242 , as shown in  FIG. 28 . 
     The reverse/spin-out mode valve selector  238  includes a valve disk  254 , a shaft  256 , an enlarged section  258 , a drive head  260 , and an o-ring  262 . The valve disk  254  is generally circular in geometry and sized to match the reverse/spin-out mode valve body opening  240 . The valve disk  254  includes a window  264  that is positioned on the outer periphery of the valve disk  254 . The window  264  extends through the valve disk  254 , and generally spans an angular distance about the circumference equal to a single position of the Geneva gear cog  222 . More specifically, in the current example, there are eight cogs  222  at eight distinct positions, e.g., each position being at 45°. Accordingly, the window  264  extends an angular distance of 45° about the circumference of the valve disk  254 , which matches the expanse of a single cog  222 , and the distance a single cog  222  travels during a single rotational cycle of the Geneva gear  220 . The shaft  254  extends from the center of the valve disk  254  to an enlarged section  258 . The enlarged section  258  is generally circular in shape and sized to be inserted into, and rotate within, the central hub  154  of the inlet body  138 . The enlarged section  258  can include an o-ring  262  about the periphery for creating a seal radially against the central hub  154 . The drive head  260  extends from the enlarged section  258  and includes a generally square geometry. Particularly, the drive head  260  is configured to engage the Geneva gear socket  228 , such that rotation of the Geneva gear socket  228  rotationally drives the drive head  260 . Accordingly, the drive head  260  and the Geneva gear socket  228  include mating geometries. Rotation of the drive head  260  results in rotation of the valve disk  254 , and thus the window  264 . The window  264  provides a pathway for water to flow through and into either the internal forward drive chamber  242  or the internal reverse drive chamber  244 . Specifically, water enters the inlet body  138  at the inlet  148  and flows to the annular chamber  152 . When in the annular chamber  152 , the water flows in two directions, i.e., out through the outlet  156  and toward the opening  240  of the reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236 . However, the water is restricted from entering the opening  240  of the reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236  by the reverse/spin-out valve selector  238 . Accordingly, the water must flow through the window  264  of the reverse/spin-out valve selector  238 , and into the reverse/spin-out valve body  236  (see  FIG. 25 ). 
       FIG. 29  is a top view of the reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236 , and  FIG. 30  is a sectional view of the reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236  taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 20 . The window  264  generally includes eight different positions, which are based on the eight cog  222  positions. One of these positions is adjacent the internal reverse drive chamber  244 , and seven of these positions are adjacent the internal forward drive chamber  242 . The Geneva gear  220  drivingly rotates the valve disk  254 , and the window  264 , 45° at a time so that the window  264  switches between the eight different positions for each rotation of the Geneva drive gear  204 . As shown in  FIG. 30 , the internal forward drive chamber  242  encompasses approximately seven of the eight sections, while the internal reverse drive chamber  244  encompasses a single section. Accordingly, the window  264  will be positioned adjacent the internal forward drive chamber  242  for approximately ⅞ ths  of the time, and will be positioned adjacent the internal reverse drive chamber  244  for approximately ⅛ th  of the time. As mentioned previously, the Geneva gear  220  functions to quickly rotate 45° at a time so that the window  264  swiftly rotates from one position to the next, instead of gradually moving from one position to the next. Accordingly, the time spent by the window  264  adjacent both the internal reverse drive chamber  244  and the internal forward drive chamber  242  when the window  264  is switching between these two chambers is minimized. 
     The internal reverse drive chamber  244  is in fluidic communication with a reverse/spinout outlet port  250  that can include an o-ring  252 . The reverse/spinout outlet port  250  is connected with the water distribution manifold  122 , and is discussed in greater detail below. The internal forward drive chamber  242  is connected with the open bottom of the reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236  for the water to flow to the top/bottom mode valve body  270 . Each of the inlet body  138 , turbine housing  140 , gear box  142 , Geneva gear upper housing  146 , reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236 , and top/bottom mode valve body  270  can include a plurality of coaxially aligned mounting brackets  232  that allow connection by a plurality of bolts  234 . 
       FIGS. 31-33  show the top/bottom mode assembly  128  in greater detail.  FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the top/bottom mode assembly  128 . The top/bottom mode assembly  128  includes a top/bottom mode valve body  270  and a top/bottom mode valve selector  272 . The top/bottom mode valve body  270  includes and upper opening  274 , an internal bottom mode chamber  276 , an internal top mode chamber  278 , and a plurality of dividers  280  that separate the internal bottom mode chamber  276  and the internal top mode chamber  278 . The top/bottom mode valve body  270  is closed at the bottom. The internal bottom mode chamber  277  is connected, and in fluidic communication, with a bottom mode outlet port  282  that can include an o-ring  284 . The internal top mode chamber  278  is connected, and in fluidic communication, with a top mode outlet port  286  that can include an o-ring  288 . The top/bottom mode valve body  270  also includes a central hub  290  that is positioned within and is coaxial with the top/bottom mode valve body  270 . The central hub  290  is hollow and extends from the upper opening  274  through the bottom of the top/bottom mode valve body  270 . The central hub  290  is connected with the dividers  280 . The internal bottom mode chamber  276  and the internal top mode chamber  278  extend about the circumference of the central hub  290 . 
     The top/bottom mode valve selector  272  includes a valve disk  292 , a shaft  294 , an enlarged section  296 , an engageable drive head  298 , and an o-ring  300  about the enlarged section  296 . The drive head  298  is configured to be engaged by a user, such that a tool can be used to engage the head  298  and rotate the top/bottom mode valve selector  272  to select a desired mode of operation. The valve disk  292  is generally circular in geometry and sized to match the top/bottom mode valve body upper opening  270 . The valve disk  292  includes a window  302  that is positioned on the outer periphery of the valve disk  292 . The window  302  extends through the valve disk  292 . The shaft  294  extends from the center of the valve disk  292  to the enlarged section  296 . The enlarged section  296  is generally circular in shape and sized to be inserted into, and rotate within, the central hub  290 . The enlarged section  296  can include the o-ring  262  about the periphery for creating a seal radially against the central hub  290 . The drive head  298  extends from the enlarged section  296 , and includes a geometry that facilitates engagement. For example, the drive head  298  can include a square or hexagonal geometry, or alternatively can include a flat slot for engagement with a flat-head screwdriver, or a crossed slot for engagement with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Rotation of the drive head  298  results in rotation of the valve disk  292 , and thus the window  302 . The window  302  provides a pathway for water to flow through and into either the internal bottom mode chamber  276  or the internal top mode chamber  278 . Specifically, water that flows through the internal forward drive chamber  242  of the reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236  can pass through the window  302  to enter the top/bottom mode valve body  270 . The top/bottom mode valve body  270  chamber that the water enters, e.g., the internal bottom mode chamber  276  and the internal top mode chamber  278 , depends on the positioning of the window  302 . That is, when the window  302  is positioned adjacent the internal bottom mode chamber  276 , due to engagement of the drive head  298  and rotation of the valve disk  292 , water will flow into the internal bottom mode chamber  276 . On the other hand, if the window  302  is positioned adjacent the internal top mode chamber  278 , water will flow into the internal top mode chamber  276 . 
       FIG. 32  is a top view of the top/bottom mode valve body  128 , and  FIG. 33  is a sectional view of the top/bottom mode valve body  128  taken along line  33 - 33  of  FIG. 20 . As can be seen, the internal bottom mode chamber  276  and the internal top mode chamber  278  are generally divided by the central hub  290  and the plurality of dividers  280 . The internal bottom mode chamber  276  is connected with the bottom mode outlet port  282 , while the internal top mode chamber  278  is connected with the top mode outlet port  286 . Accordingly, water that flows into the internal bottom mode chamber  276  will flow out from the bottom mode outlet port  282 , while water that flows into the internal top mode chamber  278  will flow out from the top mode outlet port  286 . The bottom mode outlet port  282  and the top mode outlet port  286  are connected with the water distribution manifold  122 , which will be discussed in greater detail. 
       FIGS. 34-43  show the water distribution manifold  122  in greater detail. Specific reference is made to  FIGS. 34-35 , which are perspective views of the water distribution manifold  122 . The water distribution manifold  122  includes a manifold top  308 , the manifold body  130 , and the jet ring  132 . The manifold top  308  includes three inlets, a reverse/spinout inlet  312 , a top mode inlet  314 , and a bottom mode inlet  316 . The manifold top  308  also includes a plurality of mounting tabs  318  for engagement with the manifold body  130 , and a plurality of mounting risers  320  for engagement with the mounting brackets  232  of the top/bottom mode valve body  270 . The reverse/spinout inlet  312  is generally connected with the reverse/spinout outlet port  250  of the reverse/spinout mode valve body  236 , such that the reverse/spinout outlet port  250  is inserted into the reverse/spinout inlet  312  and the o-ring  252  creates a seal radially against a wall of the reverse/spinout inlet  312 . The top mode inlet  314  is generally connected with the top mode outlet port  286  of the top/bottom mode valve body  270 , such that the top mode outlet port  286  is inserted into the top mode inlet  314  and the o-ring  288  creates a seal radially against a wall of the top mode inlet  314 . The bottom mode inlet  316  is generally connected with the bottom mode outlet port  282  of the top/bottom mode valve body  270 , such that the bottom mode outlet port  282  is inserted into the bottom mode inlet  316  and the o-ring  284  creates a seal radially against a wall of the bottom mode inlet  316 . The manifold top  308  is positioned on top of the manifold body  130 . 
       FIG. 42  is a sectional view of the manifold body  130  taken along section line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 38 . The manifold body  130  defines a reverse/spinout mode chamber  326 , a top mode chamber  328 , and a bottom mode chamber  330 . The reverse/spinout mode chamber  326 , the top mode chamber  328 , and the bottom mode chamber  330  are separated by a plurality of internal divider walls  332 . The manifold body  130  includes a bottom wall  334  than includes an aperture  336  extending through a portion of the bottom wall  334  that forms the bottom mode chamber  330 . The aperture  336  extends through the bottom wall  334  to a flow channel  338 . The flow channel  338  is located on the bottom  339  of the manifold body bottom wall  334  and sealed with the channel  105  that is located on the bottom wall  70  of the chassis  32 . Accordingly, a fluid-tight pathway is formed between the flow channel  338  and the chassis bottom wall channel  105 . A gasket may be provided between the flow channel  338  and the chassis bottom wall channel  105  to facilitate formation of a seal. 
     The chassis body  130  also includes a reverse/spinout outlet  340  having a barbed end  342 , two top mode skimmer outlets  344  each having a barbed end  346 , a top mode jet nozzle housing  348 , and a bottom mode outlet  350  having a barbed end  352 . The reverse/spinout outlet  340  is in fluidic communication with the reverse/spinout mode chamber  326 . Accordingly, water that flows into the reverse/spinout mode chamber  326  flows out from the reverse/spinout outlet  340 . A first hose  119   a  (see  FIG. 11 ) is connected to the reverse/spinout outlet  340  at one end, and to the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle inlet  116  (see  FIG. 11 ) at the other end. The barbed end  342  facilities attachment of the first hose  119   a  to the reverse/spinout outlet  340  while the inlet barb  118  facilitates attachment of the first hose  119   a  to the inlet  116 . Water provided from the reverse/spinout outlet  340  to the inlet  116  is forced out the outlet  114  under pressure causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally forward. This jet of pressurized water causes the cleaner  10  to move in a rearward direction. Alternatively, the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle  112  may be positioned at an angle to the chassis  32  such that it causes an angular movement of the cleaner  10 , e.g., a “spin-out,” instead of rearward movement of the cleaner  10 . In either configuration, the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle  112  functions to occasionally cause the cleaner  10  to move in a reverse motion or spin-out motion so that if it is ever stuck in a corner of the pool  12 , or stuck on an obstruction in the pool  12 , such as a pool toy or pool ornamentation, it will free itself and continue to clean the pool  12 . 
     The top mode skimmer outlets  344  and the top mode jet nozzle housing  348  are in fluidic communication with the top mode chamber  328 . The top mode jet nozzle housing  348  houses the skim mode jet nozzle  83 . Accordingly, water that flows into the top mode chamber  328  flows out from the top mode skimmer outlets  344 , and the top mode jet nozzle  83 . A second hose  119   b  (see  FIG. 13 ) is connected to one of the top mode skimmer outlets  344  at one end, and a third hose  119   c  (see  FIG. 13 ) is connected to the other top mode skimmer outlet  344  at one end. The barbed ends  346  facilitate attachment of the second and third hoses  119   b ,  119   c  to the top mode skimmer outlets  344 . The second and third hoses  119   b ,  119   c  are each respectively connected at their second end to one of the plurality of skimmer/debris retention jets  60 , such that the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  spray pressurized water when water is provided to them by way of the top mode skimmer outlets  344 . The skimmer/debris retention jets  60  function to force water and any debris that may be in the channel  40  rearward into the debris bag  54 . Furthermore, the jetting of water rearward causes a venturi-like effect causing water that is more forward than the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  to be pulled rearward into the debris bag  54 . Thus, the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  perform a skimming operation whereby debris is pulled and forced into the debris bag  54 . Further, the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  prevent debris that is in the debris bag  54  from exiting. Additionally, water provided from the top mode chamber  328  to the top mode jet nozzle  83  is forced out the top mode jet nozzle  83  under pressure, causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally rearward and downward. This jet of pressurized water propels the cleaner  10  toward the pool water line  16  for skimming of the pool water line  16 . When the cleaner  10  is skimming the pool water line  16 , the top mode jet nozzle  83  propels the cleaner  10  forward along the pool water line  16 . 
       FIG. 43  is a sectional view of the manifold body  130  taken along line  43 - 43  of  FIG. 40  showing the bottom mode chamber  330  in greater detail. The bottom mode outlet  350  is in fluidic communication with the bottom mode chamber  330 . Additionally, as mentioned above, the bottom mode chamber  330  is in fluidic communication with the flow channel  338  through the aperture  336 . The flow channel  338  extends across the bottom  339  of the manifold body  130  and to the jet ring  132 . Accordingly, water that flows into the bottom mode chamber  330  flows out from the bottom mode outlet  350 , and through the aperture  336 . One end of a fourth hose  119   d  (see  FIG. 13 ) is connected to the bottom mode outlet  350 , and the second end is connected to the internal nozzle  94  of the forward thrust jet nozzle  82 . The barbed end  352  and the internal nozzle barb  96  facilitate attachment of the fourth hose  119   b  to the bottom mode outlet  350  and the forward thrust jet nozzle  82 , respectively. The fourth hose  119   d  provides water from the bottom mode outlet  350  to the forward thrust jet nozzle  82 , such that the forward thrust jet nozzle  82  sprays pressurized water when water is provided thereto. The pressurized water is forced through the forward thrust jet nozzle  82  and out the forward thrust jet nozzle  82  under pressure, causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally rearward. This jet of pressurized water propels the cleaner  10  across the pool wall  14 , e.g., the bottom of the pool, so that the cleaner  10  can clean the pool wall  14 . In this regard, water that flows through the bottom mode chamber  330  also flows across the flow channel  338  and to the jet ring  132 . 
     The jet ring  132  defines an annular flow channel  354  and includes a plurality of protrusions  356  extending from a top surface  358  of the jet ring  132 . The bottom end  134  of the suction tube  102  can be positioned on the top surface  358  of the jet ring  132 . The plurality of protrusions  356  can be inserted into the bottom end  134  of the suction tube  102 , such that the protrusions  356  secure the suction tube  102  to the jet ring  132  and restrict the suction tube  102  from detaching from the jet ring  132 . Accordingly, when the water distribution manifold  122  is secured within the chassis  32 , the suction tube  102  extends from the jet ring  132  to the debris opening  58  of the top housing body  34 . The annular flow channel  354  is in fluidic communication with the flow channel  338  and is sealed with the channel  105  that is located on the bottom wall  70  of the chassis  32 . Accordingly, a fluid tight pathway is formed between the annular flow channel  354 , the flow channel  338 , and the chassis bottom wall channel  105 . A gasket may be provided between the annular flow channel  354  and the flow channel  338 , and the chassis bottom wall channel  105  to facilitate formation of a seal. 
       FIG. 44  is a sectional view taken along line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 9  showing the flow channel  338  connected with the channel  105  of the bottom wall  70 . The jet ring  132  is positioned within the chassis  32  adjacent the suction aperture  100 , and includes the plurality of suction jet nozzles  104  that are in fluidic communication with the annular flow channel  354  and positioned to discharge water through the suction tube  102 . Accordingly, the suction jet nozzles  104  spray pressurized water when water is provided to them by way of the flow channel  338  and the annular flow channel  354 . The suction jet nozzles  104  discharge pressurized water upward through the suction tube  102  toward the debris opening  58 , forcing any loose debris through the suction aperture  100 , across the suction tube  102 , out the debris opening  58 , and into the debris bag  54 . Furthermore, the jetting of water upward through the suction tube  102  causes a venturi-like suction effect causing the suction head  98  to loosen debris from the pool walls  14  and direct the loosened debris into the suction aperture  100 . This debris is forced through the suction tube  102  by the suction jet nozzles  104 . 
       FIGS. 45-47  show the hose connection  20  in greater detail. The hose connection  20  includes a connector portion  400 , a body  402 , and a nozzle  404 . The connector portion  400  includes a radially protruding inclined track  406  to engage a mating member of a hose, e.g., segmented hose  22 , for mounting with a caming action. This engagement can be characterized as a bayonet mount.  FIG. 47  is a sectional view taken along line  47 - 47  of  FIG. 46 , showing the hose connection  20  in greater detail. The body  402  includes a rotatable ball valve  408 , and a plurality of seals  410 . The rotatable ball valve  408  includes a ball  411  positioned within the body  402 . The seals  410  extend circumferentially about the ball  411 , and are positioned between the ball  411  and an internal wall of the body  402 . Accordingly, the seals  410  create a seal radially against the body  402 . A stem  412  extends from the ball  411  and through the body  402 , where it is attached with a handle  414 . Rotation of the handle  414 , results in rotation of the ball  411  within the body  410 . When in a first position, water can flow through the ball  411 . When in a second position, water is sealed off from flowing through the ball  411 . Accordingly, the hose connection  20  can be used to control flow therethrough. The nozzle  404  includes a barb  416  that facilitates attachment of a hose to the nozzle  404 . 
       FIGS. 48-50  show the swivel  24  in greater detail. The swivel includes a first body  418  and a second body  420 . The first body  418  includes a tubular section  422  having a barb  424  and a radial extension  426 . A locking ring  428  extends from the radial extension and includes an annular wall  430  and an inwardly extending shoulder  432 . The second body  420  includes a tubular portion  434  having a barb  436  and a radial shoulder  438 . The radial shoulder  438  includes an annular protrusion  440 . The radial shoulder  438  of the second body  420  is positioned within the annular wall  430  of the first section locking ring  438 , such that a first chamber  442  is formed between the first section locking ring  438 , and the inwardly extending shoulder  432 . A plurality of bearing balls  444 , which could be acetal balls, can be positioned within the first chamber  442 . A second chamber  446  is formed between the radial extension  426  of the first body  418 , the annular wall  430 , and the radial shoulder  438 . An annular sealing washer  448  and an annular seal  450  may be positioned and compressed within the second chamber  446 , with the annular protrusion  440  contacting the annular sealing washer  448 . Accordingly, the first and second bodies  418 ,  420  can rotate with respect to one another, such that the bearing balls  444  facilitate rotation, and the annular sealing washer  448  and the annular seal  450  seal the first and second bodies  418 ,  420  from leakage. Accordingly, water can flow through the first and second bodies  418 ,  420 . 
       FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a filter  26 . The filter  26  includes a body  452 , a filter assembly  454  partially positioned within the body  452 , and a nut  456 . The body includes a nozzle  458  having a barb  460 . The filter assembly  454  includes a filter  462  and a nozzle  464  having a barb  466 . The nut  456  secures the filter assembly  454  with the body  452 . Accordingly, water can flow into the body nozzle  458 , into the body  452 , through the filter  462  where it is filtered, and out the filter nozzle  464 . 
     Operation of the cleaner  10  is summarized as follows. In operation, the pump  18  provides pressurized water through the segmented hose  22 , any connected swivels  24 , filters  26 , and floats  28 , and to the cleaner  10 . The segmented hose  22  is connected to the inlet port external nozzle  84 . The barb  88  facilitates attachment of the segmented hose  22  to the inlet port external nozzle  84 . Additionally, the nut  92  can be utilized to secure the segmented hose  22  to the inlet port external nozzle  84  in embodiments where the segmented hose  22  includes a threaded end for engagement with the nut  92 . The pressurized water flows through the inlet port  78  of the cleaner  10  and out through the inlet port external nozzle  86 , where it flows through the hose  87  and to the drive assembly inlet  148 . The pressurized water flows through the drive assembly inlet  148  and into the inlet body  138 . When in the inlet body  138 , the water diverges into two flows. A first flow flows to the outlet  156  and a second flow flows through the reverse/skim-out mode valve disk window  264 . 
     The first flow flows out of the outlet  156 , through the hose  159  and to the turbine housing inlet  160 . The first flow enters the turbine housing  140  through the inlet  160 , and places a force on the turbine blades  168 . This force causes the turbine  164  to rotate about the first shaft  176 . The first flow then exits the turbine housing  140  through the apertures  180 . Rotation of the turbine  164  causes the output drive gear  172  to drive the reduction gear stack  186 , resulting in rotation of the plurality of drive gears  188 . The plurality of drive gears  188  engage one another, with one of the drive gears  188  engaging, and rotationally driving, the gear stack output gear  200 . Rotation of the gear stack output gear  200  causes rotation of the Geneva drive gear  204 , including rotation of the post  210  about the first shaft  176 . The post  210  continually orbits the first shaft  176  while water drivingly engages the turbine  164 . During each rotation, the post  210  slides into a slot  224  of the Geneva gear  220 , and “pushes” an adjacent cog  222 . This engagement, e.g., the post  210  “pushing” the cog  222 , results in sequential rotation of the Geneva gear  220 , wherein, for example, the Geneva gear  220  rotates 45° for each orbit of the post  210 . Rotation of the Geneva gear  220  results in the Geneva gear socket  228  engaging and rotating the reverse/spin-out valve selector drive head  260 , thus rotationally driving the reverse/spin-out valve selector  238  and associated valve disk window  264 . Accordingly, Geneva gear  220  causes the valve disk window  264  to move between different positions adjacent the internal forward drive chamber  242 , and adjacent the internal reverse drive chamber  244 . While the first flow is causing the Geneva gear  220  to rotate the valve disk  254 , the second flow flows through the valve disk window  264  and into the reverse/spin-out mode valve body  236  chamber that it is adjacent to at that moment. For example, when the valve disk window  264  is adjacent the internal forward drive chamber  242 , into the internal forward drive chamber  242 . However, when the valve disk window  264  is adjacent the internal reverse drive chamber  244 , the second flow flows into the internal reverse drive chamber  244 . Thus, the Geneva gear  220  continuously and automatically determines which chamber the second flow of water flows into. 
     When the pressurized water of the second flow flows into the internal reverse drive chamber  244 , it flows out of the internal reverse drive chamber  244  through the outlet port  250 , into the reverse/spinout inlet  312  of the water distribution manifold  122 , into the reverse/spinout mode chamber  326 , out through the reverse/spinout outlet  340 , through the first hose  119   a , and to the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle  112 , where it is discharged. Alternatively, when the pressurized water of the second flow flows into the internal forward drive chamber  242 , it flows through the valve disk window  302  of the top/bottom mode valve selector  272 . The valve disk window  302  is rotatable by a user by inserting a tool through the top/bottom mode adjustment aperture  79  extending through the cleaner rear wall  68  and rotationally engaging the drive head  298 . Accordingly, the valve disk window  302  can be positioned adjacent the internal bottom mode chamber  276  or the internal top mode chamber  278 . 
     When the valve disk window  302  is positioned adjacent the internal top mode chamber  278 , the pressurized water of the second flow flows into the internal top mode chamber  278 , out of the internal top mode chamber  278  through the top mode outlet port  286 , into the top mode inlet  314  of the water distribution manifold  122 , into the top mode chamber  328 , and out through the top mode skimmer outlets  344  and the top mode jet nozzle  83 . The portion of the flow that exits through the top mode skimmer outlets  344  flows through the respective second and third hose  119   b ,  119   c  and to the respective skimmer/debris retention jet  60  where it is discharged. 
     When the valve disk window  302  is positioned adjacent the internal bottom mode chamber  276 , the pressurized water of the second flow flows into the internal bottom mode chamber  276 , out of the internal bottom mode chamber  276  through the bottom mode outlet port  282 , into the bottom mode inlet  316  of the water distribution manifold  122 , into the bottom mode chamber  330 , and out through the bottom mode outlet  350  and the aperture  336 . The flow portion that flows through the bottom mode outlet  350  flows through the fourth hose  119   d  and to the forward thrust jet nozzle  82  where it is discharged. The flow portion that flows through the aperture  336 , flows across the flow channel  338 , into the annular flow channel  354 , and is discharged through the plurality of vacuum jet nozzles  104 . 
       FIGS. 52-78  show another embodiment of the drive mechanism of the pool cleaner  10 . Particularly, the pool cleaner  10  of  FIGS. 52-78  includes a drive assembly  500  and water distribution manifold  502  for providing water to the various nozzles. The drive assembly  500  is connected with an inlet tube  503   a , reverse/spin-out tube  503   b , and bottom mode tube  503   c , while the water distribution manifold  502  is connected with first and second skimmer tubes  503   d ,  503   e , each of which are discussed in greater detail below.  FIG. 52  is an exploded perspective view of the pool cleaner  10  of the present disclosure including the drive assembly  500 .  FIG. 53  is a sectional view of the pool cleaner  10  taken along line  53 - 53  of  FIG. 5  showing the drive assembly  500 . As illustrated in  FIG. 53 , the chassis  32  forms a housing for the drive assembly  500 , the water distribution manifold  502 , and the suction tube  102 . The pool cleaner  10  of  FIGS. 52-78  is similar in structure as described in connection with  FIGS. 1-44 , however, the drive assembly  500  and the water distribution manifold  502  replace the drive assembly  120  and the water distribution manifold  122  of  FIGS. 1-44 . 
       FIGS. 55-58  illustrate the drive assembly  500  and the water distribution manifold  502 , which are in fluidic communication with one another. The drive assembly  500  includes a timer assembly  504 , a reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly  506 , a reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508 , and a top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 , each discussed in greater detail below. The water distribution manifold  502  includes a top mode manifold body  512  and a jet ring  514 . The manifold body  512  includes a plurality of chambers that function to direct water flow amongst the various jet nozzles of the cleaner  10 . The suction tube  102  includes a bottom end  134  and a top end  136 . The jet ring  514  is connected with the bottom end  134  of the suction tube  102  and includes a plurality of suction jet nozzles  720 . 
       FIGS. 55-75  show the drive assembly  500  in greater detail. Particular reference is made to  FIG. 65 , which is an exploded view of the drive assembly  500  showing the components of the timer assembly  504 , the reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly  506 , the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508 , and the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 . The timer assembly  504  includes a turbine housing  518 , a gear box  520 , a gear box upper housing  522 , and a socket housing  524 . The reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly  506  includes a cam upper housing  526  and a cam plate  596 . The reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508  includes an inlet body  516 , a cam lower housing  528 , a reverse/spin-out mode valve body  529 , and a reverse/spinout seal  624 . The drive assembly  500  is configured such that the inlet body  516  is connected with the cam lower housing  528 , the reverse/spin-out mode valve body  529 , and the reverse/spin-out seal  624  to form the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508 , with the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510  being adjacent to the reverse/spin-out mode assembly  508 , the cam lower housing  528  adjacent the cam upper housing  526 , the timer cover  524  adjacent the cam upper housing  526 , the gear box  520  is adjacent the timer cover  524 , and the turbine housing  518  is adjacent the gear box  520 . The inlet body  516  includes an inlet nozzle  530  having a barbed end  532 . The inlet nozzle  530  provides a flow path from the exterior of the inlet body  516  to the interior. The inlet nozzle  530  is connectable with the inlet tube  503   a , which is connectable with the internal nozzle  86 , such that water can flow to the cleaner  10  and through the inlet tube  503   a  to the inlet body  516 . The inlet body  516  defines an internal chamber  534 . The inlet nozzle  530  is in communication with the internal chamber  534  such that fluid can flow into the inlet nozzle  530  and into the internal chamber  534 . The inlet body  516  further includes a top opening  536  that is adjacent cam lower housing  528 , which will be discussed in greater detail below. An outlet nozzle  538  having a barbed end  540  is provided on the inlet body  516 . The outlet nozzle  538  provides one path for water to flow out from the inlet body  516 . As such, water flowing into the inlet nozzle  530  flows into the interior chamber  534  and into the outlet nozzle  538 . Accordingly, a portion of the water exits the inlet body  516  through the outlet nozzle  538 . The inlet body  516  is generally closed at an upper end, e.g., the end adjacent the cam lower housing  528 , but for the opening  536 , and is open at a lower end, e.g., the end adjacent the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508 . 
       FIG. 67  is a sectional view of the turbine housing  518  showing the components thereof in greater detail. The turbine housing  518  includes an inlet nozzle  542  having a barbed end  544 , and a turbine  546 . A hose  547  is connected at one end to the barbed end  540  of the inlet body outlet nozzle  538  and at another end to a the barbed end  544  of the turbine housing inlet nozzle  542 . Accordingly, water flows out from the inlet body  516  through the outlet nozzle  538  and to the turbine housing inlet nozzle  542  by way of the hose  547 . The turbine  546  includes a central hub  548 , a plurality of blades  550 , a boss  552  extending from the central hub  548  and having an output drive gear  554  mounted thereto, and a central aperture  556 . The central hub  548 , boss  552 , and output drive gear  554  are connected for conjoint rotation. Accordingly, rotation of the blades  550  causes rotation of the central hub  548 , boss  552 , and output drive gear  554 . The central aperture  556  extends through the center of the turbine  546 , e.g., through the output drive gear  554 , the boss  552 , and the central hub  548 . 
     A first shaft  558  extends through the central aperture  556  and is secured within a shaft housing  560  that is provided in a top of the turbine housing  518 . The first shaft  558  extends from the shaft housing  560 , through the turbine  546 , and into the gear box  520 . The turbine housing  518  also includes one or more apertures  562  in a sidewall thereof that allow water to escape the turbine housing  518 . When pressurized water enters the turbine housing  518  through the inlet nozzle  542  it places pressure on the turbine blades  550 , thus transferring energy to the turbine  546  and causing the turbine  546  to rotate. However, once the energy of the pressurized water is transferred to the turbine  546  it must be removed from the system, otherwise it will impede and place resistance on new pressurized water entering the turbine housing  518 . Accordingly, new pressurized water introduced into the turbine housing  518  forces the old water out from the one or more apertures  562 .  FIG. 67  is a sectional view of the turbine housing  518  taken along line  67 - 67  of  FIG. 61  further detailing and showing the arrangement of the turbine  546  within the turbine housing  518 . The turbine housing  518  is positioned on the gear box  520 . 
     The gear box  520  includes a turbine mounting surface  564  having an aperture  566  extending there through. The turbine housing  518  is positioned on, and covers, the gear box turbine mounting surface  564 , such that the turbine  546  is adjacent the turbine mounting surface  564  and the turbine output drive gear  554  extends through the aperture  566  and into the gear box  520 . The gear box  520  houses a reduction gear stack  568  that is made up of a first and second gear stack  570   a ,  570   b , each gear stack  570   a ,  570   b  including a plurality of large gears  572  connected and coaxial with a smaller gear  574  (see  FIG. 66 ) for conjoint rotation therewith. The conjoint rotation of the large gear  572  with the smaller gear  574  causes for a reduction in gear ratio. As can bee seen in  FIG. 66 , which is a sectional view of the drive assembly  500 , the first and second coaxial gear stack  570   a ,  570   b  each include a central aperture  576 . The first gear stack  570   a  is coaxial with the turbine  546  such that the first shaft  558  extends through the gears  572 ,  574  of the gear stack  570   a , and into the timer cover  524  where it is secured. Thus, the first gear stack  570   a  rotates about the first shaft  558 . The first gear stack  570   a  includes a final gear stack output gear  582  as the bottom most gear of the stack  570   a . The final gear stack output gear  582  includes a small drive gear  584 . The second gear stack  570   b  is positioned such that the gears  572 ,  574  that make up the second gear stack  570   b  engage the gears  572 ,  574  that make up the first gear stack  570   a . Additionally, the second gear stack  570   b  has a second shaft  578  extending through the central aperture  576  thereof. The second shaft  578  is parallel to the first shaft  558  and is secured within a second shaft top housing  580  that is positioned in a top wall of the gear box  520 . The small gear  574  of the second gear stack  570   b  engages a large gear  572  of the first gear stack  570   a  that rotates about the first shaft  558 . Similarly, a conjoint small gear  574  of the first gear stack  570   a  engages a large gear  572  of the second gear stack  570   b  that rotates about the second shaft  578 . A series of such gears are positioned within the gear reduction stack  568  with particular gear ratios, and engaged with one another in the above-described fashion, so that rotation of the turbine  546 , and subsequent rotation of the turbine output drive gear  554 , causes each gear  572 ,  574  of the gear stacks  570   a ,  570   b  to rotate with each subsequent gear rotating at a different rotational speed. The second gear stack  570   b  includes an output drive gear  586  as the bottom most gear. The output drive gear  586  includes a large drive gear  588  and a socket  590  extending from the large drive gear  588  for conjoint rotation therewith. The large drive gear  588  engages the small drive gear  584  of the final gear stack output gear  582 . The output drive gear  586  engages and is driven by the small drive gear  584  of the final gear stack output gear  582 . Accordingly, rotation of the turbine blades  550  causes rotation of the boss  552 , and output drive gear  554 , which output drive gear  554  causes rotation of the gears  572 ,  574  of the gear reduction stack  568 , and ultimately rotation of the output drive gear  586 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 66 , the output drive gear  586  is positioned between the gear box upper housing  522  and the timer cover  524 . The timer cover  524  engages the gear box  520  creating a sealed compartment that contains the reduction gear stack  568 , including the cam drive gear  586 . The timer cover  524  includes a socket aperture  592  that receives the output drive gear socket  590 . Accordingly, the socket  590  is accessible from the exterior of the timer cover  524 . 
     Positioned adjacent to the timer cover  524  is the cam upper housing  526 , which is also positioned adjacent to the cam lower housing  528 . Accordingly, the cam upper housing  526  is between the timer cover  524  and the cam lower housing  528 . The cam upper housing  526  includes a central aperture  594 . The cam plate  596  is positioned between the cam upper housing  526  and the cam lower housing  528 . The cam plate  596  includes a body  598  having a bottom side  600  and a top side  602 . A shaft  604  extends from the center of the top side  602  of the body  598 . The shaft  604  includes a shaped head  606  at the end thereof, and a circumferential notch  608 . The circumferential notch  608  includes an o-ring positioned therein. The shaft  604  extends from the body cam  598  and through the cam upper housing  526 , which generally have mating geometries so that the shaft  604  can rotate. The shaped head  606  engages the socket  590  of the output drive gear  586 , which generally have mating geometries so that they can rotate conjointly. That is, the socket  590  and the shaped head  606  have matching geometries such that rotation of the socket  590  will drivingly rotate the shaped head  606 , and thus the entirety of the cam plate  596 . A central hub  612  extends from the center of the bottom side  600  of the body  598 . The central hub  612  includes an aperture  614  with a post  616  positioned therein. The post  616  is secured in the aperture  614  at one end, and in an aperture  622  of the cam lower housing  528  at another end, such that the cam plate  596  can rotate about the post  616 . The bottom side  600  of the cam body  598  further includes a cam track  618  that encircles the central hub  612 . The cam track  618  is generally circular shaped with a uniform radius, except for a radially extended portion  620  that has a greater radius.  FIG. 68  is a sectional view of the cam plate  596 , showing elements thereof in greater detail, e.g., the cam track  618  and the radially extended portion  620 . 
     The cam track  618  is configured to operate a rotatable reverse/spin-out seal  624 , which the majority of is positioned in the inlet body  516 . The rotatable reverse/spin-out seal  624  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 68 and 69 .  FIG. 69  is a top exploded view of the reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly  506 , the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508 , and the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 . The rotatable reverse/spin-out seal  624  includes an body  626 , an arched portion  628 , a sealing member  630 , a stationary post  632 , and a cam track post  634 . The stationary post  632  is secured to a top surface of the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508  such that the reverse/spin-out seal  624  can rotate about the stationary post  632 . The reverse/spin-out seal  624  is positioned on a top surface of the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508 , and within the internal chamber  534  of the inlet body  516  such that the cam track post  634  extends through the opening  536  of the inlet body  516  and extends into the cam track  518 . 
     In operation, rotation of the output drive gear  586  (see  FIG. 66 ) results in rotation of the cam plate  596  by way of the engagement between, and mating geometries of, the socket  590  and the shaped head  606 . The cam track post  634  of the reverse/spin-out seal  626  is positioned within the cam track  618  such that they are in engagement. Thus, as the cam plate  596  rotates, the cam track post  634  rides in the cam track  618 . As described above, the cam track  618  includes a majority portion having a first radius and a radially extended portion  620  that has a greater radius. As the cam plate  596  rotates, the cam track post  634  will transition between the majority portion and the radially extended portion  620 . When the cam track post  634  transitions into the radially extended portion  620  of the cam track  618 , the cam track  618  pushes the cam track post  634  radially outward, which causes the reverse/spin-out seal  624  to rotate clockwise about the stationary post  632  and into a reverse/spin-out position. Similarly, when the cam track post  634  transitions into the majority portion of the cam track  618 , e.g., out from the radially extended portion  620  and into the lesser radius portion, the cam track  618  pulls the post  624  radially inward, which causes the reverse/spin-out seal  624  to rotate counter-clockwise about the stationary post  632  and into a forward position. Discussion of the reverse/spin-out position and the forward position is provided below. 
       FIGS. 69-73  show the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508  in greater detail.  FIG. 69  is a top exploded view of the reverse/spin-out mode cam assembly  506 , the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508 , and the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 , while  FIG. 70  is a bottom exploded view of the same. The reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508  is positioned adjacent the inlet body  516  and generally defines a forward chamber  636  and a reverse/spin-out chamber  638  separated from the forward chamber  636  and defined by a chamber wall  639  (see  FIG. 70 ). The reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508  includes a reverse/spin-out chamber opening  640  and a reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle  642  having a barbed end  644 . The reverse/spin-out chamber  638  is in fluidic communication with the reverse/spin-out chamber opening  640  and the reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle  642 , such that fluid can flow through the reverse/spin-out opening  640 , into the reverse/spin-out chamber  638  and out the reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle  642  without entering the forward chamber  636 . The reverse/spin-out valve assembly  508  further includes a forward chamber opening  646  (see  FIG. 72 ) and an open end  648 , such that the forward chamber opening  646 , forward chamber  636 , and the open end  648  are in fluidic communication. Accordingly, fluid flows into the forward chamber opening  646 , through the forward chamber  646 , and out the open end  648 .  FIG. 73  is a cross-sectional view of the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508  showing the forward chamber  636  and the reverse/spin-out chamber  638  in greater detail. 
       FIGS. 69-70 and 74-75  show the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510  in greater detail.  FIGS. 69-70  are top and bottom perspective view, respectively, showing the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 . The top/bottom mode valve assembly  510  includes a body  649  and a sealing plate  692 . The body  649  defines a top/bottom mode main chamber  652  and includes a top opening  650 , a bottom mode opening  654 , and a top mode opening  660 . The top opening  650  provides access to the top/bottom mode main chamber  652 , while the top/bottom mode valve body  649  is closed at the bottom.  FIG. 74  is a perspective view of the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510  with the sealing plate  692  not shown in order to illustrate the bottom mode opening  654  and the top mode opening  660 . The bottom mode opening  654  connects with a bottom mode outlet chamber  656  that is defined by a bottom mode outlet port  658  and a bottom mode nozzle  666 . The bottom mode outlet port  658  and the bottom mode nozzle  666  extend from the top/bottom mode valve body  649 . The bottom mode nozzle  666  includes a barbed end  668  (see  FIG. 75 ). The top mode opening  660  connects with a top mode outlet chamber  662  that is defined by a top mode outlet port  664 . The top mode outlet port  664  extends from the top/bottom mode valve body  649 . As can be seen in  FIG. 74 , a hub  670  extends from the top/bottom mode valve assembly body  649  and defines a chamber  672 . The hub  670  connects with the body  649 , which includes an opening  674  that places the top/bottom mode main chamber  652  in connection with the chamber  672 . The hub  670  allows the sealing plate  692  to be rotated by a source external to the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 , which is discussed in greater detail below. 
     A top/bottom mode selector  676  is connected to the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 . The top/bottom mode selector  676  includes a lever arm  678  having a first arm  680  and a second arm  682 , a fulcrum  684 , a user-engageable tab  686 , and a plate  688 . The fulcrum  684  engages the lever arm  678  between the first arm  680  and the second arm  682 , such that the lever arm  678  can rotate about the fulcrum  684 . The user-engageable tab  686  is positioned at the end of the first arm  680  and is positioned adjacent a wall of the pool cleaner  10 , as shown in  FIG. 53 . Accordingly, a user can push the user-engageable tab  686  up or down to rotate the lever arm  678  about the fulcrum  684 . The user-engageable tab  686  can include a plurality of ridges to facilitate use by a user. The second arm  682  includes a pin  689  that extends from an end of the second arm  682 . The plate  688  is connected with a central shaft  690  (see  FIG. 75 ) and includes an aperture  691  located near the periphery of the plate  688 . The central shaft  690  extends through the hub  670 , e.g., is positioned within the chamber  672 , and engages the sealing plate  692 . The pin  689  engages the aperture  691  of the plate  688 , such that the pin  689  can rotate the plate  688 , along with the central shaft  690  and the sealing plate  692 , while itself rotating within the aperture  691 . Accordingly, the tab  686  can be engaged by a user to rotate the top/bottom mod selector  676  clockwise or counter-clockwise to rotate the sealing plate  692  between two positions. In a first position, e.g., the position shown in  FIG. 69  also referred to as the bottom mode position, the sealing plate  692  is positioned adjacent the top mode opening  660 , thus sealing the top mode outlet chamber  662 . In such a configuration, fluid can flow through the bottom mode opening  654 , through the bottom mode outlet chamber  656 , and out the bottom mode outlet port  658  and the bottom mode nozzle  666 . In a second position, e.g., a top mode position, the sealing plate  692  is positioned adjacent the bottom mode opening  654 , thus sealing the bottom mode outlet chamber  656 . In such a configuration, fluid can flow through the top mode opening  660 , through the top mode outlet chamber  662 , and out the top mode outlet port  664 . The bottom mode outlet port  658  and the top mode outlet port  664  are connected with the water distribution manifold  502 , which will be discussed in greater detail. 
       FIGS. 76-78  show the distribution manifold  502  in greater detail.  FIG. 76  is a perspective view of the distribution manifold  502 . The distribution manifold  502  includes the top mode manifold  512  and the jet ring  514 . The top mode manifold  512  includes a manifold body  696 , inlet port  698 , first top mode skimmer outlet  700  having a barbed end  702 , second top mode skimmer outlet  704  having a barbed end  706 , and a top mode jet nozzle housing  708  that houses a top mode jet nozzle  710 . The top mode manifold inlet port  698  is generally connected with the top mode outlet port  664  of the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 , such that the top mode manifold inlet port  698  is inserted into the top mode outlet port  664 . The jet ring  512  includes a body  714 , a bottom mode inlet port  716 , a plurality of upper protrusions  718  that secure the suction tube  102 , and a plurality of suction jet nozzles  720 . The bottom mode inlet port  716  is connected with the bottom mode outlet port  658  of the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 , such that the bottom mode inlet port  716  is inserted into the bottom mode outlet port  658 . 
       FIG. 78  is a sectional view of the distribution manifold  502  taken along line  78 - 78  of  FIG. 77 . The top mode manifold body  696  defines a top mode inner chamber  712 , while the jet ring  512  defines a bottom mode inner chamber  722 . The top mode inner chamber  712  is in fluidic communication with the inlet port  698 , the first and second top mode skimmer outlets  700 ,  704 , and the top mode jet nozzle housing  708  including top mode jet nozzle  710 . Accordingly, fluid can flow through the top mode outlet port  664  of the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 , into the top mode manifold inlet port  698 , through the top mode inner chamber  712 , and out through the first and second top mode skimmer outlets  700 ,  704  and the top mode jet nozzle  710 . The first and second top mode skimmer outlets  700 ,  704  are connected with the first and second skimmer tubes  503   e ,  503   d  (see  FIGS. 53-54 ), which are each in turn connected to the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  (see  FIGS. 7 and 53-54 ). The engagement of the top mode jet nozzle  710  with the top mode jet nozzle housing  708  can be a ball-and-socket joint such that the jet nozzle  710  can be rotated within the housing  708 . Fluid provided from the top mode inner chamber  712  to the top mode jet nozzle  710  is forced out the top mode jet nozzle  710  under pressure, causing a jet of pressurized water directed generally rearward and downward. This jet of pressurized water propels the cleaner  10  toward the pool water line  16  for skimming of the pool water line  16 . When the cleaner  10  is skimming the pool water line  16 , the top mode jet nozzle  710  propels the cleaner  10  forward along the pool water line  16 . 
     The bottom mode inner chamber  722  is in fluidic communication with the bottom mode inlet port  716  and the plurality of suction jet nozzles  720 . Accordingly, fluid can flow through the bottom mode outlet port  658  of the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 , into the bottom mode inlet port  716 , through the bottom mode inner chamber  722 , and out through the plurality of suction jet nozzles  720 . The suction jet nozzles  720  function in accordance with the suction jet nozzles  104  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-44 . Accordingly, the suction jet nozzles  720  spray pressurized water when water is provided to them by way of the bottom mode inner chamber  722 . The suction jet nozzles  720  discharge pressurized water upward through the suction tube  102  toward the debris opening  58 , forcing any loose debris through the suction aperture  100 , across the suction tube  102 , out the debris opening  58 , and into the debris bag  54  (see  FIG. 4 ). Furthermore, the jetting of water upward through the suction tube  102  causes a venturi-like suction effect causing the suction head  98  to loosen debris from the pool walls  14  and direct the loosened debris into the suction aperture  100 . This debris is forced through the suction tube  102  by the suction jet nozzles  720 . 
     Operation of the cleaner  10  utilizing the drive assembly  500  (discussed above in connection with  FIGS. 52-78 ) is summarized as follows. In operation, the pump  18  provides pressurized water through the segmented hose  22 , any connected swivels  24 , filters  26 , and floats  28 , and to the cleaner  10 . The segmented hose  22  is connected to the inlet port external nozzle  84 . The barb  88  facilitates attachment of the segmented hose  22  to the inlet port external nozzle  84 . Additionally, the nut  92  can be utilized to secure the segmented hose  22  to the inlet port external nozzle  84 . In such embodiments, the nut  92  bites into the soft material of the segmented hose  22  to restrain the hose  22 . The pressurized water flows through the inlet port  78  of the cleaner  10  and out through the inlet port external nozzle  86 , where it flows through the hose  503   a  and to the inlet body inlet nozzle  530 . The pressurized water flows into the inlet body  516 . When in the inlet body  516 , the water diverges into two flows. A first flow flows to the outlet nozzle  538  and a second flow flows toward the reverse/spin-out mode valve assembly  508 . 
     The first flow flows out of the outlet nozzle  538 , through the hose  547  and to the turbine housing inlet  542 . The first flow enters the turbine housing  518  through the inlet  542 , and places a force on the turbine blades  550 . This force causes the turbine  546  to rotate about the first shaft  558 . The first flow then exits the turbine housing  518  through the apertures  562 . Rotation of the turbine  546  causes the output drive gear  554  to drive the first large gear  572  of the second gear stack  570   b , which is in engagement of the first gear stack  570   a , resulting in rotation of the plurality of large diameter gears  572  and small diameter gears  574 . The first and second gear stacks  570   a ,  570   b  engage one another, with the final gear stack out  582  being rotated such that the small drive gear  584  thereof engages and rotates the output drive gear  586 . Rotation of the output drive gear  586  causes rotation of the socket  590 , and thus rotation of the cam plate  596  due to the mating relationship of the socket  590  and the shaped head  606  of the cam plate  596 . As the cam plate  596  rotates, the reverse/spin-out seal post  634  rides within the cam track  618  to affect the position of the reverse/spin-out seal  624 . 
     As discussed above, the reverse/spin-out seal  624  is configured to rotate about the stationary post  632  according to the position of the cam track post&#39;s  634  position in the cam track  618 . When the cam track post  634  is positioned in the first radius portion of the cam track  618 , e.g., the lesser radius portion, the reverse/spin-out seal  624  is positioned such that the sealing member  630  is adjacent the reverse/spin-out opening  640 , thus sealing the reverse/spin-out chamber  638  and allowing fluid to flow through the forward chamber opening  646  and into the forward chamber  636 . Conversely, when the cam track post  634  is positioned in the radially extended portion  620  of the cam track  618 , the reverse/spin-out seal  624  is positioned such that the sealing member  630  is adjacent the forward chamber opening  646 , thus sealing the forward chamber  636  and allowing fluid to flow through the reverse/spin-out opening  640  and into the reverse/spin-out chamber  638 . Accordingly, the cam plate  596  determines what position the reverse/spin-out seal  624  is in, and rotates the seal between a forward position and a reverse/spin-out position. The length of time that the reverse/spin-out seal  624  stays in either position is determined by the length, e.g., circumferential length, of the radially extended portion  620 . A greater length radially extended portion  620  results in a greater amount of time that the reverse/spin-out seal  624  will be positioned adjacent the forward chamber opening  646 . Similarly, a lesser length radially extended portion  620  results in a lesser amount of time that the reverse/spin-out seal  624  will be positioned adjacent the forward chamber opening  646 . If the radially extend portion  620  makes up one eighth (⅛ th ) of the cam track  618  circumference, then the reverse/spin-out seal  624  will be positioned adjacent the forward chamber opening  646  one eighth (⅛ th ) of the time. The circumferential length of the radially extended portion  620  can be determined based on a user&#39;s need, and a different cam plate  596  can be provided for different situations. 
     When the cam track post  634  is positioned in the radially extended portion  620  of the cam track  618 , forcing the reverse/spin-out seal  624  to seal the forward chamber opening  646  and the forward chamber  636 . When in such a position, water flows to the cleaner  10 , through the inlet port  78 , through the inlet tube  503   a , into the inlet nozzle  530 , into the inlet body internal chamber  534 , into the reverse/spin-out chamber  638 , out the reverse/spin-out chamber nozzle  642 , through the reverse/spin-out tube  503   b , and to the reverse/spin-out thrust jet nozzle  112  where it is discharged under pressure. Alternatively, when the cam track post  634  is not positioned in the radially extended portion  620  of the cam track  618 , the reverse/spin-out seal  624  is adjacent the reverse/spin-out chamber opening  640 , thus sealing the reverse/spin-out chamber  638 . This allows water to enter the inlet body internal chamber  534  and flow into forward main chamber  636 . From there, the water flows through the forward main chamber  636  and into the top/bottom mode valve assembly body  649 . 
     Once in the top/bottom mode valve assembly body  649 , the flow of the water is dictated by the position of the sealing plate  692 . As discussed above, the sealing plate  692  can be positioned adjacent the bottom mode opening  654  to seal the bottom mode outlet chamber  656 , or adjacent the top mode opening  660  to seal the top mode outlet chamber  662 . 
     When the sealing plate  692  is positioned adjacent the bottom mode opening  654 , the water flows through the top mode opening  660 , through the top mode outlet chamber  662 , out the top mode outlet port  664  of the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 , into the top mode manifold inlet port  698 , through the top mode inner chamber  712 , and out through the first and second top mode skimmer outlets  700 ,  704  and the top mode jet nozzle  710 . The first and second top mode skimmer outlets  700 ,  704  are connected with the first and second skimmer tubes  503   e ,  503   d  (see  FIGS. 53-54 ), which are each in turn connected to the skimmer/debris retention jets  60  (see  FIGS. 7 and 53-54 ). 
     When the sealing plate  692  is positioned adjacent the top mode opening  660 , the water flows through the bottom mode opening  654 , across the bottom mode outlet chamber  656 , and out the bottom mode outlet port  658  and the bottom mode nozzle  666  of the top/bottom mode valve assembly  510 . The flow out from the bottom mode outlet port  658  flows into the bottom mode inlet port  716 , through the bottom mode inner chamber  722 , and out through the plurality of suction jet nozzles  720 . The bottom mode nozzle  666  is connected with the bottom mode tube  503   c , which is also connected with the forward thrust jet nozzle  82  where the water is discharged. Discharge of the water through the forward thrust jet nozzle  82  results in the cleaner  10  being driven forward. 
       FIGS. 79-86  show a jet nozzle assembly  1000  and a vacuum suction tube  1002  of the present disclosure that can be utilized in a pressure or robotic pool cleaner such as the pool cleaner illustrated in  FIGS. 1-44 and 52-78  and the accompanying disclosures thereof.  FIG. 79  is a side view of the jet nozzle assembly  1000  and the vacuum suction tube  1002 . The jet nozzle assembly  1000  is similar to the jet ring  132  described in connection with  FIGS. 1-44 , and the jet ring  514  described in connection with  FIGS. 52-78 . That is, the jet nozzle assembly  1000  can be used in place of the jet ring  132  and/or the jet ring  514 . Similarly, the vacuum suction tube  1002  is similar to the suction tube  102  described in connection with  FIGS. 1-44 and 52-78 . The vacuum suction tube  1002  is a tubular component having a first open end  1002   a  and a second open end  1002   b , and is positioned adjacent the jet nozzle assembly  1000 .  FIG. 80  is a perspective view of the jet nozzle assembly  1000  and  FIG. 81  is a top view showing the jet nozzle assembly  1000  and the vacuum suction tube  1002 . The jet nozzle assembly  1000  includes an annular body  1004  having a top opening  1004   a  and a bottom opening  1004   b , and also includes first, second, and third jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  positioned on an interior wall of the annular body  1004  (see  FIG. 81  regarding the third jet nozzle  1006   c ). The jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  each include a body  1008   a ,  1008   b ,  1008   c  and an outlet  1010   a ,  1010   b ,  1010   c . The jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  are positioned and arranged on the interior wall of the annular body  1004  such that water discharged therethrough is directed towards the top opening  1004   a  of the annular body  1004 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 79 and 81 , the vacuum suction tube  1002  is positioned with one of its ends, e.g., the first open end  1002   a , adjacent the top opening  1004   a  of the jet nozzle assembly body  1004  such that the jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  discharge water through the jet nozzle assembly body top opening  1004   a  and into the vacuum suction tube  1002 . The discharged water exits the vacuum suction tube  1002  at the end opposite the jet nozzle assembly  1000 , e.g., the second open end  1002   b , which can be positioned adjacent an attached filter, filter bag, etc., which can be used to filter or trap any debris that is discharged through the vacuum suction tube  1002 . Particularly, the jet nozzle assembly  1000  can be incorporated into a pressure or robotic pool cleaner such that the jet nozzle assembly body bottom opening  1004   b  is positioned at a bottom of the pool cleaner and open to the pool water, e.g., atmosphere. The pressurized discharge of water through the jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  generates a venturi or suction effect at the bottom opening  1004   b  such that pool water is suctioned into the bottom opening  1004   b  from the pool and discharged through the vacuum suction tube  1002 . This also results in any debris that may be on the pool floor or wall to also be suctioned through the vacuum suction tube  1002 , and discharged therethrough and into an attached filter or filter bag. 
       FIG. 82  is a cross-section view of the jet nozzle assembly  1000  and vacuum suction tube  1002  taken along line  82 - 82  of  FIG. 81 .  FIG. 83  is a cross-section view of the jet nozzle assembly  1000  and vacuum suction tube  1002  taken along line  83 - 83  of  FIG. 81 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 82 and 83 , the jet nozzle assembly body  1004  includes an internal channel  1012  that is in fluidic communication with each of the jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c . As illustrated in  FIG. 83 , the outlets  1010   a ,  1010   b ,  1010   c  of the jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  are in fluidic communication with the internal channel  1012  such that pressurized fluid flowing through the internal channel  1012  can be discharged through each of the jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  through the respective outlet  1010   a ,  1010   b ,  1010   c . The internal channel  1012  is also in fluidic communication with a source of pressurized fluid, such as a pump that can be internal to the pool cleaner (e.g., for a robotic pool cleaner) or a pump that is external to the pool and provides positive pressure to the pool leaner (e.g., for a positive-pressure pool cleaner). Accordingly, pressurized fluid is provided from a source of pressurized fluid to the internal channel  1012 , where it travels along the internal channel  1012  and is discharged through each of the jet nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c.    
     Configuration of the nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  will now be discussed in greater detail. It is noted that the nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  are constructed and configured the same, and simply spaced apart from one another. Accordingly, reference hereinafter may be made with respect to a single nozzle and it should be understood that these statements hold true for the remaining nozzles. Each of the nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  is configured to discharge fluid at a vortex angle α (see  FIG. 82 ) and a convergence angle β (see  FIG. 83 ). As shown in  FIG. 82 , the nozzle  1006   a  discharges fluid in the direction of arrow A, which is at an angle α (e.g., vortex angle) in a first plane with respect to the centerline CL of the vacuum suction tube  1002  when the centerline CL is aligned with the nozzle outlet  1010   a . Essentially, this means that the direction of water discharged from the nozzle  1006   a  is not in alignment with the direction of water flow across the vacuum suction tube  1002 , e.g., along the centerline CL of the vacuum suction tube  1002  from the first open end  1002   a  to the second open end  1002   b , but instead the water is discharged to flow in a helical path about the centerline CL and not in a straight line. This arrangement creates a vortex flow through the vacuum suction tube  1002 . As mentioned previously, this holds true for the remaining nozzles  1006   b ,  1006   c . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 83 , the fluid discharged by the nozzle  1006   a  is also discharged in the direction of arrow B, which is at an angle β (e.g., convergence angle) in a second plane with respect to the centerline CL of the vacuum suction tube  1002  when the centerline CL is not aligned with the nozzle outlet  1010   a . Essentially, this means that the water discharged from the nozzle  1006   a  is directed toward the centerline CL, and not parallel to the centerline CL. As mentioned previously, this holds true for the remaining nozzles  1006   b ,  1006   c . Thus, the water being discharged by all of the nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  converges at the centerline CL. This arrangement creates a convergent flow through the vacuum suction tube  1002 . Accordingly, the water discharged through the nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  flow in helical paths that converge with one another. By angling the nozzles  1006   a ,  1006   b ,  1006   c  at a vortex angle α and/or a convergence angle β, the volumetric flow of water being suctioned into the jet nozzle assembly  1000  and through the vacuum suction tube  1002  is increased, creating a more efficient machine as no additional energy needs to be introduced in order to effect this increased volumetric flow rate. Additionally, the flow characteristics through the vacuum suction tube  1002  is smoothed, thereby providing a more uniform distribution of water flow. 
     It should be understood that it is not necessary to utilize both a vortex angle and a convergence angle at the same time; instead, each of a vortex angle and a convergence angle can be implemented absent the other, or can be utilized together. It should also be understood that the jet nozzle assembly  1000  can be provided with more or less than three nozzles as illustrated, e.g., the jet nozzle assembly  1000  can have one nozzle (see  FIG. 84 ), two nozzles (see  FIG. 85 ), four nozzles (see  FIG. 86 ), etc. 
     Table 1 below shows simulated testing results illustrating how volumetric flow rate is affected by various configurations of the number of nozzles, vacuum tube diameter, nozzle convergence angle β, nozzle vortex angle α, nozzle diameter, and flow per nozzle. The column “Volume Flow Rate 1” indicates the volumetric flow rate at a point prior to the nozzles, e.g., upstream of the nozzles, and thus represents that volumetric flow rate of fluid that is being suctioned into the jet nozzle assembly. The column “Volume Flow Rate 2” indicates the volumetric flow rate at a point that is at the top of the tube, e.g., downstream of the nozzles, and thus represents that volumetric flow rate of fluid that is being discharged through the vacuum tube. As can be seen from Table 1, when the number of nozzles, vacuum tube diameter, nozzle outlet diameter, and flow per nozzle are kept constant, the greatest increase in flow rate results from a nozzle convergence angle β of 30° and a nozzle vortex angle α of 30°. In this configuration, a volumetric flow rate of 26.255 gallons per minute through the vacuum tube is achieved while only discharging 1.02 gallons per minute through each nozzle. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Convergence and Vortex Angle Analysis 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Vacuum 
                 Nozzle 
                 Nozzle 
                 Nozzle 
                 Flow per 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Tube 
                 Convergence 
                 Vortex 
                 outlet 
                 nozzle 
                 Flow Rate 1 
                 Flow Rate 2 
               
               
                 of 
                 diameter 
                 Angle 
                 Angle 
                 diameter 
                 (gallons per 
                 (gallons per 
                 (gallons per 
               
               
                 nozzles 
                 (in.) 
                 β (°) 
                 α (°) 
                 (in.) 
                 minute) 
                 minute) 
                 minute) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 3 
                 2.5 
                 30 
                 0 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 19.1014231 
                 22.1614116 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.5 
                 20 
                 20 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 17.1452074 
                 20.2051716 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.5 
                 20 
                 30 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 19.4976677 
                 22.5576560 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.5 
                 30 
                 30 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 23.1946716 
                 26.2546880 
               
               
                 3 
                 3.125 × 
                 30 
                 30 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 22.8158551 
                 25.8758734 
               
               
                   
                 2.00 ellipse 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.000 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0.110 
                 1.33 
                 3.94641192 
                 7.93642269 
               
               
                 grouped 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.750 
                 0 
                 0 
                 0.110 
                 1.33 
                 19.1217895 
                 21.7818559 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Table 2 below shows simulated testing results illustrating how volumetric flow rate is affected by various configurations of the number of nozzles, vacuum tube diameter, nozzle convergence angle β, nozzle diameter, and flow per nozzle. The column “Volume Flow Rate 1” indicates the volumetric flow rate at a point prior to the nozzles, e.g., upstream of the nozzles, and thus represents that volumetric flow rate of fluid that is being suctioned into the jet nozzle assembly. The column “Volume Flow Rate 2” indicates the volumetric flow rate at a point that is at the top of the tube, e.g., downstream of the nozzles, and thus represents that volumetric flow rate of fluid that is being discharged through the vacuum tube. As can be seen from Table 2, when the number of nozzles, nozzle outlet diameter, and flow per nozzle are kept constant, the greatest increase in flow rate results from a nozzle convergence angle θ of 30° and a vacuum tube diameter of 2.75″. In this configuration, a volumetric flow rate of 23.242 gallons per minute through the vacuum tube is achieved while only discharging 1.02 gallons per minute through each nozzle. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Convergence Angle Analysis 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Vacuum 
                 Nozzle 
                 Nozzle 
                 Flow per 
                 Volume 
                 Volume 
               
               
                 Number 
                 Tube 
                 Convergence 
                 outlet 
                 nozzle 
                 Flow Rate 1 
                 Flow Rate 2 
               
               
                 of 
                 diameter 
                 Angle 
                 diameter 
                 (gallons per 
                 (gallons per 
                 (gallons per 
               
               
                 nozzles 
                 (in.) 
                 β 
                 (in.) 
                 minute) 
                 minute) 
                 minute) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 3 
                 2.000 
                 0 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 11.9752825 
                 15.0353494 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.375 
                 0 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 9.59365171 
                 12.6536792 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.500 
                 0 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 13.1455821 
                 16.2056329 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.625 
                 0 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 15.466108 
                 18.5261497 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.750 
                 0 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 14.3846266 
                 17.4446835 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.000 
                 30 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 18.8003332 
                 21.8603464 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.375 
                 30 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 16.9372863 
                 19.9973027 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.500 
                 30 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 17.5032121 
                 20.5632155 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.625 
                 30 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 17.767893 
                 20.8279138 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.750 
                 30 
                 0.095 
                 1.02 
                 20.1816962 
                 23.2416961 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.750 
                 0 
                 0.110″ 
                 1.33 
                 19.12178957 
                 21.78185593 
               
               
                 3 
                 2.000 
                 0 
                 0.110″ 
                 1.33 
                 3.946411925 
                 7.936422691 
               
               
                 grouped 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Having thus described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit or scope thereof. It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make any variations and modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Technology Category: e