초록 ▼

A method and apparatus configured to be driven by a source of negative pressure for cleaning the interior surface of a containment wall and the upper surface of a water pool contained therein. The apparatus includes a unitary body suited for immersion in the water pool, a negative pressure source fo

A method and apparatus configured to be driven by a source of negative pressure for cleaning the interior surface of a containment wall and the upper surface of a water pool contained therein. The apparatus includes a unitary body suited for immersion in the water pool, a negative pressure source for producing a water flow in the body; a level control subsystem carried by the body responsive to the water flow for producing a vertical force to selectively place the body either (1) in a first mode proximate to the water surface or (2) in a second mode proximate to the wall surface below the water surface; at least one pool water inlet in the body; and a propulsion control subsystem responsive to the water flow for selectively moving the body either (1) along a path adjacent to the water surface for collecting pool water therefrom through said inlet or (2) along a path adjacent to the wall surface for collecting pool water therefrom through said inlet. The cleaner body has a weight/buoyancy characteristic to cause it to normally rest either (1) proximate to the pool bottom adjacent to the wall surface (i.e., heavier-than-water) or (2) proximate to the water surface (i.e., lighter-than-water).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [36.] A method of cleaning both the interior wall surface of an open container and the water surface of a water pool contained therein, said method comprising:placing a unitary body in said water pool;utilizing a negative pressure to create a water flow in said body for producing

[ What is claimed:] [36.] A method of cleaning both the interior wall surface of an open container and the water surface of a water pool contained therein, said method comprising:placing a unitary body in said water pool;utilizing a negative pressure to create a water flow in said body for producing a vertical force thereon to selectively move said body to either (1) proximate to said water surface or (2) proximate to said wall surface below said water surface;urging said body against said wall surface when said body is proximate to said wall surface;supporting said body proximate to said water surface when said body is proximate to said water surface; andcollecting pool water from (1) adjacent to said water surface when said body is proximate to said water surface and (2) adjacent to said wall surface when said body is proximate to said wall surface.