Abstract: A motorized drain snake includes a flexible member and a coupling. The flexible member has a first end provided with a hollow threaded portion and a second end provided with a tip portion. The coupling has a first end provided with a threaded connecting portion screwed into the threaded portion of the flexible member and a second end provided with a plurality of engaging slots for being connected with a powered tool. When in use, the powered tool is started to rotate the flexible member so that the tip portion of the flexible member is turned and extended deeply into a U-shaped channel of a toilet so as to pick and clear the clog, blockage or stoppage in the U-shaped channel.

Abstract: The invention presents a power transmission device comprising a cable, and a duct at least partially surrounding the cable, a reel, into which the cable with its duct can be reeled, a guide for feeding the cable onto and/or off the reel, and a crank in connection with the head end of the cable for rotating the cable. The power transmission device is mainly characterized in that the crank is a hydraulic crank.

Abstract: A drain-cleaning machine comprises a cable, a motor assembly, and a speed control assembly. The cable comprises a longitudinal axis. The motor assembly is configured to rotate the cable about the longitudinal axis of the cable. The motor assembly comprises a motor and a motor control device. The motor is configured to operate at an operating speed that may vary within a range of operating speeds. The motor is configured to produce a substantially constant torque while operating at varying operating speeds across the entire range of operating speeds. The motor is configured to be powered by DC power. The motor control device is configured to receive AC power from an AC power source, convert the AC power into DC power, and communicate the DC power to the motor. The speed control assembly is configured to vary the operating speed of the motor within the range of operating speeds.

Abstract: A hand-operated drain snake is provided. The snake includes a first shaft having a first longitudinal axis, an auger disposed on an exterior surface of the first shaft, a second shaft having a second longitudinal axis, and a transverse member. A proximal end of the first shaft is disposed on one side of the transverse member and a proximal end of the second shaft is disposed on an opposite side of the transverse member such that the first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis, and the first axis is offset from the second axis by an offset distance.

Abstract: A plumbing auger attachment tool which provides means for solid object retrieval from the interior of a toilet waste pipe or other drain pipes. The attachment has a series of rubber tentacles affixed to the end of the spiral wiring of a plumbing snake auger. The lengths of string act to entangle solid debris otherwise blocking the flow of water through the pipe. A magnetic casing also assists to attract ferrous material blockages in the pipe. This improvement on a standard plumbing snake permits solid item retrieval, such as pens and toys, which a wire coil auger is not capable. The strings are sent down the length of pipe at the base of a toilet by a rotating action, which rotates and extends the wire coil auger and the improved attachment. Once entangled with a debris source, that debris can be removed from the pipe to clear the obstruction.

Abstract: A line has a proximal end, a distal end and a flexible intermediate extent with a central axis. An auger head has a central base and a plurality of semicircular disks. Each disk has an interior edge coupled to the base. The disks extend generally radially from the base. Each interior edge has an inner end and an outer end. The base has a tapering outer end coextensive the outer ends of the disks. The base has a flat inner end transverse to the axis. Coupling components removably join the distal end of the line and the inner end of the base.

Abstract: A hand operated drain cleaner includes a manually operated rotatable drum and an elongated flexible cable at least partially held in the drum. A portion of the cable extending from the drum has a cable axis, and rotation of the drum rotates the cable portion about the cable axis. A handle is adapted to rotatably support the drum. The handle includes a barrel portion and a handle portion. A feed control device includes a housing having a feed passage axially therethrough for receiving the cable and a trigger for moving the feed control device between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. In the actuating position, a feed control device is pivoted relative to the handle such that the driving mechanism engages the cable thereby inducing axial movement of the cable via rotation of the drum. A locking mechanism is opera operably associated with the feed control device.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning device having a base; a plurality of bristles disposed on the base; and a connecting component disposed on the base, the connecting component is generally rectangular in cross section and has a first channel disposed therein, the connecting component is for engaging a standard attachment piece on a snake cable, the attachment piece being generally U-shaped with a first wing and a second wing each extending upwardly from a base platform, wherein a second channel is disposed in the first wing and a third channel is disposed in the second wing; wherein the connecting component can be inserted in between the first wing and the second wing such that the first channel is aligned with the second and third channel, wherein a screw can be threaded through the first, second, and third channel to secure the base to the snake cable.

Abstract: A hand-operated drain snake is provided. The snake includes a first shaft having a first longitudinal axis, an auger disposed on an exterior surface of the first shaft, a second shaft having a second longitudinal axis, and a transverse member. A proximal end of the first shaft is disposed on one side of the transverse member and a proximal end of the second shaft is disposed on an opposite side of the transverse member such that the first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis, and the first axis is offset from the second axis by an offset distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning drains has a cable having a length and a first width and an extension disposed upon the first width of the cable to create a second width of the cable. A guide allows the length of the cable to pass therethrough but the second width whereby the cable will stop passing through the guide in a given direction if the second width contacts the guide.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A hand-operated drain snake is provided. The snake includes a first shaft having a first longitudinal axis, an auger disposed on an exterior surface of the first shaft, a second shaft having a second longitudinal axis, and a transverse member. A proximal end of the first shaft is disposed on one side of the transverse member and a proximal end of the second shaft is disposed on an opposite side of the transverse member such that the first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis, and the first axis is offset from the second axis by an offset distance.

Abstract: A drain snake device having a rotatable handle crank at one end and an interlocking opposite end. The interlocking end is uniquely attachable to a corresponding attachment end portion of a disposable elongated snake segment. A slidable sleeve, that moves axially along the distal end of the handle between a locking position and a release position, fully engages or releases the disposable snake segment, respectively, and also simultaneously allows or blocks rotation of the handle crank, respectively. A kit containing a reusable handle and two or more uniquely corresponding snake segments is also provided.

Abstract: A device is provided for remotely locating an obstruction in a plumbing system. The spring assembly may include (i) a connector having a sewer cable connection portion at a proximal end and a retaining collar portion at a distal end; (ii) a spring having a proximal end, a medial portion and a distal end, the proximal end of the spring connected to the distal end of the connector; (iii) an end cap connected to a distal end of the spring. A signal transmitter may be removably housed within the spring. A cable may be connected to the connector at the proximal end of the connector to push or drive the spring assembly through a pipe system. A receiver may be used to detect wireless signals from the signal transmitter, thereby determine a location of an obstruction in the pipe system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible wire (100), which is inserted in a pipe and rotated in a high speed to remove scale produced in a pipe by striking. A flexible wire (100) for removing pipe scales comprising: a main wire (110) having plural wires twisted in a spiral direction as one body, wherein the main wire (110) has an overall straight shape; and an auxiliary wire (120) having plural wires twisted in a spiral direction as one body, of which a diameter is substantially smaller than a diameter of the main wire (110), wherein the auxiliary wire (120) is secured to the main wire (110) and has an overall repeated S-shape.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from tubing bores. Modular, remotely controlled subassemblies are concentrically aligned and mounted to a hose drive framework to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure water hose and spray head. A hose drive assembly controls hose rotation and axial hose movement via biased pinch wheels. A resilient, eccentric linkage controls pinch wheel pressure. A layering arm uniformly layers the hose at a hose reel. Rotational sensors and/or a pneumatic booster and a disk brake assembly facilitate non-kinking hose collection and release without spillage. A re-configurable hose support framework contains a driven walking beam having drive assemblies that laterally and vertically index a hose support and control the inclination of the walking beam.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A hand-operated drain snake is provided. The snake includes a first shaft having a first longitudinal axis, an auger disposed on an exterior surface of the first shaft, a second shaft having a second longitudinal axis, and a transverse member. A proximal end of the first shaft is disposed on one side of the transverse member and a proximal end of the second shaft is disposed on an opposite side of the transverse member such that the first axis is substantially parallel to the second axis, and the first axis is offset from the second axis by an offset distance.

Abstract: A plumbing auger attachment tool which provides means for solid object retrieval from the interior of a toilet waste pipe or other drain pipes. The attachment has a series of rubber tentacles affixed to the end of the spiral wiring of a plumbing snake auger. The lengths of string act to entangle solid debris otherwise blocking the flow of water through the pipe. A magnetic casing also assists to attract ferrous material blockages in the pipe. This improvement on a standard plumbing snake permits solid item retrieval, such as pens and toys, which a wire coil auger is not capable. The strings are sent down the length of pipe at the base of a toilet by a rotating action, which rotates and extends the wire coil auger and the improved attachment. Once entangled with a debris source, that debris can be removed from the pipe to clear the obstruction.

Abstract: An assembly for adjusting belt tension in a drain cleaning device is disclosed. The assembly includes an idler pulley assembly in which a pivotable idler pulley is urged against a belt by a tensioned spring. The tensile force exerted by the spring can be adjusted or otherwise changed by a rotatable spool engaged to the other end of the spring.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable counter is disclosed which is of the character comprising a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning snake which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into an out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable counter is configured to count an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum and includes first and second sensor portions mounted on the rotatable drum and a cable follower member, respectively to sense relative rotational movement therebetween. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement therebetween and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning drains has a cable having a length and a first width and an extension disposed upon the first width of the cable to create a second width of the cable. A guide allows the length of the cable to pass therethrough but the second width whereby the cable will stop passing through the guide in a given direction if the second width contacts the guide.

Abstract: A rotatable, portable drum auger drain cleaning device includes a rotational control which is biased towards the off position. The rotational control device is utilized in conjunction with a motor and the drum to direct drum rotation. The rotational control is typically biased in the off position making it the default position. The rotational control must therefore be manually moved to either a forward or reverse position. When in the forward position, the rotational control can be locked, and when in the reverse position, the switch must be manually held in position or the switch will return to the off position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved rotary drain cleaning machine having an improved support structure that prevents walking of the machine when in use. The machine is supported upon two rear mounted wheels and a forward pedestal.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a visual representation may include an elongated flexible member adapted to be removably inserted into an enclosure; a dispensing mechanism operable to selectively dispense and retract the elongated flexible member; a counter configured to determine an amount of the elongated flexible member dispensed by the dispensing mechanism; a controller configured to receive the amount of the elongated flexible member dispensed from the counter and determine a rate at which the elongated flexible member is dispensed; and a display in data communication with the controller. The controller causes the rate at which the flexible member is dispensed to be displayed in relation to a visual representation of the enclosure on the display.

Abstract: An improved drain cleaning assembly (10) is provided having a coupling apparatus (18) designed to mate with the open end of a clogged drainpipe (12), an elongated, powered, axially-rotatable drain cable (16) passing through the apparatus (18) and into pipe (12), and water inlet and outlet lines (20, 26) coupled with apparatus (18) for delivery of water therethrough during the course of drain cleaning operations. The apparatus (18) includes a unitary main tubular body (38) receiving a drainpipe connection fitting (46) via quick-connect structure (44). The body (38) also has an internal sponge-type cable cleaning component (94) and a spray fitting (54) for directing incoming water onto cable (16). Preferably, the lines (20, 26) are each equipped with a check valve (21, 28) to control water flow through body (38) during drain unclogging and to facilitate visual verification of an unclogged condition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved rotary drain cleaning machine having an improved support structure that prevents walking of the machine when in use. The machine is supported upon two rear mounted wheels and a forward pedestal.

Abstract: A drain clearing device includes a first hollow tube having opposed first and second ends and a plunger head coupled to the first end. A second hollow tube includes a first end operatively coupled to the first end of the first tube, the first and second tubes being configured for telescoping movement between extended and retracted configurations. A snaking member is situated in the first and second tubes for movement between storing and operating configurations when the tubes are moved between extended and retracted configurations, respectively. A crank handle connected to the snaking member enables a user to rotate and extend the snake as needed. A plug is included for separating an inner tube area from an inner area of the plunger head and to prevent water spillage from the tubes.

Abstract: A waste line clean-out apparatus in which a video camera is positioned proximate the outboard end of an elongated flexible coil spring assembly and is interconnected with a remotely located viewing monitor by means of various operating cables, including a fiber optic signal transmitting cable. The apparatus includes a pull cable that extends interiorly of the spring assembly for protecting the fiber optic signal transmitting cable and the various companion operating cables from undue stress during the waste line clean-out operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved rotary drain cleaning machine having an improved support structure that prevents walking of the machine when in use. The machine is supported upon two rear mounted wheels and a forward pedestal.

Abstract: A rotatable, portable drum auger drain cleaning device includes a rotational control which is biased towards the off position. The rotational control device is utilized in conjunction with a motor and the drum to direct drum rotation. The rotational control is typically biased in the off position making it the default position. The rotational control must therefore be manually moved to either a forward or reverse position. When in the forward position, the rotational control can be locked, and when in the reverse position, the switch must be manually held in position or the switch will return to the off position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high powered magnetic tipped toilet auger with several hooking barbs located on the back side of the magnetic tip to remove obstructions from plugged toilets especially if the obstruction is a ferrous metal material or consists of a hookable or snagable material. The magnetic tip can be quickly and easily be attached to an existing toilet auger.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a visual representation may include an elongated flexible member adapted to be removably inserted into an enclosure; a dispensing mechanism operable to selectively dispense and retract the elongated flexible member; a counter configured to determine an amount of the elongated flexible member dispensed by the dispensing mechanism; a controller configured to receive the amount of the elongated flexible member dispensed from the counter and determine a rate at which the elongated flexible member is dispensed; and a display in data communication with the controller. The controller causes the rate at which the flexible member is dispensed to be displayed in relation to a visual representation of the enclosure on the display.

Abstract: A system whose most common use is that of inspecting conduits such as sewers, drainage pipes, water, gas and oil conduits. The system comprises the following individual components: a rotary contact assembly, a control unit, a push rod assembly, and a video camera assembly mounted on a carrier. It also includes a video display unit which may be on the carrier or separately provided. Each of these components may be easily disconnected and reconnected so that any failed component can be determined and replaced in the field, yet maintaining the system's integrity against damage from the type of effluent in which it is required to operate. There are novel splices for damaged wires and/or push rods. Such splices are for damage repairs and changes in length of push rod assemblies which can done in the field instead of having to return the entire system to have any repairs made.

Abstract: A snake feeding device comprises a base having opposite ends, an actuator pivotally mounted on the base, and first and second sets of drive rolls spaced apart in the direction between ends of the base. Each set includes a roll on the base and two rolls on the actuator for engaging a snake therebetween and displacing the snake relative to the base in the direction between the ends thereof in response to rotation of the snake. The actuator selectively displaces the rolls of each set relative to one another.

Abstract: A battery-powered sewer and drain cleaner comprising a frame, a rotatable drum mounted on the frame which has a flexible plumber's snake associated therewith, a DC motor mounted on the frame for driving the drum and a rechargeable battery mounted on the frame for powering the DC motor. A control is connected to the DC motor for controlling the operation thereof. The use of DC power for the cleaner eliminates the electrocution hazard associated with AC-driven sewer and drain cleaners and eliminates the need for an extension cord. The sewer and drain cleaner of this invention includes new and unique circuitry to bypass the motor high current demand around the more delicate circuitry.

Abstract: An assembly for adjusting belt tension in a drain cleaning device is disclosed. The assembly includes an idler pulley assembly in which a pivotable idler pulley is urged against a belt by a tensioned spring. The tensile force exerted by the spring can be adjusted or otherwise changed by a rotatable spool engaged to the other end of the spring.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable counter is disclosed which is of the character comprising a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning snake which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into an out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable counter is configured to count an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum and includes first and second sensor portions mounted on the rotatable drum and a cable follower member, respectively to sense relative rotational movement therebetween. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement therebetween and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A drain cleaning tool includes a wear indicator for providing a visual indication to a user of the tool of an amount of wear in the tool. Various forms of the wear indicator and tool include a flexible plumbers cable with one or more wear detector prominences extending between turns of the cable, a tool carried on the end of the cable and couplings on the opposite ends of the cable. The flexible plumbers cable includes an elongate hollow outer body member defining a longitudinal axis and a resilient intermediate body carried within the outer body. The resilient intermediate body carried within the outer body has along its periphery at least one wear detector prominence extending radially outwardly between at least one selected turn of the helically coiled outer body. The at least one wear detector has at least one color change in the radial direction to provide a visual indication visual indication to a user of the tool of an amount of wear in the tool.

Abstract: A device is provided for remotely locating an obstruction in a plumbing system. The spring assembly may include (i) a connector having a sewer cable connection portion at a proximal end and a retaining collar portion at a distal end; (ii) a spring having a proximal end, a medial portion and a distal end, the proximal end of the spring connected to the distal end of the connector; (iii) an end cap connected to a distal end of the spring. A signal transmitter may be removably housed within the spring. A cable may be connected to the connector at the proximal end of the connector to push or drive the spring assembly through a pipe system. A receiver may be used to detect wireless signals from the signal transmitter, thereby determine a location of an obstruction in the pipe system.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable monitoring system is disclosed which comprises a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning cable which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into and out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable monitoring system is configured to assess an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement between a rotatable drum and a cable follower member and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed out or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A drain-cleaning machine comprises a cable, a motor assembly, and a speed control assembly. The cable comprises a longitudinal axis. The motor assembly is configured to rotate the cable about the longitudinal axis of the cable. The motor assembly comprises a motor and a motor control device. The motor is configured to operate at an operating speed that may vary within a range of operating speeds. The motor is configured to produce a substantially constant torque while operating at varying operating speeds across the entire range of operating speeds. The motor is configured to be powered by DC power. The motor control device is configured to receive AC power from an AC power source, convert the AC power into DC power, and communicate the DC power to the motor. The speed control assembly is configured to vary the operating speed of the motor within the range of operating speeds.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from tubing bores. Modular, remotely controlled subassemblies are concentrically aligned and mounted to a hose drive framework to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure water hose and spray head. A hose drive assembly controls hose rotation and axial hose movement via biased pinch wheels. A resilient, eccentric linkage controls pinch wheel pressure. A layering arm uniformly layers the hose at a hose reel. Rotational sensors and/or a pneumatic booster and a disk brake assembly facilitate non-kinking hose collection and release without spillage. A re-configurable hose support framework contains a driven walking beam having drive assemblies that laterally and vertically index a hose support and control the inclination of the walking beam.

Abstract: A plumbers snake with a hollow outer body and an inner core which floats within the outer body.

Abstract: A waste line clean-out apparatus in which a video camera is positioned proximate the outboard end of an elongated flexible coil spring assembly and is interconnected with a remotely located viewing monitor by means of various operating cables, including a fiber optic signal transmitting cable. The apparatus includes a pull cable that extends interiorly of the spring assembly for protecting the fiber optic signal transmitting cable and the various companion operating cables from undue stress during the waste line clean-out operation.

Abstract: A snake feeding device comprises a base having opposite ends, an actuator pivotally mounted on the base, and first and second sets of drive rolls spaced apart in the direction between ends of the base. Each set includes a roll on the base and two rolls on the actuator for engaging a snake therebetween and displacing the snake relative to the base in the direction between the ends thereof in response to rotation of the snake. The actuator selectively displaces the rolls of each set relative to one another.

Abstract: A drain cleaner is disclosed for use with a drain assembly having a drain pipe, a flange coupled to the drain pipe and defining a drain inlet, and a pop-up assembly having an actuating arm disposed in the drain pipe. The drain cleaner includes a stopper head having a seal sized to engage the drain inlet and an inlet passage extending from an inlet port formed in a top surface of the stopper head to an outlet port formed in a bottom surface of the stopper head. A stopper guide has a proximal end coupled to the stopper head bottom surface and a distal end, the stopper guide distal end including a tail piece adapted to operatively engage the actuating arm of the pop-up assembly. A drain cleaning composition is supported below the stopper head bottom surface.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly for indicating the length of a sewer drain cleaning snake or flexible cable is described. The assembly provides a visual indication as to the length of cable that has been administered from, or retracted into, a sewer or drain cleaning device. The assembly is particularly adapted for use in hand held cleaning devices.

Abstract: Drain cleaning apparatus comprises a housing in which a drain cleaning cable is coiled and from which the cable is displaced for introducing an outer end of the cable into a drain to be cleaned. The housing is stationary and the cable is rotated about its axis relative to the housing by a drive motor coupled to an inner end of the cable. A manually operable cable feeding device can be coupled with the housing for feeding the cable outwardly and inwardly relative to the housing.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus includes a frame member, a rotatable cable storage drum, a drain cleaning cable, and a motor. The frame member is configured to rest on an associated surface. A wheel, or other friction reducing device, can connect to the frame member to facilitate moving the drain cleaning apparatus across the associated surface. The rotatable cable storage drum mounts to the frame member. The drum defines an axis. The drum includes axially spaced front and rear ends and a radial outer peripheral wall between the front and rear ends. The front end of the drum includes an opening. The drain cleaning cable is coiled in the drum about the axis. The cable includes an outer end portion extending through the opening. The motor includes an output shaft and a motor housing. The output shaft of the motor is operatively connected with the drum for rotating the drum relative to the frame.