Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus is described that uses a FlexShaft type drain cleaning cable. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a drum housing, a rotatable cable carrier mounted within an interior of the drum housing and a transmission assembly for transferring rotary power to an end of a FlexShaft cable residing in the interior of the drum housing. Also described are systems using these apparatuses in combination with a rotary power source such as a drill. In addition, various methods of use are described.

Abstract: A multi-purpose hand tool system is described. The tool system includes a handle and one or more inserts that are releasably engaged with the handle. The tool system is useful for a variety of applications including use with basin and faucet hardware.

Abstract: Various decoupler tools are described for disengaging drain cleaning equipment couplings. Such couplings typically include a component secured at an end of a drain cleaning cable and a cutter or other accessory used in a drain cleaning operation. The decoupler tools include one or more pins which are used to retract a spring-actuated plunger in one of the coupling components.

Abstract: Wheeled transport carts are described which are configured for transporting drain cleaning equipment such as drain cleaning machines and drain cleaning cable. The carts include engagement provisions that enable a drain cleaning machine to be affixed to the cart and preclude unintended separation from the cart during use or transport. The engagement provisions also enable the drain cleaning machine to be quickly and easily separated from the cart. Also described are methods of transporting such equipment using the carts. In addition, systems of the cart(s) with various equipment are described.

Abstract: Motor dampening provisions are described. Incorporation and use of the motor dampener(s) in a rotary type drain cleaning machine enables elimination of a clutch in the machine. Also described are clutch-free drive systems using the motor dampener(s). Also described are torque countering members that are used in conjunction with the motor dampener(s).

Abstract: Self leveling camera heads are described. The camera heads can be used in a range of applications including drain inspection systems. The camera heads include inductive and capacitive coupling to transfer signals from and electrical power to an image sensor assembly in the camera head. Also described are drain inspection systems using the camera heads.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic tool including a working unit, a driving unit, a connection unit, and a switching device. The working unit is adapted to operate a workpiece. The driving unit is configured to drive the working unit and comprises a housing and a movable part provided in the housing and movable between an initial position and an end position. The connection unit connects the working unit and the driving unit. The switching device can rotate between a first position and a second position. When the switching device is in the first position, the movable part of the driving unit has a first stroke from the initial position to the end position; when the switching device is in the second position, the movable part of the driving unit has a second stroke smaller than the first stroke.

Abstract: Electrically powered crimp tools are described. Also described are methods of operating the tools and methods of crimping. The tools include a housing, an electric motor, a roller screw assembly, and a jaw assembly. In particular versions of the tools the jaw assembly includes a cam linkage member that is manually displaced by a user to more easily open the jaws after performing a crimp.

Abstract: A mechanism for securing multiple apparatus to a drain cleaning machine is described. The mechanism includes a bracket arranged on a frame of the drain cleaning machine. The bracket allows a drum and a feed mechanism to be removably secured to the frame. The bracket includes a base and pivotable latch. A drum bearing from the drum can be secured between the base and the latch when the latch is in a closed position. Mounting pins from the feed mechanism can be inserted into two bores in the bracket, and secured therein by plunger pins. One plunger pin is manually operated, to selectively lock the latch in the closed position, and to selectively secure one of the mounting pins in one of the bores. Another plunger pin is operated by pivoting of the latch, and functions to selectively secure the other mounting pin in the other bore.

Abstract: A drain cleaning system is described that includes a drain cleaning device with a flexible drain cleaning cable, and two or more sections of guide hoses that can be attached to one another and/or to the device. Also described are systems that include provisions for advancing or retracting the drain cleaning cable and which can also be coupled to one or more of the guide hoses.

Abstract: A punch tool for forming holes or apertures in workpieces. The tool includes a primary cylinder containing a movable ram and a secondary cylinder containing another movable ram. The primary and secondary cylinders are in hydraulic communication with each other. The primary cylinder is releasably engageable with a powered press tool and various dies or punches can be attached at the secondary cylinder. Systems of powered tools and the punch tools, and methods of forming holes in workpieces using the punch tools.

Abstract: Electrically powered crimp tools are described. Also described are methods of operating the tools and methods of crimping. The tools include a housing, an electric motor, a roller screw assembly, and a jaw assembly. In particular versions of the tools the jaw assembly includes a cam linkage member that is manually displaced by a user to more easily open the jaws after performing a crimp.

Abstract: A clear or generally transparent cover or enclosure for plumbing tools is described. The clear cover enables viewing of interior regions of the plumbing tools. In particular versions, the covers are used with drum type drain cleaning devices and enable visual inspection of the drum and/or a flexible drain cleaning cable associated with the device.

Abstract: Drain cleaning tools are described. The tools typically include a hollow drum for housing a drain cleaning cable, an elongated cable guide, a locking nut engageable with the cable guide for selectively engaging the cable, and a rotatable handle on the cable guide. A particular configuration is used at an open end of the cable guide to facilitate engagement, i.e., selective locking and unlocking, of the cable. One or more flexible members are provided in the cable guide for rotatably retaining the handle about the cable guide.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for governing and monitoring operations of tools. The systems include a registration and control computer, one or more mobile devices, and one or more tools. The tools include electronic locking provisions which upon activation selectively enable tool operation.

Abstract: A locking system is described that is intuitive to use and provides a high degree of security. The locking system is a multipoint locking system and includes a plurality of components that provide engagement between components. Also described are cabinets and enclosures using the locking system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.