Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for selective generation of pulses at water jets of a jet nozzle terminating a high pressure cleaning hose of a sewer cleaning machine. A ball valve is connected as a pressure bleeder to the high pressure side of the sewer cleaning machine pump and hence, the cleaning hose, for relieving pressure from the hose when the valve is open. A motor is connected to operate a rotatable element of the ball valve to automatically cycle the valve and generate a series of high pressure pulses at the water jets to thereby generate a hammering action to assist in penetration of blockages in a sewer being cleaned. The amplitude of the pulses is controlled by a second valve connected to the ball valve and the pulses preferably are generated at a frequency of approximately 3 hertz. The motor may be activated and deactivated by a blockage sensor which detects engagements of the nozzle with blockages formed by concentrations of refuse and debris within a sewer being cleaned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for selective generation of pulses at water jets of a jet nozzle terminating a high pressure cleaning hose of a sewer cleaning machine. A ball valve is connected as a pressure bleeder to the high pressure side of the sewer cleaning machine pump and hence, the cleaning hose, for relieving pressure from the hose when the valve is open. A motor is connected to operate a rotatable element of the ball valve to automatically cycle the valve and generate a series of high pressure pulses at the water jets to thereby generate a hammering action to assist in penetration of blockages in a sewer being cleaned. The amplitude of the pulses is controlled by a second valve connected to the ball valve and the pulses preferably are generated at a frequency of approximately 3 hertz. The motor may be activated and deactivated by a blockage sensor which detects engagements of the nozzle with blockages formed by concentrations of refuse and debris within a sewer being cleaned.

Abstract: Protection apparatus in a mobile sewer cleaning machine having a compartment enclosing a reel and a hose wound thereon. The compartment has an opening through which the hose can be unwound into a sewer through a sewer opening, which leaves a portion of hose between the opening of the compartment and the sewer exposed. The reel and the hose are rotated by a motor to advance the hose through the sewer. The protection apparatus comprises a shield arrangement for enclosing the periphery of the exposed portion of the hose received through an opening therein and extending substantially the full length of the exposed portion of the hose toward the sewer opening. The shield arrangement is fastened to the cleaning machine so that the shield arrangement covers the opening in the compartment.

Abstract: A sewer rod turning machine safety device for machines which drive sewer cleaning rods. These machines are comprised of a motor driving a transmission which in turn drives a rod coupling drive shaft through a gear box. The motor transmission and gear box are all mounted on a wheeled cart. The rod turning machine has a shift lever attached to the transmission which will rotate the rods in forward or reverse direction. The shift lever has a center neutral position and the forward and reverse rotation positions are to either side of neutral. The safety device is comprised of a spring steel bendable rod engaging the shift lever which is designed to return the shift lever to center neutral position whenever it is released by an operator. A collar and bolt arrangement, securely fastening the safety bar to the gear box and the free end of the safety bar, has a loop wrapping around the shaft of the shift lever when securely mounted.

Abstract: A device for testing sewer pipes comprised of an elongated section of conduit having a nozzle on one end and a coupling on the other end for coupling hose to feed the device into a sewer pipe and fluid to the nozzle. Intermediate the ends of the elongated section of conduit are a plurality of the deformable skids adapted to maintain the elongated section of conduit coaxial with the pipe being tested. The deformable skids allow the device to easily pass through the pipe being tested and to identify any blockages, irregularities or deformities. The tool can be used to test the true integrity of any pipe.