Abstract: An automated system for a jetter system, a method for automatically filling a sewer access system with antifreeze liquid, and a method for automatically recapturing antifreeze within a sewer access system are provided. The automated system may include: a control system configured to provide a normal operational mode, an auto antifreeze mode, and an auto recapture mode; a pump; first and second tanks, and conduits that connect these components. The system automatically fills the conduits with antifreeze liquid from the second tank and then can automatically purge the conduits of antifreeze liquid and return the antifreeze liquid to the second tank for later use in again filing the conduits with antifreeze liquid.

Abstract: An automated system for a jetter system, a method for automatically filling a sewer access system with antifreeze liquid, and a method for automatically recapturing antifreeze within a sewer access system are provided. The automated system may include: a control system configured to provide a normal operational mode, an auto antifreeze mode, and an auto recapture mode; a pump; first and second tanks, and conduits that connect these components. The system automatically fills the conduits with antifreeze liquid from the second tank and then can automatically purge the conduits of antifreeze liquid and return the antifreeze liquid to the second tank for later use in again filing the conduits with antifreeze liquid.

Abstract: An automated system for a jetter system, a method for automatically filling a sewer access system with antifreeze liquid, and a method for automatically recapturing antifreeze within a sewer access system are provided. The automated system may include: a control system configured to provide a normal operational mode, an auto antifreeze mode, and an auto recapture mode; a pump; first and second tanks, and conduits that connect these components. The system automatically fills the conduits with antifreeze liquid from the second tank and then can automatically purge the conduits of antifreeze liquid and return the antifreeze liquid to the second tank for later use in again filing the conduits with antifreeze liquid.

Abstract: An automated system for a jetter system, a method for automatically filling a sewer access system with antifreeze liquid, and a method for automatically recapturing antifreeze within a sewer access system are provided. The automated system may include: a control system configured to provide a normal operational mode, an auto antifreeze mode, and an auto recapture mode; a pump; first and second tanks, and conduits that connect these components. The system automatically fills the conduits with antifreeze liquid from the second tank and then can automatically purge the conduits of antifreeze liquid and return the antifreeze liquid to the second tank for later use in again filing the conduits with antifreeze liquid.

Abstract: A system for calculating and displaying a length of payout of an elongate member upon a reel is provided. The system includes a rotatable reel wherein rotation causes the member to be either paid out from or withdrawn toward the reel. A motor is provided and is configured to selectively transmit torque to the reel to urge rotation of the reel. A transmission is in operative connection between the motor and reel, the transmission is configured to transfer torque from the motor to the reel. A sensor is operatively engaged with the reel, the sensor being configured to sense movement of the reel and generate a signal representative of the sensed movement of the reel. A controller that is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, and calibrated to determine a length of hose that is paid out from the reel based upon the signal.

Abstract: A coupler for rigidly connecting two cables in series in series is provided. The coupler includes a first component that includes a receiving volume that extends from a first end face of the first coupler. The receiving volume extends through a side surface of a body of the first component through an aperture. A second component is slidably engagable with the first coupler. The second component includes a finger that extends within the receiving volume, the finger includes a second portion that extends through the aperture. The second component can engage the first component with in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first component as well as in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first component.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual directional power feed for use with handheld drills or stationary frame mounted power sources. The device comprises a housing, two pairs of wheel bearings rotatably mounted to the housing, a cap rotatably mounted to the housing, and a biasing bearing rotatably mounted to the cap. The cap is rotatable to a first position such that rotation of the threaded cable in a first direction causes the threaded cable to translate along its longitudinal axis in a first direction. The cap is further rotatable to a second position such that rotation of the threaded cable in the first direction causes the threaded cable to translate along its longitudinal axis in a second direction, opposite the first direction. Further, the present invention discloses a bearing and support assembly for coupling a power feed device to a power unit comprising a support plate and a bearing.

Abstract: A mechanism for advancing a rotating cylindrical member, which mechanism includes a frame having an opening with a first axis to accept a cylindrical member extending therethrough in a first line, an advancing roller for engagement with a cylindrical member extending through the frame opening, first structure for mounting the advancing roller for movement relative to the frame with the first structure including a mounting block on the frame having a passage and a carrier for the advancing roller that is movable guidingly in the mounting block passage in a path in first and second opposite directions, and sealing structure cooperating between the carrier and the mounting block for blocking migration of foreign matter into the mounting block passage.

Abstract: A conduit cleaner having a power unit that at least one of a) drives a cutter for foreign matter and b) discharges a working fluid under pressure to impinge upon a conduit within which the cleaner resides. First and second skids are removably and separately connected to the power unit so that c) the first and second skids can be separated, each from the other and the power unit and d) with the first and second skids in an operative position on the power unit, the first and second skids cooperatively guide movement of the power unit within a conduit.

Abstract: A fluid pump having a casing defining a fluid inlet a fluid outlet and first and second cylinders, a first piston mounted to the casing for movement in first and second directions with the first piston causing fluid in the inlet to be drawn into the first cylinder as the first piston moves in the first direction and causing fluid in the first cylinder to be discharged from the first cylinder towards the outlet and the second cylinder as the first piston moves in the second direction, a second piston mounted to the casing for movement in third and fourth directions with the second piston being movable in a third direction without drawing significant amounts of fluid from the inlet into the second cylinder and causing fluid in the second cylinder to be discharged from the second cylinder towards the outlet as the second piston moves in the fourth direction, and structure for driving the first piston reciprocatively in the first and second directions and the second piston reciprocatively in the third and fourth

Abstract: A blade assembly for attachment to a shaft that is rotatable about an axis on a conduit cleaner. The blade assembly has a hub defining an axis to be coaxial with the rotational axis of a shaft to which the blade is mounted. A cutting blade is attached to the hub so that the cutting blade does not project through the hub axis.

Abstract: A power unit for a conduit cleaner. The conduit cleaner has a motor with a housing carrying a shaft that is rotatable about an axis. The motor operates in response to the introduction of a pressurized fluid. The housing has inlets for admitting pressurized fluid and an outlet to permit the discharge thereof. A nozzle is connected to the housing and is configured to direct fluid from a pressurized supply to the housing inlet and direct fluid discharged from the outlet out of the power unit. The nozzle has a substantially cylindrical outer surface. In one form, the nozzle does not project beyond the cylindrical outer surface. Accordingly, a compact unit can be made according to the present invention. The absence of radially projecting structure also avoids protrusions that may intercept roots or other foreign matter within a conduit and thereby interrupt free movement of the conduit cleaner through a conduit.

Abstract: The combination of a fluid operated cleaner, to be directed into a conduit to remove obstructions in a passageway defined by the conduit, and a manipulator. The conduit cleaner has a frame which has a connector for a fluid supply conduit. The manipulator is connected to the conduit so that the manipulator and fluid supply conduit can be used together to reposition the conduit cleaner at a location remote therefrom. Between the manipulator and the fluid supply line, the user is given substantial flexibility in reorienting the conduit cleaner to allow it to be introduced to the entryway of a remotely located conduit.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus has a cylindrical drum containing a supply of flexible line suitable for cleaning a drain. A frame is provided for rotatably supporting the drum and, in addition, the frame mounts a motor for rotating the drum relative to the frame and a control unit for selectively advancing cable from the drum and causing the cable to move back into the drum as the drum and cable length are rotated in use. The apparatus includes a wheeled cart which can be connected to at least one of the frame and drum for releasably operatively connecting the cart and the one of the frame and drum to allow the cart to be used to transport the drum and frame as a unit. Alternatively, the cart is adapted to be releasably connected to the drum to allow the drum to be transported by the cart without the frame.

Abstract: A mechanism for advancing a rotating cylindrical member which has a frame and opening to accept a cylindrical member extending therethrough in a first line, and an advancing roller for engagement with a cylindrical member extending through the frame opening. The advancing roller is mounted to the frame for rotation about a first axis that is transverse to the first line to thereby cause a rotating cylindrical member in the frame opening that encounters the advancing roller to be advanced along the first line substantially parallel to the frame opening axis. The advancing roller is preferably carried by a mounting block which is mounted to the frame movably between first and second positions. By moving the mounting block between its first and second position, the advancing roller is moved towards and away from the frame opening axis to thereby vary the distance of the advancing roller from the frame opening axis to accommodate different diameters of cylindrical members to be advanced by the mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for routing a passageway in a conduit includes an elongate cable for direction into a conduit passageway. A cable supply drum contains a supply of the cable and is rotatable about an axis, there being a length of the cable projecting to outwardly of the drum. A motor selectively imparts rotation to the drum about the axis. The cable and drum are configured such that the projecting length of cable rotates about its length as an incident of the drum being rotated about its axis. A brake is provided for stopping rotation of the drum and thereby rotation of the projecting length of cable so as to prevent torquing of the projecting length of cable as when the projecting length of cable is prevented by freely rotating by an obstruction encountered in a conduit passageway.

Abstract: A rotary drain and sewer cleaning apparatus includes a flexible elongate cable insertable into a line. An end of the elongate cable is attached in a drum and a portion of the elongate cable is wound in the drum. A motor rotates the drum. A power supply and switch selectively provide current to the motor causing the motor to rotate. A circuit includes a sensor for measuring a motor drive torque as the drum rotates and generating a torque signal representing motor drive torque level. An indicator is controlled by the torque signal and indicates the torque level.

Abstract: A valve unit for producing pulsed delivery of a fluid from a supply to a point of use.