Abstract: A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has drain piping, a stopper in the drain piping and a pivot rod for opening and closing the stopper, which tends not to clog because the pivot rod is not within a fluid flow path. In one embodiment the stopper has flow diverter plates that channel fluid flowing through the drain piping away from the pivot rod so that hair, waste and debris does not catch on and accumulate on the pivot rod. In another embodiment the stopper and the pivot rod are engaged through magnetic coupling, and the pivot rod does not protrude into the fluid flow path. The stopper is preferably variable in length for adjustment to fit different distances from the pivot rod to the top of the drain piping.

Abstract: A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has drain piping, a stopper in the drain piping, a pivot rod for opening and closing the stopper and tends not to clog because the pivot rod is not within a fluid flow path. In one embodiment the stopper has flow diverter plates that channel fluid flowing through the drain piping away from the pivot rod so that hair, waste and debris does not catch on and accumulate on the pivot rod. In another embodiment the stopper and the pivot rod are engaged through magnetic coupling, and the pivot rod does not protrude into the fluid flow path. The stopper is preferably variable in length for adjustment to fit different distances from the pivot rod to the top of the drain piping.

Abstract: A conventional bathroom sink has an overflow port and an overflow conduit. A conventional drain pipe for the conventional sink has overflow ports in fluid communication with the sink's overflow port. A vessel sink does not have an overflow port. A prior art drain pipe that does not have overflow ports has been used with vessel sinks. The present invention provides a new drain pipe with overflow ports for a conventional sink and means for covering and sealing the overflow ports in the new drain pipe so that the new drain pipe can also be used with a vessel sink that does not have an overflow port. Means for covering and sealing the overflow ports include an inner sleeve that fits inside the drain pipe, an outer sleeve that surrounds the drain pipe and grommets and hole plugs that that fit inside the overflow ports, where all of the means cover and seal the overflow ports so that the new drain pipe does not leak when used with a vessel sink that does not have an overflow port.

Abstract: A brace includes two or more spacers connected together using an interlocking mechanism, such as a press fit, an interference fit, a friction fit, a snap fastener, a projection-and-recess coupling system or a stud-and-tube coupling system, to provide a desired combined length. The brace may further include a U-shaped clip for attachment to a toilet tank or may use a plate with an adhesive layer for attachment to an object. The brace may also include a threaded stud and a nut coupled to a spacer for adjusting the combined length of the brace.

Abstract: A drain flange cover is provided for covering and hiding a drain flange in a sink or bathtub, which includes a drain cap and which may or may not include a longitudinal shaft and/or a strainer. The longitudinal shaft can be a perforated tube that serves as a strainer. Strainers can be cylindrical, regular-funnel shaped and inverted-funnel shaped. A drain stopper includes an open-close mechanism, a strainer and a drain flange cover. A drain stopper with a push-push mechanism can rest on a cross-member in a drain pipe, allowing easy removal to clean the strainer.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus, includes a handle and a clog-catching member detachably connected the handle. Airplane-like wings project radially from the clog-catching member. The wings provide an angled projection that catches and holds a clump of debris in a drain pipe for unclogging the drain. Clog-catching members or smooth extension members can be connected end to end for different lengths. Different end tools can be removably connected to a clog-catching member or to a smooth extension member to provide multifunctionality. A drain cleaning harpoon that is an integral unit or one that can be assembled and disassembled is also provided. The harpoon can be fitted on one end with a plurality of J hooks, fish hooks, arrowheads or retractable barbs for catching and holding a mass of debris in a drain pipe.

Abstract: A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has a drain stopper, a generally vertical control rod and a generally horizontal pivot rod. A connector device links the control rod to the pivot rod. The connector device has compressive-friction connectors that receive and hold the control rod and the pivot rod. The connector device preferably has a pair of opposing C-channels that define a hole therebetween, where the control rod is received through the hole and within an open C-shaped space in the C-channels, and preferably a two-prong fork, where the pivot rod is held in a compressive-friction fit between the prongs on the connector device. The drain stopper preferably has a dual-prong fork, and the pivot rod is received between the prongs on the drain stopper in a compressive-friction fit.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus includes a handle and a clog-catching member detachably connected to the handle. Wings, barbs or hooks project radially from the clog-catching member. The wings, barbs or hooks provide an angled projection that catches and holds a clump of debris in a drain pipe for pulling the clump out and unclogging the drain. Different end tools can be removably connected to a clog-catching member or to a smooth extension member to provide multifunctionality. The handle, clog-catching members, smooth extension members and tools can be connected together using a quick-connect connector, such as a snap fastener, a keyhole fastener or a side-release buckle, or a threaded connector. In addition to drain cleaning, the apparatus can be fitted with tools such as a magnet, grabber, light, camera and/or video for retrieval of objects and inspection of a space that is difficult to view directly.

Abstract: A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has drain piping, a stopper in the drain piping and a pivot rod for opening and closing the stopper, which tends not to clog because the pivot rod is not within a fluid flow path. In one embodiment the stopper has flow diverter plates that channel fluid flowing through the drain piping away from the pivot rod so that hair, waste and debris does not catch on and accumulate on the pivot rod. In another embodiment the stopper and the pivot rod are engaged through magnetic coupling, and the pivot rod does not protrude into the fluid flow path. The stopper is preferably variable in length for adjustment to fit different distances from the pivot rod to the top of the drain piping.

Abstract: A bathtub drain stopper includes an open-close mechanism having threaded upper and lower ends, a cap, a seal, and means for anchoring the open-close mechanism in a drain pipe, where the length can be adjusted and fixed with a lock nut. A threaded anchor is provided for tub shoe having a cross-bar with a threaded opening. An anchor having prongs is provided for a tub shoe having a cross-bar with no opening. A wheel-shaped anchor having an O-ring about its perimeter is provided for a drain that does not have a tub shoe.

Abstract: A push-type drain stopper is usable in a drain pipe that has a pivot rod port surrounded by a stub by sealing a rod that protrudes into the pipe through the stub. The stopper is pressed transversely into engagement with the rod, which is an anchor. The drain pipe has a drain flange that seals around a drain opening in a sink. If the flange becomes worn and unsightly or if one desires to change a color scheme for the sink, a cap that has a diameter greater than the drain flange hides the drain flange from sight. A retrofit kit includes the drain stopper, pivot balls sized to fit different pop-up drain assemblies, a rod that passes through the ball into the drain pipe, and a wing nut fixed to an end of the rod for tightening the rod against a stub cap.

Abstract: A brace includes two or more spacers connected together using an interlocking mechanism, such as a press fit, an interference fit, a friction fit, a snap fastener, a projection-and-recess coupling system or a stud-and-tube coupling system, to provide a desired combined length. The brace may further include a U-shaped clip for attachment to a toilet tank or may use a plate with an adhesive layer for attachment to an object. The brace may also include a threaded stud and a nut coupled to a spacer for adjusting the combined length of the brace.

Abstract: A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has drain piping, a stopper in the drain piping, a pivot rod for opening and closing the stopper and tends not to clog because the pivot rod is not within a fluid flow path. In one embodiment the stopper has flow diverter plates that channel fluid flowing through the drain piping away from the pivot rod so that hair, waste and debris does not catch on and accumulate on the pivot rod. In another embodiment the stopper and the pivot rod are engaged through magnetic coupling, and the pivot rod does not protrude into the fluid flow path. The stopper is preferably variable in length for adjustment to fit different distances from the pivot rod to the top of the drain piping.

Abstract: A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has drain piping, a stopper in the drain piping, a pivot rod for opening and closing the stopper and tends not to clog because the pivot rod is not within a fluid flow path. In one embodiment the stopper has flow diverter plates that channel fluid flowing through the drain piping away from the pivot rod so that hair, waste and debris does not catch on and accumulate on the pivot rod. In another embodiment the stopper and the pivot rod are engaged through magnetic coupling, and the pivot rod does not protrude into the fluid flow path. The stopper is preferably variable in length for adjustment to fit different distances from the pivot rod to the top of the drain piping.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus, includes a handle and a clog-catching member detachably connected the handle. Airplane-like wings project radially from the clog-catching member. The wings provide an angled projection that catches and holds a clump of debris in a drain pipe for unclogging the drain. Clog-catching members or smooth extension members can be connected end to end for different lengths. Different end tools can be removably connected to a clog catching member or to a smooth extension member to provide multifunctionality. A drain cleaning harpoon that is an integral unit or one that can be assembled and disassembled is also provided. The harpoon can be fitted on one end with a plurality of J hooks, fish hooks, arrowheads or retractable barbs for catching and holding a mass of debris in a drain pipe.

Abstract: A disclosed method of downhole tool system development comprises: receiving specifications of a downhole tool system that comprises multiple strings, each string having one or more components; and checking for interference between the multiple strings in an initial position. A disclosed system comprises: a memory that stores software; and a processor coupled to the memory to execute the software. The software causes the processor to provide a graphical user interface that enables a user to specify a downhole tool system having multiple strings, and to test the strings for diametrical overlap attributable to relative motion of the strings.

Abstract: A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has drain piping, a stopper in the drain piping, a pivot rod for opening and closing the stopper and tends not to clog because the pivot rod is not within a fluid flow path. In one embodiment the stopper has flow diverter plates that channel fluid flowing through the drain piping away from the pivot rod so that hair, waste and debris does not catch on and accumulate on the pivot rod. In another embodiment the stopper and the pivot rod are engaged through magnetic coupling, and the pivot rod does not protrude into the fluid flow path. The stopper is preferably variable in length for adjustment to fit different distances from the pivot rod to the top of the drain piping.

Abstract: Methods of expanding well tools, which permit operation of the well tools after expansion, are provided. In a described example, a cementing tool includes a valve and a packer. After the cementing tool is expanded, the valve is selectively opened and closed, and the packer is sealingly engaged in a wellbore.

Abstract: Methods of expanding well tools, which permit operation of the well tools after expansion, are provided. In a described example, a cementing tool includes a valve and a packer. After the cementing tool is expanded, the valve is selectively opened and closed, and the packer is sealingly engaged in a wellbore.

Abstract: Methods of expanding well tools, which permit operation of the well tools after expansion, are provided. In a described example, a cementing tool includes a valve and a packer. After the cementing tool is expanded, the valve is selectively opened and closed, and the packer is sealingly engaged in a wellbore.