Abstract: A drain cleaning machine 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 and out of the drum, and the frame supports a snake feeding device through which the snake extends and by which the snake is displaced into and out of the drum. The frame is wheeled to facilitate transportation of the machine from one location to another. The drum, drum shaft and bearing are constructed as a unit removably mounted on the frame. The drive motor is pivotally mounted on the frame and spring biased to tension the drive belt and to facilitate separation of the drive belt from the drum to facilitae removal of the drum unit from the frame.

Abstract: A nipple chuck for holding a pipe nipple blank in a power driven threading machine is comprised of three arcuate sleeve segments engaged between the jaws of the threading machine chuck. The segments are internally threaded at the front ends thereof and are pivotally supported adjacent the rear ends thereof such that the internally threaded front ends are manually pivotal radially of the nipple chuck axis. In use, the segments are closed about the threaded end of the nipple blank which is then securely grasped by radial engagement of the machine chuck jaws with the segments. Following threading of the unthreaded end of the nipple blank, the nipple chuck is removed from the machine chuck jaws, and the segments are manually pivoted to an open position to release the nipple.

Abstract: A tube flaring tool flare bar assembly is disclosed comprising a pair of elongate parallel flare bars having opposite ends and laterally opposed inner sides provided with cooperable tube supporting recesses. The flare bars are laterally pivotal relative to one another about an axis at a common one of the opposite ends, and resilient retaining spring arrangements interengage the flare bars at the one end for pivotal movement of the flare bars about the axis. The flare bar assembly is adapted to be clampingly supported in a yoke component provided with a displaceable flaring cone by which the end of a tube engaged between the flare bars is flared.

Abstract: A cable connector for flexible sewer cleaning rods includes a male coupling member and a female coupling member, engageable by transverse sliding. A locking pin extends through a transverse bore in the female coupling member and through a transverse slot in the head of the male coupling member. The pin is rotatable and includes a cut-out on one lateral side thereof, the cut-out being sized to permit the male member to slide out of the slot when the cut-out is rotated toward the male member.

Abstract: Hand-held and hand-operated cutting tool particularly well suited for cleanly and quickly cutting plastic pipe or tubing, rubber hose, or the like. The tool has a blade rotatable in increments or steps from a retracted position in which it is enclosed within a housing to a cutoff position in which it cooperates with a stationary anvil so as to sever the article to be cut. A ratchet drive interconnects a movable handle and the blade so as to incrementally drive the blade toward its cutoff position upon manipulation of the handle. A pawl prevents opening of the blade caused by the springiness of the article being cut upon being engaged by the blade. Upon severing of the article, the blade may be readily returned to its retracted position by, for example, releasing a thumb operated locking pawl.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning machine includes a rotatable drum containing a coiled cable, a motor for rotating the drum, a balanced double cable guide rotatable with respect to the drum, a forward cable guide support which is pivotally mounted for tilting the drum forward to drain or remove the drum, an auxiliary handle for lifting the drum, and easily removed shrouding for the drum and motor. The drum is formed of sheet metal and includes a rearwardly extending annular wall which is driven by a roller coaxially attached to the motor shaft by an adjustable clutch. The clutch can be infinitely adjusted from total slip to total lock, and the motor stall torque is chosen to be less than the torque required to break the cable. A handle is bent to provide balance for the machine when it is moved and to support the machine when it is turned on its back.

Abstract: Drain cleaning apparatus utilizing a flexible snake which is inserted into a drain pipe and rotated so as to cut through a blockage or obstruction in the drain pipe. The apparatus includes a manually actuated chuck operable while the apparatus is in operation, for holding the snake relative to the apparatus thus enabling the operator to feed the snake forceably into the drain pipe and into cutting engagement with the obstruction, and auxiliary means operable to lock the snake securely with respect to the apparatus so as to permit the torque of the apparatus' drive motor to be applied to the snake.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the bending and forming of plastic pipe or other devices is provided which includes an elastomer boot capable of expansion and contracting between a first diameter and a second diameter. The first diameter boot size permits boot insertion into the plastic pipe. The boot preferably is a tubular structure having a closed first end. An adapter is mounted along the second end of the boot, which seals the boot to fluid flow, except through the adapter. The adapter has an axial opening extending through it, which preferably is used to attach a coaxial conduit means to the boot. After insertion in the pipe, the boot is expanded to its second diameter size, that size conforming to the internal diameter of the pipe. Means for heating the pipe to bending or forming temperature through the boot also is provided. After reaching bending temperature, the pipe is bent to the desired shape. Thereafter, the pipe is cooled by circulating fluid through the boot by way of the conduit means.