Abstract: An aircraft drain/fill fitting includes a housing adapted for being fitted into an opening between an aircraft interior and an aircraft exterior. The housing has an interior housing segment fluidly coaxially communicating with an exterior housing segment to define a liquid flow path therethrough, and a heater for applying heat to the interior housing segment. A hollow insert element is positioned in the interior housing segment in heat transfer contact with an inner wall of the interior housing segment. An elongate heat transfer probe is positioned in heat transfer contact with the hollow insert element and extends into the exterior housing segment to reduce the incidence of freezing of liquid in the exterior housing segment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thawing frozen lines. Water is heated and supplied under pressure to the inside of a frozen line such as a frozen plastic or metal pipe. In one non-limiting embodiment the invention comprises an air compressor, a plurality of tanks, a water heater element located in one tank, and a reel of flexible tubing. In a preferred embodiment the complete kit is mounted on a carrying device, which can be maneuvered manually through standard size doorways. In one embodiment a water delivery nozzle made of heat conducting metal is fitted to one end of the tubing. The compressor can be an electrically powered air compressor thus allowing the invention to be used inside buildings. In another embodiment deicing agent is directed into a frozen pipe in controlled pulses to further aid thawing of frozen lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winterizing a plumbing system, the apparatus including a fluid reservoir, an air manifold, and a house inlet line. The house inlet line is coupled to the fluid outlet of the reservoir and the outlet of the air supply. The apparatus includes an air flow valve, a fluid valve and a reservoir air inlet valve. The house inlet line is adapted to provide antifreeze, air, or both to the plumbing system depending on the arrangement of the valves. The method includes blowing the fluid from the hot water lines, introducing antifreeze to the hot water lines, pushing antifreeze through the hot water lines, blowing the fluid from the cold water lines, introducing antifreeze to the cold water lines, and pushing antifreeze through the cold water lines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thawing frozen lines. Water is heated and supplied under pressure to the inside of a frozen line such as a frozen plastic or metal pipe. In one non-limiting embodiment the invention comprises an air compressor, a plurality of tanks, a water heater element located in one tank, and a reel of flexible tubing. In a preferred embodiment the complete kit is mounted on a carrying device, which can be maneuvered manually through standard size doorways. In one embodiment a water delivery nozzle made of heat conducting metal is fitted to one end of the tubing. The compressor can be an electrically powered air compressor thus allowing the invention to be used inside buildings. In another embodiment deicing agent is directed into a frozen pipe in controlled pulses to further aid thawing of frozen lines.

Abstract: The subject invention provides devices and methods for heating pipes, tubing or similar equipment. More specifically, the subject invention pertains to devices and methods for heating pipes, tubing or similar equipment to melt-out blockages, such as for example, bitumen blockages.

Abstract: A micro heater assembly (10) is provided with a micro heater (12) on the distal end (14) of an elongated support wire (16). Micro heater (12) is insertable into a normally water-carrying aperture (141) of an accessible pipe portion (68) under a valved outlet/water collecting appliance such as a sink (40) to reach a frozen section (202) of the branch line pipe (70) upstream of pipe portion (68) whereat to easily and reliably thaw pipe (70) from within safely and cost-effectively.

Abstract: A pipe heating device for conveniently thawing out pipelines. The pipe heating device includes a scissor-like member including a first elongate member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, and also including a second elongate member having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion which is hingedly attached to the intermediate portion of the first elongate member; and also includes a first semi-cylindrical member having ends, side edges and being securely attached to the first end of the first elongate member; and further includes a second semi-cylindrical member having ends, side edges and being securely attached to the first end of the second elongate member with each of the side edges of the second semi-cylindrical member being in contactable relationship with a respective one of the side edges of the first semi-cylindrical member; and also includes a heating assembly for heating the first and second semi-cylindrical members.

Abstract: A thawing tube guide is prepositioned at the opening of a culvert to facilitate maintenance personnel in passing a culvert thawing tube with a power head into a culvert opening which is covered by ice, snow or an ice slurry. The culvert thawing tube guide includes a guide pipe having a discharge end positioned within the culvert and an inlet end positioned in at an easily accessible location. A cap and a reflective material are attached to the inlet end to prevent the accumulation of debris within the tube and to aid in detecting its location respectively.

Abstract: A micro heater assembly (10) is provided with a micro heater (12) on the distal end (14) of an elongated support wire (16). Micro heater (12) is insertable into a frozen pipe (60) to reach the frozen area (100) of the pipe (60) whereat to thaw pipe (60) from within safely and cost-effectively.

Abstract: A water purging system is disclosed. The system includes a primary water line having a first end with threads for the receipt of a faucet constituting a source of water and a second end with threads for coupling to a supplemental water line adapted to be purged of water after usage. An air tank is provided for the receipt of compressed air and for expelling the compressed air into the primary line and supplemental line after use of the system. The secondary line has a first end coupled with the air tank and a second end coupled to a central extent of the primary line. The secondary line also has a one-way check valve therein for the flow of air from the air tank to the primary and supplemental lines. Further included is a turbine having a first end operatively coupled to the air tank and having a second end operatively coupled to the primary line.

Abstract: A hose for capturing and redirecting exhaust gasses of a motor vehicle for heating purposes. The hose is pliant and heat resistant. Apparatus for removably connecting to exhaust pipes of different diameters is provided at one end of the hose. This apparatus includes a manual, self-tightening clamp. A nozzle and handle are provided at the other end of the hose. Optionally, the hose has an extension removably insertable into the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for thawing frozen pipes or for cleaning pipes, for use with a source of warm thawing water or cleaning water, a source of compressed air, and a flexible tube suitable for being inserted into the end of a pipe through guide means to feed the water into the pipe while the tube is being advanced into the pipe. The apparatus comprises a valved water conduit having an inlet for connection to the source of water and an outlet for connection to the flexible tube, this conduit having a movable valve. A compressed air powered drive, usually a rotator, connectable to said source of compressed air, is arranged to move the valve in such manner as to continually interrupt the flow of water in the conduit and so to produce a pulsating flow of water in the tube for thawing ice in the frozen pipe or cleaning the pipe. The rotator for the valve may be a compressed air driven ratchet drive. A valve may also be provided for injecting air into the pipe to clear out ice or dirt.

Abstract: A pneumatic liquid injector de-icing system designed for use on air brake lines of a train includes an alcohol storage tank provided with fittings for engagement between the train air supply lines and the train brake lines. The storage tank may be provided with a pressure gauge for monitoring pressure in the system. In use, when operating in cold conditions where brake line freezing is encountered, alcohol is introduced into the brake lines. The alcohol absorbs moisture and thaws ice in the brake lines so as to prevent ice-up. In an alternative embodiment, one line of the storage tank is terminated by a plunger so it may be used to unclog toilets. In yet another alternative embodiment, one line of the storage tank is adapted to be connected to an RV so the latter may be winterized.

Abstract: A pipe thawing apparatus has a heat exchanger for heating water. An electric water pump has an outlet coupled to an inlet of the heat exchanger. A flexible feed tube is coupled to an outlet of the heat exchanger. The electric water pump has an electric motor that is coupled to a source of electric power through a cyclical power interrupting device. The cyclical power interrupting device cyclically connects and disconnects the electric motor of the pump to the source of electric power cyclically turning the electric motor on and off. The water pump thus supplies a pulsating stream of water to the heat exchanger which in turn feeds a pulsating stream of heated water into the flexible feed tube. The flexible feed tube is advanced in the pipe to be thawed so that a pulsating stream of heated water is directed into the pipe, preferably against the ice to be melted. A return line is coupled between the pipe and an inlet of the water pump so that the water used by the apparatus is continuously recirculated.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a length of pipe and/or sleeve mounted thereon includes a main frame defined by a pair of posts for mounting on the pipe on each side of the area to be heated and a guide bar extending between the top ends of the posts parallel to the pipe; a screw extending between the posts above the pipe in the use position; a carriage mounted on the screw for movement longitudinally of the pipe when the screw is rotated; a bifurcated heater carrier frame, the arms of which are pivotally connected to the carriage for rotation between an open position and a closed position in which the heaters surround the pipe and any sleeve mounted thereon, whereby, with the heaters in operation, the carriage and consequently the heaters can be moved along the pipe to heat the latter uniformly.

Abstract: Apparatus for clearing frozen water lines or conduits includes a wheel mounted cart or main frame supporting a holding tank or reservoir open to the atmosphere along with means for heating the holding tank. A vertical standpipe has a top end portion open to the atmosphere and a bottom end portion which can be attached to, and longitudinally aligned with, an open end portion of an ice blocked conduit to be cleared. A first hollow return line is open from a part of the standpipe vertically above the holding tank and into the holding tank. A second hollow return line is open from a portion of the standpipe above the first return line and below the open top of the standpipe, and it, too, opens into the holding tank. An inner end of a length of flexible tubing is extended down through the standpipe and into the conduit to be adjacent to the ice to be cleared. A pump is open to the bottom of the holding tank and to an outer end of the flexible tubing.

Abstract: Method for clearing a road culvert or the like which is choked with ice, wherein a substantially homogeneous rope of a material having at least a certain reversible extensibility is extended through the culvert from its inlet side to its outlet side and wherein the rope in its unloaded condition is clamped in connection with the outlet side and the inlet side respectively of the culvert so that the rope extends through the culvert.

Abstract: Apparatus for thawing a pipe having a frozen blockage therein, the apparatus including a self-contained unit on wheels, the unit including a tank for holding water, an electric immersion heater in the tank for heating the water to a temperature of 100.degree.-150.degree. F., a pump supported on the unit, a foot switch connected to the pump, a pressure control connected to the pump, a reel of flexilbe polyurethane hose and a reel of return hose mounted on respective sides of the tank, and a conical coupling for connecting to one end of the frozen pipe, the coupling including a compression fitting for engaging around the flexible hose, and a T-shaped return fitting for connecting to the return hose.

Abstract: A gate valve, mounted in a drain pipe connected to a downstream exposed end of a part of a plumbing system subject to occasional freezing, is controlled to open and close by opposed pressures of a spring and a temperature controlled pressure of a refrigerant fluid in an expansible and contractable bellows, the respective pressures being equalized at 33 degrees F. with gate valve closed, the pressure differentials therebetween resulting from temperature changes progressively opening and closing valve at temperatures below 33 degrees F. and closing it and keeping it closed at 33 degrees F. and above, and thereby preventing the plumbing from freezing, by allowing water to flow therethrough at and below freezing.

Abstract: Apparatus for unthawing frozen water pipe including a feed tube which is advanced into the frozen pipe having a probing end formed by pliant fingers forming a tip for the feed tube. The feed tube is directed into the pipe by a tube channeling length of hose means through which the feed tube passes loosely. A static pressure of water prevents leakage of water from the tube channeling length of hose means.

Abstract: Machine for thawing frozen pipes by forcing hot water from a heated reservoir through a flexible tube advanced into the pipe as the ice melts with means to return water and melt to the reservoir through a duct sealed to the end of the pipe.

Abstract: A portable, compartmented receptacle, having an air pressure compartment and a vacuum compartment. Pump means to create pressure in said air compartment and means to heat the air on said air compartment. Pump means to create a vacuum in said vacuum compartment. A fitting communicating the interior of a frozen pipe with the interiors of said air compartment and said vacuum compartment and valves in the lines of communication to control the air pressure and vacuum and means to drain said vacuum compartment.

Abstract: A telescoping hollow tube provides means for channeling warm human breath onto a frozen lock. The warm breath thaws the lock. When not in use, the tube telescopes to a small size for easy portability.