Abstract: An article of manufacture for providing motorized drain cleaning and clearing is disclosed.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning machine includes a frame, a drum rotatably supported by the frame, and a motor supported by the frame and coupled to the drum. The drum includes a cable that is selectively extendable out of the drum. The motor is operable to rotate the drum. The drum is configured to engage a surface to facilitate moving the sewer cleaning machine along the surface.

Abstract: A drain cleaning device for removing debris from a drain is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the drain cleaning device includes a handle section; a rod section connected to the handle section, the rod section optionally including one or more ribs, the one or more ribs configured to add structural rigidity to the rod section, and the one or more ribs further configured to facilitate the cleaning of grime from a side of a drain pipe; and an optional tip section connected to the rod section, the tip section including a plurality of projections disposed thereon, the plurality of projections configured to grab and collect debris from the drain pipe.

Abstract: A drain cleaning device for removing debris from a drain is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the drain cleaning device includes a handle section, an elongated rod section having a first end and a second end oppositely disposed relative to the first end, the first end of the elongated rod section being connected to the handle section; and a tip section connected to the second end of the elongated rod section, the tip section including a central core portion and a plurality of protruding elements integrally formed with the central core portion, the plurality of protruding elements configured to grab and collect debris from the drain pipe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning an oil and gas well riser section or assembly. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning oil and gas well riser sections wherein a specially configured cap or pair of caps are fitted to the ends of the riser which enable pressure washing cleaning tools (or a camera) to be inserted into and through the riser cleaner fluid continuously recirculates so that relatively small volume of cleaning fluid (for example between about 700 and 1,000 gallons) is required. The cleaning process uses a volume of cleaning fluid that is discharged from the riser pipe at a relatively high temperature of about between 100 and 180° F. Such a high temperature cleaning fluid could possibly damage the pump that is used for supplying pressurized fluid to the cleaning tool.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine for moving a snake in a drain. The drain cleaning machine includes a rotating shell, a motor, radial drive mechanism, a translate mechanism, and a selection mechanism. The selection mechanism includes an actuating lever moveable between an activated position and a deactivated position, a selection plate moveable between a radial drive position and a translate position, and a push plate. The push plate is moveable in a first direction relative to the selection plate in response to the actuating lever moving to the activated position, and is moveable in a second direction relative to the selection plate in response to the actuating lever moving to the deactivated position. When the selection plate is in the radial drive position and the actuating lever is moved to the activated position, the push plate moves toward the selection plate to switch the radial drive mechanism to an engaged state.

Abstract: A drain cleaning device for removing debris from a drain is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the drain cleaning device includes a handle section; a rod section connected to the handle section, the rod section optionally including one or more ribs, the one or more ribs configured to add structural rigidity to the rod section, and the one or more ribs further configured to facilitate the cleaning of grime from a side of a drain pipe; and an optional tip section connected to the rod section, the tip section including a plurality of projections disposed thereon, the plurality of projections configured to grab and collect debris from the drain pipe.

Abstract: A drain cleaner assembly including a base unit having a housing, a first portion of a drive arrangement supported by the housing, and a motor coupled to the drive arrangement, where the motor is operable to selectively drive the drive arrangement. A drum unit is removably coupled to the base unit. The drum unit includes a rotatable drum, a cable stored within the drum and selectively extendable out of the drum and into a drain, and a second portion of the drive arrangement, where the second portion of the drive arrangement includes a driven shaft extending along an axis of rotation of the rotatable drum, where the driven shaft is rotatably fixed to the rotatable drum, and wherein the first portion of the drive arrangement is configured to drive the driven shaft and the rotatable drum when the drum unit is coupled to the base unit.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine includes a brushless direct current (DC) motor configured to rotate a snake about the snake axis. An electronic processor is configured to control power switching elements to drive the brushless DC motor. In a first operating range when a load experienced by the brushless DC motor is less than or equal to a predetermined load, the electronic processor is configured to control the power switching elements to drive the brushless DC motor at an approximately constant speed regardless of the load experienced by the brushless DC motor. In a second operating range when the load experienced by the brushless DC motor is greater than the predetermined load, the electronic processor is configured to control the power switching elements to drive the brushless DC motor at a decreasing speed as the load experienced by the brushless DC motor increases.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning machine includes a power base with a motor and a drive mechanism, and a drum removably coupled to the power base. The drum includes a cable that is selectively extendable out of the drum and is movable between a first position, in which the drum is supported by the power base and coupled to the drive mechanism, and a second position, in which the drum is separated from the power base.

Abstract: A tool called a spinner is interposed between a rotary driver and a flexible shaft that is being rotated and moved axially when a duct or chimney is being cleaned by a whip head at the end of the shaft. A tubular shape collar has a home position on the body of the spinner. Grasping and holding the collar at its home position, while the driver rotates, helps steady the driver as the body moves within the collar. To dampen oscillation of the shaft, the collar is moved lengthwise from the body, and along the shaft to a working position where it is held manually. The collar is retained on the body by frictional means. A user can overcome the retaining force and, without using a second tool, slide the collar off the body and along the shaft to the working position, while the spinner is rotating or stationary.

Abstract: Various clutch adjusting assemblies for incorporating in drain cleaning machines are described. The assemblies enable adjustment or setting of a clutch in a drain cleaning machine without the use of tools.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a duct comprises a rotating whip head, the filaments of which flail the interior of the duct as the head is moved lengthwise by a flexible shaft comprised of segments which are attached to each other by disengageable two-part couplings. Proximal and distal ends of a whip head, and the proximal ends of coupling parts are provided with rake features that provide inclined plane surfaces, enabling the rotating devices to avoid hanging up on steps and edges within the duct.

Abstract: Augers that utilize a drain cleaning cable which can be rotated and selectively extended or retracted from the auger are described. The augers utilize coupling assemblies that enable easy coupling or decoupling between the drain cleaning cable and a torque transmission shaft of the auger.

Abstract: A drum-type pipe cleaning device comprises a drum rotatable about a rotational axis and a cleaning cable allocated to the drum. A longitudinal section of the cleaning cable extends from the drum. The longitudinal section is rotatable about its longitudinal axis through a rotation of the drum. The drum-type pipe cleaning device further comprises a handle, which is configured to support the drum in a rotatable manner. Furthermore, the drum-type pipe cleaning device comprises a drive shaft for driving the drum and an attachment point allocated to the drive shaft for connecting the drive shaft to a drive unit for drive purposes. A freewheel clutch is provided, through which the drive shaft is or can be connected to the drum in an operative manner such that the freewheel clutch is engaged when the drive shaft is being driven and the freewheel clutch runs freely when the drum is being driven.

Abstract: A drain cleaner includes a drum assembly configured to store a cable and an actuator assembly movable relative to the drum assembly between a neutral position, where the cable is free to spin and translate out of the drum assembly, an autofeed position, where the cable is allowed to spin and is automatically driven out of the drum assembly, and an autofeed locked on position, where the actuator assembly is maintained in the autofeed position without continuous input from a user. The actuator assembly includes a handle supported by the drum assembly and an autofeed locking mechanism. The autofeed locking mechanism includes a drive lock and a lock release. The drive lock engages the handle to maintain the actuator assembly in the autofeed locked on position.

Abstract: A drain cleaner assembly including a base unit including a housing, a drive arrangement positioned within the housing, and a motor coupled to the drive arrangement and supported by the housing, the motor operable to selectively drive the drive arrangement, and a drum unit removably coupled to the base unit. The drum unit includes a drum that engages the drive arrangement when the drum unit is coupled to the base unit to rotate the drum, a cable stored within the drum and selectively extendable out of the drum and into a drain, and an outer casing at least partially surrounding the drum, wherein the drum is rotatable within the outer casing, wherein the drive arrangement includes a coupling arrangement between the motor and the drum, the drive arrangement extending through the outer casing.

Abstract: A plumbing snake assembly includes a drill has a handle, a motor housing, a chuck is positioned on the motor housing and a drive unit is positioned within the motor housing. The motor housing has a cable aperture extending therethrough. A plurality of flexible shafts is provided and the flexible shafts can be coupled together to form a plumbing snake for pushing through a drain pipe. Each of the flexible shafts is insertable through the cable aperture in the drill such that the drive unit engages and subsequently rotates the flexible shafts when the drive unit is turned on. A cleaning head is removably attachable to a respective one of the flexible shafts thereby facilitating the cleaning head to be positioned on a leading end of the plumbing snake defined by the flexible shafts. In this way the cleaning head engages and removes a blockage in the drain pipe.

Abstract: Pipe inspection systems including a push-cable, jetter, and camera assembly are disclosed. A jetter nozzle may be configured to spin and/or propel the camera head within a pipe or other cavity. A cutter line may be attached to the camera head to clean obstructions. A sonde may be coupled to a camera head to generate magnetic field signals for use with a buried utility locator to locate a pipe or other cavity into which the camera head is deployed.

Abstract: A closet auger includes an elongated casing member extending along an axis, a cable drum rotatably coupled to the elongated casing member, a drive coupling connected to the cable drum to rotate the cable drum about the axis, and a flexible cable having a first length stored within the cable drum and a second length extending through the casing member and out from the casing member. The closet auger also includes a feed assembly having a handle movable along the casing member and a plurality of gripping members carried by the handle. Each gripping member has a first end pivotally coupled to the handle and a second end biased radially outward from the handle. The plurality of gripping members is circumferentially spaced about the axis and operable to selectively engage the flexible cable to push the flexible cable into or pull the flexible cable out of the cable drum.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning machine includes a frame and a drum rotatably supported by the frame. The drum is positioned on a first side of the frame. The sewer cleaning machine also includes a first motor supported by the frame and coupled to the drum. The first motor is operable to rotate the drum. The sewer cleaning machine further includes a cable positioned at least partially within the drum. The cable is configured to be extended from and retracted into the drum. The sewer cleaning machine also includes a track positioned on a second side of the frame. The track includes a first endless belt configured to rotate about a first roller. The sewer cleaning machine further includes a second motor supported by the frame and coupled to the first roller. The second motor is operable to drive the track.

Abstract: A drain cleaning cable for use with a drain cleaner. The drain cleaning cable includes an inner core having a first end and a second end, and an outer wire concentrically surrounding the inner core, where the outer wire is helically wound in a first direction to form a plurality of consecutive coils, and where the outer wire has a first end and a second end. A first connector engages with the first end of the inner core and the first end of the outer wire, where the first connector is configured to attach the drain cleaning cable to a drain cleaning element. The second end of the inner core and the second end of the outer wire are received within the drain cleaner.

Abstract: A drill device for removing plugging in pipes, the drill device including: a drill bit for breaking plugging in pipes; a vertical control handle capable of controlling a vertical movement of the drill bit; a drill handle capable of controlling a rotational movement of the drill bit; a screw disposed coaxially with the drill bit; a drill shaft having a first portion surrounding the screw and a second portion to which the drill bit is fixed; and a guide shaft surrounding the first portion of the drill shaft. The vertical control handle and the drill handle are disposed on an extension line of the axis of the screw; the screw is vertically moved by rotations of the vertical control handle; and the guide shaft is rotated by rotations of the drill handle, and in conjunction therewith, the drill bit can be rotated.

Abstract: Various storage containers are described for retaining drain cleaning cables. Storage systems utilizing the containers with a cable guide assembly are further described. Also described are methods of using the containers and systems.

Abstract: A drain cleaner includes a shroud with a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end, a drum assembly positioned within the shroud and rotatable relative to the shroud, a flexible cable stored within the drum assembly, and a handle assembly coupled to and extending rearwardly from the shroud. The handle assembly includes a motor, a grip, and an actuator to selectively energize the motor. The actuator is enclosed between the grip and the shroud.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine for moving a snake in a drain includes a rotating shell, a motor to rotate the rotating shell, and a radial drive mechanism coupled for rotation with the rotating shell and including a plurality of collets. The radial drive mechanism is switchable between an engaged state in which the one or more collets move toward a snake axis to engage the snake, and a disengaged state. A translate mechanism is coupled for rotation with the rotating shell and includes a plurality of wheels. The translate mechanism is switchable between an engaged state in which the wheels move toward the snake axis to engage the snake, and a disengaged state. A selection mechanism is configured to switch the radial drive mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state and configured to switch the translate mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state.

Abstract: A cable recovery machine, comprising at least one traction module configured to hold and draw at least one cable, in particular of a cable laying plant; the traction module comprises a frame on which one or more traction wheels and one or more idle wheels are positioned; between the traction wheels and the idle wheels a space is defined for the passage and traction of the cable to be recovered; the idle wheels are provided with a support connected in a mobile manner to the frame of the traction module and provided with actuators configured to press the idle wheels against the cable that passes between them and the traction wheels, so that the space between the idle wheels and the traction wheels can be automatically adjusted on the basis of the external diameter (D1, D2) or thickness of the cable drawn.

Abstract: A cleaning hose conveying module is proposed for the simple and quick cleaning of flue gas tubes, with which the cleaning hose can be conveyed from a hose store into a hose guide. A hose cleaning means is formed by a rinsing and drying unit for a hose after its withdrawal from the flue gas tube.

Abstract: A drain cleaning device for removing debris from a drain is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the drain cleaning device includes a handle section; an elongated rod section connected to the handle section, the elongated rod section including one or more longitudinally extending ribs disposed along a length thereof, the one or more longitudinally extending ribs configured to add structural rigidity to the elongated rod section, and the one or more longitudinally extending ribs further configured to facilitate the cleaning of grime from a side of a drain pipe; and a tip section connected to the elongated rod section, the tip section including a plurality of hook elements disposed thereon, the plurality of hook elements configured to grab and collect debris from the drain pipe. In one embodiment, the plurality of hook elements comprise a plurality of injection-molded micro-hook elements.

Abstract: A toilet clean device has a long pipe, a joint pipe, and an adjustable elbow pipe. The long pipe is hollow and has a longitudinal cutting slot. The joint pipe is fluidly communicated with a bottom end of the long pipe. The adjustable elbow pipe is fluidly communicated with the joint pipe and the direction, the curvature, and the angle thereof may be adjusted freely. Therefore, the toilet clean device may adapt for any size of the pipeline of the toilet. The structure of the toilet clean device is not only simplified and easy to be assembled and disassembled, but also the toilet clean device is easy to be operated.

Abstract: A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison-type rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

Abstract: A system and a tool for clearing an obstructed pipe or drain is presented. The system comprises the tool and a housing. The tool comprises a plunger and a protective sleeve with a closed end. The plunger comprises a dowel shaped flexible portion and a dowel shaped rigid handle portion, the distal end of the rigid handle portion being fixedly attached to the proximate end of the flexible portion by a connection device. The protective sleeve is comprised of a water soluble material that is configured to conform to the shape of the dowel shaped flexible portion and at least a portion of the dowel shaped rigid handle portion when the flexible portion is inserted therein, the water soluble material being chemically formulated and mechanically formed to maintain watertight integrity when submerged in water. The housing is configured to store the plunger and the protective sleeve when not in use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.

Abstract: A drain cleaner includes a base unit having a housing, a drive arrangement positioned within the housing, and a motor coupled to the drive arrangement and supported by the housing. The motor is operable to selectively drive the drive arrangement. The drain cleaner also includes a drum unit removably coupled to the base unit. The drum unit has a drum that engages the drive arrangement when the drum unit is coupled to the base unit to rotate the drum, and a cable stored within the drum and selectively extendable out of the drum and into a drain.

Abstract: A sewer cleaning machine includes a frame and a drum rotatably supported by the frame. The drum includes a cable that is selectively extendable out of the drum. The sewer cleaning machine also includes a motor supported by the frame and coupled to the drum. The motor is operable to rotate the drum. The drum is configured to engage a surface to facilitate moving the sewer cleaning machine along the surface.

Abstract: A drain un-clogging assembly for un-clogging a drain includes a handle and a rotation unit that is coupled to the handle. The rotation unit is extendable into a clogged drain. Additionally, the rotation unit is comprised of a flexible material to conform to curves in the clogged drain. The rotation unit rotates when the rotation unit is turned on to frictionally engage debris in the clogged drain. In this way the debris may be removed from the clogged drain without chemicals or a plumber.

Abstract: A drain auger housing system includes a main body section for receiving a drain auger. A bottom chamber is disposed below the main body section. An inner base separates the main body section from the bottom chamber. The inner base is configured to support the drain auger and to permit a flow of fluid from the main body section to the bottom chamber. A clasping arrangement is disposed within the main body section and is configured to removably attach the drain auger housing to the drain auger. A foot platform or pedal is configured to release the drain auger from the clasping arrangement.

Abstract: A mechanism for securing multiple apparatus to a drain cleaning machine is described. The mechanism includes a bracket arranged on a frame of the drain cleaning machine. The bracket allows a drum and a feed mechanism to be removably secured to the frame. The bracket includes a base and pivotable latch. A drum bearing from the drum can be secured between the base and the latch when the latch is in a closed position. Mounting pins from the feed mechanism can be inserted into two bores in the bracket, and secured therein by plunger pins. One plunger pin is manually operated, to selectively lock the latch in the closed position, and to selectively secure one of the mounting pins in one of the bores. Another plunger pin is operated by pivoting of the latch, and functions to selectively secure the other mounting pin in the other bore.

Abstract: A drain cleaner includes a base unit having a frame, a drum rotatably supported by the frame, a cable at least partially disposed within the drum, a motor supported by the frame for driving rotation of the drum and the cable, and a handle for guiding the cable into a drain. The handle includes a body, a passage formed in the body, and an actuator supported by the body. The passage receives a portion of the cable such that the handle is disposed around the cable and is movable along the cable relative to the base unit. The actuator is in communication with the motor for actuating rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A cable control device for a pipeline cleaner includes a barrel, a control member and a toggle. The pipeline cleaner includes a support tube and a cable accommodated in a cable drum. The barrel mounted at the front end of the support tube is provided with an adapter thereon. The barrel accommodates first and second rollers in a lower portion thereof. The control member rotationally accommodated in the adapter extends into the barrel and is provided with a third roller. The first, second and third rollers clamp the cable together. The toggle penetrating the adapter is coupled with the control member. In an operation to clean a jammed pipeline, the toggle is shifted along a circumference direction of the adapter for changes of spatial positions of the third roller relative to the first and second rollers and fast movement of the cable forward or backward controllably.

Abstract: Terminal turnbuckle having a protective protrusion of the type used for fixing and tensioning filiform elements or the like located between two post-type rigid elements or the like, comprising a solid body (1) housing the elements for retaining the filiform element therein, internally having a channel-like cavity suitable for serving as means for receiving an end portion of a filiform element or the like, allowing the free circulation thereof in one direction, and blocking the movement thereof in the opposite direction, and wherein said solid body (1) has a protrusion (2) in the entry area of the filiform element (3) responsible for protecting said filiform element (3) from the edges present in an opening of the post (4) or the like where the body (1) has been installed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to plumbing devices that include an elongated body and an adaptor. The elongated body can define a proximal end and a distal end. The adaptor can be disposed at or mounted to the proximal end of the elongated body. The adaptor can include a cavity. The cavity of the adaptor can be configured and dimensioned to receive therein at least a portion of plumbing equipment. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to methods of plumbing repair and plumbing device systems.

Abstract: A toilet plunger and waste fracturing assembly includes a tube that has a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. A cup is attached to the second end and is comprised of a resiliently flexible material and is used to force fluid down a toilet drain. A rod is positioned in the tube, extends outwardly of the second end and through an aperture in the cup. The rod has an interior end positioned within the tube and an exterior end positioned outside of the tube. The tube has an elongated slot therein extending through and along a perimeter wall of the tube. A grip extends through the slot and is attached to the internal end of the rod. The grip is movable along the slot to move the internal end toward or away from the second end of the tube.

Abstract: A drain cleaner includes a rotatable drum and a cable having a first portion housed within the drum and a second portion extending outwardly of the drum along a cable axis. The cable is rotatable about the cable axis. The drain cleaner also includes a cable feed mechanism for feeding the cable out of the rotatable drum in an axial direction along the cable axis. The cable feed mechanism includes a plurality of feed members selectively engagable with the cable, and a drive gear surrounding the plurality of feed members. The drive gear is engaged with the plurality of feed members. Rotation of the drive gear moves the plurality of feed members into engagement with the cable.

Abstract: A closet auger includes an elongated casing member extending along an axis, and an elongated drive member telescopically received in the casing member and movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the casing member along the axis. The drive member is rotatable relative to the casing member about the axis. The closet auger further includes a flexible cable having an end removably connectable to the drive member in first and second configurations, where a length of the flexible cable is retracted within or extended from the drive member, respectively. A cable retention assembly is supported by the casing member and selectively engageable with the flexible cable to inhibit movement of the flexible cable relative to the casing member. The drive member is movable relative to the flexible cable when the cable retention assembly engages the flexible cable to change between the first and second configurations.

Abstract: A drain cleaner including a cable configured to inserted in a drain, a drum supporting the cable, a motor configured to rotate the drum, and a cable feed control mechanism configured to feed the cable in a linear direction. The cable feed mechanism includes a plurality of feed wedges surrounding the cable, a plurality of rollers supported by the feed wedges, and a collar positioned around at least a portion of the plurality of feed wedges and having a cam surface. Each feed wedge has an inclined surface. Movement of the collar relative to the plurality of feed wedges causes the cam surface of the collar to engage the inclined surfaces of the plurality of feed wedges to move the plurality of feed wedges radially inward and into engagement with the cable.

Abstract: Drain cleaning tools are described. The tools typically include a hollow drum for housing a drain cleaning cable, an elongated cable guide, a locking nut engageable with the cable guide for selectively engaging the cable, and a rotatable handle on the cable guide. A particular configuration is used at an open end of the cable guide to facilitate engagement, i.e., selective locking and unlocking, of the cable. One or more flexible members are provided in the cable guide for rotatably retaining the handle about the cable guide.

Abstract: A drive shaft extends inside a tubular section along a shaft axis, and the drive shaft rotates around the shaft axis while transmitting a driving force generated in a driving source to a driven portion. The drive shaft includes multiple extension sections, and a hard section. Each of the extension sections extends along the shaft axis. The hard section is interposed between two of the extension sections in a direction along the shaft axis, and has a higher rigidity in comparison to that of the extension sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning drains has a drum auger with a coiled snake cable mounted on a telescoping extension tube. The tube has a rear and a forward handle with a cable lock on top of each handle. By alternately locking/unlocking each handle's cable lock and extending/folding the telescoping extension tube, the user can project the cable down a clogged drain without touching the cable. A second key feature is that the telescoping extension tube prevents kinking of the cable. Turning the auger handle twists the cable's auger tip when a wing screw locks the cable to a rotatable nose on the drum auger.