Abstract: A cleaning device 100 for cleaning a generally elongated duct or pipe, including: a housing 120 having a front end 124 and a rear end 126; an inner-drum 300 having a front end 340, a rear end 360, a sidewall 380, and a sidewall inner-surface 400, the inner-drum 300 is located inside the housing 120; a drive shaft 320 protruding from the rear end 360 and through the rear end 126; a drive member 140 that is attachable to the drive shaft 320; a cable 180 abutting against the inner-surface 400 of the inner-drum 300, wherein the cable 180 has opposite proximal 200 and distal 220 ends, wherein during normal operation the distal end 220 protrudes through the front end 340 and through the front end 124; and a cleaning member 240, wherein the cleaning member 240 is attachable to the distal end 220.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing an object from a drain for includes a pair of arms each having a first end, a second end, a medial portion, a first side and a second side. Each of the first sides is convexly curved. A pivot member extends between and is pivotally attached to the medial portions so that the first sides facing each other. A slide member engages each of the first sides and urges the first ends toward each other as the slide member moves toward the pivot member. An actuator is configured to selectively move the slide member toward or away from the pivot member. A connector is attached to the actuator and is configured to releasably couple the actuator to a drain snake. Rotation of the drain snake actuates the actuator to grip the object when the first ends are adjacent to the object.

Abstract: A belt driving pulley, as typically used in a belt driven, drum-type drain cleaning machine and/or any other belt driven machinery, is disclosed wherein slippage between the pulley and the motor drive shaft occurs if a predetermined resisting torque is applied to the pulley by the belt.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from the bores of thermal transfer tubes. Modular subassemblies are concentrically aligned and mounted to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure water hose and spray head. An air controlled operator control gun directs spray pressure and hose movement. A hose drive assembly controls hose rotation and axial hose movement via biased pinch wheels that abut the hose. An eccentric linkage and spring tensioners coupled to the pinch wheels release and re-engage the wheels to the hose at a preset pressure. A layering arm stacks the hose in uniform layers at a hose reel. Rotational sensors and/or a pneumatic booster and a disk brake assembly facilitate hose collection and release without kinking or spillage.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for a portable drain cleaning machine includes a polygonal adapter mounted to a motor output shaft through a threaded interface. A polygon adapter threads over the motor output shaft in a locked male/female relationship to transmit rotation therebetween. A polygonal outer segment of the polygonal adapter telescopes into a polygonal inner segment of a sleeve mounted to the drum. The sleeve slides into a fixed cylindrical member and over the polygonal adapter to removably mount the drum. Rotation of the motor output shaft rotates the polygonal adapter which rotates the sleeve and the drum.

Abstract: A spring shaft (1) for cleaning pipelines consists of a coil spring (2) with windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) of spring steel and with a rotation axis (RA) and a spiral winding axis (WA). In order to give the spring shaft (1) a particular cleaning function, the windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) have at least on their outside (4) a cross section departing from the circular shape, with at least one edge (K) acting on the pipeline. At the same time it is possible to provide the outside (4) with at least one longitudinal groove (8) following the windings (3c), or to configure the cross section of the windings (3a, 3b) as a square whose outside edge (4a) runs parallel to the rotation axis (RA) or whose surface diagonal (4b) runs radially to the rotation axis (RA). Lastly, it is possible to provide the outside (4) with a profile (5) in which projections and grooves alternate.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating and axially directing a high pressure spray hose and spray head to clean residue from the bores of thermal transfer tubes. The assembly includes a number of subassemblies that are concentrically aligned and mounted to rotate in synchrony and direct a high-pressure hose and spray head. A hose cleaning subassembly washes and/or brushes the hose exterior with a low-pressure spray. A hose drive assembly controls axial hose movement via driven gears and chains and four polyurethane pinch wheels that abut the hose. Spring tensioners control the wheel-to-hose pressure. A layering arm extends from a driven reel axle and stacks the hose in uniform layer onto an adjustable hub at a driven reel. The diameter of the reel hub can adjusted relative to an outer cage. The hose reel, axial hose drive and hose cleaner assemblies can be operated at speeds rotational speeds of 60 rpm to 650 rpm and whereby tubes from ½ to 6-inch diameters can be cleaned at rates of 1 to 80 feet per minute.

Abstract: A tool for removing hair and other debris from a basin drain is disclosed. The tool comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end and a mid-section. The first shaft end forms a handle and the second shaft end forms a hook. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drain plunger that snakes clogged drains at the same time that the drains are being plunged. The “snake plunger” includes a pleated bellows forming a head section which is removably coupled to a handle. Further, in one embodiment, the head and handle sections are jointly configured to release air from within the bellows while the plunger is being inserted into a basin filled with wastewater, thereby reducing or eliminating potential spillover. Further, a flexible elongated snake disposed within the interior of the bellows enters the drain as the plunger bellows is compressed. The snake is capable of dislodging and breaking up obstructions within a drain. Further, the snake may also have a hook at its lower end that is capable of snaring items causing obstructions within the drain. These features combine to create a plunger that provides a superior ability to effectively clear clogged drains.

Abstract: An invention is presented that guides plumbers snake cables into and out of snake cable machines, permitting the user to set the direction of snake travel and providing positive control of the snake cable. This invention is made from two single pieces of metal with drilled piston holes, said piston holes containing pistons that control cams grasping the cable, determining the cable movement. The entire guide is controlled with two simple control levers and is self-lubricating.

Abstract: A belt driving pulley, as typically used in a belt driven, drum-type drain cleaning machine and/or any other belt driven machinery, is disclosed wherein slippage between the pulley and the motor drive shaft occurs if a predetermined resisting torque is applied to the pulley by the belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing hair from a drain consists of an elongate, flexible strip with an attached handle. A number of barbed portions are dispersed along the length of the flexible strip, with the barbed portions alternating along the two sides of the strip. The barbed portions are oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the strip, with the vertex of the angle pointing away from the handle. The barbed portions serve to grip hair in the drain, the hair being removed when the device is removed from the drain.

Abstract: A snap latch drum release assembly includes a multiple of latches which engage the inner diameter of a plate spaced away from a rotary drum to lock and unlock the rotary drum of a drain cleaning machine without the need for tools. As the latches engage a plate on the drum, no shaft grooves are located in the shaft to weaken it. The snap latch drum release assembly is mounted on a support frame assembly. Lifting of an actuating handle engages pins in the latch surfaces to overcome their spring bias and simultaneously drive the latches away from the plate to allow release of the drum. To mount the drum, the drum shaft is pushed into the sleeve and the latches are received onto the latch plate.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for a portable drain cleaning machine includes a polygonal adapter mounted to a motor output shaft through a threaded interface. A polygon adapter threads over the motor output shaft in a locked male/female relationship to transmit rotation therebetween. A polygonal outer segment of the polygonal adapter telescopes into a polygonal inner segment of a sleeve mounted to the drum. The sleeve slides into a fixed cylindrical member and over the polygonal adapter to removably mount the drum. Rotation of the motor output shaft rotates the polygonal adapter which rotates the sleeve and the drum.

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 drain cleaning apparatus has a remotely adjustable cable feed control. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a rotatable cable drum that carries a drain cleaning cable. Also included is a cable advancing mechanism. The cable is adapted to pass from the cable drum and through the cable advancing mechanism. The cable is also adapted to rotate about its feed or longitudinal axis when the cable drum is rotated. The cable advancing mechanism includes a plurality of rollers for engaging the cable. The rollers are selectively adjustable among a cable displacing position and a neutral position. A guide conduit assembly is coupled to the cable advancing mechanism. The rollers may be selectively adjusted between the cable displacing and the neutral positions by an operator remotely rotating the guide conduit.

Abstract: A socket latch drum release assembly includes a shaft release coupling which telescopically engages a rotary drum shaft to selectively lock and unlock a rotary drum of a drain cleaning machine without the necessity of tools. The shaft release coupling includes a polygonal shaped distal end which corresponds with a polygonal opening in the removable drum shaft. At least one of the plurality of faces which form the polygonal shaped distal end includes a retractable engagement member which corresponds to a recess located in each face of the polygonal opening. The drum shaft is directed into the sleeve from one side and the shaft release coupling is engaged with the shaft on the opposite side of the sleeve. Engagement between a radially extending flange of the shaft release coupling and the end of the shaft rotatably locks the rotary drum shaft into the sleeve.

Abstract: A rotary drum release assembly includes a multiple of lock pins which engage a rotary drum shaft to lock and unlock a rotary drum to a drain cleaning machine without the need for tools. The rotary drum release assembly is mounted within a support frame assembly. A rotary drum shaft groove is located within a sleeve mounted to the support frame assembly to minimize localized weakening of the shaft. Rotation of an actuating handle engages cam surfaces with the lock pins to overcome their spring bias of the lock pins and simultaneously drive the lock pins away from the shaft to allow release of the drum. To mount the drum, the drum shaft is pushed into the sleeve and the lock pins are received into the shaft groove.

Abstract: A plumbing snake diverting apparatus for deflecting a plumbing snake out of a main stack pipe and into a secondary pipe extending from the main stack pipe. The plumbing snake diverting apparatus includes an tubular extension member which is selectively couplable to any number of curved, tubular diverting members depending on the size of the pipe. The apparatus is then positioned with a leading edge of the diverting member at the intersection of the main stack pipe and the pipe to be cleared. The plumber's snake is then deflected into the secondary pipe upon insertion.

Abstract: A hand held drain cleaning tool including a drain cleaning cable coiled in a drum and having a support for holding the drum in one hand while rotating the drum with a hand held crank or a power operated drive. The crank and power operated drive are releasably connected to the drum so as to be interchangeable. The drain cleaning tool also includes a vibration dampener to reduce the vibrations caused by the rotating drum, especially at high rotation speeds.

Abstract: The invention comprises a drain cleaning apparatus having a flexible forward tubular portion and a rigid real-ward tubular portion. The flexible portion is coupled to a drain pipe of a building connected to the sewer line, after the elbow connection between the drain pipe section and the drain in a sink in the building has been removed. The rearward tubular portion has a bowl with an open top and a spout is mounted over the bowl with a fluid connection connecting the spout to a spout of the faucet to fill the bowl and apparatus and drain pipe up to any blockage in the drain pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing plumbing installations including a tool for making an opening through a test cap or other blockage in a fluid-carrying line of a plumbing system. The tool and cap make the testing method possible. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, a test cap welded in the drain pipe seals the drain line from the sewer line at the location of the clean-out. Thereafter, the rough-in plumbing system is tested by pressurizing the system through the clean-out on the building side of the cap. Following successful completion of this test, the top-out plumbing is completed, leaving the test cap welded in place. After the roof vents are in, the top-out test of the plumbing system is made, also through the clean-out. After final test and inspection, a special tool constructed in accordance with the present invention is inserted down the clean-out to penetrate and ream-out the test cap.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine includes a housing and a cage member that is axially displaceable along and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the housing. The cage member has an axial bore and is adapted to receive a cable. A plurality of jaw elements are inserted into and displaceable within the cage member. A rotatable cone member surrounds the first end of the cage member and is adapted to engage the jaw elements and displace the jaw elements radially inward within the cage member as it is axially displaced along the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled to the cone member for rotating the cone member, wherein rotation of the cone member causes rotation of the cage member. The jaw elements are adapted to engage and grip the cable such that rotation of the cage member causes rotation of the cable about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A socket latch drum release assembly includes a shaft release coupling which telescopically engages a rotary drum shaft to selectively lock and unlock a rotary drum of a drain cleaning machine without the necessity of tools. The shaft release coupling includes a polygonal shaped distal end which corresponds with a polygonal opening in the removable drum shaft. At least one of the plurality of faces which form the polygonal shaped distal end includes a retractable engagement member which corresponds to a recess located in each face of the polygonal opening. The drum shaft is directed into the sleeve from one side and the shaft release coupling is engaged with the shaft on the opposite side of the sleeve. Engagement between a radially extending flange of the shaft release coupling and the end of the shaft rotatably locks the rotary drum shaft into the sleeve.

Abstract: A snap latch drum release assembly includes a multiple of latches which engage the inner diameter of a plate spaced away from a rotary drum to lock and unlock the rotary drum of a drain cleaning machine without the need for tools. As the latches engage a plate on the drum, no shaft grooves are located in the shaft to weaken it. The snap latch drum release assembly is mounted on a support frame assembly. Lifting of an actuating handle engages pins in the latch surfaces to overcome their spring bias and simultaneously drive the latches away from the plate to allow release of the drum. To mount the drum, the drum shaft is pushed into the sleeve and the latches are received onto the latch plate.

Abstract: A rotary drum release assembly includes a multiple of lock pins which engage a rotary drum shaft to lock and unlock a rotary drum to a drain cleaning machine without the need for tools. The rotary drum release assembly is mounted within a support frame assembly. A rotary drum shaft groove is located within a sleeve mounted to the support frame assembly to minimize localized weakening of the shaft. Rotation of an actuating handle engages cam surfaces with the lock pins to overcome their spring bias of the lock pins and simultaneously drive the lock pins away from the shaft to allow release of the drum. To mount the drum, the drum shaft is pushed into the sleeve and the lock pins are received into the shaft groove.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine includes a housing and a cage member that is axially displaceable along and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the housing. The cage member has an axial bore and is adapted to receive a cable. A plurality of jaw elements are inserted into and displaceable within the cage member. A rotatable cone member surrounds the first end of the cage member and is adapted to engage the jaw elements and displace the jaw elements radially inward within the cage member as it is axially displaced along the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled to the cone member for rotating the cone member, wherein rotation of the cone member causes rotation of the cage member. The jaw elements are adapted to engage and grip the cable such that rotation of the cage member causes rotation of the cable about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus comprises an auger for insertion into a drain pipe or conduit which is adapted to rupture or dislodge debris therein; a motorized drive for causing rotational motion of the auger, which motorized drive is associated with a receptacle for the storage and distribution of the auger therefrom; and a remote power feed device affixed to the motorized drive by a guide tube in which the auger is extended. The remote power feed selectively engages the external surface of the auger and translates the rotational movement of the auger caused by the motorized drive into lateral movement through the interaction of angularly mounted or threaded engagement means. A guide conduit is rotatably mounted within the guide tube, encircling the auger therein. The guide conduit is mounted to the rotatable auger containment receptacle and the motorized drive, but is freely rotatably displaced within the guide tube.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning apparatus which includes an elongated housing having first and second ends with a peripheral wall extending therebetween. Each of the ends includes an opening therein. An elongated drive member has first and second ends, with the first end being positioned in the housing. Attached to the second end of the drive member is a handle member. A leader member has first and second ends, with the second end being positioned in the housing and being releasably coupled to the first end of the drive member. Also included are a plurality of attachments releasably couplable to the first end of the leader member, and each attachment comprises a plate with a peripheral wall extending downwardly therefrom such that an opening is defined.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus has a remotely adjustable cable feed control. The drain cleaning apparatus includes a rotatable cable drum that carries a drain cleaning cable. Also included is a cable advancing mechanism. The cable is adapted to pass from the cable drum and through the cable advancing mechanism. The cable is also adapted to rotate about its feed or longitudinal axis when the cable drum is rotated. The cable advancing mechanism includes a plurality of rollers for engaging the cable. The rollers are selectively adjustable among a cable displacing position and a neutral position. A guide conduit assembly is coupled to the cable advancing mechanism. The rollers may be selectively adjusted between the cable displacing and the neutral positions by an operator remotely rotating the guide conduit.

Abstract: The inner end of a snake or drain cleaning cable coiled in a rotatable cable storage drum of drain cleaning apparatus is provided with a torque arm which frictionally engages the outer wall of the drum to restrain sliding of the cable relative thereto during a drain cleaning operation. The drain cleaning apparatus is motor driven, and a cable feed device for axially displacing the cable relative to the storage drum is provided on the outer end of a flexible guide tube detachably mounted on the apparatus to facilitate an operator guiding the outer end of the cable into a drain to be cleaned and advancing or retracting the cable relative to the apparatus without having to physically contact the cable.

Abstract: A belt driven drum-type drain cleaning machine in which the drive motor is spring biased to tension the drive belt is provided with a spring arrangement by which slippage between the drive belt and drive pulley is intentionally achieved in response to the imposition of a predetermined torque on the drain cleaning cable during use of the machine.

Abstract: A device for axially feeding a drain cleaning snake relative to a storage drum therefor comprises axially spaced apart support members having openings therethrough for receiving the snake and a plurality of snake driving rolls spaced apart about the axis of the openings and having opposite ends interconnected with the support members for the support members to be pivotal relative to one another about the axis of the openings so as to displace the driving rolls between neutral and activating positions in which the roll axes are respectively parallel to and skewed relative to the openings and in which the driving rolls respectively disengage and drivingly engage the snake. The support members are spring biased to the neutral position of the driving rolls.

Abstract: A drain cleaning apparatus which feeds a drain cleaning snake from a rotating drum through a flexible guide tube and a manually operable cable feed device is provided at the outer end of the guide tube for selectively axially advancing or retracting the snake relative to the cable drum during rotation of the drum. The inner end of the guide tube is supported directly on the cable drum with a bearing for relative rotation between the cable drum and the guide tube. The cable feed device includes a stop protruding from its housing which is positioned for engaging an actuating lever to thereby limit the pivotal extent of the levers displacement away from the housing in order to prevent accidental dislodgement of the drive actuator which is engaged by the lever to operate the cable feed device.

Abstract: A spring shaft (1) for cleaning pipelines consists of a coil spring (2) with windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) of spring steel and with a rotation axis (RA) and a spiral winding axis (WA). In order to give the spring shaft (1) a particular cleaning function, the windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) have at least on their outside (4) a cross section departing from the circular shape, with at least one edge (K) acting on the pipeline. At the same time it is possible to provide the outside (4) with at least one longitudinal groove (8) following the windings (3c), or to configure the cross section of the windings (3a, 3b) as a square whose outside edge (4a) runs parallel to the rotation axis (RA) or whose surface diagonal (4b) runs radially to the rotation axis (RA). Lastly, it is possible to provide the outside (4) with a profile (5) in which projections and grooves alternate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for cleaning the interior of conduits, gun barrels, or pipes, including drain pipes. The pipe cleaning device of the present invention is capable of (a) penetrating and removing restrictions that block flow, (b) scouring the interior wall of conduits or pipes to remove the buildup of undesirable solids that result in flow restriction, and (c) coating the wall of the pipe with a suitable substance. The present invention comprises a connecting member housed within a bendable or flexible conduit, a retraction handle attached to one end of the connecting member, and elastic or flexible strands attached to the opposite end of said connecting member. The strands are outwardly expandable in a radial dimension when said connecting member is retracted.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing hair from a drain consists of an elongate, flexible strip with an attached handle. A number of barbed portions are dispersed along the length of the flexible strip, with the barbed portions alternating along the two sides of the strip. The barbed portions are oriented at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the strip, with the vertex of the angle pointing away from the handle. The barbed portions serve to grip hair in the drain, the hair being removed when the device is removed from the drain.

Abstract: The inner end of a snake or drain cleaning cable coiled in a rotatable cable storage drum of drain cleaning apparatus is provided with a torque arm which frictionally engages the outer wall of the drum to restrain sliding of the cable relative thereto during a drain cleaning operation. The drain cleaning apparatus is motor driven, and a cable feed device for axially displacing the cable relative to the storage drum is provided on the outer end of a flexible guide tube detachably mounted on the apparatus to facilitate an operator guiding the outer end of the table into a drain to be cleaned and advancing or retracting the cable relative to the apparatus without having to physically contact the cable.

Abstract: A steel service pipe is connected to a main by a tee. A flexible assembly is inserted through the open end of the pipe and through the tee into the main. The flexible assembly includes a section of lower stiffness and a ball and socket connection of even lower stiffness at its leading end. The ball is connected to a weight. The weight falls down on entering the tee and creates a turning moment on the assembly. A plastic pipe is inserted through the open end of the pipe over the assembly and is inserted through the tee into the main. The pipe has a corrugated leading end which is more flexible than the remainder of the pipe and has a tapered nose terminating in a cylindrical mouth which enters an aperture in a liner in the main.