US3789861A - Device for clearing blocked pipes - Google Patents

Device for clearing blocked pipes Download PDF

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Publication number
US3789861A
US3789861A US00251397A US3789861DA US3789861A US 3789861 A US3789861 A US 3789861A US 00251397 A US00251397 A US 00251397A US 3789861D A US3789861D A US 3789861DA US 3789861 A US3789861 A US 3789861A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
cartridge
hollow body
body portion
gas
chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00251397A
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English (en)
Inventor
J Conn
L Fabien
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Surrey Steel Components Ltd
Original Assignee
Surrey Steel Components Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Surrey Steel Components Ltd filed Critical Surrey Steel Components Ltd
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3789861A publication Critical patent/US3789861A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K21/00—Fluid-delivery valves, e.g. self-closing valves
    • F16K21/04—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid
    • B08B9/0328—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid by purging the pipe with a gas or a mixture of gas and liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B2209/00—Details of machines or methods for cleaning hollow articles
    • B08B2209/02—Details of apparatuses or methods for cleaning pipes or tubes
    • B08B2209/024—Details of apparatuses or methods for cleaning pipes or tubes by creating a shock wave in the cleaning liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2101/00—Uses or applications of pigs or moles
    • F16L2101/10—Treating the inside of pipes
    • F16L2101/12—Cleaning

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT PP 251,397 A device for use in clearing blocked pipes, drains and other conduits comprises a hollow body portion, ⁇ 30] Foreign Application Priority Data means to receive a bottle or cartridge of compressed M 10 1 971 Great Britain 14 020/71 gas which means are operable to feed a controlled ay quantity of gas from the bottle or cartridge into the hollow body portion, a valve controlled outlet from [52] US.
  • the invention relates to devices for use in clearing blocked pipes, drains and other conduits of the kind in which a sudden application of gas pressure is employed to impart a shock to liquid in the conduit and lying against the blockage.
  • the invention provides a device for use in clearing blocked pipes, drains and other conduits comprising a hollow body portion, means to receive a bottle or cartridge of compressed gas which means are operable to feed a controlled quantity of gas from the bottle or cartridge into the hollow body portion, a valve controlled outlet from the hollow body portion to an outlet conduit, and a liquid inlet to said outlet conduit with a nonreturn valve therein, the outlet being connectable to a blocked conduit so that liquid may be passed into the said outlet conduit and the blocked conduit through the said liquid inlet to till the blocked conduit as far as the blockage and gas fed into the hollow body and held under pressure therein may be rapidly released therefrom by actuation of the valve and applied against the liquid in the conduits to impart a shock to the liquid.
  • a pressure gauge or other pressure indicator may be fitted to the hollow body to assess the pressure resultant from the quantity of gas fed into the hollow body.
  • the means to receive the bottle or cartridge of compressed gas may be arranged to pierce the bottle or cartridge, and may include a control valve for feeding a controlled quantity of gas from the pierced bottle or cartridge to the hollow body portion.
  • the bottle or cartridge may contain carbon dioxide. It may for example be a cartridge of the kind commonly employed for making soda water in the home.
  • the body portion may be provided with a pistol grip handle and the means for receiving the cartridge may comprise a chamber within the handle.
  • the chamber may contain a socket to receive the neck of the cartridge, and a needle within the socket to pierce the cartridge, the said control valve being operable to release gas from the said cartridge.
  • Means may be provided to seal the chamber and the chamber may be in communication with the hollow interior of the body portion, the control valve being operable to feed gas out of the cartridge and into the chamher.
  • the chamber may be sealed by a plug.
  • the plug may be a screw-threaded plug operable to force the cartridge onto the needle in the socket.
  • Different size cartridges may be accommodated by providing different length plugs, or a single plug variable in length.
  • the device amy include a trigger arranged to open the valve controlling the outlet from the body portion.
  • FIG. 1 is a part section through the device
  • FIG. 2 is a rear view partly in section, of the device shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a section through part of the handle of the device.
  • FIG. 4 is a section through the pressure indicator of the device.
  • the device comprises a body having an outlet conduit or barrel 1] at one end and a pistol grip handle 9 at the other end.
  • the barrel 11 may be inserted directly, or through a pipe extension, into a blocked pipe to be cleared.
  • Suitable sealing means such as expansion (not shown) may be provided between the outlet pipe or extension and the blocked pipe.
  • adaptor plugs may be used. The plugs may be gripped between two washers 7, 8, threaded onto the screw-threaded end 6 of the barrel 11.
  • the device will normally be portable and be connected into a blocked system as and when required, it may be permanently connected into a system which is particularly liable to blockage.
  • the barrel 11 has an inlet 12 for water to provide a fluid column in the barrel and in the blocked pipe as far as the blockage. There is an automatic non-return valve 13 in the inlet.
  • the inlet is intended for a hose connection to a water tap.
  • the body 10 is hollow and has an outlet 4 leading to the barrel 11.
  • the handle 9 has a chamber 5 therein which communicates with the hollow body 10 via passage 14.
  • the outlet 4 is controlled by a valve member 16 rapidly operable by a trigger 17 connected to the valve 16 by a rod 19 to which the valve member 16 is attached, the rod being pivotally connected to the trigger and passing through a sealing gland 18.
  • a spider 21 connected to the valve 16 slides in the barrel 1 1 and supports the valve when in the open position.
  • the chamber 5 is sealed by a removable screwthreaded plug 14a, and at the base of the chamber there are means 15 to locate a gas cartridge 20.
  • These means 15 are shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and comprise a socket member 22, an end cap 23 and an operating lever 25.
  • the member 22 has a screw-thread 26 and is screwed into the bottom end of the chamber 5.
  • a sealing ring 27 is provided around the member, and a grub screw 28 secures the member firmly in the bottom of the chamber 5.
  • a sleeve 29 and a washer 30 In the socket of the socket member is a sleeve 29 and a washer 30.
  • the washer 30 has an aperture 31 therein through which a spring loaded needle 32 protrudes.
  • the needle is fitted into a sleeve 33 which is arranged slideably in a bore 34 in the socket member 22, and is surrounded by a sealing ring 35.
  • a ball 38 seating in a socket in the sleeve and abutting the ball is a cam 39 carried by lever 25 and rotatable with the lever abut the lever axis 40.
  • the device is loaded by placing a cartridge 20 in th chamber 5, neck downwards, and screwing in the plug 14. This urges the neck of the cartridge into the socket of socket member 22 and the needle 32 pierces the cartridge. Gas may be fed from the cartridge to the hollow body 10 by pressing lever 25. This causes cam 39 to allow sleeve 33 and needle 32 to move downwardly in the socket member under the action of spring 36, and gas escapes into chamber 5.
  • the lever 25 is biased outwardly by a spring 43 and when released it returns to the off position.
  • Plug includes a packing piece 14b which may be removed to accommodate a larger gas cartridge.
  • a safety relief valve 41 is provided. (FIG. 3).
  • a pressure indicator 42 is provided and is shown in more detail in FIG. 4.
  • the indicator comprises essentially a housing 50, shaft 51 and end cap 52.
  • the housing has two bores 53, 54 therein, bore 53 being of larger diameter and the two bores being linked by a conical section 55.
  • Tapered flutes 56 are arranged around section 55.
  • the outer surface of the portion defining bore 53 is screw threaded at 57 and 58 and has an annular flange 59.
  • the right hand end of shaft 51 is arranged to slide in bore 54.
  • Four uniformly spaced longitudinal channels 61 permit the right hand end of bore 54 to communicate with an annular cut away portion 62.
  • Another cut away portion 53 of the shaft houses an O-ring 63.
  • shaft 52 lies within bore 53 and is surrounded by a compression spring 64.
  • End cap 52 is screwed onto threads 57 and spring 64 acts between the cap and a flange 65 to urge shaft 51 to the right.
  • a reduced chamber portion 66 of shaft 51 protrudes from an aperture 70 in cap 52.
  • Portion 66 has three graduation markings 67 thereon corresponding to high, medium and low pressure respectively The higher the pressure in the body of the device, the higher will be the pressure in annular recess 62, and the more shaft 51 will move to the left against the action of spring 64. Thus the degree of protrusion of portion 66 from aperture 70 gives a measure of the pressure within the device.
  • the pressure indicator serves as an additional pressure safety relief valve. if the high pressure reading 67 is exceeded the O-ring 63 is moved by shaft 51 into a position in which gas can escape into bore 53 between flutes 56, and can thus bleed to atmosphere through passageways 60.
  • the maximum pressure may be in the range 200-300 psi.
  • the barrel 11 is connected to the blocked pipe, the pipe is filled with water as far as the blockage through the inlet 12 and the lever 43 is then pressed to admit a controlled charge of gas to the hollow body 10.
  • the lever 43 is released.
  • the valve 16 is rapidly opened so that the gas pressure imparts a shock to the liquid column.
  • the barrel is fitted with a bleed screw 24.
  • the pressure at which lever 43 is closed may be chosen according to the degree of seriousness of the blockage.
  • a secondary use of the device is in testing under static pressure, installations such as central heating installations or household plumbing.
  • installations such as central heating installations or household plumbing.
  • the installation is filled with water, the outlet of the device is sealed thereto, the gas pressure is developed in the body and applied to the installation. The loss of pressure is then an indication of leakage.
  • valve 16 may be opened slowly.
  • the chamber may be fitted with a second valve controlled gas inlet so that gas may be supplied independently of the bottle 31 e.g. from a compressed air supply.
  • safety valve 41 may be dispensed with.
  • a device for use in clearing blocked pipes, drains and other conduits comprising:
  • a trigger mounted on said body portion and connected to said outlet valve in said outlet conduit for releasing said outlet valve.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 in which a pressure gauge or other pressure indicator is fitted to the hollow body.
  • a device as claimed in claim 2 in which the pressure indicator comprises a plunger spring urged towards a datum position, gas pressure within the hollow body acting on the plunger to urge the plunger away from the datum position.
  • a device as claimed in claim 3 in which the plunger carries an O-ring which normally seals the body, but when the pressure in the body exceeds a predetermined value, the O-ring is carried by the plunger into a conical fluted chamber permitting gas to escape between the O-ring and flutes, and hence to atmosphere.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for receiving the cartridge comprises:
  • a device as claimed in claim 5 in which said means for engaging said cartridge comprise:
  • a spring loaded needle for piercing said cartridge as said plug is screwed towards and engages the base of said cartridge
  • said handle includes:

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
US00251397A 1971-05-10 1972-05-08 Device for clearing blocked pipes Expired - Lifetime US3789861A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1402071 1971-05-10

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Family Applications (1)

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DE (1) DE7217756U (de)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4047253A (en) * 1975-11-28 1977-09-13 Petterson Tor H Device and method for unclogging drains
US4629128A (en) * 1985-06-17 1986-12-16 The Scott & Fetzer Company Apparatus for cleaning clogged drain lines
US4823820A (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-04-25 Safety-Kleen Corp. Solvent vapor collection and evacuation system
US4966317A (en) * 1989-06-28 1990-10-30 Phillip Barr Device for dispensation of compressed gas
US5110012A (en) * 1991-01-11 1992-05-05 Scholle Corporation Beverage container with regulated pressure
US5178127A (en) * 1990-09-24 1993-01-12 Angelo Flori Flare fitting to pump of oil burner for receiving blow out tool
US5249311A (en) * 1992-07-15 1993-10-05 Rau J David Fluid pressure device for opening clogged pipes
US5361452A (en) * 1993-04-29 1994-11-08 Roger Horn Reducer cannon cleaning device
US5448795A (en) * 1994-07-29 1995-09-12 Boughal; Sean Condenser tube cleaner
US5666690A (en) * 1995-08-08 1997-09-16 Domansky; Steven H. Condensation line purging device
US5803101A (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-09-08 Cdc Products, Inc. Portable drain cleaning apparatus
US5996597A (en) * 1996-09-11 1999-12-07 Cdc Products, Inc. Portable drain cleaning apparatus and pressurized gas cartridge usable therewith
US6609531B2 (en) 2001-09-24 2003-08-26 Edward R. Lesko Condenser tube cleaning nozzle
US20090090741A1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2009-04-09 Kurt Oberhofer Vessel having CO2 compressed gas source
US20090113612A1 (en) * 2007-11-01 2009-05-07 Larry Edward Dodson Vacuum drainage system for unclogging a clogged drain, drain clean-out device therefor, and method of unclogging a clogged drain
GB2518608A (en) * 2013-09-25 2015-04-01 Glynne Lewis Jones Aircraft vacuum toilet unblocking tool
EP2774521A4 (de) * 2011-11-03 2015-08-05 Miri Co Ltd Toilettenspülungsvorrichtung
US10744525B1 (en) * 2019-06-03 2020-08-18 Diversitech Corporation Multi-cartridge drain guns, accessories therefor, and methods of use and manufacture thereof
WO2020246950A1 (en) * 2019-06-03 2020-12-10 Diversitech Corporation Multi-cartridge drain guns, accessories therefor, and methods of use and manufacture thereof

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2820467A (en) * 1952-05-15 1958-01-21 Stephen M Mattich Adapters for flushing guns and the like
GB971161A (en) * 1960-02-03 1964-09-30 British Oxygen Co Ltd Control valve appliances for dispensing pressure fluid
US3203246A (en) * 1962-04-13 1965-08-31 Casco Products Corp Blow-off valve and pressure indicator for fire extinguishers
US3426774A (en) * 1965-10-25 1969-02-11 Surrey Steel Components Ltd Hydraulic rams

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2820467A (en) * 1952-05-15 1958-01-21 Stephen M Mattich Adapters for flushing guns and the like
GB971161A (en) * 1960-02-03 1964-09-30 British Oxygen Co Ltd Control valve appliances for dispensing pressure fluid
US3203246A (en) * 1962-04-13 1965-08-31 Casco Products Corp Blow-off valve and pressure indicator for fire extinguishers
US3426774A (en) * 1965-10-25 1969-02-11 Surrey Steel Components Ltd Hydraulic rams

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4047253A (en) * 1975-11-28 1977-09-13 Petterson Tor H Device and method for unclogging drains
US4629128A (en) * 1985-06-17 1986-12-16 The Scott & Fetzer Company Apparatus for cleaning clogged drain lines
US4823820A (en) * 1987-07-28 1989-04-25 Safety-Kleen Corp. Solvent vapor collection and evacuation system
US4966317A (en) * 1989-06-28 1990-10-30 Phillip Barr Device for dispensation of compressed gas
US5178127A (en) * 1990-09-24 1993-01-12 Angelo Flori Flare fitting to pump of oil burner for receiving blow out tool
US5110012A (en) * 1991-01-11 1992-05-05 Scholle Corporation Beverage container with regulated pressure
US5249311A (en) * 1992-07-15 1993-10-05 Rau J David Fluid pressure device for opening clogged pipes
US5361452A (en) * 1993-04-29 1994-11-08 Roger Horn Reducer cannon cleaning device
US5448795A (en) * 1994-07-29 1995-09-12 Boughal; Sean Condenser tube cleaner
US5666690A (en) * 1995-08-08 1997-09-16 Domansky; Steven H. Condensation line purging device
US5803101A (en) * 1996-09-11 1998-09-08 Cdc Products, Inc. Portable drain cleaning apparatus
US5996597A (en) * 1996-09-11 1999-12-07 Cdc Products, Inc. Portable drain cleaning apparatus and pressurized gas cartridge usable therewith
US6609531B2 (en) 2001-09-24 2003-08-26 Edward R. Lesko Condenser tube cleaning nozzle
US20090090741A1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2009-04-09 Kurt Oberhofer Vessel having CO2 compressed gas source
US8251257B2 (en) * 2005-06-02 2012-08-28 Huber Packaging Group Gmbh Vessel having CO2 compressed gas source
US20090113612A1 (en) * 2007-11-01 2009-05-07 Larry Edward Dodson Vacuum drainage system for unclogging a clogged drain, drain clean-out device therefor, and method of unclogging a clogged drain
US8418274B2 (en) * 2007-11-01 2013-04-16 Cindy White Vacuum drainage system for unclogging a clogged drain, drain clean-out device therefor, and method of unclogging a clogged drain
EP2774521A4 (de) * 2011-11-03 2015-08-05 Miri Co Ltd Toilettenspülungsvorrichtung
GB2518608A (en) * 2013-09-25 2015-04-01 Glynne Lewis Jones Aircraft vacuum toilet unblocking tool
US10744525B1 (en) * 2019-06-03 2020-08-18 Diversitech Corporation Multi-cartridge drain guns, accessories therefor, and methods of use and manufacture thereof
WO2020246950A1 (en) * 2019-06-03 2020-12-10 Diversitech Corporation Multi-cartridge drain guns, accessories therefor, and methods of use and manufacture thereof
EP3963139A4 (de) * 2019-06-03 2022-12-14 DiversiTech Corporation Mehrpatronen-dränpistolen, zubehörteile dafür und verfahren zu deren verwendung und deren herstellung
US11731152B2 (en) * 2019-06-03 2023-08-22 Diversitech Corporation Multi-cartridge drain guns, accessories therefor, and methods of use and manufacture thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE7217756U (de) 1972-08-17

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