David L Stoltz

US Patent:

7810203, Oct 12, 2010

Filed:

Oct 12, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/548793

Inventors:

David Stoltz - Ballwin MO, US

Assignee:

Stoltz & Murphy, Inc. - Manhattan KS

International Classification:

B08B 9/04

US Classification:

1510433, 425501, 425504, 425506

Abstract:

An improved drain cleaning assembly () is provided having a coupling apparatus () designed to mate with the open end of a clogged drainpipe (), an elongated, powered, axially-rotatable drain cable () passing through the apparatus () and into pipe (), and water inlet and outlet lines () coupled with apparatus () for delivery of water therethrough during the course of drain cleaning operations. The apparatus () includes a unitary main tubular body () receiving a drainpipe connection fitting () via quick-connect structure (). The body () also has an internal sponge-type cable cleaning component () and a spray fitting () for directing incoming water onto cable (). Preferably, the lines () are each equipped with a check valve () to control water flow through body () during drain unclogging and to facilitate visual verification of an unclogged condition. The inlet line () may also have a dispenser () for cleaning agent(s) such as soap, sanitizer and/or disinfectant liquids, so as to cleanse the cable () upon removal thereof.

US Patent:

56826206, Nov 4, 1997

Filed:

Nov 17, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/560294

Inventors:

David L. Stoltz - Manhattan KS
Max E. Murphy - Manhattan KS

Assignee:

Stoltz & Murphy Inc. - Manhattan KS

International Classification:

E03D 900

US Classification:

425504

Abstract:

An improved drain cable apparatus (10) is provided which facilitates clearing of clogged drainpipes (16) while providing a way to readily determine whether the drainpipe (16) has been cleared, without the necessity of withdrawing the drain cable (70) from the drainpipe (16). The apparatus (10) includes a tubular main body (12) adapted for connection via a sleeve (34) to the drainpipe (16); the main body (12) is equipped with internal drain cable-cleaning sponge elements (32), as well as an apertured end cap member (18) permitting insertion of the drain cable (70). Structure (20) for determining when the drainpipe (16) has been cleared includes a water inlet (48) and a spaced water outlet (54) arranged so that water delivered to the main body (12) passes outwardly through the outlet (54) while the drainpipe (16) remains clogged, but allows such water to pass through the drainpipe (16) when the latter is clear. In this fashion the user can readily determine when the drainpipe (16) is unclogged by visually observing water flow from the outlet.