Abstract:
A tool for cleaning a culvert comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a housing having a center longitudinal axis and coupled coaxially to the rod, the housing having an interior chamber, the housing has an outside dimension that can be accommodated within the culvert, and at least one paddle operable to rotate about the center longitudinal axis of the rod inside the interior chamber of the housing, the at least one paddle operable to dislodge and loosen debris inside the culvert.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/476,568, filed Jun. 6, 2003, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/476,937, filed Jun. 9, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/492,422, filed Aug. 4, 2003. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Culverts, drainage pipes, ditches, and other waterways are in wide use for such reasons as preventing soil erosion and controlling runoff. Culverts may be installed across or under roadways to prevent flooding of the roadway or to prevent water damage to the surrounding area. In other locations, culverts may be used to prevent alteration of the landscape by erosion, or shifting of the soil, for example. In some areas, controlling runoff from snowmelt is another issue that may be addressed, in part, by the use of culverts.  
         [0003]     In some cases, a culvert may lose its function because it is clogged with debris. Culverts may become obstructed by soil, rocks, sand, intrusion of plant roots, snow, ice, or other debris. The location of some culverts may make them particularly susceptible to blockage. One way to address these problems is to place a covering or grating over the openings of the culvert. However, these coverings may require extensive and frequent cleaning and may still allow smaller objects such as sand, silt, and gravel to enter the culvert. Additionally, coverings and gratings may not prevent plant roots from clogging the culvert. Culverts can be removed and replaced periodically but this may involve high costs and may involve disturbing existing roadways and other structures. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0004]     Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features may not be drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.  
         [0005]      FIG. 1   a  is a cutaway view of a culvert cleaning tool.  
         [0006]      FIG. 1   b  is an end view of the culvert cleaning tool of  FIG. 1   a.    
         [0007]      FIG. 2   a  is a cutaway view of another culvert cleaning tool.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2   b  is an end view of the culvert cleaning tool of  FIG. 2   a.    
         [0009]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of another culvert cleaning tool.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3   b  is a side view of the culvert cleaning tool of  FIG. 3   a.    
         [0011]      FIG. 3   c  is a side view of the culvert cleaning tool of  FIG. 3   a  with alternate cutting implement placement.  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another culvert cleaning tool.  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another culvert cleaning tool.  
         [0014]      FIG. 6   a  is a side view of a culvert cleaning brush.  
         [0015]      FIG. 6   b  is an end view of the culvert cleaning brush of  FIG. 6   a.    
         [0016]      FIG. 6   c  is a partially disassembled view of the culvert cleaning brush of  FIG. 6   a.    
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a brush section.  
         [0018]      FIG. 8   a  is a transparent view of another culvert cleaning brush.  
         [0019]      FIG. 8   b  is an end view of the culvert cleaning brush of  FIG. 8   a.    
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a view of one possible environment in culvert cleaning tools of the present disclosure may operate.  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustrating a method for cleaning a culvert.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]     It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.  
         [0023]     Referring to  FIGS. 1   a - b,  a drill rod  101  having a proximal end  105  and a distal end  107  is couple to a substantially tubular housing  108  at its distal end  107 . The drill rod  101  may have a length that is compatible for cleaning the length of a culvert to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the rod  101  may range between about 5 feet and 10 feet length and ranges from about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches in diameter. The rod  101  may be a commercially available drill rod section or may be custom made depending upon the needs of the user. The rod  101  may also be a commercially available pipe section or may be made from solid stock of steel, aluminum, or other metals or other suitable alloys thereof. In some applications plastics, polymers, fiberglass, or carbon fibers may also be used. The rod  101  comprises a coupler  102  at its proximal end  105  for coupling with an extension rod, a drilling rig or machine, or other available device, which is capable of performing horizontal or directional drilling. The coupler  102  may comprise a standard tapered threaded joint or some other type of coupling suitable for releasably attaching the rod  100  to an extension rod or to the drilling device. The coupling  102  may be integral with the rod  101  or attached as a separate component, by welding for example, and may be composed of similar materials as the rod  101 . The rod  101  and the coupling  102  may have a fluid-conducting channel  103  defined therein to provide a means for introducing pressurized water, gases or other solutions into the culvert. One or more openings, nozzles or sprayers  104  in fluid communication with the channel  103  are formed in the distal end of the rod  104  to direct the pressurized fluids to the debris blocking the culvert.  
         [0024]     The longitudinal central axis  109  of the drill rod  101  preferably coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the housing  108 . The housing  108  may be substantially matched in diameter to the interior of the culvert being cleaned. For example, a tubular housing  108  may be chosen to approximately match the circular cross-section of certain culverts thus allowing a thorough cleaning in one pass. In some instances, however, with a large culvert, the housing  108  may be chosen to be smaller than the interior of the culvert to allow only portion of the culvert to be cleaned with each pass. In one embodiment, the diameter of the housing  108  may range from about 31 inches to about 48 inches and the length from about 14 inches to about 16 inches. The housing  108  may be made from a section of pipe of the appropriate diameter or may be custom made and may be composed of steel, iron, aluminum, or alloys thereof. If needed the housing  108  may also be made from plastic, polymers, or carbon fiber, for example.  
         [0025]     The housing  108  may be coupled to the rod  101  by one or more supports  106 . The supports  106  may extend radially from the rod  101  to the housing  108 . Varying numbers of supports  106  may be used depending upon the application and needs of the user. The supports  106  may span the length of the tubular housing  108  but may also be shorter or longer. The supports  106  may be composed of similar or different materials than the housing  108  and rod  101 . The supports may be coupled to the rod  101  and housing  108  by welds or by other means. As best seen in  FIG. 1   b,  the housing  108  is secured to the rod  101  by two supports  106  spaced approximately 180° apart from one another. Other configurations varying in position and number of supports are contemplated.  
         [0026]     A plurality of cutting implements  110  are coupled to the inner surface of the housing  108 . The cutting implements  110  may be bolted or welded to the housing  108 , or secured by some other means. The tubular housing  108  may serve as an anchor point and partial covering for the cutting implements  110 . In this way, the cutting implements  108  are kept safely away from the walls of the culvert or pipe as well as any liner that may be in place. The housing  108  may also serve to cover and protect nozzles  104  and to keep them from becoming stopped up or clogged. The cutting implements  110  may remain within the housing  108  or extend beyond the distal end of the housing  108  as shown in  FIG. 1   a.  The cutting implements  110  coupled to the inner surface of the housing  108  rotate as the housing  108  rotates. The cutting implements  110  may also be coupled to the rod  101  and rotate with the rod  101  while the housing  108  remains stationary. For example as shown in  FIG. 1   c,  the cutting implements  110  are coupled to the drill rod  102  by radial supports  116 . The cutting implements  110  may be paddles designed to sweep debris in a particular direction in coordination with the direction of rotation of the housing  108 . In other embodiments, the implements  110  may comprise a narrower or sharpened cutting edge  112 . The cutting edge  112  may also be serrated or equipped with teeth as the needs of the user dictate. The cutting implements or paddles  110  may have cutting edges  112  pointing inwardly toward the drill rod  101 .  
         [0027]     The cutting implements  110  may be constructed of similar or different material than the housing  108  and rod  101 . The cutting implements  110  may also comprise high carbon steel or another durable material. For example, the cutting edge  112  may be constructed of high strength material such as high carbon steel or other suitable materials. The shape and position of the cutting implements  110  may dictate whether debris is swept forward (e.g., out from the distal end  107 ) or rearward, toward the proximal end of the rod, as the needs of the application dictate. The design of the cutting implements  110  may also be such that debris may be swept either forward or rearward depending upon the direction of rotation of the housing  108  if the coupler  102  is designed to enable rotation in either direction. In  FIG. 1   a,  the culvert cleaning tool  100  is shown with two cutting implements  110 , but more or fewer implements may be utilized in other embodiments.  
         [0028]     The jets, nozzles, or sprayers  104  may be coupled to the distal end  107  of the rod  101  at various points. The positions as shown in  FIG. 1   a  include a plurality of nozzles  104  within the housing  108  pointing radially outward from the rod  101  and one nozzle  104  point axially away from the distal end  107  of the rod  101 . This configuration illustrates one possible arrangement of the nozzles  104  but other configurations are contemplated. Similarly, other embodiments may have more or fewer nozzles  104 , or none at all. The nozzles  104  may be configured to provide a high pressure fluid stream in a desired direction. The nozzles  104  may be attached to the rod  101  by gluing, welding, or other means, and may be composed of similar or different materials than the rod  101 . The nozzles  104  may also be configured to provide a specific spray pattern such as a narrow stream or a wide angle spray. The nozzles  104  may be configured to spray only in a desired direction, for example, into the housing  108 , away from the housing  108 , or in some other direction from the rod  101 , which may increase the debris removal efficiency of the cleaning tool  100 .  
         [0029]     In operation, the culvert cleaning tool  100  may be used to clean a culvert, culvert pipe, drainage ditch, or other elongated and confined area that has become clogged with debris. The cleaning tool  100  ( FIG. 1   a ) may be attached to a horizontal drilling device (not shown) by coupler  102  and, optionally, one or more extension rods. If the device  100  is equipped with nozzles  104 , a high pressure supply of cleaning fluid may be attached to the rod  101 . A water tank with a pump may be used as the water supply. In some cases, the directional drilling machine may supply water to the nozzles  104  by pressurizing the water inside the rod  101  as previously described. The water nozzles may be checked for proper function and to ensure there is no blockage.  
         [0030]     The cleaning tool  100  having been selected for size and for direction of debris removal may be inserted into the culvert. The drilling machine rotates the tool  100  within the culvert while injecting the pressurized water. The cutting implements  110  rotate with the housing  108  or rod  101  in a predetermined direction. In certain implementations where the coupler  102  is a threaded coupling, the housing  108  may be rotated clockwise to prevent the threaded coupling from loosening. Debris that is cut or dislodged will be deflected in the appropriate direction by cutting implements  110 . The process may be repeated such that the device  100  is worked within the culvert in a “back and forth” motion until the culvert has been sufficiently cleaned. The nozzles  104  may be activated to assist with loosening of the debris and with debris removal by providing lubrication and pressurized force thereon. In some instances, the rod  101  may not provide sufficient length to clean the entire culvert. In such case, extension joints or tubing (not shown) that is compatible with the coupling  102  of the rod  101  and the drilling machine may be attached to coupling  102 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 2   a  is a cutaway view of another embodiment of a culvert cleaning tool  200  and  FIG. 2   b  provides and end view of the same. The culvert cleaning tool  200  comprises a drill rod  201  with a coupling  202  at a proximal end  205  thereof. The rod  201  may have a length that is compatible for cleaning the length of a culvert and may be joined to one or more extension rods (not shown) for elongating the reach of the tool. Te rod  201  may range between about 5 feet and 10 feet length and ranges from about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches in diameter. The rod  201  may be a commercially available drill rod section or may be custom made depending upon the needs of the user. The rod  201  may also be a commercially available pipe section or may be made from solid stock of steel, aluminum, or other metals or other suitable alloys thereof. In some applications plastics, polymers, fiberglass, or carbon fibers may also be used. The rod  201  may comprise a channel  203  to allow pressurized fluids, such as water, gases, or other solutions to be conducted therethrough while the device  200  is in operation. The coupling  202  may be a tapered threaded joint or another type of coupling. The rod  201  and the coupling  202  may be integral or formed as separate pieces and attached together. The coupling  202  may also be hollow to allow the introduction of pressurized fluids into the rod  201 . One or more nozzles  204  provided at various locations on the rod  201  are in fluid communication with the channel  103  of the rod  201  to conduct pressurized fluids to aid in debris removal.  
         [0032]     The rod  201  is coupled by radial supports  206  to a housing  208 . The rod  201  may be coupled coaxially along a center longitudinal axis  209  to the longitudinal axis of the housing  208 . The housing  208  may serve to cover and protect nozzles  204  and to keep them from becoming stopped up or clogged. The tubular housing  208  may be chosen to approximately match the circular cross-section of certain culverts thus allowing a thorough cleaning in one pass. In some instances, however, with a large culvert, the housing  208  may be chosen to be smaller than the interior of the culvert to allow only portion of the culvert to be cleaned with each pass. In one embodiment, the diameter of the housing  208  may range from about 31 inches to about 48 inches and the length from about 14 inches to about 16 inches. The housing  208  may be made from a section of pipe of the appropriate diameter or may be custom made and may be composed of steel, iron, aluminum, or alloys thereof. If needed, the housing  208  may also be made from plastic, polymers, or carbon fiber, for example.  
         [0033]     The tool  200  also comprises a plurality of forward-pointing teeth  214  to provide cutting surfaces for clearing and cutting debris. A series of cutting teeth  214  is attached to the supports  206  to aid in loosening and removing debris. The teeth  214  may be formed integrally with the supports  206  or they may be coupled thereto separately. The teeth  214  may be made of a durable material such iron, steel, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The teeth  214  may also be made from a high carbon steel, carbide, or diamond tipped for even greater durability. The teeth  214  and supports  206  may be constructed such that the teeth  214  protrude beyond the housing  208  at the distal end  207 . Thus, the teeth  214  are exposed to blockage in the culvert while the walls of the culvert remain protected by the housing  208 . The teeth  214  may attach at an angle to the supports  206  to improve cutting characteristics and to deflect debris in a desired direction as it is cut. There may be more or fewer teeth  214  than shown here as well as more or fewer supports  206 . The angle of the teeth  214  may be configured such that rotation in a specific direction by the housing  208  results in more efficient cutting and debris deflection. It is also contemplated that various characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated or utilized together. For example, culvert cleaning tool  100  may comprise teeth  214  on its supports  106  as shown in  FIG. 1   a - 1   b.    
         [0034]     In operation, the cleaning tool  200  may be coupled to a directional drilling machine and to a high pressure water source. The cleaning tool  200  may be inserted into the culvert into contact with debris to be removed. The drilling machine then rotates the cleaning tool  200  to commence clearing debris. The teeth  214  may cut through dirt, rocks, plants roots, animal nests, or other debris while moving forward and rotating. As before, this process may be repeated such that a back and forth motion is accomplished to ensure proper cutting of the debris and clearing of the culvert. One or more extension rods may be coupled to the drill rod  201  to extend the reach of the tool  200  into the culvert. The nozzles  214  may be activated to provide additional cleaning power or to assist in sweeping debris in a desired direction. Debris may be either pushed forward away from the device  200  or drawn towards the original opening depending upon the needs of the cleaning project. Additionally, the cleaning tool  200  may be used alternately with the cleaning tool  100  described above if needed.  
         [0035]      FIG. 3   a - 3   c  presents various views of another embodiment of a culvert cleaning tool  300 . The cleaning tool  300  is a “pull bucket” and comprises a drill rod  301  with a proximal end  305 , a distal end  307  and a longitudinal axis  309  therethrough. The drill rod  301  may have a length that is compatible for cleaning the length of a culvert and may be joined to one or more extension rods (not shown) for elongating the reach of the tool. The rod  301  may range between about 5 feet and 10 feet length and may range from about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches in diameter. The rod  301  may be a commercially available drill rod section or may be custom made depending upon the needs of the user. The rod  301  may also be a commercially available pipe section or may be made from solid stock of steel, aluminum, or other metals or other suitable alloys thereof. In some applications plastics, polymers, fiberglass, or carbon fibers may also be used. The rod  301  may comprise a channel  303  to allow pressurized fluids, such as water, gases, or other solutions to be conducted therethrough while the device  300  is in operation. The coupling  302  may be a tapered threaded joint or another type of coupling. The rod  301  and the coupling  302  may be integral or formed as separate pieces and attached together. The coupling  302  may also be hollow to allow the introduction of pressurized fluids into the rod  301 .  
         [0036]     Optionally, the drill rod  301  may comprise one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid-conducting channel  303  in the rod  301 . The nozzles  304  may direct pressurized fluids into the culvert to aid in debris removal.  
         [0037]     The drill rod  301  is coupled to a c-shaped scoop or bucket  310  defined by an end portion  320 , sidewalls  325  with a plurality of catches  326 , and a rearward rim  340 . The sidewalls  325  of the bucket  301  do not meet and therefore define a side opening  312 . Further, the bucket  301  defines a rearward opening  313  opposing the end portion  320 . The end portion  320  and walls floor  325  may be made from iron, steel, or other materials. The end portion  320  and side walls  325  may also be made from other materials such as plastics or polymers if desired. The rod  301  may attach directly to the end portion  320  may pass therethrough to allow placement of an additional nozzle  304 , for example. The end portion  320  may include a substantially flat plate having an appropriate shape for the bucket  310 . The end portion  320  and/or sidewalls  325  may one or more pieces welded or otherwise joined together. In other embodiments, the rod  301  may be coupled to the bucket  310  at a different location, such as along the sidewall  325  opposite the bucket opening  312 , for example.  
         [0038]     A support  335  may be coupled across the bucket opening  312  opposite the end portion  320  to increase the structural integrity and load capacity of the cleaning tool  300 . The support  335  may attach, by welding, for example, to the side walls  325  and pass over or under the rod  301 . The support  335  may also be secured to the rod  301  such as by welding. In other embodiments, the cleaning tool  300  may comprise different or additional supports than the support  335  as shown.  
         [0039]     In particular, referring to  FIG. 3   b,  the bucket  310  may comprise sidewalls  325  that form an arc in cross-section with the lateral opening  312  formed by a chord  314  connecting the circumference of the bucket cross-section. The distal end of the bucket  310  is covered by the end portion  320  and the proximal end of the bucket  313  defines a rearward opening  313 . In one embodiment, the diameter of the bucket cross-section may range from about 14 inches to 17 inches and the length from about 20 inches to 25 inches. The sidewalls  325  may be formed from a large pipe section or may be custom made in the shape desired. The sidewalls  325  may be formed integrally or separately and then assembled, by welding, for example. There may also be a series of catches or ribs  326  along the sidewalls  325  which may serve to prevent debris captured in the bucket from sliding out easily. The catches  326  may be made from iron, steel, or another suitable material.  
         [0040]     As more clearly seen in  FIG. 3   c,  the end portion  320  of the bucket  310  may have a curved profile. The curved forward profile of the bucket  310  may be advantageous for facilitating the advancement of the tool  300  into the culvert. It may also be seen that in this embodiment the rod  301  extends through the end portion  320 . The floor  325  of the bucket  310  is shown in this embodiment as being substantially parallel to the rod  301 . That is, the central axis  309  of the drill rod  301  is parallel to an axis  351  of the floor  325  of the bucket  310 . However, the cleaning tool  300  may also be assembled to provide a tilting of the bucket floor  325  relative to the rod axis  309  by a predetermined angle α. In this way, the rearward edge  340  of the bucket  310  is presented at an angle against the walls of the culvert to enhance the ability of the tool  300  to remove debris. The angle α may vary depending on the needs of the cleaning project.  
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a culvert cleaning tool  400 . Culvert cleaning tool  400  is a “push bucket” that is operable to push debris encountered in the culvert forward toward the distal end of the culvert. Cleaning tool  400  comprises a bucket  410  with a forward opening  411  and a side opening  412  coupled to drill rod  401 . The push bucket  400  may comprises the same features as the pull bucket  300  described above. The floor and sides  425  of the tool  400  may also be tilted relative to the central axis  409  to increase cleaning efficiency.  
         [0042]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a culvert cleaning tool  500 . The tool  500  comprises a bucket  510  with a generally rectilinear shape. The bucket  510  comprises a substantially flat end portion  520  through which a drill rod  501  passes, a substantially flat floor  525 , and substantially flat sides  572 ,  529 . The end portion  520 , floor  525 , and sides  527 ,  529  may be formed integrally or as separate pieces joined together, by welding, for example. In one embodiment, the rod  501  may be coupled to the bucket  510  on the floor  525  or in a different location. The flat floor  525  provides a flat scooping or scraping edge  540 . The flat floor  540  and flat sides  527 ,  529  may join at right angles and thus define a substantially rectilinear-shaped scoop. The floor  525  of the tool  500  may be parallel to the central axis  509 . However, in some embodiments, the floor  525  may be angled relative the central axis  509  to provide for more efficient gathering of debris when the device  500  is pushed within a culvert. Supports, such as support  530  may also be provided to increase load capacity or improve stability of the tool  500 , for example. In another embodiment, the open end of the scoop will face toward the coupling  502 , so as to allow the scoop to operate by being drawn or pulled rather than pushed.  
         [0043]     In operation, the scoop or bucket-type cleaning tools  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be used to clean a culvert, culvert pipe, drainage ditch, or another elongated and confined space that has become clogged with debris. The tools  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be used to remove rocks or other large debris as well as debris that may be very dense or heavy, or is otherwise more effectively removed with a scooping tool than a rotating tool, such as tool  100 . A tool ( 300 ,  400 ,  500 ) may be chosen based upon whether it is appropriate to push the debris out of the distal opening or draw it back out of the proximal opening of the culvert. Environmental concerns and the elevation and siting of the culvert openings may be determinative factors. The interior shape and dimensions of the culvert may also be considered. For example, in a culvert with a flat bottom, the rectilinear tool  500  may be used, whereas a round culvert may be most effectively cleaned with one of the cylindrical tools  300  and  400 . As before, the size of the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be chosen to match the clearance in and around the culvert or based on other user preferences.  
         [0044]     The chosen tool ( 300 ,  400 , or  500 ) may be attached to a directional drilling machine and extension pieces or tubing may be used if needed. If water nozzles ( 304 ,  404 , or  504 , respectively) are provided or needed, a high pressure water supply may then be attached to the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  and the water nozzles tested for blockage and proper operation. The tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  may then be inserted into the culvert to a desired location. The orientation of the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  relative to the interior of the culvert, or relative to the debris to be removed, may be adjusted by partial rotations of the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  by the drilling machine. As the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  is worked into the culvert, partial rotations may also be used to clear obstacles or structures within the culvert that may not be removable.  
         [0045]     When the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  has been inserted to the proper location, the floor  325 ,  525  of the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be rotated towards the debris and the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be positioned to scoop or scrape the debris in a desired direction. If the tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  becomes overly full, it may be lifted from the debris and removed from the culvert. The tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  may then be rotated to an “upside down” position to allow the debris to fall out or be removed. The tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  may then be reinserted and the process repeated until the culvert has been sufficiently cleaned. Water jets  304 ,  404 ,  504  may be used to assist in debris removal, for example by softening debris, or by sweeping it in a desired direction. In some cases, the debris in the culvert may need to be churned or loosened to allow ease of removal. The bucket or scooping tool  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be placed on or near the debris and rotated by the drilling machine to effect the desired mixing or churning action. Water jets  304 ,  404 ,  504  may be used here also if needed to increase the effectiveness of the operation. The bucket or scooping tools  300 ,  400 ,  500  may also be used in conjunction with the rotating tools  100 ,  200 . One or more extension rods may be used with the tools  300 ,  400 , and  500  to extend the reach of the tool inside the culvert.  
         [0046]      FIG. 6   a  is a side view of a culvert cleaning brush tool, or finishing brush tool  600 .  FIG. 6   b  is an end view of the brush tool  600 . The brush tool  600  has a drill rod  601  with a proximal end  603  and a distal end  605 . The proximal end  603  comprises a coupling  602 , which may be a tapered threaded coupling or another suitable coupling. The rod  601  may comprise a fluid conducting channel and one or more fluid nozzles  604  at or near its distal end  605 . The brush tool  600  comprises a brush assembly  611 . The brush assembly  611  may comprise a plurality of brush segments  602  arranged concentrically about the rod  601 . In one embodiment, brush segments  602  may range from about 30 inches to about 36 inches in diameter and may be about 2 inches in length. The brush segments  602  are sandwiched together by a forward end plate  606  and a rearward end plate  607 . One or more drive rails  608  may be mounted to the rearward end plate  607  and are operable to pass through one ore more corresponding openings in the forward end plate, as seen in  FIG. 6   b.    
         [0047]     The forward end plate  606  may comprise steel, iron, aluminum, or another suitable material. In  FIG. 6   b,  it may be seen that the drive rails  608  may be rectilinear in shape, but they may be cylindrical or other shapes. Although, two drive rails  608  are shown equidistant from the rod  601  and offset 180° from one another, there may be more or fewer drive rails and their positions may differ from those shown. Similarly, there are two sets of threaded bars  610  and fasteners  612 . The threaded bars  610  may be made from standard bolts if the desired length of bolt is available, or the threaded bars  610  may be made from commercially available all-thread, for example. The fasteners  612  may be threaded nuts or other devices for holding the brush segments together. In another embodiment, the fasteners  612  may be cotter pins for use with a hole (not shown) in the bolt  610 , for example. In yet another embodiment, the threaded bars  610  may not be necessary if, for example, the end plate  606  is welded directly to the mounting bars  608 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 6   c  is a partially disassembled view of the culvert cleaning brush  600  of  FIG. 6   a.  A portion of the rod  601  is shown with a nozzle  604 . The rearward end plate  607  is shown in position and may be attached to the rod  601 , for example, by welding. The end plate  607  may be substantially similar in composition and dimension as forward end plate  606 . Drive rails  608  and threaded bars  610  may be coupled to the end plate  607 , by welding, for example.  
         [0049]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a brush segment  602 . Bristles  702  may be coupled to a mounting ring  704 . The mounting ring  704  may have a series of fingers  708  spaced around the inner circumference of the ring  704  so as to engage the mounting bars  608 , and threaded bars  610  ( FIGS. 6   a - c ). The bristles  702  may be made of nylon, or some other suitable synthetic or natural material. The mounting ring  704  may be made of plastic, a metal, or another suitable material. The fingers  708  may likewise be composed of a plastic, metal, or other suitable material. The diameter of the bristled portion  702  of the brush segments  602  may range from about 18 inches to about 36 inches, while the diameter of the inner ring may range from about 8 inches to about 12 inches. The thickness of the brush segment  602  may be about one inch. In one embodiment of the device  600  ( FIGS. 6   a - c ), the drive rails  608  and threaded bars  610  are mounted to the end plate  607  in such a manner as to provide the proper spacing and radius that commercially available street sweeper sections may be used as the brush segments  602 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 8   a  is a transparent view of another embodiment of a culvert cleaning brush  800 . The brush  800  is built onto a rod  801 , which may have a length that is compatible for cleaning the length of a culvert and may be joined to one or more extension rods (not shown) for elongating the reach of the tool. The rod  801  may range between about 5 feet and 10 feet in length and ranges from about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches in diameter. The rod  801  may be a commercially available drill rod section or may be custom made depending upon the needs of the user. The rod  801  may also be a commercially available pipe section or may be made from solid stock of steel, aluminum, or other metals or other suitable alloys thereof. In some applications plastics, polymers, fiberglass, or carbon fibers may also be used. The rod  801  may comprise a channel  803  to allow pressurized fluids, such as water, gases, or other solutions to be conducted therethrough while the device  200  is in operation. In this embodiment, a multidirectional nozzle  805  is shown but other nozzles (e.g.  104  or  FIG. 1 ) may be used and may be interchangeable with nozzle  105 . The nozzle may be in fluid communication with the channel  803  in the rod  801 .  
         [0051]     Culvert cleaning tool  800  may also comprise end plates  804  and  806  to hold the brush segments together. However, a rod brace  802  may be utilized as a base for mounting drive rails, mounting bars, or splines  808 . The rod brace  802  may be made of a pipe section of constructed from suitable materials such as a metal or plastic. The length and diameter of the rod brace may be selected to match the interior of the brush segments  602  described above. The drive rails  808  may be attached directly to the rod brace  608 , by welding, or bolting for example. As shown, the endplates  804 ,  806  in combination with the rod brace  800  may provide a solid substantially cylindrical surface, to which brush sections  602  may be mounted. The drive rails  808  may be arranged to as to interface with the fingers  708  of brush section  602  ( FIG. 7 ). The end plate  806  may be held in place by flange plate  804  which may be welded to the rod  801  for example. Captive nuts  830  on the flange plate  804  may be used for ease of assembly. Bolts  810  or other suitable fasteners may provide fastening on the opposite side. One or more washers may be used at various locations on the device  800 . For example, rubber washer  620  may be used to prevent leakage of mud, water, or debris into the interior of the rod brace  802  when the device  800  is assembled for use.  
         [0052]      FIG. 8   b  is an end view of the culvert cleaning brush  800  of  FIG. 8   a.  In this view, one possible configuration for the drive rails  808  can be seen but others are possible. As in previous embodiments, the drive rails may be positioned according to the design of the brush sections  802 , possibly allowing commercially available street sweeper brush sections to be used. One possible bolt pattern for bolts  810  can also be seen here. The bolts  810  may be patterned to match the flange plate  831  ( FIG. 8   a ), but other configurations than shown here are possible. Multidirectional nozzle  805  is also shown here which, in this embodiment, attaches directly to the end of rod  801 . The multidirectional nozzle may allow for multiple high pressure fluid streams from a single location on rod  801 .  
         [0053]     In operation, the culvert cleaning brush  600  or  800  may be coupled to a piece of equipment such as a directional drill capable of drilling horizontally. The size of the brush used may be chosen to correspond the size of the culvert being cleaned. As before, extension rods may be added to the drill rod to increase the effective reach of the brush. The brush may also be attached to a high pressure water source (e.g., the drilling machine) so that the water nozzles  604 ,  805  may be used to aid in the cleaning. The nozzles  604 ,  805  may aid by sweeping the debris in a desired direction (e.g., away from the drilling machine, or towards it) or by softening hardened debris for easier sweeping. As described in greater detail below, the brushes  600 ,  800  may be used as part of a cleaning process that may involve first using other tools that have been described herein.  
         [0054]      FIG. 9  is a view of one possible environment  900  in which embodiments of the above-described tools may operate. A culvert  902  may be a culvert passing under a roadway  904 . The culvert  902  has a proximal end  903  and a distal end  905 . Depending on environmental and other factors, the proximal end  903  or the distal end  905  may be selected as the debris exit point from the culvert  902 . Preferably the culvert end having the lower elevation is chosen as the debris exit point in order to take advantage of the force of gravity, but this selection is not required. The debris  906  may partially or fully block the culvert  902 . As shown, the proximal end  903  of the culvert  902  is accessible to a directional drilling machine or rig  910 . Removal of grating or other safety implements (not shown) to expose the proximal opening of the culvert may be necessary, as well as excavation of the immediate area to allow proper access to the culvert  902 . In this example, the cleaning tool  400  (as in  FIG. 4 ) is shown attached to a drill rod of the drilling rig  910 . One or more extension rods  912  may be used here to increase the effective reach of the tool  400 . As stated previously, a high pressure water supply  914  may also be attached to the cleaning tool  400 , via the extension rods  912 , for example. The drilling rig  910  may manipulate the cleaning tool  400  in such a manner as to effect removal of the debris  906 . The drilling rig  910  may be able to supply movement to the cleaning tool  400  along several different axes as shown by arrows D, E, F, and G. Depending upon the tool attached to the rig  910 , the debris may be pushed or pulled from the proximal end of the culvert.  
         [0055]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for cleaning a culvert. The appropriate tool may first be selected at step  1001 . The cleaning tools as previously described may be chosen depending upon the type of debris in the culvert, the size and location of the culvert, and environmental factors, for example. Once an appropriate tool has been chosen, an appropriate size may be selected at step  1002 . The size of the tool needed may depend upon the size of the culvert and whether a portion or all of the culvert is to be cleaned in each pass of the tool. Additionally the type of debris may impact the choice of the size of the tool. For example, very dense debris may lead to a selection of a smaller tool to reduce weight in the tool. A culvert with an immovable obstacle inside may lead to the selection of a smaller size tool to enable adequate room to maneuver the tool inside the culvert.  
         [0056]     One an appropriate tool and size has been selected, the tool may be connected to a drilling machine at step  1004 , such as a horizontal drilling rig. The connection of the tool to the drilling rig may also involve the use of extension joints as previously described. If water is to be used to assist in the cleaning at step  1006 , the water supply is connected at step  1008 . In some embodiments, the drilling rig may also serve as a high pressure pump or water supply. Clean water may be used in some embodiments but waste water, water from a local body of water, or another supply of a suitable liquid may also be used. At step  1010 , the tool may be inserted into the culvert and the cleaning action may commence. As previously described and depending upon the tool currently in use, drilling motions, sweeping motions, or scooping motions may be used to clear debris from the culvert. Additionally, it may be necessary for debris to be deposited only in one area as it is removed from the culvert. Environmental concerns, for example, may necessitate that removed debris is placed only at one end of the culvert and/or that the fluids used in loosening the debris not enter an existing natural body of water.  
         [0057]     In some environments, the cleaning of a culvert may require the use of more than a single tool. For example, a scooping-type tool may be used, followed by a brush. In some embodiments, two different kinds of routing or rotating tools may be used followed by a brush tool. Some culverts may require the use of both scooping tool and routing tools followed by the brush tool and some cleanings may not require the brush at all. At step  1012 , a decision may be made as to whether an additional tool is needed. If so, the additional tool may be selected as described beginning at step  1001 .  
         [0058]     The cleaning of some culverts may require additional, optional steps. For example, a liner may be inserted into the cleaned culvert at step  1014 . A liner may help to prevent degradation of the culvert itself, or may helped to slow the subsequent buildup of new debris inside the culvert. In some environments, the debris may have to be removed from the cleaning site at step  1016 . This may be due to environmental concerns, or concerns with keeping the area free of loose debris, for example. If the area around the end of the culvert was excavated to allow proper access, it may be necessary to restore the landscape to its original condition at step  1018 . Any grills, coverings, or other safety implements may also be replaced at this step.  
         [0059]     The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments according to aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.