Improved Apparatus for Cleaning and Repairing Drain and other Pipes.
Year: 1898

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for Cleaning and Repairing Drain and other
Pipes.
I, GEORGE FREDERICK RESTALL, of 57, Park Road, Regent's Park, in the
County of Middlesex, Sanitary Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus which is used for cleaning, cementing, and
otherwise repairing the interior of drain and other pipes while they are in posi-
tion; and consists in improved forms of apparatus by the use of which the most
difficult bends can be passed with facility and the most efficient filling and stopping
of cracks or cavities in the interior of the pipes be secured; moreover the apparatus
can be employed to carry disinfectants into the pipes, and deliver the same in
such manner as to pass out through the cracks or faults and permeate any
surrounding soil which may, by leakage have become impregnated with sewage
and like matter.
An apparatus of diameter equal to that of the interior of the pipe so as to fit
it closely is passed into the drain or other pipe to be cleaned through a manhole
or through the space left when a length of pipe is removed for the purpose, and
drawn or thrust backwards and forwards until the cleaning, cementing, or other
repair is completed when it is withdrawn in like manner.
The apparatus which is passed into the pipe consists in its simplest form of an
axially disposed rod or cord having at each end two flexible clastic india-rubber
or other similar discs disposed concentrically thereon; each end pair being
normally retained a short distance apart by means of a spring or springs. The
outer disc of each pair is attached firmly to the cord but the inner of each can
slide thereon when forced by its spring. To the outside of each end disc a loop
or swivel is fixed to which a cord or rod can be attached for the purpose of pulling
or pushing the apparatus through the pipe. The discs are of such a diameter
as to fit closely the interior of the drain pipe so that when placed therein and each
pair of discs drawn apart a vacuum is formed between each pair.
In some cases these spaces are utilized for the purpose of containing guide
pulleys which coming into contact with the interior of the pipe ensure the central
rod or cord retaining its axial position.
When used for cleaning only brushes or scrapers are attached to the central
cord or rod occupying positions between the two inner discs. The passing back-
wards and forwards of these, scrapes and cleanses the interior of the pipe and
enables the scraped off material to be drawn back to the opening through which
it can be withdrawn from the drain or other pipe.
When employed for cementing, the brushers or scrapers are dispensed with, and
the space between the two inner discs filled with cement or other suitable material.
The force exerted by the springs at each end keeps a constant and steady pressure
sufficient to force the cement into any cracks, faults, or joints in the interior of the
pipe, until this is made thoroughly sound and tight. Moreover should any cement
exude over the edge of either of the inner discs it falls into the vacuum space
between the two end discs and can be withdrawn.

page_text: When used for washing disinfecting, or deodorising drains the disinfectant
deodorant or solution of soda or lime occupies the same position as the cement, the
gentle pressure on the ends causing it to exude steadily and effectively.
Locking pins or other devices are provided for the purposes of retaining the
inner discs apart against the action of the springs while the apparatus is being
filled. When placed in the drain or other pipe these are released.
Where short bends are to be passed it is necessary to employ either a flexible
axial rod or a cord. When these are used the vacuum spaces serve their most
useful purpose.
Dated this 7th day of Docamhan 1800
WILLIAM J. MUNDEN,
75, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.
Improved Apparatus for Cleaning and Repairing Drain and other
Pipes.
I, GEORGE FREDERICK RESTALL, of 57, Park Road, Regent's Park, in the
County of Middlesex, Sanitary Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to apparatus which is used for cleaning, cementing, and
otherwise repairing the interior of drain and other pipes, while they are in
position, and it consists of improved forms of apparatus by the use of which
difficult bends can be passed with facility, while cracks or cavities in the interior
of the pipes can be efficiently filled and stopped. The apparatus also can be
employed to carry disinfectants into the pipes and to deliver the same in such
manner as to pass out through the cracks or faults and thus to permeate the
surrounding soil which may, by the leakage have become impregnated with sewage
and like objectionable matter.
In the accompanying sheet of explanatory drawings
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the pipe, showing my improved apparatus
partly in section and partly in elevation therein.
Figure 2 is a similar view showing another form of my apparatus in position
within the pipe.
I make my apparatus of a diameter equal to that of the interior of the pipe so
as to fit it closely, in order that when it is passed into the drain or other pipe to
be cleaned through a man-hole, or through an open length of a pipe, it may
be drawn or thrust backwards and forwards until the cleaning, cementing, or
repair is completed and then be withdrawn in the ordinary manner.
My apparatus in one simple form consists of an axially disposed rod or cord A
having at each end two flexible elastic, india-rubber or other similar discs B, BI
disposed concentrically thereon, each end pair being normally retained a short
distance apart by means of a spring or springs C. The outer disc B of each pair
is attached firmly to the cord or manipulating rod A while the inner disc B¹
can slide thereon when forced by its spring C. To the outside of each end disc
a loop E or swivel or other joint is fixed to which a cord or rod D can be attached
for the purpose of pulling or pushing the apparatus through the drain pipe. The
discs B, B are of such a diameter as to fit closely the interior of the drain pipe
so that when placed therein, and each pair of discs being drawn apart a vacuum
is formed in the space a between each pair.
When so desired I mount guide pulleys F within these air spaces which travel
along the interior of the pipe and thus insure the central rod or cord retaining
its axial position,

page_text: When employing my apparatus for cleaning only, I attach brushes or scrapers
to the central cord or rod occupying the positions of the two discs B₁; the action
of drawing backwards and forwards these brushes or scrapers cleanses the interior
of the pipe and enables the material thus removed to be withdrawn to the opening
through which it can be removed from the drain pipe.
When employing my apparatus for cementing or filling, I dispense with the
brushes or scrapers and fill the space G between the two inner discs with cement
or other suitable material. The pressure exerted by the springs at each end keeps
a constant thrust upon the cement sufficient to force it into any cracks, faults or
joints within the interior of the pipe thus making it thoroughly sound and tight.
Should any cement or like material exude over the edge of either of the inner
discs B it falls into the vacuum space a from whence it can be readily withdrawn.
When employing my apparatus for washing disinfecting or deodorising drains
I introduce the disinfectant, deodorant, washing or other solution into the space G
between the inner discs the pressure of the springs upon the ends, causing the
substance or liquid to be delivered on to the surface of the pipe or to any crevice
or joint over which the apparatus passes.
In order to retain the inner discs apart against the action of the springs while
the apparatus is being filled I employ locking pins H or other devices upon the
apparatus as shown in Figure 1, the locking cotters, pins, or the like securing
device being released when the apparatus is inserted in the drain or other pipe
which is to be operated upon.
When constructing my apparatus for use in connection with short bends, I
make the central rod flexible or employ a chain, cord, or the like for this purpose.
I do not limit the application of my invention to any particular form of brush,
scraper or dise, or to any special arrangement of spring or locking device, but
I modify the number of discs, the size and extent of the space between them,
and the arrangement, either singly or in pairs of such discs with their impelling
springs to suit the size and nature of the pipe to be operated upon and the
purpose for which the apparatus is intended to be used.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
:~
1. The improvements in apparatus for cleaning and repairing drain and other
pipes, substantially as and for the purpose herein before described, and as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. In apparatus for use in connection with cleaning, repairing and disinfecting
drains, the combination and arrangement of a pair of yielding or other discs
mounted upon or about a central rod or support having a spring or springs placed
between them, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described and
as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
3. In apparatus for use in connection with cementing, cleaning and repairing
drain and other pipes the combination and arrangement of yielding or other
discs having a spring or springs between them with a space for the purpose of
carrying the cementing, cleansing or other material which is to be distributed on
to the surface of the pipe joint or crevice substantially as and for the purposes
herein before described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 7th day of September 1890
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
13, Temple Street, Birmingham and
25, Cross Street, Manchester, Agents.