US4388741A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic sewer cleaning system
Assignee: QUENNEVILLE GAIL C
•
Filing: 1980-12-24
•
Granted: 1983-06-21
•
Expires: 2000-12-24
Abstract
Abstract A system for cleaning or preventing a sewer and plumbing line system from becoming clogged. Included is a cleaning cable permanently installed in the sewer and plumbing line of a building. The cable being permanently distorted at points along its length and being flexible along the remainder of its length and being connected at the end near a plumbing fixture to a motor for rotation.
Inventors
- 👤 Everett C. Breon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:25
CPC Classifications
E; E03; E03F; E03F9/00; E03F9/002; E03F9/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A system for cleaning the sewer line of a building, the sewer line having a plurality of plumbing fixtures connected thereto, the system comprising: a cleaning cable permanently installed in the sewer line, said cleaning cable being permanently distorted at points along its length in alternate direction about an axis transverse to said length and being flexible along the remainder of its length such that said cable can conform to bends in the sewer line and can conform to a spiral upon rotation and such that when said cable is at rest, said cable will lie substantially flat on the bottom of the sewer line; and drive means for rotating said cable such that said cable cleans out such sewer line, said drive means including a drive system having a rotating output and coupling means for connecting said cable to the rotating output of said drive system.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
147 words
A system for cleaning the sewer line of a building, the sewer line having a plurality of plumbing fixtures connected thereto, the system comprising: a cleaning cable permanently installed in the sewer line, said cleaning cable being permanently distorted at points along its length in alternate direction about an axis transverse to said length and being flexible along the remainder of its length such that said cable can conform to bends in the sewer line and can conform to a spiral upon rotation and such that when said cable is at rest, said cable will lie substantially flat on the bottom of the sewer line; and drive means for rotating said cable such that said cable cleans out such sewer line, said drive means including a drive system having a rotating output and coupling means for connecting said cable to the rotating output of said drive system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said drive means selectively rotates said cable at predetermined time intervals to as to prevent sewage materials from collecting inside the sewer line, such time intervals being determined by the sewer line characteristics and the sewage load carried by the sewer line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said drive system includes a timer and a motor, said timer connected to said motor for programming the operation of said motor in accordance with the desired preventive schedule for said sewer line to provide optimum cleaning efficiency.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said cable has a diameter of approximately 1/2" and is kinked at spaced intervals to an angle of about 10°.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said cable is permanently distorted.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the distortion is created by kinking said cable at spaced intervals along its length.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said drive system includes a motor mounted in a cabinet and said coupling means includes (i) a shaft extending from said motor to said cable and seal apparatus disposed between said cabinet and such sewer line and surrounding said shaft.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-06-20 | 1986-12-20 | 1987-06-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-06-20 | 1990-12-20 | 1991-06-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-06-20 | 1994-12-20 | 1995-06-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |