The Clorox Company

Richard E Melrose

John F Breznock

Richard N Miller

A hydraulic device utilizes an aerosol can containing propellant for unblocking drains or other types of conduits by use of hydraulic ram pressure. A nozzle having a curved surface is movably mounted on the discharge end of the propellant container and is actuable by means of pressing the nozzle against the conduit opening to discharge a quantity of propellant gas into the conduit. The curved surface of the nozzle conveniently seals against the conduit opening. An annular skirt depending from the nozzle surrounds the upper can chine and an internal annular rib therein retains the nozzle on the container while allowing sufficient travel of the nozzle to move and actuate a valve stem of a valve assembly within the container discharge opening. A disc spring is located intermediate the nozzle and the container end having the discharge opening which normally biases the nozzle away from the valve stem of the valve assembly. Upon compression of the disc spring by pressing the nozzle against the conduit opening, the spring moves in a substantially regressive load deflection curve within a working deflection range until the disc is over centered and the valve stem fully depressed to permit expulsion of propellant gas through a discharge passage including a diffuser portion centrally disposed in the nozzle end. Upon release of the nozzle, the disc spring will cause the nozzle to return to its initial position and propellant flow will be stopped. The disc spring includes a plurality of grooves around the periphery thereof for permitting escape of trapped propellant. Additional diffusers are utilizable with the nozzle to permit sealing against flat surfaces surrounding the conduit opening.

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Lafayette, CA, United States of America

Richard E Melrose