Brush Cleaners Patents (Class 15/38)
  • Patent number: 11191408
    Abstract: The present application provides a docking station including a cleaning system disposed in a base thereof. The cleaning system includes a cutting chamber, an upper end cover, and a lower end cover; and the cutting chamber is configured to receive a to-be-cleaned object, and the upper end cover is detachably connected to an upper end of the cutting chamber; the lower end cover is disposed at a lower end of the cutting chamber and rotatably connected with the cutting chamber; the to-be-cleaned object is detachably fixed to the lower end cover; and a blade assembly configured to clean the to-be-cleaned object is provided at an inner wall of the cutting chamber. The docking station may clean the to-be-cleaned object, such as a roller brush of a robot cleaner, while charging the robot cleaner, which provides an auxiliary function, extends the applicability and is more convenient for home use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventors: Jisong Gao, Xiaowei Xu, Yuan Chen, Xianmin Chen
  • Patent number: 10888156
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of cleaning and drying applicator tools, such as brushes, cosmetic applicators, or cosmetic tools, are disclosed. An applicator tool cleaning apparatus according to various embodiments includes an applicator tool holder configured to hold multiple applicators of various sizes with the applicator heads facing down. The applicator tool cleaning apparatus further comprises a cleaning chamber that can dispense liquid to saturate the applicator heads and contact the applicator heads with a textured surface to dislodge collected materials on the applicator heads. Additionally, the applicator tool cleaning apparatus may comprise a drying chamber where drying mechanisms blow air or dissipate heat at the applicator heads until dried. The applicator tool holder may be moved vertically between the cleaning chamber and the drying chamber via a motor and drive mechanism of the applicator tool cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: KML LIFESTYLE LLC
    Inventors: Keiri E. Munoz, Armen Gardabad Ohanian, Herach Ayvazian
  • Patent number: 10596587
    Abstract: An application system is provided and includes a primer device configured to apply a primer, a sealer unit configured to apply a sealer and a change tool selectively connected to the primer device and the sealer unit. The application system further includes a connecting portion that is coupled to the primer device and the sealer unit, respectively to be selectively connected to the change tool. Accordingly, maintenance and repair costs may be reduced, and the required installation space may be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Chan Park
  • Patent number: 8910337
    Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans hairbrushes and combs and comprises an upper portion with at least two openings for containing a hair remover and an item to be cleaned, a rotating roller brush, and a housing portion. The roller brush, together with the hair remover, effectively clean and remove hair from styling combs and brushes and prevent accumulated hair from impeding the cleaning action by removing it from the roller brush. The device is configured in a specialized concave crescent shape, and the pattern of bristles on the roller brush is configured to optimize cleaning action on hairbrushes and styling combs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventors: Ted J. Brackett, C. Martin Smith
  • Patent number: 8732900
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner lint brush accessory system having a lint brush and cradle. The lint brush has longitudinally opposed handle and brush portions. The brush portion has a brush material adapted to remove fibrous substances from a surface to be cleaned. The cradle has a chamber opening leading to a chamber. The chamber extends in the longitudinal direction and is adapted to longitudinally receive at least the brush portion of the lint brush, the chamber has at least one brush cleaning pad adapted to engage the brush material and remove the fibrous substances from the brush material. The chamber further includes an air outlet spaced from the chamber opening. The air outlet is selectively connectable to a vacuum passage of a vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Niederman, Thomas Josefsson, John C. Morphey, Brian Wang Sun
  • Patent number: 8677559
    Abstract: Described is a self-cleaning vacuum cleaner accessory apparatus, method, and system including a tubular element, a nozzle, and a nozzle housing that can include at least one nozzle housing notch. The apparatus can further include a bristle plate coupled to the nozzle housing. The bristle plate can include at least one bristle and at least one tabular release element to control the movement of at least one bristle plate tab. The at least one bristle plate tab can be coupled to, or decoupled from, the at least one nozzle housing notch to either permit or prohibit the bristle plate's movement with respect to the nozzle housing. The bristle plate can further include a pivot for rotating the bristle plate to invert the at least one bristle's orientation. Once inverted, airflow from a vacuum can remove debris from the bristles before returning the bristle plate to its original orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Robert R. Hollis
  • Patent number: 8590600
    Abstract: A cleaning brush device for a condenser of refrigerator comprising a condenser and a cleaning brush is provided. The condenser comprises a cooling fin grid of rows of horizontal fins and columns of vertical fins. The cleaning brush sweeps horizontally and vertically over the cooling fin grid in a predetermined period of time and brushes off the dust bunny collected in the cooling fin grid. The predetermined period of time is controlled according to amount of the dust bunny on the cooling fin grid. The cleaning brush may sweep the grid horizontally and vertically in a systematical way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Brian S. Kim
  • Patent number: 8572799
    Abstract: A cleaning robot system includes a robot and a robot maintenance station. The robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot as directed by a controller, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing and a driven cleaning roller. The robot maintenance station includes a station housing and a docking platform configured to support the robot when docked. A mechanical agitator engages the roller of the robot with the robot docked. The agitator includes an agitator comb having multiple teeth configured to remove accumulated debris from the roller as the agitator comb and roller are moved relative to one another. The robot maintenance station includes a collection bin arranged to receive and hold debris removed by the mechanical agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Chikyung Won, Stephen A. Hickey, Mark Schnittman, Zivthan A. Dubrovsky, Selma Svendsen, Jed Lowry, David Swett, John Devlin
  • Patent number: 8499471
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for drying a biosolid or sludge, such as wastewater sludge. The system and method include a fluidized bed dryer in which the sludge is dried. The fluidized bed includes bed media. In particular examples, the bed media is different than the sludge. The system and method can include additional features, such treating the sludge using a thermochemical process in a thermochemical reactor, such as a gasifier, to produce a fuel. The fuel is then combusted to produce energy and heat. The heat is recycled to the drier to help dry sludge. In particular examples, sludge input to the dryer is not first treated using a high-pressure dewatering technique. In some embodiments, the system and method include an anaerobic digester coupled to a combustion unit coupled to the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventors: Charles J. Coronella, Victor R. Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20130000062
    Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans hairbrushes and combs and comprises an upper portion with at least two openings for containing a hair remover and an item to be cleaned, a rotating roller brush, and a housing portion. The roller brush, together with the hair remover, effectively clean and remove hair from styling combs and brushes and prevent accumulated hair from impeding the cleaning action by removing it from the roller brush. The device is configured in a specialized concave crescent shape, and the pattern of bristles on the roller brush is configured to optimize cleaning action on hairbrushes and styling combs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Ted J. Brackett, C. Martin Smith
  • Publication number: 20120324659
    Abstract: A hair extraction apparatus for easy removal of hair and other debris from a brush. The apparatus comprises a base for overlaying bristles of the brush. The base includes a plurality of apertures and a fastener. The apertures are formed such that each aperture is capable of receiving at least one bristle of the brush. The fastener is attached at one end of the base to secure and tighten the apparatus in position around the brush. The brush may be cleaned by simply loosening and pulling the hair extraction apparatus away from the brush, removing hair and other debris accumulated on the brush in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Michelle Bond
  • Patent number: 8185994
    Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans hairbrushes and combs and comprises an upper portion with at least two openings for containing a hair remover and an item to be cleaned, a rotating roller brush, and a housing portion. The roller brush, together with the hair remover, effectively clean and remove hair from styling combs and brushes and prevent accumulated hair from impeding the cleaning action by removing it from the roller brush. The device is configured in a specialized concave crescent shape, and the pattern of bristles on the roller brush is configured to optimize cleaning action on hairbrushes and styling combs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Dynamic Cleaning Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ted J. Brackett, C. Martin Smith
  • Patent number: 8099814
    Abstract: The disclosure details a device for cleaning and scrubbing that has a tub and a cylindrical brush rotatably mounted within its interior. The tub has a bottom, side walls, a front wall, back wall, and an open top. The device also includes a cover positioned within the tub; the cover has a shroud portion positioned over at least a portion of the brush as well as a generally planar portion that extends from the shroud to a location adjacent the bottom of the tub. The inventive device is well-suited for cleaning and scrubbing tools and implements that may be commonly used in the construction and/or remodeling industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tube Scooter, LLC
    Inventors: Randy L Harwerth, Bernard Harwerth
  • Patent number: 7908700
    Abstract: A hair brush with a cleaning element for removing entwined hair from the brush after use. The cleaning element of the brush includes a plate(s) with opening through which the bristles protrude. When the plate is expanded, the plate pushes any hairs entwined in the bristles to the tips of the bristles where they are removed. The brush also has a post mechanism, which allows for the adjustment of the cleaning element to various intermediary positions, effectively adjusting the length of the bristles for use of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Joe J DiPippo
  • Publication number: 20100251494
    Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans hairbrushes and combs and comprises an upper portion with at least two openings for containing a hair remover and an item to be cleaned, a rotating roller brush, and a housing portion. The roller brush, together with the hair remover, effectively clean and remove hair from styling combs and brushes and prevent accumulated hair from impeding the cleaning action by removing it from the roller brush. The device is configured in a specialized concave crescent shape, and the pattern of bristles on the roller brush is configured to optimize cleaning action on hairbrushes and styling combs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ted J. Brackett, C. Martin Smith
  • Publication number: 20100005604
    Abstract: A device (1) for cleaning brushes, in particular brushes for hair or animal fur, comprising a container (12), at least a rotary counter-brush (2a, 2b, 2c), inserted inside the container (12) and able to act on at least a brush to be cleaned (4). The counter-brush includes bristles which are arranged along preferential lines along an external surface of a body of the counter-brush, the lines being distanced from one another by spaces which are sufficient to enable a winding of the hairs or fur along the body of the counter-brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Annamaria Esposito
  • Patent number: 7594291
    Abstract: A paint brush cleaning device for cleaning paint brushes and paint rollers comprising a cylindrical reservoir housing a plurality of side brushes along the inside surface of the reservoir. On the bottom surface of the reservoir is a plurality of bottom brushes. A brush storage rack component, which holds the paint brushes and rollers, is insertable into the reservoir. A motor drives the brush storage rack component to spin such that the paint brushes and rollers brush against the side and bottom brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Carmen
  • Patent number: 7513006
    Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans hairbrushes and combs and comprises an upper portion with at least two openings for containing a hair remover and an item to be cleaned, a rotating roller brush, and a housing portion. The roller brush, together with the hair remover, effectively clean and remove hair from styling combs and brushes and prevent accumulated hair from impeding the cleaning action by removing it from the roller brush. The device is configured in a specialized concave crescent shape, and the pattern of bristles on the roller brush is configured to optimize cleaning action on hairbrushes and styling combs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Dynamic Cleaning Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ted J. Brackett, C. Martin Smith
  • Patent number: 7494512
    Abstract: This invention relates to new compositions and methods for cleaning textile substrates, especially carpet and upholstery fabrics. More particularly, this invention relates to liquid compositions that contain absorbent particles in a flowable fluid dispersion, which dries to a soil ladened powder, that can be removed by vacuuming, brushing, and/or laundering methods. The composition includes dispersion stabilizing additives such that the composition is presented as a stable dispersion or as a composition that may be easily redispersed prior to application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Steven E. Brown, Marie S. Chan, Michael A. Valenti, Michael J. McDonald, Shannon B. Stancil, J. Michael Metcalf, Patrick D. Moore
  • Publication number: 20090000642
    Abstract: A hair brush with a cleaning element for removing entwined hair from the brush before or after use. The cleaning element of the brush includes a plate(s) with opening through which the bristles protrude. When the plate is expanded, the plate pushes any hairs entwined in the bristles to the tips of the bristles where they are removed. The brush also has a post mechanism, which allows for the adjustment of the cleaning element to various intermediary positions, effectively adjusting the length of the bristles for use of the brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Joe DiPippo
  • Patent number: 7341695
    Abstract: An anti-fouling apparatus and method includes a configurable cleaner connected to an object for physically removing foulants on the object. A UV light device is connected to the object for preventing the growth of foulants on the object and a camera is connected to the object for observing the presence of foulants on the object. The configurable cleaner removes foulants from the object as well as the UV light and the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Stuart Garner
  • Publication number: 20080047081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet brush cleaning system and method for using the same. The system provides at least a first bristle-contact surface for aiding the removal of strands, fibers, or filaments from entraining bristle members on a pet brush. An alternative construction involves a readily transportable brush cleaning kit incorporating a region for storing a pet brush and a removed-pet-hair retaining region that readily facilitates the use of multiple pet-brush cleanings proximate the bristle-contact surface and prevents the detrimental build-up of removed hair during repeated use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Pat Ogden
  • Patent number: 7296319
    Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans hairbrushes and combs and comprises an upper portion with at least two openings for containing a hair remover and an item to be cleaned, a rotating roller brush, and a housing portion. The roller brush, together with the hair remover, effectively clean and remove hair from styling combs and brushes and prevent accumulated hair from impeding the cleaning action by removing it from the roller brush. The device is configured in a specialized concave crescent shape and the pattern of bristles on the roller brush are configured to optimize cleaning action on hairbrushes and styling combs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dynamic Cleaning Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ted J. Brackett, Martin Smith
  • Patent number: 7086112
    Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans paintbrushes, arts & crafts brushes, artist brushes and cosmetic brushes and comprises a tank with an open top for containing cleaning fluid, a brush frame, rotating cleaning brushes, a motor housing and top cover. The rotating cleaning brushes, together with the stationary cleaning brush, remove paint or cosmetic materials from the brushes to be cleaned. The rotating and stationary cleaning brushes each bear a bristle portion comprising tufts, which are configured in a specialized tightly packed pattern to optimize cleaning the paintbrushes artists brushes, arts & crafts brushes or cosmetic brushes to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Dynamic Cleaning Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Smith, Ted Brackett
  • Patent number: 6981292
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for removing hair entangled among the teeth of combs or the bristles of brushes, after their use, which acts through the action of rotating whips and of an assembly for sucking and collecting the removed residuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Francesco Dassi
  • Patent number: 6910489
    Abstract: An apparatus containing a composition suitable for eliminating a thermosetting resin is disclosed. In the composition, tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is included so as to eliminate the thermosetting resin. Accordingly, the composition is suitable for removing a dielectric layer, an organic protective layer, an insulating layer, an alignment layer, black matrices and color filters, etc. made form a thermosetting resin in an LCD or a semiconductor, and permits a reproduction or a rework of the thermosetting resin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Hyun Ryu
  • Publication number: 20040181887
    Abstract: The present invention thoroughly cleans paintbrushes, arts & crafts brushes, artist brushes and cosmetic brushes and comprises a tank with an open top for containing cleaning fluid, a brush frame, rotating cleaning brushes, a motor housing and top cover. The rotating cleaning brushes, together with the stationary cleaning brush, remove paint or cosmetic materials from the brushes to be cleaned. The rotating and stationary cleaning brushes each bear a bristle portion comprising tufts, which are configured in a specialized tightly packed pattern to optimize cleaning the paintbrushes artists brushes, arts & crafts brushes or cosmetic brushes to be cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: C. Martin Smith, Ted Brackett
  • Patent number: 6666925
    Abstract: The paintbrush-cleaning device includes a housing with an open top, a bottom drain and a central space, containing paintbrush-cleaning liquid therein. A pair of rotatable radial brushes brackets the paintbrushes in the central space and are powered by an electric motor connected to the housing. A number of spaced upwardly directed jet nozzles are disposed in the central space and direct streams of cleaning liquid under pressure upwards towards the paintbrushes. An impeller pump may be connected to a manifold in the central space, from which manifold the jet nozzles extend. Two radial brushes may be used, with the members disposed opposite each other adjacent the sides of the top opening. The radial brushes bear a bristle portion comprising cleaning bristles, which is configured in a spiral along the length of the radial wound brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Dynamic Cleaning Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ted J. Brackett, C. Martin Smith, Mark Anderson
  • Patent number: 6629538
    Abstract: A method of dry cleaning surfaces of a semiconductor wafer includes the steps of placing a processed wafer in a vacuum environment and positioning a pad near each of a front surface and a back surface of the wafer. Cleaning gas is injected into a small clearance formed between each pad and the front and rear surfaces to generate a high-speed gas flow along the surface of the wafer. Particles left at the surfaces of the processed wafer are physically cleaned and removed with the high-speed gas flow. In order to assist this physical cleaning action, it is also possible to apply either a chemical cleaning method or an electrical cleaning method under application of plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenetsu Yokogawa, Yoshinori Momonoi, Masaru Izawa, Shinichi Tachi
  • Patent number: 6585827
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a hard floor surface with a surface maintenance vehicle including the steps of generating a foam-like aerated cleaning liquid, selectively conveying the foam-like aerated cleaning liquid to the hard floor surface and a scrubbing medium operatively coupled to the surface maintenance vehicle, scrubbing the hard floor surface with said rotating scrubbing medium and said foam-like aerated cleaning liquid so as to loosen soil from the hard floor surface leaving behind a soiled solution of cleaning liquid and soil, and removing at least a portion of the soiled solution from the hard floor surface through a fluid recovery device. Additional aspects of the present invention include devices for performing the cleaning method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Earl Krueger, Bryan Christensen, James J. Seifert, Michael Blehert
  • Publication number: 20020050280
    Abstract: The paintbrush-cleaning device includes a housing with an open top, a bottom drain and a means to hold paintbrushes into the housing's central space, which has paintbrush-cleaning liquid therein. A pair of rotatable radial brushes brackets the paintbrushes in the central space and are powered by an electric motor connected to the housing. A number of spaced upwardly directed jet nozzles are disposed in the central space for directing streams of cleaning liquid under pressure upwards towards the paintbrushes. An impeller pump may be connected to a manifold in the central space, from which manifold the jet nozzles extend. Two radial brushes may be used, with the members disposed opposite each other adjacent the sides of the top opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Ted J. Brackett, C. Martin Smith, Mark Anderson
  • Patent number: 5772779
    Abstract: Photoconductor scumming in an electrophotographic copying machine is substantially eliminated by using a synthetic fiber cleaning brush that is substantially free from low yield strength, low surface energy materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Donald Saul Rimai, Theodore Herbert Morse, John Robert Locke, Raymond Charles Bowen, James Clinton Maher
  • Patent number: 5701626
    Abstract: A brush cleaning and disinfecting device, for cleaning a brush having brush bristles, comprising a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion having a cavity capable of retaining a fluid disinfecting solution. The upper portion having a top having an aperature for inserting the brush to be cleaned into the cavity. Cleaning elements are arranged circumferentially around the aperature for engaging the brush circumferentially. The cleaning elements are each mounted on a shaft extending through the top. A pulley is attached to each shaft. The pulleys are connected to each other and to a drive motor with a drive belt, for rotating the cleaning elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventors: Sebastian Zara, Anthony Barreca
  • Patent number: 5652991
    Abstract: A hair brush cleaner and sanitizer, having a hair remover section for removing hair from hair brushes placed into it. The hair remover section includes a pair of shafts with hair removing tines thereon, the shafts being mounted to rotate in opposite directions in such manner that the tines move between the hair brush bristles during operation, a motor for rotating the shafts, a drive train connected between the motor and the shafts to rotate the shafts in opposite directions, and switch means for actuating the motor for a predetermined period of time when it is desired to clean a hair brush located in the hair remover section by the moving tines contacting or moving between the bristles of a hair brush to remove hair therefrom. The device also includes a sanitizing section for sanitizing the hair brush and including a removable jar with a sanitizing solution disposed therein with an opening at the top of sufficient size to allow a hairbrush to be placed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Fataneh Kashani
  • Patent number: 5539948
    Abstract: An adapter for a rotating device such as a manually operated spinner or electric drill is disclosed for the cleaning and drying of paint rollers. In painting, small rollers known as "weenie rollers" or "slim jims" are employed to permit paint to be applied to hard to reach areas such as on top of doors or behind radiators. Currently these small rollers are single use and intended to be disposed. The adapter of the invention will permit these small rollers to be cleaned and reused. The adapter will be intermediate the small roller and the device imparting rotating motion. The small roller includes a centrally disposed aperture which receives a mating portion of the adapter. A roller scraping element is disposed on the body of the adapter. The adapter includes a portion for coacting with various devices which impart rotary motion. The adapter may be constructed of plastic or other suitable material. The adapter may be mass produced by plastic injection molding techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventors: Pat McCauley, Ronald Smith
  • Patent number: 5519945
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the surface of a backing roll in a coater or a calender roll. The roll is cleaned by injecting steam from a steam injection chamber against the roll surface at a 15.degree. angle counter to the rotational direction of the roll. Steam impinging on the surface performs effective removal of accumulated dirt and the detached dirt is carried away on the web without a deleterious effect on the quality of the web. Steam injected against the roll is vacuumed away from the roll surface via a suction chamber, whereby the cleaning steam is prevented from escaping to the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Vesa Ahvenniemi, Teuvo Lappalainen
  • Patent number: 5473823
    Abstract: A mini-roller cleaning tool is disclosed including an adaptor for positioning adjacent the arms of a paint brush spinner, and a shaft for securing a mini-roller to the adaptor such that when the adaptor handle is rotated, the mini-roller is spun to remove paint from the mini-roller by centrifugal force. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, grips are provided to facilitate positioning the adaptor between the arms of the paint brush spinner without injuring the user's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: James Powell
  • Patent number: 5384931
    Abstract: An apparatus dislodges material from a rotating brush having a brush axis and elongated bristles extending outwardly therefrom. The apparatus includes an obstruction device for temporarily obstructing free rotation of the bristles about the brush axis such that the bristles are placed in spring tension as the brush rotates. The obstruction device releases the bristles when sufficient spring tension exists therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Bake Star, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5205011
    Abstract: A housing is arranged with a plurality of adjacent plates pivotally mounted below a top wall of the housing, wherein the plates include inter-digitated finger members that are aligned in a first coplanar relationship relative to one another to receive a hair brush, whereupon projection of the hair brush between the plates effects engagement of the plates with the associated hair brush bristles to effect cleaning of the bristles upon projection of the fingers within the hair brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Richard S. Flener
  • Patent number: 5122195
    Abstract: A method for removing paint or other foreign matter from the bristles of a brush involves the use of an open web of interengaged, continuous, crinkled, coarse filaments of a resilient thermoplastic polymeric material which are removably welded together at points of mutual contact. The bristles of the brush may be wetted and rubbed against the open web while in a prone position in order to remove the foreign matter therefrom. In instances where heavy build-up is present on the brush bristles, the brush bristles are rubbed against the open web while in a supine position so that the filaments of the web may reach along the entire surface of the bristles. This cleaning method enables the continuous reuse of the paintbrush without any deterioration of the brush bristles from the cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Donna Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5103525
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus which employs a mechanical removal system in place of a conventional air jet system, in removing a residual lap on a spool. The residual lap removal apparatus according to the present invention principally comprises a bobbin holder, a rotational brush and a spike roller, wherein the spool on a conveyor is carried to a rotating position of the rotational brush by the bobbin holder, the residual lap on the spool is mechanically removed by the brush, and the lap on the rotational brush is transferred to spike pins on the spike roller whereby the removal processing of the residual lap can be positively carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Murao and Company
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 4912797
    Abstract: The paint brush cleaning device includes a housing with an open top and removable lid, a bottom drain and a mounting to hold paint brushes passing an opening in the lid down into the housing's central space which has brush cleaning liquid therein. A pair of rotatable cleaning rollers bracket the paint brushes in the central space. The rollers preferably are powered by an electric motor connected to the housing. A number of spaced upwardly directed jet nozzles are disposed in the central space for directing streams of cleaning liquid under pressure against the hard to clean heel areas of the paint brushes. An impeller pump may be connected to a manifold in the central space, from which manifold the jet nozzles extend. Two pairs of rollers may be used, with the members of each pair disposed vertically relative to each other and over which a continuous sheet may be trained. The sheet bears cleaning bristles and/or fingers. The device is simple, durable and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventor: Ted Brackett
  • Patent number: 4759384
    Abstract: A slender paint brush holder for attachment to a rotary drive member, such as an electric power drill for rotating an elongated, slender paint brush about an axis perpendicular to the elongated handle of the brush, in order to spin-clean the brush. The holder includes a pair of longitudinally spaced, aligned V-shaped recesses for receiving the handle of the brush, a spindle for reception within the chuck of the power driven drive member, and a transverse notch for receiving an elastic binder member fastened to the holder and across the brush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventor: Peter A. Kliewer
  • Patent number: 4759383
    Abstract: An elongated housing having its interior divided into a top and a bottom compartment by a perforate dividing wall can be used as a device to sterilize toothbrushes. When it is used for this purpose the top compartment is filled with water and the brush end of a toothbrush and a sterilizing composition are both introduced into the top compartment on the dividing wall as the water is allowed to drain into the bottom compartment past the brush end of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventor: Lucille Phillips
  • Patent number: 4641673
    Abstract: Both paint rollers and paint brushes may be cleaned of water base paints within this apparatus which comprises an open ended tubular housing which contains a water manifold which produces a series of water jets which are aligned with the elongated axis of the housing and which impact either the paint roller or the paintbrush in a slightly offset fashion so as to impart a spin thereto. An adjustable clamping means is located on the outside of the housing on the side opposite the location of the water manifold which adapts to a variety of different configurations of paint roller holder rods in order that the paint roller itself may be properly disposed within the interior of the housing such that the axis of the roller aligns with the axis of the housing. The water jets then impact off-center on the pile of the paint roller, washing out the paint, and imparting a spin to the roller which throws off the diluted paint and the wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventors: John M. Conley, Paul D. Bowen
  • Patent number: 4606776
    Abstract: A device for minimizing ambient pollution attendant to the cleaning of an airbrush includes a small box having a centrally located front opening for seating the air brush spray tip and a rear exhaust opening. The top wall is movable to an open position to permit replacement of rectangular filters which are releasably retained in longitudinally spaced positions by channels located on the box interior side faces, the filters being hydrophobic and of successively finer porosity and delineating between them successive diffusion and particulate matter precipitating chambers. The airbrush tip is seated in the inlet opening and actuated with a cleaning fluid which removes particulate residue from the airbrush and deposits it on the walls of successive chambers and on the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Salis International, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Salis
  • Patent number: 4403364
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically cleaning and sanitizing brushes such as hair brushes including a carrier which supports and carries a brush to be cleaned along a predetermined path and disposed alongside this path are a plurality of cleaning and sanitizing devices. The latter include one or more rotary cleaning members with fingers which engage and clean the bristles of the devices and nozzles disposed both before and after the rotary members. Liquid soap or plain hot water is selectively sprayed through the nozzles and onto the bristles with at least the last effective nozzle spraying a rinse of hot water. A cam co-acts with a follower on the carrier to turn the brush so that the bristles face the cleaning devices and thereafter the cam is effective to oscillate the brush as the latter passes the cleaning devices so that all the bristles are presented to each of these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Assignee: RoMark Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4084282
    Abstract: A rotary brush for removing hair from hair brushes having a rotatable shaft upon which the bristles are mounted, a slotted portion extending along the full length of the shaft and a sharpened bladed portion slidably mounted in the slotted portion for cutting hair that had been removed by the rotary brush from hair brushes and became wound about the shaft thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1978
    Inventor: Madeleine M. Calvert
  • Patent number: 4018240
    Abstract: A device for use in thoroughly cleaning wet paint or varnish from a brush through the application of a cleaning solvent. The device includes a pump for pumping the solvent through a plurality of nozzles. The nozzles are adapted to be positioned between the bristles at the heel of a brush to be cleaned, with end portions of the nozzles in an opening between the bristles adjacent a divider wedge around which the bristles are fastened. Such positioning orients outlet openings adjacent the ends of the nozzles to direct solvent pumped through the nozzles transversely outwardly through the bristles to thoroughly clean the bristles at the heel of the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1977
    Inventor: John W. Palthe
  • Patent number: 3982296
    Abstract: Presented is a mechanized apparatus for use in commercial establishments such as beauty parlors and barber shops for cleaning and disinfecting hair brushes and hair combs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1976
    Inventor: Doris A. Russo