Methods and apparatus for automated brush assembly
US6893100B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/805
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for automated brush assembly are disclosed. A method of end-rounding bristle ends with an abrasive surface in random orbital motion relative to bristle tufts held in a movable gripper is described. A novel tuft carrier adapted to hold a plurality of bristle tufts in an arrangement suitable for direct mechanical insertion into the tuft chambers of a brush mold is also described. The tuft carrier has a plurality of tuft insertion cavities and a plurality of movable clamps, each clamp adapted to at least partially occlude one of the cavities when closed. Individual bristle tufts, having a fused end and a rounded or non-rounded bristle end, are transferred from a movable gripper to the tuft carrier by direct mechanical insertion. In addition, an apparatus for direct mechanical insertion of bristle tufts from a tuft carrier into the tuft chambers of a brush mold is described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.