Brush cleaning system

Abstract

A brush cleaning system is provided. The brush cleaning system includes a motive force and a cam configured for rotation as urged by the motive force. An arm has a first end engaged with the cam and an opposing second end. The opposing second end is configured for vertical and horizontal movement as initiated by rotation of the cam. A clamping structure is connected to the second end of the arm and is configured to secure a brush. The brush has a plurality of bristles. Rotation of the cam results in the plurality of bristles of the brush moving in an orbital motion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A brush cleaning system, comprising:
 a motive force;   a cam configured for rotation as urged by the motive force;   an arm having a first end engaged with the cam and an opposing second end, the opposing second end configured for vertical and horizontal movement as initiated by rotation of the cam;   a clamping structure connected to the second end of the arm and configured to secure a brush, the brush having a plurality of bristles and a plurality of reservoirs formed between the plurality of bristles;   wherein rotation of the cam results in the plurality of bristles and the plurality of reservoirs of the brush moving in an orbital motion.   
     
     
         2 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the brush is a paint brush. 
     
     
         3 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the motive force is an electric drill. 
     
     
         4 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein a pin extends from the cam and engages the first end of the arm. 
     
     
         5 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein an intermediate section of the arm is guided by a guide element. 
     
     
         6 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 5 , wherein the intermediate section is seated in a slot positioned in the guide element. 
     
     
         7 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 5 , wherein the guide element is configured to pivot as the cam is rotated. 
     
     
         8 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the cam is connected to a first shaft and the motive force is connected to a second shaft. 
     
     
         9 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 8 , wherein the first shaft has a perpendicular orientation to the second shaft. 
     
     
         10 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 1 , wherein the brush is secured within the clamping structure with a translation screw. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using a brush cleaning system, comprising the steps of:
 rotating a cam with a motive force;   engaging a first end of an arm with the cam in a manner such that the first end of the arm rotates as the cam rotates and a second end of the arm moves in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction as the cam rotates, the second end of the arm including a clamping structure;   securing a brush to the clamping structure, the brush having a plurality of bristles and a plurality of paint reservoirs between the plurality of bristles;   moving the plurality of bristles and the plurality of paint reservoirs in an orbital motion.   
     
     
         12 . The method of using the brush cleaning system of  claim 11 , including the step of cleaning a paint brush in a cleaning medium sourced from a body of water. 
     
     
         13 . The method of using the brush cleaning system of  claim 11 , including the step of using an electric drill as the motive force. 
     
     
         14 . The method of using the brush cleaning system of  claim 11 , including the step of guiding an intermediate section of the arm with a guide element. 
     
     
         15 . The method of using the brush cleaning system of  claim 14 , including the step of pivoting the guide element as the cam rotates. 
     
     
         16 . The method of using the brush cleaning system of  claim 11 , including the step of securing the brush within the clamping structure with a translation screw. 
     
     
         17 . A brush cleaning system, comprising:
 a motive force;   an arm connected to the motive force and configured for vertical and horizontal movement as initiated by a device connected to the motive force;   a clamping structure connected to the arm and configured to secure a brush, the brush having a plurality of bristles;   wherein vertical and horizontal movement of the arm results in the plurality of bristles of the brush moving in an orbital motion.   
     
     
         18 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 17 , wherein the device includes one or more servo motors. 
     
     
         19 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 17 , wherein the motive force is an electric drill. 
     
     
         20 . The brush cleaning system of  claim 17 , wherein the arm is configured to pivot during the vertical and horizontal movement.