Automatic Brush Replacement Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system that cycles brushes on a tenter frame system. When the bristles of first brush becomes engorged with latex, the system can move the engorged brush out of the way and move a fresh brush into operation. An operator may then replace the engorged brush with another fresh brush without stopping the tenter line.

1 .- 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An automated brush replacement device, comprising:
 a base plate comprising a plurality of posts, wherein each post is configured to releasably secure a circular brush; and   a motor configured to rotate the base plate.   
     
     
         20 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 19 , wherein the base plate is configured to be rotated such that a first post of the plurality of posts is positioned at a first distance from a pin chain of a tenter line. 
     
     
         21 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 20 , wherein the first distance is a nadir position of the first post to the pin chain. 
     
     
         22 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 21 , wherein the motor is configured to be operated remotely. 
     
     
         23 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 22 , wherein the base plate is configured to be rotated such that a second post may be positioned at the first distance from the pin chain of the tenter line. 
     
     
         24 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 23 , wherein the first distance is less than the minimum length between an inside surface of a cylindrical core of a circular brush and a distal tip of a bristle of the circular brush. 
     
     
         25 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 24 , wherein the automated brush replacement device further comprises a gearbox and a stationary bracket. 
     
     
         26 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 25 , wherein the stationary bracket is secured to the tenter line. 
     
     
         27 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 26 , wherein the stationary bracket is configured to adjust a distance from the base plate to the pin chain. 
     
     
         28 . A method of changing a circular brush on a tenter line, comprising:
 supplying a base plate configured with a plurality of circular brushes releasably secured to posts;   wherein the posts are secured to and radially spaced apart from a rotational center of the base plate;   wherein a first post of the plurality of posts is configured with a first circular brush; and   wherein the base plate is oriented in a first position such that the first post is located proximal a pin chain of the tenter line;   rotating the base plate to a second position such that a second post is located proximal the pin chain of the tenter line.   
     
     
         29 . The method of changing a circular brush according to  claim 28 , wherein the base plate is rotated by a motor. 
     
     
         30 . The method of changing a circular brush according to  claim 29 , wherein a control to control the motor is remotely located from the motor. 
     
     
         31 . The method of changing a circular brush according to  claim 30 , wherein the base plate is secured to a shaft. 
     
     
         32 . The method of changing a circular brush according to  claim 31 , wherein the automated brush replacement device further comprises a gearbox and a stationary bracket. 
     
     
         33 . The method of changing a circular brush according to  claim 32 , wherein the stationary bracket is secured to the tenter line. 
     
     
         34 . The method of changing a circular brush according to  claim 33 , wherein the stationary bracket is configured to adjust a distance from the base plate to the pin chain. 
     
     
         35 . The method of changing a circular brush according to  claim 34  wherein the base plate is configured to automatically rotate when a brush is not performing within a desired performance parameter. 
     
     
         36 . The method of changing a circular brush according to  claim 35 , wherein the performance parameter is selected from the group consisting of measuring the weight of the circular brush and measuring the rotation of the circular brush. 
     
     
         37 . An automated brush replacement device, comprising:
 a rotatable base plate, wherein:
 the rotatable base plate has a center; 
 the rotatable base plate is secured to an axle driven by a motor; 
   a plurality of posts, wherein:
 each post is spaced apart from the center of the rotatable base plate; 
 each post is configured to releasably secure a circular brush; and 
   the motor is configured to rotate the base plate.   
     
     
         38 . The automated brush replacement device according to  claim 37 , wherein the motor is configured to rotate the rotatable base plate such that a first post of the plurality of posts disposed on the base plate at a first location of the base plate that is adjacent a nadir position of the base plate and proximal a pin chain of a tenter line is rotated away from the nadir position, and a second post of the plurality of posts disposed at a second location on the base plate that is not adjacent the nadir position of the base plate is rotated to be adjacent the nadir position and proximal the pin chain of the tenter line.