PNEUMATIC ROTATING BRUSH

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus that can safely and efficiently clean food processing containers (e.g., stainless steel vats) and other surfaces (especially metallic surfaces) using a pneumatic rotating brush housing. The brush housing can include various cleaning implements, such as cleaning pads, abrasive pads, foam pads brushes, etc. Some embodiments can also be used to clean any substantially flat, rigid surface, such as floors, windows, etc. According to some embodiments, the brush comprises a handle having a pneumatic input that can be coupled to a pneumatic hose to power a pneumatic rotating element via compressed air or gas. The pneumatic rotating element causes the brush housing to rotate at a high speed as controlled by a lever disposed on the handle.

Claims

1. A rotating pneumatic brush assembly, comprising: a rigid and substantially hollow shaft; tubing disposed within the shaft operable to contain and transport pressurized air; a handle coupled to the shaft and comprising: a valve coupled to an air input and the tubing; the air input coupled to the tubing and operable to be coupled to a pressurized air source; and a lever operable to open and close a valve that controls flow of pressurized air through the tubing; an air motor coupled to the shaft and to the tubing, wherein the air motor is operable to receive pressurized air via the tubing when the valve is open; and a brush housing coupled to the air motor and operable to rotate and turn a removeable brush head held by the brush housing via rotational force produced by the air motor.

2. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the brush housing is operable to tilt between 0 and 90 degrees.

3. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the brush housing is operable to be unlocked to adjust a tilt position of the brush housing and to be locked to maintain the tilt position during operation.

4. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the removeable brush head comprises nylon bristles operable to remove contaminants from a metallic surface.

5. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the removeable brush head comprises a flat cleaning pad operable to clean flat surfaces.

6. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the removeable brush head comprises a scour pad operable to clean flat surfaces via abrasion.

7. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the pressurized air comprises pressurized gas.

8. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, wherein the pressurized air source comprises a pressurized air tank.

9. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, further comprising a foamer nozzle and a soap input coupled to a soap line that provides soap to the foamer nozzle to produce soap foam, wherein the soap foam is received by the brush housing to facilitate cleaning during operation.

10. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, further comprising a foregrip coupled to the shaft.

11. The rotating pneumatic brush assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a motor housing that encloses the air motor; and a bearing coupled to the motor housing and to the brush housing, wherein the bearing is operable to prevent wear on the motor housing caused by friction produced by the brush housing rotating.

12. A rotating pneumatic cleaning device, comprising: a rigid and substantially hollow shaft; tubing disposed within the shaft operable to contain and transport pressurized air; an air motor coupled to the shaft and to the tubing, wherein the air motor is operable to receive pressurized air via the tubing; a soap line coupled to a foamer nozzle, wherein the soap line is operable to be coupled to a soap container via a hose and to receive and transport soap from the soap container to the foamer nozzle; a brush housing coupled to the air motor and operable to rotate and turn a removeable cleaning pad held by the brush housing via rotational force produced by the air motor; and the foamer nozzle operable to receive soap from the soap line and produce soap foam that is received by the cleaning pad while the cleaning pad is rotating to facilitate cleaning of a metallic surface.

13. The rotating pneumatic cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the brush housing is operable to tilt between 0 and 90 degrees.

14. The rotating pneumatic cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the brush housing is operable to be unlocked to adjust a tilt position of the brush housing and to be locked to maintain the tilt position during operation.

15. The rotating pneumatic cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the cleaning pad comprises an abrasive scour pad operable to remove contaminants from a metallic surface.

16. The rotating pneumatic cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the cleaning pad comprises a foam pad or sponge operable to hold soap foam.

17. The rotating pneumatic cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the pressurized air comprises pressurized gas.

18. The rotating pneumatic cleaning device of claim 12, wherein the pressurized air is provided to the tubing from a pressurized air tank.

19. The rotating pneumatic cleaning device of claim 12, further comprising an adjustable rod disposed in the shaft operable to extend out from the shaft to increase a length of the shaft.

20. A rotating pneumatic cleaning device for scale removal of food preparation vats, comprising: a rigid and substantially hollow shaft; tubing disposed within the shaft operable to contain and transport pressurized air; a handle coupled to the shaft and comprising: a valve coupled to an air input and the tubing; the air input coupled to the tubing and operable to be coupled to a pressurized air source; and a lever operable to open and close a valve that controls flow of pressurized air through the tubing; an air motor coupled to the shaft and to the tubing, wherein the air motor is operable to receive pressurized air via the tubing when the valve is open; and a brush housing coupled to the air motor and operable to rotate and turn a removeable brush head held by the brush housing via rotational force produced by the air motor, and to remove scale from a food preparation vat via the rotational force, and wherein the food preparation vat is operable to hold produce to be cleaned before bagging.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:

[0027] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary pneumatic rotating brush with a detachable brush head having nylon bristles according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary pneumatic rotating brush with a detachable brush head having a cleaning pad according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary pneumatic rotating brush with a detachable head having a large cleaning pad that receives soap foam from a foamer nozzle according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary handle of a pneumatic rotating brush with a pneumatic input that can be connected a pressurized air/gas source and a lever for controlling operation of the rotating brush according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary pneumatic motor that includes a metal or plastic housing to secure and protect internal components of an air motor according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary pneumatic motor that includes a metal or plastic housing to secure and protect internal components of motor and a small opening according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary flow of pressurized air through a gas line, tubing, or hose disposed within a hollow shaft or pipe of an automatic pneumatic rotating brush according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments. While the subject matter will be described in conjunction with the alternative embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the claimed subject matter is intended to cover alternative, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects and features of the subject matter.

[0036] Portions of the detailed description that follow are presented and discussed in terms of a method. Although steps and sequencing thereof are disclosed in a figure herein describing the operations of this method, such steps and sequencing are exemplary. Embodiments are well suited to performing various other steps or variations of the steps recited in the flowchart of the figure herein, and in a sequence other than that depicted and described herein.

Pneumatic Rotating Brush with Handle and Removeable Brush Head

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus that can safely and efficiently clean food processing containers (e.g., stainless steel vats) using a pneumatic rotating brush head to remove scale and other buildup from the surfaces of the containers. According to one disclosed embodiment, an automatic brush is disclosed. The automatic brush comprises a shaft coupled to a handle and to a pneumatic rotating element (an air motor) coupled to a brush housing. The handle houses a pneumatic inlet that can be coupled to a pneumatic hose or other source to power the air motor via compressed/pressurized air or gas. The pneumatic rotating element causes the shaft to rotate at a high speed, which turns a brush head held by the brush housing. The brush housing can tilt up to 90 degrees to make forceful, even contact with the surface to be cleaned. The brush head can include nylon bristles that are strong enough to remove built up contaminants from a metallic surface, such as a stainless-steel cylinder or vat, for example.

[0038] Some embodiments of the present invention are specifically directed to rotating pneumatic cleaning devices that can be used to clean and remove scaling from food preparation vats that clean produce for bagged salads and other produce items typically sold in grocery stores and the like. Scale is particularly problematic in these situations as the scale can lead to bacteria that can infect the produce before it is bagged and distributed. The vats are typically made from stainless steel and can be cleaned using the rotating pneumatic cleaning devices described herein with an appropriate cleaning agent, such as soap or another cleanser (e.g., bleach, etc.).

[0039] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary automatic brush 100 powered by pneumatic pressure (compressed air/gas) for cleaning metallic surfaces, such as metallic vats that store produce, using a brush head according to embodiments of the present invention. Automatic brush 100 includes a handle 105 with a pneumatic input 107 for receiving compressed gas/air from a pneumatic hose, outlet, etc. Handle 105 is coupled to a long cylindrical member, in this embodiment a stainless-steel pipe 110, and includes a lever 109 that activates the rotation of pneumatic motor 115 by selectively opening and closing a valve that controls the pneumatic flow between pneumatic input 107 and pneumatic motor 115. Tubing disposed within pipe 110 (not pictured) directs the pneumatic flow of compressed gas or air to a pneumatic motor 115. The stainless-steel pipe 110 is rigid and can be threaded to securely couple pipe 110 to handle 105 and/or to pneumatic motor 115. According to some embodiments, pipe 110 can be adjusted in length by loosening a threaded collar or latch to allow a rod housed by the pipe 110 to extract or retract within pipe 110. The threaded collar can be tightened to secure the rod at the desired length/position.

[0040] The stainless-steel pipe 110 is coupled to the handle-side of pneumatic motor 115 which receives a pressurized force from pneumatic input 107 of handle 105 causing the motor 115 to turn at a certain rate. In the example of FIG. 1, handle 105 includes a push lever activated snap-shut on/off valve which can be made of stainless steel, zinc, etc. The pneumatic input 107 can be connected to motor 115 by tubing housed within pipe 110. The pneumatic motor 115 is also coupled to a brush-end that includes a removeable brush head 120. The bristles of removeable brush head 120 can be made of nylon or a similar material like plastic, etc., typically having a hardness and rigidity adapted to cleaning metallic surfaces. According to some embodiments, removable brush head 120 includes a locking mechanism that can lock the removable brush head in place, and can be unlocked to adjust the position (e.g., tilt) of brush head 120. According to some embodiments, brush head 120 can be locked at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to pipe 110. Internal gearing (e.g., a flywheel) housed within brush head 120 receives the rotating force produced by pneumatic motor 115 to cause the bristles or pad of the brush head 120 to spin rapidly with substantial force designed to remove scale and bacteria from metallic surfaces. The embodiment of FIG. 1 includes an optional foregrip 140 to help control and stabilize rotating brush 100 during operation.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 1, the brush-end of pneumatic motor 115 is coupled to threaded adapters that can accommodate different thread spacings. Specifically, a partially threaded stainless-steel stud 122 coupled to the brush-end of pneumatic motor 115 is received by a stainless-steel male-to-female hex thread adapter 125, which is coupled to a female hex thread adapter 130. Female hex thread adapter 130 is coupled to a cup-point set screw 135, which can accommodate brush ends of different types, such as scour pads, bristle pads, etc. When connected to pneumatic motor 115 via screw 135, the rotation force produced by pneumatic motor 115 is translated to brush housing 120. As depicted in FIG. 1, cup-point set screw 135 is coupled to a brush housing 120 that includes bristles for removing built up scale and other contaminants from metallic surfaces to substantially clean and disinfect the surface using the rotational force produced by pneumatic motor 115. Pneumatic motor 115 typically includes a plastic or metallic housing to protect the internal moving components of Pneumatic motor 115. After the vat is cleaned substantially using automatic brush 100, the vat is operable to hold, clean, and/or dry the produce before the produce is optionally bagged and distributed for sale at a grocery store, etc.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the housing includes one or more holes to allow heat to escape from the motor. The housing typically includes circular openings at the brush-side and at the handle-side to accommodate the rotating brush housing and the handle, respectively. According to some embodiments, the circular opening at the brush-side includes a bearing (e.g., a stainless-steel bearing) that facilitates the rotational motion of the brush head 120 (or a component that connects pneumatic motor 115 to a brush head 120, such as stainless steel stud 122).

[0043] According to some embodiments, compressed air is provided to the air motor at a pressure of 4-6 bar, or roughly 60-90 psi, to activate the internal mechanism of the air motor to produce a rotational force. According to some embodiments, compressed gas containing nitrogen or natural gas, for example, is provided to the air motor to activate the internal mechanism to produce a rotational force.

[0044] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary automatic brush 200 powered by compressed air or gas for cleaning metallic surfaces, such as metallic vats that store produce, using a cleaning pad (e.g., a sponge or scour pad) according to embodiments of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, automatic brush 200 includes a handle 205 with an input 207 for receiving compressed gas, air, or the like from a pneumatic hose, outlet, etc. Handle 205 is coupled to a substantially hollow and rigid shaft 210 that houses a sealed hose that guides the gas or air from the input to a pneumatic motor 215. Lever 209 of handle 205 controls the rotation of pneumatic motor 215 by selectively opening and closing a valve internal to handle 205 that controls the pneumatic flow between pneumatic input 207 and pneumatic motor 215.

[0045] Shaft 210 is coupled to the handle-side of pneumatic motor 215 which receives a pressurized force from pneumatic input 207 of handle 205 causing the motor 215 to turn at a certain rate. The pneumatic motor 215 is coupled to a brush-end that includes a removeable brush head 220 having a low-scratch scour pad or sponge. Internal gearing (e.g., a flywheel) housed within brush head 220 receives the rotating force produced by pneumatic motor 215 to cause the low-scratch scour pad of brush head 220 to spin rapidly with substantial force designed to remove scale, bacteria, and other contamination from metallic surfaces.

[0046] According to embodiments, the brush-end of pneumatic motor 215 can be connected to removable brush head 220 via one or more threaded adapters 225, 230, each being coupled to a stud or screw. According to some embodiments, the removeable brush head 220 is directly coupled to stud 222 or screw 235 protruding from the brush-end of pneumatic motor 220 without using any threaded adapters. According to some embodiments, the brush head includes removeable bristles or pads that can be replaced after use, or swapped out for a harder or softer implement as desired.

[0047] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary automatic brush 700 powered by compressed air or gas for cleaning metallic surfaces, such as metallic vats that store produce, using a soap line 340 connected to a foamer nozzle 350 according to embodiments of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, automatic brush 300 includes a handle 305 with an input 307 for receiving compressed gas, air, or the like from a pneumatic hose, outlet, etc. Handle 305 is coupled to a substantially hollow and rigid shaft 210 that houses a sealed hose that guides the gas or air from the input to a pneumatic motor 315. Lever 309 of handle 305 controls the rotation of pneumatic motor 315 by selectively opening and closing a valve that controls the pneumatic flow between pneumatic input 307 and pneumatic motor 315.

[0048] Shaft 310 is coupled to the handle-side of pneumatic motor 315 which receives a pressurized force from pneumatic input 307 of handle 305 causing the motor 315 to turn at a certain rate. The pneumatic motor 315 is coupled to a brush-end that includes a removeable brush head 320 that receives soap/foam from foamer nozzle 350. Internal gearing (e.g., a flywheel) housed within brush head 320 receives the rotating force produced by pneumatic motor 315 to cause the low-scratch scour pad of brush head 320 to spin rapidly with substantial force designed to remove scale, bacteria, and other contamination from metallic surfaces.

[0049] The embodiment of FIG. 3 includes a dedicated soap line 340 connected to the main shaft 310. The soap line 340 includes an input 345 that can be connected to a soap tank or dispenser, and the soap (or other suitable cleanser) travels through input 345 to foamer nozzle 350 via soap line 340. During operation, soap is consistently supplied to foamer nozzle 350 which produces a soap foam that is applied to foam pad of brush housing 320 to enhance the cleaning ability of automatic brush 300. The soap can be any suitable cleaner, disinfectant, detergent, etc.

[0050] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary handle 400 having a control lever 425 and internal valve 410 for controlling an automatic rotating pneumatic brush according to embodiments of the present invention. The handle 400 includes a threaded pipe fitting 420 that accommodates a hose or tubing connected to air/gas input 405 that can be routed internally through pipe 415 and through the main rigid body (e.g., a pipe or shaft) of the rotating pneumatic brush connected to the air motor. Typically the rotating brush does not rotate until control lever 425 is firmly depressed to open valve 410, and the rotation stops instantly when the control lever 425 is released.

[0051] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary pneumatic motor 500 that includes a metal or plastic housing 505 to secure and protect internal components of motor 500 according to embodiments of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 5, a portion of housing 505 is cutaway to show internal components of pneumatic motor 500 for illustrative purposes. The brush-side includes an opening that accommodates a screw or stud and a bearing 515 to prevent friction from being applied to the housing 505 by the rotational force of the screw or stud during operation. The bearing is typically made from stainless steel or a similar metal or alloy and allows the stud or shaft at the brush-end to rotate freely without damaging the housing 505. A threaded end 510 at the handle-side accommodates a handle and lever such as exemplary handle 400 depicted in FIG. 4.

[0052] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary pneumatic motor 600 that includes a metal or plastic housing 605 to secure and protect internal components of motor 610 and a small opening 610 according to embodiments of the present invention. Opening 610 allows internal components of motor 600 to be viewed and helps heat dissipate form within the housing 605.

[0053] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary flow 710 of pressurized air through a gas line, tubing, or hose disposed within a hollow shaft or pipe 715 of an automatic pneumatic rotating brush 700 according to embodiments of the present invention. The dashed line represents an internal flow 710 of air or gas received by input 720 from a source of pressurized air or gas (e.g., a pressurized tank) via an external hose or tubing. The flow 710 moves from the input 720 through the tubing to air motor 725 when an internal valve disposed in handle 730 is opened (see, FIG. 4). According to some embodiments, the valve is opened when lever 735 of handle 730 is fully depressed, and the flow 710 of pressurized air or gas flows to air motor 725 causing the internal components of air motor 725 to rotate rapidly and with significant force. In this way, a brush head connected to air motor 725 can easily and efficiently remove contaminants from a surface when brought into contact with the rotating brush head during operation. When lever 735 is no longer pressed down, the internal valve closes and the pressurized flow 710 is no longer supplied to air motor 725, causing the rotation to stop instantly. The input 720 can be disconnected from the source of pressurized air or gas 705 after use.

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention are thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims.