Patent ID: 9517496
Filing Date: 2016-12-13
CPC Classification: A46B,B08B,F28G

Claim Text:
1. A tube cleaner comprising, a machine housing defining space for mounting a tape reel, a tape attached to the tape reel for forward and reverse movement of the tape through a length of a tube, a drive train for imparting forward and reverse movement to the tape reel and the tape, the machine housing having a tape outlet member for directing the tape into the tube, means for removably securing a first end of the tape to the tape reel, a brush assembly attached to a second and opposite end of the tape, the brush assembly comprising a brush head, means for securing the second end of the tape to the brush head, the brush head comprising a brush subassembly comprising a brush and a brush post secured to the brush head, the brush subassembly having a first normal position wherein the brush encounters minimum resistance between the brush and an interior surface of the tube on forward movement of the tape and the brush through the tube, the brush subassembly having a second cleaning position wherein the brush fully engages and cleans the interior surface of the tube on reverse movement of the tape and the brush through the tube, and the brush head comprising an end socket, the brush post nested in the end socket and secured in the end socket by a pivot pin so the brush is free to move from the first normal position to the second cleaning position.