Patent ID: 6478925
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: A46B,A46D,B29C,B29L,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming bristles sub-assemblies using as a feed material a bristle string having first and second rows of bristles connected to a base string, the first and second rows being in a first orientation relative to each other, the apparatus comprising:means for bending the bristles of at least one of the first and second rows of bristles to achieve a second orientation of the bristle rows relative to each other, thereby developing a spring force in the bent bristles that biases the bent bristles towards the first orientation; means for heating the bristles bent in the bending step at least for a time and temperature sufficient to relax the spring force; and means for cooling the heated bristles so that the bristles maintain the second orientation.