Systems and methods for cleaning a fibrillator roller in operation

Abstract

A system for cleaning a fibrillator roller while the fibrillator roller is in operation. The system includes a propulsion subsystem configured to cause a media to be expelled. The system includes a directing subsystem configured to cause media expelled by the propulsion subsy stem to be directed to the fibrillator roller. The system includes a lateral movement subsystem configured to move the directing subsystem laterally with respect to the fibrillator roller.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING A FIBRILLATOR ROLLER IN OPERATIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 719,814, filed November 13, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Processing tape yard with a fibrillator roller results in hard build up. The hard build up requires stopping the fibrillator roller. Stopping the fibrillator roller for cleaning results in a loss of productivity. The need to stop the fibrillator roller may happen as frequently as every 24 to 48 hours.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods to address the issues described above.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary provides examples and is not restrictive and it is intended to neither identity¬ key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary- is to explain and provide examples of certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a system for cleaning a fibrillator roller while the fibrillator roller is in operation. In one general aspect, the system may include a propulsion subsy stem configured to cause a media to be expelled. The system may also include a directing subsystem configured to cause media expelled by the propulsion subsystem to be directed to the fibrillator roller. The system may furthermore include a lateral movement subsystem configured to move the directing subsystem laterally with respect to the fibrillator roller. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

[0006] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The system where the media may include dry ice pellets. The system where the dry- ice pellets are 2.0-millimeters pellets. The system where the media may include carbon dioxide. The system where the propulsion subsystem is configured to use a setting of 50 pounds per square inchgauge (PSIG). The system where the propulsion subsystem may include a dry ice blaster. The system where the directing subsystem may include a nozzle. The system where the nozzle is adjustable. The system where the nozzle is adjustable in 2-degree increments. The system where the directing subsystem may include a rectangular opening, and where the media is expelled from the directing subsystem out of the rectangular opening. The system where the lateral movement subsystem may include a linear actuator. The system where a cleaning cycle comprises the directing subsystem completing two traverses of the linear actuator. The system where the lateral movement subsystem causes the directing subsystem to traverse the fibrillator roller at a rate of 4-inches per second. The system where the lateral movement subsystem may include a robotic arm. The system may include an air knife for debris removal when in operation. The system may include a hose assembly connecting the propulsion subsystem and the directing subsystem. The system may include a spring assembly to prevent the hose assembly from getting tangled. The system where at least one of the directing subsystem and the lateral movement subsystem may include at least one of a hose assembly and a cable assembly. The system where the directing subsystem may include a mount in communication with a nozzle. The system where the mount is affixed to the lateral movement subsystem. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or a computer tangible medium.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity7.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a fibrillator roller cleaning system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a mount according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a component of a mount according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows a component of a mount according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a component of a mount according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a component of a mount according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a component of a mount according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 shows a component of a lateral movement subsystem according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows a component of a lateral movement subsystem according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 shows a component of the lateral movement subsystem according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 11 shows components of a propulsion subsystem according to an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] It should be appreciated that this disclosure is not limited to the systems, components, and methods described herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing certain embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Any systems, components, and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All publications mentioned are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0021] The use of the terms “a,” “an,’" “the,” and similar referents in the context of describing the presently claimed invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0022] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0023] Use of the term “about” is intended to describe values either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / - 10%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / - 5%; in other embodiments thevalues may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / -2%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / - 1%. The preceding ranges are intended to be made clear by context, and no further limitation is implied. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0024] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present systems, components, and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific systems, components, and methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0025] FIG. 1 show s afibrillator roller cleaning system 10 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the fibrillator roller cleaning system 10 includes a fibrillator roller 100. a propulsion subsystem 200. a directing subsystem 300. and a lateral movement subsystem 400, as shown in FIG. 1. The propulsion subsystem 200 is configured to propel media through the directing subsystem 300 to clean the fibrillator roller 100, with the lateral movement subsystem 400 moving the directing subsystem 300 along the length of he roller 100. These and other aspects are discussed in further detail below.

[0026] The fibrillator roller 100 may be configured to process tape yam 102. The tape yam 102 may comprise turf tape. The fibrillator roller 100 may be configured to process any product extruded on a line. Prior to introduction to the fibrillator roller 100, a sheet of the tape yam 102 may be extruded into a water bath, run through a slitter bar, and stretched. After being processed by the fibrillator roller 100, the tape yam 102 may be punctured, tufted, and cut. The system 10 may comprise a catch pan 104 under the fibrillator roller 100 to catch debris when the system 10 is in operation. The fibrillator roller 100 may comprise shark bars (e.g., razors, etc.), pins, etc. The shark bars and / or pins may be spaced 2.5 centimeters apart. Regardless of whether pins or shark bars are used, roller buildup will be present, and the defibrillator will need to be cleaned as discussed below.

[0027] The system may comprise a propulsion subsystem 200. The propulsion subsystem 200 is configured to propel or shoot media towards the fibrillator for cleaning purposes, as disclosed below. The propulsion subsystem 200 may be configured to shoot a variety of media pellets, such as dry ice pellets, including 2.0-millimeter dry ice pellets. In such aspects, the propulsion subsystem 200 may comprise a dry ice blaster to drive the media. In an aspect, the propulsion subsystem 200 includes standard propulsion subsystem components, including an integrated hopper, chopping components to cut the media to a desired size, and blaster. In one aspect, the majority of the propulsion subsystem can take the form of an Aero series pellet dry' ice blaster by Cold Jet.

[0028] The propulsion subsystem 200 may utilize compressed air to propel the media. The media used by the propulsion subsystem 200 may be abrasive enough to provide a cleaning benefit, but not so abrasive as to disrupt the tape yam 102. The propulsion subsystem 200 may comprise liquid carbon dioxide. The propulsion subsystem 200 may comprise a snow blaster. The propulsion subsystem may be configured to use a setting of 50 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG). The propulsion subsystem 200 may use other media, such as. for example, com cob, sand, walnut shells, output from a pelletizer, etc. In an aspect, the propulsion subsystem 200 can include a hose 210 connected to other components discussed below. One or more aspects of the system 10 may be customized (e.g., modified, etc.) to allow activation of the media through the propulsion system 200.

[0029] Turning briefly to FIG. 11. components of the propulsion subsystem 200 according to an aspect of the present disclosure are shown. The propulsion subsystem 200 comprises a spring assembly 215. In an aspect, the spring assembly 215 may prevent the hose 210 from getting tangled that blocks the media from getting to the directing subsystem 300, or from getting tangled with the other components discussed below. The spring assembly 215 may help control the hose 210. The spring assembly 215 may comprise an automatic tool hanging retractor. The spring assembly 215 may be adjustable. The spring assembly 215 may be set to, for example, a force of 33 pounds.

[0030] The system may comprise a directing subsystem 300. The directing subsystem 300 may comprise a nozzle 350. A hose 210 may connect the propulsion subsystem 200 to the directing subsystem 300 and / or the nozzle 350, feeding the media to the nozzle 350. The hose 210 may be connected to the nozzle 350 through a rotational hydraulic fitting and / or a hydraulic fitting adapter. Media expelled from the propulsion subsystem 200 may travel through the hose 210 to the nozzle 350, and then out of the nozzle 350 over a distance to hit or engage the fibrillator roller 100. In an aspect, the nozzle 350 includes a hose end 352 andan opening end 354 which includes an opening 356, with the hose end 352 attached to the hose 210. In an aspect, the opening end 354 can have an opening 356. In an aspect, the opening end 354 may be positioned a particular distance from and / or angle towards the fibrillator roller 100. For example, the opening end 354 may be positioned 45 millimeters from the fibrillator roller 100. As another example, the opening end 354 may be angled 10 degrees up from parallel to the ground. In other aspects, a different combination of distance of the opening end 354 from the roller 100 and angle of the nozzle can be utilized.

[0031] In some aspects, the opening 356 can come in a variety of sizes, including, but not limited to, a rectangular shape 356a. The rectangular shape 356a may help direct the media in a flat pattern to lessen an effect of the media on the tape yam 102. The media may be expelled from the directing subsystem 300 out of the rectangular opening 356 at the opening end 354 of the nozzle 350.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows the directing subsystem 300 in FIG. 1 comprising stationary walls 310a, b and a pivotable mount 320 mounted to a base 330 (e.g., plate, etc.) that are configured to allow the pivotable mount 320 to be angularly adjusted to move the nozzle 350, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first wall 310a and / or the second wall 310b may comprise bottom holes 316 for coupling the first wall 310a and / or the second wall 310b to a base 330. The pivotable mount 320 is also mounted to the base 330 in a pivoting fashion, discussed in detail below.

[0033] The first wall 310a and the second wall 310b can be configured to engage with the pivotable mount 320 in a way that allows the pivotable mount 320 to be adjusted in a pivotable relation to the base 330. In an aspect, the first and second walls 310a, b are static, whereas the pivotable mount 320 is adjustable in relation to the walls 310a,b and the base 330. In an aspect, the nozzle 350 is connected to the pivotable mount 320 in a manner that forms an angle 360 in relation to a base 330. The angle of the nozzle 350, via the pivotable base 320, may be adjusted within the directing subsystem 300. In such aspects, the walls and pivotable mount may include an angle adjuster means 340. In an aspect, the angle adjuster means 340 allows the nozzle 350 to be adjustable upon various degree amounts. For example, the nozzle 350 may be adjusted within the directing subsystem 300 in 2-degree increments. In other aspects, the adjustment amounts can be more or less. By allowing the angle of the nozzle 350 to be adjustable, the directing subsystem 300 allows for adjustments to make sure that the media can be directed to the roller 100 in the most efficient way. Having an adjustable angle may also allow a rotation of the roller 100 to aid in a stripping action of the media while lessening an impact of the media on the yam 102.

[0034] In an aspect, the angle adjuster means 340 includes rows of adjustment holes 341 on the stationary’ walls 310a, b (as shown in FIG. 3) that align with adjustment holes 328a, b on the pivotable mount 320 (see FIG. 4), with the adjustment holes 328a, b of the pivotable mount 320 can be found on opposite edges of the pivotable mount 320.

[0035] Each of the first wall 310a and the second wall 310b may comprise two rows of adjustment holes 341 including an upper row 342 and a lower row 344. Each adjustment hole 341 in the upper row 342 of the first wall 310a may have a first corresponding hole 341 in the lower row 344 of the first wall 310a, as well as a second corresponding hole 341 in the upper row 342 of the second wall 310b and a third corresponding hole 341 in the lower row 344 of the second wall 310b. The holes in the pivotable mount 320 can then be aligned with the corresponding holes found in the walls.

[0036] In an aspect, the adjustment holes 341 of each row 342, 344 are configured to receive fastener means to hold the pivotable mount 320 in place. In an aspect, the fastener means can include bolts, nuts, washers, screws, nails, pins, etc. In an embodiment, the fastener means may comprise an M4-0.7 x 15 millimeter screw. In other embodiments, the fastener can have other dimensions. The pivotable mount 320 can be aligned so that its adjustment holes 328a,b are in alignment with the adjustment holes 341 of the upper and lower rows 342, 344 to be at the desired angle. Once aligned, then the fastener means are inserted into the aligned adjustment holes 341 of the walls 310a,b and the adjustment holes 328a, b of the pivotable mount 320. In one configuration, the fastener means may be applied to an upper row 342 of wall 310a, a corresponding lower row 344 of wall 310a, a corresponding upper row 342 of wall 310b, and a corresponding lower row 344 of wall 310b. In another configuration, fastener means may be applied to an upper row 342 of wall 310a and a corresponding upper row 342 of wall 310b. In another configuration, fastener means may be applied to a lower row 344 of wall 310a and a corresponding lower row 344 of wall 310b. In other aspects, two fasteners can be utilized per side. In summation, multiple or single fasteners can be utilized per side and row.

[0037] In other aspects, various other fastener means can be used to secure the pivotable mount 320 within the walls 310a,b at the desired angle. For example, such fasteners can include pins, spring-loaded pins, and the like. The pivotable mount 320 may help the nozzle 350 stay in a correction position. In an embodiment, the holes may be positioned such that a set of four holes (upper row and lower row' on the first wall 310a and upper row' and lower row on the second wall 310b) are two degrees from an adjacent set of four holes. The holes may be positioned such that movement of the pivotable mount 320, wherein the second set offour holes is adjacent to the first set of four holes, changes an angle of the pivotable mount 320, and the nozzle 350, by two degrees. In an embodiment, the holes may be positioned such that a set of four holes (upper row and lower row on the first wall 310a and upper row and lower row on the second wall 310b) are 1.25 degrees from an adjacent set of four holes. The holes may be positioned such that movement of the pivotable mount 320, wherein the second set of four holes is adjacent to the first set of four holes, changes an angle of the pivotable mount 320. and the nozzle 350, by 1.25 degrees. In an embodiment, the holes may be configured for close fit clearance for M4 0.7 x 15 millimeter fasteners.

[0038] The pivoting mount 320 of the directing subsystem 300 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. The pivoting mount 320 may comprise a nozzle aperture 322 configured to receive the nozzle 350. Securing apertures 328 can surround the nozzle aperture 322 which are used to further secure the nozzle 350 within the nozzle aperture 322. The securing apertures 328 are configured to receive fasteners (not shown) to secure the nozzle 350 within the receiving aperture 322. The nozzle 350 may comprise a mounting plate to secure the nozzle 350 to the pivoting mount 320 with fasteners through the securing apertures 328. In such aspects, the nozzle 350 may be attached (e.g., affixed, secured, integrated, coupled, etc.) to the pivotable mount 320 on a back side of the mount 320, with the nozzle 350 positioned through the nozzle aperture 322 so that the opening 356 of the nozzle 350 on the front side of the pivotable mount 320.

[0039] The pivotable mount 320 includes a first bottom hole 324 and a second bottom hole 326 configured to receive fasteners to secure the mount 320 to a pivoting connector 360, discussed below. For example, the first bottom hole 324 and / or the second bottom hole 326 may each receive a screw, nut / bolt combination, or other fastening means, to couple the pivotable mount 320 to the pivoting connector 360.

[0040] The directing subsystem 300 includes a base 330, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 5. The base 330 is configured to provide support to the side walls 310a,b, pivotable mount 320, and hinge 360, and connect them all to the lateral movement subsystem 400. The base 330 includes a top surface 332 configured to support the hinge 360 and pivotable mount 320, sides 334 configured to engage the side walls 310a,b, and a bottom surface (not shown) to engage the lateral movement subsystem 400. The base 330 can include various apertures to secure these components. For example, the base 330 may include hinge apertures 333 extending from the top surface 332 to the bottom surface (not shown) configured to receive fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, and other securing mechanisms known in the art) to secure the hinge 360 to the base 330. The base 330 can include side holes 335 oriented along the sides334 configured to receive fasteners, including but not limited to screws, bolts, and the like, to couple the side walls 310a,b to the base 330. The side holes 335 may allow an angle of the base 330 to be adjusted easily, such that an advantageous angle may be found through trial and error. The base 330 may comprise additional apertures 336 configured to receive various fasteners to secure the base 330 to components of the lateral movement subsystem 400. A size of the additional apertures 336 may match apertures of the lateral movement subsystem 400.

[0041] As discussed above, the pivotable mount 320 can be connected to the base 330 via a pivoting component 360. In an aspect, as shown in FIG. _, the pivoting component 360 can be a hinge 360. The hinge 360 is configured to allow flexibility between the pivot mount 320 and the base 330 so that the nozzle 350 may be angularly adjustable as discussed above. FIG.6 shows a first hinge 360 that includes a base leaf 362 and a mount leaf 364 connected by a knuckle and pin combination 366, with the base leaf 362 configured to interact with the base 330 and the mount leaf 364 configured to interact with the pivot mount 320. The hinge 360 include apertures 363, 365 configured to receive fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts, screws, nails, pins, etc.) to secure the base leaf 362 to the base 330 and the mount leaf 364 to the pivot mount 320. In such instances, the base leaf apertures 363 are configured to align with the hinge apertures 333 of the base 330 to receive the fasteners to secure the hinge 360 (more specifically the base leaf 362) to the pivot mount 320. Likewise, the mount leaf apertures 365 are configured to align with the first and second apertures 324, 326 of the pivot mount 320 to receive the fasteners to secure the hinge 360 (more specifically the mount leaf 364) to the pivot mount 320. FIG. 7 show another hinge 360 according to another embodiment.

[0042] The directing subsystem 300 may be coupled to a lateral movement subsystem 400. The lateral movement subsystem 400 can be aligned in parallel with the fibrillator roller 100, or configured to ensure that the directing subsystem 300 is capable of moving in parallel with the roller 100. In an aspect, the lateral movement subsystem 400 is a linear actuator. In other aspects, the lateral movement subsystem 400 can be other linear positioning devices, robotic arms, or fixed position mounts that are positioned at any angle to the fibrillator roller and cable of traversing in a parallel direction with the roller 100 to apply the cleaning media.

[0043] In an aspect, the lateral movement subsystem 400 includes a movable portion 410 and a stationary portion 430. FIG. 9 shows an example stationary portion 430 of the lateral movement subsystem 400. The stationary portion 430 may run parallel to the fibrillator roller 100. The moveable portion 410 of the lateral movement subsystem 400 may move along the stationary portion 430 of the lateral movement subsystem 400. The moveable portion 410may be coupled to the directing subsystem 300, and control the movement of the directing subsystem 300 along the stationary portion 430 of the lateral movement subsystem 400.

[0044] The movable portion 410 is configured to receive and secure the directing subsystem 300, with the stationary portion 430 providing support for the movable portion 410 to move the directing subsystem 300. In an aspect, the moveable portion 410 may move along the stationary’ portion 430. The movable portion 410 can include a spindle, belt, or other known driving mechanism in the art that runs along the stationary portion 430. In an aspect, the movable portion 410 supports a carriage 420 (shuttle, etc.). FIG. 8 shows an example of the carriage 420 of the lateral movement subsystem 400. The carriage 420 can be mounted to the movable portion 410 in various ways, including with removable fasteners and the like. The carriage 420 can include mounting holes, such as mounting hole 422. configured to receive fasteners to secure components of the directing subsystem 300, such as the base 330, to the carriage 420. In an aspect, some of the holes, such as the mounting hole 422, are positioned on the carriage 420 to align with corresponding base apertures 336 of the base 330 regardless of the direction the hinge 360 is mounted on the base 330 or the movable component 410. The mounting holes, such as the mounting hole 422 may be threaded. The mounting holes, such as the mounting hole 422 may be configured to attach the carriage 420 to the base 330. In addition, the lateral movement subsystem 400 can include a cleaning device 440 configured to remove debris from the fibrillation process from the lateral movement subsystem 400 to prevent damage and buildup on the movable components 410. For example, the cleaning device 440 can include an air knife 442 mounted on a bracket 444 along the stationary portion 430 to prevent the movable portion 410 experiencing buildup that would impede its movement, as shown in FIG. 10. The air knife 442 may operate in response to the lateral movement subsystem 400 powering on. The air knife 442 may operate in response to a solenoid opening. The air knife 442 may operate in response to a relay receiving a signal in response to the lateral movement system 400 powering on and / or receiving an instruction to move. Air supple powered to the air knife 442 may be different from the propulsion subsystem 200.

[0045] The movement subsystem 400 may comprise a motor. The motor may convert electrical energy and / or energy from internal combustion into mechanical energy. The movement subsystem 400 may comprise a gearbox. The gearbox may translate mechanical energy created by the motor into movement of the movable portion 410.

[0046] In an aspect, the fibrillator roller cleaning system 10 is configured to apply a cleaning cycle to the fibrillator roller 100. The cleaning cycle entails the lateral movement subsystem400 moving the directing subsystem 300 along the fibrillator roller 100 while the propulsion subsystem 200 supplies the media to the directing subsystem 300, that then directs the media towards the roller 100 to remove the debris. A cleaning cycle can include the directing subsystem 300 completing two traverses (back and forth), powered by the lateral movement subsy stem 400, along the roller 100 while applying the media. In an aspect, the lateral movement subsystem 400 may cause the directing subsystem 300 to traverse the fibrillator roller 100 at a rate of 4-inches per second. The cleaning cycle can be applied at various scheduled intervals (e.g., once every minute) or can be operated manually by an operator. Additionally, the operator can observe whether or not the media is engaging the roller 100 effectively. If the media needs to hit the roller at a different location, the operator can then stop the cleaning cycle and readjust the angle of the pivotable mount 330 holding the nozzle 350 via the angle adjuster 340. In addition, the operator can direct the propulsion subsystem 200 to increase or decrease the pressure applied to drive the media though the nozzle 350 to be more effective of removal of debris from the roller. The operator may adjust numerous variables related to the systems and / or methods described herein, including pressure applied by the propulsion subsystem 200, mass flow rate of media, the size of the media, attack angle of the media, traverse speed of the lateral movement subsystem 400, frequency of air passes, and frequency of media passes.

[0047] Although several aspects have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects will come to mind to which this disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of any claims that can recite the disclosed subject matter.

[0048] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the abovedescribed aspect(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for cleaning fibrillator roller while the fibrillator roller is in operation comprising:a. a propulsion subsystem configured to expel media;b. a directing subsystem configured to cause the media expelled by the propulsion subsystem to be directed to the fibrillator roller; andc. a lateral movement subsystem configured to move the directing subsystem laterally with respect to the fibrillator roller.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the media comprises dry' ice pellets.

3. The system of claim 2. wherein the dry ice pellets are about 2.0-millimeters pellets.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the media comprises carbon dioxide.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the propulsion subsystem is configured to use a setting of about 50 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the propulsion subsystem comprises a dry’ ice blaster.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the directing subsystem comprises a nozzle.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the nozzle is angularly adjustable.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the nozzle is adjustable in about 2-degree increments.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the directing subsystem comprises a rectangular opening, and wherein the media is expelled from the directing subsystem out of the rectangular opening.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the lateral movement subsystem comprises a linear actuator.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein a cleaning cycle comprises the directing subsystem completing two traverses of the linear actuator.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the lateral movement subsystem causes the directing subsystem to traverse the fibrillator roller at a rate of about 4-inches per second.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising an air knife for debris removal when in operation.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising:a. a hose assembly connecting the propulsion subsystem and the directing subsystem; andb. a spring assembly to prevent the hose assembly from getting tangled.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the directing subsystem and the lateral movement subsystem comprises at least one of a hose assembly and a cable assembly.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the directing subsystem comprises a mount in communication with a nozzle.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the mount is affixed to the lateral movement subsystem.

Images