Abstract: A vehicle wash system having an entrance end, an exit end, and a vehicle treatment area. The system including a dryer element disposed on a frame adjacent the exit end. The dryer element includes an air inlet, a plurality of air outlets, and a housing constructed of a translucent material. The dryer element includes light source disposed in the housing and configured to emit light in a plurality of different colors. The light source has a plurality of modes each corresponding to a different system condition. The system also includes a controller in communication with the light source and configured to enable the plurality of modes in response to a detected system condition.

Abstract: A rotary brush assembly for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base portion, a linkage portion in rotational communication with the base portion and a treatment portion moveable between a first position extended into the vehicle treatment area for engagement with an exterior of a vehicle and a second position retracted from a vehicle treatment area. The treatment portion includes a brush assembly configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The brush assembly has a backing member, a plurality of media elements secured to the backing member, and a plurality of spray nozzles encapsulated within the plurality of media elements. A plurality of pockets formed on the brush assembly where none of the first plurality of media elements are disposed.

Abstract: A spray-type washer for a conveyor-type car wash comprises a support stand with a power cylinder that drives a piston. Pins on the piston ride in slots formed in a rotatable cam that is connected to a spray unit such that piston travel produces a swivel motion of a spray unit mounted on the support stand. The spray units use multiple impeller-type sprayers. The washers are used in pairs, one washer on each side of a conveyor lane.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a wash package selection zone where a vehicle operator is presented with a plurality of different vehicle wash packages. Each of the vehicle wash packages has an associated unique color identifier. The system includes a controller configured to receive a selection from the vehicle operator of one of the plurality of different vehicle wash packages. The system includes a vehicle treatment zone, including at least one illumination element associated therewith. The at least one illumination element is in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to emit light from the at least one illumination element in a color that corresponds to the color identifier of the vehicle package selected by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion rotatably secured to the frame. The hub portion includes an axis of rotation and an outer surface. A plurality of media elements are secured to the hub portion. The media elements include a flexible, self-supporting material such that the plurality of media elements can retain substantially the same shape when the hub portion is rotating at both high and low RPMs. The plurality of media elements are secured to the hub portion in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction of the axis of rotation. Each of the plurality of spaced apart rows extending in a generally arcuate path along at least a portion of the hub portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a vehicle wash component includes the step of providing a mold for forming at least one media element for the vehicle wash component. The at least one media element includes a first segment to facilitate attachment to a vehicle wash component, and a second segment for contacting a vehicle to provide a cleaning function. A polymer compound is injected into the mold to form the at least one media element. The molded media element is removed from the mold and then attached to a hub portion of the vehicle wash component.

Abstract: A shape-changing spray arch for a “touchless” spray washer for automotive vehicles and the like. A transit frame which can change shape is mounted in a fixed arch frame and connected to an actuator which changes the shape of the side and top spray conduits in a reciprocal fashion as vehicles pass through the arch. In addition, the spray conduits, both side and top conduits, can be twisted or reoriented around their respective longitudinal axes to be aimed more toward an approaching vehicle and then reoriented to be aimed more toward a receding vehicle, the change in angular orientation being effected as the vehicle passes through the arch. These features can be used separately or in combination.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a rotatable stem portion and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion. The backing member is configured to rotate with the stem portion about an axis of rotation defined by the centerline of the stem portion. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member with the plurality of media elements being constructed of a generally self-supporting, non-marring material and wherein the plurality of media elements are oriented generally perpendicular to the backing member. The plurality of media elements configured to rotate in a working plane defined by the backing member and the working plane is oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Additionally, the plurality of media elements are configured during a wash process to contact at least an exterior painted surface of a vehicle to effectuate cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system. The vehicle washing system includes a vehicle washing system component. Also, provided is an apparatus for moving the vehicle relative to vehicle washing system component. The speed of the relative motor of the vehicle is selected either by an operator automatically or may be varied to vary the vehicle throughput through the vehicle wash. A control unit is provided. The control unit senses the speed of movement of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle washing system. The control unit adjusts the vehicle washing system component for coordinating the vehicle washing system component in accordance with the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A component for removing water from a vehicle exterior in a vehicle wash process includes a base portion for supporting the component adjacent a path of travel of a vehicle. The base portion is connected to a frame portion and the frame portion is configured to move with respect the vehicle as the vehicle passes the component. The frame portion is in communication with a control mechanism which automatically directed the frame portion to move as the vehicle nears the frame portion to effectuate the removal of water from the vehicle exterior. The frame portion includes a plurality of media elements in communication therewith and configured to contact a vehicle exterior to remove excess water therefrom. At least a portion of each of the plurality of media elements consists of an absorbent polyvinyl alcohol material.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatable with respect to the frame. The hub portion is in communication with a plurality of media elements for rotation therewith. The plurality of media elements have a first end located adjacent the hub portion and a second end located remotely from the hub portion. The plurality of media elements are constructed of a flexible material and have a length and a height. The length of the media elements is at least two times greater than height such that the plurality of media elements are self-supporting and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hub portion along their length, when the hub portion is at rest.

Abstract: A car wash dolly of the type used in connection with multi-tier car wash conveyors comprises, in mirror image arrangement, first and second pairs of stainless steel journals having external bearing surfaces and polymeric rollers mounted for rotation on said bearing surfaces wherein the journals are nitro carburized and mechanically polished prior to assembly.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatably connected to the frame. The hub portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The hub portion includes a plurality of media elements secured thereto and arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction along the axis of rotation. The hub portion includes at least one translucent portion disposed on its outer surface. The translucent portion is disposed between a pair of adjacent rows of the plurality of spaced apart rows. The hub portion includes at least one illumination element for illuminating the at least one translucent portion such that said illuminated translucent portion is configured to be seen while the said hub portion rotates.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a hub portion with a first hub section and a second hub section. The first hub section includes a first distal end and a first proximate end opposite the first distal end. The first hub section defines a first axis of rotation. The second hub section includes a second distal end and a second proximate end opposite the second distal end. The second hub section defines a second axis of rotation. A connector device rotatably couples the first hub section to the second hub section. An actuator is in communication with the first hub section to effectuate movement of the first distal end between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel. In the extended position, the first axis of rotation is at a non-90 angle with respect to the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator comprises a support and one or more foam plastic elements mounted on the support so as to contact a tire sidewall and transfer dressing onto the tire sidewall. A distribution system drips or drizzles dressing onto the element(s) after which it is spread over and into the element(s) surface. The elements can be toroidal or rectangular and have anti-distortion pins embedded therein.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system. The vehicle washing system includes a vehicle washing system component. Also, provided is an apparatus for moving the vehicle relative to vehicle washing system component. The speed of the relative motor of the vehicle is selected either by an operator automatically or may be varied to vary the vehicle throughput through the vehicle wash. A control unit is provided. The control unit senses the speed of movement of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle washing system. The control unit adjusts the vehicle washing system component for coordinating the vehicle washing system component in accordance with the speed of the vehicle.