Abstract: A vehicle treatment system for a vehicle wash system includes a frame portion in communication with a brush assembly for treating front and rear vehicle surfaces. The brush assembly is rotated about an axis of rotation such that its associated wash media elements rotate therewith. The brush assembly includes a support carrier that is moveable with respect to the frame portion. The brush assembly includes a biasing mechanism that switches the brush assembly axis of rotation from a vertical orientation to a non-vertical orientation. A control system communicates with the support carrier to move the brush assembly along the front surface of the vehicle in a substantially vertical position and along the rear surface of the vehicle in a non-vertical position.

Abstract: A dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system for emitting high velocity air onto a vehicle exterior includes a housing having an air inlet and an outlet. The air inlet is in communication with a motor assembly having an operating and a non-operating mode. The assembly also includes a gate mechanism in communication with the air inlet. The gate mechanism includes a plurality of pedals that are each pivotable between a first position and a second position. The gate mechanism is in communication with a controller, which directs movement of the plurality of pedals from the first position where the plurality of pedals surround the inlet opening such that air can flow into the housing and the second position where each of the plurality of pedals covers a portion of the inlet opening such that in their entirety the plurality of pedals obstruct the inlet opening to prevent air for flowing into the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash system, including a frame portion and an air delivery portion disposed on the air delivery portion. The air delivery portion is configured to emit high velocity air onto a vehicle exterior. A fluid delivery portion is disposed on the frame portion. The fluid delivery portion is configured to emit high pressure fluid onto the vehicle exterior. The fluid delivery portion is disposed rearward from the air delivery portion with respect to a direction of travel of a vehicle. The air delivery portion and the fluid delivery portion are configured to emit the high velocity air and the high pressure fluid onto the vehicle exterior simultaneously.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash system including a base portion, a rotatable stem portion in communication with the base portion, and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion, which is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The backing member is linearly moveable with respect to the base portion between a first position away from a vehicle treatment area and a second position adjacent a vehicle treatment area. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member and configured to engage an exterior surface of a vehicle as the stem portion rotates. The plurality of media elements are constructed of a foam material that is configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The backing member is configured to linearly reciprocate with respect to the vehicle exterior during the vehicle wash process.

Abstract: A dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system includes a plastic translucent housing having an exterior surface and a generally hollow interior. The housing includes an inlet opening with a motor unit in communication with the inlet opening for drawing air through the inlet opening into the hollow interior. The housing includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the inlet opening and configured to emit high velocity air therefrom to remove water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The housing includes a light source associated therewith for emitting light through the housing for viewing by the vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area. The housing includes lettering formed on the exterior surface of the housing with the lettering configured such that light emitted from the light source will not pass therethrough.

Abstract: A lighted dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system including a housing portion, having a head portion, a body portion, and an outlet portion. The head portion includes an air inlet portion for drawing air into the head portion and an outlet for passing the air to the body portion. The outlet portion has a plurality of exit nozzles that are configured to emit high velocity air therefrom for removing water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The body portion includes an upper portion where air is received from the head portion and a lower portion disposed remote from the upper portion. A light source is disposed within the housing portion and configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area.

Abstract: A vehicle treatment system for a vehicle wash system includes a frame portion in communication with a brush assembly for treating front and rear vehicle surfaces. The brush assembly is rotated about an axis of rotation such that its associated wash media elements rotate therewith. The brush assembly includes a support carrier that is moveable with respect to the frame portion. The brush assembly includes a biasing mechanism that switches the brush assembly axis of rotation from a vertical orientation to a non-vertical orientation. A control system communicates with the support carrier to move the brush assembly along the front surface of the vehicle in a substantially vertical position and along the rear surface of the vehicle in a non-vertical position.

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 vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash system, including a frame portion and an air delivery portion disposed on the air delivery portion. The air delivery portion is configured to emit high velocity air onto a vehicle exterior. A fluid delivery portion is disposed on the frame portion. The fluid delivery portion is configured to emit high pressure fluid onto the vehicle exterior. The fluid delivery portion is disposed rearward from the air delivery portion with respect to a direction of travel of a vehicle. The air delivery portion and the fluid delivery portion are configured to emit the high velocity air and the high pressure fluid onto the vehicle exterior simultaneously.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash system including a base portion, a rotatable stem portion in communication with the base portion, and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion, which is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The backing member is linearly moveable with respect to the base portion between a first position away from a vehicle treatment area and a second position adjacent a vehicle treatment area. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member and configured to engage an exterior surface of a vehicle as the stem portion rotates. The plurality of media elements are constructed of a foam material that is configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The backing member is configured to linearly reciprocate with respect to the vehicle exterior during the vehicle wash process.

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 device for emitting bubbles in a vehicle wash facility includes a plenum supported with respect to ground. The plenum includes an air inlet with a first area and an air outlet with a second area. The plenum air outlet is in communication with at least one foaming chamber. The foaming chamber includes a generally planar media element disposed therein. The foaming chamber includes a spray jet located therein, which is in communication with a source of chemical. The spray jet configured to emit a chemical onto the generally planar media element. The device also includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the foaming chamber for emitting bubbles therefrom.

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 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 tire dressing applicator assembly comprises a linearly arranged series of toroidally-shaped plastic rollers having one or more beveled edges and reinforced for shape retaining purposes by pins which extend axially through the bodies of the elements outboard of a center opening which is adapted to receive a support shaft.

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 rotary spray washer for heavy duty applications. Each spray device in the system comprises a rotary coupling and two sets of radially extending spray arms. Each set of arms has nozzles at the distal ends to direct water generally toward a target area but angled enough to produce a rotation-producing reaction torque. One set of arms is longer than the other whereby the shorter arms produce a reaction torque which limits the overall speed of rotation without the need for a friction brake or fluid pump brake.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator station for use in car wash installations wherein the applicators are tolerant of large degrees of vehicle misalignment, misorientation and entry contact shock. In each applicator structure, an additional pivot or “knuckle” is placed in one of two support arms which are pivotally connected between floor anchors and an elongate mounting carriage to which the dressing applicator elements are attached. Flared tire guides are located on the entry ends of the applicator structures to make contact with the tires of approaching vehicles whereby one or both of the two applicator structures is/are reoriented as necessary to accommodate the actual location of the vehicle, whether it be on the intended path of travel or off to one side and/or angularly misoriented relative to die intended path of vehicle travel.

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.