For Vehicle Or Wheel Form Work Patents (Class 134/123)
  • Patent number: 11964403
    Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to automated cleaning systems for vehicles. In one example, a vehicle is provided that includes a drive system, a passenger cabin, and a vehicle cleaning system. The vehicle cleaning system includes a vacuum unit and a robotic manipulator. The robotic manipulator includes an arm including a plurality of arm sections and a gripper unit positioned at a distal end of the arm. The robotic manipulator is connected to the vacuum unit such that the arm provides a vacuum path between the vacuum unit and the gripper unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: UATC, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Adam Kanitz
  • Patent number: 11845407
    Abstract: A cart cleaning machine has a foundation, a dock, a movable gantry, and a bellow assembly. The foundation has a cart path spanning the length of the foundation between a first end and a second end. Two side channels are also provided. A dock is stationarily mounted to the foundation. The dock has the shape of an inverted U to allow carts to pass through. The dock has a controller, a water inlet, an electrical hookup, a chemical station, and line management devices. The movable gantry is movable with respect to the foundation. It has a drive mechanism with sprockets that interact with bands spanning between the foundation ends. The gantry has spray nozzles and blow off openings. The bellow assembly is between the dock and the gantry. Water and electric lines pass through the bellow assembly and span between the dock and movable gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Alliance Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David Nicholas van Zon, John Michael Wehner, Jason Daniel Krug, Kenneth John Manninen
  • Patent number: 11828259
    Abstract: Cleaning, maintaining, refurbishing, and/or diagnosing engine components including fuel system components, e.g., such as fuel-injectors. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a fuel system component is provided. The method includes supplying a cleaning solution through the fuel system component, discontinuing the supplying of the cleaning solution, repeating the supplying of the cleaning solution and the discontinuing of the supplying of the cleaning solution a plurality of times, decoupling the source of cleaning solution, and connecting a source of fuel to the fuel system component, and supplying fuel through the fuel system component to re-establish fuel-based operation. In additional embodiments, a method of processing a fuel system component while it remains connected to an engine assembly, and a method of diagnosing a defective fuel system component, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Daimler Truck North America LLC
    Inventors: John Joseph James Michalek, John McNeill
  • Patent number: 11786920
    Abstract: There is provided systems and methods for effective cleaning and drying of vehicles of different shapes and sizes. In an example, a conveyor system may move a vehicle along a path, and a bridge assembly supported above a vehicle is moveable along the length thereof. At least one trolley assembly is moveable in a direction transverse to the movement of the bridge assembly. At least one cleaning arm assembly delivers cleaning fluid to or for brushing the surface of a vehicle. The cleaning arm assembly is moveable in association with movement of the vehicle to position the cleaning arm assembly adjacent at least a portion of the front, sides and rear of the vehicle as it moves along the path. A variable impact or patterning spray arm or drying system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: PETIT AUTO WASH, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Petit
  • Patent number: 11679422
    Abstract: An on-board sensor cleaning device is provided for an on-board sensor including a sensing surface. The on-board sensor cleaning device includes an ejection port that ejects fluid toward the sensing surface when the ejection port is disposed outside a sensing range of the on-board sensor. The on-board sensor cleaning device further includes a movable nozzle configured to move the ejection port so that a position of an ejection axis of the ejection port changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keita Saito, Yukihiro Matsushita
  • Patent number: 11654870
    Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning the tires of a vehicle is described herein. The arrangement includes a gutter arrangement a strip arrangement and a brush mat arrangement on its upper surface. At one end of the arrangement is a nozzle arrangement that sprays or otherwise applies water onto the tire. The strip arrangement applies water to the tire and vibrates the tire to remove contaminants. The brush mat arrangement both cleans the tire and removes water from its surface. The water as well as the dirt and dust that has come off the tires accumulate in a collection basin under the brush mat arrangement. The arrangement is suitable for interiors of structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Juha Karppinen
  • Patent number: 11655642
    Abstract: A large manipulator includes a chassis, a mast pedestal, an articulated mast, and a control unit. The mast pedestal is rotatable around a vertical axis by means of a rotary drive and arranged on the chassis. The articulated mast includes two or more mast arms pivotally-movably connected, via articulated joints, with the respectively adjacent mast pedestal or other mast arm by a pivot drive. The control unit is configured to actuate the pivot drive and/or the rotary drive to move the articulated mast with a control sequence from an initial position of the articulated mast, autonomously, into a pre-specified target position of the articulated mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: SCHWING GMBH
    Inventors: Torsten Bertram, Christoph Rösmann, Frank Hoffmann, Freia Irina Muster, Johannes Henikl, Maximilian Krämer
  • Patent number: 11648591
    Abstract: The speed, effectiveness, and convenience with which pallets and other objects are cleaned can be increased by using a pressure power-washing apparatus described. The apparatus includes at least one pressure-washer that pumps liquid from a tank into rotary arms within a cleaning chamber, causing the rotation of the arms as the arms eject streams of the liquid pumped under a high pressure from angled nozzles. Conveyors carry an object in need of cleaning into the cleaning chamber, first exposing the object to the streams of the liquid, and then to a drying chamber. Guide rails positioned on the platform guide the object during cleaning, with the shape of one of the guide rails causing the object to fall off following the drying to remove excess liquid left on the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: Julien Awad
  • Patent number: 11639156
    Abstract: A portable vehicle washing assembly for automatically washing vehicles in a remote location includes a frame that includes a plurality of legs and a roof to have a vehicle drive beneath the frame. A plurality of first sprinklers is each of the first sprinklers is disposed on the frame to spray a liquid onto the vehicle. A plurality of second sprinklers is disposed on the frame to spray a liquid onto the vehicle. A first fluid pump is disposed on the support cage to pump a fluid and a liquid soap into the first sprinklers for washing the vehicle. A second fluid pump is disposed on the frame and the second fluid pump is in fluid communication with each of the second sprinklers to spray a mixture of the fluid and the liquid soap onto the vehicle for washing the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventor: Jose Garcia
  • Patent number: 11639157
    Abstract: A brushless car wash system includes a wash unit that washes upper surfaces of the vehicle. The height of the wash unit is adjusted based on the contour of the upper surfaces of the vehicle. Adjusting the height of the wash unit results in increased wash performance of the brushless car wash system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: NTI CO., LTD
    Inventors: William Yoon S Chu, Jinchul Cho, Hyuntae Kim, Heon Sagong, Hyeonseop Shim
  • Patent number: 11590939
    Abstract: A brushless car wash system includes a variable width. The width of the brushless car wash system is adjusted according to a width of a vehicle being washed. By adjusting the width of the brushless car wash system, wash performance of the brushless car wash system is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: NTI CO., LTD
    Inventors: William Yoon S Chu, Jinchul Cho, Hyuntae Kim, Heon Sagong, Hyeonseop Shim
  • Patent number: 11535350
    Abstract: An anti-sedimentation system can implement a method in which a pump pumps seawater to a discharge nozzle positioned under the seawater and facing an under keel clearance of a marine vessel docked at a dock. Sediments are flowed away from the under keel clearance by the discharge nozzle discharging the seawater toward the under keel clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Maher Ahmad Hamad
  • Patent number: 11511313
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an operating method for a coating system, in particular for a painting system, for coating components (2), in particular motor vehicle body components (2), having the following steps: conveying, by means of a conveying device (3), the components (2) to be coated in a conveying direction through a coating booth (1), coating the components (2) in the coating booth (1) with a coating product by means of an application device (17-19) which applies a spray jet of the coating product, a portion of the applied coating product being deposited on the components (2) to be coated while another portion of the applied coating product floats into the interior of the coating booth (1) as an excess coating product mist (21), and reducing the excess coating product mist (21) from the interior of the booth by means in addition to or other than the downwardly directed air flow generated by a filter ceiling. In addition, the disclosure includes a correspondingly designed coating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: DÜRR SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Harry Krumma, Benjamin Wöhr, Frank Herre, Detlev Hannig, Alexander Meissner, Andreas Federmann, Pascal Spathelf, Michael Lauer, Robert Baumeister, Martin Weidle
  • Patent number: 11427163
    Abstract: A vehicle cleaner system includes: a window washer configured to clean a front window of a vehicle; a lamp cleaner configured to clean a headlamp; a sensor cleaner configured to clean a sensor that detects information outside the vehicle; and a cleaner control unit configured to operate at least one of the window washer, the lamp cleaner, and the sensor cleaner in accordance with input of a signal. The cleaner control unit is configured to operate the window washer, the lamp cleaner, and the sensor cleaner such that at least two or more of a number of operations of the window washer, a number of operations of the lamp cleaner, and a number of operations of the sensor cleaner are different in accordance with a predetermined number of signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akinobu Kubota, Masayuki Kondo, Kazuki Kawamura, Masaru Sakai
  • Patent number: 11414871
    Abstract: In some aspects, deicer systems to distribute a deicing fluid along a roof of a building to limit ice dam formation can include: a pre-pressurized water source that provides pressurized water; a deicer solution source containing a deicer solution; a passive mixing system in fluid communication with the pre-pressurized water source and the deicer solution source, the passive mixing system being configured to combine the pressurized water and the deicer solution to form a deicer fluid; and one or more emitters configured to be disposed along the roof, the emitters being in fluid communication with the passive mixing system to receive the deicer fluid and dispense the deicer fluid along the roof. In addition, certain systems described herein can be run with an electric pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: FLOE INC.
    Inventors: David Dellal, Anna Fountain, Joanna Zhu
  • Patent number: 11415043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the carbon deposit buildup in the internal combustion engine, or more specifically the removal of such carbon from the induction system, combustion chamber, and the exhaust system. The method is one in which a high volumetric flow rate of chemical/chemical mixes are used to remove a greater amount of carbon from the engine. These preferred chemical/chemical mix flow rates are 6 to 9 Gallons per hour, which is approximately 9 times the volumetric flow rate of the industry standard of 1 gallon per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ATS CHEMICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Patent number: 11161480
    Abstract: A tire or caterpillar track washing facility system having a grid structure which is drivable upon by the vehicle to be washed and which defines a plane. The system includes a pair of longitudinal support structures which extends parallel to the plane and defines a central axis. A plurality of washing water pipes with nozzles supported on the longitudinal support structures extend parallel to the plane and transversely to a y-direction of the central axis. The y-direction of the central axis, an x-direction perpendicular to the central axis and parallel to the plane, and a z-direction of the surface normal to the plane define a Cartesian coordinate system. Nozzle axes are perpendicular to a pipe direction of the washing water pipes and inclined to the z-direction. The pipe direction of at least a part of the washing water pipes has a directional component in the y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: FRUTIGER COMPANY AG
    Inventor: Lubomir Rathousky
  • Patent number: 11112097
    Abstract: A magnetic light panel system having a light panel with a light source that can be connected to a power source and thus illuminated, and further having a handle. The light panel and the handle may each be provided with magnets such that the light panel and the handle can be magnetically associated with each other from opposite sides of a window or windshield. The panel may be manipulated or adjusted by a user on a vehicle exterior while the light panel remains on the vehicle interior, and the light panel may provide light to the user such that the borders and edges along a window or windshield can be more easily seen. Additionally, the panel may be provided with a guideline having a zigzag or jagged shape along the border to provide the user with a reference point or measurement point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Dan Park
  • Patent number: 11007544
    Abstract: An undercarriage washing assembly for washing the undercarriage of a vehicle includes a spray block 12 that has a fluid input 14, a first fluid output 16 and a second fluid output 18. The fluid input 14 is fluidly coupled to a fluid source 20 comprising a handle of a pressure washer. The first fluid output 16 is oriented to lie along a line oriented at an upward angle with respect to the fluid input 14. In this way the first fluid output 16 can spray fluid upwardly from the spray block 12. The second fluid input 14 is oriented to lie along a line is oriented at an upward angle with respect to the fluid input 14 to spray fluid upwardly from the spray block 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Peter Waring
  • Patent number: 10940833
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Mark D. Morin
  • Patent number: 10898601
    Abstract: A sanitization system for an amusement park includes a sanitization station disposed along a ride path of a ride of the amusement park. The sanitization station includes a housing configured to receive a ride vehicle as the ride vehicle travels along the ride path, an ultraviolet light source configured to transmit ultraviolet light toward a surface of the ride vehicle, and a control system configured to detect a position of the ride vehicle along the ride path and to activate the ultraviolet light source when the control system determines that the ride vehicle is positioned at a first particular position relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: David Majdali, John Ugrin
  • Patent number: 10857982
    Abstract: A product metering system for accurately dispensing one or more products. The product metering system generally includes a vehicle wash product supply fluidly connected to an electronic control valve and a control unit in communication with the electronic control valve. The electronic control valve operates at an open/close ratio that dispenses the product supply at a desired flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Cleaning Systems, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Krause, Donald J. Pansier, Daniel J. Mathys
  • Patent number: 10809673
    Abstract: Embodiments determine historical geographic travel data of a vehicle over a contaminant exposure time period that is inclusive of a present time; identify a contaminant that is likely located on an external surface of the vehicle as a function of historic meteorological and terrain data of the historical geographic travel data of a vehicle over a contaminant exposure time period; select a cleaning solution that is appropriate for use in cleaning the identified contaminant from the external surface of the vehicle; and drive a vehicle wash system nozzle to use the selected cleaning solution to wash the identified contaminant from the external surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shubhadip Ray, Norbert Herman, Gregory J. Boss, Siddique M. Adoni, Dhandapani Shanmugam
  • Patent number: 10793117
    Abstract: A vehicle washing system which includes an elevated support rail structure which has a wash tool movably mounted thereon. The support rail structure includes a fixed forward rail section and a selectively movable rear rail section. The movable rear rail section is movable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the forward rail section so as to be able to wash long vehicles and short vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Daniel L. Gesy
  • Patent number: 10718377
    Abstract: There is prepared a formed body constituted of steel and having an outer circumferential surface having an annular groove having a bottom surface to serve as a raceway surface of the bearing ring. In the step of forming a heated region, the formed body is induction heated to form a heated region including the bottom surface of the groove and heated to a temperature of at least an A1 point. In the cooling step, the whole of the heated region is simultaneously cooled to a temperature of not more than an Ms point. The step of retaining the formed body in a state in which heating is stopped is performed after the step of forming a heated region before the step of cooling. In the step of retaining, dispersion in temperature in the heated region in the circumferential direction is suppressed to not more than 20° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michio Hori, Hideto Torisawa, Hiroshi Yuki, Chikara Ohki, Kazuhiro Yagita
  • Patent number: 10703344
    Abstract: A wheel guide rail for lateral delimitation of a washing area of a vehicle treatment installation has an elongated housing and several light modules distributed along the housing. The housing has several openings distributed over its length. Each light module includes a mounting base mounted in one of the openings of housing and at least one light source mounted in the mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: WASHTEC HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Ronald Fischer, Michael Braunbarth, Richard Kircheis
  • Patent number: 10682987
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (1) for cleaning an optical sensor (3), in particular intended to equip a motor vehicle, comprising a nozzle (5) for dispensing a cleaning liquid, characterised in that the cleaning liquid dispensing nozzle (5) is a drip dispensing nozzle and is configured to deposit the cleaning liquid on the optical sensor (3) in individual drops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Marcel Trebouet, Giuseppe Grasso, Grégory Kolanowski, Frédéric Bretagnol, Gilles Le-Calvez
  • Patent number: 10682989
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for monitoring a vehicle's position as the vehicle is traversed through an automated car wash system via a conveyor system and can comprise one or more sensors located in a tunnel of the automated car wash system. Embodiments can include targeting specific portions of the vehicle with water and chemical dispensers, washers, and dryers. Embodiments can include determining whether a vehicle deviates from a predetermining conveyor path or from a predetermined spacing with respect to an adjacent vehicle, and if so, initiating measures to prevent a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: LIMIN' INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Scott S. Blackstock
  • Patent number: 10604354
    Abstract: A moving item may be treated using a treatment member. Data may be obtained that includes a width of the moving item, a maximum speed of movement for a treatment member across the moving item to provide a required level of treatment, a speed of movement of the moving item, and a length of the moving item. An extent of movement of the treatment member across the moving item in each reciprocal movement of the treatment member and a speed of reciprocal movement of the treatment member across the moving item may be calculated based at least on the data to provide a required level of treatment across the moving item. The treatment member is reciprocally moved in a required pattern across the moving item based at least on the calculated extent of movement and the calculated speed of movement to provide a full treatment coverage of the moving item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Keith David Handy
  • Patent number: 10562645
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of sampling de-icing fluid from an airplane de-icer having a spraying nozzle for spraying the de-icing fluid onto a surface of an airplane, the de-icing fluid preferably being produced by the airplane de-icer by mixing a number of ingredients. The method comprises the steps of: i) obtaining a limited sample of the de-icing fluid by diverting at least a part of the de-icing fluid flowing towards the spraying nozzle for a period of time during the spraying of the de-icing fluid onto the surface of the airplane, and ii) collecting sample of the de-icing fluid in a sample container. A system for sampling de-icing fluid is also provided as well as an airplane de-icer comprising the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: VESTERGAARD COMPANY A/S
    Inventors: Elo Svanebjerg, Stefan Vestergaard
  • Patent number: 10500954
    Abstract: A multiply-redundant system that prevents a driver from starting and/or moving a vehicle if a compressed natural gas fill system is not correctly and completely disconnected from the vehicle. One or more sensors in combination with one or more optional microswitches combine to lock-out the vehicle's ignition or otherwise prevent it from starting and/or moving. For different levels of safety, different combinations of sensors can be used with the lowest level having a single proximity sensor sensing the presence or absence of a high-pressure fill hose. The highest level of safety being achieved by having separate proximity sensors on the fuel fill hose fitting, the gas cap cover and a manual safety valve along with a redundant microswitch. An optional override that may be restricted as to the number of times it can be used can allow starting with a faulty sensor in order to allow maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel McNicholas
  • Patent number: 10409055
    Abstract: Vehicle camera assemblies comprising integrated self-cleaning assemblies. In some embodiments, the self-cleaning assembly may be configured to engage the camera housing and/or assembly by way of a snap-fit connection. In some embodiments, the snap-fit means may comprise a flexible coupling member. In some such embodiments, the snap-fit means may further comprise a rigid coupling member. The cleaning assembly may be removably coupleable with the camera housing to allow for cleaning, maintenance, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Veoneer US, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Paul Leonelli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10399126
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel cleaning device, comprising a frame, a waste water recovery tank, lifting guide posts, a feeding support plate, a lifting cylinder, a lifting platform, a support plate, an adjusting cylinder, a left slide plate, bolt hole cleaning spray pipes, clamping cylinders, a left clamping slide plate, a central cleaning spray pipe, clamping wheels, left spray pipes, left upper spray pipes, right upper spray pipes, right spray pipes, shafts, a right clamping slide plate, servo motors, clamping guide rails, clamping system support plates, a support, a right slide plate, a gear rack structure and a guide rail. The device can clean aluminum scraps remaining in bolt holes, flange drainage channels and weight reduction pits, meets the requirements of automatic production lines, and has the characteristics of compact structure, flexibility, practicability, stability, high efficiency and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Huiying Liu, Yao Zheng
  • Patent number: 10373419
    Abstract: A communal appliance machine with an integrated locking system and a method of operation thereof is provided. The integrated locking systems include a locking mechanism, a user information reader associated with the locking mechanism, a wireless notification module, and a payment card charging module. A processor is communicatively linked to the locking mechanism, the user information reader, the wireless notification module, and the payment card charging module. The processor is configured to receive user information or payment card information from the payment card reader, send a lock signal to the locking mechanism at an appropriate time, send an unlock signal to the locking mechanism at an appropriate time, generate the use information of the machine, and forward the use information of the machine to the payment card charging module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: LOCKED n' LOADED LLC
    Inventors: Michele Smithson, Wesley Noel Smithson, Anna Marie Smithson, Guilherme Soares Silvia de Andrade
  • Patent number: 10357807
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hub cleaning device, including a base (1), a mounting transition plate (2), a nozzle adjusting module (3), hub conveying modules (4) and a work fixture (5), in which the nozzle adjusting module (3) is connected onto the mounting transition plate (2), and the mounting transition plate (2) is fixed on the base (1); the work fixture (5) is arranged at a position parallel to the base (1), so that the nozzle adjusting module (3) can face the front side of a hub (6); and the hub conveying modules (4) are arranged on two sides of the work fixture (5). The device is simple in structure, and one device can complete cleaning of multiple types of hubs, thereby greatly reducing the input of enterprises on cleaning devices and saving a lot of money for the enterprises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shiwen Xu, Ruixiao Zhou, Zhiyuan Yu, Minghua Liu
  • Patent number: 10272477
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hub cleaning device, including a base (1), a mounting transition plate (2), a water spraying module (3), hub conveying modules (4) and a work fixture (5), in which the water spraying module (3) is connected onto the mounting transition plate (2), and the mounting transition plate (2) is fixed on the base (1); the work fixture (5) is arranged at a position parallel to the base (1), so that the water spraying module (3) can face the front side of a hub (6); and the hub conveying modules (4) are arranged on two sides of the work fixture (5). The device is simple in structure, and eliminates cleaning dead angles. One device can complete cleaning of multiple types of hubs, thereby greatly reducing the input of enterprises on cleaning devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ruixiao Zhou, Zhiyuan Yu, Minghua Liu
  • Patent number: 10272277
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method have a sensor positioned above a rear axle attached to a brake of a trailer. The sensor detects whether the temperature of the brake exceeds a threshold temperature. A light is mounted on the trailer and activates in response to the temperature of the brake exceeding the threshold temperature. A handle is pulled to distribute a fluid on the rear axle of the trailer. A conduit extends across the underside of the trailer wherein the conduit carries the fluid. A nozzle sprays the fluid over the rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: HLS Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Heath
  • Patent number: 10269273
    Abstract: A mobile truck body has a first panel extending forward from the front of a right side truck body panel and a second panel extending rearward from the rear of the right side truck body panel. The first and second panels extend the display area of the right side truck body panel. An upper panel and/or a lower panel are also provided at the right side truck body panel to provide access to an interior space of the truck body for showcasing products or services, and a lower platform is provided to facilitate customer ingress and egress into and out of the showcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Aardvark Event Logistics, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Wayne Borden
  • Patent number: 10253923
    Abstract: A floor stand for flat panel display is formed from a horizontal section of square tubing, which forms a support beam. One of the upward-facing surfaces has a series of holes spaced at regular intervals corresponding to the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) standard horizontal spacing specification for mounting flat panel displays. A pair of vertical support columns attach to the horizontal beam. The forward surfaces of the vertical support columns each have as series of holes spaced at regular intervals corresponding to the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) standard vertical spacing specification for mounting flat panel displays. In use, the vertical support columns are attached to the horizontal beam at a separation distance equal to the horizontal spacing of the mounting pattern for the user's selected flat panel display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: HECKTECH, INC.
    Inventor: Dean Heckler
  • Patent number: 10171802
    Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating an attitude of a camera mounted on a vehicle using markers each arranged vertically and each positioned at a pre-designated height from a road surface. The method includes: a first process including shooting an image of the markers with the camera, thereby generating a two-dimensional image; a second process including converting the two-dimensional image into a bird's eye view image on a specific plane so that the bird's eye view image reflects the height of each of the markers; and a third process including calculating a parameter of the camera based on a position difference between the markers in the specific plane obtained in the second process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Tanaka, Masayuki Imanishi
  • Patent number: 10160370
    Abstract: A mobile truck body has a first panel extending forward from the front of a right side truck body panel and a second panel extending rearward from the rear of the right side truck body panel. The first and second panels extend the display area of the right side truck body panel. An upper panel and a lower panel are also provided at the right side truck body panel to provide access to an interior space of the truck body for showcasing products or services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Aardvark Event Logistics, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Wayne Borden
  • Patent number: 9836970
    Abstract: A system that assists a driver with properly positioning a vehicle. Such systems may include an interface to information from vehicle sensor(s), light strip(s), and computing device(s) including one or more tangible computing elements. The computing device(s) may perform steps that include determining a position of the vehicle using the information from the vehicle sensor(s), and generating optical indication(s) using the light strip(s) of an action that the driver should take based on the position. In some aspects, the system is deployed in a carwash bay and assists the driver with properly positioning the vehicle in the carwash bay. The optical indication may be green light to indicate that the vehicle should be moved forward, blue light to indicate that the vehicle should be moved backward, and red light to indicate that the vehicle should be stopped. Also, associated methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: HydroSpray Wash Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford Reed, III, Robert Lee Fye, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9789519
    Abstract: Mat cleaning device comprising at least one washing basket having a cage-like shape and intended to accommodate the mat in an adjacent arrangement, and in a non-folded position. The basket comprises at least a metallic mesh, having a V configuration defined by two convergent sections converging in a lower edge and having a free end opposite to the lower edge in each convergent section, through which a mat is introduced in the basket, and two side ends delimiting the cage sides. The device comprises a support to which the basket is rotationally linked through rotating elements, in such a way that it can rotate over a transversal axis or a longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Antonio Cabral Betancor
  • Patent number: 9776600
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: WashMe Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Mark D. Morin
  • Patent number: 9770523
    Abstract: A decontamination method for decontaminating an object of the present disclosure has steps including initiating spray in a first direction through one or more nozzles of a spray arm rotationally coupled to a control box, where the control box is in a first position and rotationally coupled to a leg of a gantry that is movably coupled to a track and rotating the control box to a second position based on profile data of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Integrated Solutions for Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Henderson
  • Patent number: 9707599
    Abstract: A pallet jack washing apparatus for washing the forks of a pallet jack comprising an enclosure having an entrance end and one or more openings in the entrance end with a substantially open track for carrying the wheels of the pallet jack forks traversing within the enclosure from said opening. A spray apparatus surrounds the track, said spray apparatus having a plurality of spray heads for directing washing fluids towards the track from substantially all angles. The spray apparatus may be affixed within the enclosure or may be configured to travel lengthwise axially along the track to apply washing fluids to the forks, wheel mounts and front wheels of a pallet jack. The spray apparatus is connected through a cleaning fluid circuit to one or more sources of washing fluid. The method of using a pallet jack washing apparatus to wash, rinse and sanitize a pallet jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Alex C. Fergusson, LLC
    Inventor: Michael K. Hinkle
  • Patent number: 9623452
    Abstract: This is a cleaning apparatus that automatically cleans the inside of a hose, end to end, by placing each end of a hose as a male into a female manifold which allows for complete exposure of the entire interior surface of a hose to the cleaning and drying process for the purpose of removing contaminants such as bacteria. A sprayer is fluidly connected to the exhaust manifold via a conduit and configured to spray liquid onto the outside of a hose as well as breathing mask components to be cleaned. A three-way valve is configured to control flow of the liquid, pumped by the pump, and the heated air, blown by the blower, into the intake manifold which provides the means to get the cleaning fluid inside a hose during the cleaning and rinsing cycles and air inside of a hose during the dry cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Przyjemski
  • Patent number: 9604604
    Abstract: A vehicle washing installation having two stands on which a nozzle beam with a plurality of high-pressure nozzles is held so as be adjustable in height is provided. The nozzle beam is surrounded by a protective body extending along the nozzle beam and having at least one outlet opening for cleaning liquid, the protective body being adjustable in height together with the nozzle beam and being movable relative to the nozzle beam upon striking an obstacle, the movement of the protective body relative to the nozzle beam being detectable by a sensor assembly in order to provide a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Heinze, Ingo Feistkorn, Yann Veitz, Claus Heid, André Speckmaier
  • Patent number: 9573441
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning unit having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a condenser for cooling and condensing the refrigerant from the compressor, a pressure-reduction unit for decompressing the refrigerant from the condenser, an evaporator for cooling air that can be supplied to a vehicle interior, and a cold store which comprises a heat exchanger, which can be used as a store evaporator, and a cold storage medium is shown. The unit includes a throttle device is provided which can reduce a refrigerant pressure in the heat exchanger of the cold store in relation to a refrigerant pressure in the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: VALEO KLIMASYSTEME GMBH
    Inventor: Roland Haussmann
  • Patent number: 9574813
    Abstract: Container-type refrigeration systems. A container includes an upper beam assembly, a lower beam assembly, a first end wall assembly, and a second end wall assembly, the upper beam assembly is spaced from the lower beam assembly to form a first accommodation space between the upper beam assembly and the lower beam assembly, the upper beam assembly and the lower beam assembly each has one end connected to the first end wall assembly and the other end connected to the second end wall assembly to form a second accommodation space above the upper beam assembly and between the first end wall assembly and the second end wall assembly, the first accommodation space is isolated from the second accommodation space through the upper beam assembly, the second accommodation space has a water chilling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhongqing Pei, Xiaoming Kong, Haiping Chen, Yong Tang