Wheel Washer Patents (Class 15/53.4)
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Patent number: 7055202Abstract: A machine for rotating a tire disposed on a vehicle. The machine includes a roller and a roller cover. Contaminants on a tire may be captured by the roller cover and disposed of when the roller cover is periodically removed from the roller.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Joseph Marsilio
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Patent number: 7018156Abstract: The present invention provides a compact and portable reconditioning station that avails all of the tools and materials that a technician needs for reconditioning a wheel. Additionally, the station enables the technician to rotate and index the wheel by depression of a footpedal to leave his hands free to manipulate the various tools that are used during the reconditioning process. The reconditioning station is easily transportable in its compact stowed configuration and is quickly deployable at the jobsite.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: United Wheel Techs, Inc.Inventors: Patrick A. Irby, Jason R. Irby
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Patent number: 6968588Abstract: A golf cart wheel cleaner comprises a platform; at least one drive member operably attached to a motor, wherein the at least one drive member is adapted to rotatably turn a golf cart wheel when the golf cart wheel is properly positioned on the platform; and a cleaning member adapted to remove debris from the golf cart wheel while the golf cart wheel is being rotated.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Nemcek Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Daniel D. Nemcek
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Patent number: 6939405Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire dressing fluid to a tire surface is provided. The apparatus includes a tire engagement arm having an applicator manifold and leveling pad. The applicator manifold has an opening for receiving a tire dressing fluid and a plurality of openings for dispensing the tire dressing fluid directly onto the tire surface. The leveling pad is provided for engaging the tire surface and spreading the tire dressing fluid over the tire surface. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: Paul Mattia, Kyle F. Schindel, Brian Chute
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Patent number: 6936104Abstract: A vehicle tire dressing apparatus according to the present invention comprises left and right dressing applicators situated alongside a vehicle conveying track, the dressing applicators being moveable individually into contacting engagement with tires on left and right sides of a vehicle in the track. Each applicator has an applicator pad mounted to a mount bar and the mount bar is hinged to a frame which allows articulation of the applicator pad into and out of contact with the tires. The applicator pad is configured with a plurality of orifices, each of which orifices receives fluid sprayed from a complimentary spray nozzle. Each orifice has an elongated capillary which assists dispersing fluid into the pad. The spray nozzles emit fluid into the pads for a predetermined amount of time, the spraying being initiated by movement of the vehicle into proximity with the tire dressing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Simoniz USA, Inc.Inventor: William M. Gorra
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Publication number: 20040250361Abstract: A roller assembly for a machine that rotates a tire disposed on a vehicle and a method of making a roller assembly. The roller assembly includes a roller having an outer surface and a roller cover removably attached to the outer surface. The roller cover has a first surface that is removably adhered to the outer surface of the roller. Contaminants on a tire may be captured on a second surface of the roller cover that is opposite the first surface and disposed of when the roller cover is periodically removed from the roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Michael Joseph Marsilio
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Publication number: 20040016070Abstract: A golf cart wheel cleaner comprises a platform; at least one drive member operably attached to a motor, wherein the at least one drive member is adapted to rotatably turn a golf cart wheel when the golf cart wheel is properly positioned on the platform; and a cleaning member adapted to remove debris from the golf cart wheel while the golf cart wheel is being rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: Nemcek Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Daniel D. Nemcek
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Patent number: 6671917Abstract: A wheel cleaning apparatus for a wheelchair comprising a roller-assembly frame 50L which includes a first receiving roller 21L and a second receiving roller 22L which can do seesaw movement with respect to a rocking central axis shaft tube 53, and a restoring coil spring 68 for energizing the roller-assembly frame in a direction to relatively spring up the second receiving roller from the first receiving roller. When the front wheels T1 are to be separated from the apparatus, the second receiving roller 22L is pushed down and the first receiving roller 21L is sprung up, resulting in that it is easy for the front wheels T1 to climb over the step. Whereby the rear wheels are prevented from slipping off during cleaning, and it is easy for the front wheels to escape from the gap between the receiving rollers so that the load on the helper can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Nishina Kogyo CorporationInventor: Itsuo Nishina
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Patent number: 6645309Abstract: Disclosed is a method of imparting a wobbling motion to a planar surface. In one embodiment the wobbling motion is imparted to a brush which can be used to clean uneven surfaces efficiently and easily. In another embodiment the wobbling motion is imparted to a brush which can be used to clean surfaces in confined spaces and reducing the risk of scratching or marring areas in the confined spaces. In another embodiment a method of cleaning a surface using a wobbling apparatus is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: Harold R. Myers
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Patent number: 6633150Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving traction for mobile robots where traction is a concern. The mobile robot of the invention includes wheels and brushes. The wheels are mounted to the body of the robot. The brush is mounted to the body close to the wheels. When the wheels are rotating, the brush rubs against the wheel to get rid of debris on the tread of the wheel and cleans the wheel so that traction for the robot can be improved. An alternative way to improve traction by reducing slippage utilizes suction cups or wiper elements mounted on the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Personal Robotics, Inc.Inventors: Bret A. Wallach, Harvey Koselka, David Gollaher
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Patent number: 6461429Abstract: A vehicle tire dressing apparatus according to the present invention comprises left and right dressing applicators situated alongside a vehicle conveying track, the dressing applicators being moveable individually into contacting engagement with tires on left and right sides of a vehicle in the track. Each applicator has an applicator pad mounted to a mount bar and the mount bar is hinged to a frame which allows articulation of the applicator pad into and out of contact with the tires. The applicator pad is configured with a plurality of orifices, each of which orifices receives fluid sprayed from a complimentary spray nozzle. Each orifice has an elongated capillary which assists dispersing fluid into the pad. The spray nozzles emit fluid into the pads for a predetermined amount of time, the spraying being initiated by movement of the vehicle into proximity with the tire dressing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Simoniz USA, Inc.Inventor: William M. Gorra
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Patent number: 6449792Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus imparting a wobbling motion to a planar surface. In one embodiment the wobbling motion is imparted to a brush which can be used to clean uneven surfaces efficiently and easily. In another embodiment the wobbling motion is imparted to a brush which can be used to clean surfaces in confined spaces and reducing the risk of scratching or marring areas in the confined spaces. In another embodiment a method of cleaning a surface using a wobbling apparatus is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Inventor: Harold R. Myers
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Patent number: 6406549Abstract: A method and a device for cleaning the undersurface of footwear and wheels of shopping trolleys and other transport expedients to minimize the amount of dirt and moisture brought into a building by persons entering the building. The objective of the invention is to provide a device which provides sustained high-performance cleaning, even in adverse weather conditions and with heavy use. To this end the invention uses a mat rotated as an endless loop between guide rollers within a floor opening at an entranceway or elsewhere within a building. In a section running in one direction, the mat acts at least partially as a tread surface and absorbs dirt and moisture, while in a section running back in the opposite direction, which has gathered dirt and moisture from its exposure to persons entering the building, the mat is cleaned and reconditioned by mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms within the floor opening.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: 2R Reha-Technik GmbHInventors: Gunther Berg, Viola Holtkamp, Dirk Spaltmann
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Publication number: 20020004961Abstract: A wheel cleaning apparatus for a wheelchair comprising a roller-assembly frame 50L which includes a first receiving roller 21L and a second receiving roller 22L which can do seesaw movement with respect to a rocking central axis shaft tube 53, and a restoring coil spring 68 for energizing the roller-assembly frame in a direction to relatively spring up the second receiving roller from the first receiving roller. When the front wheels T1 are to be separated from the apparatus, the second receiving roller 22L is pushed down and the first receiving roller 21L is sprung up, resulting in that it is easy for the front wheels T1 to climb over the step. Whereby the rear wheels are prevented from slipping off during cleaning, and it is easy for the front wheels to escape from the gap between the receiving rollers so that the load on the helper can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventor: Itsuo Nishina
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Patent number: 6260225Abstract: A tire coating machine for applying a coating to a vehicle tire. The machine includes a brush and a positioner for supporting the brush and moving the brush into contact with the tire. A first fluid path is connected to a source of a first fluid and directs the first fluid to the brush, and a second fluid path is connected to a source of a second fluid and directs the second fluid to the brush. The brush transfers at least the second fluid to the tire. The first and second fluids are water and a coating solution, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventor: Bradford K. Bowman
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Patent number: 6193808Abstract: In this method for washing motor vehicles in a gantry-type washing installation with two movable gantries, washing is performed with a single pair of vertical brushes which wash between two horizontal brushes and are located on one of the two gantries. During a forward movement of the gantries, the washing process is commenced with the first horizontal brush in the front third of the vehicle, while the nose is washed with the two vertical brushes. Then the nose and the top of the vehicle approximately up to the rear third of the vehicle are washed with the second horizontal brush. The direction of travel of the gantries is reversed as soon as the tail wash has been executed with the two vertical brushes and before the second horizontal brush has reached the tail of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Wesumat Fahrzeugwaschanlagen GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Decker