Abstract: This invention is a machine for washing vehicles. A plurality of horizontal and vertical rotating brushes are provided to move over a car's surface to scrub it. Horizontal top brushes are mounted on pivoting brush arms which are counterbalanced by springs to assure relatively constant brush pressure on a vehicle surface regardless of the brush arm's orientation. Additionally, generally vertical side brushes are stacked in tandem on each side of the machine to wash the sides of a vehicle. These tandem side brushes are supported by inwardly canted shafts enabling the brushes to freely fall against the sides of a vehicle. Each side brush is independently driven at its outermost end to allow independent control of each brush. Means for guiding a vehicle into the wash bay is also provided. This is preferably a vertical water beam disposed within the wash bay by which a driver can accurately position a vehicle for washing.

Abstract: An improved car wash is provided and consists of a structure for positioning by gravity pressure a rotating wrap brush on a support frame transversely into a path of a vehicle so that when the wrap brush is contacted by the vehicle the wrap brush will move across front, along one side and across back of the vehicle to wash the vehicle.

Abstract: A feather brush comprises a resilient member having a plurality of feathers inserted thereinto so that their shafts penetrate through to a second side thereof where they are embedded in a body of solid adhesive material so that they cannot be removed therefrom. The brushes are particularly well adapted for use as large area tack brushes employed in the preparation of articles for painting or coating. Also disclosed herein is a method for the manufacture of such brushes.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus for washing upright surfaces of vehicles has an upper washer rotatable about a first upright axis and a lower washer rotatable about a second upright axis. The washers are loosely coupled together so as to permit lateral shifting of the two axes and washers relative to one another within limits.

Abstract: A retractable curtain useful for automatic car washes of the type having a plurality of downwardly hanging flaps. The flaps are supported by rods held by a curtain frame and the rods are interconnected at each end to each adjacent rod by a pair of elongated links. Preferably, the outermost pair of links are longer than the rest of the links so that the curtain may be retracted a further distance from the center. The retractable curtain may be held on an oscillating frame.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system washes the horizontal, vertical or inclined surfaces of a vehicle driven along a path. The system includes a brush assembly having a brush and a drive system for rotating the brush about the rotational axis of the brush. A brush assembly pivot point is located at an intermediate position along the length of the brush assembly. A brush assembly suspension system enables the brush assembly to be angularly deflected in both vertical and horizontal planes and includes a vertical support element which is positioned in proximity to the vehicle path and a brush assembly standoff unit which pivotally couples the brush assembly to the vertical support element at a predetermined elevation. The brush assembly standoff unit includes a horizontal pivot unit and vertical pivot means.

Abstract: A scrubbing apparatus for automobiles and other vehicles has three baskets of scrubbing curtains arranged in generally side-by-side relation transverse to the passageway through which the vehicle moves. The width of the curtains of the inner basket is preferably twice the width of each of the outer baskets. The curtain baskets are driven in an oscillatory manner by a single motor having two crank arms and connecting linkages so arranged that the oscillations of the outer baskets are in phase with each other but are out of phase with the oscillations of the inner basket. The preferred out-of-phase relationship between the innerand outer baskets is 90.degree.. In a preferred arrangement, the baskets are driven by reciprocating rods connected to the baskets at a point below the overhead pivot points of the baskets.

Abstract: A rotary washing apparatus for aircraft includes a rotary scrubber pivotally supported by a main body of washing machine through arms, and a torque motor for imparting a predetermined rotary torque to the arms so as to force the rotary scrubber against an external skin surface of the aircraft for washing the same by scrubbing. The rotary washing apparatus further includes a control device for preventing the rotary scrubber from being forced against a surface portion being washed of the aircraft with an excessively high pressing force. The control device is operative to sense the number of revolutions of the rotary scrubber and controls the operation of the torque motor in accordance with the number of revolutions of the rotary scrubber.

Abstract: A washing apparatus, for use in a vehicle washing installation, has a support and first and second arms pivotally mounted to the support. The arms extend out towards the vehicle path, with one arm extending forwardly and the other extending rearwardly. Washing wheels are rotatably mounted at the ends of the arms. A drive is provided for rotating the washing wheels, in opposite directions and such as to urge the wheels away from a vehicle body. The washing apparatus can be used to wash rocker panels and wheel wells of vehicles. Optionally, a link is provided between the two arms, to cause the two wheels to move in unison towards and away from a vehicle body. In this case, the forwardly extending arm engages the vehicle first, and the link ensures that the rearwardly extending arm does not engage the vehicle body excessively.

Abstract: An arch-like body member includes conduit means and is of a dimension to allow a vehicle to move therethrough. The arch is associated with acidic and alkaline detergent supplies as well as a rinse, and controls are provided to sequentially apply the acidic detergent, the alkaline detergent, and the rinse. The system may also employ three arches having respective association with the acidic detergent supply, the alkaline detergent supply, and the rinse.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing an automotive vehicle has box-shaped outer and inner hoods which are movable along rails laid on the ground to completely cover the vehicle to be washed and washing liquid spraying devices movably attached to the inner walls of the outer and inner hoods at positions appropriate for spraying liquid on the entire surface of the vehicle. The spray device sprays water, washing liquid and the like in accordance with the spraying steps. The washed vehicle is dried by blowing air through an air blowing device.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly (26) to be connected to an outlet 24 of a flexible inflatable bag (18, 20) for emitting a stream of air under pressure therethrough to remove fluid from the surface of a vehicle including an elongated body having a first pair of oppositely disposed walls (28, 30) spaced a predetermined distance apart and a second pair of oppositely disposed walls (32, 34) extending between the first pair of walls (28, 30) and spaced from each other a lesser distance than the spacing of the first pair of walls (28, 30). The body further includes an inlet portion (36) defining a first elongated opening (37) and being adapted to be connected to the bag outlet (24) and a nozzle portion (38) defining a second opening (40) having a smaller area than the first opening (37).

Abstract: A machine for scrubbing the sidewalls of tires on motor vehicles in automatic car washing facilities has a swing frame presenting a track for a carriage on which is mounted a pickup roller to be engaged by the tread face of a tire, a rotary scrub brush arranged to engage only the sidewall of the tire, and a brush contact limiting roller also arranged to engage the sidewall. The rotary axis of the brush is tilted so that the brush operates in the forward lower quadrant of the tire sidewall.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for an automotive vehicle having at least one washing brush with a substantially vertically oriented rotation axis, a brush mechanism for guiding and transporting the washing brush on a course over and around the automotive vehicle to be washed, and a control mechanism including a reversing drive for the washing brush and for the control of the washing apparatus. To avoid damage of the washing brush, a sensing element connected to the control mechanism is provided which responds to a damaging catching of the washing brush during rotation and travel over its course and reverses the rotation direction of the washing brush by acting on the control mechanism. Any of various criteria, including decrease of rotational motion of the brush, changes in brush orientation and torque, and drive-motor current changes are used by the sensing element in determining when to respond, and thus to reverse at least temporarily the rotation direction of the washing brush.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing vehicles having pivotable arms secured to bearings formed of high molecular weight plastic which are mounted on a shaft. The bearings are formed from a unitary block of high molecular weight plastic and have cylindrical bores which are adapted to receive the shaft. The bearing is mounted on the pivotable arms of the apparatus for washing vehicles by means of a plurality of fasteners which are received in fastener bores located symmetrically about the cylindrical bore. The fastener bores are lined with a sleeve. The symmetrical location of the fastener bores permit remounting of the bearing to change the portion of the bearing bore which receives the most wear.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus is described with a brush construction having a high density section positioned at an elevation above the bumpers of vehicles. This latter section may be of a greater diameter than the diameter of adjoining sections of the brush. In addition, the washing elements of these adjoining sections may be arranged in vertical rows with relatively long flaps which engage the vehicle for cleaning purposes and shorter flaps which help to space a core of the brush away from the surfaces of the vehicle. Also, the washing elements may be in horizontal rows with each row projecting from an associated annular washing material support flange. The brush construction may also include an upper window cleaning brush having a first portion of a first diameter and a second upper portion of a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The window brush is typically of a density which is less than the density of the other sections of the brush.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing an aircraft has a turn table situated on the ground and capable of turning while carrying at least the main wheels of the aircraft. The apparatus further has a main washing carriage having a length substantially equal to the length of the aircraft and disposed at one side of the turn table such as to extend in parallel with the axis of the aircraft. The main washing carriage is movable in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the aircraft towards and away from the aircraft. The apparatus also has a plurality of washing devices carried by the main washing carriage for movement in the longitudinal direction of the main washing carriage, the washing devices having washing units accessible to predetermined different regions of the side of the aircraft carried by the turn table.

Abstract: A brush for a washing roller for use in an automatic motor vehicle washing installation or the like, comprises a flexible rectangular backing element (2) having means (3,4) along each of two opposite parallel edges for joining these edges together to hold the backing element (2) in a cylindrical configuration. Over the surface of the backing element (2) there are a plurality of sockets (5) for receiving fibres (10) fixed to the backing element by a sewing thread (11). One or a plurality of strip-like zones inclined diagonally with respect to the rectangular shape of the backing element (2) is or are provided with fibres (10) of a greater length such that when the backing element (2) is curved into its cylindrical configuration the strip-like zones with longer fibres form a helix over the surface of the roller thus formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing an airplane has a rectangular underground pit recessed below the ground surface, a turn table located at one end of the pit and rotatable at the same level as the ground surface, an upper washing unit for washing the upper side of the airplane and a lower washing unit for washing the lower side of the air plane. The upper washing unit has a carrier having a width and a height large enough to clear the tail wings of the airplane and is movable in the longitudinal direction of the pit, while the lower washing unit has a carrier which is movable within the pit in the longitudinal direction of the latter at a level substantially equal to the bottom of the pit. Each washing unit has washing means such as a brush movable on the carrier. The washing means of the lower washing unit is accessible to the lower side of the airplane through openings formed in the turn table.

Abstract: A vehicle finishing apparatus having a rotary support, and a plurality of finishing units mounted on the support in spaced relationship therearound. Each finishing unit includes a thin sheetlike pad structure of flexible material having an outer free edge adapted to contact a vehicle, and an inner edge positioned adjacent the periphery of the support. Mounting structure cooperates between the support and the pad structure for releasably securing the pad structure to the support and for selectively varying the point of attachment thereof to the support to vary the length of the pad structure which projects outwardly from the support. The mounting structure includes a plurality of identical mounting parts fixedly associated with the pad structure in substantially parallel but closely spaced relationship in the vicinity of the inner edge but progressively spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus including overhead frame means located above the path of a vehicle to be washed, a plurality of elongate vertically disposed flexible and rotatable washing members connected with the overhead frame means arranged to wash at least one end and the top of a vehicle passing through the apparatus and rotating means for rotating the washing members to enhance the scrubbing action of the washing members.

Abstract: Vehicle washing apparatus comprises horizontal rotatable brushes 6,7 moveable along respective pairs of upwardly and downwardly inclined tracks 8,9 which cross over approximately midway along their lengths. In use, the first, initially lower brush 6 is engaged by the front part of a vehicle moving through the apparatus and is moved upwardly along the tracks 8 whereby to wash at least a front portion of the vehicle. Thereafter, the second brush 7 is moved downwardly along the tracks 9 whereby it engages and washes at least a rear portion of the vehicle. In a preferred arrangement, means are provided for returning the brushes 6,7 to their initial positions, and the washing cycle is fully automatic.

Abstract: A wraparound brushing device includes a U-shaped brush-supporting arm which facilitates use of wraparound brushing devices in automatic vehicle washing facilities having limited space. The U-shaped brush-supporting arm typically includes two legs at right angles to one another.

Abstract: A brush having a circular disk with a plurality of slots adjacent the edge of the disk. The slots are elongated and arranged at spaced locations around the circumference of the disk. The disk has brush elements made up of individual elongated cloth strips secured to the disk by the circumferential slots. A central opening couples the disk to a drive shaft for rotation of the disk.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus comprising overhead support means located above or adjacent to the path of a vehicle to be washed, an elongate vertically disposed flexible and rotatable washing member having a free lower end and being supported at the upper end thereof by said support means and rotating means for imparting rotary motion to said washing member.

Abstract: A multiple brush vehicle washing apparatus wherein one brush has a horizontal axis of rotation and is pivotally mounted to swing in toward the rear surface of a vehicle which is passing under the brush support structure. A composite counterweight system provides an angular force component which urges the brush into the rear of the vehicle at the lowermost brush position. A second horizontal brush and two angled side brushes are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining close proximity between a vehicle surface and a forced air water stripper but without contacting the vehicle surface. A sonar detector is connected into a closed loop control system for maintaining close proximity between a Venturi type forced air outlet nozzle and the vehicle surface. Both horizontal vehicle surfaces and vertical vehicle surfaces may be treated. A novel support arm made of one or more plastic panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle finishing apparatus having a rotary drum provided with a plurality of flexible finishing units removably secured around the periphery thereof. The finishing units comprise enlarged cloth pads having a plurality of substantially parallel mounting portions formed integrally of the pad adjacent the inner edge thereof, each mounting portion, which is preferably formed by deforming the pad to create a closed loop, is adapted to be removably positioned within an outwardly opening groove formed on the periphery of the drum and extending lengthwise thereof. The different loops are progressively positioned in the mounting groove as the outer edge of the pad becomes worn so as to adjust the pad length.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a vehicle washing apparatus having an array of downwardly depending plural fabric panels. These panels are of varying widths and are slit at multiple locations along their side margins to provide fingers of material between the slits. These fingers reach into and clean otherwise hard to reach areas of a vehicle, such as the window area immediately beneath an overhanging roof. A drive mechanism rotationally oscillates the array about a vertical axis. Selected panels of the array are oriented in non-parallel planes for enhanced washing of different portions of the vehicle. The array is detachably mounted to an overhead frame of the vehicle wash. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a vehicle washing apparatus having plural downwardly depending washing elements, each with one or more of such slit fabric panels mounted to an upright flexible support. The washing elements may be suspended from an oscillating frame.

Abstract: In a car cleaning system for car washes having a car conveying device, a cleaning element which extends transversely to the direction of travel of the car. The cleaning element is held at its ends on a pair of lever arms which are swingable about a fixed swivel joint and can be changed in position in a manner corresponding to the contour of the car as viewed from the side of the car. The pair of lever arms is swingably guided in such a way that at the start of the cleaning process the lever arms are inclined obliquely downwardly in the direction opposite the direction of travel of the car and at the end of the cleaning process they are inclined obliquely downwardly in the same direction as the direction of travel of the car, terminating approximately in the region of the bottom of the car. The cleaning element is arranged for translation on the pair of lever arms, and is movable in such a manner that both at the beginning and at the end of the cleaning process it is at the lower end of the lever arms.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the wheels, and particularly the wheel rims, of a vehicle in a car wash. The device has a plurality of rotating cleaning brushes which can be pressed against the wheels to be cleaned substantially in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of said vehicle, and a driver which can be actuated by at least one of the wheels, the cleaning brushes for the specific pair of wheels to be cleaned being mounted on a carriage; the carriage is freely movable in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and is coupled to the driver; the driver is actuated by at least one of said wheels and with the carriage in a starting position, produces the commencement of the cleaning process. Upon termination of the cleaning process the corresponding carriage is released whereupon provision is made for restoring the device to the starting position.

Abstract: A rotary brush for vehicle washing systems comprising first, second and third sections of radially extending felt strips, the lengths of said strips being such that the overall outer diameter of the brush when rotating is uniform but the second or central section being mounted on a large diameter inflatable cushion which reduces or eliminates the damaging effect of abrupt contact between the vehicle and a support shaft for the brush. In the preferred embodiment the cushion comprises a series of inflatable rubber inner tubes captured within a felt covering having a zipper and drawcords for installation and removal purposes.

Abstract: An overhead frame supports a gear housing which supports a strip support frame from which flexible cleaning strips are hung. A motor driving a main shaft to which the housing is connected moves the strip support frame in a circular path about a first axis over the top of a vehicle while the strips contact the body of the vehicle for the scrubbing action. As the strip support frame is moved in the circular path, it is positively moved about a second axis parallel to the first and in a direction opposite the direction of movement in the path. The strip frame is rotatably mounted on an inclined portion of a second shaft whose main portion is on the second axis, so the strip support frame is rotatable on a third axis which is inclined with respect to the first and second axes. Rotation of the shaft having the inclined portion is provided by a gear coupling to a stationary gear in the rotating housing.

Abstract: In a car wash apparatus for automatically scrubbing, washing and polishing the sides, rocker panels and wheels of a vehicle during movement along a predetermined path upon a floor, there is provided a pair of laterally spaced free standing longitudinally staggered scrubbing side wheel assemblies. Each assembly includes a base plate upon the floor and mounting an upright side frame. Parallel spaced first and second side wheel arms at their one ends are pivotally mounted upon the frame and extend forwardly at an acute angle toward the path of movement. Each arm at its free end mounts a bearing housing which supports the hydraulic motor whose drive shaft is journaled through the bearing housing and mounts upon a vertical axis, a scrubbing, washing and polishing wheel of cloth material. The side arms are interconnected for movement in unison.

Abstract: A car wash apparatus having an overhead supported rotatable brush which is rotatable about a generally vertical axis of rotation which utilizes an improved yieldable coupling. The yieldable coupling includes an upper support plate operably connected with a drive motor, a lower support plate operably connected with the rotatable brush, three or more rigid connecting members radially disposed about the vertical axis of rotation and biasing means for biasing the plates apart from each other.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus including overhead frame means located above the path of a vehicle to be washed, a plurality of elongate vertically disposed flexible and rotatable washing members connected with the overhead frame means arranged to wash at least one end and the top of a vehicle passing through the apparatus and rotating means for rotating the washing members to enhance the scrubbing action of the washing members.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus is disclosed which systematically regulates the cleaning operation to produce optimum results. The apparatus comprises a frame member having an opening to receive the vehicle with means provided to move one of said frame member and vehicle relative to each other. A horizontal cleaning brush is rotatably disposed within the frame member. A brush control system is provided for regulating the positioning of the brush relative to the vehicle during the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A multiple brush vehicle washing apparatus wherein one brush has a horizontal axis of rotation and is pivotally mounted to swing in toward the rear surface of a vehicle which is passing under the brush support structure. A composite counter-weight system provides an angular force component which urges the brush into the rear of the vehicle at the lowermost brush position. A second horizontal brush and two angled side brushes are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes vertically extending curtain-like washing elements suspended from an overhead support structure. A carriage assembly moves the overhead support structure back and forth through a vehicle bay so that the washing elements wash a car within the bay. An elevating mechanism on the carriage is selectively operable to lift the curtain-like elements out of the way of a vehicle to enable manual washing of the vehicle. The elevating mechanism includes a horizontal bar that moves laterally against the curtain-like elements in one direction to swing an upper portion of the elements upwardly and a horizontal roll of water resistant sheet material that is unrolled laterally against the curtain-like elements in an opposite direction below the level of the bar to swing a lower portion of the elements upwardly onto the sheet.

Abstract: A car washer for a stationary car, including a pair of tracks on the floor, between which the car remains, an upright arch frame to pass over the car and having wheels on the track; a plurality of scrubber curtains of cloth, felt-like material cut into strips and suspended from the frame to engage and scrub the automobile as the frame passes along the automobile, means oscillating the strips in side to side direction, spray nozzles directing cleaning solution onto the strips; the mobile frame moving along the car, first in one direction, then in the reverse direction; upright rotary scrubbers on arms which swing toward and away from the automobile body, the arms being mounted on the upright frame, the rotary scrubbers also being made of strips of cloth, felt-like material, nozzles directing cleaning solution onto such strips, the rotary scrubbers being reversible, and the control means for the rotary scrubbers requiring reversing of the rotary scrubbers when the mobile arch frame reverses its direction.

Abstract: The device for washing tractor-trailer truck units includes a gantry adapted to move over the unit, a pair of rotary, vertical, tractor brushes pivotally mounted on a front portion of the gantry for pivotal movement between a neutral position and a retracted position disposed laterally outwardly from the tractor-trailer unit, a pair of rotary, vertical, trailer brushes mounted on the rear portion of the gantry for pivotal movement between neutral and retracted positions, and a rotary, horizontal, top brush mounted on the gantry above the tractor-trailer unit for movement between an operating position and a retracted position. All the brushes are selectively pivoted to the retracted position by air-actuated cylinders and the tractor and trailer brushes are automatically releasably latched in the retracted position by a latching arrangement.

Abstract: An adjustable tensioning device mounted to a wraparound brushing mechanism in a car washing installation varies the influence of the biasing mechanism thereof. The adjustable tensioning device is capable of changing the leverage applied to the brushing mechanism to vary the overall amount of brush engagement force against the surface of the car and selecting the location on the car for application of maximum brushing engagement force.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the position of an object, for example, a licence plate, on the exterior of a car during the washing thereof includes a rotary brush which is driven by a hydraulic motor and is mounted on a pivotable structure adapted to move relative to and scrub the surface of the car as it advances therepast along a conveyor. A detection mechanism is positioned on an overhead structure to detect the position of the brush support structure corresponding to a position of the brush near the location of the license plate. A control mechanism responds to detection of the license plate and opens a fluid control valve, thereby reducing the rate of fluid flow to the hydraulic motor to slow the speed of brush rotation until the brush travels beyond the license plate.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for mounting downwardly depending vehicle washing mitters. It includes a frame suspended above a vehicle washing station, a horizontally disposed support for the mitters, the support being rotatably mounted to the frame about a vertical axis to permit rotational oscillation thereof, a suspension extending from the frame to the support, the suspension being radially offset from the axis, and an oscillator for oscillating the support means about the axis. Thus, the suspension causes the support to vertically oscillate as the support is being rotationally oscillated.

Abstract: As a car moves along a path through a wash area, it engages a pair of rotating cloth scrubbing wheels. Each wheel depends from a carriage movable along a horizontal boom pivotally mounted at one end upon a standard located at each side of the wash area. Each boom is pivoted upon a vertical axis and is swingable in a horizontal plane between a first position angular to the path and a second position parallel to the path. Each carriage is biased towards the free end of the boom whereby engagement of the car causes the boom to rotate outwardly while the wheel moves over and engages the front of the car, until the wheel engages the front corner of the car thereby operating a limit switch as a result of car movement which shifts a three-way valve to release the pressure on the carriage cylinder. The carriage moves up the boom towards the pivoted end thereof as the boom swings into a path generally parallel to the car whereby the wheel operatively engages the side of the car to the rear corner thereof.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp (26) for selectively varying the hinging action of a flexible, inflatable fluid-stripping bag (12) including an elongated bag inlet (14) having a predetermined cross-sectional area and a nozzle (16) at one end thereof and wherein the bag inlet (14) is mounted about an opening (24) of a plenum (20) for supplying air to the bag (12). The clamp comprises an adjustable frame (26) adapted to be disposed about the bag inlet (14) and spaced therefrom to adjustably limit the extent to which the bag inlet (14) opens to determine the cross-sectional area and a band member and fastening device for securing the frame (26) about the bag inlet (14) whereby a change in the cross-sectional area produced by the frame (26) changes the resistance of the hinging action of the bag (12).

Abstract: A device for generating a foam which might be used, for example, as a cleaning fluid. As depicted, the device comprises structure which accepts a combined fluid, such as water, soap, and air, and passes it through a pair of turbulators in series. As it enters the first turbulator, the fluid is forced to turn through a turbulence-generating angle. The first turbulator may be substantially filled with a turbulence-generating material providing a plurality of randomly sized and randomly oriented interstices through which the fluid must pass in traversing the turbulator. The turbulence-generating material might, for example, comprise a material such a metallic or plastic turnings which are gathered together and fixed in place. Fluid discharged from the first turbulator then travels in a relatively quiescent flow through a pipe or tube to a second turbulator which may employ the same type of material to generate additional turbulence in the flow and thus assure complete mixing.

Abstract: A vehicle rear vertical surface washing system comprising a horizontally movable carriage positionable within a frame adjacent the rear vertical surface of a vehicle and a vertically movable carriage which carries a rotary brush that washes and sweeps the rear vertical surface of the vehicle. Limit switches provide control signals to sequential logic implemented by relays and initiate the forward motion of the horizontal carriage toward the rear vertical surface of the vehicle at an appropriate point in the washing cycle. The light beam of an electric eye is broken when the carriage has moved adjacent the vertical surface, and provides a signal to halt the forward motion of the carriage. The rotary brush assembly mounted on the vertical carriage then travels downwardly washing and sweeping the vertical surface, and then reverses its direction and travels upwardly while rinsing and sweeping the vertical surface.

Abstract: An improved vehicle finishing device is disclosed for a rotary vehicle finishing apparatus. The device includes a plurality of finishing units, each of which is mounted on a drum and has a continuous base portion and a plurality of elongated flexible finishing elements. A plurality of stiffeners are also mounted on respective mounting sites on the drum. The base portions of the finishing units bear against the stiffeners when the apparatus is rotated and biased against a vehicle. The stiffeners support the base portions of the finishing units, thereby preventing the finishing elements from collapsing against the drum.

Abstract: A retractable wax, buff and polish apparatus for cars includes an open framework upon a floor through which a vehicle is adapted to pass. A vertically adjustable carriage is guidably mounted upon the framework and suspends therefrom a pair of coplanar horizontal racks, each rack having a plurality of parallel spaced fabric panels at their upper ends depending therefrom, defining a segmented friction curtain adapted on lowering of the carriage and oscillation of the racks for buffing and polishing engagement with a car. A vertically adjustable counterweight is mounted upon the framework and connected by a chain and sprockets to the carriage whereby selective raising or lowering of the counterweight respectively lowers or raises the curtain. Pressurized canisters mounted upon the framework are activated on lowering of the curtain for delivering a foam of wax or detergent and water onto the car.