Abstract: A car washing system having mitter curtains which are constructed and manipulated in a manner providing effective washing action over the entire vehicle surface during the wash cycle. Additionally, this invention provides a roll-over type wash system which allows the operator to select between a variety of operational modes, including contact and non-contact modes and various wash cycle durations. The invention utilizes a "roll-up" configuration for attaching the mitter curtains to the roll-over washing apparatus. At least one overhead support attaches to a gantry above the path for the vehicle. A number of roller bars attach to the support substantially parallel to one another and extend across the path. Each of the mitter curtains attach to corresponding roller bars, and movement of the support, therefore, produces a scrubbing motion in the mitter curtains. A drive mechanism rotates the roller bars about their lengthwise axes to roll, or unroll, the mitter curtains.

Abstract: A roll-over high-pressure washer for non-contact washing of stationary vehicles. A gantry frame having two independent U-shaped spray arms is mounted to roll back and forth over the vehicle, while independent low- and high-pressure spray systems mounted on each of the U-shaped spray arms pre-soak, wash and rinse the vehicle in a preprogrammed sequence. The U-shaped spray arms are maintained in close proximity to the upper surfaces of the vehicle, without contacting them, by primary non-vehicle-contacting and secondary vehicle-contacting sensing means. Side spray arms are also mounted on the gantry frame to wash the side surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle drying apparatus comprising a V-shaped blower manifold having air supply means and nozzle means. The V-shaped blower manifold can be movably supported in an automated car wash to direct a V-shaped curtain of blown air against the surface of a vehicle moving relative to the manifold, stripping water from the vehicle surface both rearwardly and laterally. Soft, flexible air channeling means are fastened to the nozzle means to increase the rate of flow of air to the vehicle surface. Also disclosed is a gantry frame for supporting the blower manifold in selected positions over the vehicle and for housing blower assemblies for directing pressurized air to the manifold.

Abstract: Vehicle drying apparatus for use in either roll-over, drive-through, or tunnel type car washing installations. The dryer comprises an air plenum tube which extends overhead and transversely of the drying location and has a plurality of air outlet nozzles, the angular orientations of which relative to a vehicle being dried is subject to alteration. Means are provided for pivoting the nozzles transversely of the vehicle and, in the case of the roll-over washer, reaiming the nozzles so as to constantly direct air in a forward direction regardless of the direction of movement of the gantry frame relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A roll-over high-pressure washer for non-contact washing of stationary vehicles. A gantry frame having two independent U-shaped spray arms is mounted to roll back and forth over the vehicle, while independent low- and high-pressure spray systems mounted on each of the U-shaped spray arms pre-soak, wash and rinse the vehicle in a preprogrammed sequence. The U-shaped spray arms are maintained in close proximity to the upper surfaces of the vehicle, without contacting them, by primary non-vehicle-contacting and secondary vehicle-contacting sensing means. Side spray arms are also mounted on the gantry frame to wash the side surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: A carwash dryer station activated "on demand"; i.e., only when a vehicle requiring service approaches, and which is capable of being operated in a condition where the energy consumption level of the dryer blower is substantially lower than that of full, air-delivery operation. This is accomplished by use of a motor driven blower turbine having a continuous internal circulation path and an outlet which can be controlled by a valve independently of the motor to open only when a vehicle is present for service. Means are also provided for sensing the presence and location of a vehicle in a washer land and generating a corresponding output signal and for relaying the output signal to the air supply turbine.

Abstract: A pair of diametrically offset flaps of feltlike fabric are mounted at opposite ends of a filament-strand carwasher brush to clear the brush strands away from mirrors and antennae as the vehicle is washed.

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 resilient cushion which reduces or eliminates the damaging effect of abrupt contact between the vehicle and a support shaft for the brush. In one 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. In a second preferred embodiment the cushion is comprised of open cell foam, which is cylindrical in nature and covered in the same manner as above.

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: 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: 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 side brush arrangement for a car wash including parallel-mounted primary and secondary brushes rotating in opposite directions. The brushes are inclined at an attitude of about 20.degree. from the horizontal away from the direction from which the vehicle approaches to prevent damage to external appendages such as radio antennas. The manner of support of the primary brushes is such that they can pivot in and out while remaining parallel to the vehicle sides to accommodate different vehicle contours and widths while being inclined at a shallow angle. The primary brush is between twelve and fifteen feet in length so as to engage at least 50% of the overall length of a vehicle being washed and to perform a thorough scrubbing on the vehicle. A segmented brush with varying bristle stiffness is disclosed. The secondary brush shaft is connected via a universal joint to the shaft of a horizontal wheel brush so that a single motor may drive both brush shafts.

Abstract: A vehicle washing machine is disclosed, of a type particularly adapted for washing relatively large vehicles, such as buses, vans, trucks, etc. featuring a mounting arrangement for a pair of side brushes which are disposed in the wash lane so as to scrub the sides of the washed vehicles. The mounting of each swing frame arrangement includes a swing frame on which each brush is rotatably mounted, inclined to the horizontal, and pivotally mounted to the frame so as to be able to pivot into engagement with the vehicle side. Each swing frame is urged into engagement with a vehicle passing between the side brushes by a shock absorber-spring assembly acting on the upper end of the swing frame urging the brush into the wash lane, while accommodating minor in and out movements due to variations in the vehicle contour, side motions, etc., the shock absorber damping the resulting oscillations of the swing frame.

Abstract: A machine for washing vehicles such as large trucks and tractor-trailer combinations includes a triangular frame at each side of the path of the vehicle during the washing operation. Brushes rotatable about horizontal axes wash the front, top and rear of the vehicle. A first brush is mounted to be pushed upwardly by the front end of the vehicle as it moves through the apparatus and a second brush moves downwardly under its own weight in contact with the rear end of the vehicle. These brushes also engage the top of the vehicle. The first brush may be raised to clear exhaust stacks and the like, and the second brush is retained at an elevated position until the vehicle enters the apparatus sufficiently for it to be lowered onto the top. When the second brush reaches the lower end of its track after the vehicle departs, it is restored to the elevated position.