Abstract: Systems and sub-systems for supplying squeegee buckets with automobile windshield washer fluid. Some systems include a fluid containing reservoir elevated above the squeegee buckets so as to gravity feed the buckets. One system includes a fluid quantity sensor coupled to a squeegee bucket for indicating a predetermined low fluid quantity in the squeegee bucket, calling for the addition of fluid. The fluid quantity sensor can be coupled directly or indirectly to a controllable fluid supply source to add fluid into the squeegee bucket interior. Some systems have continuous or analog fluid quantity sensor outputs while other systems have discreet fluid quantity sensors indicating that a low limit has been reached. Some systems utilize level sensors while other systems utilize weight sensors. One system includes a level sensor in the form of a float adapted to trigger an electrical switch upon reaching a low level.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 18, 2002
Date of Patent:
July 1, 2003
Assignee:
Clean Shield Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert Willeke, Jr., Dale A. Severson, Jeffery M. Eliason, Scott Meyerson
Abstract: A system for automated vending of automotive fluid such as windshield washer fluid from large volume tanks. In one embodiment the system includes two or more vending control units and a fluid storage system that includes one or more fluid storage tanks mounted at a level above the vending control units. Preferably the fluid storage tanks are mounted to an over head canopy, either on the roof of the canopy or on one of the canopy support columns. Where two or more fluid storage tanks are utilized, fluid equalization conduits connect the storage tanks to each other so that fluid levels in the storage tanks equalize as fluid is added to or withdrawn from any one of the tanks. Two or more fluid dispensing hoses are provided, each one being associated with and controlled by one of the vending control units. Each hose is connected to the fluid storage system and dispenses fluid by force of gravity in response to selective activation of the corresponding vending control unit by a user.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 8, 2000
Date of Patent:
November 6, 2001
Assignee:
Clean Shield Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert Willeke, Jeffrey M. Eliason, Dale A. Severson
Abstract: A system for automated vending of windshield washer fluid from large volume tanks. In one embodiment the system includes two or more vending control units and a fluid storage system that includes one or more fluid storage tanks mounted at a level above the vending control units. Preferably the fluid storage tanks are mounted to an over head canopy, either on the roof of the canopy or on one of the canopy support columns. Where two or more fluid storage tanks are utilized, fluid equalization conduits connect the storage tanks to each other so that fluid levels in the storage tanks equalize as fluid is added to or withdrawn from any one of the tanks. Two or more fluid dispensing hoses are provided, each one being associated with and controlled by one of the vending control units. Each hose is connected to the fluid storage system and dispenses fluid by force of gravity in response to selective activation of the corresponding vending control unit by a user.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 21, 1999
Date of Patent:
May 15, 2001
Assignee:
Clean Shield Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert Willeke, Jeffrey M. Eliason, Dale A. Severson