Abstract: Control of a contactless cleaning element (18) in the cleaning line of a vehicle washing system, is accomplished by transmitting at least two energy beams (96, 98) transversely across the vehicle path. When the first beam (96) is interrupted by the passing vehicle, a motor device (64, 66) operates at a normal speed to move the cleaning element away from the vehicle. When the second beam (98) is interrupted, the motor device operates at a higher speed to move the cleaning element away at a faster rate. The cleaning element is pivotally connected by parallel arms (42, 72) to a gantry (12) so that actuation of the motor (64, 66) maintains substantially constant discharge angles relative to the vertical for two spaced apart discharge slots (102, 124) in the cleaning element. The motor (64) is mounted to the gantry 12 by a failsafe slidable carriage assembly (110).

Abstract: A ladder includes a pair of spaced apart rails having upper and lower ends, and a plurality of substantially identical slats located between the rails. Each slat has a support axle or the like engaging the rails, and defining an axis of rotation for the slat. An actuating bar or rod is operatively connected to each of the slats for selectively and simultaneously rotating the slats from a closed position wherein the slats are substantially coplanar and parallel to the rails, to an open position wherein the slats are oriented transversely to the rails and thus form steps. The actuating bar or the like is restrained in the normally closed position. A trigger mechanism is located at the upper end of the rails and operatively connected to the actuating bar, for selectively releasing the restraining member, whereby the slats can rotate to the open position for use.