Abstract: In an automatic wash, a control unit operates a boom arm around a vehicle in a bay by moving a bridge along a lengthwise vehicle orientation, moving a trolley on the bridge along a widthwise vehicle orientation, and rotating the boom arm about the trolley. The boom arm is coupled to a mount which is flexibly coupled to the trolley such that boom arm impact displaces the mount and the trolley. The displacement may be two-dimensional and/or angular. In response, the control unit determines whether an impact has occurred by comparing the data to a baseline. If there is an impact, the control unit relocates the boom arm and may continue the wash process. If a sufficient force impact occurs that the control unit cannot correct, the boom arm may disengage from the mount which may trigger a breakaway sensor and cause the control unit to abandon the wash.

Abstract: A pivotable, dual pressure spray arm assembly has at least one high-pressure nozzle and at least one low-pressure nozzle. A single fluid conduit transports fluid through a pivot mount to the spray arm. A diverter valve mounted on the spray arm includes an inlet configured to alternately receive a high-pressure fluid and a low-pressure fluid from the single fluid conduit, a first outlet configured to distribute the high-pressure fluid to the high-pressure nozzles, and a second outlet configured to distribute the low-pressure fluid to the low-pressure nozzles. The diverter valve automatically switches fluid flow between the first and second outlets in response to the fluid pressure received at the inlet.

Abstract: Rotating turbo nozzles for use in car wash systems have a nozzle body with a hollow interior in which a nozzle member is rotated in unison with a fluid vortex created by pressurized fluid introduced into the interior of the nozzle body through passageways forming an acute angle with the hollow interior. Systems are employed for reducing the speed of rotation of the nozzle member relative to the nozzle body so as to improve the effective range in which the nozzle body can emit cleaning fluids with an acceptable impact force.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing a vehicle that is relatively moved through the apparatus includes pivotal side arms with independently pivotal nozzles for the dispensing of cleansing fluids as well as a pivotal overhead boom that also includes independently pivotal nozzles so that the side arms and the boom as well as the nozzles associated therewith can be optimally positioned for directing high pressure liquid at the vehicle. The side arms and boom are also moved from retracted to extended positions with power cylinders and retracted from the extended to retracted positions by counter balancing weights.

Abstract: A dryer system for automated car wash systems includes a new and improved air dryer having a fan and a rotatable nozzle at its discharge end with the nozzle orientation being controlled by a rotary actuator whose drive shaft is mounted on the axis of rotation of the nozzle. A method of using the blowers includes the use of two or more blowers that are positioned above the vehicle and oriented so the streams of concentrated air complement each other in moving liquid particles on the vehicle toward the side or end of the vehicle where they drop from the lower edges of the sides and ends of the vehicle.

Abstract: A dryer system for automated car wash systems includes a new and improved air dryer having a fan and a rotatable nozzle at its discharge end with the nozzle orientation being controlled by a rotary actuator whose drive shaft is mounted on the axis of rotation of the nozzle. A method of using the blowers includes the use of two or more blowers that are positioned above the vehicle and oriented so the streams of concentrated air complement each other in moving liquid particles on the vehicle toward the side or end of the vehicle where they drop from the lower edges of the sides and ends of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wash apparatus for automotive vehicles includes a plurality of reciprocating wands which are driven by a compact drive/linkage system to move the wands in unitary reciprocating motion as a vehicle is moved adjacent thereto. Each wand has a turbo nozzle that emits a stream of liquid in a circulating conical path which in cooperation with the reciprocating movement of the wands on which the nozzles are rotated creates a desired cleaning action.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus of the gantry type is adapted to reciprocate linearly along the length of a vehicle. Both upper washing mechanisms and side washing mechanisms are tiltably mounted on the gantry so as to tilt around the front and rear of the vehicle for optimal cleansing thereof. Pairs of fixed spray nozzles for delivering a pre-soak solution are positioned along each side and the top of the apparatus with one nozzle in each pair being angled rearwardly relative to a vehicle to spray the front and a side of the vehicle and another nozzle in each pair being angled forwardly relative to a vehicle to spray the rear and a side of the vehicle. An auxiliary delivery system for a paint conditioner or the like is disposed on the gantry for delivering the solution to the sides and top of the vehicle in horizontal rows and may be delivered in different colors for aesthetic purposes. The paint conditioner can be rinsed from the vehicle with the tiltable washing mechanisms.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle washing system is provided. The control system utilizes a plurality of sensors to determine the length of a vehicle, the position of a vehicle relative to a fixed track upon which a gantry travels, and the profile of a vehicle relative to the track. The control system preferably begins a vehicle washing routine by commanding a gantry to travel from a beginning of the track to the end of the track while awaiting the interruption of an photoelectric beam for an entrance eye which first detects the front end of a stationary vehicle within the vehicle washing area. The gantry continues to move towards the end of the track while awaiting detection of a portion of the vehicle which is higher than a preset distance from ground. Upon detection of such vehicle portion, the control system establishes parameters setting a front safe tilt zone. In similar manner, the control system determines a rear safe tilt position for the vehicle washing system.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus of the gantry type is adapted to reciprocate linearly along the length of a vehicle. Both upper washing mechanisms and side washing mechanisms are tiltably mounted on the gantry so as to tilt around the front and rear of the vehicle for optimal cleansing thereof. Pairs of fixed spray nozzles for delivering a pre-soak solution are positioned along each side and the top of the apparatus with one nozzle in each pair being angled rearwardly relative to a vehicle to spray the front and a side of the vehicle and another nozzle in each pair being angled forwardly relative to a vehicle to spray the rear and a side of the vehicle. An auxiliary delivery system for a paint conditioner or the like is disposed on the gantry for delivering the solution to the sides and top of the vehicle in horizontal rows and may be delivered in different colors for aesthetic purposes. The paint conditioner can be rinsed from the vehicle with the tiltable washing mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicle wash apparatus includes a reciprocating gantry-type framework with rotating fluid dispensers along an upper extent thereof and at opposite sides thereof which are adapted to be rotated to deliver washing fluid at the vehicle as the apparatus traverses the length of the vehicle. A tilt mechanism is provided so that the rotating manifolds can be tilted at opposite ends of the vehicle to direct the cleaning fluid at the ends of the vehicle when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the ends of the vehicle. A unique bearing seal element supports the rotating manifolds on a rotatably driven coupling from a motor so that liquid can be delivered to the rotating manifolds in a leak-free environment and over an extended life. An ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material is utilized in bearing seal members in the element which serve both as a liquid seal and a bearing surface.

Abstract: A vehicle wash apparatus includes a reciprocating gantry-type framework with rotating fluid dispensers along an upper extent thereof and at opposite sides thereof which are adapted to be rotated to deliver washing fluid at the vehicle as the apparatus traverses the length of the vehicle. A tilt mechanism is provided so that the rotating manifolds acan be tilted at opposite ends of the vehicle to direct the cleaning fluid at the ends of the vehicle when the apparatus is positioned adjacent the ends of the vehicle. A unique bearing seal element supports the rotating manifolds on a rotatably driven coupling from a motor so that liquid can be delivered to the rotating manifolds in a leak-free environment and over an extended life. An ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material is utilized in bearing seal members in the element which serve both as a liquid seal and a bearing surface.

Abstract: A vehicle wash apparatus is disclosed as including a curtain of flexible scrubbing strips which are suspended from an orbiting support member adapted to selectively have the strips wrapped there around to elevate the strips from the path of movement of a vehicle through the apparatus.