Abstract: A drive-up product dispensing system for a car wash facility having a pay station that is connected to a car wash assembly and a dispensing device is connected to the pay station.

Abstract: A method and system for positioning a vehicle within the wash area of a wash system having a first sensor positioned near the entry of the wash system and a second sensor positioned near the exit of the wash system. A signal is operatively connected to the sensors to signal the driver to stop, back up, and confirm that the vehicle is located in the wash area between the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A method of operating an automatic car wash system has been developed. The automatic car wash system includes a car wash unit and a central processing unit (CPU) controls operation of the car wash unit. The method includes programming wash parameters for a plurality of wash modes into the CPU and switching among a plurality of pre-programmed wash modes based on a rate of customer use of the car wash, number of vehicles waiting in line to use the car wash, environmental conditions, and/or operator's preference.

Abstract: A guide rail assembly for use with a conveyor of an automatic conveyor car wash. The guide rail assembly is comprised of a main guide rail positioned outside the conveyor proximate the wheel portion of a vehicle, and a lower guide rail extending below and away from the main guide rail toward the conveyor such that the lower guide rail contacts the tire below the wheel portion to maintain a spaced apart relationship between the wheel portion and the main guide rail. The addition of the lower guide rail prevents scratching, marring, or any other structural damage to the wheel portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A top brush interrupt system for a vehicle wash system particularly adapted for pickup trucks that includes a top brush rotatable on a generally horizontal cross shaft that journalled in a pair of spaced arms that are pivoted on a frame for movement toward and away from the top of the vehicle to be washed. The interrupt system includes a proximity switch on the frame cooperating with a proximity target on one of the arms for sensing when the top brush is in position on top of the vehicle and for indicating when the top brush is not on the top of the vehicle and associated circuitry including timing means for terminating rotation of the top brush and/or raising the top brush from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle washer includes vehicle washing apparatus including multiple washing operations or mechanisms. The washer also includes a power source, message transmitter such as an electronic digital voice recorder, an input mechanism such as a coin box or keypad, and an activation circuit. The message transmitter is provided with an audio or other message to be played for a vehicle operator while adjacent the coinbox or keypad, from a speaker. The input mechanism accepts multiple manual inputs and responsively provides multiple input signals including multiple washing mechanism activation signals and a recorder activation signal. The activation mechanism is interconnected to the input means, the power source, the washing mechanisms and the recorder means for receiving the multiple washing mechanism activation signals, and responsively interconnecting the power source and the washing mechanisms, and responsively interconnecting the power source and the recorder.

Abstract: A scrubber for an automotive vehicle. The scrubber includes a brush, pivot and centering assembly. The brush scrubs the vehicle. The pivot allows the brush to change angular orientation. The centering means urges the brush toward a single predetermined angular orientation. In this way, should a vehicle drive into the brush, the brush may pivot with the force applied to it, reducing the chance that the brush or the vehicle will be damaged. The centering mechanism, however, urges the brush toward a predetermined angular orientation so that, absent an external force applied to the brush, the brush will be in a predetermined position ready for scrubbing the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for both washing and drying an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes a track gantry that moves along the track and over the vehicle. Water outlets and brushes are on the gantry to wash the car. The apparatus further includes a blower, nozzle, and oscillator. The blower, also mounted on the gantry, expels air onto the vehicle. The nozzle, positioned on the blower, defines an orientation and directs the air from the blower substantially parallel to the orientation. The oscillator periodically changes the orientation of the nozzle and the direction of the air from the blower.

Abstract: Automatic vehicle washer. The washer includes a vehicle washing apparatus, source of electrical power, manual input, code verifier and activator. The manual input allows a driver of a vehicle to transmit a numerical signal to the code verifier. If the code verifier determines that the numerical signal corresponds to a predetermined numerical code, the energizer interconnects the vehicle washing apparatus with the source of electrical power.

Abstract: Automatic vehicle washer. The washer includes a vehicle washing apparatus, source of electrical power, manual input, code verifier and activator. The manual input allows a driver of a vehicle to transmit a numerical signal to the code verifier. If the code verifier determines that the numerical signal corresponds to a predetermined numerical code, the energizer interconnects the vehicle washing apparatus with the source of electrical power.

Abstract: An apparatus for both washing and drying an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes a track gantry that moves along the track and over the vehicle. Water outlets and brushes are on the gantry to wash the car. The apparatus further includes a blower, nozzle, and oscillator. The blower, also mounted on the gantry, expels air onto the vehicle. The nozzle, positioned on the blower, defines an orientation and directs the air from the blower substantially parallel to the orientation. The oscillator periodically changes the orientation of the nozzle and the direction of the air from the blower.