Abstract: A shape-changing spray arch for a “touchless” spray washer for automotive vehicles and the like. A transit frame which can change shape is mounted in a fixed arch frame and connected to an actuator which changes the shape of the side and top spray conduits in a reciprocal fashion as vehicles pass through the arch. In addition, the spray conduits, both side and top conduits, can be twisted or reoriented around their respective longitudinal axes to be aimed more toward an approaching vehicle and then reoriented to be aimed more toward a receding vehicle, the change in angular orientation being effected as the vehicle passes through the arch. These features can be used separately or in combination.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a rotatable stem portion and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion. The backing member is configured to rotate with the stem portion about an axis of rotation defined by the centerline of the stem portion. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member with the plurality of media elements being constructed of a generally self-supporting, non-marring material and wherein the plurality of media elements are oriented generally perpendicular to the backing member. The plurality of media elements configured to rotate in a working plane defined by the backing member and the working plane is oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Additionally, the plurality of media elements are configured during a wash process to contact at least an exterior painted surface of a vehicle to effectuate cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash system including a base portion, a rotatable stem portion in communication with the base portion, and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion, which is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The backing member is linearly moveable with respect to the base portion between a first position away from a vehicle treatment area and a second position adjacent a vehicle treatment area. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member and configured to engage an exterior surface of a vehicle as the stem portion rotates. The plurality of media elements are constructed of a foam material that is configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The backing member is configured to linearly reciprocate with respect to the vehicle exterior during the vehicle wash process.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component for a vehicle wash system, including a frame portion and an air delivery portion disposed on the air delivery portion. The air delivery portion is configured to emit high velocity air onto a vehicle exterior. A fluid delivery portion is disposed on the frame portion. The fluid delivery portion is configured to emit high pressure fluid onto the vehicle exterior. The fluid delivery portion is disposed rearward from the air delivery portion with respect to a direction of travel of a vehicle. The air delivery portion and the fluid delivery portion are configured to emit the high velocity air and the high pressure fluid onto the vehicle exterior simultaneously.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system. The vehicle washing system includes a vehicle washing system component. Also, provided is an apparatus for moving the vehicle relative to vehicle washing system component. The speed of the relative motor of the vehicle is selected either by an operator automatically or may be varied to vary the vehicle throughput through the vehicle wash. A control unit is provided. The control unit senses the speed of movement of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle washing system. The control unit adjusts the vehicle washing system component for coordinating the vehicle washing system component in accordance with the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion rotatably secured to the frame. The hub portion includes an axis of rotation and an outer surface. A plurality of media elements are secured to the hub portion. The media elements include a flexible, self-supporting material such that the plurality of media elements can retain substantially the same shape when the hub portion is rotating at both high and low RPMs. The plurality of media elements are secured to the hub portion in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction of the axis of rotation. Each of the plurality of spaced apart rows extending in a generally arcuate path along at least a portion of the hub portion.

Abstract: A component for removing water from a vehicle exterior in a vehicle wash process includes a base portion for supporting the component adjacent a path of travel of a vehicle. The base portion is connected to a frame portion and the frame portion is configured to move with respect the vehicle as the vehicle passes the component. The frame portion is in communication with a control mechanism which automatically directed the frame portion to move as the vehicle nears the frame portion to effectuate the removal of water from the vehicle exterior. The frame portion includes a plurality of media elements in communication therewith and configured to contact a vehicle exterior to remove excess water therefrom. At least a portion of each of the plurality of media elements consists of an absorbent polyvinyl alcohol material.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatable with respect to the frame. The hub portion is in communication with a plurality of media elements for rotation therewith. The plurality of media elements have a first end located adjacent the hub portion and a second end located remotely from the hub portion. The plurality of media elements are constructed of a flexible material and have a length and a height. The length of the media elements is at least two times greater than height such that the plurality of media elements are self-supporting and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hub portion along their length, when the hub portion is at rest.

Abstract: A car wash dolly of the type used in connection with multi-tier car wash conveyors comprises, in mirror image arrangement, first and second pairs of stainless steel journals having external bearing surfaces and polymeric rollers mounted for rotation on said bearing surfaces wherein the journals are nitro carburized and mechanically polished prior to assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a rotatable hub portion having an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The component includes a plurality of grooves formed in the outer surface of the rotatable hub with the plurality of grooves being spaced about the perimeter of the outer surface of the hub portion. Each of the plurality of grooves includes one or more media elements disposed therein. The outer surface of the rotatable hub includes a plurality of channels formed therein. The plurality of channels are spaced apart from the plurality of grooves such that each of the plurality of channels is visible when the plurality of media elements are disposed in the plurality of grooves. An illumination source disposed in each of the plurality of channels such that the illumination source in each of the plurality of channels can be seen between the plurality of media elements as the rotatable hub portion operates.

Abstract: The lighted vehicle wash component includes a frame portion and a drive mechanism supported by the frame portion. The component also includes a rotatable hub portion supported by the frame portion. The hub portion is in communication with the drive mechanism to effectuate its rotation about an axis of rotation. The component includes a plurality of wash media elements engageable with the hub portion and which are configured to engage a vehicle surface as the hub portion rotates. The plurality of wash media elements are arranged on the hub portion in a plurality of spaced apart rows. The component includes a plurality of lighting elements removeably engaging the hub portion. The lighting elements are disposed in an open area defined between each of the plurality of spaced apart rows. A slip ring assembly is in communication with the hub portion to allow the plurality of lighting elements to rotate about the axis of rotation as the hub portion rotates.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a rotatable hub portion having an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The rotatable hub portion is in driving communication with at least one core portion to effectuate rotation thereof. At least one media element is fixedly secured to the at least one core portion for rotation therewith. The media element includes a plurality of upstanding finger portions, which are configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The core portion includes at least one light retaining aperture formed therein. At least one illumination element is disposed between the plurality of upstanding finger portions and in the at Least one light retaining aperture so that it rotates as the at least one core portion rotates and can be seen by a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A component for removing water from a vehicle exterior in a vehicle wash process includes a base portion for supporting the component adjacent a path of travel of a vehicle. The base portion is connected to a frame portion and the frame portion is configured to move with respect the vehicle as the vehicle passes the component. The frame portion is in communication with a control mechanism which automatically directed the frame portion to move as the vehicle nears the frame portion to effectuate the removal of water from the vehicle exterior. The frame portion includes a plurality of media elements in communication therewith and configured to contact a vehicle exterior to remove excess water therefrom. At least a portion of each of the plurality of media elements consists of an absorbent polyvinyl alcohol material.

Abstract: A device for emitting bubbles in a vehicle wash facility includes a plenum supported with respect to ground. The plenum includes an air inlet with a first area and an air outlet with a second area. The plenum air outlet is in communication with at least one foaming chamber. The foaming chamber includes a generally planar media element disposed therein. The foaming chamber includes a spray jet located therein, which is in communication with a source of chemical. The spray jet configured to emit a chemical onto the generally planar media element. The device also includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the foaming chamber for emitting bubbles therefrom.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatably connected to the frame. The hub portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The hub portion includes a plurality of media elements secured thereto and arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction along the axis of rotation. The hub portion includes at least one translucent portion disposed on its outer surface. The translucent portion is disposed between a pair of adjacent rows of the plurality of spaced apart rows. The hub portion includes at least one illumination element for illuminating the at least one translucent portion such that said illuminated translucent portion is configured to be seen while the said hub portion rotates.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a hub portion with a first hub section and a second hub section. The first hub section includes a first distal end and a first proximate end opposite the first distal end. The first hub section defines a first axis of rotation. The second hub section includes a second distal end and a second proximate end opposite the second distal end. The second hub section defines a second axis of rotation. A connector device rotatably couples the first hub section to the second hub section. An actuator is in communication with the first hub section to effectuate movement of the first distal end between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel. In the extended position, the first axis of rotation is at a non-90 angle with respect to the second axis of rotation.