Patents by Inventor Curtis S. Prater
Curtis S. Prater has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220340105Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a vehicle treatment area that is configured to receive a vehicle to be dried. At least one dryer media device is positioned in the vehicle treatment area. The at least one dryer media device is configured to dry the vehicle upon contact with the vehicle. An air moving assembly is located adjacent to the at least one dryer media device in the vehicle treatment area, and is configured to remove excess moisture from the at least one dryer media device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Inventors: Barry S. Turner, Curtis S. Prater, Kimmo A. Ukkola, Michael S. Sayyae
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Patent number: 11136005Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position, an outwardly angled position, and inwardly angled position. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be actively pivoted or may pivot in response to contacting the vehicle when shifted laterally into contact with the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Michael S. Sayyae, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 11127324Abstract: An illuminated sign for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base, an upright member extending from the base and having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a head portion connected to the upper portion of the upright member. The illuminated sign includes at least one light source having a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is associated with a first group of vehicle wash services for treating an exterior of a vehicle. The second mode is associated with a second group of vehicle wash services for treating an exterior of a vehicle. The sign includes a sign controller in communication with the at least one light source. The sign controller is configured to enable the first mode in response to detecting a selection of the first group of vehicle wash services. The sign controller is also configured to enable the second mode in response to detecting a selection of the second group of vehicle wash services.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Balanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Curtis S. Prater, Jerry A. Kotrych
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Patent number: 11007984Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a frame disposed above a vehicle treatment area, and a reciprocal guide system coupled to the frame. The guide system is configured to move vertically relative to the frame, and supports a vehicle treatment component such as a rotatable brush. The brush may be lowered and raised relative to the vehicle treatment area by extending or retracting the guide track. When the guide system is retracted upward, there are no downwardly extending guides or rails that extend downward from the bottom of the guide system. The guide system is collapsible in a vertical direction, and may be a scissors mechanism or a telescoping mechanism or other collapsible mechanism. The guide system may be actuated directly or may be actuated dependent on a separate vertical drive mechanism, such as a windable belt.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 11007983Abstract: A vehicle wash system disposed in a vehicle wash facility includes a plurality of vehicle wash components disposed adjacent a vehicle treatment area. The system includes plurality of lights to be disposed in the vehicle wash facility. Each of the lights is configured with at least a first state and in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to enable the first state of the plurality of lights when no vehicles are present in the vehicle wash facility. When the first state is enabled, the plurality of lights are configured to emit light in a preprogrammed pattern of different colors.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 10981547Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a frame suspended above a vehicle treatment area. A pivotable frame is pivotally coupled to the frame, and an extendable and retractable linear frame is coupled to the pivotable frame and configured to extend downward from the pivotable frame and retract upward toward the pivotable frame. A top brush is coupled to a lower end of the linearly frame, and is extendable toward engagement with a vehicle. The top brush is also pivotable relative to a vertical position via pivoting of the pivotable frame, and the top brush is pivotable at different degrees of extension of the linear frame. The linear frame and the top brush may pivot in response to contact from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 10974700Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: WASHME PROPERTIES, LLCInventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Michael S. Sayyae, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 10899319Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment component located adjacent a vehicle treatment area for treating a vehicle exterior. The system includes at least one fluid delivery nozzle associated with the vehicle treatment component. The fluid delivery nozzle is in communication with a source of fluid and includes a first state of operation with a first flow rate and a second state of operation with a second flow rate. The first and second flow rates are different. The system allows the fluid flow through the fluid delivery nozzle to be selectively varied while a vehicle is disposed in the vehicle treatment area adjacent the vehicle treatment component.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Curtis S. Prater, Barry S. Turner
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Patent number: 10894530Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a frame disposed above a vehicle treatment area, and an extendable and retractable scissor mechanism coupled to the frame. A rotatable top brush is coupled to a bottom end of the scissor mechanism, and the scissor mechanism is extendable downward to lower the top brush into engagement with a vehicle body and retractable upward to remove the brush from engagement with the vehicle body. The scissor mechanism may include a brush support flange coupled to a bottom end of the scissor mechanism. An anti-spin member may extend from the support member to the scissor mechanism to prevent bending of the scissor mechanism in response to rotating to the top brush. The anti-spin member may be in the form of a fork that slidably engages a protrusion of the scissor mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: BELANGER, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 10759394Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a rotational brush that is translatable relative to a vehicle disposed within the vehicle treatment area. The brush may rotate in the same rotational direction during a first translation direction and a second translation direction of the brush along the vehicle. During one direction of translation, the brush rotates at a first rotational speed, and in the opposite direction of translation, the brush rotates at increased rotational speed. The system may include a pair of side brushes, with the brushes rotating in opposite rotational directions, but maintaining their rotational directions during both directions of translation.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: PISTON OPW, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 10723328Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be oriented vertically at a location of a vehicle antenna to avoid the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Michael S. Sayyae, Curtis S. Prater
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Patent number: 10710559Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be pivoted at a side mirror location of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: WASHME PROPERTIES, LLCInventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Michael S. Sayyae, Curtis S. Prater
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Publication number: 20190213927Abstract: An illuminated sign for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base, an upright member extending from the base and having an upper portion and a lower portion, and a head portion connected to the upper portion of the upright member. The illuminated sign includes at least one light source having a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is associated with a first group of vehicle wash services for treating an exterior of a vehicle. The second mode is associated with a second group of vehicle wash services for treating an exterior of a vehicle. The sign includes a sign controller in communication with the at least one light source. The sign controller is configured to enable the first mode in response to detecting a selection of the first group of vehicle wash services. The sign controller is also configured to enable the second mode in response to detecting a selection of the second group of vehicle wash services.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Curtis S. Prater, Jerry A. Kotrych
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Publication number: 20190202413Abstract: A vehicle wash system disposed in a vehicle wash facility includes a plurality of vehicle wash components disposed adjacent a vehicle treatment area. The system includes plurality of lights to be disposed in the vehicle wash facility. Each of the lights is configured with at least a first state and in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to enable the first state of the plurality of lights when no vehicles are present in the vehicle wash facility. When the first state is enabled, the plurality of lights are configured to emit light in a preprogrammed pattern of different colors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Curtis S. Prater
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Publication number: 20190176776Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a frame disposed above a vehicle treatment area, and a reciprocal guide system coupled to the frame. The guide system is configured to move vertically relative to the frame, and supports a vehicle treatment component such as a rotatable brush. The brush may be lowered and raised relative to the vehicle treatment area by extending or retracting the guide track. When the guide system is retracted upward, there are no downwardly extending guides or rails that extend downward from the bottom of the guide system. The guide system is collapsible in a vertical direction, and may be a scissors mechanism or a telescoping mechanism or other collapsible mechanism. The guide system may be actuated directly or may be actuated dependent on a separate vertical drive mechanism, such as a windable belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Curtis S. Prater
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Publication number: 20190176775Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a rotational brush that is translatable relative to a vehicle disposed within the vehicle treatment area. The brush may rotate in the same rotational direction during a first translation direction and a second translation direction of the brush along the vehicle. During one direction of translation, the brush rotates at a first rotational speed, and in the opposite direction of translation, the brush rotates at increased rotational speed. The system may include a pair of side brushes, with the brushes rotating in opposite rotational directions, but maintaining their rotational directions during both directions of translation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Curtis S. Prater
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Publication number: 20190176770Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be pivoted at a side mirror location of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Michael S. Sayyae, Curtis S. Prater
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Publication number: 20190176774Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be oriented vertically at a location of a vehicle antenna to avoid the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Michael S. Sayyae, Curtis S. Prater
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Publication number: 20190176777Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a frame suspended above a vehicle treatment area. A pivotable frame is pivotally coupled to the frame, and an extendable and retractable linear frame is coupled to the pivotable frame and configured to extend downward from the pivotable frame and retract upward toward the pivotable frame. A top brush is coupled to a lower end of the linearly frame, and is extendable toward engagement with a vehicle. The top brush is also pivotable relative to a vertical position via pivoting of the pivotable frame, and the top brush is pivotable at different degrees of extension of the linear frame. The linear frame and the top brush may pivot in response to contact from the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti, Curtis S. Prater
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Publication number: 20190176772Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, Michael S. Sayyae, Curtis S. Prater