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: 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 automatic vehicle washing system is described. The vehicle washing system incorporates an elongated overhead cleaning platform for cleaning the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The overhead cleaning platform is attached to a single lift mechanism at a first end and is suspended from a belt at a second end, wherein the belt is also operatively connected to the first end. Accordingly, vertical movement of the lift actuator causes both ends of the platform to uniformly rise or descend. The platform further comprises a pivotal boom with fluid nozzles attached thereto, and a reciprocating pivotal actuator. The reciprocating pivotal actuator is capable of pivotal movement to any number of angular orientations within its operative range of motion. Advantageously, the pivotal and vertical positions of the nozzles can be independently varied, permitting the location of the overhead cleaning nozzles to be optimized for various vehicle profiles.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing system is described. The vehicle washing system incorporates an elongated overhead cleaning platform for cleaning the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The overhead cleaning platform is attached to a single lift mechanism at a first end and is suspended from a belt at a second end, wherein the belt is also operatively connected to the first end. Accordingly, vertical movement of the lift actuator causes both ends of the platform to uniformly rise or descend. The platform further comprises a pivotal boom with fluid nozzles attached thereto, and a reciprocating pivotal actuator. The reciprocating pivotal actuator is capable of pivotal movement to any number of angular orientations within its operative range of motion. Advantageously, the pivotal and vertical positions of the nozzles can be independently varied, permitting the location of the overhead cleaning nozzles to be optimized for various vehicle profiles.

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: Methods of blow drying vehicles with two or three superimposed dryers mounted for linear movement along the length of a vehicle include blow dryers having either fixed or pivotal nozzles so that air can be blown at the vehicle in predetermined patterns that have been found to more efficiently dry the vehicle. Further, a pivotal nozzle system is disclosed wherein a frustoconical nozzle is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis for reciprocating movement by a linear actuator so that the nozzle can be oriented in desirable positions for effecting the drying operations described in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing system is described. The vehicle washing system incorporates an elongated overhead cleaning platform for cleaning the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The overhead cleaning platform is attached to a single lift mechanism at a first end and is suspended from a belt at a second end, wherein the belt is also operatively connected to the first end. Accordingly, vertical movement of the lift actuator causes both ends of the platform to uniformly rise or descend. The platform further comprises a pivotal boom with fluid nozzles attached thereto, and a reciprocating pivotal actuator. The reciprocating pivotal actuator is capable of pivotal movement to any number of angular orientations within its operative range of motion. Advantageously, the pivotal and vertical positions of the nozzles can be independently varied, permitting the location of the overhead cleaning nozzles to be optimized for various vehicle profiles.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing system is described. The vehicle washing system incorporates an elongated overhead cleaning platform for cleaning the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The overhead cleaning platform is attached to a single lift mechanism at a first end and is suspended from a belt at a second end, wherein the belt is also operatively connected to the first end. Accordingly, vertical movement of the lift actuator causes both ends of the platform to uniformly rise or descend. The platform further comprises a pivotal boom with fluid nozzles attached thereto, and a reciprocating pivotal actuator. The reciprocating pivotal actuator is capable of pivotal movement to any number of angular orientations within its operative range of motion. Advantageously, the pivotal and vertical positions of the nozzles can be independently varied, permitting the location of the overhead cleaning nozzles to be optimized for various vehicle profiles.

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: An automatic vehicle washing system is described. The vehicle washing system incorporates an elongated overhead cleaning platform for cleaning the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The overhead cleaning platform is attached to a single lift mechanism at a first end and is suspended from a belt at a second end, wherein the belt is also operatively connected to the first end. Accordingly, vertical movement of the lift actuator causes both ends of the platform to uniformly rise or descend. The platform further comprises a pivotal boom with fluid nozzles attached thereto, and a reciprocating pivotal actuator. The reciprocating pivotal actuator is capable of pivotal movement to any number of angular orientations within its operative range of motion. Advantageously, the pivotal and vertical positions of the nozzles can be independently varied, permitting the location of the overhead cleaning nozzles to be optimized for various vehicle profiles.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing system is described. The vehicle washing system incorporates an elongated overhead cleaning platform for cleaning the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The overhead cleaning platform is attached to a single lift mechanism at a first end and is suspended from a belt at a second end, wherein the belt is also operatively connected to the first end. Accordingly, vertical movement of the lift actuator causes both ends of the platform to uniformly rise or descend. The platform further comprises a pivotal boom with fluid nozzles attached thereto, and a reciprocating pivotal actuator. The reciprocating pivotal actuator is capable of pivotal movement to any number of angular orientations within its operative range of motion. Advantageously, the pivotal and vertical positions of the nozzles can be independently varied, permitting the location of the overhead cleaning nozzles to be optimized for various vehicle profiles.

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 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 carrier for use in a pneumatic tube transport system includes first and second shell members, at least a first hinge for pivotally interconnecting the first and second shell members such that the shell members can move relative to one another between open and closed positions, and at least a first seal band interconnected to at least one of fore and aft portions of the first and second shell members. At least the first seal band includes a plurality of fibers mountable on a first backing strip, the fibers having a modulus of elasticity of at least about 1.times.10.sup.5 psi, being mounted perpendicularly relative to the first backing strip, and uniformly distributed on the first backing strip.

Abstract: A carrier vessel for a pneumatic tube transport system provides substantially leak-free containment of fluids transported therein. The vessel includes first and second shell members having opposing engagement surfaces extending substantially about a perimeter thereof. A sealing member disposed adjacent one of the engagement surfaces is compressed between the engagement surfaces when the vessel is closed to provide substantially fluid-tight seal between the first and second shell members. The vessel includes removable wear bands connected to the shell members, a hinge interconnector assembly for connecting the shell members together at one of their longitudinal sides and latch assemblies for releasably connecting them together at an opposite longitudinal side.