Abstract: This invention is an automated system and method for washing automobiles. The invention provides a device which sprays liquid onto the vehicle, while closely following the general contour of the vehicle. The system determines that contour by analyzing and recording patterns of broken light beams when the vehicle passes by an array of photoelectric sensors. The system uses the stored information about the contour of the vehicle to control the movement of a spray bar which contains a set of nozzles. As the vehicle is pulled into the washing area by a conveyor, the spray bar initially moves with the vehicle, spraying the front grille while maintaining a constant distance from the vehicle. Then, the spray bar reverses direction, while the vehicle continues to move forward. The spray bar then travels around the vehicle contour, while adjusting the direction of the nozzles so that the liquid flows in the proper direction. After having traced the entire contour, the spray bar reverses direction again.

Abstract: Drying apparatus for an automatic car wash having separate sensing means for detecting the proximity of a nozzle to opaque top portions of vehicles and transparent top portions of vehicles to maintain the nozzle within a preselected proximity range of the top portions of the vehicles. Another sensing means is provided to detect the tailgates of open-bed pick-up trucks to retract the nozzle before it hits a tailgate. Also, the means by which the nozzle is mounted and moved toward and away from the vehicles vary the orientation of the nozzle relative to vertical as the nozzles moves between its uppermost and lowermost positions. Similar mounting and moving means can be used with side drying apparatus. In a second and more preferred form, ultrasonic detectors detect both the opaque parts of a vehicle and the windshield.

Abstract: This invention is an automated system and method for washing automobiles. The invention provides a device which sprays liquid onto the vehicle, while closely following the general contour of the vehicle. The system determines that contour by analyzing and recording patterns of broken light beams when the vehicle passes by an array of photoelectric sensors. The system uses the stored information about the contour of the vehicle to control the movement of a spray bar which contains a set of nozzles. As the vehicle is pulled into the washing area by a conveyor, the spray bar initially moves with the vehicle, spraying the front grill while maintaining a constant distance from the vehicle. Then, the spray bar reverses direction, while the vehicle continues to move forward. The spray bar then travels around the vehicle contour, while adjusting the direction of the nozzles so that the liquid flows in the proper direction. After having traced the entire contour, the spray bar reverses direction again.

Abstract: Dryer equipment for an automatic car wash includes at least one proximity sensing system for maintaining a forced-air stripping nozzle within a predetermined range of the surface of the vehicle. Each sensing system includes a pair of associated triple-beam photoelectric switches, each of said triple beams being adjusted to focus at a different focal point at a different distance from the nozzle. Electronic circuitry responds to signals developed by the sensing system to control an air/oil power system which operates hydraulic cylinders to maintain the nozzle within a relatively narrow range from the vehicle surface. The range is determined by the difference between the focal points of the triple beams of the two associated photoelectric switches. Preferably, .at least two proximity sensing systems are provided--one for the top of the vehicle and the other for the passenger side of the vehicle.