Abstract: The present invention provides an automated camera assembly comprising a camera (e.g., a digital camera) having a field of vision and a detector for detecting a subject and triggering the camera. The detector has an adjustable field of view and includes a sensor (e.g., an IR sensor) having a maximum field of view, and a curtain for reducing the maximum field of view to an adjusted field of view. The curtain comprises at least two sections (e.g., opaque members) coupled to move together from a first position corresponding with the maximum field of view to a second position corresponding with the adjusted field of view smaller than the maximum field of view. Movement of the curtain relative to the sensor can be linear, pivotal, radial, or any other suitable movement.

Abstract: A camera mounting bracket system for supporting a camera in a position determined by a user comprising a quick connect/disconnect mounting assemblage which includes a fastener-engaging channel and spring retaining clip for securing the mounting assemblage to a camera whereby the camera is able to be quickly connected/disconnected from the mounting assemblage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated camera assembly comprising a camera (e.g., a digital camera) having a field of vision and a detector for detecting a subject and triggering the camera. The detector has an adjustable field of view and includes a sensor (e.g., an IR sensor) having a maximum field of view, and a curtain for reducing the maximum field of view to an adjusted field of view. The curtain comprises at least two sections (e.g., opaque members) coupled to move together from a first position corresponding with the maximum field of view to a second position corresponding with the adjusted field of view smaller than the maximum field of view. Movement of the curtain relative to the sensor can be linear, pivotal, radial, or any other suitable movement.

Abstract: An automated camera assembly comprising a camera and a detector for triggering the camera, wherein the detector includes an adjustable field of view. The detector can include a sensor and a curtain for reducing a maximum field of view to an adjusted field of view. The curtain can include an opaque member movable relative to the sensor. The curtain can instead include a processor programmed to trigger the camera when the subject is within the adjusted field of view. The invention is also embodied in a method of adjusting a field of view of a detector. The method comprises detecting a first subject within a maximum field of view, triggering the camera after detecting the first subject within the maximum field of view, adjusting to an adjusted field of view, detecting a second subject within the adjusted field of view, and triggering the camera after detecting the second subject.

Abstract: An automated camera assembly comprising a camera and a detector for triggering the camera, wherein the detector includes an adjustable field of view. The detector can include a sensor and a curtain for reducing a maximum field of view to an adjusted field of view. The curtain can include an opaque member movable relative to the sensor. The curtain can instead include a processor programmed to trigger the camera when the subject is within the adjusted field of view. The invention is also embodied in a method of adjusting a field of view of a detector. The method comprises detecting a first subject within a maximum field of view, triggering the camera after detecting the first subject within the maximum field of view, adjusting to an adjusted field of view, detecting a second subject within the adjusted field of view, and triggering the camera after detecting the second subject.

Abstract: A camera mounting bracket system for supporting a camera in a position determined by a user comprising a quick connect/disconnect mounting assemblage which includes a fastener-engaging channel and spring retaining clip for securing the mounting assemblage to a camera whereby the camera is able to be quickly connected/disconnected from the mounting assemblage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a time-limited warranty of a product warranted by a warrantor. The product preferably has a controller with a user interface operably connected to the controller. In the inventive method, warranty-pertinent information is permanently recorded with the controller. It is preferred that the warranty-pertinent information include a post-sale activation date and an automatically-counted number of run days since post-sale activation. The warranty-pertinent information is retrieved, and the post-sale period compared with the length of the time-limited warranty. Validity of a warranty claim is determined based on whether the recorded number of run days is consistent with the post-sale period.

Abstract: A camera mounting bracket for supporting a camera in a position determined by a user comprising a quick connect/disconnect mounting assemblage that has a fastener-engaging channel for securing the mounting assemblage to a camera whereby the camera is able to be quickly connected/disconnected from the mounting assemblage.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle loading system for the wash bay of an automatic vehicle wash system that eliminates the use of a floor-mounted target to capture the front tire of the vehicle to be washed. The vehicle wash system includes a pair of side position sensors that detect and create a side profile of the vehicle as the vehicle enters into the wash bay. The vehicle wash system includes a front sensor array that includes a plurality of through-beam sensors that detect the front bumper of a vehicle and signal the vehicle operator to stop when the front bumper is in the correct position. An overhead sensor contained on the overhead gantry detects the top profile of the vehicle positioned within the open wash bay. A control unit receives the information from the variety of sensors and operates the overhead gantry based upon the detected parameters of the vehicle.