Abstract: The apparatus and method is utilized in a drive-through vehicle washing system of the type in which a vehicle is moved by conveyor along a longitudinal path across a floor surface, past a series of washing stations. The apparatus attaches to a parallelogram linkage such as that of a tire washing station and includes a manifold for spraying pressurized liquid at the vehicle wheels from an outlet nozzle. The manifold is carried by a drive mechanism which translates the manifold longitudinally to follow the vehicle wheel passing thereby for a distance sufficient for the stream of liquid to claims the entire wheel circumference. A flow control valve for regulating the flow of liquid is provided along with a sensor for detecting wheel position. A control mechanism regulates the movement of the manifold and the flow of pressurized liquid causing the manifold to move at a speed substantially equal to that of the vehicle.

Abstract: The apparatus and method is utilized in a drive-through vehicle washing system of the type in which a vehicle is moved by conveyor along a longitudinal path across a floor surface, past a series of washing stations. The apparatus attaches to a parallelogram linkage such as that of a tire washing station and includes a manifold for spraying pressurized liquid at the vehicle wheels from an outlet nozzle. The manifold is carried by a drive mechanism which translates the manifold longitudinally to follow the vehicle wheel passing thereby for a distance sufficient for the stream of liquid to clean the entire wheel circumference. A flow control valve for regulating the flow of liquid is provided along with a sensor for detecting wheel position. A control mechanism regulates the movement of the manifold and the flow of pressurized liquid causing the manifold to move at a speed substantially equal to that of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roll-over high-pressure washer for non-contact washing of stationary vehicles. A gantry frame having two independent U-shaped spray arms is mounted to roll back and forth over the vehicle, while independent low- and high-pressure spray systems mounted on each of the U-shaped spray arms pre-soak, wash and rinse the vehicle in a preprogrammed sequence. The U-shaped spray arms are maintained in close proximity to the upper surfaces of the vehicle, without contacting them, by primary non-vehicle-contacting and secondary vehicle-contacting sensing means. Side spray arms are also mounted on the gantry frame to wash the side surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: Leaves and other debris arranged in piles along a roadway are lifted by a flail-type rotary cutting device towed centrally behind a tractor. The device includes a containment hood having a forwardly opening throat which is adjustable to conform generally to the size of the piles for receiving the piles and restricting the material from being thrown forwardly from under the hood particularly at the end of a pile. The lifted material is delivered into a receptacle towed behind the cutting device. The rotary cutting device can handle leaves and other debris in states ranging from dry and fluffy to frozen and snow-covered. The tractor and/or additional brushes may be used for preliminary piles sizing and positioning. Brushes may also be added to the machine for additional cleaning action and to help part wide piles.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the wheels of a trolley of an overhead conveyor, particularly overhead conveyors used in poultry processing, where the apparatus is positioned in-line and coextensive with the guide rail, wherein said apparatus is comprised of an I beam which has been modified such that a spray of high pressure heated water emanates from both lateral faces of the vertical structural component of the I beam, wherein said spray deluges the wheels with water when a trolley passes through the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: The apparatus and method is utilized in a drive-through vehicle washing system of the type in which a vehicle is moved by conveyor along a longitudinal path across a floor surface, past a series of washing stations. The apparatus attaches to a parallelogram linkage such as that of a tire washing station and includes a manifold for spraying pressurized liquid at the vehicle wheels from an outlet nozzle. The manifold is carried by a drive mechanism which translates the manifold longitudinally to follow the vehicle wheel passing thereby for a distance sufficient for the stream of liquid to claims the entire wheel circumference. A flow control valve for regulating the flow of liquid is provided along with a sensor for detecting wheel position. A control mechanism regulates the movement of the manifold and the flow of pressurized liquid causing the manifold to move at a speed substantially equal to that of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fluid distribution apparatus is provided which includes a sensor for developing control signals representative of the profile of a vehicle to be cleaned and a tube for distributing fluid. The tube is movable horizontally in directions parallel to the path of a vehicle being cleaned and vertically toward and away from the path of the vehicle. Movements of the tube are controlled to position the tube in front of the vehicle and move the tube in the direction of movement of the vehicle and to position the tube above the vehicle and move the tube in a direction opposite that of the vehicle and simultaneously move the tube vertically to follow the profile of the vehicle. The tube is also positioned behind the vehicle and moved in the direction of the vehicle after the profiling. Oscillatory movement of the tube about a plurality of angular positions is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus particularly adapted for the thorough washing of vehicle wheels including a wheel washing device or unit including a pivotally mounted carrousel supporting a rotary spray head and control means for actuating the carrousel to sweep the spray head across and along the wheel as the wheel moves past the washer unit. The carrousel is preferably computer controlled to move in response to the increments of travel of the vehicle so that the washer unit consistently tracks the vehicle wheels regardless of the length of the wheel base or the speed of travel of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a brush-less washing installation comprising a nozzle assembly for spraying washing fluid on to the vehicle, the nozzle assembly being movable relative to the vehicle and including at least one vertically arranged row of nozzles, the vertically arranged row of nozzles is movable around the vehicle and at the same time is rotatable about a vertical axis, in such a way that it can spray washing fluid on to at least one side surface and at least one of the front and rear end surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic high pressure, frictionless, water and chemical vehicle washing device is self-contained and has a light weight aluminum frame which can be attached to a floor by adjustable leg supports or suspended from a ceiling, allowing it to be installed easily and quickly into any self-service or automatic car wash bay. The device is powered by relatively low air pressure and the spray washing head is movable in perpendicular directions allowing the spray head to seek any possible location within the boundaries of the machine itself. Photo-electric infra-red beams sense the presence of the vehicle being washed; relay signals to a programmable controller, and direct the spray head to seek the dimensions of various sized vehicles. Once the vehicle dimensions are established via communication between the photo-eye and the programmable controller, the machine maintains a safe but effective washing distance between the spray head and the vehicle surface of approximately fourteen inches.

Abstract: A method for positioning a number of working implements, for example spray nozzles, to certain working or treatment points on a car body as the latter is supported by an overhead conveyor for travel between different working and assembly stations on a production line. A vertically movable base structure is provided and a working implement carrying frame is movably supported on the base structure. Hydraulic jacks on the base structure are arranged to accomplish a vertical parallel movement of the frame up toward the underside of the car body until one of four contact sensors indicates contact with the latter. A final vertical adjustment of the frame is accomplished by four vertical cylinders which raise the frame in a non-parallel movement until at least three of the four contact sensors indicate contact with the car body. The docking of the frame to the car body is completed by activating two expandable dowels which are introduced into openings in the car body bottom shell.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic fueling assembly having an automatic teller-type control command center which is energized by insertion of money or credit card by the vehicle driver from within the vehicle to select and pay for the amount of fuel desired. A computer control assembly is provided in operative command control engagement with the automatic teller-type command center so as to selectively actuate a robot controlled fueling assembly having an automatic cut-off fueling nozzle assembly into mating fueling engagement with an automatic cut-off fuel receiving valve assembly provided in associated with the modified gasoline tank of a vehicle. The vehicle automatic fuel assembly is also provided with wheel stop lock means and windshield cleaning and drying means which are also automatically controlled by the computer control assembly.

Abstract: A device for positioning a number of working implements, for example spray nozzles, to certain working or treatment point on a car body as the latter is supported by an overhead conveyor for travel between different working and assembly stations on a production line. The device comprises a vertically movable base structure and a working implement carrying frame movably supported on the base structure. Hydraulic jacks on the base structure are arranged to accomplish a vertical parallel movement of the frame up towad the underside of the car body until one of four contact sensors indicate contact with the later. A final vertical adjustment of the frame is accomplished by four vertical cylinders which raise the frame in a non-parallel movement until at least three of the four contact sensors indicate contact with the car body. The docking of the frame to the car body is completed by activating two expandable dowels which are introduced into openings in the car body bottom shell.

Abstract: A roll-over high-pressure washer for non-contact washing of stationary vehicles. A gantry frame having two independent U-shaped spray arms is mounted to roll back and forth over the vehicle, while independent low- and high-pressure spray systems mounted on each of the U-shaped spray arms pre-soak, wash and rinse the vehicle in a preprogrammed sequence. The U-shaped spray arms are maintained in close proximity to the upper surfaces of the vehicle, without contacting them, by primary non-vehicle-contacting and secondary vehicle-contacting sensing means. Side spray arms are also mounted on the gantry frame to wash the side surfaces of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel washer has first and second applicators which each have a row of plural spaced nozzles for delivering high pressure fluid to the wheels of a vehicle. The first applicator is fixedly mounted adjacent a track which guides the tires at the driver side of the vehicle. The second applicator is mounted by parallelogram support structure for movement toward and away from the tires at the passenger side of the vehicle. This second applicator is shifted to maintain a desired spacing between the nozzles and the wheels being cleaned, regardless of the width of the vehicle. Cleaning fluid is delivered to one nozzle of each applicator and a laterally disposed nozzle of the other applicator at a time. In succession, the pairs of nozzles apply cleaning fluid to the wheels as the vehicle travels through the vehicle wash. Treadle switches, angled relative to the direction of vehicle travel, are utilized to control the flow of fluid to the desired nozzles of the applicators.

Abstract: A brushless vehicle washing apparatus and process which cleans all four sides and top of any sized vehicle uniformly and in an efficient manner, without touching such vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the sideview mirror or mirrors of a vehicle in a washing line. A cleaning mechanism, such as a spray nozzle or drying nozzle holder, that essentially extends in a vertical direction is disposed to the side of a vehicle. The sides of the vehicle, along with the sideview mirror or mirrors thereof, are conveyed to pass along the cleaning mechanism. In order to improve cleaning of the sideview mirrors, a mirror-cleaning element, such as a spray nozzle element or a drying nozzle element, is disposed on the cleaning mechanism and is directed in the transport direction of the vehicle. This mirror-cleaning element can be a follower element by being mounted on a lever arm.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing an article, especially an automobile, comprises an article through which the article can pass, nozzles mounted on the framework, a tank provided with means for maintaining pressure therein and connected to the nozzles, a valve for controlling the flow of liquid from the tank to the nozzles and a timer. Upon actuation, the timer opens the valve for a predetermined interval, thereby allowing liquid to flow from the nozzles and wash the article passing through the framework. The pressure within the tank ensures that at least a predetermined quantity of liquid is sprayed during the interval fixed by the timer, even if the pressure in a water main supplying the apparatus fluctuates.

Abstract: Equipment for automatically washing a vehicle as it is being moved by a conveyor through a treatment area. A horizontal spray bar is movably mounted on the vertical legs of an inverted U-shaped frame for vertical movement along the frame to maintain a generally constant spacing from the vehicle surface as it is being moved beneath the spray bar by the conveyor. The spray bar frame is pivotally mounted on a main stationary support frame to enable the spray bar to pivot out of the path of a moving vehicle in the event of malfunction of the spray bar raising mechanism. A sensing station having a plurality of vertical spaced sensors is located at the entrance to the treatment area and directs a plurality of horizontal sensing beams across the path of the vehicle. The beams are broken and closed in relationship to the profile of the moving vehicle and send signals to a programmable controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing an automotive vehicle has box-shaped outer and inner hoods which are movable along rails laid on the ground to completely cover the vehicle to be washed and washing liquid spraying devices movably attached to the inner walls of the outer and inner hoods at positions appropriate for spraying liquid on the entire surface of the vehicle. The spray device sprays water, washing liquid and the like in accordance with the spraying steps. The washed vehicle is dried by blowing air through an air blowing device.

Abstract: Car washing apparatus which provides for multiple uses of washing fluid and an improved vehicle washing structure utilizing a single multi-nozzle manifold that is configured to be operable to vary the spacing of the manifold from the vehicle to thereby increase the washing efficiency at areas of greatest accumulation of bugs and dirt and the like on an automobile. The spring biasing effect of a high pressure hose, connecting the manifold to a source of washing fluid under high pressure, is utilized in the operation of the apparatus. The conjoint operation of a contour following, two-wheeled assembly provides for tilting of the manifold and nozzles to tend to retain the direction of high pressure washing fluid spray perpendicular to the surface of the automobile.

Abstract: A power-and-free trolley conveyor comprising a power line rail, a free line rail disposed immediately below the power line rail, another free line rail provided at one side of the free line rail in parallel thereto, and carriers suspended from the free line rails and each thereby supported at its opposite sides.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing a delivery cart of the type having an open side. The apparatus includes a chamber and a floor-mounted platform defining a chamber washing station. A pair of side-by-side, vertically disposed spray booms are mounted within the chamber for swinging movement adjacent the open side of the cart positioned at the washing station. A drive system in the apparatus is operable to produce coordinated oscillation of the two booms, to direct pressurized wash water therefrom against substantially the entire inner cart surfaces to be washed. A rotary spray boom mounted in the chamber for rotation about the washing station is operable through another drive system to direct pressurized wash water against substantially the entire outer surface of the cart. The cart is discharged from the chamber, after washing, by a gravity-assisted off-feed device.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically spray cleaning tires on vehicles moving along automatic car wash lines. A cleaning fluid discharge container is submerged in a cleaning fluid reservoir and filled with cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid within the cleaning fluid discharge container is then forced out of the cleaning fluid discharge container with air pressure, and is discharged through spray cleaning nozzles. The spray cleaning nozzles on one side of the car wash line are mounted on telescopically extendable members to permit automatic adjustment of the spray cleaning nozzles to accomodate vehicles of varying sizes. A floating valve assembly is utilized to prevent the spray cleaning fluid supply lines from being purged of spray cleaning fluid during the spray cleaning cycle.

Abstract: The cleaner includes an elevator for moving a tire vertically toward a stationary cleaning head which is made up of spreader rollers for spreading the tire beads a sufficient distance to admit a powered cleaning brush, along with cleaning fluid application and removal apparatus, into the tire interior during such tire movement. The elevator further supports and rotates the tire with respect to the brush during cleaning while the spreader rollers, together with additional fixed guide rollers, maintain the tire vertical and in alignment with the brush. The elevator lifts each tire from a horizontal conveyor which alternately discharges a cleaned tire and receives a fresh one. During cleaning, the brush is movable transversely along an arcuate path within the tire interior at selected contact pressure and is driven alternately in opposite directions. The cleaner is suited for usage in a system for producing self-healing tires.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus for washing the interior of an elongate, generally rectangular freight container. The apparatus includes a wash dolly and a transfer carriage adapted to carry the wash dolly into alignment with the open end of the container. A control system including electrical and hydraulic circuits causes the wash dolly to travel off of the transfer carriage, along substantially the entire length of the container, and back onto the transfer carriage. The wash dolly scrubs and sprays the interior of the container as it travels.

Abstract: A treadleplate for use in an automatic carwash system for regulating the length of time a cleaning solution is sprayed on the tires of a passing vehicle in direct relationship to the size of the vehicle tire. A horizontal base plate is mounted on the carwash floor in the path of one of the vehicle tires. A contact plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate and is movable from a normal inclined, at-rest position to a horizontal depressed position when rolled over by the vehicle tire. The contact plate is formed with a stepped outer swinging edge which provides a series of transversely spaced contact zones of varying tire contact length. These zones are adapted to be selectively engaged by one of the tires of a vehicle moving through the carwash which depresses the contact plate and actuates a cleaning solution control valve. The particular zone which is engaged by the tire is in direct relationship to the transverse spacing or track of the particular vehicle moving through the carwash.

Abstract: A turntable, for a vehicle such as an automobile, which employs several detectors arranged to determine whether an automobile is located on the turntable in a desired position. Since the desired position depends on the size of the automobile, at least three detectors are used, one for small, one for medium, and one for large automobiles. The output of the detectors is displayed by visual indication. When an automobile is detected in a proper position, the driver may energize the turntable driving motor to rotate the turntable any desired amount, for example, 180 degrees. As the turntable approaches the angular position in which it is to stop, a cam-follower signals the approach to that position, deenergizing the motor and may apply a brake. The turntable, however, coasts to its final position where a plunger is biased into a socket to lock the turntable. Upon restarting the turntable, the plunger is removed from the socket.

Abstract: A truck trailer interior washing system with a washing head mounted on an extendable and retractable boom horizontally mounted for automated washing cycle extension into and back out of the trailer interior. A truck body or trailer is backed into exact position, centered and aligned with the boom, with the use of guide rails and a centering plate structure automatically moving trailer wheels laterally in a centering action as required. When the system is activated, a pump is started to deliver hot detergent solution to the nozzled cleaning head from wash fluid back-up tanks and heaters as the extension boom is moved into the trailer at a predetermined rate (50' per minute, for example). A feeler bar and microswitch system senses when the inside nose of the trailer is reached and acts to stop the boom in the extended position for a short interval of time during which the pump and feed mechanism clears itself of detergent solution with microswitch activated clear hot water flush to the nozzles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for linearly conveying wheeled vehicles are disclosed wherein at least one wheel of the vehicle is supported by a plate which reciprocates longitudinally through a forward stroke and a reverse stroke. The supported wheel is engaged and blocked to prevent its rotation during the forward stroke, thereby pushing the wheel, and thus the vehicle, to a forward position with the plate. During the reverse stroke, the wheel is free to rotate, permitting the plate to return to its rearmost position while the wheel remains at the forward position. During subsequent forward strokes, the wheel is similarly engaged and blocked and the vehicle is sequentially advanced the length of the forward stroke during each reciprocation of the plate.

Abstract: A method for deicing an aircraft having ice formed on its outer skin comprises heating a water solution substantially free of glycol to a temperature from approximately 160.degree. to approximately 190.degree. F. The water is then sprayed in a stream onto the skin under atmospheric conditions whereby the heated water will loosen the ice and wash the ice from the skin. The excess water solutionwhich falls from the airplane is drained away. The heated water forms a film on the skin and warms the skin to prevent additional ice from forming thereon. Under certain atmospheric conditions, the heated water film will evaporate from the skin, thereby chilling the skin and drying it so as to minimize the sticking of blowing snow and ice on the skin. The method minimizes the amount of glycol required for anti-icing.

Abstract: A truck wash apparatus wherein the truck is moved through the car wash apparatus which includes a pair of vertical supports mounted along the path of the truck such that the truck moves between the supports. A plurality of rotating spray nozzles for dispensing fluid are mounted on the vertical supports for rotation and for indexing between three positions wherein the plane of rotation of said applicator is parallel to the path of the truck, at an angle facing the truck as the truck approaches the supports, at an angle facing away from the truck as the truck moves away from the supports.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for washing out the interiors of truck and trailer bodies. A washer head is carried on an elongate boom which is mounted on a pedestal for traversing movement along a horizontal axis. The boom is moved by means of a drive motor which is in engagement with a chain having its opposite ends secured to opposite ends of the boom. The washer head includes a frame which is mounted on an end of the boom for pivotal movement between elevated and lower positions. The frame is constructed in a four-bar linkage arrangement for movement through a lateral angle to accommodate any misalignment as the boom enters the trailer. A cam engages a hoist arm connected with the frame of the washer head, and a motor is controlled to rotate the cam for raising and lowering the washer head. The washer head mounts a brush which is operated as the boom withdraws from the trailer interior.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for washing out the interiors of truck and trailer bodies. A washer head is carried on an elongate boom which is mounted on a pedestal for traversing movement along a horizontal axis. The boom is moved by means of a drive motor which is in engagement with a chain having its opposite ends secured to opposite ends of the boom. The washer head includes a frame which is mounted on an end of the boom for pivotal movement between elevated and lower positions. The frame is constructed in a four-bar linkage arrangement for movement through a lateral angle to accommodate any misalignment as the boom enters the trailer. A cam engages a hoist arm connected with the frame of the washer head, and a motor is controlled to rotate the cam for raising and lowering the washer head. The washer head mounts a brush which is operated as the boom withdraws from the trailer interior.