Abstract: A device for manipulating items for facility operations is described. The device includes a first arm assembly that includes a first arm, a second arm parallel to the first arm, a first shaft disposed between the first arm and the second arm at a first location along the first arm and the second arm, and a first head attachment disposed between the first arm and the second arm at a second location along the first arm and the second arm. The device also includes a first driver coupled to the first shaft and configured to control movement of the first arm assembly about a first axis extending along a length of the first shaft. The device further includes a second driver coupled to first head attachment and configured to control movement of the first head attachment about a second axis extending along a length of the first head attachment.

Abstract: A brush device for brushing an animal, in particular the back, head and/or tail of the animal, such as a cow, includes a rotatable brush, as well as an electric drive motor, which is configured to supply a drive torque for rotatably driving the brush in at least one rotation direction. The drive torque supplied by the drive motor is set in such a manner that the brush can be turned back by means of muscular power of the animal and/or an individual counter to the driven rotation direction while said drive torque is being supplied by the drive motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic vehicle wash apparatus employing one or more rotary cloth or foam rubber brushes, and more particularly to the way how the rotary brush to vehicle surface contact is managed using one or more encoders connected to the rotating shaft of each brush and one or more programmable logic controllers (PLC). The encoders, recording the revolutions per minute (RPM) of each brush shaft, provide input to the programmable logic controller. If the RPM value is at or above the high RPM limit, the pivoted boom will move the brush toward the vehicle to achieve a desired brush-to-washable surface contact. If, on the other hand, the RPM value is at or below the low RPM limit, the pivoted boom will move the brush away from the vehicle to achieve a desired brush-to-washable surface contact.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system and a method for operating such a vehicle washing system in which a vehicle is scanned in a longitudinal direction by a sensor device. Measurement data are captured so that position data for the positions of vehicle wheels are determined based on an evaluation of the measurement data. The determined position data of the positions of the wheels are subjected to a confidence check, so that a confidence measure is determined. If the determined confidence measure is greater than or equal to a confidence threshold value, a treatment of the wheels is carried out in a first mode at the positions associated with the position data, and, if the determined confidence measure is smaller than the confidence threshold value, a treatment of the wheels is not carried out, or is carried out in a second mode at the positions associated with the position data.

Abstract: A carwash station receives a vehicle being conveyed in a direction of travel in a carwash having a ground pathway. The carwash station includes a frame supported by the ground pathway, a four-bar linkage attached to the frame and a side washing brush attached to the four-bar linkage and having an axis of rotation being perpendicular to the direction of travel and perpendicular to the ground pathway.

Abstract: A vehicle washing installation includes at least one side washing brush which is mounted on a crossbar of the vehicle washing installation by a suspension to be rotatable about first and second pivot axes. The suspension has a first actuator for pivoting the side washing brush about the first pivot axis.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pressure washing system is disclosed for integration into a recreational vehicle or other large mobile vehicle. The wand of the system includes a rotating brush and one or more sensors to determine a distance from, pressure against, or orientation with respect to the vehicle. While a pump is supplying water to be output by the wand, the distance, pressure, orientation, or other sensor readings are continuously used to modify output characteristics of the wand, including the output water pressure and the speed of rotation of the brush. As a result, no more pressure is supplied by water or brush bristles than is necessary, avoiding overuse of water or damage to outer surfaces of the vehicle. Sensor readings may include one or more of a camera feed, sonar, lidar, pressure feedback, and accelerometer data. The system may also be responsive to a mobile app on a user's mobile computing device.

Abstract: A device for use in dispensing tire chemical onto a cylindrical car tire brush, comprising, an elongated shield having a concave inside surface having a curvature generally matching the outside curvature of the cylindrical brush, a port entering into the inside surface of the shield for receiving a chemical, and at least one distribution groove formed into the inside surface, which distribution groove communicates with the port and is inclined downwardly at an angle so as to distribute the chemical longitudinally along the said inside surface.

Abstract: A system in an inkjet printer cleans components in a printhead cleaning system. The system includes a rectangular frame, an actuator configured with a bi-directionally rotating output shaft, a shaft connected to the rotating output shaft, a rinsing member pneumatically connected to a fluid source to enable a fluid from the fluid source to flow to the member and exit through openings in the rinsing member. Cords are connected to the shaft and the member to move the rinsing member from a first position at one end of the frame to a second position at another end of the frame as the output shaft of the actuator rotates in one direction. Fluid is released through the openings in the rinsing member to clean components of a printhead cleaning system as the rinsing member moves. The actuator is reversed to return the rinsing member to the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal washing device for containers including a base with a structure including telescopically extendable sections and in which at least one cleaning element is housed. The base includes a drive shaft, each section includes at least one toothed longitudinal segment configured to engage with at least one pinion fastened to the drive shaft. The sections include a push pawl. The initial section incorporates a support element on the forward end, and the additional sections incorporate a pull pawl and a recess for the fastening of the corresponding push pawl, such that the drive shaft has the ability to operate all the sections without needing to move.

Abstract: A wash apparatus for a vehicle wash installation is provided, which includes a shaft drivable in rotation about a rotation axis and wash elements operatively connected thereto. In order to be able to adapt to the contour of a vehicle, the wash apparatus can be divided axially in two or more wash apparatus segments and that the at least one wash apparatus segment includes a wash element holding body having wash elements held thereto, said wash element holding body defining a wash apparatus segment axis which is different from the rotation axis, and a gear device which couples the shaft to the wash element holding body in order to rotate same about the wash apparatus segment axis, wherein the wash element holding body is configured for pivotal movement relative to the shaft via the gear device. Furthermore, a vehicle wash installation including a wash apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A gantry style car wash assembly is disclosed. The car wash assembly has two opposing support pillars, a transverse gantry member, first and second opposed wall segments, and a brush mounted about a shaft. The transverse gantry member extends between the two opposing support pillars, and is moveable up and down relative to said two opposing support pillars. Each of the first and second opposed walls defines a portion of two opposing channels. The first and second removable wall segments are removably mountable above the first and second wall segments. Each wall segment includes a vertical extension channel that extends one of the two opposing channels substantially to said transverse gantry member. The brush extends between said first and second pillars, and that is mounted within said two opposing channels for upward and downward movement of said brush.

Abstract: A system in an inkjet printer cleans components in a printhead cleaning system. The system includes a rectangular frame, an actuator configured with a bi-directionally rotating output shaft, a shaft connected to the rotating output shaft, a rinsing member pneumatically connected to a fluid source to enable a fluid from the fluid source to flow to the member and exit through openings in the rinsing member. Cords are connected to the shaft and the member to move the rinsing member from a first position at one end of the frame to a second position at another end of the frame as the output shaft of the actuator rotates in one direction. Fluid is released through the openings in the rinsing member to clean components of a printhead cleaning system as the rinsing member moves. The actuator is reversed to return the rinsing member to the first position.

Abstract: A system for clearing snow and ice from a vehicle surface having a robotic arm, a brush, a control system, wireless communication circuitry, and an electrical power source where the brush is mounted on the robotic arm, and the robotic arm is mounted on a vehicle and articulates about multiple axes and moves the brush over the vehicle surface, and the motor spins the brush, the movements based on a coordinate data set transmitted to the control system for operation on a specific vehicle type, make and model.

Abstract: A vehicle treatment system for a vehicle wash system includes a frame portion in communication with a brush assembly for treating front and rear vehicle surfaces. The brush assembly is rotated about an axis of rotation such that its associated wash media elements rotate therewith. The brush assembly includes a support carrier that is moveable with respect to the frame portion. The brush assembly includes a biasing mechanism that switches the brush assembly axis of rotation from a vertical orientation to a non-vertical orientation. A control system communicates with the support carrier to move the brush assembly along the front surface of the vehicle in a substantially vertical position and along the rear surface of the vehicle in a non-vertical position.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an external surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing a fluid dispenser and an abrasion assembly on a buggy that travels up and down the length of the tubular as the tubular rotates. The fluid dispenser includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluids onto the tubular's external surface. The abrasion assembly includes a swivel brush and a brush train providing different styles of abrasion cleaning of the tubular's external surface. Preferred embodiments of the buggy also carry a range finding laser generating samples of the distance from the laser to a sampled point on the tubular's external surface. The laser samples are processed in real time into surface contour data. Cleaning and inspection variables such as tubular rotational speed, or buggy speed, may be adjusted responsive to measured surface contour data.

Abstract: A materials removal assembly for clearing materials from a horizontal surface, such as for removing snow or precipitation from a top surface on a vehicle. The assembly has a beam; a first coupling connected to a first end of the beam; a second coupling connected to the first coupling; and a blade assembly connected to the second coupling. The first coupling permits rotation of the second coupling and the blade assembly above and below a longitudinal axis of the beam. The second coupling permits rotation of the blade assembly about a first vertical axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam. In one embodiment, movement of the materials removal assembly causes rotation of the blade assembly and movement of the materials to a side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatable with respect to the frame. The hub portion is in communication with a plurality of media elements for rotation therewith. The plurality of media elements have a first end located adjacent the hub portion and a second end located remotely from the hub portion. The plurality of media elements are constructed of a flexible material and have a length and a height. The length of the media elements is at least two times greater than height such that the plurality of media elements are self-supporting and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the hub portion along their length, when the hub portion is at rest.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a rotatable hub portion having an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The rotatable hub portion is in driving communication with at least one core portion to effectuate rotation thereof. At least one media element is fixedly secured to the at least one core portion for rotation therewith. The media element includes a plurality of upstanding finger portions, which are configured to contact an exterior surface of a vehicle. The core portion includes at least one light retaining aperture formed therein. At least one illumination element is disposed between the plurality of upstanding finger portions and in the at Least one light retaining aperture so that it rotates as the at least one core portion rotates and can be seen by a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a frame and a hub portion that is rotatably connected to the frame. The hub portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an axis of rotation. The hub portion includes a plurality of media elements secured thereto and arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows that extend in a direction along the axis of rotation. The hub portion includes at least one translucent portion disposed on its outer surface. The translucent portion is disposed between a pair of adjacent rows of the plurality of spaced apart rows. The hub portion includes at least one illumination element for illuminating the at least one translucent portion such that said illuminated translucent portion is configured to be seen while the said hub portion rotates.

Abstract: A device for supporting a side washing brush of a vehicle washing system is provided, which brush is rotatable about a rotational axis, the device including a bearing apparatus for rotatably supporting a drive shaft, and a holding apparatus which is fixedly connected to the bearing apparatus and which is held on a frame by means of elastic cushioning elements arranged above and below the holding apparatus. To improve the device in such a way that the risk of damage to the cushioning elements is reduced, it is proposed that the holding apparatus can be acted on by the cushioning elements only by compressive forces aligned in the direction of the holding apparatus. A vehicle washing system is also proposed which has at least one device of this type, on which a side washing brush is mounted.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator comprises a support and one or more foam plastic elements mounted on the support so as to contact a tire sidewall and transfer dressing onto the tire sidewall. A distribution system drips or drizzles dressing onto the element(s) after which it is spread over and into the element(s) surface. The elements can be toroidal or rectangular and have anti-distortion pins embedded therein.

Abstract: A tire-shine system includes a housing, at least one manifold supported by the housing, and a brush rotatably supported by the housing. The brush is spaced apart from the at least one manifold and includes a plurality of bristles each including a feather-tipped end. The feather-tipped end of the plurality of bristles selectively receives a first fluid from the at least one manifold.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle washing apparatus with a movable brush arm carriage. The vehicle washing apparatus includes a carriage frame that can be suspended above a passing vehicle. A brush arm carriage is slidably connected with the carriage frame. A carriage drive system is connected with the carriage frame and the brush arm carriage for causing the brush arm carriage to slide along the length of the carriage frame. A brush arm is rotatably connected with the brush arm carriage. A cleaning brush is rotatably connected with the brush arm. Finally, a brush drive system is included for causing the cleaning brush to rotate. Thus, after having passed under the carriage frame, the cleaning brush can be pressed against the rear of a vehicle and rotated to clean the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A counter-balanced top wheel assembly for laundering a vehicle includes a frame. A brush support arm having a first end and a second end is pivotally mounted to the frame adjacent the first end. A counterweight support arm having a first end and a second end is pivotally mounted to the frame adjacent the first end. The second end of the brush support arm is in communication with a brush such that the brush extends over a vehicle bay to launder an exterior of the vehicle. The assembly includes a pulley mechanism with a strap connecting the brush support arm to the counterweight support arm. The brush support arm and the counterweight support arm extend away from the frame in the same direction. The assembly is configured such that the brush applies consistent weight to the exterior of the vehicle throughout its entire arc of travel.

Abstract: A vehicle washing installation is provided having a first and a second support on which at least one treatment tool is mounted in a height-adjustable manner by means of a first and a second carrying means, and having a carrying means drive device from which the carrying means extend to the treatment tool via deflection elements situated on the top of the supports, one carrying means extending above the treatment tool from at least one deflection element situated on the first support to at least one deflection element situated on the second support. To improve the vehicle washing installation in such a way that it may be easily adapted to the height of a washing bay, it is proposed that the deflection elements are mounted on intermediate parts which are fixable to the supports at different vertical positions.

Abstract: A car wash brush comprising a motor and a rotatable vertically-depending brush shaft is provided with a spherical bearing which allows universal swivel movement of the brush shaft away from a normal, essentially vertical orientation. To limit the degree of swivel permitted, a plate with three angularly spaced bumpers is attached to the top of the swivel bearing and a C-shaped stop plate is arranged on a brush mount over the bumpers in fixed spaced relationship to the bearing seat such that excessive swivel motion brings one or more of the bumpers into contact with the under surface of the C-shaped plate. The bearing support structure is attached to a swing arm by means of an extra pivot which provides a breakaway function. An alarm and/or event recorder is provided to trigger an inspection in the event the breakaway function is brought into play.

Abstract: A helical rotary brush for motor vehicle washing systems comprising a plurality of strips coupled to a central support element, through restrained joint coupling means, comprising slots designed for receiving suitably contoured bar elements, said slots being arranged with an helical arrangement on the central support element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brush arrangement for a carwash facility, comprising at least one horizontal cross-beam (1), on which at least one support arm (2) is pivotally supported in the horizontal plane, wherein at one end of the support arm (2) an articulated joint (4) is provided, which is pivotally articulated at the upper end thereof about a horizontal articulated axis (5) on the support arm (2) and at the lower end thereof a washing brush (6) is pivotally supported about a horizontal brush pivot axis (7). It is provided according to the invention that the articulated axis (5) and the brush pivot axis (7) enclose an angle of 30° to 60° in order to configure such a brush arrangement such that the corner regions of the vehicles can thus also be cleaned satisfactorily. The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a vehicle in a carwash facility using a brush arrangement according to the invention.

Abstract: A wheel washer includes a frame. The wheel washer also includes a arm attachable to the frame, the arm being capable of movement with respect to the frame. The wheel washer further includes a brush attachable to the arm, the brush being capable of movement both in and out with respect to a surface of the frame and being capable of rotation in either a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The arm can be an articulated arm or a multi-axis arm.

Abstract: A hexagonal wrench has a head. The head has an end surface, six equal side surfaces and at least one groove. Each side surface has a left edge segment and a right edge segment adjacent to the left edge segment of an adjacent side surface. The at least one groove is formed in at least one of the right edge segments and the left edge segments and extends to the end surface. Therefore, the head can engage securely an inner surface of a socket to rotate the socket even when the socket is worn or rounded.

Abstract: A module for supporting rotary brushes and fringes of the brushes for vehicle-washing machines and vehicle-drying machines is provided. The module comprises a pair of complementary components of annular structure that are detachably coupled together, face-to-face, by pairs of axial rods with a free end and an open cavity bounded by a cylindrical wall portion around the axial rods. The axial rods include end sections that are fitted into complementary holes of the complementary component. The axial rods, which are arranged on the periphery of the pair of complementary components, fasten fringes and supporting members for front bristles or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator comprises a support and one or more foam plastic elements mounted on the support so as to contact a tire sidewall and transfer dressing onto the tire sidewall. A distribution system drips or drizzles dressing onto the element(s) after which it is spread over and into the element(s) surface. The elements can be toroidal or rectangular and have anti-distortion pins embedded therein.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator comprises a support shaft mounted between the ends of a bracket and a plurality of tire dressing applicator foam rollers mounted on the shaft for rotation both with the shaft and in unison with one another and, as necessary when contacting a tire sidewall, relative to the shalt itself to prevent and/or reduce unnecessary roller wear. A drizzle-type system of dressing dispenser pipes drizzles dressing onto the outside surfaces of the rollers and a felt flap spreads the dressing and prevents waste which is characteristic of spray type systems. A quick-release mechanism associated with one end of the roller shaft where it is connected to the bracket permits the shaft to be released for the purpose of replacing worn rollers. Individual rollers are constructed using hard plastic cages which are adhesively bonded in toroidal foam volumes to prevent lateral scrunching or distortion of rollers during use.

Abstract: A rollover wash unit for a vehicle wash system includes interspaced lateral parts (2, 2?) fitted with guides (12, 12?), and a treatment device (7) that is received in the guide elements (8, 8?) via bearings (9, 9?), the guide elements being displaceable in the guides (12, 12?). In order to achieve an adaptation to the washing height, the guide elements (8, 8?) are configured to enable the bearings (9, 9?) to project beyond the guides (12, 12?) in a final position of the guide elements (8, 8?) in the guides (12, 12?), where the treatment device (7) projects upward beyond the lateral parts, (2, 2?) and/or an upper edge of a traverse (5) connecting the lateral parts (2, 2?), in an uppermost position of the guide elements (8, 8?).

Abstract: A brush station for use in a vehicle wash system includes a support frame. A first brush unit support is mounted to the frame and a first brush mounted on the first brush support member. Also, a second brush support is mounted to said frame and a second brush is mounted on the first brush support. The first brush support is mounted to the frame at a first longitudinal position that is upstream in the direction of vehicle travel from a second longitudinal position where the second brush support is mounted to the frame. The first brush support extends generally from the frame in the direction of travel and the second brush support extends generally from the frame opposite to the direction of travel. An exterior surface of a vehicle moving through the station in the direction of travel will be cleaned by said first and second brushes. Partial or substantially complete longitudinal overlap can be provided between the first and second brush units.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held device that integrates and enables one or more or a combination of functions of spraying, cleaning, drying, waxing, polishing and shining of a floor or a surface including that of a vehicle. The present invention has one or more brushes rotated by one or more electric motors powered by a power source or a built-in and/or removable and/or rechargeable battery pack or by water pressure and is capable of discharging, dispersing or spraying one or more or a combination of air, water, steam, compressed air, pressurized water, pressurized steam, hot air, detergent, waxing agent and polishing agent. The discharging, dispersing or spraying of one or more or a combination of these materials through select nozzles along with the rotation of the brush or brushes enables multiple functions to be accomplished in a single pass of the device over the surface.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a brush mounted to a drive shaft, a position locator for positioning the brush relative to a vehicle to be washed and a motor for rotating the drive shaft. A controller positions the brush proximate the vehicle for washing. A load sensor, for sensing the load on the drive shaft, is connected to the controller so that the controller may react to the sensed load exceeding a threshold by controlling a retraction of the brush from the vehicle. Additionally, parameters related to the operation of the brush may be determined based on information related to the size of the vehicle to be washed, where the size information is obtained by sensors.

Abstract: A tire and wheel washing apparatus for cleaning exterior surfaces of tire and wheel combinations of a vehicle as the vehicle is conveyed past the apparatus. The tire washing apparatus preferably includes a longitudinally-extending cleaning element rotating about a shaft having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the conveyed direction of the vehicle. The cleaning element is adapted to clean the exterior surfaces of tire and wheel combinations of the vehicle, and preferably has an undulating cleaning surface with a repeating pattern of a peak portion followed by a valley portion. Preferably, an intermediate portion located between the peak and valley portions has a substantially curvilinear edge surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from the propulsion system of a vehicle such as a battle tank, including a tank in which the vehicle is positioned, means for lifting the vehicle in the tank, and means to wash the vehicle's propulsion system while the vehicle is in raised position.

Abstract: A car wash brush comprises an axial core structure and a plurality of foam plastic media sheets attached to the core structure in angularly spaced relationship to one another. The media sheets are preferably made of closed cell, low absorbtivity foam plastic material between about ? and ½ inch thick and thermoformed into a pleated configuration with a surface pattern of raised and recessed geometric figures. The media sheets are split at least partially into individual pliant fingers.

Abstract: The brush control system in a washing brush installation for vehicles comprises a first means (5) of control of the rotation speed and torque of a first actuation motor (2) for the rotation of at least one brush (1) of said installation, directly or indirectly connected with a second means (6) of control of the brush position in relation to the vehicle to be washed.

Abstract: A carwash brush support structure is extendable relative to a vertical support beam. Extension of the carwash brush carriage is facilitated by means of roller bearings each of which is made up of a U-bolt having threaded ends and a plurality of loosely packed rollers on the U-bolt which engage and roll relative to the surface of a cylindrical rail. The rollers may be of substantially the same size or may be graduated in size toward the opposite ends of the U-bolt to trap the bearing on a cylindrical beam. Rollers of a distinctive color may be located on U-bolt where the greatest roller loading is expected.

Abstract: A device with a moveable portico for automatically washing vehicles that is made up of a unibody structure, preferably made of metal that moves forwards and backwards along a track. The structure has multiple vertical brushes and a horizontal brush. The brushes are equipped with a washing action in order to adapt to a configuration that follows the vehicle's outline and to wash the vehicle by rubbing, controlling the pressure all of the brushes place on the vehicle by means of electronic devices that measure the energy consumed by each brush.

Abstract: A horizontal car wash implement for a vehicle laundering or finishing plant wherein a horizontal implement rotated by a hydraulic motor is mounted between the free ends of pivot arms carried by spaced vertical support columns on opposing sides of a vehicle wash lane. The car wash implement is mounted between the ends of a pair of spaced apart, parallel support arms and a counterweight is mounted to the ends of a second pair of spaced support arms. The counterweight support arms and the car wash implement support arms are adapted to pivotally mount to the vertical support columns. The counterweight support arms and the implement support arms are mechanically interconnected such that the support arms of the car wash implement and the counterweight pivotally move synchronously in opposing directions relative to one another on one side of the vertical support columns.

Abstract: A helical rotary brush for motor vehicle washing systems comprising a plurality of strips coupled to a central support element, through restrained joint coupling means, comprising slots designed for receiving suitably contoured bar elements, said slots being arranged with an helical arrangement on the central support element.

Abstract: A counter-balanced top wheel assembly for laundering a vehicle includes a frame. A brush support arm having a first end and a second end is pivotally mounted to the frame adjacent the first end. A counterweight support arm having a first end and a second end is pivotally mounted to the frame adjacent the first end. The second end of the brush support arm is in communication with a brush such that the brush extends over a vehicle bay to launder an exterior of the vehicle. The assembly includes a pulley mechanism with a strap connecting the brush support arm to the counterweight support arm. The brush support arm and the counterweight support arm extend away from the frame in the same direction. The assembly is configured such that the brush applies consistent weight to the exterior of the vehicle throughout its entire arc of travel.

Abstract: A car wash brush is constructed using elements of pleated synthetic material. In one form, radially-pleated fabric discs are stacked on a shaft. In another form, a single length of material is laterally pleated and punched to form a continuous pattern of holes along one edge, and assembled onto a spring or flexible cable which can be wrapped around a rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: A wrap-around car wash structure comprising two staggered, vertical brushes. Each brush is mounted on a carriage which slides along a bifurcated boom pivotally mounted on a support base. The boom and carriages start in an extended position wherein the brushes are near the center of the wash lane; the booms swing in toward the sides of the lane as the brushes' carriages are pulled inwardly by reversible power cylinders. A control mechanism on at least one of the booms promptly reverses the power cylinder as the brush clears the side of the vehicle regardless of the width of the vehicle and the degree to which it has displaced the boom toward the side of the wash lane.