Abstract: An inline vertical tack-off system for cleaning vehicular bodies that eliminates the need to spatially dispose rotating brushes and thereby enhance the cleaning efficiency while reducing the space occupied by the apparatus by vertically aligning a plurality of cleaning brushes to clean the full height of a vehicle body. Additionally, the apparatus includes a positioning system which allows the tack-off brushes to move in relation to any of a variety of vehicular bodies by adjusting the distance between the brushes and the vehicle body under the control of a program, as well as by controlling the tilt of the brushes match the vehicle contours and thereby optimize the contact force applied by the brushes to the vehicular surface being cleaned. Also, the system includes a vortex enhanced plenum utilized to evacuate ambient air and contaminant particles.

Abstract: A vehicle drying assembly has a frame defining a path for movement of a vehicle through the drying assembly and a side brush rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. The side brush includes brush segments that extend radially from the axis to contact a side of the vehicle in a direction generally normal to the path, as the first side brush rotates about its generally horizontal axis. The side brush is mounted at a defined height above the ground and at a distance relative to the vehicle along the path, so as to define a no-contact region on the side of the vehicle in which the side brush does not contact the vehicle as the side brush rotates and the vehicle moves through the drying assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position, an outwardly angled position, and inwardly angled position. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be actively pivoted or may pivot in response to contacting the vehicle when shifted laterally into contact with the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of a vehicle by means of at least one rotating treatment brush. The treatment brush comprises treatment elements, the surfaces of which are brought into frictional contact with the vehicle surface during the treatment. According to the method, a reference measurement is carried out, in which the treatment brush is set in rotation and is moved into a defined position relative to a reference element, such that the surfaces of the handling elements are brought into frictional contact with the surface of the reference element, and in this case the value of the frictional force is measured directly or indirectly. During the treatment of the vehicle surface, the treatment brush is controlled as a function of the value of the frictional force measured during the reference measurement. A system for treating the surface of a vehicle by means of which this method can be carried out.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes a frame disposed above a vehicle treatment area, and a reciprocal guide system coupled to the frame. The guide system is configured to move vertically relative to the frame, and supports a vehicle treatment component such as a rotatable brush. The brush may be lowered and raised relative to the vehicle treatment area by extending or retracting the guide track. When the guide system is retracted upward, there are no downwardly extending guides or rails that extend downward from the bottom of the guide system. The guide system is collapsible in a vertical direction, and may be a scissors mechanism or a telescoping mechanism or other collapsible mechanism. The guide system may be actuated directly or may be actuated dependent on a separate vertical drive mechanism, such as a windable belt.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a frame suspended above a vehicle treatment area. A pivotable frame is pivotally coupled to the frame, and an extendable and retractable linear frame is coupled to the pivotable frame and configured to extend downward from the pivotable frame and retract upward toward the pivotable frame. A top brush is coupled to a lower end of the linearly frame, and is extendable toward engagement with a vehicle. The top brush is also pivotable relative to a vertical position via pivoting of the pivotable frame, and the top brush is pivotable at different degrees of extension of the linear frame. The linear frame and the top brush may pivot in response to contact from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a rotational brush that is translatable relative to a vehicle disposed within the vehicle treatment area. The brush may rotate in the same rotational direction during a first translation direction and a second translation direction of the brush along the vehicle. During one direction of translation, the brush rotates at a first rotational speed, and in the opposite direction of translation, the brush rotates at increased rotational speed. The system may include a pair of side brushes, with the brushes rotating in opposite rotational directions, but maintaining their rotational directions during both directions of translation.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be oriented vertically at a location of a vehicle antenna to avoid the antenna.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be pivoted at a side mirror location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a hub portion with a first hub section and a second hub section. The first hub section includes a first distal end and a first proximate end opposite the first distal end. The first hub section defines a first axis of rotation. The second hub section includes a second distal end and a second proximate end opposite the second distal end. The second hub section defines a second axis of rotation. A connector device rotatably couples the first hub section to the second hub section. An actuator is in communication with the first hub section to effectuate movement of the first distal end between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel. In the extended position, the first axis of rotation is at a non-90 angle with respect to the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: An assembly including an arm having a rotatable brush for cleaning a vehicle, the arm being rotatable about a generally vertical axis to move the brush between a parked position and a deployed position, the arm being supported by a mechanism such that the arm is in a raised position when the brush is in the parked position and the arm is in a lowered position when the brush is in the deployed position and the arm is biased to move the brush towards the deployed position by the mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system includes a track system positioned above a wash area and a movable body coupled to the track system. The movable body is movable along at least two axes and includes a gripping mechanism to selectively hold and release one or more wash tools.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component includes a hub portion with a first hub section and a second hub section. The first hub section includes a first distal end and a first proximate end opposite the first distal end. The first hub section defines a first axis of rotation. The second hub section includes a second distal end and a second proximate end opposite the second distal end. The second hub section defines a second axis of rotation. A connector device rotatably couples the first hub section to the second hub section. An actuator is in communication with the first hub section to effectuate movement of the first distal end between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel. In the extended position, the first axis of rotation is at a non-90 angle with respect to the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing foreign material from an upwardly oriented surface of a body-in-white are provided. The apparatus includes a vacuum member mounted to a frame for removing foreign material from the associated upwardly oriented surface and a soft-material brush mounted to the frame rearward of the vacuum member as defined by the direction of forward travel of the body-in-white. The apparatus may also include a vertical adjustment device(s) configured to adjust and maintain vertical distance between the apparatus relative to the associated vehicle. Also disclosed herein is a method for removing foreign material from an upwardly oriented surface of a body-in-white that comprises bringing the apparatus defined herein in proximate contact with at least one surface of a body-in-white as it progresses down a vehicle assembly line.

Abstract: A component for removing water from a vehicle exterior in a vehicle wash process includes a base portion for supporting the component adjacent a path of travel of a vehicle. The base portion is connected to a frame portion and the frame portion is configured to move with respect the vehicle as the vehicle passes the component. The frame portion is in communication with a control mechanism which automatically directed the frame portion to move as the vehicle nears the frame portion to effectuate the removal of water from the vehicle exterior. The frame portion includes a plurality of media elements in communication therewith and configured to contact a vehicle exterior to remove excess water therefrom. At least a portion of each of the plurality of media elements consists of an absorbent polyvinyl alcohol material.

Abstract: The system for removing snow from vehicles removes snow, ice and other debris from the roof of a vehicle, such as a truck, trailer, van or the like, as the vehicle drives therethrough. The system includes a frame defining an open inner region dimensioned and configured for passage of the vehicle. The frame includes a pair of laterally opposed posts and an upper crossbeam extending between upper ends of the posts. A pair of arms are pivotally attached to the posts, the pair of arms extending orthogonal to the plane of the frame. A pivotally mounted forward crossbar extends between forward ends of the pair of arms. A blade is mounted on the forward crossbar so that the blade removes the snow, ice and other debris from the roof of the vehicle as it passes through the frame.

Abstract: A motor vehicle washing system washing brush construction, having a plurality of washing brushes associated with a support tube, each said washing brush having a plate body die-cut so as to form thereon a plurality of cuts providing a corresponding plurality of contoured strips joined by a central band element, with the central band element being wound on the support tube to arrange the contoured strips on both sides of the central band element, with a pair of ring elements being threaded on the support tube, on both sides of washing brush, to clamp the central band element in order to move the support tube contoured strips away from one another and cause opposite strips to move toward another, by pairs, thereby arranging the opposite strips with a substantially 90° relationship to the support tube axis.

Abstract: An improved brush for automatic motor vehicle washing systems, characterized in that said washing brush comprises a plurality of endless belt elements entrained, at the two end portions thereof, on entraining rollers driven by one or more electric motors or mechanical driving means to perform a linear movement pattern including a double rectilinear translation movement and a partial rotary movement.

Abstract: A brush assembly for an automotive car wash having a drum adapted to be rotatably driven about an axis. The drum includes a plurality of elongated and circumferentially spaced cylindrical channels around the outer periphery of the drum and each channel includes an elongated slot open radially outwardly from the drum. An annular and cylindrical bearing sleeve is positioned within each cylindrical chamber while a brush has a retainer with a cylindrical boss along one edge which is then slidably inserted within the retainer thus securing the brush to the drum.

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 gantryless brush-type rollover car washer has an overhead support system for a longitudinally movable carriage. Four side brushes are pivotally mounted to the carriage and arranged in front and rear pairs, each of which can converge and diverge to cover all surfaces of a vehicle in a car washing location. A counterweighted pivotal top brush is also provided and mounted on the carriage. Opposite depending wheel washers are also provided. The pivot points for all five of the brushes are above the eye level of persons in a passenger vehicle being washed.

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: The invention is a snow and ice remover for the roofs of trucks and trailers that is rollable along the ground. Two vertical beams and an upper cross piece support a vertically adjustable snow plow assembly, so that when a snow or ice covered truck or trailer moves under the properly positioned plow, the snow or ice is pushed off the top of the vehicle. The entire structure is supported by two horizontal base structures at ground level. The base structures each have wheels on jacks at their ends to permit lifting and rolling the unit. Each base structure also has a platform to hold a ballast weight to prevent movement of the unit when it is lowered to the ground and in use.

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 rollover wash unit for a vehicle wash system that allows an efficient and space-saving transport and a method for mounting a rollover wash unit that allows an efficient, simple and fast mounting of the rollover wash unit in situ.

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 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: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a frame extending over a path of a vehicle to be washed and having a front arch, a first arch, a second arch and a rear arch connected by side members. A first pair of wrap around rotary brushes is pivotally connected to the first arch and a second pair of wrap around rotary brushes are pivotally connected to the second arch. The second arch is at a higher height than the first arch and extends over a top of the first pair of wrap around brushes so that the length of the apparatus is shortened.

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: 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.

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 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 vehicle washing apparatus includes a frame extending over a path of a vehicle to be washed and having a front arch, a first arch, a second arch and a rear arch connected by side members. A first pair of wrap around rotary brushes is pivotally connected to the first arch and a second pair of wrap around rotary brushes are pivotally connected to the second arch. The second arch is at a higher height than the first arch and extends over a top of the first pair of wrap around brushes so that the length of the apparatus is shortened.

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.

Abstract: An automatic drive-through vehicle wash is provided in which the vehicle is conveyed, by means of a drive, along a conveying stretch between wash rotors arranged on both sides of the conveying stretch. A rotating cleaning element extends transversely to the feed direction of the vehicle and principally impacts the front, the hood, and the roof areas of the vehicle, as well as the trunk of the vehicle. The cleaning element is supported by two pivotable carry levers that, together with a tie rod and a lever arm, each form a parallelogram spacer bar. Counter-weights on extension arms of each parallelogram spacer bar ensure that the cleaning element is balanced relative to the vehicle in any position and contacts the vehicle with a set contact force.

Abstract: A passive vehicle surface preparation apparatus includes a mounting assembly and a support arm assembly having support arms pivotally connected to the mounting assembly. The vehicle preparation apparatus further includes a first wiper assembly having a stationary preparation surface for wiping the top surfaces of a vehicle. The vehicle preparation apparatus may also include vertical wiper assemblies for wiping the side panels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a pair of spaced movable brush assemblies mounted on a frame for movement transversely of the path of a vehicle to be washed. Each movable brush support arm mechanism includes a brush support arm pivotally mounted to a carriage. An adjustable bumper assembly is provided in combination with the movable brush support arm mechanisms whereby the bumper arm automatically moves along with movement of the brush support arm mechanisms to control movement of the brush support arms.

Abstract: A brush support arm delay and accelerating mechanism for a vehicle washing apparatus having a supporting frame with an upper frame member extending over the path of a vehicle to be washed, includes a mounting arm attached to the upper frame member and having a bracket pivotally mounted thereto with a spring biasing means connected between the bracket and the mounting arm. A pair of bumpers are mounted on the bracket so that one of the bumpers contacts the brush support arm during outward pivotal movement of the brush support arm to retard the outward pivotal movement thereof and the other of the bumpers contacts the brush support arm during inward pivotal movement of the brush support arm to accelerate the inward pivotal movement of the brush support arm during a vehicle washing operation.

Abstract: A flexible coupling device for connecting a motor to a shaft having a rotary brush mounted thereon in a vehicle washing apparatus includes a rubber sleeve, a metal cable embedded in the sleeve and a coil spring mounted around an outside of the sleeve. Connecting means are mounted at each end of the sleeve for connecting the flexible coupling to the motor and the shaft on which the brush is mounted. A retainer ring is mounted adjacent each end of the sleeve for retaining the metal coil spring in place. Safety clips are attached to the retainer rings to hold the ends of the metal coil spring.

Abstract: Light detection apparatus for determining the location of a body within a predetermined area comprises at least two light detecting devices (10,10′,10″), supported on the body and capable of receiving light at points which are spaced about a central axis (8). The apparatus further includes means for supplying information representative of the level of light detected by each light detecting device (10, 10′, 10″). Information received from the light detection apparatus is compared with information previously received from the light detection apparatus and stored in a memory so as to identify when the light detected by the light detection apparatus is the same or substantially the same as light previously detected by the light detection apparatus. When used on an autonomous vehicle, this can allow the vehicle to determine when it has returned to a similar position in an area.

Abstract: A moving robot first moves straight in a first forward path. When encountering an obstacle such as shelf, the robot makes a U-turn to move straight in a backward path located with a prescribed distance away from the first forward path. When encountering another obstacle, the robot again makes a U-turn to move straight in a second forward path extending in the same direction as that of the first forward path but located with a distance away from the backward path. When the robot exceeding the point of the U-turn in the first forward path is detected during running in the second forward path, presence of a region where the robot has not run yet is recognized, and running in that region is carried out thereafter.

Abstract: An assembly for washing a golf cart includes an enclosure having two openings and a floor. A conveyor system has a belt that attaches to the golf cart and extends along the floor. The conveyor system directs the golf cart through the enclosure. A connection to a water source is in fluid communication with a plurality of outlets positioned in an interior of the enclosure and positioned to direct water onto the golf cart as it passes through the enclosure. A drying means may be provided to remove excess water from the golf cart.