Abstract: A vehicle traveling from a first area to a second area includes a traveling mechanism having a plurality of wheels and a traveling function, and a control unit configured to cause the traveling mechanism to perform a wheel cleaning operation and then cause the vehicle to enter the second area.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning a cart wheel includes an elongated body having a central channel having an entry end and an exit end. A shuttle slidably engages the elongated body and is engageable by a wheel entering the central channel from the entry end such that the wheel pushes the shuttle along the central channel and disengages the shuttle adjacent the exit end, wherein a sliding engagement between the wheel and the shuttle cleans the wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel buffing stand has a first side support frame and a second side support frame spaced from the first side support frame. A first roller extends between the first side support frame and the second side support frame and the first roller is operably connected to the first side support frame and the second side support frame. A second roller extends between the first side support frame and the second side support frame, and the second roller is operably connected to the first side support frame and the second side support frame. The second roller is spaced from the first roller. The stand is configured to receive a vehicle wheel wherein the first roller and the second roller are configured to engage the vehicle wheel and rotatably support the vehicle wheel wherein an operator can rotate the vehicle wheel via rotation of the first roller and the second roller and to prepare surfaces of the vehicle wheel in preparation for mounting a tire on the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a rotatable stem portion and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion. The backing member is configured to rotate with the stem portion about an axis of rotation defined by the centerline of the stem portion. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member with the plurality of media elements being constructed of a generally self-supporting, non-marring material and wherein the plurality of media elements are oriented generally perpendicular to the backing member. The plurality of media elements configured to rotate in a working plane defined by the backing member and the working plane is oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Additionally, the plurality of media elements are configured during a wash process to contact at least an exterior painted surface of a vehicle to effectuate cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning implement has one or more strategically placed brushes, stubs and/or permanent/disposable towels which engage the surfaces of a movable surface (including wheels or tires), and unique mechanical motion assistance means powered by motion, inertia and/or mechanical/electrical batteries to allow for the cleaning of a wheel or tire with a single hand operation.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle wash system includes a rotatable stem portion and a backing member in communication with the rotatable stem portion. The backing member is configured to rotate with the stem portion about an axis of rotation defined by the centerline of the stem portion. A plurality of media elements are secured to the backing member with the plurality of media elements being constructed of a generally self-supporting, non-marring material and wherein the plurality of media elements are oriented generally perpendicular to the backing member. The plurality of media elements configured to rotate in a working plane defined by the backing member and the working plane is oriented generally perpendicularly to the axis of rotation. Additionally, the plurality of media elements are configured during a wash process to contact at least an exterior painted surface of a vehicle to effectuate cleaning thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for wheel maintenance includes a base configured to rotate about a vertical rotational axis and a frame mounted to the base that has a pair of opposing longitudinal members and a pair of opposing transverse members. First and second rollers are spaced apart from one another and coupled to the pair of opposing transverse members. Both the first and second rollers rotate about a longitudinal rotational axis orthogonal to the vertical rotational axis. In this way, when a wheel is positioned on the first and second rollers, the wheel may be rotated about the vertical rotational axis and a wheel rotational axis during a maintenance procedure.

Abstract: A wheel rim guard includes a body having an obverse surface and reverse surface, the surfaces in mutually opposed orientation and having a thickness (t) intermediately disposed between the surfaces and with the surfaces mutually terminating at an outer circumferential periphery. The guard includes a first channel disposed within the reverse surface of the body, and a first flexible gasket disposed within the first channel. The guard also includes a handle disposed on the obverse surface of the body. A holder may be included that clips to the handle of the guard to position the guard for hands-free operation.

Abstract: A method of controlling wash equipment in an automated vehicle wash system having a conveyor includes, measuring one or more contours of a vehicle as the vehicle moves thorough an entry area of the automated vehicle wash system on the conveyor; tracking the distance a fixed point relative to the conveyor moves; associating the one or more contours of the vehicle with the position of the fixed point; determining, based on the one or more contours of the vehicle and the position of the fixed point, commands for operating the wash equipment; delivering the commands to the wash equipment; and operating the wash equipment in accordance with the commands.

Abstract: A device and system for cleaning wheels and tires includes a frame connected to a stabilizing clamp. A face plate is connected to a rear portion of the frame. An alignment plate is connected to the face plate. A rotatable tube shaft includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the alignment plate and the second end is connected to the stabilizing clamp. A waterline is connected to the alignment plate. The waterline is configured to deliver water through the rotatable tube shaft. A disc brush is connected to the second end of the rotatable tube shaft. The disk brush is configured to connect to a disc brush plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for burring a front face of a wheel. The device is composed of a rack, a motor, a guide rail, air cylinders, brushes and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary type wheel deburring device, which comprises servo motors, cylinders, a brush, etc. When in use, a wheel reaches middle positions of four clamping wheels, a clamping cylinder enables the four clamping wheels to clamp the wheel and separate the wheel from a roller way surface through upper gears and gear racks, and a servo motor I enables the wheel to rotate in a clamped state; a servo motor II enables the brush to rotate; and a servo motor III can be used for adjusting the brush to an appropriate angle in the circumferential direction through a lower gear and a geared ring.

Abstract: A shield for a rim of a vehicle wheel for covering a rim during treatment of a tire mounted on the rim includes a panel that is circularly shaped and rigid. The panel is dimensioned such that the panel is configured to abut to a rim of a vehicle wheel to substantially cover the rim while leaving a tire attached to the rim exposed for treatment. A brace is pivotally coupled to the panel proximate to a center of the panel. The brace is configured to extend between the panel and a surface upon which the vehicle wheel rests, retaining the panel in abutment to the rim of the vehicle wheel. The improvement is the brace positioned on the panel, allowing the panel to be retained in abutment to the rim without further action by a user.

Abstract: A device for applying a cleaning fluid to a wheel of a vehicle in a vehicle washing installation using a spray nozzle and a wheel washing brush that is driven in rotation and can be moved by a guide between a rest position remote from a wheel and a cleaning position on the wheel. The device, an associated vehicle washing installation and method each permit economical application of the cleaning fluid matched to the size of the wheels to be cleaned. The method includes the steps of: a) determining the position of the wheel in the washing direction, b) determining the distance of the wheel from the device, c) moving the spray nozzle to the spraying position at the spraying distance from the wheel, d) spraying cleaning fluid onto the wheel using the spray nozzle (4) and moving the spray nozzle along the wheel in the washing direction and e) terminating the spraying operation when the front end of the wheel in the washing direction has been reached.

Abstract: To provide a nonwoven fabric polishing roll that can reduce the occurrence of polishing defects and carry out uniform polishing.

Abstract: A wheel washing apparatus is provided, including at least two washing brushes, each of which is capable of being driven in rotation about a brush axis, wherein the brush axes of the at least two washing brushes are different from one another. In order to provide a wheel washing apparatus which allows a better cleaning result to be achieved, it is proposed that the at least two washing brushes be capable of being driven in rotation about a common central axis which is different from the brush axes.

Abstract: A tire coating apparatus for applying fluid to vehicle tires in a vehicle washing system, includes a pair of mechanical applicators, which each have at least one coating applicator disposed thereon for contacting the vehicle tires to apply the fluid. One mechanical applicator is intended to engage the tires on a right side of a vehicle while the other mechanical applicator is intended to engage the tires on a left side of the vehicle. The mechanical applicators also include a guide portion for guiding the vehicle wheel when a patron had elected not to have a coating fluid applied to the vehicle wheels. The mechanical applicators are rotatable between an initial position where the coating applicators are in a non-coating position to a second position where the coating applicators are intended to contact a vehicle tire.

Abstract: A tire-shine system is provided and includes a housing, a brush rotatably supported by the housing and including a plurality of bristles, and at least one manifold supported above the brush and including a plurality of apertures. The at least one manifold applies a first fluid to the brush by allowing the first fluid to exit the at least one manifold at the plurality of apertures and drip onto the plurality of bristles.

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: An apparatus for dressing and/or cleaning tires of a vehicle. The apparatus has a plurality of brushes in a line, at least some of which further apply fluid onto the tire.

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: A wheel washing apparatus is provided, including at least two washing brushes, each of which is capable of being driven in rotation about a brush axis, wherein the brush axes of the at least two washing brushes are different from one another. In order to provide a wheel washing apparatus which allows a better cleaning result to be achieved, it is proposed that the at least two washing brushes be capable of being driven in rotation about a common central axis which is different from the brush axes.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator assembly comprises a linearly arranged series of toroidally-shaped plastic rollers having one or more beveled edges and reinforced for shape retaining purposes by pins which extend axially through the bodies of the elements outboard of a center opening which is adapted to receive a support shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning vehicle wheels that contains a rotary body driven rotationally by a drive motor about a central axis, with cleaning elements arranged on its front end face. An improved cleaning can be achieved by virtue of the fact that the rotary body contains at least one rotary plate equipped with additional cleaning elements that is rotated by the rotation of the rotary body, not only about the central axis but also, via a gear assembly, about its own longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tire coating apparatus that is intended to apply coating fluid to vehicle tires in a vehicle washing system when selected by a patron. The tire coating apparatus includes a pair of mechanical applicators, which each include one or more coating applicators disposed thereon for contacting the vehicle tires to apply a coating fluid thereto when selected by a patron. One mechanical applicator includes one or more coating applicator members that are intended to contact the tires on a right side of a vehicle while the other mechanical applicator includes one or more coating applicators that are intended to contact the tires on a left side of the vehicle. The mechanical applicators also include a guide portion for contacting and guiding the vehicle wheel when a patron had elected not to have a coating fluid applied to the vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A tire dressing applicator station for use in car wash installations wherein the applicators are tolerant of large degrees of vehicle misalignment, misorientation and entry contact shock. In each applicator structure, an additional pivot or “knuckle” is placed in one of two support arms which are pivotally connected between floor anchors and an elongate mounting carriage to which the dressing applicator elements are attached. Flared tire guides are located on the entry ends of the applicator structures to make contact with the tires of approaching vehicles whereby one or both of the two applicator structures is/are reoriented as necessary to accommodate the actual location of the vehicle, whether it be on the intended path of travel or off to one side and/or angularly misoriented relative to die intended path of vehicle travel.

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: Disclosed is a device for cleaning wheel rims. Said device is used for removing sticky excess powdered pigments from the flange and hub of the rims prior to the baking process during powder coating. The inventive device comprises a first brush which can be introduced into the hub of a rim that is to be cleaned as well as a second brush which is concentrically disposed around the first brush and rests against the flange surface of the rim when the first brush is inserted in the hub of the rim. The first brush can be axially displaced relative to the second brush and is spring-mounted on the second brush. Furthermore, a drive unit is provided which rotates the first and the second brush by a specific angle, respectively.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus has a matrix of brush assemblies (10) mounted on a support member (11) such that they are movable both in rotation (x) and in an axial direction (y). The brush assemblies comprise a cleaning brush (15) axially moveable within a gear wheel (22) and rotatable therewith during normal use. Each gear wheel meshes with an adjacent gear wheel to ensure that rotation of one brush causes rotation of the rest of the brushes in the matrix. When any given brush is retracted fully in an axial direction it is disconnected from its respective gear wheel such that it does not rotate therewith and is effectively removed from the drive chain.

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 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: An apparatus for dressing and/or cleaning tires of a vehicle. The apparatus has a plurality of brushes in a line, at least some of which further apply fluid onto the tire.

Abstract: A vehicle tire cleaning system comprises a support grate, configured to enable positioning of a tire of a vehicle thereupon. The support grate is capable of supporting a load of the tire thereupon while the tire is mounted to the vehicle. A plurality of openings is formed in the support grate. A carrier is moveable with respect to the support grate. A plurality of abrading elements is coupled to the carrier and each is extendable through the openings. The abrading elements are operable to abrade the tire supported by the support grate as the tire and the abrading elements move relative to each another.

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: The invention relates to a device for cleaning vehicle wheels that contains a rotary body (3) driven rotationally by a drive motor (1) about a central axis (2), with cleaning elements (10) arranged on its front end face. An improved cleaning can be achieved by virtue of the fact that the rotary body (3) contains at least one rotary plate (8) equipped with additional cleaning elements (11) that is rotated by the rotation of the rotary body (3), not only about the central axis (2) but also, via a gear assembly (25, 26), about its own longitudinal axis (9).

Abstract: An automatic bicycle freewheel wiper comprises a casing having a receiving space for receiving other elements; a battery for supplying power to other elements; the battery being received within the casing; a motor having one end connected to a power wire which is further connected to the battery; the motor being receiving within the casing; a rotary shaft driven by the motor through a transferring mechanism so that when the motor rotates, the rotary shaft will rotate; and a retaining shaft. A cleaning sheet winds around the two rotary shafts to clean the dirt and grease out from the freewheel.

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 tire-cleaning device for a wheelchair or other wheeled device, such as a scooter, which includes a pair of rotatably-mounted rollers positioned to support at least one wheel of the wheelchair. A rotatably-mounted cleaning brush is positioned between the rollers. The rollers are activated in a direction opposite that to the brush such that the rollers and brush rotate in opposite directions causing the brush to rotate in a direction opposite the tire of the rotating wheel of the wheelchair in order to effect the best cleaning mode. Cleaning fluid is drawn to the tire of the wheelchair by the rotating brush.

Abstract: A portable system for preventing the “track out” of dust, mud, and similar debris by vehicles leaving a construction site. The system provides a plurality of rollers in combination with vibratory structures designed to rotate and vibrate the vehicle tires in order to dislodge debris from the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for are disclosed for cleaning a vehicle wheel surface on a vehicle wheel with a brush. A brush may comprise a plurality of resilient brush elements having varying lengths. The methods may provide for rotating the brush elements such that at any time during at least some of the plurality of brush elements are in engagement with the wheel surface. The wheel surface may be engaged by brush elements that have a length that changes cyclically and the brush elements may also cyclically vary the contact pressure between brush elements and the vehicle surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for cleaning wheel rims. Said device is used for removing sticky excess powdered pigments from the flange and hub of the rims prior to the baking process during powder coating. The inventive device comprises a first brush which can be introduced into the hub of a rim that is to be cleaned as well as a second brush which is concentrically disposed around the first brush and rests against the flange surface of the rim when the first brush is inserted in the hub of the rim. The first brush can be axially displaced relative to the second brush and is spring-mounted on the second brush. Furthermore, a drive unit is provided which rotates the first and the second brush by a specific angle, respectively.

Abstract: A robot arm type automatic car washing device adapted to automatically wash an automobile vehicle by vehicle washing rotary brushes mounted at the front ends of robot arms is so designed that a vehicle left-side washing rotary brush (111) mounted on a vehicle left-side washing robot arm (110) and a vehicle right-side washing rotary brush (121) mounted on a vehicle right-side washing robot arm (120) wash mainly the vehicle left-side and right-side, respectively, to thereby perform vehicle washing process while automatically controlling the vehicle washing rotary brushes respectively mounted on the front ends of the robot arms by a vehicle automatic washing device main controller (102) on the basis of input data in the form of vehicle actual measurement size data measured by analyzing vehicle image data by the vehicle automatic washing device main controller (102), the vehicle image data being prepared by photographing using a vehicle front surface photographing camera (150), a vehicle left side surface photogr

Abstract: A wheel washing assembly contains a machine frame, a pendulum assembly pivotably supported on the machine frame, and two washing manifolds, including a first washing manifold and a second washing manifold, attached to the pendulum assembly. Each of the washing manifolds has a nozzle assembly for ejecting water at a wheel to be washed. The washing manifolds are pivotable between a start washing position and an end washing position by an automatic motion of the pendulum assembly. The washing manifolds further automatically track the wheels to be washes by a motion of one of the wheels.

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: An apparatus for applying a tire dressing fluid to a tire surface is provided. The apparatus includes a tire engagement arm having an applicator manifold and leveling pad. The applicator manifold has an opening for receiving a tire dressing fluid and a plurality of openings for dispensing the tire dressing fluid directly onto the tire surface. The leveling pad is provided for engaging the tire surface and spreading the tire dressing fluid over the tire surface. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the rim of a wheel. The apparatus comprises a housing journaling a driveshaft, driven by an electric motor and mounting a pair of wire brushes configured to contact the wheel rim. Guides on the housing cause the axis of the drive shaft to be parallel to the wheel axis. In use, the housing pivots to follow the wheel rim while the electric motor remains in the same orientation. A brake mechanism between the housing and electric motor prevents rotation of the housing when the guides are not engaged with the wheel rim.

Abstract: A surface clinging robotic device. The device includes a supporting structure or base, on which is mounted (a) a lead pivoting support surface, such as a pivoting wheel, and (b) two or more traction drives, such as drive wheels. Each of the traction drives are independently driven by a separate drive motor. A plurality of vacuum cups are mounted on the bottom of the base. The vacuum cups each have a low friction foot designed for movement over a surface with minimal friction while vacuum is maintained. The low friction foot portion is provided by a generally surface direction oriented C-shaped Teflon skin. The robotic device can move over gaps or obstructions in the surface without losing vacuum in all of the vacuum cups, using a fluid limiting valve at each vacuum cup to interrupt flow in the event of loss of vacuum in that vacuum cup.