Abstract: A snow remover for the roofs of trucks and tractor trailers in which a structure of two vertical supports and a cross piece spanning them in supporting a plow rests upon a connected base plate provided with pairs of pockets on each side of the structure to allow for its lifting by a pair of forklifts operating in tandem and moving to a truck terminal access lane when snow build up removal is warranted, and thereafter moved into storage, in which the snow plow is in the configuration of an elongated-V from side-to-side angled forwardly toward the vehicles to meet substantially one-half way between the two vertical supports.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unit for applying a fluid material to a surface of a vehicle. The unit includes a body, at least one reservoir for holding a fluid material, at least one sprayer connected to the reservoir via a hose, an optional applicator pad for spreading, wiping or buffing the fluid material on a surface of a vehicle to which the fluid material is applied, and a pressure source for transferring the fluid material from the at least one reservoir to the at least one sprayer. The unit further includes a control system for activating the pressure source upon receipt of a signal. A method for using the above mentioned unit is also described.

Abstract: A cloth-type vehicle laundering implement includes a support mechanism consisting of a rotatable drive shaft and a plurality of generally parallel, adjacently arranged spacers mounted on the support mechanism. Each of the plurality of spacers includes a first face and a second face. The implement includes a plurality of individual circular fabric disk elements disposed between the first face of one of the plurality of spacers and the second face of another of the plurality of spacers. Each of the plurality of individual circular fabric disk elements extends outwardly beyond the spacers. Each of the individual circular fabric disk elements consists of a single piece of non-woven material having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter is retained in a single plane by a securing mechanism such that more material is located adjacent the inner diameter than the outer diameter to provide a more rigid element.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes an overhead car wash mitter assembly. The assembly includes a pair of side support structures and an overhead supporting structure extending between the side support structures. The overhead supporting structure includes a plurality of rows of racks with each row including a left side rack and a right side rack. The left side racks are moveable together and the right side racks are moveable together and independently of the left side racks. A first gap exists between one of the rows of racks. A second gap exists between another of the rows of racks. The first gap and the second gap are offset laterally from one another with respect to the direction of travel of a vehicle to eliminate any break or gap in cleaning coverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a molded tube (10) that is connected to the bodywork (13) and/or a mounting plate that is connected to the bodywork (13), which is particularly a mounting plate for a wiper motor. The windshield wiper device is located in a region, which is often an impact zone in a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. As a result, the components of the windshield wiper device often represent a high risk of injury to pedestrians. The objective of the invention is to improve the windshield wiper device so that the risk of injury to pedestrians is reduced during a collision with the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system is set forth that comprises a main carriage that is movable along a length of a vehicle that is to be washed and a carriage drive system disposed to move the main carriage along the length of the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles are disposed for co-movement with the main carriage to dispense fluids used in the washing of the vehicle. A sidearm drive system is disposed for co-movement with the main carriage. The sidearm drive system rotates a sidearm cloth in a reciprocating manner for contact with a side portion of the vehicle. To reduce the footprint needed to operate the wash system, the sidearm cloth may be rotated along an arc that is less than 360°. An overhead cloth drive system also may be disposed for co-movement with the main carriage. The overhead cloth drive system may move an overhead cloth in a reciprocating manner for contact with an upper portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing apparatus wash strip having at least one magnet that adheres the wash strip to the vehicle being washed.

Abstract: A system for removing foreign materials, such as snow and/or ice, from the upper surface of a vehicle can include rigid or fabric covers which are moved to dislodge the foreign materials before the vehicle is driven on a road.

Abstract: An automatic car wash system is provided for processing multiple vehicles simultaneously. The system according to one embodiment includes an elongate path, a plurality of stations for processing the vehicle, at least two detectors for indicating the presence of the vehicles. The system provides instructions to the drivers of the vehicles so that the vehicles travel through the system under their own power, and thus conveyor systems can be avoided, yet throughput remains high. In one embodiment, the system includes a radio transmitter that is operable to direct specific information to each of the vehicles via radio signals.

Abstract: A vehicle wash system is set forth that comprises a main carriage that is movable along a length of a vehicle that is to be washed and a carriage drive system disposed to move the main carriage along the length of the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles are disposed for co-movement with the main carriage to dispense fluids used in the washing of the vehicle. A sidearm drive system is disposed for co-movement with the main carriage. The sidearm drive system rotates a sidearm cloth in a reciprocating manner for contact with a side portion of the vehicle. To reduce the footprint needed to operate the wash system, the sidearm cloth may be rotated along an arc that is less than 360°. An overhead cloth drive system also may be disposed for co-movement with the main carriage. The overhead cloth drive system may move an overhead cloth in a reciprocating manner for contact with an upper portion of the vehicle.

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: An arrangement (1) for cleaning surfaces (2), particularly curved or arched or wavy surfaces and/or surfaces (2) with varying direction of curvature, for example on vehicle chassis, metal strip or unflat plates. The arrangement has a cleaning device (3) having a tension resistant carrier band or belt with an upper section and a lower section and also at least two reversing rollers or rolls (4), which device acts with a section as a cleaning belt section (6) on the surface to be cleaned (2) with its inner side facing the reversing rollers or rolls (4). The device (1) has a presser device (8) with a guide (9) for the cleaning belt section (6), through which the cleaning belt section (6) can be pressed. It is provided that the presser device (8) includes at least one flexible cushion or buffer (10), and that the guide (9) acted on thereby is deflectable or bendable transversely to, or at right angles to, the surface to be cleaned (2).

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 vehicle washing apparatus includes a curtain cleaning element constructed of a main pipe for receiving a liquid from a supply source and having a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of secondary pipes connected to the openings in the main pipe for receiving the liquid therefrom and discharging it through a plurality of discharge openings. The main pipe and the secondary pipes form a framework for supporting a curtain constructed of a liquid retaining material folded over on itself to form a double layer of the material fastened together at spaced positions, with the secondary pipes positioned between the layers whereby when liquid is flowed through the pipes, it is discharged through the discharge openings to wet or lubricate the liquid retaining material of the cleaning element. The vehicle washing apparatus includes a frame having a set of top mounted curtains and two sets of opposed side curtains rotatably attached thereto for washing a vehicle.

Abstract: A buffer rotates counterclockwise and is used in automobile finishing jobs. The buffer is pneumatic and is especially useful for professional finish technicians.

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: 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: A yarn (F) for car wash brushes includes and end portion (R) that is tapered down to a thin size smaller than 0.25 mm so that it is soft and does not retain dirt, whereby the cleaning effectiveness of the brushes made with this type of yarn remains unchanged over time and there are no risks of damaging the paint due to dirty ends. Moreover, it is possible to have yarns smaller than 1 mm made of polyester or nylon, that have greater cleaning effectiveness, are more delicate on the paint and last up to 5 times more with respect to conventionally used materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fabric-strip curtain for car wash installations, comprising a support bar (2) that is displace back and forth, on which cleaning strips (3) consisting of a cleaning textile are hung next to one another, each of the strips being provided with loops (5), which encompass the support bar (2) and are formed by fixing strips (6) that lengthen the top of the cleaning strips (4). The aim of the invention is to be able to replace each individual cleaning stip independently of the other neighbouring strips arranged on the support bar in a fabric-strip curtain of this type. To achieve this, one end of the fixing strip (6) is permanently fixed to the cleaning strip (4) and the opposite end is provided with a fixing element (8) for detachably attaching to the fixing strip (6) above the area (7) that is fixed to the cleaning strip (4).

Abstract: A brush for a car wash has radial arrays of fingers cut from flat sheets of closed cell foam. The finger arrays are stacked atop each other with interposed spacer discs, bonded together to form sections of the brush. A top brush has a center section core formed by the spacer discs of a larger diameter than two smaller core diameter ends to provide a larger diameter center section core caused to roll when encountering a vehicle surface to pass over the some without damage, and smaller core diameter end sections able to accommodate antennas with less bending. The fingers of the scrubbing section of the brush are short, no longer than and are held sufficiently stiffly to support the brush on the side rails of pickup cargo beds at a high enough height as to avoid finger contact with the cargo bed bottom surfaces.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing apparatus wash brush includes a cover encircling a rotatable shaft. Spokes extending radially from the shaft fix the cover relative to the shaft. Upon rotation of the shaft, centrifugal forces urge the cover radially outwardly away from the shaft toward a vehicle being washed.

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: The invention relates to a washing device, in particular a wash brush for car wash units, which is rotationally or peripherally positioned and powered. The washing device has several essentially horizontal projecting, bristle type wash elements located at its periphery and several strip-shaped wash elements which are arranged in an alternating fashion. The bristle-shaped wash elements are longer and harder than the strip shaped wash elements. The strip-shaped wash elements can be made of a closed pore foam material or a fiber material. The wash elements can be arranged in an alternating fashion in the peripheral direction and/or the axial direction.

Abstract: A machine for rotating a tire disposed on a vehicle. The machine includes a roller and a roller cover. Contaminants on a tire may be captured by the roller cover and disposed of when the roller cover is periodically removed from the roller.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning element of a substantially flat configuration having a first cleaning surface provided by a portion of the flat surface and a second cleaning surface provided by radially projecting prongs or tines for reaching into and pulling out dirt and debris from seams, openings and crevices on a vehicle. The first cleaning surface and second cleaning surface may be divided by water and dirt channeling grooves and utilize stiffeners and means for varying the radial forces on the prongs or tines for reaching into and cleaning openings, seams and crevices. The novel vehicle cleaning element may be employed to retrofit existing automatic car washing devices or in equipment of a new design. The vehicle cleaning element can be configured for application to mitter cleaning elements and rotatable cleaning elements in automatic vehicle cleaning operations.

Abstract: A vehicle washing brush assembly which includes a cylindrical holder configuration having plural cloth or foam pads secured thereto and configured to be centrifugally extended radially outwardly from the holder and into surface treating engagement with a vehicle surface. A first longitudinal length of the holder has a selected number of separate cloth or foam pads oriented around the perimeter of said holder so that the ratio of the number of cloth or foam pads per 360° of the holder to the outer diameter of the holder is in the range of 5 to 12. A second longitudinal length of said holder having a selected number of separate cloth or foam pads oriented around the perimeter of the holder so that the ratio of the number cloth or foam pads per 360° of the holder to the outer diameter of the holder is 6.0 or less.

Abstract: A golf cart wheel cleaner comprises a platform; at least one drive member operably attached to a motor, wherein the at least one drive member is adapted to rotatably turn a golf cart wheel when the golf cart wheel is properly positioned on the platform; and a cleaning member adapted to remove debris from the golf cart wheel while the golf cart wheel is being rotated.

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: An automated car wash system is provided comprising an anthropomorphic robot that serves to spray and clean cars prior to their entering into, or within, an automated car wash so as to remove surface dirt from the car, using a high-pressure spray gun. The robot is controlled by an interconnected network of pneumatic or hydraulic pumps and hoses, electronic relays and mechanical linkages so as to simulate the movements of a human. A sensor is used to detect the presence of an automobile in the field of operation of the robot, which sensor also serves to activate the robot and keep it operational as long as the automobile is in a given location. The robot is configured to resemble the shape and size of a human such that it may be dressed in a variety of costumes or outfits so as to maximize both its entertainment value and its utilitarian function.

Abstract: A buffing pad that includes a substantially conventional buffing pad made of tufted wool that includes a backing plate and a central hub for attachment to the shaft of a rotary power buffer. The tufts or strands of wool are of a first and substantially equal length and of a substantially uniform color. The pad also carries a plurality of shorter tufts of wool or other fiber of a contrasting color. When the pad is relatively new, the shorter tufts are not normally visible as they are hidden by the longer tufts. As the pad becomes worn, however, the longer tufts become shorter and matted down thereby exposing the shorter tufts. The appearance of the contrasting color of the shorter tufts is an indicator that the pad is worn and should be replaced.

Abstract: A vehicle washing device includes an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end. A coupler is fluidly coupled to the first end for coupling with a water supply hose. A housing includes a top wall and a peripheral wall. The second end of the tubular member is attached to the top wall of the housing and is fluidly coupled to a plurality of nozzles mounted in the housing. A plurality of spindles is rotatably mounted in the housing. Each of the spindles has a central portion and a pair of lateral portions. A plurality of paddles is attached to each one of the central portions. The central portions are positioned such that the spindles are rotated when jets of water from the nozzles strike the paddles. A plurality of bristles is attached to each one of the lateral portions of the spindles.

Abstract: A roller assembly for a machine that rotates a tire disposed on a vehicle and a method of making a roller assembly. The roller assembly includes a roller having an outer surface and a roller cover removably attached to the outer surface. The roller cover has a first surface that is removably adhered to the outer surface of the roller. Contaminants on a tire may be captured on a second surface of the roller cover that is opposite the first surface and disposed of when the roller cover is periodically removed from the roller.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a movable support such as a rotary brush hub having a cleaning element attached thereto. The cleaning element includes a base component having a plurality of spaced slots formed there in and a plurality of cleaning strips extending through the slots to attach the strips to the base component. The slots are formed in a plurality of first and second alternating pairs of slots, with the first pairs of slots being positioned closer to a first edge and the second pairs of slots being positioned closer to an opposite edge of the base component so that when the cleaning strips are inserted through the slots they are mounted in overlapping relationship. A method is also provided for manufacturing the cleaning element.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing apparatus which includes a wash mechanism and at least one wash strip having one end fixed to the wash mechanism. An exterior surface of the wash strip is formed from a microfiber fabric having fiber filaments of less than 1.00 denier. Preferably, the microfiber fabric encloses a sponge. Most preferably, the microfiber fabric includes between 70% and 80% polyester and between 20% and 30% polyamide.

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: The invention relates to a fabric-strip curtain for car wash installations, comprising a support bar (2) that is displace back and forth, on which cleaning strips (3) consisting of a cleaning textile are hung next to one another, each of the strips being provided with loops (5), which encompass the support bar (2) and are formed by fixing strips (6) that lengthen the top of the cleaning strips (4). The aim of the invention is to be able to replace each individual cleaning stip independently of the other neighbouring strips arranged on the support bar in a fabric-strip curtain of this type. To achieve this, one end of the fixing strip (6) is permanently fixed to the cleaning strip (4) and the opposite end is provided with a fixing element (8) for detachably attaching to the fixing strip (6) above the area (7) that is fixed to the cleaning strip (4).

Abstract: An overhead washer for use in automatic car wash installations utilizes washing curtains slit at their lower edges to provide rectangular washing panels positioned transversely of the curtains that are shorter in length and greater in width than has heretofore been known.

Abstract: A hand-held, electric-powered cleaning device used to wash elevated or difficult-to-reach surfaces. The device includes a length adjustable elongated pole with a rotating brush assembly attached at its distal end. Attached to the proximal end of the elongated pole is a handle assembly that includes a battery housing and a hand grip assembly with a brush control switch and a hose connector fitting. Disposed inside the elongated pole is a coiled water conduit that connects to a standard hose fitting located in the end of the handle assembly and terminates in the brush assembly to deliver water to the brush assembly. Also disposed inside the handle assembly is a soap delivery system to deliver soap to the water conduit.

Abstract: A vehicle carwash element of the type which contacts the vehicle made by needle-punching three layers of synthetic strand material such as polyester, polypropylene or other polymeric strands. The quantities of material are arranged in layers with similar colors on the outside and a contrasting color on the inside. The layers are then needle punched to physically integrate them to the point of producing a unitary sheet-like body but insufficiently to totally blend the colors such that a center stripe of contrasting color appears on the edges of the resulting body and on any smaller body which is cut from the sheet which is manufactured according to the process described above.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning element of a substantially flat configuration having a first cleaning surface provided by a portion of the flat surface and a second cleaning surface provided by radially projecting prongs or tines for reaching into and pulling out dirt and debris from seams, openings and crevices on a vehicle. The first cleaning surface and second cleaning surface may be divided by water and dirt channeling grooves and utilize stiffeners and means for varying the radial forces on the prongs or tines for reaching into and cleaning openings, seams and crevices. The novel vehicle cleaning element may be employed to retrofit existing automatic car washing devices or in equipment of a new design. The vehicle cleaning element can be configured for application to mitter cleaning elements and rotatable cleaning elements in automatic vehicle cleaning operations.

Abstract: A snow removing device for removing snow and ice from the roof of semi-trailers, vans and similar vehicles. The snow removing device includes; a scraping blade slidably mounted for vertical movement between spaced apart vertical frame posts. A mechanism is provided for automatically adjusting the position of the scraping blade relative to the vehicle's roof so as to maintain a predetermined blade spacing between the blade lower peripheral edge and the vehicle's roof in order to prevent the scraping blade from damaging structures protruding from the vehicle's roof. A resilient skirt extends from the scraping blade so as to fill the spacing thereunderneath and so as to contact the vehicle's roof. A mechanism is also provided for adjusting the amount of pressure exerted by the scraping blade and resilient skirt on the vehicle's roof depending on the consistency of the snow being scraped.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a movable support such as a rotary brush hub having a cleaning element attached thereto. The cleaning element includes a base component having a plurality of spaced slots formed there in and a plurality of cleaning strips extending through the slots to attach the strips to the base component. The slots are formed in a plurality of first and second alternating pairs of slots, with the first pairs of slots being positioned closer to a first edge and the second pairs of slots being positioned closer to an opposite edge of the base component so that when the cleaning strips are inserted through the slots they are mounted in overlapping relationship. A method is also provided for manufacturing the cleaning element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flag element for making motor vehicle washing brushes, the flag element comprising an elongated plate-like element having a central portion therefrom extend fringes obtained by cutting with different lengths the plate-like element. A method for making a motor vehicle washing brush is also disclosed, as an integral part of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method directed to a rotatable coupling apparatus that can transfer a rotational force from a driving shaft to a driven shaft. The connecting apparatus includes two yokes, a universal joint cross, and two internal restricted swing mechanisms. A restriction of any swinging action of the driven shaft is provided by the internal swing mechanisms that are sized and shaped such that each approximates the internal surface and volume of the yokes. The invention also includes an apparatus and method for a coupling apparatus for use primarily in a vehicle wash apparatus.

Abstract: A finishing unit for a vehicle surface treatment apparatus composed of a thin sheet-like pad of material having flexible characteristics, the pad being adapted for contact with a vehicle surface. A buffer member of flexible material is also provided and opposes a surface area on the pad. A stiffening structure is oriented over a majority of the opposing surface areas of the buffer member and the pad to effect a fixed securement of the opposing surface areas together so as to provide an area of substantially less flexibility than the individual flexibility characteristic of each of the buffer member and the pad.

Abstract: An overhead washer for use in automatic car wash installations utilizes washing curtains slit at their lower edges to provide rectangular washing panels positioned transversely of the curtains that are shorter in length and greater in width than has heretofore been known.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable centrifugal car washer comprising a storeroom, disposed in a case, for storing car washing liquid, a pump for pumping out the car washing liquid in the storeroom; and a centrifugal unit for rotating the car washing liquid at a high speed, resolving into moisture particles and then spraying the moisture particles on a surface of a car. The car washer performs the washing, drying and polishing operation at the same time and thus remarkably reducing an operation time. Further, the portable centrifugal car washer of the present invention has a small size so that an operator facilely uses, and the car washing liquid can be stored in the car washer. Therefore, the car washer can be facilely carried and kept and also used anywhere at any time.

Abstract: A vehicle washing brush assembly which includes a cylindrical holder configuration having plural cloth or foam pads secured thereto and configured to be centrifugally extended radially outwardly from the holder and into surface treating engagement with a vehicle surface. A first longitudinal length of the holder has a selected number of separate cloth or foams pads oriented around the perimeter of said holder so that the ratio of the number of cloth or foam pads per 360° of the holder to the outer diameter of the holder is in the range of 8 to 12. A second longitudinal length of said holder having a selected number of separate cloth or foam pads oriented around the perimeter of the holder so that the ratio of the number cloth or foam pads per 360° of the holder to the outer diameter of the holder is less than 4.0.

Abstract: A finishing unit for a vehicle surface treatment apparatus composed of a thin sheet-like pad of material having flexible characteristics, the pad being adapted for contact with a vehicle surface. A buffer member of flexible material is also provided and opposes a surface area on the pad. A stiffening structure is oriented over a majority of the opposing surface areas of the buffer member and the pad to effect a fixed securement of the opposing surface areas together so as to provide an area of substantially less flexibility than the individual flexibility characteristic of each of the buffer member and the pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for performing maintenance procedures such as washing, cleaning, deicing, and painting to an aircraft. The apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably has a mobile base having a plurality of wheel members for allowing the mobile base to travel along surfaces and a plurality of support surface registering members for registering the mobile base to a support surface to inhibit movement of the plurality of wheel members. The apparatus also preferably has a boom member having a proximal end portion rotatably mounted to the mobile base and being movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an aircraft maintenance tool rotatably connected to a distal end portion of the boom member.