Abstract: Provided is a movable electro-hydraulic composite drive spraying robot with a large working space, comprising movable bases, there being a plurality of movable bases cooperatively arranged for bearing a drive rope adjustment module, profile supporting columns in the driving rope adjusting module respectively being fixed on the movable bases, the plurality of movable bases encircling an operating space, a adjustable auxiliary motion platform that is movable being erected in the operating space, a rotary motion platform being arranged below the adjustable auxiliary motion platform, the adjustable auxiliary motion platform and the rotary motion platform being connected by means of a hydraulic push rod, the bottom end surface of the rotary motion platform being provided with a spray gun, and a balance mechanism and a fixed support mechanism for balancing the traction force of the rope and maintaining the balance of the mechanism also being mounted on the movable bases.

Abstract: An irrigation system that includes a carriage may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage supports one or more exit ports that are fed plant growth material by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands are configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports are able to discharge their plant growth material. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants, and to enhance the plant root-plant growth material interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by a modular framework.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, or apparatuses relating to applying a fluid to at least a portion of a floor surface of a covered area via a moveable fluid application structure.

Abstract: A viscous material noncontact jetting system has a jetting dispenser mounted for relative motion with respect to a surface. A control is operable to cause the jetting dispenser to jet a viscous material droplet that is applied to the surface as a viscous material dot. A device, such as a camera or weigh scale, is connected to the control and provides a feedback signal representing a size-related physical characteristic of the dot applied to the surface. The size-related physical characteristics of subsequently applied dots is controlled by heating and cooling, or adjusting a piston stroke in the jetting dispenser, in response to the size-related physical characteristic feedback. Dispensed material volume control and velocity offset compensation are also provided.

Abstract: A cooling and washing system designed to evaporatively cool solar panels by sprinkling water upon the panels according to their temperature, in way that utilizes warm water from the system and minimizes water consumption, such as to keep the solar panel in an optimal operation temperature. Sprinkling is carried out by a moveable arm connected to a cart that is directed to the optimal sprinkling locations by a control system. The arm is designed to minimize shading on the panels, and to further allow cleaning the panels. The system may be operated by water power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a molded product that includes a resin coating step of coating molten resin onto a forming mold having a minute uneven portion on the surface thereof, a compressing step of pressing the molten resin using the forming mold to thereby arrange the shape of the molded product, and a solidifying step of cooling and solidifying the molten resin. The resin coating step supplies the molten resin to a resin coating device including a discharge port and, while moving the resin coating device, discharges the molten resin onto the minute uneven portion of the heated forming mold from above to fill the molten resin into the minute uneven portion substantially in the same shape and thickness as those of a final shape of the molded product.

Abstract: The mobile vehicle detailing system is a system for detailing a motor vehicle adapted for mounting the rear of a truck or van. The mobile vehicle detailing system has a water storage tank that has outlets for filling buckets and water containers and provides a source of water. A surround box, in which is disposed the water storage tank, has an integral front section that extends between the front seats of a van or truck and provides storage for files and receipts. A pressure washer, generator and storage box are mounted on a sliding platform that can be pulled out from the vehicle for easy access.

Abstract: A double boom arrangement for use in a car wash includes a first and a second boom assembly mounted side by side on a respective rotatable coupling so that a horizontal portion of the hose of each boom can rotate about a vertical axis in a generally horizontal plane with the remainder of the hose extending downwardly from the horizontal plane at an outer end of the boom. Each boom has a parking arrangement for moving the boom and the hose to a parked location extending 180 degree away from the other boom. The boom includes a first inner and a second outer boom portion with the inner and outer portions connected by a second swivel coupling parallel to the first and spaced outwardly therefrom. The inner boom portion is mounted on a bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and constrained by two horizontal springs above the pivot axis. The springs are mounted at opposite ends of a rod bent around the pivot axis where each is compressed as the first boom portion pivots downwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid onto a vehicle generally consisting of an inverted, U-shape support frame providing a space for receiving a vehicle therethrough; at least one liquid dispensing device supported on said frame, having a shaft provided with a longitudinally disposed first passageway section communicable at one end thereof with a source of liquid under pressure, a second passageway section communicating with the first passage section and disposed at an angle relative thereto and a plurality of third passageway sections communicating with the second passageway section, spaced circumferentially and each disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal centerline of the second passageway; and means for rotating the shaft about a longitudinal centerline thereof.

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 method of cleaning an aluminum drum substrate that removes cutting chips, and degreases to remove high viscosity drawing oil used in a cold drawing process, without using a chlorine-containing organic solvent. A plurality of aluminum drum substrates are arranged in rows, with an axis of each drum substrate being vertical and parallel with the axis of the other drum substrates. A cleaning liquid is ejected at a predetermined ejection pressure from a high-pressure cleaning nozzle. The cleaning liquid is ejected in a fan shape having a predetermined spread angle and from above a top opening of one of the drum substrates towards the drum substrate. While ejecting the cleaning liquid, the nozzle is horizontally and sequentially traversed above openings of the other drum substrates in a direction of the row, while swinging the nozzle in the direction of the row.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spray delivery system and methods of use thereof, suitable for delivering a fan-shaped vaccine spray to birds or chicks held within an open-topped container, comprising a cover, an elongated guide rail mounted thereon, and a spray head may move reversibly on the guide rail. The spray head comprises a spray nozzle assembly having a spray port and optionally a fan-shaped nozzle for delivering a fan-shaped fluid spray. The cover has an elongated slot that permits the spray nozzle assembly to extend below the plane of the cover, while allowing the spray nozzle assembly freely traverse the length of an open-topped container placed beneath the cover. By reversibly moving the spray head along the guide rail, the spray delivery system can deliver a substantially uniform fluid spray to an open-topped container with minimal overspray and reduced fluid wastage.

Abstract: A dryer system for automated car wash systems includes a new and improved air dryer having a fan and a rotatable nozzle at its discharge end with the nozzle orientation being controlled by a rotary actuator whose drive shaft is mounted on the axis of rotation of the nozzle. A method of using the blowers includes the use of two or more blowers that are positioned above the vehicle and oriented so the streams of concentrated air complement each other in moving liquid particles on the vehicle toward the side or end of the vehicle where they drop from the lower edges of the sides and ends of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile shielded plot sprayer including a wind shield having a side wall that defines an enclosed area, and a movable atomizer within the enclosed area. A track assembly is located within the enclosed area and supported on the windshield. The atomizer is part of a spray assembly mounted on the track assembly and is movable thereon in at least one horizontal direction relative to the wind shield. A reservoir integral with the spray assembly and adapted to hold a liquid spray composition is operatively connected to the atomizer to supply the spray composition thereto.

Abstract: A heating system for use with an automatic vehicle wash system used to wash a car positioned within a wash bay. The heating system of the present invention includes a heating unit mounted directly to an overhead gantry used to wash the vehicle positioned within the wash bay. The heating unit receives the supply of water with the desired chemical agent already mixed with the water. Upon receiving the mixed supply of water, the heating unit elevates the temperature of the water to a desired temperature. The heating unit is positioned on the overhead gantry such that the heated water from the heating unit travels a short distance prior to its actual application to a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for controlling the quanatity of material dispensed from dispensing systems. In one aspect of the present invention, a dispensing system includes a weight scale upon which material is dispensed from a dispensing system during a calibration routine. The weight of the dispensed material is determined and compared with a target weight. If the weight of the dispensed material varies from the target weight by more than a predetermined amount, then characteristics of the dispensing system are adjusted, and the calibration routine is repeated.

Abstract: In one embodiment a spray apparatus includes a nozzle assembly (12) containing six nozzles (14) coupled to a high pressure water feed line (16) and one or more chemical nozzles (20) coupled to chemical feed lines (18). The apparatus includes first and second rotators (22, 32) for rotating the nozzle assembly about generally perpendicular first and second axii (30, 36) through ranges of rotation that are less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: A wash apparatus for automotive vehicles includes a plurality of reciprocating wands which are driven by a compact drive/linkage system to move the wands in unitary reciprocating motion as a vehicle is moved adjacent thereto. Each wand has a turbo nozzle that emits a stream of liquid in a circulating conical path which in cooperation with the reciprocating movement of the wands on which the nozzles are rotated creates a desired cleaning action.

Abstract: A variable pressure spray type vehicle laundry apparatus in which a carriage is mounted for longitudinal displacement along overhead parallel beams and an inverted L shaped spray arm carrying both horizontally and vertically directed nozzles circumscribes the vehicle to be laundered. In the preferred embodiment two reversely similar L shaped spray arms are used and caused to operate through a butterfly type cycle to spray various fluids at different pressures on the vehicle. For low pressure operations, the twin arm system is centered over the vehicle and both spray arms are supplied with low pressure fluid at the same time. For high pressure operations, the left and right spray arms are operated in sequence and each is maintained at an optimal spray arm to vehicle spacing during its operating cycle. The carriage is provided with a laterally translatable shuttle structure for this purpose.

Abstract: A heating system for use with an automatic vehicle wash system used to wash a car positioned within a wash bay. The heating system of the present invention includes a heating unit mounted directly to an overhead gantry used to wash the vehicle positioned within the wash bay. The heating unit receives the supply of water with the desired chemical agent already mixed with the water. Upon receiving the mixed supply of water, the heating unit elevates the temperature of the water to a desired temperature. The heating unit is positioned on the overhead gantry such that the heated water from the heating unit travels a short distance prior to its actual application to a vehicle.

Abstract: A coating product sprayer device forming an overhead machine includes a beam supporting at least one carriage carrying at least one sprayer. The beam comprises two longitudinal members that are parallel to and spaced from each other over the greater part of their length. The carriage is at least partially accommodated in the space between the two longitudinal members. This device minimizes disturbance of the flow of air near the sprayer.

Abstract: Device for cleaning the wall (1, 23) of a silo, comprising a compressed-air gun (12) suspended from two cables (14, 15) which are connected to two separate winches (16, 17), bearing on two pulleys (9, 10) fastened to a frame (6) which is arranged inside the silo and which is fixed to a rotary plate (4) which can move on a circular track (5) above an opening (2) in the silo.

Abstract: A computer controlled system for high speed surface mount adhesive placement in circuit board production includes a dot generator supported for motion along the X, Y and Z axes. The dot generator ejects a jet of viscous adhesive that breaks away from the nozzle of the dot generator as a result of its own forward momentum. The system includes an automatic circuit board conveyor with adjustable width and pneumatically operated lift and lock mechanisms. The system runs through a self-diagnostic set-up procedure and dot calibration routine. Dot size and location are monitored through a video camera and vision circuit. A computer interfaces with the vision circuit and with motion, dot generator and conveyor controllers so that the system can operate in a high volume production assembly line. Application programs are executed by the system computer typically utilizing CAD data from a disk or a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) controller.

Abstract: An assembly comprises:(a) a track positioned at least part way around the perimeter of the predetermined area and having first and second ends and first and second generally parallel opposed faces extending between said first and second ends, said first opposed face having a longitudinally extending opening;(b) a panel positioned at an intermediate point between said opposed faces and generally parallel with said opposed faces, said panel having first and second ends and extending part way between said first and second ends so as to define a first channel adjacent said first opposed face and a second channel adjacent said second opposed face;(c) a flexible carrier having first and second ends, said first end of said carrier being secured to said second opposed face of said track near said first end of said panel, said second end of said carrier being moveable within said track from a position adjacent said first end of said track to a position adjacent said second end of said track;(d) a manifold positioned a

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus is provided which includes an inverted U-shaped structure consisting of two vertical beams connected by a header beam and including a horizontal beam extending between the vertical beams. The vertical and horizontal beams are provided with internal passageways or hoses for the transmission of a washing fluid which is projected out of the beams by ways of nozzles. The nozzles in the vertical beams are such that water is projected from one beam towards the other beam and an arrangement of nozzles is provided in the horizontal beam so that the washing fluid can be projected in opposite horizontal directions therefrom as well as downwardly. Tracks are provided along which the U-shaped structure is displaced for projecting washing fluid along the longitudinal extent of the vehicle.

Abstract: A watering system for use in a greenhouse has a hose carrier that is supported entirely on a single track, the track having a rectangular cross-section. The hose carrier is connected by a cable that winds through a series of pulleys to a drive system so that the carrier moves at one-half the speed of the drive system as the drive system moves along the track in either direction. The water supply and electrical supply are connected at the approximate mid-point of the track and the hose carrier distributes the hose and electrical conductor among support brackets located along the track so that neither the hose nor the conductor become tangled. The tension on the hose and conductor is minimal as each support bracket has rollers thereon and the hose and/or conductor are not used to apply force to the hose carrier to move it along the track.

Abstract: An automatic washing and sterilizing device for a stable comprising a crane moving on a steel cable at various speeds and a nozzle mounted on the crane for spraying water for washing or sterilizing solution for sterilization all over in a stable.

Abstract: A spray painting apparatus having an arm attached with a spray nozzle and a support unit for pivotably supporting the arm via a pivot shaft. An arc-shaped guide is provided to either the arm or the support unit, with the guide being coaxial with and larger in diameter than the pivot shaft while a drive unit is provided to the other of the arm and the support unit so as to move either the support unit or the arm relative to and along a periphery of the arc-shaped guide.

Abstract: A simplified automatic car wash system is disclosed which comprises a linear trolley suspended from the upper structure of a car wash building and a cross trolley transversely mounted thereto. A spray arm is rotatably mounted to a glider plate on the cross trolley and the spray arm is used to deliver soap and water to an automobile. The spray arm is the only cleaning apparatus utilized, there being no need for rotating brushes and the like. As such, the only elements which come and in contact with the automobile during a car wash, are soap and water.

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

Abstract: A water sprinkling system for greenhouse comprises two horizontal rails and a carriage movably mounted to the rails. A fluid outlet disposed at a substantially midway point along the rails is connected to the carriage by a fluid transfer hose for guiding fluid to the carriage from the fluid outlet. The hose has a first end portion extending from the fluid outlet along the first rail, a second end portion extending to the carriage along the second rail, and a middle portion connecting the end portions to one another. Support elements, preferably in the form of hook members, are spaced from one another along the first rail for supporting the first end portion of the hose, while a plurality of roller members are spaced from one another along the second rail for rollably supporting the second end portion of the hose. A hosecar is movably mounted to the rails for carrying the middle portion of the hose.

Abstract: An automatic washing apparatus designed to travel on a single I beam track that can be easily mounted in an existing self-service car wash bay. This apparatus is unique within itself since the trolley apparatus that supplies water and chemicals to the water boom manifold is driven entirely by a screw gear apparatus. The water boom manifold swing is also unique, being rotated by a single half spur gear that is rotated by striking a gear rack at either end of the I beam. An improved embodiment features an adjustable gear rack assembly at one end of the track which is adjusted to shorten the linear travel between end turns in response to signals from vehicle position indicating devices in order to efficiently wash smaller cars. The improved embodiment also includes a smoother vibrationless screw drive and a more rigid one-way clutch bearing support for the rotating members.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically spraying the sides and the top of workpieces such as vehicle bodies as they are conveyed through a spray station. Separate apparatus is provided for spraying the two sides and the top of the conveyed workpiece. Each apparatus is capable of moving one or more spray guns both in a direction transverse to the movement of the conveyed workpiece and towards and away from the conveyed workpiece, and of rotating the spray guns about two axes to direct the spray guns perpendicular to the surface being coated.

Abstract: This invention is an irrigation system which is mounted on parallel tracks and spans the distance therebetween. The main frame is of the truss type and includes a drive means on each end thereof. Also, a tensioning means is provided to assure perpendicular travel of the irrigation system relative to the support track to prevent any twisting tendency. The system can be operated either automatically or manually, and when on automatic, it will cycle back and forth over the designated area.

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

Abstract: A programmable sprinkler system ideally suited for use in an enclosure such as a nursery and/or arboretum includes a first overhead rail and a water pipe connected to a pressurized source of water. The water pipe is provided with a plurality of water valves placed at discreet intervals along its length and extend outwardly therefrom and is positioned alongside and close to the first overhead rail and parallel thereto. A source of electrical power is positioned close to and generally parallel with the first rail on the other side thereof and extends essentially its entire length. A plurality of second overhead rails have one end of each positioned near the valves and the first rail and extends outwardly therefrom, preferably at right angles thereto, defining a path along which the water is to be dispensed. A carrier mechanism rests on the first rail. Nested upon the carrier mechanism is a detachable car that includes a second coupling device to bring electrical power to it.

Abstract: In the first embodiment of this invention, an inner panel portion of a front door region of a vehicle body and an inner panel portion of a rear door region of a vehicle body on each side of a 4-door type vehicle are painted respectively by a pair of front and rear painting robots located on side portions of a painting stage. In the second embodiment, an inner panel portion of the door region of a vehicle body on each side of a 2-door type vehicle is painted by dividing into halves the area to be painted by the front and rear painting robots on each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A painting apparatus for a vehicle body is provided. The painting apparatus comprises a long paint booth through which the vehicle is conveyed, the paint booth including a plurality of stages positioned longitudinally in series, at least some of the plurality of stages being provided with painting robots disposed therein such that while the vehicle body is passed through the painting booth, inner and outer panel regions thereof are painted by the painting robots, wherein the vehicle body is stopped at each of the stages. Each of the painting robots comprises a multi-axis robot and bell-type atomizer attached thereto, and the plurality of stages are in communication with one another without partitions therebetween.

Abstract: A motorized shower head mechanism is disclosed in which a housing is provided with a track and a trolley, and a motor mounted on the trolley. The trolley is moved along the track by the motor and a shower head which extends through the housing is carried along by the trolley.

Abstract: A support and driving member comprises an open framework comprising a helical strip (38) supported by a series of support members (39) extending longitudinally of the helical strip and internally thereof. The member may be incorporated in a shower unit that comprises a tubular housing (1) with a longitudinal slot (6), the driving member (16) being located coaxially within the housing and mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A driving motor (15) housed in an end cap (8) has an output shaft (24) that rotates the member (16). Mounted on the member (16) for movement along the latter is a nozzle carrier (5) carrying an air nozzle (41) and a water nozzle that discharge through the slot (6). The nozzles are connected via flexible supply lines (SL) within the housing (1) to inlets (34) for treatment fluids.

Abstract: A variable pressure spray type vehicle laundry apparatus in which a carriage is mounted for longitudinal displacement along overhead parallel beams and an inverted L shaped spray arm carrying both horizontally and vertically directed nozzles circumscribes the vehicle to be laundered. In the preferred embodiments two reversely similar L shaped spray arms are used and caused to operate through a butterfly type cycle to spray various fluids at different pressures on the vehicle. For low pressure operations, the twin arm system is centered over the vehicle and both spray arms are supplied with low pressure fluid at the same time. For high pressure operations, the left and right spray arms are operated in sequence and each is maintained at an optimal spray arm to vehicle spacing during its operating cycle. The carriage is provided with a laterally translatable shuttle structure for this purpose.