U.S. patent application number 10/127524 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-23 for cleaning machine.
Invention is credited to Doyle III, Dewey I., Doyle, Joseph P., Sams, Gary L..
Application Number | 20030196292 10/127524 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29215286 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030196292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sams, Gary L. ; et
al. |
October 23, 2003 |
Cleaning machine
Abstract
A vehicle cleaning unit comprising a container and a cleaning
hose connected to the container. The container has a stock holding
compartment, a servicing compartment and a revenue compartment. The
container also includes at least three compartment doors providing
access to an interior of the container, with each compartment door
providing access to only one compartment of the container. Each
compartment door includes a lock for locking the door in a closed
position, whereby the servicing compartment can be accessed without
allowing access to revenue in the revenue compartment. The vehicle
cleaning unit can also include a low voltage detection unit for
notifying a low or zero voltage condition in the unit. The vehicle
cleaning unit can further include a circuitry chassis including
circuitry comprising a plurality of circuits. The chassis can
further include a plurality of indicators that will provide visual
indication when a circuit associated with the indicator is
activated.
Inventors: |
Sams, Gary L.; (Grand
Rapids, MI) ; Doyle, Joseph P.; (Grand Rapids,
MI) ; Doyle III, Dewey I.; (Grand Rapids,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON
695 KENMOOR, S.E.
P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
29215286 |
Appl. No.: |
10/127524 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/314 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S 3/008 20130101;
G07F 17/20 20130101; A47L 9/00 20130101; A47L 5/38 20130101; A47L
9/0036 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/314 |
International
Class: |
A47L 005/38; A47L
005/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A vehicle cleaning unit comprising: a container having a stock
holding compartment, a servicing compartment and a revenue
compartment; at least one vehicle cleaning hose connected to the
container; the container including at least three compartment doors
providing access to an interior of the container, with each
compartment door providing access to only one compartment of the
container; each compartment door including a lock for locking the
door in a closed position to enclose the compartment.
2. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 1, wherein: the at least one
vehicle cleaning hose further comprises a vacuum hose.
3. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 2, wherein: the container
includes at least one vacuum motor fluidly connected to the vacuum
hose.
4. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 3, wherein: the at least one
vacuum motor comprises three vacuum motors.
5. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 4, wherein: the compartment
door for the revenue compartment includes a first button and a
second button; two of the vacuum motors are activated when the
first button is pressed; and three of the vacuum motors are
activated when the second button is pressed.
6. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 8, wherein: the at least one
vehicle cleaning hose comprises a vacuum hose.
7. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 6, wherein: the container
includes a vacuum motor connected to the vacuum hose.
8. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 1, wherein: the revenue
compartment includes a coin vault and a paper money stacker; and
the compartment door providing access to the revenue compartment
includes a coin slot and a paper money slot.
9. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 8, wherein: the coin vault is
fixed to the container and includes a coin door, with the coin door
including a lock providing selective access to an interior of the
coin vault for retrieval of coins therein.
10. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 9, wherein: the paper money
stacker is fixed to the container and includes a paper money door,
with the paper money door including a lock providing selective
access to an interior of the paper money stacker for retrieval of
paper money therein.
11. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 8, wherein: the paper money
stacker is fixed to the container and includes a paper money door,
with the paper money door including a lock providing selective
access to an interior of the paper money stacker for retrieval of
paper money therein.
12. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 1, wherein: the container
includes at least one panel having a slit therein; the locks
include a lock cam having a first slot and a receiving plate having
a second slot; and the lock cam is adapted to be inserted into one
of the slits and the first slot is adapted to be engaged with the
second slot to lock a respective one of the compartment doors in
the closed position.
13. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 12, wherein: the lock cam of
each of the locks is adapted to rotate into engagement with the
receiving plate when the respective compartment door is in the
closed position.
14. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 1, wherein: the compartments
are vertically stacked.
15. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 1, wherein: the servicing
compartment includes circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit
thereon, the servicing compartment further including a plurality of
indicators; the circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit includes a
plurality of circuits, with each circuit being connected to one of
the indicators; and an individual indicator will give a visual
indication when the circuit associated with the indicator is
activated.
16. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 15, wherein: the circuitry
and the indicators are positioned on a chassis removably located
within the servicing compartment.
17. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 16, wherein: the indicators
are LEDs.
18. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 1, further including: a low
voltage detection unit for sensing a voltage of a source of power
of the vehicle cleaning unit; wherein the low voltage detection
unit logs a low voltage alarm condition if the voltage is non-zero
and below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of
time; and wherein the low voltage detection unit logs a zero
voltage alarm condition if the voltage is zero.
19. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 18, wherein: the low voltage
detection unit includes memory and a notification signal; the low
voltage detection unit logs the low voltage alarm condition by
activating the notification signal and storing a low voltage alarm
signal in the memory; and the low voltage detection unit logs the
zero voltage alarm condition by activating the notification signal
and storing a zero voltage alarm signal in the memory of the low
voltage detection unit.
20. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 19, wherein: the low voltage
detection unit includes a reset switch configured to turn off the
notification signal and clear the memory of the low voltage
detection unit when the reset switch is activated.
21. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 20, wherein: the
notification signal includes an LED.
22. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 1, wherein: the container
includes an L-shaped flange adjacent each side of the compartment
doors when the compartment doors are in the closed position.
23. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 22, wherein: the container
includes a reinforcement rod located between an outer side of the
container and the L-shaped flange for fortifying the L-shaped
flange to prevent vandalism of the container.
24. A vehicle cleaning unit comprising: a container having a
servicing compartment adapted to contain cleaning components
therein and a revenue compartment adapted to hold revenue; a vacuum
hose connected to the container; the container including a vacuum
motor functionally connected to the vacuum hose and a receptacle
adapted to collect items vacuumed into the receptacle through the
vacuum hose; the container including a servicing door providing
access to an interior of the servicing compartment, the servicing
door including a servicing door lock for locking the servicing door
in a closed position to enclose the servicing compartment; the
container further including a revenue door providing access to an
interior of the revenue compartment, the revenue door including a
revenue door lock for locking the revenue door in a closed position
to enclose the revenue compartment; whereby the servicing
compartment can be accessed without allowing access to the revenue
in the revenue compartment.
25. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 24, wherein: the revenue
compartment includes a coin vault and a paper money stacker; and
the revenue door includes a coin slot aligned with the coin vault
and a paper money slot aligned with the paper money stacker.
26. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 25, wherein: the coin vault
is fixed to the container and includes a vault door, with the vault
door including a vault lock providing selective access to an
interior of the coin vault for retrieval of coins therein, thereby
providing a double level of security for access to the coins in the
container.
27. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 26, wherein: the paper money
stacker is fixed to the container and includes a stacker door, with
the stacker door including a stacker lock providing selective
access to an interior of the paper money stacker for retrieval of
paper money therein, thereby providing a double level of security
for access to the paper money in the container.
28. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 25, wherein: the paper money
stacker is fixed to the container and includes a stacker door, with
the stacker door including a stacker lock providing selective
access to an interior of the paper money stacker for retrieval of
paper money therein, thereby providing a double level of security
for access to the paper money in the container.
29. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 24, wherein: the container
further includes a stock holding compartment; the container also
including a stock door providing access to an interior of the stock
holding compartment, the stock door including a stock door lock for
locking the stock door in a closed position to enclose the stock
compartment.
30. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 24, wherein: the container
includes at least one panel having a slit therein; the locks
include a lock cam having a first slot and a receiving plate having
a second slot; and the lock cam is adapted to be inserted into one
of the slits and the first slot is adapted to be engaged with the
second slot to lock a respective one of the compartment doors in
the closed position.
31. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 30, wherein: the lock cam of
each of the locks is adapted rotate into engagement with the
receiving plate when the respective compartment door is in the
closed position.
32. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 24, wherein: the
compartments are vertically stacked.
33. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 24, wherein: the servicing
compartment includes circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit
thereon, the servicing compartment further including a plurality of
indicators; the circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit includes a
plurality of circuits, with each circuit being connected to one of
the indicators; and an individual indicator will give a visual
indication when the circuit associated with the indicator is
activated.
34. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 33, wherein: the circuitry
and the indicators are positioned on a chassis removably located
within the servicing compartment.
35. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 34, wherein: the indicators
are LEDs.
36. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 24, further including: a low
voltage detection unit for sensing a voltage of a source of power
of the vehicle cleaning unit; wherein the low voltage detection
unit logs a low voltage alarm condition if the voltage is non-zero
and below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of
time; and wherein the low voltage detection unit logs a zero
voltage alarm condition if the voltage is zero.
37. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 36, wherein: the low voltage
detection unit includes memory and a notification signal; the low
voltage detection unit logs the low voltage alarm condition by
activating the notification signal and storing a low voltage alarm
signal in the memory; and the low voltage detection unit logs the
zero voltage alarm condition by activating the notification signal
and storing a zero voltage alarm signal in the memory of the low
voltage detection unit.
38. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 37, wherein: the low voltage
detection unit includes a reset switch configured to turn off the
notification signal and clear the memory of the low voltage
detection unit when the reset switch is activated.
39. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 38, wherein: the
notification signal includes an LED.
40. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 24, wherein: the container
includes an L-shaped flange adjacent each side of the compartment
doors when the compartment doors are in the closed position.
41. The vehicle cleaning unit of claim 40, wherein: the container
includes a reinforcement rod located between an outer side of the
container and the L-shaped flange for fortifying the L-shaped
flange to prevent vandalism of the container.
42. A method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit having a container with a vacuum motor
within the container for providing a sucking force to a vehicle
cleaning hose connected to the container, the method comprising:
connecting a source of motor power to the vehicle cleaning unit;
connecting a low voltage detection unit to the source of power, the
low voltage detection unit having a reset switch, memory and a
notification signal; measuring a voltage of the source of power;
activating the notification signal and storing a low voltage alarm
signal in the memory of the low voltage detection unit if the
voltage is non-zero and below a predetermined threshold for a
predetermined period of time; activating the notification signal
and storing a zero voltage alarm signal in the memory of the low
voltage detection unit if the voltage is zero; turning off the
notification signal and clearing the memory of the low voltage
detection circuit if the reset switch is triggered.
43. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 42, further including:
providing the vehicle cleaning unit with a container having a
servicing compartment adapted to contain cleaning components
therein and a revenue compartment adapted to hold revenue;
connecting the vehicle cleaning hose to the container; fluidly
connecting the vacuum motor to the vacuum hose and to a receptacle
adapted to collect items vacuumed into the receptacle through the
vacuum hose; providing a servicing door adapted to allow access to
an interior of the servicing compartment, the servicing door
including a servicing door lock for locking the servicing door in a
closed position to enclose the servicing compartment; and providing
a revenue door adapted to allow access to an interior of the
revenue compartment, the revenue door including a revenue door lock
for locking the revenue door in a closed position to enclose the
revenue compartment; whereby the servicing compartment can be
accessed without allowing access to the revenue in the revenue
compartment.
44. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 43, further including:
providing the revenue compartment with a coin vault and a paper
money stacker; and providing the revenue door with a coin slot
aligned with the coin vault and a paper money slot aligned with the
paper money stacker.
45. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 44, further including: fixing
the coin vault to the container; and providing the coin vault with
a vault door, with the vault door including a vault lock providing
selective access to an interior of the coin vault for retrieval of
coins therein, thereby providing a double level of security for
access to the coins in the container.
46. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 45, further including: fixing
the paper money stacker to the container; and providing the paper
money stacker with a stacker door, with the stacker door including
a stacker lock providing selective access to an interior of the
paper money stacker for retrieval of paper money therein, thereby
providing a double level of security for access to the paper money
in the container.
47. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 44, further including: fixing
the paper money stacker to the container; and providing the paper
money stacker with a stacker door, with the stacker door including
a stacker lock providing selective access to an interior of the
paper money stacker for retrieval of paper money therein, thereby
providing a double level of security for access to the paper money
in the container.
48. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 43, further including:
providing the container further includes a stock holding
compartment; providing a stock door adapted to allow access to an
interior of the stock holding compartment; and providing a stock
door lock for locking the stock door in a closed position to
enclose the stock compartment.
49. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 43, further including:
providing the container with at least one panel having a slit
therein; providing the locks with a lock cam having a first slot
and a receiving plate having a second slot; and locking a
respective one of the compartment doors in a closed position by
inserting the lock cam into one of the slits and the first slot,
and engaging the first slot with the second slot.
50. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 49, wherein: the step of
locking a respective one of the compartment doors in the closed
position includes rotating the lock cam into engagement with the
receiving plate.
51. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 43, wherein: the compartments
are vertically stacked.
52. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 43, wherein: the container
includes an L-shaped flange adjacent each side of the compartment
doors when the compartment doors are in the closed position.
53. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 52, wherein: the container
includes a reinforcement rod located between an outer side of the
container and the L-shaped flange for fortifying the L-shaped
flange to prevent vandalism of the container.
54. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 42, further including:
providing circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit; connecting
indicators to circuits of the circuitry; providing an visual
indication when the circuit associated with the one of the
indicator is activated.
55. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 54, further including:
positioning the circuitry and the indicators on a chassis removably
located within the vehicle cleaning unit.
56. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 55, wherein: the indicators are
LEDs.
57. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 42, wherein: the notification
signal includes an LED.
58. A method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit having a container with a pump and/or
vacuum motor within the container for cleaning a vehicle, the
method comprising: providing a source of power to the vehicle
cleaning unit for powering the motor; sensing a voltage of the
source of power; logging a low voltage alarm condition if the
voltage is non-zero and below a predetermined threshold for a
predetermined period of time; and logging a zero voltage alarm
condition if the voltage is zero.
59. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 58, further including:
providing the vehicle cleaning unit with a container having a
servicing compartment adapted to contain cleaning components
therein and a revenue compartment adapted to hold revenue;
connecting the vehicle cleaning hose to the container; fluidly
connecting the vacuum motor to the vacuum hose and to a receptacle
adapted to collect items vacuumed into the receptacle through the
vacuum hose; providing a servicing door adapted to allow access to
an interior of the servicing compartment, the servicing door
including a servicing door lock for locking the servicing door in a
closed position to enclose the servicing compartment; and providing
a revenue door adapted to allow access to an interior of the
revenue compartment, the revenue door including a revenue door lock
for locking the revenue door in a closed position to enclose the
revenue compartment; whereby the servicing compartment can be
accessed and the cleaning components serviced without allowing
access to the revenue in the revenue compartment.
60. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 59, further including:
providing the revenue compartment with a coin vault and a paper
money stacker; and providing the revenue door with a coin slot
aligned with the coin vault and a paper money slot aligned with the
paper money stacker.
61. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 60, further including: fixing
the coin vault to the container; and providing the coin vault with
a vault door, with the vault door including a vault lock providing
selective access to an interior of the coin vault for retrieval of
coins therein, thereby providing a double level of security for
access to the coins in the container.
62. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 61, further including: fixing
the paper money stacker to the container; and providing the paper
money stacker with a stacker door, with the stacker door including
a stacker lock providing selective access to an interior of the
paper money stacker for retrieval of paper money therein, thereby
providing a double level of security for access to the paper money
in the container.
63. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 60, further including: fixing
the paper money stacker to the container; and providing the paper
money stacker with a stacker door, with the stacker door including
a stacker lock providing selective access to an interior of the
paper money stacker for retrieval of paper money therein, thereby
providing a double level of security for access to the paper money
in the container.
64. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 59, further including:
providing the container with a stock holding compartment; providing
a stock door adapted to allow access to an interior of the stock
holding compartment; and providing a stock door lock for locking
the stock door in a closed position to enclose the stock
compartment.
65. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 59, further including:
providing the container with at least one panel having a slit
therein; providing the locks with a lock cam having a first slot
and a receiving plate having a second slot; and locking a
respective one of the compartment doors in a closed position by
inserting the lock cam into one of the slits and the first slot,
and engaging the first slot with the second slot.
66. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 65, wherein: the step of
locking a respective one of the compartment doors in the closed
position includes rotating the lock cam into engagement with the
receiving plate.
67. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 59, wherein: the compartments
are vertically stacked.
68. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 59, wherein: the container
includes an L-shaped flange adjacent each side of the compartment
doors when the compartment doors are in the closed position.
69. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 68, wherein: the container
includes a reinforcement rod located between an outer side of the
container and the L-shaped flange for fortifying the L-shaped
flange to prevent vandalism of the container.
70. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 58, further including:
providing circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit; connecting
indicators to circuits of the circuitry; providing a visual
indication when the circuit associated with the one of the
indicator is activated.
71. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 70, further including:
positioning the circuitry and the indicators on a chassis removably
located within the vehicle cleaning unit.
72. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 71, wherein: the indicators are
LEDs.
73. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 58, wherein: the step of
logging a low voltage alarm condition includes activating a
notification signal and storing a low voltage signal in memory of
the low voltage detection unit.
74. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 73, wherein: the step of
logging a zero voltage alarm condition includes activating a
notification signal and storing a zero voltage signal in memory of
the low voltage detection unit.
75. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 74, wherein: the memory is
non-volatile.
76. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 74, wherein: the notification
signal includes an LED.
77. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 58, wherein: the step of
logging a zero voltage alarm condition includes activating a
notification signal and storing a zero voltage signal in memory of
the low voltage detection unit.
78. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 77, wherein: the memory is
non-volatile.
79. The method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit of claim 77, wherein: the notification
signal includes an LED.
80. A vehicle cleaning unit comprising: a container having a
machine circuitry compartment including a chassis with circuitry
for the vehicle cleaning unit thereon, the chassis further
including a plurality of indicators; and a vacuum hose connected to
the container; the container including a vacuum motor functionally
connected to the vacuum hose and a receptacle adapted to collect
items vacuumed into the receptacle through the vacuum hose; wherein
the circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit includes a plurality of
circuits, with each circuit being connected to one of the
indicators; and wherein an individual indicator provides a visual
indication when the circuit associated with the indicator is
activated.
81. A method of providing notification of a low voltage condition
in a vehicle cleaning unit having a container with a pump and/or
vacuum motor within the container for cleaning a vehicle, the
method comprising: providing a circuitry chassis for the vehicle
cleaning unit, the chassis including circuitry for the vehicle
cleaning unit thereon, the circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit
includes a plurality of circuits, the chassis further including a
plurality of indicators; connecting each circuit to one of the
indicators; and providing visual indication when the circuit
associated with the indicator is activated.
82. A vehicle cleaning unit comprising: a container having at least
one door providing access to an interior of the container; at least
one vehicle cleaning hose connected to the container; each door
including a lock for locking the door in a closed position to
enclose the compartment; the container includes an L-shaped flange
adjacent each side of the door when the doors are in the closed
position; and the container includes a reinforcement rod located
between an outer side of the container and the L-shaped flange for
fortifying the L-shaped flange to prevent vandalism of the
container.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to cleaning machines, and in
particular to a cleaning unit for cleaning vehicles.
[0002] Vehicle cleaning units are typically positioned near gas
stations and car washes and allow drivers to clean their vehicles.
Vehicle cleaning units typically include vacuums for vacuuming
dust, dirt, etc within the vehicle, fragrance sprayers for spraying
a pleasant fragrance within the vehicle, and foaming brushes for
cleaning spots off of the carpet of the vehicles.
[0003] Heretofore, vehicle cleaning units have typically comprised
cylindrical housings containing a vacuum and a smaller front
housing containing the money collected during use of the vehicle
cleaning unit. The front housing has also included the electronics
for running the vacuum for a period of time corresponding to the
amount of money inserted into the vehicle cleaning unit. Typically,
the smaller front housing of the vehicle cleaning unit has included
a door with a latch type lock similar to those used in desks. The
locks of the vehicle cleaning unit have rotated behind a strike
plate when the door is closed to lock the door in position.
However, the doors have been able to be easily vandalized by prying
a side of the front housing, and thereby the strike plate, outward.
Therefore, after vandalism, the interior of the vehicle cleaning
unit and any money held therein can be easily accessed.
Additionally, the coin vaults can be accessed and the money therein
stolen by a person servicing or restocking the vehicle cleaning
unit when the door is opened.
[0004] One attempt at trying to protect money within the vehicle
cleaning unit has been to place an elongated coin slot with the
vehicle cleaning unit that will deposit the coins inserted into the
unit in a coin vault at the bottom of the front housing below the
compartment enclosed by the door. However, the coin vault at the
bottom of the front housing can be inaccessible during wintertime
when snow is lodged against the front of the vehicle cleaning unit,
thereby blocking access to the coin vault. Additionally, the snow
can sometimes freeze an access lock to the coin vault and thereby
prevent access to the coin vault.
[0005] Vehicle cleaning units have also experienced problems when
connected in series to other vending machines. For example, the
vehicle cleaning unit can be connected in series to a power source
with a soda machine. Sometimes when the soda machine is running,
the power line to the vehicle cleaning unit can experience a drop
in voltage such that the vehicle cleaning unit will not be
sufficiently powered to operate correctly. Furthermore, the vehicle
cleaning units can be difficult to service because it is often
difficult to determine which part of the electronic system of the
vehicle cleaning unit is malfunctioning.
[0006] Accordingly, a vehicle cleaning unit solving the
aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned
advantages is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle
cleaning unit comprising a container and at least one vehicle
cleaning hose connected to the container. The container has a stock
holding compartment, a servicing compartment and a revenue
compartment. The container includes at least three compartment
doors providing access to an interior of the container, with each
compartment door providing access to only one compartment of the
container. Each compartment door also includes a lock for locking
the door in a closed position to enclose the compartment.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
vehicle cleaning unit comprising a container and a vacuum hose
connected to the container. The container has a servicing
compartment adapted to contain cleaning components therein and a
revenue compartment adapted to hold revenue. The container includes
a vacuum motor functionally connected to the vacuum hose and a
receptacle adapted to collect items vacuumed into the receptacle
through the vacuum hose. The container further includes a servicing
door providing access to an interior of the servicing compartment,
with the servicing door including a servicing door lock for locking
the servicing door in a closed position to enclose the servicing
compartment. The container also includes a revenue door providing
access to an interior of the revenue compartment, with the revenue
door including a revenue door lock for locking the revenue door in
a closed position to enclose the revenue compartment. Therefore,
the servicing compartment can be accessed and the cleaning
components serviced without allowing access to the revenue in the
revenue compartment.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of providing notification of a low voltage condition in a
vehicle cleaning unit having a container with a vacuum motor within
the container for providing a sucking force to a vehicle cleaning
hose connected to the container. The method comprises the steps of
connecting a source of motor power to the vehicle cleaning unit and
connecting a low voltage detection unit to the source of power,
with the low voltage detection unit having a reset switch, memory
and a notification signal. The method also includes the step of
measuring a voltage of the source of power. The method further
includes the step of activating the notification signal and storing
a low voltage alarm signal in the memory of the low voltage
detection unit if the voltage is non-zero and below a predetermined
threshold for a predetermined period of time. The method also
includes the step of activating the notification signal and storing
a zero voltage alarm signal in the memory of the low voltage
detection unit if the voltage is zero. Furthermore, the method
includes the step of turning off the notification signal and
clearing the memory of the low voltage detection circuit if the
reset switch is triggered.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of
providing notification of a low voltage condition in a vehicle
cleaning unit having a container with a pump and/or vacuum motor
within the container for cleaning a vehicle is provided. The method
comprises the steps of providing a source of power to the vehicle
cleaning unit for powering the motor and sensing a voltage of the
source of power. The method further includes the steps of logging a
low voltage alarm condition if the voltage is non-zero and below a
predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time, and
logging a zero voltage alarm condition if the voltage is zero.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
vehicle cleaning unit comprising a container and a vacuum hose
connected to the container. The container has a machine circuitry
compartment including a chassis with circuitry for the vehicle
cleaning unit thereon, with the chassis further including a
plurality of indicators. The container includes a vacuum motor
functionally connected to the vacuum hose and a receptacle adapted
to collect items vacuumed into the receptacle through the vacuum
hose. The circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit includes a
plurality of circuits, with each circuit being connected to one of
the indicators. An individual indicator provides a visual
indication when the circuit associated with the indicator
malfunctions.
[0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of providing notification of a low voltage condition in a
vehicle cleaning unit having a container with a pump and/or vacuum
motor within the container for cleaning a vehicle. The method
includes the step of providing a circuitry chassis for the vehicle
cleaning unit, with the chassis including circuitry for the vehicle
cleaning unit thereon. The circuitry for the vehicle cleaning unit
includes a plurality of circuits. The chassis further includes a
plurality of indicators. The method also includes the steps of
connecting each circuit to one of the indicators and providing
visual indication when the circuit associated with the indicator
malfunctions.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
vehicle cleaning unit comprising a container having at least one
door providing access to an interior of the container and at least
one vehicle cleaning hose connected to the container. Each door
includes a lock for locking the door in a closed position to
enclose the compartment. The container includes an L-shaped flange
adjacent each side of the door when the doors are in the closed
position. The container also includes a reinforcement rod located
between an outer side of the container and the L-shaped flange for
fortifying the L-shaped flange to prevent vandalism of the
container.
[0014] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of a vehicle cleaning
unit embodying the present invention with compartment doors in an
open position.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view of the vehicle
cleaning unit with compartment doors in a closed position.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front view of the vehicle cleaning unit
embodying the present invention with two compartment doors in the
open position and one compartment door in the closed position.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of the vehicle cleaning unit with
compartment doors in the closed position.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view of a container of the vehicle cleaning
unit with a top removed from the container.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lock for a door of the
container engaged with an L-shaped plate of the container taken
along line VI-VI of FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top view of the lock for the door of the
container engaged with the L-shaped plate of the container taken
along line VII-VII of FIG. 4.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a chassis holding an
electronic system of the present invention with the wiring of the
electronic system removed for clarity.
[0023] FIG. 9A is a front view of the chassis of the present
invention with the wiring of the electronic system removed for
clarity.
[0024] FIG. 9B is a side view of the chassis of the present
invention with the wiring of the electronic system removed for
clarity.
[0025] FIG. 10 is an electrical circuit diagram in block and
schematic form of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a low voltage detection
unit of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top view of the low voltage detection unit of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a methodology for
providing notification of a low voltage condition in the vehicle
cleaning unit of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as orientated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0030] The reference number 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a
vehicle cleaning unit embodying the present invention. In the
illustrated example, the vehicle cleaning unit 10 comprises a
container 12 and at least one cleaning hose 14 connected to the
container 12. The container 12 has a stock holding compartment 16,
a servicing compartment 18 and a revenue compartment 20. The
container 12 also includes at least three compartment doors 22
providing access to an interior of the container 12, with each
compartment door 22 providing access to only one compartment of the
container 12. Each compartment door 22 includes a lock 24 for
locking the door 22 in a closed position, whereby the servicing
compartment 18 can be accessed without allowing access to revenue
in the revenue compartment 20. The vehicle cleaning unit 10 can
also include a low voltage detection unit 26 (FIGS. 11 and 12) for
notifying a low or zero voltage condition in the unit 10. The
vehicle cleaning unit 10 can further include a circuitry chassis 28
(FIGS. 8-10) including circuitry 30 comprising a plurality of
circuits 32. The chassis 28 further includes a plurality of
indicators 34 that will illuminate when a circuit 32 associated
with the indicator 34 is activated.
[0031] In the illustrated example, the container 12 (FIGS. 1-3)
includes a rear cylindrical housing 36, a front rectangular housing
38 and a key-hole shaped top 40. The rear housing 36 comprises a
vacuum chamber holding vacuum bags. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the
rear housing 36 includes a top plate 42 located adjacent the top of
the rear housing 36 separating the rear housing 36 into a top
section 44 and a bottom section or receptacle 39. Three vacuum
motors 46 are located on the top plate 42 and fluidly communicate
with the bottom section of the rear housing 36. The vacuum motors
as described in this application are commercially available from
AMETEK Lamb Electric located in Kent, Ohio, under the part numbers
116757 and 116472. Perferably, the vacuum motors 46 include two
Lamb Electric #116757 vacuum motors and one 116472 vacuum motor 46,
although it is contemplated that any combination of vacuum motors
may be used. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that other similarly functioning vacuum motors 46 may be used.
Vacuum or filter bags are preferably located within the bottom
section or receptacle 39 of the rear housing 36 and stop dirt,
dust, etc. from entering the vacuum motors 46. The rear housing 36
also preferably includes a plurality of filter service doors 37
allowing easy access to the vacuum or filter bags located within
the rear housing 36. The key-hole shaped top 40 fits over and
covers the top of the cylindrical rear housing 36 and the
rectangular front housing 38.
[0032] The illustrated rear housing 36 has a cylindrical tube 48
connected thereto communicating with the cleaning hose 14, which is
shown as being a vacuum hose. The rear housing 36 works as a vacuum
by activating the motors 46 in the top section 44, which will then
fluidly communicate with the cleaning hose 14 to suck air into the
bottom section of the rear housing 36 through the cylindrical tube
48, through the top plate 42, through the vacuum motors 46 and out
the top of the top section 44. As discussed in more detail below,
the rear section 36 can be used as a vacuum by running any number
of the vacuum motors 46. The rear section 36, the vacuum motors 46
and the vacuum as described directly above are known to those
skilled in the art.
[0033] In the illustrated example, the front housing 38 of the
container 12 contains the stock holding compartment 16, the
servicing compartment 18 and the revenue compartment 20. The front
housing 38 includes a first side wall 50 and a second side wall 52,
both of which extend along the entire height of the front housing
38. The stock holding compartment 16 is located at a bottom of the
front housing 38 and is defined by a bottom plate 54, the first
side wall 50, the second side wall 52, a portion of the rear
housing 36 and the compartment door 22 enclosing the stock holding
compartment 16. The servicing compartment 16 is located at a top of
the front housing 38 and is defined by a top plate 58, the first
side wall 50, the second side wall 52, a portion of the rear
housing 36 and the compartment door 22 enclosing the servicing
compartment 18.
[0034] The illustrated revenue compartment 20 is located between
the stock holding compartment 16 and the servicing compartment 18.
A revenue protection bucket 56 and the compartment door 22
enclosing the revenue compartment 20 define the revenue compartment
20. The revenue protection bucket 56 is located between the first
side wall 50 and the second side wall 52 and defines a top of the
stock holding compartment 16 and a bottom of the servicing
compartment 18. The revenue protection bucket 56 is spaced about 1
inch from the first side wall 50, the second side wall 52 and a
portion of the rear housing 36 such that the revenue protection
bucket 56 prevents a person from reaching an arm from the stock
holding compartment 16 to the servicing compartment 18 or from the
servicing compartment 18 to the stock holding compartment 16.
Therefore, the revenue protection bucket 56 thereby effectively
separates the stock holding compartment 16 from the servicing
compartment 18. It is further contemplated that a plate may be
located between each compartment, thereby separating the
compartments.
[0035] In the illustrated example, the compartment doors 22 cover
the stock holding compartment 16, the servicing compartment 18 and
the revenue compartment 20. Each door 22 includes a plate 60
pivotally connected to the second side wall 52 by a hinge 61. The
doors 22 are pivotable between an open position allowing access to
the compartment associated with the door 22 and a closed position
preventing access to the associated compartment. Each compartment
door 22 also includes at least one lock 24 for locking the door 22
in a closed position. Preferably, the servicing door 22 and the
stock door 22 include one lock 24 and the revenue door 22 includes
a pair of locks 24, one adjacent a top of the plate 60 and one
adjacent the bottom of the plate 60.
[0036] The illustrated locks 24 (FIGS. 6 and 7) selectively lock
the doors 22 of the vehicle cleaning unit 10. The locks 24 include
an L-shaped bracket 62, a rotatable key receiving housing 64 and a
lock cam 66. The L-shaped bracket 62 includes a first plate 68
connected to the rear surface of the plate 60 of the associated
door 22 and a lock tooth 70 extending at a right angle from the
first plate 68. The rotatable key receiving housing 64 is connected
to and extends through the first plate 68 of the L-shaped bracket
62. The rotatable key receiving housing 64 also extends through the
plate 60 of the door 22 to allow a key to be inserted into the key
receiving housing 64 to be able to rotate an inner cylinder 72 of
the key receiving housing 64. The inner cylinder 72 extends from
the key receiving housing 64 in a direction opposite to the first
plate 68. The lock cam 66 is connected to the inner cylinder 72 and
will rotate with the inner cylinder 72.
[0037] In the illustrated example, the doors 22 are rotated towards
the container 12 to position the doors 22 in the closed position.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, each compartment includes an L-shaped
strike plate 74 extending from the first side wall 50 of the
container 12. The L-shaped strike plate 74 includes a first leg 76
perpendicular to the first side wall 50 and a second leg 78
extending rearwardly and perpendicularly from the first leg 76. The
first leg 76 of the L-shaped strike plate 74 includes a first slit
79 aligned with the lock tooth 70 of the L-shaped bracket 62 of the
lock 24. As the door 22 is rotated towards the first leg 76 of the
L-shaped strike plate 74, the lock tooth 70 of the L-shaped bracket
62 of the lock 24 will extend through the first slit 79 as
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. After the lock tooth 70 of the
L-shaped bracket 62 of the lock 24 is inserted through the first
slit 79, the inner cylinder 72 can be rotated with a key (not
shown) to rotate the lock cam 66 of the lock 24 through a second
slit 80 in the second leg 78 of the L-shaped strike plate 74. As
the lock cam 66 is rotated through the second slit 80, a first slot
82 on the lock cam 66 will accept the lock tooth 70 of the L-shaped
bracket 62 of the lock 24 and a second slot 84 on the lock tooth 70
of the L-shaped bracket 62 will accept the lock cam 66 to
positively lock the door 22 in the closed position. Although each
compartment is shown as having an individual L-shaped strike plate
74, it is contemplated that the L-shaped strike plate 74 could
extend through each compartment. Since the lock 22 includes both
the lock cam 66 and the lock tooth 70 of the L-shaped bracket 62,
the lock 22 will prevent access to the associated compartment
because prying the first side wall 50 of the container 12 away from
the door 22 (e.g., with a crowbar) will not disengage the lock 22,
and in particular the lock cam 66, from the first side wall 50.
[0038] In addition to the lock 24, the first side wall 50 and the
second side wall 52 preferably include a reinforcement rod 86 that
fortifies the first side wall 50 and the second side wall 52 and
thereby prevents vandalism of the container 12. As illustrated in
FIG. 5, the first side wall 50 and the second side wall 52 each
include an L-shaped lip 88 extending inward and rearward from a
front edge of the first side wall 50 and the second side wall 52.
The L-shaped lip 88 and the inside surface of the first side wall
50 and the second side wall 52 form a channel 90 configured to
accept the reinforcement rod 86. The reinforcement rod 86 is
inserted into the channel 90 and extends from the top of the
container 12 to the bottom of the container 12. The reinforcement
rod 86 is preferably made of 0.5 inch diameter stainless steel,
although it is considered that the reinforcement rod 86 can be made
of other materials. Additionally, although the reinforcement rod 86
is shown as having a circular cross-section, it is contemplated
that the reinforcement rod 86 could have any geometric cross
section, including circular, square, tubular, etc. The
reinforcement rod 86 prevents vandalism by fortifying the first
side wall 50 and the second side wall 52 adjacent the L-shaped
strike plate 74 engaged with the lock 24 and thereby inhibits
separation of the L-shaped strike plate 74 and the lock 24. The
reinforcement rod 86 also inhibits separation of the first side
wall 50 and the doors 22 to prevent access to the compartments.
[0039] The illustrated stock holding compartment 16 of the vehicle
cleaning unit 10 is adapted to hold cleaning supplies, stock
material and can include a power line from a power source of the
vehicle cleaning unit 10. Although not shown, it is contemplated
that the stock holding compartment could contain fragrance bottles
having liquid fragrance therein. The liquid fragrance can be
sprayed into a vehicle from the fragrance bottles through a tube in
the bottles, a pump, an opening in the first side wall 50 through a
fragrance hose and through a spray gun. The liquid fragrance can
alternatively be connected directly from the fragrance bottles
through a fragrance hose to a spray gun that sprays the fragrance
through the spray gun using a venturi. Additionally or
alternatively, the stock holding compartment 16 could contain
cleansing bottles having a cleansing fluid therein. The cleansing
fluid can be drawn from the cleansing bottles using a pump or a
venturi and forced through a cleansing hose and a brush to clean
spots from the carpet of the vehicle. It is contemplated that the
vehicle cleaning unit 10 can contain any combination of one or more
of a vacuum as described in detail above, a fragrance sprayer and a
carpet cleaner. If the vacuum is not used, the container 12 does
not need the rear cylindrical housing 36 as described above and it
is contemplated that, even if the vacuum was used, the container 12
could have any configuration.
[0040] In the illustrated example, the revenue compartment 20 is
used to collect the coins and dollars inserted into the vehicle
cleaning unit 10. The revenue compartment 20 includes a coin vault
92 and a paper money validator/stacker 94 fixedly connected to the
revenue protection bucket 56. The coin vault 92 is illustrated as
being a rectangular box 96 having a coin door 98 and a coin door
lock 100 for locking the coin door 98 to the rectangular box 96.
The paper money validator/stacker 94 is also fixedly connected to
the revenue protection bucket 56 and includes a rectangular box 102
having a paper money door 104 and a paper money door lock 106 for
locking the paper money door 104 to the rectangular box 102. The
paper money validator/stacker 94 as described in this application
is commercially available from Mars Electronics International
located in West Chester, Pa., under the part number VN 2512-U2EUS
or VN 2512-U2MUS. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
other similarly functioning paper money validator/stackers may be
used.
[0041] The illustrated door 22 for the revenue compartment 20
includes a paper money slot 107 aligned with an inlet 108 to the
paper money stacker/validator 94, a first coin slot 110 for
accepting coins and a second coin slot 112 for the return of
rejected coins. The door 22 for the revenue compartment 20 also
includes a coin validator/accepter 114 connected to the rear face
of the door 22. The coin validator/accepter 114 includes an inlet
aligned with the first coin slot 110 and adapted to accept coins.
The coin validator/accepter 114 also includes a first outlet
adapted to return unaccepted coins through the second coin slot
112. Additionally, the coin validator/accepter 114 includes a
second outlet aligned with a coin inlet 116 in the top surface of
the rectangular box 96 of the coin vault 92. When coins are
accepted by the coin validator/accepter 114, the coins will drop
through the second outlet of the coin validator/accepter 114 and
into the rectangular box 96 of the coin vault 92 through the coin
inlet 116. The coin validator/accepter 114 as described in this
application is commercially available from Microsystems Controls
Pty. Ltd. located in South Penrith, NSW 2750 Australia, under the
name "Microcoin." Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
other similarly functioning coin validator/accepters may be
used.
[0042] In the illustrated example, the money in the revenue
compartment 20 will have a double layer of protection from theft.
First, the pair of locks 24 on the door 22 to the revenue
compartment 20 will prevent unauthorized access to the interior of
the revenue compartment 20. Second, even if an unauthorized person
were able to access the interior of the revenue compartment 20, the
coin door lock 100 and the paper money door lock 106 would prevent
unauthorized access to the money within the revenue compartment 20.
It is contemplated that one key may be used to open the pair of
locks 24 on the door 22, the coin door lock 100 and the paper money
door lock 106. Alternatively, one key may be used to open the pair
of locks 24 on the door 22 and one key may be used to open both the
coin door lock 100 and the paper money door lock 106. It is
contemplated that any combination of keys could be used in the
vehicle cleaning unit. For example, a different key could be
required for each lock 24 in the doors 22 and a separate key for
each of the coin door lock 100 and the paper money door lock
106.
[0043] The illustrated door 22 to the revenue compartment 20 also
preferably includes a top button 118 and a bottom button 120 for
running the vacuum motors 46. In a preferred embodiment, if the
bottom button 120 is depressed, a light 124 adjacent the bottom
button 120 will illuminate and two of the vacuum motors 46 will be
activated. If the top button 118 is depressed, a light 122 adjacent
the top button 118 will illuminate and all three of the vacuum
motors 46 will be activated.
[0044] In the illustrated example, the servicing compartment 18
includes a chassis 28 containing most of the electronic circuits
used in the vehicle cleaning unit 10. The chassis 28 includes a
retaining plate 128 having a lower flange 130 and an upper flange
132. The upper flange 132 includes a downwardly extending display
section 134. The chassis 28 is configured to be inserted into the
servicing compartment 18. The upper flange 132 of the chassis 28
includes a first connection 136 that electrically connects the
circuitry 30 on the chassis 28 to the vacuum motors 46. The upper
flange 132 of the chassis 28 also includes a second connection 138
that electrically connects the circuitry 30 on the chassis 28 to a
timer 144. The upper flange 132 of the chassis 28 further includes
a third connection 140 that electrically connects the circuitry 30
on the chassis 28 to the revenue door 22 and the components thereon
and the paper money stacker/validator 94. Additionally, the upper
flange 132 of the chassis 28 includes a fourth connection 142 that
electrically connects the circuitry 30 on the chassis 28 to dome
lights (not shown). Furthermore, the chassis 28 includes a
connection (not shown) configured to be connected to a mating
connection (not shown) to a source of power within the servicing
compartment 18. The chassis 28 is connected to the container 12 by
inserting the chassis 28 into the servicing compartment 18 and
connecting the first connection 136, the second connection 138, the
third connection 140 and the fourth connection 142 to a mating
connection within the servicing compartment 18 and snapping the
bottom of the chassis 28 into place. The source of power is then
also connected to the chassis 28. The chassis 28 includes a pair of
inverted L-shaped flanges 131 extending off of the rear of the
chassis 28 at the junction of the retaining plate 128 and the upper
flange 132. The chassis 28 is connected to the container 12 by
inserting the chassis 28 into the servicing compartment 18, sliding
the chassis 28 downward such that the inverted L-shaped flanges 131
is inserted into a channel 133 defined on a rear wall 135 of the
servicing compartment 18, and screwing a pair of screws 137 on the
bottom of the retaining plate 128 into mating openings 141 on the
rear wall 135 of the servicing compartment 18. Therefore, the
source of power, the vacuum motors 46, the top button 118, the
bottom button 120, the paper money validator/stacker 94, the coin
validator/accepter 114 and the timer 144 connected to the door 22
associated with the servicing compartment 140 are connected.
[0045] The illustrated chassis 28 includes the circuitry 30
comprising a plurality of circuits 32. With reference to FIGS.
8-10, the chassis 28 further includes the plurality of indicators
34 that will illuminate when one of the circuits 32 associated with
the indicator 34 malfunctions. FIG. 10 illustrates an electrical
circuit diagram 143 in block and schematic form and shows the
circuitry 30 of the vehicle cleaning unit 10. According to the
diagram of FIG. 10, the source of power of 120V A/C is connected to
the circuitry 30 at an input 146 and an output 148. As long as the
source of power is connected to the circuitry 30 and operating
properly, a main power indicator light 150 on the display section
134 of the chassis 28 will illuminate. The source of power of 120V
A/C also includes a 120V fuse 190 that includes a 120V fuse LED 192
that is illuminated when the 120V fuse 190 is blown. The 120V fuse
190 is preferably a commercially available fuse holder with an
illuminated blown fuse indicator, although it is contemplated that
the 120V fuse could be any indicator that provides a visual
indication of a blown fuse. In the illustrated example, the source
of power of 120V A/C is also connected to the three vacuum motors
46. When the vehicle cleaning unit 10 is operating with the bottom
button 120 on the door 22 of the revenue compartment 20 depressed
and two of the vacuum motors 46 operating, a power vacuum mode
indicator light 152 on the display section 134 of the chassis 28 as
well as the light 124 adjacent the bottom button 120 on the door 22
of the revenue compartment 20 will illuminate. Likewise, when the
vehicle cleaning unit 10 is operating with the top button 118 on
the door 22 of the revenue compartment 20 depressed and three of
the vacuum motors 46 operating, a mega vacuum mode indicator light
154 on the display section 134 of the chassis 28 as well as the
light 122 adjacent the top button 118 on the door 22 of the revenue
compartment 20 will illuminate. Each vacuum motor 46 also includes
a fuse 156 in series with one of the vacuum motors 46. The fuses
156 each include a fuse LED 158 that is illuminated when the fuse
156 in series with circuit 32 containing the particular vacuum
motor 46 is blown. The fuse 156 are preferably a commercially
available fuse holder with an illuminated blown fuse indicator,
although it is contemplated that the fuses could be any indicator
that provides a visual indication of a blown fuse. The fuse LED 158
is located on the chassis 28 on the structure of the fuse 156. The
source of power of 120V A/C is also connected to a pair of dome
lights 160.
[0046] In the illustrated example, a 1/5 step-down transformer 162
is connected to the source of power of 120V A/C to produce power of
24V A/C. The display section 134 of the chassis 28 includes a 24
voltage power indicator light 164 that illuminates to indicate the
presence of 24V A/C available from the transformer 162. The
transformer 162 is also connected to a 24V fuse 166 that includes a
24V fuse LED 168 that is illuminated when the 24V fuse 166 is
blown. The fuse LED 168 is located on the chassis 28 on the
structure of the 24V fuse 166. The 24V fuse 166 is preferably a
commercially available fuse holder with an illuminated blown fuse
indicator, although it is contemplated that the 24V fuse could be
any indicator that provides a visual indication of a blown
fuse.
[0047] The illustrated transformer 162 is also connected to the
timer 144. When using the vacuum of the vehicle cleaning unit 10,
using only two vacuum motors 46 includes a monetary charge of a set
fee for a certain number of minutes for using the two vacuum motors
46 (e.g., 4 minutes for $1.00). Additionally, using all three of
the vacuum motors 46 also includes a monetary charge of a set fee
for a certain number of minutes for using the three vacuum motors
46, with the set fee being larger than the fee for using only two
vacuum motors 46 (e.g., 2 minutes for $1.00). The timer 144
calculates the amount of time left when a user of the vehicle
cleaning unit 10 switches between two and three vacuum motors 46 by
pressing the top button 118 and the bottom button 120 on the door
22 of the revenue compartment 20. The process of calculating the
amount of time left for the user is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,371,681, entitled "METHOD OF DISPLAYING VENDING PERIODS OF TIME,"
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference. The timer 144 preferably includes a box 170 held to the
rear face of the door 22 enclosing the servicing compartment 18 by
hook brackets 172 (see FIG. 1). The box 170 as described in this
application is commercially available from IDX, Inc. located in El
Dorado, Ark., under the part name BT902 Big Two Timer Multi-Event
Timer with Digital Display. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that other similarly functioning timers may be used. The
timer 144 includes a digital display 174 that displays the time
remaining. The timer 144 also includes a timer fuse 194 that
includes a timer fuse LED 196 that is illuminated when the timer
fuse 194 is blown. The timer fuse LED 196 is located on the chassis
28 on the structure of the fuse 194. The timer fuse 194 is
preferably a commercially available fuse holder with an illuminated
blown fuse indicator, although it is contemplated that the timer
fuse could be any indicator that provides a visual indication of a
blown fuse.
[0048] In the illustrated example, the timer 144 is connected to a
first solid state relay 176 that powers the vehicle cleaning unit
10 to use only two vacuum motors 46 and a second solid state relay
178 that powers the vehicle cleaning unit 10 to use all three
vacuum motors 46. The transformer 162 is connected to both the
first solid state relay 176 and the second solid state relay 178.
The display section 134 of the chassis 28 includes a timer output
indicator light 180 that illuminates and shows that energy is
passing from the timer 144 to a switch (buttons 118 and 120) that
chooses between the first solid state relay 176 and the second
solid state relay 178. The display section 134 of the chassis 28
also includes a power vacuum indicating light 180 that indicates
energy from the timer 144 to the first solid state relay 176 for
powering only two vacuum motors 46. However, when the second solid
state relay 178 is selected, the power vacuum indicating light 180
will stay on, and a premium service coil activity light 184 and
premium service indicator 182 will illuminate that indicate that
the second solid state relay 178 is selected. The premium service
coil activity light 184 is located on a control relay 185 that
provides power to the lights 122 and 124, switches neutral leg of
the control circuit of the second solid state relay 178 to neutral
side of transformer 162 when the three vacuum motors 46 are
activated, switches a "two time" circuit of timer 144 to neutral,
and that provides power to remain in a closed position when it is
energized. The first solid state relay 176 also includes a first
relay coil activity status light 188 that indicates that the first
solid state relay 176 is energized and the second solid state relay
178 includes a second relay coil activity status light 186 that
indicates that the second solid state relay 178 is energized.
[0049] The illustrated chassis 28 also includes a coin counter 200
that displays the number of coins and a coin counter reset key
switch 202 that resets the coins counted by the coin counter 200 to
zero. The chassis 28 also includes a low voltage circuit reset
button 204 that will reset the timer 144, the paper money
validator/stacker 94 and the coin validator/accepter 114 without
interrupting the power to the transformer 162 (i.e., the 24 voltage
power indicator light 164 will stay illuminated). Furthermore, the
chassis 28 includes connections to the low voltage detection unit
26.
[0050] In the illustrated example, the low voltage detection unit
26 (FIGS. 11 and 12) will detect the voltage from the source of
power of 120V A/C and will notify a low or zero voltage condition
in the unit 10. The low voltage detection unit 26 includes a box
300 having a first line in connection 302 and a second line in
connection 304. The first line in connection 302 and the second
line in connection 304 connect the low voltage detection unit 26 to
the source of power 120V A/C in parallel. The low voltage detection
unit 26 also includes a ground connection 306. The low voltage
detection unit 26 includes a mounting hole 308 allowing the low
voltage detection unit 26 to be connected to the container 12. The
low voltage detection unit 26 measures the voltage of the source of
power going to the vehicle cleaning unit 10.
[0051] The illustrated low voltage detection unit 26 of the present
invention measures the voltage of the source of power going to the
vehicle cleaning unit 10 and provides notification of a low voltage
condition in a vehicle cleaning unit 10. Referring to FIG. 13, a
method 310 of measuring a voltage and providing notification of a
low voltage condition is shown. Beginning at decision step 312 of
the method 310 of measuring a voltage and providing notification of
a low voltage condition, the voltage input through the first line
in connection 302 and the second line in connection 304 is measured
to determine whether the voltage is below a predetermined
threshold. The low voltage detection unit 26 includes a threshold
voltage adjustment screw 314 that allows a user of the low voltage
detection unit 26 to set the predetermined threshold. Preferably,
the threshold voltage adjustment screw 314 is connected to a
potentiometer as is known to one of ordinary skill in the art and
allows the user to set the predetermined threshold between 90 and
105 volts A/C. Most preferably, the threshold is set at 103 volts
A/C, although it is contemplated that any threshold could be set.
Once the voltage as measured in decision step 312 drops below the
predetermined threshold, the method 310 of measuring a voltage and
providing notification of a low voltage condition will proceed to
decision step 316.
[0052] At decision step 316 in the method 310 of measuring a
voltage and providing notification of a low voltage condition, the
voltage input through the first line in connection 302 and the
second line in connection 304 is measured to determine whether the
voltage is below the predetermined threshold for a predetermined
period of time of consecutive seconds. The predetermined period of
time is preferably set at 10 sections, although it is contemplated
that the time could be set for any period of time. Additionally, it
is contemplated that the low voltage detection unit 26 could
includes a time adjustment screw that allows a user of the low
voltage detection unit 26 to set the predetermined time. Once the
voltage as measured in decision step 312 drops below the
predetermined threshold for the predetermined time as measured in
decision step 316, the method 310 of measuring a voltage and
providing notification of a low voltage condition will proceed to
step 320. However, if the voltage does not drop below the
predetermined threshold for the predetermined period of time, the
method 310 will proceed back to step 312 to once again measure the
voltage to determine if the voltage drops below the predetermined
threshold.
[0053] Once the voltage has dropped below the predetermined
threshold as measured in step 312 for the predetermined period of
time as measured in step 316, the low voltage detection unit 26
will activate a low voltage detection light 322 on the display
section 134 of the chassis 28 (see FIG. 9) and will store a low
voltage alarm state in non-volatile memory at step 320. The
non-volatile memory preferably includes a register that is shown as
being either closed (low voltage alarm state) or open (no low
voltage alarm state). The low voltage detection light 322 is
connected to the box 300 of the low voltage detection unit 26
through a pair of terminals 324 extending from the top of the box
300. Therefore, a low voltage alarm condition is logged if the
voltage is non-zero and below a predetermined threshold for a
predetermined period of time.
[0054] The low voltage detection light 322 on the display section
134 of the chassis 28 will continue to stay illuminated and the low
voltage alarm state will continue to reside in the nonvolatile
memory, even after the voltage has risen above the predetermined
threshold, until a voltage measuring reset switch 326 is closed at
decision step 328. The voltage measuring reset switch 326 is
located on the display section 134 of the chassis 28 (see FIG. 9)
and is connected to the box 300 of the low voltage detection unit
26 through a pair of terminals 330 extending from the top of the
box 300. Once the voltage measuring reset switch 326 has been
closed in step 328, the low voltage detection light 322 will turn
off and the low voltage alarm state will be cleared from the
non-volatile memory at step 332.
[0055] In the illustrated example, in addition to measuring low
voltage, the method 310 of measuring a voltage and providing
notification of a low voltage condition will measure the voltage
input through the first line in connection 302 and the second line
in connection 304 to determine whether the voltage is zero at step
334. If the voltage as measured through the first line in
connection 302 and the second line in connection 304 is zero, the
low voltage detection unit 26 will activate a zero voltage
detection light 336 on the display section 134 of the chassis 28
(see FIG. 9) and will store a zero voltage alarm state in
non-volatile memory at step 338. The non-volatile memory preferably
includes a register that is shown as being either closed (zero
voltage alarm state) or open (no zero voltage alarm state). The
zero voltage detection light 336 is connected to the box 300 of the
low voltage detection unit 26 through a pair of terminals 340
extending from the top of the box 300. Therefore, a zero voltage
alarm condition is logged if the voltage is zero.
[0056] The zero voltage detection light 336 on the display section
134 of the chassis 28 will continue to stay illuminated and the
zero voltage alarm state will continue to reside in the nonvolatile
memory, even after the voltage has risen above zero, until the
voltage measuring reset switch 326 is closed at decision step 328.
Once the voltage measuring reset switch 326 has been closed in step
328, the zero voltage detection light 336 will turn off and the
zero voltage alarm state will be cleared from the non-volatile
memory at step 332. The voltage measuring reset switch 236 only
turns off the lights and clears the alarm state memory, the reset
switch 236 does not reset the entire process (i.e., steps 312, 316,
320, 334 and 338 will run continuously regardless of the closing of
the voltage measuring reset switch 326). Additionally, the lights
and the alarm state memory are preferably powered by the main power
to the system and therefore the lights are not lit during a total
power loss, but they will be lit once the power resumes.
[0057] In the above described method 310 of measuring a voltage and
providing notification of a low voltage condition, the low voltage
detection light 322 and the zero voltage detection light 336 will
stay illuminated even after the conditions that caused the lights
to be illuminated has passed. Additionally, the low voltage alarm
condition and the zero voltage alarm condition will stay in the
non-volatile memory even after the conditions that caused the
lights to be illuminated has passed. Therefore, a person servicing
the vehicle cleaning unit 10 will be able to determine that either
the low voltage condition or the zero voltage condition was present
and thereby allow the person servicing the vehicle cleaning unit 10
to take steps to prevent their reoccurrence (e.g., removing a drain
on the source of power that is in series with the vehicle cleaning
unit). Although the low voltage detection unit 26 is described
above as being in the box 300, it is contemplated that any device
could be used to measure a voltage and providing notification of a
low voltage condition.
[0058] In the vehicle cleaning unit 10 of the present invention,
the revenue in the revenue compartment 20 remains safe behind a
redundant locking system of the lock 24 of the door 22 and the coin
door lock 100 and the paper money door lock 106. Additionally, the
container 12 will be difficult to vandalize in order to obtain the
revenue in the revenue compartment 20 by prying the first side wall
50 and the second side wall 52 of the container 12 away from the
revenue door 22 because the reinforcement rod 86 will fortify the
container. Additionally, the revenue in the revenue compartment 20
will not be accessible by a person servicing or stocking the
vehicle cleaning unit because they will only have access to the
service compartment 18 and the stock holding compartment 16 through
the service door 22 and the stock holding door 22. Furthermore, the
chassis 28 allows the person servicing the vehicle cleaning unit 20
to easily determine the malfunction in the circuitry 30 and fix the
malfunction.
[0059] In the forgoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. For
example, although LEDs and lamps are illustrated in the Figures and
discussed herein, either LEDs or lamps can be used interchangeably.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
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