U.S. patent number RE40,463 [Application Number 10/819,887] was granted by the patent office on 2008-08-26 for rollover pressure car wash apparatus and methods of operating same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Belanger, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael J. Belanger, Robert J. Wentworth.
United States Patent |
RE40,463 |
Belanger , et al. |
August 26, 2008 |
Rollover pressure car wash apparatus and methods of operating
same
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.
Inventors: |
Belanger; Michael J. (Novi,
MI), Wentworth; Robert J. (Farmington Hills, MI) |
Assignee: |
Belanger, Inc. (Northville,
MI)
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Family
ID: |
23630464 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/819,887 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
09411821 |
Oct 1, 1999 |
06372053 |
Apr 16, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
134/34; 134/123;
134/172; 134/58R; 239/550; 239/565; 239/566; 239/750; 239/751;
239/752; 239/753 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S
3/06 (20130101); B60S 3/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B08B
3/00 (20060101); H02P 1/42 (20060101); G05B
23/02 (20060101); G05B 9/02 (20060101); H01H
3/14 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;134/34,58R,123,172
;239/550,565,566,750-753 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
"Monarch II-Hi High Impact" Brochure, Ryko Mfg. Co., Jun. 1999.
cited by examiner .
"Monarch II-High High Impact" Brochure, Ryko Mfg. Co., Aug. 1994.
cited by examiner .
AutoLaundry News, May, 1999 p. 11. cited by examiner.
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Primary Examiner: Perrin; Joseph L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Basile; Young
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. Apparatus for spraying fluid onto an object in a treatment
location having a floor and comprising: a support structure
overhead the location a spray nozzle carrier arm of essentially
inverted L-shape having a horizontal spray portion extending from
an inboard end generally over the center line of the location to a
second end at the periphery of the location; said arm further
having a vertical spray portion essentially continuous with the
horizontal portion and extending from the second end thereof
downwardly toward the floor; spray nozzles carried by said arm; a
powered pivot structure connecting said arm to said support
structure to pivot said arm about a vertical axis passing
substantially through the inboard end of the first portion whereby
the vertical portion of the arm may be caused to circumscribe at
least a portion of the area; and means for supplying fluid to the
nozzles under pressure..].
.[.2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said support
structure defines a longitudinal path of travel and said apparatus
further comprises: a carriage structure mounted for longitudinal
movement over and relative to the treatment location; a reversible
carriage drive system; and said powered pivot structure being
mounted on said carriage..].
.[.3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a shuttle
structure mounted on said carriage and including a shuttle drive
system for selectively causing movement of said shuttle and pivot
structure laterally of said support structure and carriage..].
.[.4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprising a
programmable controller having outputs connected to the pivot
structure, said carriage drive and said shuttle drive..].
.[.5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said programmable
controller includes means for programmably controlling the speed of
movement of said carriage and shuttle drives..].
.[.6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said programmable
controller comprises a variable frequency generator..].
.[.7. Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said programmable
controller comprises a key pad input..].
.[.8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a
resettable, breakaway joint disposed between said interconnecting
said first and second carrier arm portions for permitting
nondestructive relative movement between said portions when said
second arm is subjected to a force..].
.[.9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for
supplying said nozzles with fluid comprises a fluid source and has
multiple pressure settings..].
.[.10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said support
structure comprises a pair of spaced parallel hollow beams
suspended over the washing area and extending transversely thereof,
at least one longitudinal beam extending between and supported by
said pair of beams; said apparatus further comprising a carriage
mounted for powered reversible travel on said beams, and a shuttle
structure mounted for powered reversible movement on said
carriage..].
.[.11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 further comprising means
for adjusting the lateral spacing between said pair of parallel
beams..].
.[.12. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 further comprising means
for supplying heated liquid to the interior spaces of the
beams..].
.[.13. A pressure washer for an object in a washing area
comprising: a support structure over said area; a pair of spray
nozzle carrier arms each being of essentially inverted L-shaped
configuration and having a first portion extending from a center
point toward the periphery of the area and a second contiguous
vertical portion disposed adjacent to the area; spray nozzles
carried by the 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd portions of each of said
carrier arms; a pivot structure connecting said carrier arms to
said support structure at said center point to reversely pivot said
carrier arms whereby the vertical portions of said carrier arms may
be caused to follow reversely similar, essentially mirror image
paths which together circumscribe the area; and means for supplying
fluid to the nozzles under pressure..].
.[.14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said support
structure defines the longitudinal path of travel; said apparatus
further comprising a carriage structure mounted for longitudinal
movement over and relative to the washing area, said pivot
structure be mounted on said carriage for movement
therewith..].
.[.15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14 further including a shuttle
structure mounted on said carriage structure for bidirectional
lateral movement relative to said arms..].
.[.16. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 further including a
resettable breakaway joint disposed between interconnecting each of
said first and second carrier portions for permitting
nondestructive controlled relative movement between said
portions..].
.[.17. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 further comprising a
programmable controller for controlling the movement of said
support structure relative to said washing area..].
.[.18. Apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said programmable
controller comprises means for controlling the speed of movement of
said carriage..].
.[.19. Apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein said programmable
controller comprises a display..].
.[.20. Apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said programmable
controller comprises a key pad..].
.[.21. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for
supplying said nozzles with washing fluid comprises at least two
fluid sources..].
22. A pressure washer for .[.an object.]. .Iadd.a vehicle
.Iaddend.in a washing area comprising: a support structure over
said area; .Iadd.a shuttle mounted on the support
structure;.Iaddend. a pair of spray nozzle carrier arms each being
of essentially inverted L-shaped configuration and having a first
portion extending from a center point toward the periphery of the
area and a second contiguous vertical portion disposed adjacent to
the area; spray nozzles carried by .[.the 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd.].
.Iadd.at least the second portion of .Iaddend.each of said carrier
arms; a pivot structure connecting said carrier arms to said
.[.support structure.]. .Iadd.shuttle .Iaddend.at said center point
.Iadd.and operative .Iaddend.to reversely pivot said carrier arms
whereby the vertical portions of said carrier arms may be caused to
follow reversely similar, essentially mirror image paths which
together circumscribe the area; .[.and.]. means for supplying
.Iadd.pressurized .Iaddend.fluid .Iadd.selectively .Iaddend.to the
.[.nozzles under pressure wherein said means for supplying said
nozzles with washing fluid comprises at least two fluid sources.].
.Iadd.carrier arms either jointly or individually; and sensing
means operative to determine the center line of a vehicle located
in said washing area said shuttle to move said shuttle and carrier
arms laterally of said washing area; and drive means operative to
move the shuttle laterally of the washing area to a position in
which said center point is in vertical alignment with the center
line of the vehicle.Iaddend..
.[.23. Apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said support
structure comprises a pair of spaced parallel beams dispersed over
the washing area, at least one cross beam extending between and
supported by said pair of longitudinal beams, and a shuttle
structure mounted on the support for powered programmably
coordinated movement along said beams..].
24. Apparatus as defined in claim 22 further including means for
.[.determining.]. .Iadd.selectively moving .Iaddend.the
.[.location.]. .Iadd.carriage laterally to a position in which the
center point is offset from the center line .Iaddend.of a vehicle
.[.in said area.]. .
25. A method of pressure washing a vehicle which is disposed in a
washing area .[.comprising the steps of: providing.]. .Iadd.of the
type having an overhead structure including a carriage for movement
over the washing area, a shuttle on the carriage for lateral
movement across the washing area, .Iaddend.a .Iadd.pair of
.Iaddend.spray nozzle carrier .[.arm.]. .Iadd.arms each .Iaddend.of
essentially inverted L-shape .[.having a first horizontal portion
which is disposed over the area and a contiguous, second vertical
portion which is disposed adjacent the periphery of the area;.].
.Iadd.on the shuttle a pivot structure on the shuttle in engagement
with inboard an end of each of the arms which is generally over the
center of the area and sensors on the overhead structure .Iaddend.
.[.causing said carrier arm to circumscribe at least part of the
area and to pivot about an end of the arm which is generally over
the center of the area; and.]. .Iadd.operative to sense the center
line of a vehicle in the washing area wherein the method comprises
the steps of: utilizing the sensors to locate the center line of a
vehicle in the washing area; positioning the pivot structure on the
vehicle center line, and .Iaddend. supplying washing fluid to the
.[.nozzles.]. .Iadd.spray nozzle carrier arms .Iaddend.under
pressure .Iadd.while moving the carriage over the vehicle with the
pivot structure moving along and over the center line of the
vehicle.Iaddend..
.[.26. A method as defined in claim 25 wherein the step of
circumscribing is carried out so as to maintain a substantially
constant spacing between the vertical arm portion and a vehicle in
the area..].
27. A method of washing a vehicle having top, front, rear and side
surfaces while standing in a washing area comprising the steps of:
providing a pair of spray nozzle carriers each of essentially
inverted L-shape and each having first horizontal portions which
overlie the washing area and .Iadd.extend from a center point
toward the periphery of the area and .Iaddend.second vertical
portions which are adjacent the washing area; causing said carriers
to pivot from the inboard .[.distal.]. ends of said horizontal
portions .Iadd.about center point .Iaddend.in a reversely similar
fashion so as to fully circumscribe said area and said vehicle
while maintaining a substantially constant spacing from the side
surfaces of said vehicle; .[.and.]. .Iadd.providing control means
operative to sense the lateral position of a vehicle in the washing
area and cause said carriers to move laterally of said washing area
between a first position in which the center point is centered on
the center line of the vehicle, whereby to position the vertical,
and a second position offset with respect to the vehicle, whereby
to position the vertical portion offset with respect to the vehicle
center line, where to position the vertical portion of one of the
carriers at an optimal distance from a respective vehicle side
surface; and .Iaddend. supplying said nozzle carriers with washing
fluid under pressure.
28. A method of washing a vehicle in a washing area
.[.comprising.]. .Iadd.with an overhead structure including a
multi-directionally moveable carriage and a pair of reversibly
similar spray nozzle carriers of inverted L-shape mounted on the
carriage and having a substantially common pivot center and sensors
mounted on the moveable carriage, wherein the method comprises
.Iaddend.the steps of: .Iadd.placing a vehicle in the washing area;
utilizing the sensors to locate the center line of the vehicle and
move the carriage laterally to a position in which the pivot center
is in vertical alignment with the center line of the
vehicle;.Iaddend. .[.providing a pair of reversibly similar spray
nozzle carriers of inverted L-shape having a substantially common
pivot center over the area;.]. moving the carriers through a
butterfly pattern while moving .Iadd.the carriage to move
.Iaddend.the pivot center along and over the centerline of the
vehicle while simultaneously supplying both carriers with fluid;
.[.and.]. moving each carrier sequentially through a butterfly
pattern at a predetermined optimal distance from the vehicle while
supplying each carrier independently with fluid.
.Iadd.29. Apparatus for spraying fluid onto a vehicle in a washing
area having a floor and comprising: a support structure overhead
the washing area and defining a longitudinal path of travel; a
carriage mounted on said support structure for longitudinal
movement over and relative to the washing area; a drive system
operatively connected to said carriage; a shuttle mounted on said
carriage for lateral movement relative to said support structure; a
pair of spray nozzle carrier arms each of essentially inverted
L-shape and having a horizontal portion extending from an inboard
end generally over the center line of the washing area to a second
end at the periphery of the washing area and a vertical portion
essentially continuous with the horizontal portion and extending
from the second end thereof downwardly toward the floor; spray
nozzles carried by said carrier arms; a powered pivot structure
connecting said arms to said shuttle to pivot said arms about a
vertical axis passing substantially through the inboard ends of the
horizontal arm portions whereby the vertical portions of the arms
may be caused to circumscribe at least a portion of the washing
area; means for supplying fluid to the nozzles under pressure;
sensing means moveable with the shuttle operative to sense the
position of the vertical arm portion of one of the arms relative to
a side of a vehicle in the washing area and further operative to
determine the center line of a vehicle in the washing area; and a
shuttle drive system operative in response to said sensing means to
selectively cause movement of said shuttle and pivot structure
laterally of said support structure for a position in which said
vertical axis is in vertical alignment with the vehicle center line
to a position in which said one arm vertical arm portion is in an
optimal lateral position relative to said vehicle
side..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. Apparatus as defined in claim 29 further comprising a
programmable controller having outputs connected to the pivot
structure, said carriage drive system and said shuttle drive
system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. Apparatus as defined in claim 30 wherein said
programmable controller includes means for programmably controlling
the speed of movement of said carriage and shuttle drive
systems..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. Apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein said
programmable controller comprises a variable frequency
generator..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. Apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein said
programmable controller comprises a key pad input..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. Apparatus as defined in claim 29 further including a
resettable, breakaway joint disposed between and interconnecting
said horizontal and vertical carrier arm portions for permitting
nondestructive relative movement between said portions when a
vertical arm portion is subjected to a force..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. Apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein said means for
supplying said nozzles with fluid comprises a fluid source and has
multiple pressure settings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. Apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein said support
structure comprises a pair of spaced parallel hollow beams
suspended over the washing area and extending longitudinally
thereof..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. Apparatus as defined in claim 36 further comprising means
for adjusting the lateral spacing between said pair of parallel
beams..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. Apparatus as defined in claim 36 further comprising means
for supplying heated liquid to the interior space of the
beams..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. A pressure washer for a motor vehicle in a washing area
comprising: a support structure over said area and defining a
longitudinal path of travel; a pair of spray nozzle carrier arms
each being of essentially inverted L-shaped configuration and
having a first portion extending from a center point toward the
periphery of the area and a second contiguous vertical portion
disposed adjacent to the washing area; spray nozzles carried by the
second portion of each of said carrier arms; a carriage mounted for
movement along said longitudinal path of travel; a shuttle mounted
on said carriage for lateral movement relative thereto; a powered
pivot structure connecting said carrier arms to said shuttle at
said center point and operative to reversely pivot said carrier
arms whereby the vertical portions of said carrier arms may be
caused to follow reversely similar, essentially mirror image paths
which together circumscribe the washing area; means for supplying
pressurized fluid selectively to the carrier arms either jointly or
individually; and sensor means operative to determine the center
line of a vehicle located in the washing area and operative to move
the shuttle laterally of the carriage to position the center point
in vertical alignment with the vehicle center line..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. Apparatus as defined in claim 39 further including a
resettable breakaway joint disposed between and interconnecting
each of said first and second carrier portions for permitting
controlled relative movement between said portions..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. Apparatus as defined in claim 39 further comprising a
programmable controller for controlling the movement of said
carriage structure relative to said washing area..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. Apparatus as defined in claim 41 wherein said
programmable controller comprises means for controlling the speed
of movement of said carriage structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. Apparatus as defined in claim 42 wherein said
programmable controller comprises a display..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. Apparatus as defined in claim 43 wherein said
programmable controller comprises a key pad..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. Apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein said means for
supplying said nozzles with washing fluid comprises at least two
fluid sources..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. A method of washing vehicles in a washing area with
apparatus of the type having an overhead support structure, a
multi-axis carriage mounted on the support structure, a pair of
inverted L-shaped spray arms mounted for multi-axis movement with
the carriage and having a substantially common pivot axis, and
sensors mounted for movement with the carriage, wherein the method
comprises the steps of: moving the multi-axis carriage and
utilizing the sensors to locate the center line of a vehicle in the
washing area; positioning the substantially common pivot axis on
the located vehicle center line; and performing a washing step
involving spraying fluid from said arms..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to systems for causing one or more spray
nozzle support arms to traverse a path which circumscribes an
object such as an automobile as well as to operating methods
therefor. The invention and the various sub-combinations thereof
are advantageously applied to a vehicle laundry of the rollover
type.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The manufacture, sale and operation of automobile laundering
equipment is big business in the United States and many other
countries. The term "automobile laundering", as used herein, refers
to wet washing the external surfaces of virtually any type of
vehicle from ordinary passenger cars to busses, trucks, vans and
even train cars and airplanes. Moreover, the principles and
structures described herein can be applied to any fluid spray
system including, by way of example, painting, prepping and
corrosion-proofing.
One of the most popular forms of vehicle laundering equipment is
the so-called "rollover" washer which is characterized by a washing
structure which moves over or around a vehicle parked in a
pre-specified area. Rollover equipment typically occupies less
space than the traditional tunnel or conveyor washer and is often
preferred by car dealers, service stations and convenience stores
with collateral vehicle laundries for that reason.
Rollover washers can have brushes which contact the surfaces of the
vehicle; see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,983 issued Feb. 25,
1969 to R. Seakan and U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,284 issued Jun. 12, 1984
to R. Schleeter. An alternative approach, preferred by many because
of the absence of physical contact between the washing apparatus
and the vehicle, is the pressure washer, an example of which is
illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,662 issued May 21, 1999 to
Crotts and Rambo. Another example is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.
5,161,557 issued Nov. 10, 1992 to L. Scheiter.
The Seakan, Schleeter, Crotts et al and Scheiter systems are all of
the "gantry" type; i.e., they all involve the use of an arch-shaped
structure which rolls forward and backward along spaced, parallel
floor tracks while passing over the vehicle. Crotts et al
recognizes the desirability of laterally adjusting the position of
the spray bars on one side of the arch according to variations in
vehicle width.
Non-gantry pressure washers are also known in the art. One such
washer comprises an overhead support for an inverted L-shaped spray
arm which carries both vertically and horizontally-aimed spray
nozzles and which can move longitudinally, laterally, and pivotally
to circumscribe a parked vehicle. The pivot point for the spray arm
is essentially at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal
legs of the arm. This creates certain inefficiencies; for example,
when traversing the side of a vehicle, the arm goes beyond the rear
end of the vehicle stops and pivots 90.degree. to begin a sweep of
the rear surface. In so doing, the downwardly-directed nozzles
cover a sector-shaped area of the trunk lid three times and the
horizontally-directed nozzles spray into empty space for a
significant period of time. At a minimum, this is wasteful of
chemicals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus for spraying fluids
onto the external surfaces of an object which is stationary in a
predetermined treatment area, e.g., an automobile parked in a
laundering area, by causing one or more arm-like spray nozzle
carriers to move through a path which causes a set of
vertically-arranged, horizontally projecting fluid nozzles to
substantially circumscribe the object while a set of
horizontally-arranged, vertically projecting fluid nozzles cover
the plan-view area of the object. Fluid is supplied to the nozzles
with additives and pressures chosen and regulated to achieve the
desired result. Coverage of the object is achieved in part by
rotation of the nozzle carrier or carriers and in part by linear
translation of the carrier or carriers via a carriage mounted on an
overhead track which also provides structural support.
In the hereinafter-illustrated forms, the apparatus of the subject
invention comprises at least one inverted L-shaped spray nozzle
carrier which is pivotally mounted at or near the inboard distal
end thereof to powered pivot system which in turn is mounted on an
overhead carriage for longitudinal movement over and relative to
the vehicle. The combination of pivotal and longitudinal movements
are such as to cause the arm and the nozzles therefor to
circumscribe an object in the laundering area, thus to provide full
coverage but without undesirable overlap.
In the preferred and fully accessorized embodiment, the carriage
arrangement provides for lateral as well as longitudinal
displacement of the pivot center relative to the treatment area.
With this capability, pivotal movement, lateral movement,
longitudinal movement and pressure selection may be programmably
coordinated to perform high pressure treatment cycles at optimal
distances from the side surfaces of the treated object while low
pressure cycles are carried out in such a way as to promote
efficiency through time saving. By way of example, a dual spray arm
system affords simultaneous coverage of both sides of a vehicle in
a laundering area during that portion of a cycle in which fluid is
sprayed at low pressure. The nozzle-carrying arms move in
mirror-image or "butterfly" fashion to achieve maximum coverage
while the pivot center for the arms moves along a line
corresponding with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle.
However, for the high-pressure phase, the left and right arms of a
two-arm system are activated separately and each arm is placed at
optimal nozzle-to-vehicle spacing during its operating time.
The spray apparatus is shown herein in combination with an
overhead, fixed support structure preferably constructed of
aluminum beams. The illustrative structure comprises spaced-apart,
parallel longitudinal beams adjustably clamped to cross beams which
are in turn adjustably clamped to vertical corner posts to
facilitate installation as well as to tailor system size as
desired.
Further describing the preferred embodiment; i.e., the embodiment
having the greatest number of features, a carriage is mounted on
spaced-apart, parallel longitudinal overhead beams for movement
therealong. Longitudinal translation is provided by means of
wheels, preferably coated on contact surfaces to reduce wear, and
driven to provide controlled displacement at selected times in a
wash/rinse cycle sequence as programmed. Within the carriage, a
shuttle is provided for lateral or cross-wise movement over beams
bolted between end plates on the carriage structure. The shuttle
carries the pivot structure for the spray arms as well as the pivot
drive motor and the shuttle drive mechanism, all of which are
controlled to follow programs residing in, for example, the memory
of a programmable digital processor.
Drive motor speed as well as pressure variations are preferably
controlled by generating variable frequency control signals and
applying those signals to suitable devices such as pumps and ac
motors.
Object edge position inputs are provided, for example, by optical
or sonic signal-emitting components such as photo cells and sonar
transducers, or combinations thereof, all readily commercially
available, mounted on the spray arms and various other places. The
position signals are fed to the processor to locate the centerline
and outside edges; i.e., peripheral surfaces, of the vehicle to
direct the system to perform the longitudinal, lateral and pivotal
motions in a correlated way. For components, such as the spray
arms, which pivot or rotate, commercially available encoders are
used to generate pulses indicating increments of angular motion.
These pulses are readily counted and the counts converted into
distance quantities so that the position of the spray arms can be
determined and controlled at all times.
The preferred system is user-programmable, data-collecting, and
fault-detecting. The input devices mentioned above together with
limit switches, flow meters and the like, define a home position
for the carriage, the shuttle and the spray arms. All movements are
referenced to the home position and the system may default to it in
the event of a loss of signal.
The spray nozzles are suitably attached to supply hoses and conduit
made flexible and pivotal to accommodate movement between fixed
supply tanks and movable spray arms. Where multiple chemicals are
used in sequence, supply valves are timed to cause one chemical to
be purged or spent from the system prior to beginning another pass
calling for another chemical or treated water.
Various other features and advantages of the invention are
hereinafter described. For example, the spray arms are provided
with multi-axis "breakaway" sections which "give" non-destructively
in the event of encountering obstructions and provide a
fault-indicating signal to shut down system operation until a
correction is made.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a practical embodiment of the
invention using a single spray nozzle support arm;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the FIG. 1 embodiment showing various
positions of the spray arm;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative overhead support
structure for use in the invention;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention
employing a pair of spray nozzle support arms and both longitudinal
and lateral movement capability;
FIG. 5 is a front perspective drawing of a carriage and shuttle
assembly in the embodiment of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the carriage and shuttle of
FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective drawing of the carriage and shuttle
assembly of FIG. 5;
FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of a break-away mount for the
spray arms of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 4;
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a motor control circuit; and
FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic path-of-travel diagrams for the spray
arms of FIGS. 4 and 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 where the components of a
single-arm embodiment are schematically shown, a representative
portion of a conventional passenger vehicle 10 has a front left
wheel 12 positioned by guides 14 suitably attached to the floor of
a vehicle laundry bay. A treadle 16 is mounted on the floor of the
bay near the forward extremity of the guides 14. When depressed by
the front tire of vehicle 10, treadle 16 generates an electrical
signal providing input data to a controller 66 to operate a signal
light 15 providing stop and go cues to the driver of vehicle 10.
Treadle 16 also provides the driver with a tactile cue that the
vehicle is in the correct position.
The foregoing and following description assumes that the vehicle 10
is driven into the laundry bay, properly located and driven forward
out of the bay by a driver at the proper times. As persons skilled
in the art will know, the wash bay may instead be equipped with a
conveyor to position the vehicle.
An overhead carriage 18 having cushion surfaced wheels 20 is
mounted for longitudinal, fore and aft movement over the vehicle 10
by means of parallel spaced apart aluminum beams 22 carried by
vertical corner supports 24. The supports 24 are wide enough to
permit the vehicle 10 to pass between them without interference and
long enough to place the beams 22 and the carriage 18 well above
the vehicle to prevent undesirable mechanical interference. The
length of the beams 22 and the allowable longitudinal travel of the
carriage 18 may be equal to or somewhat less than the overall
length of the longest expected vehicle as hereinafter described.
Alternatively, the beams 22 may extend to and be used to carry
other equipment as desired. By way of example, beams 22 may be
twenty feet long and spread about twelve feet apart.
A motor 26 mounted on the carriage 18 and operates through an angle
encoder 28 to drive a hollow output shaft 30 about a vertical axis
which is essentially centered in the laundry bay. The shaft
functions as a mechanical element and as a fluid conduit and is
connected to a supply line 32 through a swivel coupling 34. Fluid
supply line 32 is carried in part by a boom 36 which is pivotally
mounted on a bay wall 38 to permit it to accommodate travel of the
carriage 18. Between the boom and the coupling, supply line 32 is
preferably flexible reinforced rubber.
Hollow shaft 30 is coupled to a hollow, rigid arm 40 of essentially
inverted L-shape carrying horizontally-arranged, vertically
downwardly-aimed spray nozzles 42 and vertically-arranged,
horizontally-inwardly-aimed nozzles 44. The horizontal dimension of
arm 40 is such as to extend from the centerline to about 14 inches
beyond the side edge or periphery of the largest vehicle to be
laundered. The vertical dimension is approximately equal to the
height of the vehicle plus about 14 inches.
The arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described above has the
advantage of allowing continual, unidirectional rotation of the
shaft 30 during operation with no wind-up of the supply line 30.
Motor 26 need only turn, for example, in a counterclockwise
direction. As will be apparent from the following, however, an
equivalent function can be achieved through alternate
pivot-direction reversals in which case the swivel coupling 34 can
be eliminated.
In the preferred arrangement shown, the carriage 18 is provided
with a longitudinal displacement drive motor 46 which is connected
to one of the wheels 20 through a gear box 48. Motor 46 is actuated
by controller 66 to cause carriage movement either forwardly or in
reverse as determined by a stored program. Although a direct
connection from controller 66 to motors 26 and 46 is shown, it is
preferred to interpose a variable frequency actuation signal source
for speed control purposes as hereinafter explained with reference
to FIGS. 4 through 9. A steel loop 47 encircles beam 22 as a safety
measure to prevent carriage 18 from falling in the event of a
derailment. Supply line 32 is connected to a water supply through a
variable pressure pump 49 and a control valve 50 to provide water
at either of two preset pressure settings according to the
frequency of an actuation signal from a variable frequency signal
generator as hereinafter explained. Additives are injected by tanks
51 and 52 by injection pumps 53 and 54 respectively. The additives
may include soap, acid solution, alkaline solution and the like. In
addition, a source of de-mineralized rinse water may be provided.
All of the additives and/or main alternative water supplies are
connected or disconnected to line 32 by controller 66 as required
by the sequence of the stored program or programs.
Typical of vehicle laundries intended for public use, the FIG. 1
system is provided with an input device 56 such as a coin slot,
bill slot, or keypad to start the sequence. Additional input
devices such as transducers providing data to controller 66, may be
provided as desired. These may include ph sensors, flow meters,
liquid level sensors, temperatures sensors, electric eyes and the
like. In the FIG. 1 system, a sonic transducer 58 is mounted on an
arm 19 projecting forwardly of the carriage 18 to assist in
locating the front vehicle 10 as hereinafter described. A similar
arm and transducer 60 project from the rear of carriage 18, as
shown in FIG. 2.
Operation--FIG. 1
A brief description of the operation of the FIG. 1 system will now
be given with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing.
To start with, a "home position" for the arm 40 and carriage 18 is
defined. The preferred "home position" is with the arm 40 extending
to one side of the wash bay as represented by arm position 40a in
FIG. 2. The longitudinal home position of carriage 18 is less
important but may be at or toward the front of the bay where the
typical wash program starts.
With arm 40 in the home position, the bay is clear for entry of
vehicle 10. Once the vehicle reaches treadle 16 and stops, the
laundry sequence starts. First, the carriage 18 is brought toward
the forward position shown in FIG. 2 so that the transducer 58 can
locate the front of the vehicle 10. The transducer 58 is a
commercially available sonic ranging device tuned to provide one
output level when the return signal comes from the floor level and
another output level when the signal comes from any significantly
higher plane such as occurs when the top or hood or rear deck of a
vehicle is beneath the sensor. The transition from hood level to
floor level as the carriage 18 moves forward locates the front of
vehicle 10 and signals the controller 66 that it is safe to move
the spray arm around to position 40b as shown in FIG. 2. The arm 19
ensures that the front of vehicle 10 is located before the carriage
reaches the full forward position.
Pump 49, 53 and 54 and valve 50 are enabled in the programmed
sequence to provide pre-soak or detergent spray at low pressure to
nozzles 42 and 44. Motor 26 is activated to pivot arm 40
counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 2 while motor 46 moves the
carriage 18 forward at a coordinated rate to permit nozzles 43 to
clear the front corner of the vehicle 10 and become repositioned
adjacent the driver's side of the vehicle; i.e., the right side as
seen in FIG. 2. Motor 46 is then activated to produce a
front-to-rear pass at a controlled rate along the driver's side.
The rearwardly projecting sonic transducer 60 locates the rear of
the vehicle and signals controller 66 when it is time to move arm
40 to the position 40c.
When the rear of the vehicle is reached, the motor 26 is activated
to pivot arm 40 to position 40c shown in FIG. 2. When the rear
corner is cleared, the carriage motor 46 may be activated to bring
the carriage 18 slightly forward and, when the arm reaches the
position 40c, reversed to allow the arm to clear the next
corner.
As mentioned above, the most time-efficient operation is to
continue to move arm 40 counterclockwise until it has circumscribed
the entire vehicle and returned to position 40b. This is not only
efficient timewise, it allows a single chemical to be sprayed over
the entire vehicle during a continuous sweep of arm 40. Before arm
40 reaches the 40b position, the valves and pumps 50, 53 and 54 are
reset to start the next chemical solution through supply line 32.
The timing must be empirically determined as it will vary according
to the length of supply line between tanks 51, 52 and the spray
nozzles 42; i.e., a longer run requires a longer purge time at a
given flow rate. The objective is to have the line 32 purged and
the next solution ready as the spray arm reaches the 40b position
so that the next sweep may begin immediately.
This sequence is repeated for as many cycles as are in the selected
program; pressure settings being varied as desired. A "premium"
wash may involve multiple wash or "prep" passes and multiple rinse
passes. Low pressure is used for prep and rinse, high pressure is
used to wash.
When the wash/rinse process is complete, arm 40 is returned to the
40a "home" position as the signal light 15 is again switched to
green. Vehicle 10 exits the bay.
FIG. 3
Referring to FIG. 3, the details of an aluminum beam overhead
support system are shown. The illustrated embodiment comprises four
hollow, square section vertical beams 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d bolted
to a poured concrete floor 13 in a vehicle laundry building by
means of base plates of which 31 is representative. The beams 24
are preferably constructed of 4 inch by 6 inch aluminum box
sections for corrosion resistance but can be made of steel and/or
numerous other materials. They are located in an essentially
rectangular plan view pattern of approximately 20 feet in
longitudinal dimension and approximately 12 feet in lateral
dimension. These dimensions are representative of those chosen for
a conventional vehicle commercial car wash and other dimensions may
be chosen for other applications including vehicular and
non-vehicular applications. Cross beams 23a and 23b are mounted
between uprights 24 by means of clamps 25 which may be loosened to
provide sliding displacement between the clamp collars and the
uprights thereby to select the exact vertical position for the
beams 23. The collars of the clamps 25 may thereafter be tightened
to hold the beams 23 in the desired position.
Longitudinal beams are mounted in parallel, spaced relation between
cross beams 23a and 23b by means of clamps 27 which can be loosely
assembled to permit sliding adjustment relative to the cross beams
23. Clamps can be tightened on beams 23 simply by turning screws
between opposing clamp sections to secure beams 22a and 22b in
place. This adjustable relationship allows the longitudinal beams
22 to be centered relative to a wash lane even if the lane and/or
beams 24 are not centered relative to the building.
A source of heated fluid, either air or liquid, is connected to the
beam structure to heat the interiors thereof in cold weather. One
or more return lines are provided as according to the design of a
particular system.
FIGS. 4-7
Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, a second embodiment of the
invention is schematically shown in combination with the overhead
beam system of FIG. 3 and a conventional automotive vehicle 10. In
this embodiment, the carriage 18' is again supported by wheels 20'
on beams 22a and 22b. A drive motor and gearbox arrangement 46, 48
provides power for variable speed, bidirectional, longitudinal
movement by way of rubber tired drive wheels 150 connected by shaft
152. Wheels 150 engage the bottom surfaces of beams 22a and 22b.
Flanged idler wheels 20' engage the tops of the beams to provide
guidance and stability. Carriage 18' comprises end plates 62 and 64
interconnected by corner struts 108 and cross beams 70 and 72
bolted between the end plates in spaced, parallel relationship. A
shuttle 74 is mounted on beams 70 and 72 by way of wheels 76 and 77
to provide a lateral translation capability as well. A
bidirectional variable speed and motor 78 operates via a belt 160
mounted on sprockets 162 as hereinafter described to move the
shuttle 74 along the cross beams 70 and 72 as desired.
Belt 160 has its opposite ends attached to opposite left and right
sides of the shuttle 74 and is stretched between sprockets 162 and
163 mounted to the end plates 62 and 64. A belt transitioner is
preferably provided. When motor 78 turns sprockets 162 clockwise,
for example, shuttle 74 moves to the right as seen in FIG. 5. When
motor 78 turns sprocket counterclockwise, the shuttle moves to the
left. The belt is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 to have teeth moulded into
it. Sprocket 162 has corresponding teeth so no slip can occur in
the drive system operation.
As is further schematically shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the shuttle 74
carries essentially centrally thereof a pair of spray arms 40a and
40b, each of which is essentially of the inverted L-shaped
configuration shown in FIG. 1. Arm 40b is directly driven by motor
26. To ensure coordinated but reversely-similar movement of arm
40a, the outside of the shaft driven by motor 26 is provided with a
large diameter plastic gear surface which meshes with a gear 80 to
drive arm 40a. Clockwise rotation of arm 40b results in
counterclockwise rotation of arm 40a and vice-versa.
Arm 40a has a hollow, fluid conduit vertical portion fitted with
nozzles 44 exactly as the FIG. 1 embodiment. The overhead nozzles
42, however, are mounted on a manifold 117 suspended about 2 inches
below the horizontal portion of arm 40a to provide hose
clearance.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7, the supply line is connected to
each of two valves 168 and 170 mounted on the bay wall 172 above a
pivot bracket 174. Separate supply lines 32a and 32b extend from
the valves 168 and 170, respectively, to the spray arms 40a and
40b, respectively. Lines 32a and 32b have both rigid and flexible
portions; rigid portions 176, 177 extend from plate which is
pivotally mounted to wall bracket 174. Additional rigid lengths 178
and 179 are mounted on a plate 110 which is pivotally attached to
the frame of shuttle 74. Flexible lengths 182, 183 connect the
rigid lengths 176, 177, 178, 179 and provide enough movement to
accommodate the entire length of carriage and shuttle
translation.
An arm 82 projecting out ahead of the shuttle 74 carries a sonic
ranging transducer 84 aimed downwardly at the floor and/or at the
top or hood or deck surface of vehicle 10. A second arm 86 projects
rearwardly of shuttle 74 and carries a second sonic transducer 88.
Transducers 84 and 88 are used in finding the front and rear
extremities of the vehicle as previously described. An optical
transducer 90 on arm 40a is aimed downwardly toward a floor
reflector 190 normally disposed partly beneath vehicle 10 but of
sufficient lateral dimension to extend outwardly from even the
widest vehicle expected. Transducer 90 is used to find the
passenger side of the vehicle and, from that location, the
centerline of the vehicle. This is achieved by moving the shuttle
74 laterally with arms 40 in the fully oppositely extending lateral
portions.
The location of the driver's side of vehicle 10 is essentially
determined by wheel guides 14. The average vehicle 10 measures
about 5 to 8 inches from tread center to outside body edge and this
is sufficient to locate one side of the vehicle. The center line
and the passenger side body edge, must be precisely located by the
transducer 90. The math to find the centerline of a vehicle is
fairly simple and is programmed into controller 166. The driver's
side edge is presumed to be six inches outside of the center of
guides 14. The passenger side edge is found by counting pulses from
a home position to the appearance of the unknown side edge in the
view field of transducer 90 and adding the count to a constant
representing the distance from home position to the passenger side
edge. One-half of the total identifies the lateral coordinate of
the centerline.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a preferred packaging arrangement
for the system of FIG. 4 is shown to comprise a carriage 18' having
solid end plates 62 and 64 joined by tubular stainless steel corner
struts 108. Teflon surfaced wheels 20' ride on the top surfaces of
the longitudinal rails 22a and 22b as previously described. In
addition, rubber tired drive wheels 150 are biased against the
bottom of the rail 22a to provide longitudinal drive by way of the
motor 46' and a gearbox 48. Cross rails 70 and 72 are bolted
between the end plates 62 and 64 as previously described to provide
for lateral translation of the shuttle 74. Teflon cushioned wheels
76 ride on the cross rails 70 and 72 and a rubber tired idler wheel
102 bears against the bottom of the cross beam 72 to stabilize the
shuttle structure. Steel cables or rigid tubes are preferably
welded or bolted in place to maintain the carriage 18' on the beams
22 and a similar arrangement can be used to provide security for
the shuttle 74 relative to the carriage.
As shown in FIG. 7, the twin arm embodiment uses for the upper or
horizontal portion solid arms with spray nozzle manifolds 117 and
118 rigidly mounted directly beneath the arms to provide clearance
for the supply hoses. Tee fittings 119 and additional high pressure
rubber hoses 121 may be used to connect the fluid supply line to
the lower nozzles 44 on the vertical portion of each of the arms
40a and 40b. Each valve 168, 170 has two conditions: open and
closed. In this fashion, a single, variable speed pump can supply
both lines 32a and 32b either independently or simultaneously. As
hereafter explained, both valves open for low pressure operations
including pre-soak and rinse. The valves are opened one-at-a-time
for high-pressure operations according to a stored program.
FIGS. 8 and 9
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9 an additional safety feature of the
system shown in FIGS. 1-6 will be described. The apparatus
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 is effectively a two axis double
detent which allows each of the arms 40a and 40b to "break away" in
both the longitudinal and lateral directions in the event of a
system malfunction. The breakaway feature permits the lower or
vertical portions of each of the arms 40a and 40b to yield
nondestructively to an applied force due to, for example,
inadvertent contact between the arm and the side of a vehicle.
As shown in the Figures, representative arm 40a has a rigidly
attached L shaped end portion 120 which makes the turn between the
horizontal and vertical portion of the arm. A first clevis 124 is
connected to the arm portion 120 by way of a pivot 122 which
permits pivotal motion of the lower portion of the arm about one
axis. Although not shown in detail in FIGS. 7 and 8 a ball and
spring type detent mechanism is provided before holding the
apparatus in the configuration shown in FIG. 8. The detent yields
when an outward force is applied to permit the structure to assume
the condition shown in FIG. 9.
The spacer 126 is connected between the first clevis 124 and a
second clevis 128 which is turned at 90.degree. relative to the
clevis 124. A second ball and socket detent mechanism 136 operates
between the lower arm portion 132 and the spacer 126 with the
assistance of a second orthogonal pivot 130 to permit the lower arm
portion 132 with its foam protective jacket 134 to pivot in a
second direction relative to the upper arm portion 120.
To detect and inform the controller 66 whenever a breakaway action
occurs, a spring arm 142 activating a micro switch 143 extends
downwardly from a bracket 138 and passes through a metal loop 140
mounted on the lower arm portion 134. When the mechanism is in its
normal operating condition as shown in FIG. 7; i.e., with both of
the detents seated, the spring arm 142 passes through a hole in the
loop 140, is unflexed and permits the micro switch 143 to remain in
the open circuit position. However, when either of the detents is
unseated by pivotal motion about either pivot 122 or 130, loop 140
causes a spring arm 142 to flex and to close the micro switch 143.
This switch is wired to the controller 66 to provide a fault
condition signal which may, when the controller 66 is properly
programed, shut the system down and provide a record of the fault
condition.
Several equivalent default detecting structures are available. For
one, the arm 142 may be constructed of spring material over its
entire length rather than just at the upper end as shown. A second
alternative involves an electric eye mounted on the bracket 138 and
looking downwardly on a target on the lower arm 132. Whenever the
target moves away the optical sensor changes signal condition and
alerts the controller 66 of the fault condition. Strain sensing
devices such as piezoelectric crystals and force transducers can
also be used for this purpose as can magnetostrictive and inductive
and/or capacitive devices as well.
FIG. 10
FIG. 10 shows some detail of the controller 66. As shown in this
figure the controller 66 includes Mitsubishi E500 variable
frequency motor speed controllers 200, 202, 204 and 206 which
receive DC signals from a digital to analog converter 208 and
convert those signals to AC control signals for application to the
reversible AC variable speed motors 28 and 46 which provide the two
linear translation drives, to motor 26 which operate the pivotal
spray arm drive, and to pump 49 which controls pressure to the
nozzles via valves 168 and 170. The digital signals come from the
analog output of a microprocessor 210 having an input/output
section 212. Inputs to the circuit 212 come from the operating
system transducers including limit switches, micro switches, liquid
level sensors and other transducers as described above.
As also described above, the controller 66 is provided with a
state-of-the-art display and operator input station which is
typically within the owner controlled portion of the wash bay and
will not be described herein in detail. In addition, the controller
66 is provided with user supplied inputs from a key pad, currency
receipt slot and/or other equivalent device.
Operation--FIGS. 4-12
As indicated above the FIG. 4 device is typically parked in a home
position with the shuttle 74 and carriage 18' centered relative to
the structure shown in FIGS. 4,5 and 6 and with the arms 40a and
40b extending outwardly in laterally opposite directions. This
cleans the laundry bay for entry and exit of the vehicles being
treated. Once the vehicle enters the wash bay and is properly
located on the previously described treadle, and all other system
operating conditions are satisfied; e.g., an input key pad signal
of the proper code is received and/or the appropriate amount of
currency is furnished by a user, the laundry sequence begins.
The first step is to locate the center line and outside boundaries
of the vehicle as explained above, the driver's side is fixed by
guides 14, the front is located by sonic device 58 and the
passenger side by optical device 90. Once the passenger side is
located and the location given an identifying number corresponding
to a pulse count from the lateral encoder, the centerline of the
vehicle is automatically identified by one-half that pulse count
and stored in temporary memory for later operation. For this
purpose the shuttle drive motor is first activated to move the
shuttle laterally toward the passenger's side of the vehicle until
the optical sensor 90 carried by the spray arm 40b sees the floor
mounted reflector 190 and locates the passenger's side boundary of
the vehicle 10. Thereafter the longitudinal drive motor 46 is
activated to move the carriage 18' forward until such time as the
sonic transducer 84 locates the front boundary of the vehicle 10
and signals the system that it is safe to pivot the arms 40a and
40b to the full forwardly extending position. With the shuttle 74
centered relative to the center line of the vehicle, the low
pressure prewash cycles are then executed by activating the pump 49
and opening both valves 168, 170 to supply the appropriate fluids
through the supply lines 32a and 32b simultaneously to both of the
spray arms 40a and 40b to spray all outside surfaces of the vehicle
starting at the front end. The arms swing outwardly and
simultaneously around the front corners of the vehicle and reassume
the position shown in FIG. 4 while the longitudinal carriage drive
moves the entire carriage longitudinally along the beams 22a and
22b toward the rear of vehicle 10 to spray fluid on the outside
surfaces of the entirety of the vehicle. When the sonic transducer
88 indicates the presence of the rear of the vehicle the arms 40a
and 40b are again permitted to butterfly and/or reversely pivot
toward one another as shown in FIG. 11.
The next chemical is preferably switched into the system just
before the arms reach the rearmost, parallel position, the time
interval depending as described above on the length of the supply
line 32 between the fluid source and the spray nozzles 42 and 44.
The pump 49 is stopped when the first full cycle has been finished
and the arms are pivoted back out to the laterally oppositely
extending position and the carriage 18' is moved back to the full
forward position of the vehicle. Omitting running the pump which
the apparatus is in reverse insures that the chemicals applied to
the vehicle are given the longest possible soak time. The next
chemical is then selected and the operation described above is run
a second time.
Appropriate chemicals may be applied in the low pressure operating
condition as prescribed by the particular program. It should be
noted, however, that in the low pressure cycles, the shuttle 74 is
centered relative to vehicle 10 and shown in FIG. 11, arms 40a and
40b are at equal distances from the sides of the vehicle and are
simultaneously spraying.
For the high pressure cycles, a different approach is taken: the
spray arms 40a and 40b are supplied with fluid one at a time and
the selected spray arm is maintained at the optimal position
relative to the side surfaces of the vehicle which it addresses.
This typically requires a non centered position of the shuttle 74
relative to the geometric center line of the apparatus and/or the
vehicle as shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b.
Assuming the arm 40a is activated first, the shuttle moves from
approximately the center of the vehicle to the right as shown in
FIG. 4. As the shuttle reaches the right hand extreme as shown in
FIG. 12a, the carriage 18' is moved forward while the arm 40a is
rotated around the front left corner of the vehicle (as seen from
the driver's prospective) to maintain the appropriate spacing.
Thereafter the shuttle is moved back toward the center line of the
vehicle but not necessarily to a position which is coincident with
the center line because the objective at this point is to establish
and maintain an optimal distance between the vertical portion of
the spray arm 40a and the driver's side surface of the vehicle as
shown in FIG. 12. This position is maintained as the shuttle moves
the spray arm along the side of the vehicle and toward the left
rear corner is viewed from the driver's prospective. Again the arm
40a is pivoted around the corner of the vehicle with the shuttle
and carriage moving toward the rear to maintain appropriate spacing
and then back toward the front as the arm arrives again at the
fully rearwardly extended position.
At this point the opposite spray arm is activated and an inverse
operation is performed with the vertical portion of the arm 40b
maintained at the optimal spacing relative to the passenger's side
of the vehicle 10. The high pressure spray on the passenger's side
is conducted from back to front to conserve time. This combination
of cycles may be repeated as many times as is desired.
It will be noted that because the motion of the arms 40a and 40b is
of a "butterfly" type, they do not continue all the way around the
vehicle in the fashion described with reference to the apparatus of
FIG. 1. Therefore the "wind up" phenomenon requiring the swivel
fitting 34 does not occur in the apparatus of FIG. 4 and no swivel
fittings are required.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus
described herein may be modified or supplemented in various ways
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Moreover it will be apparent that the process inventions described
herein may be carried out in various ways and with various
apparatus departing only in substantial ways from the structure
described herein while maintaining the essential functional
identity.
* * * * *