CA2591437C - Heating system for outdoor conveyors in a carwash - Google Patents
Heating system for outdoor conveyors in a carwash Download PDFInfo
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- CA2591437C CA2591437C CA2591437A CA2591437A CA2591437C CA 2591437 C CA2591437 C CA 2591437C CA 2591437 A CA2591437 A CA 2591437A CA 2591437 A CA2591437 A CA 2591437A CA 2591437 C CA2591437 C CA 2591437C
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Abstract
A system for heating conveyors which extend outside a wash tunnel of a carwash utilizes concrete structural slabs with heating apparatus embedded in the slab near a top surface and supported adjacent the conveyor. The heating apparatus can be a hydronic system or an electric heating mat embedded in the slabs which prevents water on the slabs or the conveyor from freezing in low ambient temperature conditions.
Description
1 "HEATING SYSTEM FOR OUTDOOR CONVEYORS IN A CARWASH"
2
3 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
4 Embodiments of the invention related to systems for heating surfaces and more specifically to heating the sliding surfaces of a carwash 9 It is known to provide one or more conveyors for movement of objects from one place to another. There are many different types and 11 configurations of conveyors which have been known for decades. Conveyors 12 are used in a wide variety of contexts including, but not limited to, 13 manufacturing, transport and loading of objects. Many conventional conveyors 14 operate in relatively controlled environments and thus are not exposed to ambient temperatures which may be below freezing temperatures in 17 The conveyors may be single endless-belt type conveyors or side 18 by side synchronous endless belts which engage the object at opposing points 19 or in some cases are synchronous sections of conveyors, single or dual belt 21 In the case of a carwash, it is known to provide means for moving 22 a vehicle through a wash tunnel. Typically, the vehicle enters an entrance of 23 the tunnel where the vehicle is engaged by a below ground conveyor and guide 24 track having means for engaging at least a single wheel of the vehicle, the vehicle being advanced through the wash by the conveyor, the entirety of the 1 conveying system being enclosed in the wash tunnel where water used to 2 wash the vehicles and heated air prevents the conveying mechanism from 3 freezing during the winter.
4 US Patent 1,484,071 to Memmen teaches a dual belt conveyor for forming runways for the wheels of an automobile to be washed. The 6 conveyor assists in lowering the vehicle into a tank or vat and further assists 7 in agitating the water to wash the undercarriage as the endless belts of the 8 conveyors and the wheels of the vehicle are caused to move.
9 Recently, US patent application publication US 2006/01918773 by Horn describes one or more conventional dual-synchronous belt type 11 conveyors for use in a carwash. The conveyors each have a pair of spaced 12 apart belts such as is well know in the art and the belts support the wheels of 13 the vehicle. A first conveyor is stopped to accept the vehicle and can be sped 14 up to a speed synchronous with the main conveyor which, when the vehicle is transferred from the first conveyor to the main conveyor, moves the vehicle 16 through the wash tunnel. Synchronizing of conveyor belts, single or dual belt 17 types, is well known in a variety of industries. Horn is silent regarding use of 18 the conveyors outside the carwash and at low ambient temperatures.
19 A need still exists within the industry to provide conveyor systems capable of being exposed to the environment outside the wash tunnel while 21 maintaining operability in low ambient temperatures.
2 In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, a carwash is reliably 3 operable in all seasons and particularly suited for installation in cold weather 4 climates.
The carwash provides at least one conveyance system which extends outside a wash tunnel for loading vehicles outside the wash tunnel, the 6 conveyance system being heated for preventing freezing in extreme cold weather 7 conditions.
8 More particularly in illustrative embodiments of the invention, a heating 9 system for a carwash conveyance system includes a plurality of heated concrete slabs which are installed in proximity to the conveyance system for preventing 11 freezing during extreme cold weather conditions.
12 In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a system 13 for heating a conveyor for supporting a vehicle for movement through a carwash.
14 The system includes at least one conveyor adapted for moving the vehicle through the carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low 16 ambient temperatures. The system also includes a heated structural slab 17 supporting at least a moving portion of the at least one conveyor and in sliding 18 contact with the conveyor to cause heat to be transferred to the conveyor for 19 preventing fluid at the conveyor from freezing.
The at least one conveyor may be an endless-belt conveyor and further 21 includes an upper belt portion, and a lower belt portion, the one or more heated 22 structural slabs being positioned between the upper belt portion and the lower 23 belt portion, the one or more heated structural slabs supporting the upper belt 24 portion for movement therealong.
The at least one conveyor may include a pair of conveyors spaced apart 26 in parallel arrangement and each may include an endless-belt conveyor adapted 1 for supporting wheels of the vehicle, the heated structural slabs may include at 2 least two heated structural slabs spaced apart in parallel arrangement for 3 supporting each of the endless belts thereon.
4 The upper belt portion may be operably configured to receive a fluid introduced between the upper belt portion and the heated structural slab.
6 The heated structural slab may include hydronic tubing operable to 7 receive a heated fluid for heating the structural slabs.
8 The heated structural slab may include an electric heating wire operable 9 to conduct an electrical current for heating the structural slabs.
The heated structural slab may be supported above a floor of the 11 carwash.
12 At least a portion of the at least one conveyor may be positioned within a 13 trench in a floor of the carwash, the heated structural slab being supported above 14 a bottom of the trench.
The at least one conveyor may further include a main conveyor 16 positioned within a carwash tunnel and an entrance conveyor extending 17 outwards from an entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed 18 to low ambient temperatures, and the heated structural slab supports at least the 19 entrance conveyor.
The system may include an exit conveyor extending outwards from an 21 exit of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient 22 temperatures, and the heated structural slab may support the exit conveyor.
23 The heated structural slab may support the main conveyor adjacent the 24 entrance of the carwash tunnel.
The heated structural slab may support the main conveyor adjacent the 26 exit of the carwash tunnel.
3a 1 The hydronic tubing may include a plurality of fluidly connected loops of 2 tubing formed within the heated structural slab, the plurality of fluidly 3 connected loops being in communication with an inlet for receiving heated fluid 4 for transferring heat to the structural slab, the plurality of fluidly connected loops being further in communication with an outlet for discharging fluid.
6 The heated fluid may include glycol.
7 Each of the structural slabs may further include a frame having a plurality 8 of grid members formed within the frame upon which the plurality of fluidly 9 connected loops of tubing are supported, and a concrete core for accepting heat from the heated fluid for heating the structural slab for transferring heat 11 therefrom.
12 The plurality of fluidly connected loops of tubing may be embedded in the 13 concrete core adjacent a top surface of the structural slab.
14 The system may include a metal plate supported between the structural slab and the at least one conveyor.
16 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a 17 system for supporting a vehicle for movement through a carwash. The system 18 includes at least one endless-belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a 19 lower belt portion adapted for moving the vehicle through the carwash, at least a portion of the endless-belt conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures.
21 The system also includes a plurality of structural slabs suspended between the 22 upper and lower belt portions for supporting at least a portion of the upper belt of 23 the at least one endless-belt conveyor in sliding contact with the structural slabs.
24 The system further includes a heating apparatus embedded in at least one of the plurality of structural slabs supporting the portion of the endless-belt conveyor 26 that is exposed to the low ambient temperatures.
3b 1 The at least one endless-belt conveyor may include two endless 2 belts positioned in spaced and parallel arrangement adapted for supporting 3 wheels of the vehicle thereon, the plurality of structural slabs being spaced apart 4 in parallel arrangement for supporting the two endless belts thereon.
The heating apparatus may include hydronic tubing for heating the 6 structural slabs.
7 The heating apparatus may include electric heating wire operable to 8 conduct an electrical current for heating each of the structural slabs.
9 The at least one endless-belt conveyor may further include a main conveyor positioned within a carwash tunnel, and an entrance conveyor 11 extending outwards from an entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is 12 exposed to low ambient temperatures, and the heating apparatus is embedded 13 in structural slabs supporting at least the entrance conveyor.
14 The system may include an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, and the heating apparatus may be embedded in structural slabs 17 supporting the exit conveyor.
18 The heating apparatus may be further embedded in structural slabs 19 supporting the main conveyor adjacent the entrance of the carwash tunnel.
The heating apparatus may be further embedded in structural slabs 21 supporting the main conveyor adjacent the exit of the carwash tunnel.
22 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a 23 method for heating a conveyor for supporting a vehicle for movement through a 24 carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures. The method involves supporting at least a moving portion of the at 26 least one conveyor on one or more structural slabs in sliding contact with the 3c 1 conveyor, and transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating 2 apparatus within the one or more structural slabs to cause heat to be transferred 3 to the conveyor to prevent fluid at the conveyor from freezing.
4 The at least one conveyor may include an endless-belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a lower belt portion, the one or more structural slabs 6 being positioned between the upper belt portion and the lower belt portion, and 7 supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve supporting the 8 upper belt portion for movement therealong.
9 The at least one conveyor may include a pair of conveyors spaced apart in parallel arrangement, each of the pair of conveyors including an endless-belt 11 conveyor, and the one or more structural slabs may include at least two 12 structural slabs spaced apart in parallel arrangement for supporting each of the 13 endless belts thereon.
14 The method may involve receiving a fluid between the upper belt portion and the one or more structural slabs.
16 Transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating 17 apparatus within the one or more structural slabs may involve supplying a 18 heating fluid to hydronic tubing within the structural slabs.
19 Transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating apparatus within the one or more structural slabs may involve conducting an 21 electrical current through electric heating wire within the structural slabs.
22 Supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve 23 supporting the portion of an entrance conveyor extending outwards from an 24 entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures.
26 Supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve 3d 1 supporting the portion of an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the 2 carwash tunnel.
3 Supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve 4 supporting a main conveyor adjacent the entrance of the carwash tunnel.
Supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve 6 supporting a main conveyor adjacent the exit of the carwash tunnel.
7 Transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs may involve 8 transferring heat to a concrete core of the one or more structural slabs.
9 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a structural slab apparatus for supporting a conveyor. The apparatus includes a 11 thermally conductive material formed to provide an upper surface for supporting 12 a moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface. The 13 apparatus also includes a heater embedded within the thermally conductive 14 material, the thermally conductive material being operable to transfer heat provided by the heater to the upper surface to prevent freezing of fluid when 16 operating the conveyor under low ambient temperature conditions.
17 The heater may include hydronic tubing extending through at least a 18 portion of the structural slab, the hydronic tubing being operable to receive a flow 19 of heated fluid.
The hydronic tubing may include an inlet for receiving the flow of heated 21 fluid, an outlet for returning the flow of heated fluid, and a plurality tubing loops, 22 each being in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, the outlet 23 being coupled to one of the plurality of tubing loops located distal to the inlet in a 24 reverse-return flow configuration.
The heater may include an electric heater extending through at least a 26 portion of the structural slab and operable to receive an electric current for 3e 1 generating heat.
2 The thermally conductive material may include concrete and may 3 further include a support grid embedded within the structural slab to provide 4 sufficient structural strength for supporting the concrete and for supporting a load to be transported along the conveyor.
6 The heater may be embedded in the thermally conductive material 7 proximate the upper surface to facilitate transfer of heat from the heater to the 8 upper surface.
9 The upper surface may further include a metal plate for reducing friction associated with supporting the moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact 11 with the upper surface.
12 The conveyor may include an endless belt conveyor having an upper belt 13 portion and a lower belt portion, and the upper surface may be configured to 14 support an upper belt portion of the endless belt conveyor, and the structural slab is configured to be mounted between the upper belt portion and a lower belt 16 portion of the endless belt conveyor.
17 The endless belt conveyor may be disposed in a trench in a floor, and the 18 structural slab may be configured to be mounted in the trench such that the 19 upper surface is generally contiguous with the floor.
The apparatus may include a frame at least partially enclosing structural 21 slab and providing support for mounting of the structural slab in the trench.
22 The moving portion of the conveyor may be operable to support a vehicle 23 for movement through a carwash and the structural slab may be disposed to 24 support a portion of the conveyor located outside of a tunnel associated with the carwash.
26 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a 3f 1 carwash apparatus. The apparatus includes at least one conveyor operable to 2 support a vehicle for movement through the carwash, at least a 3 portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperature conditions, 4 and at least one structural slab as claimed above, the at least one structural slab being disposed to support the portion of the conveyor exposed to low ambient 6 temperature conditions.
7 The carwash may include a tunnel and the portion of the conveyor 8 exposed to low ambient temperature conditions may include a portion of the 9 conveyor at an entrance of the tunnel.
The carwash may include a tunnel and the portion of the conveyor 11 exposed to low ambient temperature conditions may include a portion of the 12 conveyor at an exit of the tunnel.
13 The at least one conveyor may include a pair of conveyors spaced apart 14 in parallel arrangement to accommodate respective left and right wheels of the vehicle, and the at least one structural slab may include at least one structural 16 slab for supporting portions of each of the pair of conveyors exposed to low 17 ambient temperature conditions.
18 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a 19 structural slab apparatus for supporting a conveyor. The apparatus includes a thermally conductive material formed to provide an upper surface for supporting 21 a moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface. The 22 apparatus also includes provisions for heating embedded within the thermally 23 conductive material, the thermally conductive material being operable to transfer 24 heat provided by the provisions for heating to the upper surface to prevent freezing of fluid when operating the conveyor under low ambient temperature 26 conditions.
3g 1 The provisions for heating may include provisions for receiving a flow of 2 heated fluid and provisions for circulating the heated fluid through at least a 3 portion of the structural slab.
4 The upper surface may further include provisions for reducing friction associated with supporting the moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact 6 with the upper surface.
7 The conveyor may include an endless belt conveyor having an upper belt 8 portion and a lower belt portion, and the upper surface may be configured to 9 support an upper belt portion of the endless belt conveyor, and the structural slab may include provisions for mounting the structural slab between the upper belt 11 portion and a lower belt portion of the endless belt conveyor.
3h 2 Figure 1 is a plan view of a conveyor system according to an 3 embodiment of the invention;
4 Figure 2A is a plan view of an entrance conveyor according to Fig.1;
Figure 2B is a plan view of an entrance conveyor according to an 6 embodiment of the invention;
7 Figures 3A and 3B are partial longitudinal sectional views according 8 to Fig. 1, more particularly 9 Fig. 3A illustrates an entrance conveyor extending outwards from an entrance of wash tunnel and a portion of a main conveyor 11 housed in the wash tunnel; and 12 Fig. 3B illustrates a portion of the main conveyor and an exit 13 conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the wash tunnel;
14 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a heated concrete slab and a conveyor belt installed thereabout;
16 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a frame and heating system for 17 heating the conveyor according to an embodiment of the invention;
18 Figure 6 is a plan view of a frame and a hydronic system for heating 19 a heated concrete slab for use according to Fig. 4;
Figure 7A is a perspective view according to Fig. 5;
21 Figure 7B is an end view according to Fig. 5 1 Figure 7C is an edge view along lines C-C according to Fig. 7B;
2 Figure 8 is a detailed partial sectional view of the hydronic heating 3 system of Fig. 6, illustrating a connection to a fluid supply and return headers;
4 Figure 9 is a plan view of an electric heating system according to an embodiment of the invention.
6 Figure 10 is a perspective view according to Fig. 5, concrete 7 being added to the frame and tubing as shown in Fig. 6 for forming the heated 8 slabs;
9 Figure 11 is a perspective view of a plurality of heated slabs installed for use at an entrance conveyor of a carwash according to an 11 embodiment of the invention; and 12 Figures 12-18B
illustrate details of a support system for 13 suspending heated and non-heated concrete slabs and gratings over the floor 14 of a carwash and more particularly in a trench extending through and outwards from the wash tunnel at the entrance and the exit thereof, more particularly 16 Fig. 12 is an end sectional view of a trench in a car wash 17 illustrating a central open grating supported above a floor therein 18 between concrete structural slabs;
19 Fig. 13 is a detailed sectional view of a supporting structure for supporting T-shaped transverse channels and end channels 21 of the structural slabs from the side wall of the trench;
22 Fig. 14 is a side view of adjacent structural slabs a T-23 shaped transversely extending channel supporting end channels of the 24 adjacent slabs;
4 US Patent 1,484,071 to Memmen teaches a dual belt conveyor for forming runways for the wheels of an automobile to be washed. The 6 conveyor assists in lowering the vehicle into a tank or vat and further assists 7 in agitating the water to wash the undercarriage as the endless belts of the 8 conveyors and the wheels of the vehicle are caused to move.
9 Recently, US patent application publication US 2006/01918773 by Horn describes one or more conventional dual-synchronous belt type 11 conveyors for use in a carwash. The conveyors each have a pair of spaced 12 apart belts such as is well know in the art and the belts support the wheels of 13 the vehicle. A first conveyor is stopped to accept the vehicle and can be sped 14 up to a speed synchronous with the main conveyor which, when the vehicle is transferred from the first conveyor to the main conveyor, moves the vehicle 16 through the wash tunnel. Synchronizing of conveyor belts, single or dual belt 17 types, is well known in a variety of industries. Horn is silent regarding use of 18 the conveyors outside the carwash and at low ambient temperatures.
19 A need still exists within the industry to provide conveyor systems capable of being exposed to the environment outside the wash tunnel while 21 maintaining operability in low ambient temperatures.
2 In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, a carwash is reliably 3 operable in all seasons and particularly suited for installation in cold weather 4 climates.
The carwash provides at least one conveyance system which extends outside a wash tunnel for loading vehicles outside the wash tunnel, the 6 conveyance system being heated for preventing freezing in extreme cold weather 7 conditions.
8 More particularly in illustrative embodiments of the invention, a heating 9 system for a carwash conveyance system includes a plurality of heated concrete slabs which are installed in proximity to the conveyance system for preventing 11 freezing during extreme cold weather conditions.
12 In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a system 13 for heating a conveyor for supporting a vehicle for movement through a carwash.
14 The system includes at least one conveyor adapted for moving the vehicle through the carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low 16 ambient temperatures. The system also includes a heated structural slab 17 supporting at least a moving portion of the at least one conveyor and in sliding 18 contact with the conveyor to cause heat to be transferred to the conveyor for 19 preventing fluid at the conveyor from freezing.
The at least one conveyor may be an endless-belt conveyor and further 21 includes an upper belt portion, and a lower belt portion, the one or more heated 22 structural slabs being positioned between the upper belt portion and the lower 23 belt portion, the one or more heated structural slabs supporting the upper belt 24 portion for movement therealong.
The at least one conveyor may include a pair of conveyors spaced apart 26 in parallel arrangement and each may include an endless-belt conveyor adapted 1 for supporting wheels of the vehicle, the heated structural slabs may include at 2 least two heated structural slabs spaced apart in parallel arrangement for 3 supporting each of the endless belts thereon.
4 The upper belt portion may be operably configured to receive a fluid introduced between the upper belt portion and the heated structural slab.
6 The heated structural slab may include hydronic tubing operable to 7 receive a heated fluid for heating the structural slabs.
8 The heated structural slab may include an electric heating wire operable 9 to conduct an electrical current for heating the structural slabs.
The heated structural slab may be supported above a floor of the 11 carwash.
12 At least a portion of the at least one conveyor may be positioned within a 13 trench in a floor of the carwash, the heated structural slab being supported above 14 a bottom of the trench.
The at least one conveyor may further include a main conveyor 16 positioned within a carwash tunnel and an entrance conveyor extending 17 outwards from an entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed 18 to low ambient temperatures, and the heated structural slab supports at least the 19 entrance conveyor.
The system may include an exit conveyor extending outwards from an 21 exit of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient 22 temperatures, and the heated structural slab may support the exit conveyor.
23 The heated structural slab may support the main conveyor adjacent the 24 entrance of the carwash tunnel.
The heated structural slab may support the main conveyor adjacent the 26 exit of the carwash tunnel.
3a 1 The hydronic tubing may include a plurality of fluidly connected loops of 2 tubing formed within the heated structural slab, the plurality of fluidly 3 connected loops being in communication with an inlet for receiving heated fluid 4 for transferring heat to the structural slab, the plurality of fluidly connected loops being further in communication with an outlet for discharging fluid.
6 The heated fluid may include glycol.
7 Each of the structural slabs may further include a frame having a plurality 8 of grid members formed within the frame upon which the plurality of fluidly 9 connected loops of tubing are supported, and a concrete core for accepting heat from the heated fluid for heating the structural slab for transferring heat 11 therefrom.
12 The plurality of fluidly connected loops of tubing may be embedded in the 13 concrete core adjacent a top surface of the structural slab.
14 The system may include a metal plate supported between the structural slab and the at least one conveyor.
16 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a 17 system for supporting a vehicle for movement through a carwash. The system 18 includes at least one endless-belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a 19 lower belt portion adapted for moving the vehicle through the carwash, at least a portion of the endless-belt conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures.
21 The system also includes a plurality of structural slabs suspended between the 22 upper and lower belt portions for supporting at least a portion of the upper belt of 23 the at least one endless-belt conveyor in sliding contact with the structural slabs.
24 The system further includes a heating apparatus embedded in at least one of the plurality of structural slabs supporting the portion of the endless-belt conveyor 26 that is exposed to the low ambient temperatures.
3b 1 The at least one endless-belt conveyor may include two endless 2 belts positioned in spaced and parallel arrangement adapted for supporting 3 wheels of the vehicle thereon, the plurality of structural slabs being spaced apart 4 in parallel arrangement for supporting the two endless belts thereon.
The heating apparatus may include hydronic tubing for heating the 6 structural slabs.
7 The heating apparatus may include electric heating wire operable to 8 conduct an electrical current for heating each of the structural slabs.
9 The at least one endless-belt conveyor may further include a main conveyor positioned within a carwash tunnel, and an entrance conveyor 11 extending outwards from an entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is 12 exposed to low ambient temperatures, and the heating apparatus is embedded 13 in structural slabs supporting at least the entrance conveyor.
14 The system may include an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, and the heating apparatus may be embedded in structural slabs 17 supporting the exit conveyor.
18 The heating apparatus may be further embedded in structural slabs 19 supporting the main conveyor adjacent the entrance of the carwash tunnel.
The heating apparatus may be further embedded in structural slabs 21 supporting the main conveyor adjacent the exit of the carwash tunnel.
22 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a 23 method for heating a conveyor for supporting a vehicle for movement through a 24 carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures. The method involves supporting at least a moving portion of the at 26 least one conveyor on one or more structural slabs in sliding contact with the 3c 1 conveyor, and transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating 2 apparatus within the one or more structural slabs to cause heat to be transferred 3 to the conveyor to prevent fluid at the conveyor from freezing.
4 The at least one conveyor may include an endless-belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a lower belt portion, the one or more structural slabs 6 being positioned between the upper belt portion and the lower belt portion, and 7 supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve supporting the 8 upper belt portion for movement therealong.
9 The at least one conveyor may include a pair of conveyors spaced apart in parallel arrangement, each of the pair of conveyors including an endless-belt 11 conveyor, and the one or more structural slabs may include at least two 12 structural slabs spaced apart in parallel arrangement for supporting each of the 13 endless belts thereon.
14 The method may involve receiving a fluid between the upper belt portion and the one or more structural slabs.
16 Transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating 17 apparatus within the one or more structural slabs may involve supplying a 18 heating fluid to hydronic tubing within the structural slabs.
19 Transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating apparatus within the one or more structural slabs may involve conducting an 21 electrical current through electric heating wire within the structural slabs.
22 Supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve 23 supporting the portion of an entrance conveyor extending outwards from an 24 entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures.
26 Supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve 3d 1 supporting the portion of an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the 2 carwash tunnel.
3 Supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve 4 supporting a main conveyor adjacent the entrance of the carwash tunnel.
Supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor may involve 6 supporting a main conveyor adjacent the exit of the carwash tunnel.
7 Transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs may involve 8 transferring heat to a concrete core of the one or more structural slabs.
9 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a structural slab apparatus for supporting a conveyor. The apparatus includes a 11 thermally conductive material formed to provide an upper surface for supporting 12 a moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface. The 13 apparatus also includes a heater embedded within the thermally conductive 14 material, the thermally conductive material being operable to transfer heat provided by the heater to the upper surface to prevent freezing of fluid when 16 operating the conveyor under low ambient temperature conditions.
17 The heater may include hydronic tubing extending through at least a 18 portion of the structural slab, the hydronic tubing being operable to receive a flow 19 of heated fluid.
The hydronic tubing may include an inlet for receiving the flow of heated 21 fluid, an outlet for returning the flow of heated fluid, and a plurality tubing loops, 22 each being in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, the outlet 23 being coupled to one of the plurality of tubing loops located distal to the inlet in a 24 reverse-return flow configuration.
The heater may include an electric heater extending through at least a 26 portion of the structural slab and operable to receive an electric current for 3e 1 generating heat.
2 The thermally conductive material may include concrete and may 3 further include a support grid embedded within the structural slab to provide 4 sufficient structural strength for supporting the concrete and for supporting a load to be transported along the conveyor.
6 The heater may be embedded in the thermally conductive material 7 proximate the upper surface to facilitate transfer of heat from the heater to the 8 upper surface.
9 The upper surface may further include a metal plate for reducing friction associated with supporting the moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact 11 with the upper surface.
12 The conveyor may include an endless belt conveyor having an upper belt 13 portion and a lower belt portion, and the upper surface may be configured to 14 support an upper belt portion of the endless belt conveyor, and the structural slab is configured to be mounted between the upper belt portion and a lower belt 16 portion of the endless belt conveyor.
17 The endless belt conveyor may be disposed in a trench in a floor, and the 18 structural slab may be configured to be mounted in the trench such that the 19 upper surface is generally contiguous with the floor.
The apparatus may include a frame at least partially enclosing structural 21 slab and providing support for mounting of the structural slab in the trench.
22 The moving portion of the conveyor may be operable to support a vehicle 23 for movement through a carwash and the structural slab may be disposed to 24 support a portion of the conveyor located outside of a tunnel associated with the carwash.
26 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a 3f 1 carwash apparatus. The apparatus includes at least one conveyor operable to 2 support a vehicle for movement through the carwash, at least a 3 portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperature conditions, 4 and at least one structural slab as claimed above, the at least one structural slab being disposed to support the portion of the conveyor exposed to low ambient 6 temperature conditions.
7 The carwash may include a tunnel and the portion of the conveyor 8 exposed to low ambient temperature conditions may include a portion of the 9 conveyor at an entrance of the tunnel.
The carwash may include a tunnel and the portion of the conveyor 11 exposed to low ambient temperature conditions may include a portion of the 12 conveyor at an exit of the tunnel.
13 The at least one conveyor may include a pair of conveyors spaced apart 14 in parallel arrangement to accommodate respective left and right wheels of the vehicle, and the at least one structural slab may include at least one structural 16 slab for supporting portions of each of the pair of conveyors exposed to low 17 ambient temperature conditions.
18 In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a 19 structural slab apparatus for supporting a conveyor. The apparatus includes a thermally conductive material formed to provide an upper surface for supporting 21 a moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface. The 22 apparatus also includes provisions for heating embedded within the thermally 23 conductive material, the thermally conductive material being operable to transfer 24 heat provided by the provisions for heating to the upper surface to prevent freezing of fluid when operating the conveyor under low ambient temperature 26 conditions.
3g 1 The provisions for heating may include provisions for receiving a flow of 2 heated fluid and provisions for circulating the heated fluid through at least a 3 portion of the structural slab.
4 The upper surface may further include provisions for reducing friction associated with supporting the moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact 6 with the upper surface.
7 The conveyor may include an endless belt conveyor having an upper belt 8 portion and a lower belt portion, and the upper surface may be configured to 9 support an upper belt portion of the endless belt conveyor, and the structural slab may include provisions for mounting the structural slab between the upper belt 11 portion and a lower belt portion of the endless belt conveyor.
3h 2 Figure 1 is a plan view of a conveyor system according to an 3 embodiment of the invention;
4 Figure 2A is a plan view of an entrance conveyor according to Fig.1;
Figure 2B is a plan view of an entrance conveyor according to an 6 embodiment of the invention;
7 Figures 3A and 3B are partial longitudinal sectional views according 8 to Fig. 1, more particularly 9 Fig. 3A illustrates an entrance conveyor extending outwards from an entrance of wash tunnel and a portion of a main conveyor 11 housed in the wash tunnel; and 12 Fig. 3B illustrates a portion of the main conveyor and an exit 13 conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the wash tunnel;
14 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a heated concrete slab and a conveyor belt installed thereabout;
16 Figure 5 is a perspective view of a frame and heating system for 17 heating the conveyor according to an embodiment of the invention;
18 Figure 6 is a plan view of a frame and a hydronic system for heating 19 a heated concrete slab for use according to Fig. 4;
Figure 7A is a perspective view according to Fig. 5;
21 Figure 7B is an end view according to Fig. 5 1 Figure 7C is an edge view along lines C-C according to Fig. 7B;
2 Figure 8 is a detailed partial sectional view of the hydronic heating 3 system of Fig. 6, illustrating a connection to a fluid supply and return headers;
4 Figure 9 is a plan view of an electric heating system according to an embodiment of the invention.
6 Figure 10 is a perspective view according to Fig. 5, concrete 7 being added to the frame and tubing as shown in Fig. 6 for forming the heated 8 slabs;
9 Figure 11 is a perspective view of a plurality of heated slabs installed for use at an entrance conveyor of a carwash according to an 11 embodiment of the invention; and 12 Figures 12-18B
illustrate details of a support system for 13 suspending heated and non-heated concrete slabs and gratings over the floor 14 of a carwash and more particularly in a trench extending through and outwards from the wash tunnel at the entrance and the exit thereof, more particularly 16 Fig. 12 is an end sectional view of a trench in a car wash 17 illustrating a central open grating supported above a floor therein 18 between concrete structural slabs;
19 Fig. 13 is a detailed sectional view of a supporting structure for supporting T-shaped transverse channels and end channels 21 of the structural slabs from the side wall of the trench;
22 Fig. 14 is a side view of adjacent structural slabs a T-23 shaped transversely extending channel supporting end channels of the 24 adjacent slabs;
5 1 Figs. 15A -15C illustrate a typical structural panel shown in 2 plan, side and end views;
3 Figs. 16A - 16C illustrate a checker plate used to replace 4 gratings to cover the trench between the parallel spaced structural slabs exterior to the car wash tunnel, shown in plan, side and end views;
3 Figs. 16A - 16C illustrate a checker plate used to replace 4 gratings to cover the trench between the parallel spaced structural slabs exterior to the car wash tunnel, shown in plan, side and end views;
6 Fig.17 is a plan view of a typical grating used to cover the
7 trench between the parallel spaced structural slabs; and
8 Fig. 18A is a side view of a slab according to Fig. 9
9 illustrating an electrical conduit for housing electrical connections therein; and 11 Fig. 18B is a detailed view of the electrical conduit of Fig.
12 18A.
2 Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein heat a conveyor 3 for moving a vehicle through a wash tunnel of a carwash. The use of the term 4 "conveyor" is intended to describe any suitable type conveyance system for moving the vehicles therethrough and is not intended to be limited only to the 7 As shown in Figs. 1, 2A and 2B and in an embodiment of the 8 invention, a carwash 1 comprises a wash tunnel 2 and at least one conveyance 9 system 3 extending through the wash tunnel 2 and extending outside the wash tunnel 2 at an entrance 4, for loading vehicles outside the wash tunnel 2. In one 11 embodiment, the car wash 1 comprises a main conveyor 5 installed inside the 12 wash tunnel 2 and at least one additional conveyor which is at least partially 13 exposed to the environment outside the wash tunnel 2. Applicant has described 14 the conveyance system 3 herein as being an endless-belt conveyor. Applicant is aware of single and dual endless-belt conveyors for moving vehicles through 17 In the embodiment shown, the additional conveyor is an entrance 18 conveyor 6 which extends outwardly from the wash tunnel entrance 4, a first 19 end 7 being adjacent to the inside main conveyor 5 and a second end 8 being outside the entrance 4 to a carwash tunnel 2. At least a portion of the entrance 21 conveyor 6 is fully exposed to the elements. The entrance conveyor 6 operates 22 to load a vehicle and transfer the vehicle to the main conveyor 5. The entrance 23 conveyor 6 is typically stopped at the time of loading and the vehicle is driven 24 onto the entrance conveyor 6 and placed in park or neutral. In embodiments of the invention however the vehicle may be loaded while the conveyor 6 is 1 moving. Once the vehicle is positioned on the entrance conveyor 6, the 2 entrance conveyor 6 is operated to achieve a speed synchronous with the 3 speed of the inside main conveyor 5 and the vehicle is transferred to the 4 inside main conveyor S for washing inside the wash tunnel 2.
Optionally, a third endless-belt conveyor or exit conveyor 9 is 6 positioned at an exit 10 end of the main conveyor 5 and at least a portion of 7 the exit conveyor 9 extends outside the wash tunnel 2 at an exit 11 from the 8 wash tunnel 2. When the wash cycle is completed, the vehicle is transferred 9 from the main conveyor 5 to the exit conveyor 9, at synchronized speed.
The exit conveyor 9 is caused to come to a stop and the vehicle is then driven off.
11 Having reference to Figs. 3A-3B and 12-18B and in one 12 embodiment, a trench 12 (Figs. 3A and 3B) extends through the wash tunnel 13 2 and outside therefrom for receiving at least the main conveyor 5, the 14 entrance conveyor 6 and the optional exit conveyor 9. As shown in Figs.
14, the conveyors 5, 6 and 9 are installed inside the trench 12 using support 16 legs 13 and a grid structure 14, which elevates the conveyors 5,6,9 17 sufficiently above a floor 15 of the trench 12 to permit operation thereof. As 18 shown in Fig. 4, the trench 12 accommodates conveyors 5,6,9 having 19 spaced parallel belts 16. The belts 16 may be slat belts such as modular plastic belts or steel slat chains or other suitable heavy duty conveyor belts.
21 Examples of suitable belts are UniCPB or UniXLB belts available from Uni 22 Chains Manufacturing Inc. of Reading PA, USA.
23 In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the floor 15 of the 24 trench 12 is slanted so as to cause liquids therein to flow to a drain or 1 plurality of drains (not shown), typically located inside the wash tunnel 2. In one 2 embodiment the floor 15 of the trench 12 is slanted about 0.02m/m.
3 In embodiments of the invention, a supporting substructure is 4 provided to support the weight of the vehicle while it is conveyed through the car wash 1. Details of an embodiment of the supporting substructure are shown 6 in Figs. 12-18B. Particularly, replaceable modular concrete slabs 20, including 7 heated slabs 25, are utilized to provide strength sufficient to support the vehicle 8 while also providing thermal mass capable of transferring heat from a heating 9 system to the conveyors 5,6,9 as required. As one of skill in the art would understand, a variety of support systems are possible to support the structural 11 slabs 20,25 relative to a floor of the carwash and permit operation of the 12 conveyance means used.
13 As shown in Figs. 4 and 12, dual endless-belt conveyors 5,6,9 are 14 used, each of the spaced, parallel belts 16 supporting wheels on one side of a vehicle for conveying the vehicle through the car wash. Structural pads or slabs 16 20, typically concrete, are installed between upper and lower portions 21,22 of 17 each of the endless belts 16, the upper portion 21 of the endless belt 18 operating in sliding contact with an upper surface 23 of the structural slabs 20 19 when a vehicle is loaded on the conveyors 5,6,9. Steel plates 19 may be used on the upper surface 23 of the slabs 20 to reduce friction between the upper 21 portion 21 of the endless belt 16 and the slabs 20,25. Further, water is typically 22 introduced between the upper surface 23 of the slabs 20 or the steel plates 19 23 and the endless belt 16 to ensure adequate lubrication therebetween. The 24 heated structural slabs 25 may be heated according to embodiments of the invention particularly when used for the entrance and exit conveyors 6, 9 and 1 may also be used to heat the main conveyor 5 adjacent the entrance 4 and 2 optionally, the exit 11.
3 Having reference to Figs. 1-11, and in the case of the entrance 4 conveyor 6, the entrance conveyor 6 is installed in a portion 24 of the trench 12 which extends outwards from the wash tunnel entrance 4. Heated structural 6 slabs 25, similar to the un-heated structural slabs 20 used in the wash tunnel 2, 7 are positioned adjacent the entrance conveyor 6. The heated slabs 25 are 8 provided with heating means 26 to prevent water, snow and the like from 9 freezing and hindering operation of the entrance conveyor 6. The heated slabs 25 are similarly supported over the floor 15 of the entrance trench 12 and 11 between the upper and lower portions 21,22 of the endless belts 16 of the 12 entrance conveyor 6. In one embodiment, the heated slabs 25 are suspended 13 using a plurality of support members extending between the slabs 25 and the 14 trench 12. Other such suitable support members which engage and suspend the slabs 25 may be used.
16 Similarly, the optional exit conveyor 9, which may be installed in a 17 portion 27 of the trench 12 extending outwardly from the exit 11 of the wash 18 tunnel 2, is also freeze-protected using heated concrete slabs 25 which are 19 installed in the trench 12 as for the entrance conveyor 6.
In one embodiment, best seen in Figs. 1 and 2A-2B, additional 21 heated concrete slabs 25 are installed inside the wash tunnel 2 adjacent the 22 entrance 4 and the exit 11 and contiguous with the entrance and exit conveyors 23 6,9 to ensure the conveyors 6,9 are protected from freezing inside the wash 24 tunnel 2 when exposed to freezing temperatures adjacent the entrance and the exit 4,11 of the wash tunnel 2. In this embodiment, motors and apparatus used 1 to drive the entrance conveyor 6 and the main conveyor 5 are typically 2 positioned within the wash tunnel 2 adjacent the entrance and exit 4,11 of the 3 wash tunnel 2 to limit exposure to extreme ambient temperatures.
4 In one embodiment, best seen in Figs. 5, 7A-7C and 10, the concrete slabs 20, 25 comprise a frame 31 in which a support grid 32 is 6 formed. The frame 31 and support grid 32 provide sufficient structural strength 7 and rigidity for supporting concrete 35 therein and the weight of the vehicle 8 thereon. In one embodiment the frame 31 comprises end and side channels 9 33,34, inside which the support grid 32 of transverse and longitudinal members 36,37 is supported. In one embodiment, the transverse and longitudinal 11 members 36,37 are rebar having corrosion resistant protection, such as 12 stainless steel, epoxy coating or hot-dip galvanizing.
13 Having reference to Figs. 2A-2B, 5-8 and Figs. 10-11, and in one 14 embodiment, a hydronic system 30 is used for circulating a heated fluid therethrough as the means for heating the heated concrete slabs 25. Hydronic 16 loops of tubing 38, such as 1/2" cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX), for 17 example hePEXTm available from Wirsbo Company of Apple Valley MN, 55124, 18 USA, are laid in the frame 31 and supported by the grid structure 32.
19 Alternately, the tubing loops 38 can be formed using fittings 39, such as tees and elbows, to create a fluidly connected grid of tubing in the frame 31. An inlet 21 40 and an outlet 41 are connected to opposing ends of the fluidly connected 22 tubing 38 and are supported in the frame 31. Concrete is poured into the frame 23 31 forming a concrete core 35 surrounding the support grid 32 and loops of 24 tubing 38 and is allowed to set.
1 In one embodiment, the heated concrete slabs 25 are about 4 inches thick.
The 2 hydronic tubing loops 38 are positioned at about 11/2 inches from the surface 3 23 of the heated slab 25 and the tubing loops 38 are tied to the grid structure 4 35 using plastic wire ties, The concrete core 35 used can be 35 MPa Class Cl with 3/8" aggregate mix designed to withstand both high and low temperatures 6 and chloride attack from commonly used deicing chemicals. In this 7 embodiment, the hydronic tubing 38 is installed in a reverse-return loop system 8 so as to obtain an even distribution of heat over substantially the entire surface 9 of the heated concrete slab 25.
Once installed, best seen in Fig. 2B, the inlets 40 (shown in Fig. 5) of 11 the heated concrete slabs 25 are connected through supply lines S to a supply 12 of heated fluid, such as hot water or glycol. The outlets 41 (shown in Fig. 5) are 13 connected to return lines R which returns the fluid to the heater system for 14 repeated recycling through the heated slabs 25. In one embodiment, each of the outlets 41 are fit with an optional air vent 43 used to bleed air out of the 16 tubing lines 38 when the fluid, such as glycol, is introduced.
17 Heat from the fluid flowing through the tubes 38 is transferred to the 18 concrete 35, a thermally conductive material, which acts as thermal mass to 19 radiate heat for preventing freezing of water between the heated slabs 25, the conveyor belts 16 and in the area of the trench 12.
21 In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 9 and 18A-18B, the means for 22 heating the concrete slabs 25 is an electric heating system 50. A
heating pad 23 or mat 51 of heating wire is embedded in the heated concrete slab 25 and is 24 connected to a 240 V supply. One such heating system is the Easy-Heat SnoMelter0 Mat #G010X36-240-50 series available from Easy Heat Inc. of 20 1 East New Carlisle, Indiana, 46552, USA. The mat 51 is fit to the dimensions of 2 the slab 25, is placed in the frame 31 and tied to the grid structure 35 after 3 which the concrete is poured into the frame 31, embedding the mat 51 in the 4 concrete. A hot-cold joint 52 is installed between a heating lead 53 and a cold lead 54 connected to the mat 51. The cold lead 54 extends through a fiberglass 6 composite conduit 55 and extends about 6 inches beyond the slab 25 for 7 connection to the electrical supply. One suitable fiberglass composite conduit 8 55 is a 1/2 inch diameter conduit available from Fre Composites, St. Andre-9 d'Argenteuil, Quebec, Canada.
In an embodiment shown in Figs. 12-18B, the structural slabs 11 20,25 over which the endless belts 16 of the conveyors 5,6,9 move, are spaced 12 apart in parallel arrangement sufficient to support the wheels on each side of a 13 wide variety of vehicles thereon. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, each of the 14 spaced parallel slabs 20, 25 are supported at an outside side channel 34o of the frame 31 at an upper edge 60 of the trench 12 and at an inside side 16 channel 34i of the frame 31 by support members 61 which extend upwardly 17 from the trench floor 15. In one embodiment, the slabs 20, 25 are supported at 18 substantially the height of the floor of the wash tunnel 2 for providing a 19 contiguous height of flooring throughout.
Further, open removable gratings 62, best seen in Figs 12 and 21 17, are supported between the spaced parallel structural slabs 20, 25 by 22 channel members 63 which extend along the inside side channels 34i of the 23 slab frames 31. Dowels 64 assist in securing the gratings 62 between the 24 structural slabs 20,25. The open removable gratings 62 permit fluid to flow therethrough to the trench 12. Further the removeable gratings 62 permit 1 access to the trench 12 and to the conveyor drive means and connections for 2 the heating means 26 to facilitate maintenance and replacement.
3 As shown in Fig. 14, the end channels 33 of adjacent slabs 20, 25 4 are supported by transversely extending T-shaped channels 65, a portion 66 of which extends upwardly between the adjacent slabs 20, 25.
6 Having reference to Figs 16A-16C, checker plates 70 having 7 hand holes 71 to permit easy removal of the gratings 62 for access to the 8 trench 12 are provided in lieu of the grating 62 intermediate the structural slabs 9 20,25 exterior to the building.
As shown in Fig. 12 and in an embodiment of the invention, the 11 trench is approximately 2.6m in width. Each of the slabs are about 0.9m in 12 width and the grating secured therebetween is about 0.7m in width. A
typical 13 slab 20,25 can be about 1.8m in length from end to end.
12 18A.
2 Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein heat a conveyor 3 for moving a vehicle through a wash tunnel of a carwash. The use of the term 4 "conveyor" is intended to describe any suitable type conveyance system for moving the vehicles therethrough and is not intended to be limited only to the 7 As shown in Figs. 1, 2A and 2B and in an embodiment of the 8 invention, a carwash 1 comprises a wash tunnel 2 and at least one conveyance 9 system 3 extending through the wash tunnel 2 and extending outside the wash tunnel 2 at an entrance 4, for loading vehicles outside the wash tunnel 2. In one 11 embodiment, the car wash 1 comprises a main conveyor 5 installed inside the 12 wash tunnel 2 and at least one additional conveyor which is at least partially 13 exposed to the environment outside the wash tunnel 2. Applicant has described 14 the conveyance system 3 herein as being an endless-belt conveyor. Applicant is aware of single and dual endless-belt conveyors for moving vehicles through 17 In the embodiment shown, the additional conveyor is an entrance 18 conveyor 6 which extends outwardly from the wash tunnel entrance 4, a first 19 end 7 being adjacent to the inside main conveyor 5 and a second end 8 being outside the entrance 4 to a carwash tunnel 2. At least a portion of the entrance 21 conveyor 6 is fully exposed to the elements. The entrance conveyor 6 operates 22 to load a vehicle and transfer the vehicle to the main conveyor 5. The entrance 23 conveyor 6 is typically stopped at the time of loading and the vehicle is driven 24 onto the entrance conveyor 6 and placed in park or neutral. In embodiments of the invention however the vehicle may be loaded while the conveyor 6 is 1 moving. Once the vehicle is positioned on the entrance conveyor 6, the 2 entrance conveyor 6 is operated to achieve a speed synchronous with the 3 speed of the inside main conveyor 5 and the vehicle is transferred to the 4 inside main conveyor S for washing inside the wash tunnel 2.
Optionally, a third endless-belt conveyor or exit conveyor 9 is 6 positioned at an exit 10 end of the main conveyor 5 and at least a portion of 7 the exit conveyor 9 extends outside the wash tunnel 2 at an exit 11 from the 8 wash tunnel 2. When the wash cycle is completed, the vehicle is transferred 9 from the main conveyor 5 to the exit conveyor 9, at synchronized speed.
The exit conveyor 9 is caused to come to a stop and the vehicle is then driven off.
11 Having reference to Figs. 3A-3B and 12-18B and in one 12 embodiment, a trench 12 (Figs. 3A and 3B) extends through the wash tunnel 13 2 and outside therefrom for receiving at least the main conveyor 5, the 14 entrance conveyor 6 and the optional exit conveyor 9. As shown in Figs.
14, the conveyors 5, 6 and 9 are installed inside the trench 12 using support 16 legs 13 and a grid structure 14, which elevates the conveyors 5,6,9 17 sufficiently above a floor 15 of the trench 12 to permit operation thereof. As 18 shown in Fig. 4, the trench 12 accommodates conveyors 5,6,9 having 19 spaced parallel belts 16. The belts 16 may be slat belts such as modular plastic belts or steel slat chains or other suitable heavy duty conveyor belts.
21 Examples of suitable belts are UniCPB or UniXLB belts available from Uni 22 Chains Manufacturing Inc. of Reading PA, USA.
23 In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the floor 15 of the 24 trench 12 is slanted so as to cause liquids therein to flow to a drain or 1 plurality of drains (not shown), typically located inside the wash tunnel 2. In one 2 embodiment the floor 15 of the trench 12 is slanted about 0.02m/m.
3 In embodiments of the invention, a supporting substructure is 4 provided to support the weight of the vehicle while it is conveyed through the car wash 1. Details of an embodiment of the supporting substructure are shown 6 in Figs. 12-18B. Particularly, replaceable modular concrete slabs 20, including 7 heated slabs 25, are utilized to provide strength sufficient to support the vehicle 8 while also providing thermal mass capable of transferring heat from a heating 9 system to the conveyors 5,6,9 as required. As one of skill in the art would understand, a variety of support systems are possible to support the structural 11 slabs 20,25 relative to a floor of the carwash and permit operation of the 12 conveyance means used.
13 As shown in Figs. 4 and 12, dual endless-belt conveyors 5,6,9 are 14 used, each of the spaced, parallel belts 16 supporting wheels on one side of a vehicle for conveying the vehicle through the car wash. Structural pads or slabs 16 20, typically concrete, are installed between upper and lower portions 21,22 of 17 each of the endless belts 16, the upper portion 21 of the endless belt 18 operating in sliding contact with an upper surface 23 of the structural slabs 20 19 when a vehicle is loaded on the conveyors 5,6,9. Steel plates 19 may be used on the upper surface 23 of the slabs 20 to reduce friction between the upper 21 portion 21 of the endless belt 16 and the slabs 20,25. Further, water is typically 22 introduced between the upper surface 23 of the slabs 20 or the steel plates 19 23 and the endless belt 16 to ensure adequate lubrication therebetween. The 24 heated structural slabs 25 may be heated according to embodiments of the invention particularly when used for the entrance and exit conveyors 6, 9 and 1 may also be used to heat the main conveyor 5 adjacent the entrance 4 and 2 optionally, the exit 11.
3 Having reference to Figs. 1-11, and in the case of the entrance 4 conveyor 6, the entrance conveyor 6 is installed in a portion 24 of the trench 12 which extends outwards from the wash tunnel entrance 4. Heated structural 6 slabs 25, similar to the un-heated structural slabs 20 used in the wash tunnel 2, 7 are positioned adjacent the entrance conveyor 6. The heated slabs 25 are 8 provided with heating means 26 to prevent water, snow and the like from 9 freezing and hindering operation of the entrance conveyor 6. The heated slabs 25 are similarly supported over the floor 15 of the entrance trench 12 and 11 between the upper and lower portions 21,22 of the endless belts 16 of the 12 entrance conveyor 6. In one embodiment, the heated slabs 25 are suspended 13 using a plurality of support members extending between the slabs 25 and the 14 trench 12. Other such suitable support members which engage and suspend the slabs 25 may be used.
16 Similarly, the optional exit conveyor 9, which may be installed in a 17 portion 27 of the trench 12 extending outwardly from the exit 11 of the wash 18 tunnel 2, is also freeze-protected using heated concrete slabs 25 which are 19 installed in the trench 12 as for the entrance conveyor 6.
In one embodiment, best seen in Figs. 1 and 2A-2B, additional 21 heated concrete slabs 25 are installed inside the wash tunnel 2 adjacent the 22 entrance 4 and the exit 11 and contiguous with the entrance and exit conveyors 23 6,9 to ensure the conveyors 6,9 are protected from freezing inside the wash 24 tunnel 2 when exposed to freezing temperatures adjacent the entrance and the exit 4,11 of the wash tunnel 2. In this embodiment, motors and apparatus used 1 to drive the entrance conveyor 6 and the main conveyor 5 are typically 2 positioned within the wash tunnel 2 adjacent the entrance and exit 4,11 of the 3 wash tunnel 2 to limit exposure to extreme ambient temperatures.
4 In one embodiment, best seen in Figs. 5, 7A-7C and 10, the concrete slabs 20, 25 comprise a frame 31 in which a support grid 32 is 6 formed. The frame 31 and support grid 32 provide sufficient structural strength 7 and rigidity for supporting concrete 35 therein and the weight of the vehicle 8 thereon. In one embodiment the frame 31 comprises end and side channels 9 33,34, inside which the support grid 32 of transverse and longitudinal members 36,37 is supported. In one embodiment, the transverse and longitudinal 11 members 36,37 are rebar having corrosion resistant protection, such as 12 stainless steel, epoxy coating or hot-dip galvanizing.
13 Having reference to Figs. 2A-2B, 5-8 and Figs. 10-11, and in one 14 embodiment, a hydronic system 30 is used for circulating a heated fluid therethrough as the means for heating the heated concrete slabs 25. Hydronic 16 loops of tubing 38, such as 1/2" cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX), for 17 example hePEXTm available from Wirsbo Company of Apple Valley MN, 55124, 18 USA, are laid in the frame 31 and supported by the grid structure 32.
19 Alternately, the tubing loops 38 can be formed using fittings 39, such as tees and elbows, to create a fluidly connected grid of tubing in the frame 31. An inlet 21 40 and an outlet 41 are connected to opposing ends of the fluidly connected 22 tubing 38 and are supported in the frame 31. Concrete is poured into the frame 23 31 forming a concrete core 35 surrounding the support grid 32 and loops of 24 tubing 38 and is allowed to set.
1 In one embodiment, the heated concrete slabs 25 are about 4 inches thick.
The 2 hydronic tubing loops 38 are positioned at about 11/2 inches from the surface 3 23 of the heated slab 25 and the tubing loops 38 are tied to the grid structure 4 35 using plastic wire ties, The concrete core 35 used can be 35 MPa Class Cl with 3/8" aggregate mix designed to withstand both high and low temperatures 6 and chloride attack from commonly used deicing chemicals. In this 7 embodiment, the hydronic tubing 38 is installed in a reverse-return loop system 8 so as to obtain an even distribution of heat over substantially the entire surface 9 of the heated concrete slab 25.
Once installed, best seen in Fig. 2B, the inlets 40 (shown in Fig. 5) of 11 the heated concrete slabs 25 are connected through supply lines S to a supply 12 of heated fluid, such as hot water or glycol. The outlets 41 (shown in Fig. 5) are 13 connected to return lines R which returns the fluid to the heater system for 14 repeated recycling through the heated slabs 25. In one embodiment, each of the outlets 41 are fit with an optional air vent 43 used to bleed air out of the 16 tubing lines 38 when the fluid, such as glycol, is introduced.
17 Heat from the fluid flowing through the tubes 38 is transferred to the 18 concrete 35, a thermally conductive material, which acts as thermal mass to 19 radiate heat for preventing freezing of water between the heated slabs 25, the conveyor belts 16 and in the area of the trench 12.
21 In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 9 and 18A-18B, the means for 22 heating the concrete slabs 25 is an electric heating system 50. A
heating pad 23 or mat 51 of heating wire is embedded in the heated concrete slab 25 and is 24 connected to a 240 V supply. One such heating system is the Easy-Heat SnoMelter0 Mat #G010X36-240-50 series available from Easy Heat Inc. of 20 1 East New Carlisle, Indiana, 46552, USA. The mat 51 is fit to the dimensions of 2 the slab 25, is placed in the frame 31 and tied to the grid structure 35 after 3 which the concrete is poured into the frame 31, embedding the mat 51 in the 4 concrete. A hot-cold joint 52 is installed between a heating lead 53 and a cold lead 54 connected to the mat 51. The cold lead 54 extends through a fiberglass 6 composite conduit 55 and extends about 6 inches beyond the slab 25 for 7 connection to the electrical supply. One suitable fiberglass composite conduit 8 55 is a 1/2 inch diameter conduit available from Fre Composites, St. Andre-9 d'Argenteuil, Quebec, Canada.
In an embodiment shown in Figs. 12-18B, the structural slabs 11 20,25 over which the endless belts 16 of the conveyors 5,6,9 move, are spaced 12 apart in parallel arrangement sufficient to support the wheels on each side of a 13 wide variety of vehicles thereon. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, each of the 14 spaced parallel slabs 20, 25 are supported at an outside side channel 34o of the frame 31 at an upper edge 60 of the trench 12 and at an inside side 16 channel 34i of the frame 31 by support members 61 which extend upwardly 17 from the trench floor 15. In one embodiment, the slabs 20, 25 are supported at 18 substantially the height of the floor of the wash tunnel 2 for providing a 19 contiguous height of flooring throughout.
Further, open removable gratings 62, best seen in Figs 12 and 21 17, are supported between the spaced parallel structural slabs 20, 25 by 22 channel members 63 which extend along the inside side channels 34i of the 23 slab frames 31. Dowels 64 assist in securing the gratings 62 between the 24 structural slabs 20,25. The open removable gratings 62 permit fluid to flow therethrough to the trench 12. Further the removeable gratings 62 permit 1 access to the trench 12 and to the conveyor drive means and connections for 2 the heating means 26 to facilitate maintenance and replacement.
3 As shown in Fig. 14, the end channels 33 of adjacent slabs 20, 25 4 are supported by transversely extending T-shaped channels 65, a portion 66 of which extends upwardly between the adjacent slabs 20, 25.
6 Having reference to Figs 16A-16C, checker plates 70 having 7 hand holes 71 to permit easy removal of the gratings 62 for access to the 8 trench 12 are provided in lieu of the grating 62 intermediate the structural slabs 9 20,25 exterior to the building.
As shown in Fig. 12 and in an embodiment of the invention, the 11 trench is approximately 2.6m in width. Each of the slabs are about 0.9m in 12 width and the grating secured therebetween is about 0.7m in width. A
typical 13 slab 20,25 can be about 1.8m in length from end to end.
Claims (55)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A system for heating a conveyor for supporting a vehicle for movement through a carwash, the system comprising:
at least one conveyor adapted for moving the vehicle through the carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures; and a heated structural slab supporting at least a moving portion of the at least one conveyor and in sliding contact with the conveyor, the heated structural slab disposed for transferring heat to the conveyor for preventing fluid at the conveyor from freezing.
at least one conveyor adapted for moving the vehicle through the carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures; and a heated structural slab supporting at least a moving portion of the at least one conveyor and in sliding contact with the conveyor, the heated structural slab disposed for transferring heat to the conveyor for preventing fluid at the conveyor from freezing.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one conveyor is an endless-belt conveyor further comprising:
an upper belt portion; and a lower belt portion; and wherein the one or more heated structural slabs are positioned between the upper belt portion and the lower belt portion, the one or more heated structural slabs supporting the upper belt portion for movement therealong.
an upper belt portion; and a lower belt portion; and wherein the one or more heated structural slabs are positioned between the upper belt portion and the lower belt portion, the one or more heated structural slabs supporting the upper belt portion for movement therealong.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the at least one conveyor comprises a pair of conveyors spaced apart in parallel arrangement and each comprising an endless-belt conveyor adapted for supporting wheels of the vehicle, said heated structural slabs comprise at least two heated structural slabs spaced apart in parallel arrangement for supporting each of the endless belts thereon.
4. The system of claim 2 or 3 wherein the upper belt portion is operably configured to receive a fluid introduced between the upper belt portion and the heated structural slab.
5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the heated structural slab comprises hydronic tubing operable to receive a heated fluid for heating the structural slabs.
6. The system any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the heated structural slab comprises an electric heating wire operable to conduct an electrical current for heating the structural slabs.
7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the heated structural slab is supported above a floor of the carwash.
8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein at least a portion of the at least one conveyor is positioned within a trench in a floor of the carwash, the heated structural slab being supported above a bottom of the trench.
9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the at least one conveyor further comprises a main conveyor positioned within a carwash tunnel and an entrance conveyor extending outwards from an entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, and wherein the heated structural slab supports at least the entrance conveyor.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising:
an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, and wherein the heated structural slab supports the exit conveyor.
an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, and wherein the heated structural slab supports the exit conveyor.
11. The system of claim 9 or 10 wherein the heated structural slab supports the main conveyor adjacent the entrance of the carwash tunnel.
12. The system of any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the heated structural slab supports the main conveyor adjacent the exit of the carwash tunnel.
13. The system of claim 5 wherein the hydronic tubing comprises:
a plurality of fluidly connected loops of tubing formed within the heated structural slab, the plurality of fluidly connected loops being in communication with an inlet for receiving heated fluid for transferring heat to the structural slab, the plurality of fluidly connected loops being further in communication with an outlet for discharging fluid.
a plurality of fluidly connected loops of tubing formed within the heated structural slab, the plurality of fluidly connected loops being in communication with an inlet for receiving heated fluid for transferring heat to the structural slab, the plurality of fluidly connected loops being further in communication with an outlet for discharging fluid.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein the heated fluid comprises glycol.
15. The system of claim 13 or 14 wherein each of the structural slabs further comprises:
a frame having a plurality of grid members formed within the frame upon which the plurality of fluidly connected loops of tubing are supported; and a concrete core for accepting heat from the heated fluid for heating the structural slab for transferring heat therefrom.
a frame having a plurality of grid members formed within the frame upon which the plurality of fluidly connected loops of tubing are supported; and a concrete core for accepting heat from the heated fluid for heating the structural slab for transferring heat therefrom.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the plurality of fluidly connected loops of tubing are embedded in the concrete core adjacent a top surface of the structural slab.
17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16 further comprising a metal plate supported between the structural slab and the at least one conveyor.
18. A system for supporting a vehicle for movement through a carwash, the system comprising:
at least one endless-belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a lower belt portion adapted for moving the vehicle through the carwash, at least a portion of the endless-belt conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures;
a plurality of structural slabs suspended between the upper and lower belt portions for supporting at least a portion of the upper belt of the at least one endless-belt conveyor in sliding contact with the structural slabs; and a heating apparatus embedded in at least one of the plurality of structural slabs supporting the portion of the endless-belt conveyor that is exposed to the low ambient temperatures.
at least one endless-belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a lower belt portion adapted for moving the vehicle through the carwash, at least a portion of the endless-belt conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures;
a plurality of structural slabs suspended between the upper and lower belt portions for supporting at least a portion of the upper belt of the at least one endless-belt conveyor in sliding contact with the structural slabs; and a heating apparatus embedded in at least one of the plurality of structural slabs supporting the portion of the endless-belt conveyor that is exposed to the low ambient temperatures.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the at least one endless-belt conveyor comprises two endless belts positioned in spaced and parallel arrangement adapted for supporting wheels of the vehicle thereon, the plurality of structural slabs being spaced apart in parallel arrangement for supporting the two endless belts thereon.
20. The system of claim 18 or 19 wherein the heating apparatus comprises hydronic tubing for heating the structural slabs.
21. The system of claim 18 or 19 wherein the heating apparatus comprises electric heating wire operable to conduct an electrical current for heating each of the structural slabs.
22. The system of any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein the at least one endless-belt conveyor further comprises:
a main conveyor positioned within a carwash tunnel; and an entrance conveyor extending outwards from an entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, and wherein the heating apparatus is embedded in structural slabs supporting at least the entrance conveyor.
a main conveyor positioned within a carwash tunnel; and an entrance conveyor extending outwards from an entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, and wherein the heating apparatus is embedded in structural slabs supporting at least the entrance conveyor.
23. The system of claim 22 further comprising:
an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, wherein the heating apparatus is embedded in structural slabs supporting the exit conveyor.
an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures, wherein the heating apparatus is embedded in structural slabs supporting the exit conveyor.
24. The system of claim 22 or 23 wherein the heating apparatus is further embedded in structural slabs supporting the main conveyor adjacent the entrance of the carwash tunnel.
25. The system of claim 23 or 24 wherein the heating apparatus is further embedded in structural slabs supporting the main conveyor adjacent the exit of the carwash tunnel.
26. A method for heating a conveyor for supporting a vehicle for movement through a carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperatures, the method comprising:
supporting at least a moving portion of the at least one conveyor on one or more structural slabs in sliding contact with the conveyor; and transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating apparatus within the one or more structural slabs to cause heat to be transferred to the conveyor to prevent fluid at the conveyor from freezing.
supporting at least a moving portion of the at least one conveyor on one or more structural slabs in sliding contact with the conveyor; and transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating apparatus within the one or more structural slabs to cause heat to be transferred to the conveyor to prevent fluid at the conveyor from freezing.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the at least one conveyor comprises an endless-belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a lower belt portion, the one or more structural slabs being positioned between the upper belt portion and the lower belt portion, and wherein supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor comprises supporting the upper belt portion for movement therealong.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein the at least one conveyor comprises a pair of conveyors spaced apart in parallel arrangement, each of the pair of conveyors comprising an endless-belt conveyor, and wherein the one or more structural slabs comprise at least two structural slabs spaced apart in parallel arrangement for supporting each of the endless belts thereon.
29. The method of claim 27 or 28 further comprising receiving a fluid between the upper belt portion and the one or more structural slabs.
30. The method of any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating apparatus within the one or more structural slabs comprises supplying a heating fluid to hydronic tubing within the structural slabs.
31. The method any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs from a heating apparatus within the one or more structural slabs comprises conducting an electrical current through electric heating wire within the structural slabs.
32. The method of any one of claims 26 to 31 wherein supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor comprises supporting the portion of an entrance conveyor extending outwards from an entrance of the carwash tunnel, a portion of which is exposed to low ambient temperatures.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor comprises supporting the portion of an exit conveyor extending outwards from an exit of the carwash tunnel.
34. The method of claim 32 or 33 wherein supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor comprises supporting a main conveyor adjacent the entrance of the carwash tunnel.
35. The method of any one of claims 32 to 34 wherein supporting the portion of the at least one conveyor comprises supporting a main conveyor adjacent the exit of the carwash tunnel.
36. The method of claim 26 wherein transferring heat to the one or more structural slabs comprises transferring heat to a concrete core of the one or more structural slabs.
37. A structural slab apparatus for supporting a conveyor, the apparatus comprising:
a thermally conductive material formed to provide an upper surface for supporting a moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface;
and a heater embedded within the thermally conductive material, the thermally conductive material being operable to transfer heat provided by the heater to the upper surface to prevent freezing of fluid when operating the conveyor under low ambient temperature conditions.
a thermally conductive material formed to provide an upper surface for supporting a moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface;
and a heater embedded within the thermally conductive material, the thermally conductive material being operable to transfer heat provided by the heater to the upper surface to prevent freezing of fluid when operating the conveyor under low ambient temperature conditions.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the heater comprises hydronic tubing extending through at least a portion of the structural slab, the hydronic tubing being operable to receive a flow of heated fluid.
39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the hydronic tubing comprises:
an inlet for receiving the flow of heated fluid;
an outlet for returning the flow of heated fluid; and a plurality tubing loops, each being in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, the outlet being coupled to one of the plurality of tubing loops located distal to the inlet in a reverse-return flow configuration.
an inlet for receiving the flow of heated fluid;
an outlet for returning the flow of heated fluid; and a plurality tubing loops, each being in fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, the outlet being coupled to one of the plurality of tubing loops located distal to the inlet in a reverse-return flow configuration.
40. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the heater comprises an electric heater extending through at least a portion of the structural slab and operable to receive an electric current for generating heat.
41. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the thermally conductive material comprises concrete and further comprising a support grid embedded within the structural slab to provide sufficient structural strength for supporting the concrete and for supporting a load to be transported along the conveyor.
42. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the heater is embedded in the thermally conductive material proximate the upper surface to facilitate transfer of heat from the heater to the upper surface.
43. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the upper surface further comprises a metal plate for reducing friction associated with supporting the moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface.
44. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the conveyor comprises an endless belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a lower belt portion, and wherein:
the upper surface is configured to support an upper belt portion of the endless belt conveyor; and the structural slab is configured to be mounted between the upper belt portion and a lower belt portion of the endless belt conveyor.
the upper surface is configured to support an upper belt portion of the endless belt conveyor; and the structural slab is configured to be mounted between the upper belt portion and a lower belt portion of the endless belt conveyor.
45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the endless belt conveyor is disposed in a trench in a floor, and wherein:
the structural slab is configured to be mounted in the trench such that the upper surface is generally contiguous with the floor.
the structural slab is configured to be mounted in the trench such that the upper surface is generally contiguous with the floor.
46. The apparatus of claim 45 further comprising a frame at least partially enclosing structural slab and providing support for mounting of the structural slab in the trench.
47. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the moving portion of the conveyor is operable to support a vehicle for movement through a carwash and wherein:
the structural slab is disposed to support a portion of the conveyor located outside of a tunnel associated with the carwash.
the structural slab is disposed to support a portion of the conveyor located outside of a tunnel associated with the carwash.
48. A carwash apparatus comprising:
at least one conveyor operable to support a vehicle for movement through the carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperature conditions; and at least one structural slab as claimed in claim 37, the at least one structural slab being disposed to support the portion of the conveyor exposed to low ambient temperature conditions.
at least one conveyor operable to support a vehicle for movement through the carwash, at least a portion of the conveyor being exposed to low ambient temperature conditions; and at least one structural slab as claimed in claim 37, the at least one structural slab being disposed to support the portion of the conveyor exposed to low ambient temperature conditions.
49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the carwash comprises a tunnel and wherein the portion of the conveyor exposed to low ambient temperature conditions comprises a portion of the conveyor at an entrance of the tunnel.
50. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the carwash comprises a tunnel and wherein the portion of the conveyor exposed to low ambient temperature conditions comprises a portion of the conveyor at an exit of the tunnel.
51. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the at least one conveyor comprises a pair of conveyors spaced apart in parallel arrangement to accommodate respective left and right wheels of the vehicle, and wherein the at least one structural slab comprises at least one structural slab for supporting portions of each of the pair of conveyors exposed to low ambient temperature conditions.
52. A structural slab apparatus for supporting a conveyor, the apparatus comprising:
a thermally conductive material formed to provide an upper surface for supporting a moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface;
and means for heating embedded within the thermally conductive material, the thermally conductive material being operable to transfer heat provided by the means for heating to the upper surface to prevent freezing of fluid when operating the conveyor under low ambient temperature conditions.
a thermally conductive material formed to provide an upper surface for supporting a moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface;
and means for heating embedded within the thermally conductive material, the thermally conductive material being operable to transfer heat provided by the means for heating to the upper surface to prevent freezing of fluid when operating the conveyor under low ambient temperature conditions.
53. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said means for heating comprises means for receiving a flow of heated fluid and means for circulating the heated fluid through at least a portion of the structural slab.
54. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the upper surface further comprises means for reducing friction associated with supporting the moving portion of the conveyor in sliding contact with the upper surface.
55. The apparatus of claim 51 wherein the conveyor comprises an endless belt conveyor having an upper belt portion and a lower belt portion, and wherein:
the upper surface is configured to support an upper belt portion of the endless belt conveyor; and the structural slab comprises means for mounting the structural slab between the upper belt portion and a lower belt portion of the endless belt conveyor.
the upper surface is configured to support an upper belt portion of the endless belt conveyor; and the structural slab comprises means for mounting the structural slab between the upper belt portion and a lower belt portion of the endless belt conveyor.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US86712806P | 2006-11-23 | 2006-11-23 | |
| US60/867,128 | 2006-11-23 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2591437A1 CA2591437A1 (en) | 2008-05-23 |
| CA2591437C true CA2591437C (en) | 2013-12-10 |
Family
ID=39420430
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2570074 Abandoned CA2570074A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 | 2006-12-05 | Heating system for outdoor conveyors in a carwash |
| CA2591437A Active CA2591437C (en) | 2006-11-23 | 2007-06-11 | Heating system for outdoor conveyors in a carwash |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2570074 Abandoned CA2570074A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 | 2006-12-05 | Heating system for outdoor conveyors in a carwash |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2570074A1 (en) |
-
2006
- 2006-12-05 CA CA 2570074 patent/CA2570074A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-06-11 CA CA2591437A patent/CA2591437C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2570074A1 (en) | 2008-05-23 |
| CA2591437A1 (en) | 2008-05-23 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request |