US3035293A - Car wash apparatus and controls therefor - Google Patents

Description

May 22, 1962 s. L. LARSON 3,035,293

CAR WASH APPARATUS AND CONTROLS THEREFOR Filed Aug. 22, 1956 e Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

,5. Jam/144ml. [A /P30 May 22, 1962 s. L. LARSON 3,035,293

CAR WASH APPARATUS AND CONTROLS THEREFOR Filed Aug. 22, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 I N V EN TOR. Jam/144ml. 1/4/4 50 May 22, 1962 s. LARSON CAR WASH APPARATUS AND CONTROLS THEREFOR Filed Aug. 22, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. J/vawAA/LMwo/v BY y 22, 1962 s. L. LARSON 3,035,293

CAR WASH APPARATUS AND CONTROLS THEREFOR Filed Aug. 22, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR. JfiikMA/VL. Mso/v y 1962 s. L. LARSON 3,035,293

CAR WASH APPARATUS AND CONTROLS THEREFOR Filed Aug. 22, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 2/6/77 82 IMP 370 I N V EN TOR. Jam/w 4N1. [A/PSO/V BY Q- 0% ATTOF/VE) y 22, 1962 s. L. LARSON 3,035,293

CAR WASH APPARATUS AND CONTROLS THEREFOR Filed Aug. 22, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 D TOP JOAPR AIR 6/2 7 IN V EN TOR.

430 8 m 6/4 407 'J/mPMA/VLAA/Pw/V 606- #20 BY 35F #22 405 0 21' f0 4 4 /O4 Arm/ems) Unite States This invention relates to body brush devices for car wash Laundries, and more particularly to devices of this character adapted for automatic operation and which may also provide soaping and pre-rinse features for more effectively removing dirt and grime from the vehicle surfaces.

Body brush devices heretofore available in line wash racks have been cumbersome in structure, required considerable line space for operation, did an incomplete and poor cleaning job necssitating subsequent hand work. Moreover, soaping and pro-rinsing was a hand operation or was performed by separate equipment.

The present invention provides as a principal object a compact self-contained body brush device of automatic character for effectuating rapid and continuous safe dirt removal reducing hand wash to a barest minimum and which is capable of being automatically coordinated with other car wash equipment in a line operation or may be separately controlled to permit individual regulation and operation.

An additional object is to provide an automatic body brush device comprising top and side water-fed brushes, and equipped with built-in automatic pre-rinse and aerating soaping features.

Another object is to provide a device of the preceding character embodying in a single unit coordinated features of pre-rinsing, brushing and soaping operable on the vehicle in that order.

A further object is to provide an automatic body brush device employing rotating brushes adapted to resiliently apply constant pressure to the work, and that automatically adjust themselves to the body contours of the vehicles passing by.

A specific object is to provide an automatic body brush device comprising a pair of rotatable brushes each controlled by the piston of a differential pressure fluid motor operable to effectuate resilient application of the brushes to a car body.

Another specific object is to provide a body brush controlled by the piston of a diiferental pressure fluid motor having pressure fluid acting on both sides of the piston and wherein movement of the piston is eifectuated by increasing the fluid pressure on'one side of the piston to a value above the maximum permissible operable pressure on the opposite side of the piston.

A further specific object is to provide an automatic body brush device comprising a pair of rotatable brushes resiliently biased to operable position against a car body by a plurality of coincidently operating means.

It is also an object to provide body brush structures as in the preceding objects including means for controlling the rate of movement of the brush into operative or inoperative position.

A further specific object is to provide an automatic body brush device comprising a top surface brush which is statically and dynamically balanced to assure uniform pressures on the work regardless of brush position.

Another object is to provide an automatic body brush device comprising a top and side rotary brushes which are automatically operable and which are substantially transversely aligned.

Another object is to provide an automatic body brush device as in any of the aforesaid objects including a feather touch control automatically actuable for instantly raising the top brush from its cleaning position to permit the passing by of damageable vehicle obstructions and fire 2 which is capable of effecting rapid, gentle and automatic lowering of the brush to cleaning position after the obstruction has passed.

A still further object is to provide a compact automatic body brush device containing conveniently located central controls arranged in a compact cluster and clearly identifiable permitting all adjustments of the device to be accomplished by a single operator.

A further object is to provide a body brush device arranged in a compact enclosure capable of easy entry for quick and convenient servicing.

Another specific object is to provide an automatic aerated soap saving soaper in which liquid soap is accunately metered, mixed with water, aerated and pressure agitated for dispersion by frothing over the entire vehicle so as to provide an abundance of suds and foam covering the vehicle to provide effective cleaning and which is impressive and pleasing to the car owner customers.

A still further object is to provide automatically operating means, preferably a photo electric eye for controlling actuation of the pre-rinse spray mist as the vehicle enters or is adjacent the brush unit and to provide means, for instance a limit switch actuated by one of the side brushes to start rotation of all brushes of the unit and to initiate operation of the aerated soaper.

Another object is to provide a pre-rinse control operable by means engaged by the vehicle.

A still further object is to provide an aerated soaper device comprising a liquid detergent tank, a liquid mixture tank having a level control, a distribution tank fed by the mixture tank, valve means for adjusting the mixture of detergent and water, and means for aeratingthe liquid mixture in the distribution tank to produce a foam.

Still another object is to provide a spray rinse structure comprising a pair of systems, one comprising a plurality of transversely located overhead spray nozzles, and the other a plurality of side nozzles, each system having a solenoid controlled valve which itself is controlled by means regulating the timing with which the spray is turned on and off and having a manual valve control for the water spray if the electrical system is inoperable and a further control for overcontrolling the solenoid valve of the overhead system.

Still a further object is to provide a body brush device including a compact cabinet having on its Vehicle exit side a plurality of juxtapositioned flexible spring steel reinforced members providing a splash curtain for the device.

A particular object is to provide a method of applying soapy foam to the surface of a vehicle comprising continuously pressure aerating a fluid soap mixture in a receptacle to form a foam and causing the foam to rise in the receptacle and to spill over a ledge of the receptacle in a substantially continuous blanket.

Another object is to provide certain novel combinations and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully set forth adapted to effectuate among others the preceding objects.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of my invention and from the annexed drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an elevational perspective view looking atthe entrance side of the apparatus of my invention and showing some of the elements of the same in operation on a vehicle passing through;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational perspective view looking at the exit side of the apparatus of my invention showing the vehicle of FIGURE 1 emenging from the apparatus and showing the manner of preventing outward water splash by flexible shields;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the vehicle washing Patented May 22, 1962 apparatus of my invention parts of the casing being broken away to show the top and side brushes and soaper mechanism;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of FIGURE 3 looking from the vehicle discharge side of the apparatus, parts of the casing being broken away to show the operating mechanism;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIGURE 4 taken at 55 looking from the left side of that figure, parts of the casing being broken away to show the counterweight system for the top brush and to show one of the side brushes and its carrier;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIGURE 4, taken at 66 looking from the right side of that figure, parts being broken away to show the hydraulic mechanism for actuating the top brush, the soaper structure and the other side brush and its carrier;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional elevation taken at 77 of FIGURE 4 showing the feather touch release control for effecting instant raising of the top brush when obstructions come into the path of the top brush;

FIGURE 8 is a diagrammatic view showing the hydraulic system for the apparatus of my invention;

FIGURE 9 is a diagrammatic view showing the electrical system for the apparatus of my invention employing an electric eye type of actuating control for the side brush elements; and

FIGURE 10 is a view similar to that of FIGURE 9 but modified to employ a micro switch control.

In the drawings wherein my body brush invention has been illustrated as applied to a motor vehicle It of the club sedan variety, the numeral 12 generally designates an enclosure or housing of inverted U shape for enclosing and supporting the mechanism of my invention. The housing 12 is comprised of suitable rigid angle iron frame work generally designated by the numeral 14 (see FIG- URE 3) arranged to form opposite vertical hollow columns 16, 18 and a hollow transverse header 20 providing an archway A for a passing vehicle. This framework is reinforced and closed at the outer ends, top and sides of the U structure by suitable sheet metal walls 22 which become part of the supporting structure.

The enclosure is arranged, for example, to straddle a suitable rail-type guideway 24 for guiding the vehicle It) in operative position through the archway A of the apparatus, the vehicle 10 being moved by any conventional means such as a conveyor chain not shown. The vehicle enters the front side F of the housing as in FIGURE 1 where it is subject to pre-rinsing with water, wet brushing and soap treatment in that order and passes out of the enclosure as in FIGURE 2, at the rear side R. As seen in FIGURE 2, a plurality of elongated spring-like flexible metal reinforced rubber or plastic splash shields 26 are arranged horizontally and vertically around the periphery of the rear opening of the enclosure and project therein with their free ends 28 in juxtaposition to or in contact with the passing vehicle so as to contain any splash within the housing space. The shields are preferably of generally rectangular form and secured at their ends opposite the ends 28 to an edge of the housing frame. Normally the shields extend outwardly paralleling the rear side R of the housing and may be resiliently deflected laterally outwardly by the vehicle in passing through the arch and are self-actuated to normal position after the vehicle is past.

Within the housing adjacent the front peripheral inner edge 30 of the archway A are piping sections 32, 33 generally arranged in an arch (see FIGURE 1) and connected with a source of water supply under suitable valve controls. A plurality of spray nozzles 34 are connected to each pipe section and project into the archway A to direct an overlapping shower or spray of water against the vehicle as it enters the archway. Three such heads, for example, are shown located at each of the sides and at. the top of the archway A. The top three nozzles and the upper nozzles of the side groups are controlled by a separate solenoid valve 35 (FIGURE 9) from the solenoid valve 35A controlling the lower side sets of nozzles. In this manner the upper nozzles may be shut off when a convertible passes through the apparatus. The solenoid controlled valves 35, 35A are in turn preferably controlled as hereinafter described by 'an electric eye 35B (FIGURES 1 and 3) supported by an outwardly extending bracket 35C at the upper left hand corner of the archway A at the intersection of columns 16 and 20 and provided with a source of light from a lamp 35D secured to the column 18 at the floor level in the diagonally opposite corner of the arch A or they may be controlled by a vehicle actuated trip device or switch 35E having a flexible operating arm 35F for engaging the underside of the vehicle.

Arranged rearwardly beyond the spray nozzles in the left and right columns 16, 18 respectively (see FIGURES 1, 3, and 4) are vertical body brush units generally designated by the letters B and C respectively, providing rotatable brushes 36, 38 respectively adapted to be moved laterally outwardly of the columns 16, 18 and inwardly of the archway into position for engaging the sides of a vehicle passing through the archway, this position being the normal or inboard position of the brushes seen in FIGURES l and 4. A third, horizontal brush unit generally designated by the letter D is mounted in the cross header 20, and in general transverse alignment with the vertical brush units. The unit D provides a horizontally rotatable brush 40 normally arranged to be in its down position and adapted to be raised to a position clear of the top side of the vehicle body as in the case of a convertible as seen in phantom in FIGURES 5 to 7.

The vertical brush units B and C are identical but oppositely disposed units. These units as best seen in FIGURES 3, 4, and 5 each comprises a generally rectangular carrier frame 5% pivotally mounted by a vertical shaft 52 in bearings 54, 56 secured to the framework of the columns 16 and 18 at the front inner corners thereof. Extending from the outer portion of each framefitt and at right angles thereto are parallel upper and lower arms 58, 63 (see FIGURE 4) on the ends of which the brushes 36 and 38 are journalled in bearings 62, '64 by a shaft 66 adapted to be driven by a suitable geared electric motor 68 supported on and secured to the upper arm 58 so as to be movable with the brush frame. Each of the brush units B and C has its own drive motor, the brush 36 being driven in a clockwise direction of rotation whereas the brush 38 is driven in the opposite or counterclockwise direction such that the direction of movement of the periphery of the brushes at the point of contact with the Vehicle body is opposite to the direction of movement of the vehicle.

The brush unit B is movable between its outboard and inboard (operable) positions by the piston 71) of a double acting differential fluid pressure motor such as an air' cylinder 72. The outer end of the casing 74 of the cylinder is pivotally anchored at 76 to the framework of the column 16 and the outer end of the piston 7th is pivotally connected to the brush carrier frame 50 adjacent the pivot 52 of the latter by pin and clevis means 77 (see FIGURE 3). Suitable means such as flexible air hose means (not shown) connects a source of pressure air of predetermined pressure value preferably about l8 lbs. per sq. in. to the opposite sides of the air cylinder through suitable valve controls hereinafter described. When the right side of the air cylinder 72 in FIGURE 3 has pressure admitted to it while the opposite end is vented, the brush carrier 50 is moved to its operative (inboard) position shown in phantom in FIGURE 3 and resiliently maintained in that position. When a vehicle passes through the archway A and contacts the brush it urges the brush and carrier toward its outboard position against the fluid pressure on the piston. It is this constant pressure resiliently applied which maintains the brush in operable c0ntact with the vehicle body at all times and enables it to follow the contour of the vehicle body. When the right side of the cylinder 72 is vented by manual control, the pressure acting on the opposite side of the piston 70 moves the latter to retract the brush and carrier to its inoperative (outboard) position seen in the full lines in FIGURE 3. Suitable stops 71 and 71A are provided to limit the inboard and outboard movement of the brush carriers 50.

If desired, a spring, for instance a torsion spring 69 may be provided to act if the fluid pressure fails, to resiliently urge the brush to its inboard position. It will be understood that manual means (not shown) may be provided for retracting the brush if the fluid pressure fails.

The brush unit C is mounted for operation in the column 18 in a manner similar to the brush unit B, the carrier being pivotally mounted by the shaft 52 at the front inner corner thereof and operable between its outboard and inboard positions under control of a fluid motor 82, the piston 80 and casing 81 of which are respectively pivotally anchored to the brush frame 51 and column 18 as at 83 and 84 respectively, and urged to its inboard position by a spring 69A.

The side brushes 36 and 38 are wetted in operation by a water spray provided by a vertical pipe or standard 77A (FIGURE 4) suitably secured by brackets 78 to the outer side of the brush carrying frame 50. The pipe has its upper end capped as at 79 and has its lower end connected by a flexible conduit 79A to a source of water under pres sure controlled by the aforesaid solenoid valve 35A in turn controlled by the electric eye 3513. Between its ends the pipe 77A is pierced with spaced holes 793 located radially of the brush axis and through which holes a spray of water is directed to th brush. It will be understood that in place of the holes 798 suitable nozzles may be provided.

It will be noted that the side brush units B and C have their pivotal frame axes so located rearwardly of the brushes that the vehicle body acting on the brushes 36, 38 will earn the carriers '50 thereof toward their outboard positions about their pivotal axes as the vehicle moves through these brushes. Suitably mounted on the column 18 is a brush motor and water valve control device 8'3 such as a switch, normally operable to closed position by an arm 87 which is spring biased in the direction of theframe 50. In moving to the full inboard position of the brushes the frame 50 acts on the lever arm 87 and in such position with no vehicle passing through the arch the switch is open and has no effect upon the motor 68. However, when the brush C is cammed outwardly by a passing vehicle the lever 87 moves with it and switch 85 closes to effect energization of the motor 68 and rotation of the brushes. This switch through its control of the motor circuits also preferably controls the automatic soaper air feeds as hereinafter described.

The upper body brush unit D comprises a pivotally mounted carrier frame generally designated by the numeral 88 comprised of a shaft 90, the ends of which are journalled in suitable bearings 92 in the columns 16 and 18 and to which shaft is secured as by welding a pair of spaced-apart arms 94, 95 extending outwardly therefrom intermediate the columns 16, 18 each such arm having a radial section 96 (see FIGURE 7) and an offset section 98 at substantial right angles to the radial section 96. A reinforcing tie member or bar 104) connects the arms 94, 95 at the intersection of the sections 96, 98. Journalled to the arms 94, 95 as at 102 adjacent the extreme outer end of the section 98 is a shaft 1ll4 carrying the upper rotary brush 40. The shaft 102 extends through the arm 95 to drivingly connect with the output shaft of a geared electric motor 106 suitably mounted on the section 93 of the arm 95 as seen in FIGURES 4 and so as to be movable with the brush carrier. Energization of the motor 106 is controlled by the switch of the control device 85 and the brush is rotated as to have a peripheral movement 6 at the line of contact with the vehicle surface opposite to that of the passing through the apparatus.

The upper brush unit D is movable between its operable (down) position and its retracted (up) position by the piston 110 of a double-acting differential pressure fluid motor such as an air cylinder 112 located in the column 16. The casing 114 of the fluid motor is pivotally anchored at 116 by a link 118 to one leg of an angle bracket 120 mounted on the column 16. The piston 110 is pivotally connected by pin and clevis means 122 to a short lever operating arm 124 rigidly fastened as by welding to the shaft 90, of the brush frame 88. Suitable means such as a flexible hose (not shown) connects the opposite sides of the air motor 112 with a suitable source of pressure air of predetermined pressure value through solenoid valve and other controls hereinafter described. A limit stop arm 126 is also provided that operates between stop posts 127 and 128. (See FIGURES 3 and 6.)

- Pressure air is constantly applied to the upper end of the motor 112. Hence when the lower side is vented, the piston 11%) lowers the brush carrier 83 and the rotating brush 4%) to operative down position shoum in the full lines in FIGURE 6 where it is maintained under fluid pressure to resiliently engage the top surface of a vehicle 11 passing through the unit. The brush 40 resiliently accommodates itself to the contour of the vehicle body and is capable of retracting as necessary against the applied pressure of the air cylinder in accordance with the level of the vehicle surface. When fluid pressure in excess of that permissible on the upper side of the cylinder is admitted to the lower side thereof, the piston 110 moves to retract the unit 88 upwardly to its retracted or inoperative position.

In order to obtain best pressure effects and assure rapid and smooth response to actuation of the controls, I statically and dynamically balance the upper brush unit when the brush is dry. Thus as best seen in FIGURES 3 and 5, the shaft 9% of the brush carrier 88 has secured thereto at one end a sprocket 130 which through a chain 132 drives a sprocket 134 secured to a countershaft 136 journalled in bearings 139 mounted on the column 18. The sprockets are preferably of equal number of teeth such that one revolution of the carrier would cause one revolution of the countershaft.

The countershaft 136 is provided with suitable balance weight and carrying means, two units 137 and 137A being shown and preferably provided, which may be adjustable rotatably and axially on the shaft 136 if desired for clearance purposes and to balance the brush mechanism. Each unit comprises a pair of spaced-apart radially extending parallel weight-carrying arms, the arms 138 of unit 137 as seen being offset angularly to the arms 140 of the unit 137A preferably at 90 degrees to each other. The arms 138 are the main weight-carrying arms and support between them a plurality of half disc weights 142 held to the arms by a bolt 144. The arms 140' are the fine adjustment Weight-carrying arms, these as seen, being shorter than the arms 138 and mounting between them a smaller number of half disc weights 146- held by a bolt 148. Each set of arms is provided with spaced bolt holes 150 enabling radial adjustment of the weights.

By the described balancing arrangement the entire balancing means is kept within the column 18 and requires a minimum of space. Moreover, adjustment is readily accomplished.

The upper surface brush unit D is also provided with a feather touch interference control device generally designated by the numeral (FIGURE 7) which is capable of effecting instantaneous speed controlled raising of the brush from its cleaning position to permit passing of a damageable vehicle obstruction, for example an antenna, and which effects re-lowering of the brush to operative cleaning position after the obstruction has passed.

For this purpose I provide a counterbalanced pendulum- 7. like detector or touch member 162 carried by the brush mechanism, which is adapted to swing in the direction of motion of an obstruction with which it comes into contact and has a cam element 163 thereon to actuate an operating element 163A which may be, for example, the operating arm of a control device, for instance, a trip valve or micro-switch 1638, the latter in turn acting upon the hydraulic lift mechanism 112 to raise the brush unit to its uppermost position clear of the obstruction. By preference the counterbalancing of the bar will be such that only two ounces of pressure will be required to move the element 166 against the arm 163A. Since upward movement of the brush also effects the positioning of the touch member 162, the action of the latter must be directed such that the control device 1633 is not reset by the touch member 162 prematurely. In order to accomplish this result, the touch member 162 is so mounted that its angular change of position due to rise and fall of the brush unit is made a substantial minimum and such that the touch member 162 is always in position to protect an obstruction from damage by the core of the brush -40 of the brush mechanism whenever the brush is below its uppermost position as when being lowered.

As best seen in FIGURES 1, 3, 4, and 7, the touch member 162, which is preferably covered with a rubber or plastic sleeve 164, is of generally U shape and of a width at its base sufficient to encompass the full width of the vehicle 11 passing through the apparatus. The side legs 165 of the U member 162 are inturned and secured at 166 to a horizontal pivot shaft or rod 163 rotatably mounted in journals 170 located in the lower ends of plate-like legs 172 of spaced, T-shaped arms 173 pivoted at 1715A to the arms 98 of the brush frame. The arms 173 have barlike head or side Wings 174, 175 secured as by welding to the legs 172. A central reinforcing rod 176 generally connects the base section of the member 162 with the rod 168. The journals 170 serve as pivots about which the member 162 may swing.

The side wings 174 of the arms 173 extend at substantially right angles to the leg 172 and have inwardly turned ends 178 (see FIGURE 4) paralleling the shaft 168 which journal in bearings 189 secured to the sections 98 of the brush arms 94, 95 adjacent the axis of the brush shaft 1&4. These bearings 180 serve as pivots for the T arms 173. The bar-like Wings 175' of the T arms 173 extend upwardly from the legs 172 and are formed of two sections 182, 184, the lower one 182 being bent obliquely to the leg 172 and wing and the other 184 substantially paralleling the wings 174 but offset therefrom as seen in FIGURE 7. Each section 184 is received between a pair of spaced pins or rollers 185 of a guide bracket 136 secured to the rear plate 22 of the cross column 20 of the frame 14.

In order to increase the sensitivity of the touch bar 162 it is, as previously described, statically and dynamically balanced by means of a counterbalance weight 188 adjustably secure to one end of the pivot shaft 168.

The rollers 135 together with the contour of the wing 175 limit the side movement of this wing 175 of the arms 173 and hence reduce to a minimum and safe amount any angular change in the normal relative angular positions of the arms 173 and touch bar 162 during upward movement of the brush unit D about the axis of its shaft 90, and which if too great could cause a premature resetting of the control device 1633 for the power cylinder 112 actuated by the touch bar. Moreover, the described guide structure assures movement of the touch bar vertically, clear of any obstruction when the brush 40 is raised, yet maintaining the interception portion or base of the touch bar always below the core of the brush, for example, in line with the bottom peripheral portion of the brush. Note in this connection the raised position of the touch bar as shown in phantom in FIGURE 7.

v For the purpose of wetting the brush 40 during its Cab rotation, I provide a spray header or pipe 191 secured by brackets 191 (FIGURE 4) to the tie member of the brush frame 88 and thus movable therewith. This header is provided with a plurality of water jets 192 arranged lengthwise of the pipe 191) and radially of the axis of the brush shaft 194. The ends of the header are capped as at 193, and the mid point 194 connected by a flexible conduit or hose 195 to the water pipe 32 of the upper nozzle set and this is provided with a source of water under pressure through the solenoid controlled valve 35 (FIGURE 10) referred to above and which is controlled by the electric eye 3513. When the valve 35 is manually controlled to shut olf the upper nozzles 34 to permit passage of a convertible it also shuts off the water to the upper brush wetting pipe 199.

An important feature of my invention is the automatic aerated soaper means I provide for delivering a substantially continuous blanket of soapy froth to the surface of the vehicle 10 as it moves through the apparatus and following brush cleaning of the such surface.

Referring especially to FIGURES 3, 4, and 6, it will be seen that the soaper means comprises a top or uppermost detergent or soap supply tank 200, a middle tank 202 for mixture and an agitating and dispensing tank 204 for distribution, all suitably supported at the rearward side of the transverse colume 20 of the frame structure. The detergent supply tank 200 is of boxlike form and arranged above the mixture tank 202 which is of oblong shape and to which measured amounts of soap or detergent and water are delivered under control of a solenoidcontrolled detergent flow valve 206 and a solenoid controlled water flow valve 208 both mounted adjacent the soap tank 200 exteriorly thereof. These valves permit measured quantities of fluid soap and water to be delivered to the mixture tank 262. The liquid detergent or soap enters the tank by gravity flow from tank 260 through a conduit 209 provided with a manually adjustable needle valve 210 and a transparent valve body 211 to visually show the level of soap. The water is fed from a regular line to the valve 208. A float switch 212 mounted on the mixing tank 202 and controlled by a ball or other type float 214 in the mixing tank having a lever arm 216 for actuating the switch, controls the solenoids for the soap and water flow valves.

From the mixture tank 202 the soap mixture feeds by gravity through a conduit 218 to the juxtaposed end of the lower portion of the dispensing tank 204. The latter tank is of considerable length extending over a distance centrally of the apparatus substantially the width of the vehicle 10. The tank is narrow as compared to depth and is of an inverted J shape, the parallel walls thereof extending upwardly from the closed bottom of this tank and then making an arc and turning downward. The downward turned portion provides a dispensing lip 220* and a downwardly directed mouth or outlet 222. The mouth 222 of the dispensing tank 204 is arranged to be substantially at the normal level of the soap-water mixture in the mixing tank 202.

A conduit 224 connecting with a horizontal pipe 225 in the tank 204 adjacent its bottom at one end thereof, and preferably below the connection of the soap-water conduit 218 therewith, brings to the pipe 225 and through spaced holes therein to the dispensing tank a supply of air under pressure from a pump 230 under control of a solenoid flow control valve 232 (FIGURE 8) controlled by the brush switch 85 aforesaid which controls energizetion of the brush motors. The air serves to agitate and aerate the soap mixture, which thereupon froths and rises and goes over the lip 220 of the tank and falls by gravity on the car surface below. If desired, the air supply may come from the main airline through a pressure regulator 234.

Referring now to FIGURE 8 which generally illustrates the air operating devices and controls, the numeral 390 designates a compressor or other source of air under pressure providing air to a tank or reservoir 302 which delivers air at above 80 lbs. per square inch pressure to a main air line 304 under control of a manually operable gate valve 306. From the main line 364 branch air lines 308, 310 extend to automatic pressure regulators 312, 314 of the Norgren combination type 745B-2, each provided with a built-in air strainer and oi'ler devices 316, 31 8 respectively.

The regulator 312 is preferably set to deliver air at 80 lbs. per square inch pressure to an air line 328 for use in controlling the up and down operations of the upper brush 40 by the differential air pressure motor 112. Thus the line 320 delivers 80 pound air through a branch line 322 to a second automatic pressure regulator 324 of the Norgren type 2A2GG which then delivers air at lbs. per square inch by the air line 326- to the port 328 of the down operating side of the air motor 112 through an air flow control valve 330 of the Schrader type 3250B (adjustable) which meters the air flow to the air motor 112 to provide a regulated gradual down movement of the brush 40. I further provide in the line 326 a popolf of relief valve 332 set to discharge air above 21 pounds per square inch and operable during the up movement of the brush 40.

The up-operation of the motor 112 for the top brush 40 is controlled independently by the normally closed aerial detector valve 1635 (FIGURE 7) aforesaid and by a manually operable two-way control valve 334 each of which controls a pressure actuated double input diaphragm type valve 336 (for which a Schrader quick exhaust valve No. 3340 may be employed) the latter in turn controlling a second valve 338 (which may be a Schrader pilot valve No. 3093), in operable association therewith which is arranged in the 80 lb. line 328 between the regulator 312 and the port 348 of the up operating side of the air motor 112.

The aerial detector valve connects with the 80 lb. line 320 through an automatic pressure regulator 342 of the Norgren type 2A2GG set to deliver air at 40 lbs. per square inch to one side of the aerial detector valve. With the valve 1633 closed the air line 344 between double input valve 336 is vented. When the aerial detector valve is opened by operation of the device 168, it permits 40 lbs. pressure to be directed through one inlet 345 of the valve 336 to the valve 338 to open the same. It also acts to close the second inlet 345A between the line 346 and the valve 338, the line 346 connecting with the manual control valve 334. When the valve 338 is thus opened by action of the 40 lbs. pressure directed to it by opening of the aerial detector valve it permits 80 lbs. pressure to be directed from the line 320 to the up port 340 of the air motor through line 348 to raise the brush 40. It is to be noted that when the 80 lbs. pressure is admitted to the up side of the cylinder 112 there is then 80 lbs. acting on one side of the piston and 20 lbs. on the other side, the 80 lbs. forcing the piston back and pushing the 20 lbs. air out through the poppet valve 332. Arranged in this line 348 is an adjustable air flow control valve 350 of the Schrader type No. 32503 which permits full forward air flow for up movement of the brush but provides a regulated i.e., metered back flow for the down movement when the valve 338 is closed and line 348 vented.

The manual control valve 334 when opened directs 80 lbs. pressure from the line to the second inlet of the control valve 336 opening its port and directing full 80 lbs. pressure against the valve 338 to eflect raising of the brush as in the case of the aerial detector control. This 80 lbs. pressure also acts on valve 336 to close the first-mentioned inlet aforesaid between valve 338 and line 344. Should the aerial detector valve 1633 have previously operated to cause raising of the brush 48, the 80 lbs. pressure from line 346 will act against the 40 lbs. pressure from the detector valve line 344 and close the first-mentioned inlet but without permitting valve 338 to close such it and the that the brush 40 will stay in raised position regardless of operation of the aerial detector valve 163B until the manual top brush control valve 334 is again closed.

The pressure regulator 314 referred to above connecting with the main line 304 through the conduit branch 310 delivers air under 18 lbs. per square in. pressure to a line 352 which connects with one port 354 of a manually operable four-way selector valve 356 for controlling the side brushes 36, 38, this valve preferably being of the Schrader type No. 3720. The valve 356 is operable to selectively deliver the fluid pressure from line 352 to either a branch line 358 through its port 360 or to a branch line 362 through the port 364 or to vent the line 358, or 362 through a port 366.

When applied thereto the line 358 directs the 18 lbs. air pressure to branch lines 368 and 370 through suitable adjustable air flow control valves 372, 374 preferably of the Schrader type No. 3250B. The line 368 connects with the port 376 of the air motor 82 for the right brush unit C to effect operation of the right side brush 38 to its outboard position shown in FIGURE 3. In a similar way the line 37!? connects with the port 380 of the air motor 72 for the left brush unit B to effect operation of the left side brush 36 to its outboard position shown in FIG- URE 3.

To effect inboard operation of the side brushes, the valve 356 is operated to apply air pressure through port 364 to the line 362 which in turn delivers such pressure to branches 382, 384 through adjustable flow control valves 386, 388 preferably of the Schrader type No. 3250B. The branch 382 connects with port 398 of the motor 82 to direct the piston thereof to actuate the right side brush 38 to its inboard position. Similarly the branch 384 connects with the port 392 of the motor 72 to actuate the left side brush 36 to its inboard position. The flow control valves 372, 374, 386 and 388 provide a regulated movement of the side brush units between their inboard and outboard positions.

The control valves 372, 374, 386, 388 are adjustable to control the rate of movement (in and out) of the side brushes. Preferably the valves 372, 374 are set to provide full pressure flow into the cylinders 72, 82 through ports 376, 380 to the sides of their pistons for moving the brushes to their outboard positions While the valves 386, 388 then provide a metered i.e., regulated outflow of air through ports 390, 392 of the sides of the cylinders 72, 82 being then vented. Such prevents a crash operation of the side brushes and provides a shock absorbing action. In a similar manner the control valves 386, 388 preferably permit full pressure flow to the ports 390, 392 of the air motors and regulated outflow from ports 376, 380 of the vented sides thereof when the brushes are moved to their inboard positions.

Thus the top brush is lowered to operating position whenever air pressure is on the system and may be raised by the motor 112 by actuation of the aerial detector valve or the manual control valve 334. Moreover the side brushes will be moved by the motors 72, 82 to their inboard or outboard positions under control of the manual valve 356 and dependent upon the position of the latter. When the control valve 356 calls for inboard position both side brushes will be so moved and vice versa when the Valve calls for outboard positioning of such brushes.

The lbs. line 328 also delivers pressure air by a branch line 395 to a further automatic regulator 396 preferably of the Norgren type No. 2A2GG which in turn delivers air under 20 lbs. per square inch pressure to a solenoid controlled valve 232 controlling feed of pressure air to the aerator pipe 225 described above, of the soaper device.

FIGURE 9 schematically shows the electrical controls utilizing as in the preferred form of my invention an electric eye pickup for starting certain phases of the operation.

Thus the numeral 400 denotes generally a combined junction box and amplifier containing a terminal board with terminals numbered 1 to 8 inclusive as shown, and

electronic apparatus (schematically shown) for use with the electric eye control. A source 402 of 110 volt power supply has a polarized circuit, one lead of which 404 connects directly with terminal No. and the other lead 405 of which connects indirectly through a main manually operable power switch 406 and a branch lead 407 to terminal No. 6 to bring power thereto when the switch 406 is closed. Terminals Nos. 5 and 6 are connected respectively by leads 408 and 409 with a power amplifier 410 which bring 110 volt A.-C. power supply from source 402 thereto, the lead 408 also bringing one side of the power supply to terminal No. 3. A 6-volt transformer 411 has its primary 110-volt winding connected with terminals 5 and 6 and its 6-volt secondary winding connected with terminals 1 and 2 for delivering low voltage power to the lamp 351) by leads 412, 414 which is energized whenever theswitch 406 is closed. Light from the lamp 35D energizes the electric eye 35B which delivers its developed current by leads 416, 418 to terminals Nos. 7 and 8 where it is amplified by the amplifier unit .410 .to control relay means (schematically shown) built into the amplifier to efiect delivery of 110- .volt power from terminal No. 6 to terminal No. 4 by means including a lead 420 whenever the beam of light from the lamp 35D to electric eye 35B is interrupted by a vehicle entering the apparatus and to cut off power flow when the beam is restored.

Normally with the switch 406 closed and with the beam to the electric eye interrupted, 110-volt current delivered to terminal No. '4 from the source 402 will flow by series-connected circuit leads 422,424 to a solenoid 426 energizing the same to control opening of the water valve 35A for controlling water flow to the side rinse nozzles 34 of conduit 33 and to the water sprays 77A for the side brushes, the circuit being completed 'by series lines 428, 430 connecting with terminal No. 3 associated with power supply side 1404 through leads 431, 408 and terminal No. 5.

The line 422 from terminal 4 also brings power through a normally closed manually operable switch 432 located at the junction of leads 422, 424 and a lead 434 to energize a solenoid 436 electrically in parallel with the solenoid 426 and having a common return therewith by line 438 connecting with return line 430 aforesaid. When energized, the solenoid 436 controls opening of the valve 35 controlling water feed to the top rinse nozzles 34 associated with-the water conduit 32 and to the top brush water spray device 190. When it is desired to shut off water flow to the elements 32 and .190but provide feed to elements 33 and 77A, as when servicing a convertible, it is merely necessary to open switch 432 to deenergize solenoid 436 to close valve 35. It is sometimes desirable to overcontrol the electric eye 35B in its intermittent operation of the solenoids 426, 436 as when the wash rack is operating with cars bumper-to-bumper or to provide a means of energizing these solenoids if the electric eye control should fail. I accomplish this by providing a manually operable jumper switch 440, one side of which connects by a lead 442, with the lead 424 and switch 432 and at the junction of these with the lead 422 from terminal No. 4 and the other side of which switch 440 connects by a lead 444 and 446 with one side of the switch 406, the other side of which connects with thepower source by line 405, thus bypassing the power service controlled by the electric eye and providing through the switch 440 and switch 406 a means of independently energizing the solenoid 426 and through these switches and the switch '432 energizing the solenoid 436.

The main switch 406 in conjunction with the float switch 212 of the soaper mechanism also controls current flow from the 110-volt A.-C. source 402 to a second pair of parallel connected solenoids 448, 450. The solenoid 448 when energized controls opening of the detergent feed control valve 206 of the soaper and the solenoid 450 when energized controls opening of the water feed control valve 208 of the soaper. These solenoids 448, 450 are both energized to open the valveswhenever both of switches 406 and 212 are closed and will keep the valves closed whenever the switch 406 is opened manually or the switch 212 is opened by the float 214 when there is sufficient soap mixture in the tank202. When these switches are both closed current will flow from the line 405- of source 402 through switch 406, lines 446 and 452, switch 212 and line 453 to solenoids 4.43, 450 and return to line 404 of source 402 by series connected lines 454 and 430, the latter connecting to terminal No. 3 associated with line 404 of the powersource as previously described.

By having the solenoids 448, 450 free of control of the electric eye 35B and under the principal control of the float switch 212, these two solenoids can be actuated whenever the soap mixture level in tank 202 drops to a predetermined level and thereby maintain an adequate supply of soap mixture in the tank at all times regardless of the movement of cars through the apparatus.

The motors for rotating the brushes are preferably operated off a 220-volt, 3-phase power supply under control of magnetic starters (not shown) which interlock into the conveyor controls of the car wash system so that the motors may be operated only when the conveyor is in use but will for example not function when the conveyor is shut down to meet an emergency con- 'dition.

The following will describe the controlsv for the brush motor and soaper air supply insofar as are Pertinent to the body brush unit per se. Thus in FIGURE 9 the numeral 500 generally represents a magnetic starter type control unit for controlling the brush motors and which is interlocked with the conveyor and other apparatus of the car wash installation and with the .controls in this figure. Three sets 502, 504, 506 of 220 volt A.C. lines connect respectively the unit 500 and the electric motors for rotating the left and right vertical brushes C and B and top brush D respectively. A further 110-volt single phase control circuit 508 connects'the unit 500 and the controls on the body brush unit which are to control operation of the motors by simultaneously controlling their magnetic starters. This line is of reduced voltage to minimize arcing and burning of switch contacts. The electric motor control circuit 508 includes as .shown, two series connected switches 510, and a further switch 514 in parallel with the series switches. The switch 510 is a main on and off switch which must be. in the on position tomake operationof the motors effective. The switch 85 is a limit switch operable .to on, i.e. closed position upon outward movement of the vertical side brush C in response to contact with a vehicle ,passing through the apparatus, as described above. With both switches 510 and 85 closed, .the starter circuit is established to start operation of all three brush motors. When the brush C returns to its full inboard position after a vehicle passes by, this switch opens to stop operation of all motors. On some occasions as when cars are passing through the unit in bumper-to-bumper fashion it may be desirable to avoid intermittent brush operation and to accomplish this, I. provide the manually operable bypass brush switch 514 which when closed will keep the brush motors operating, it being assumed of-course that the master switch 510 is also then closed.

The drive motor 516 for the soaper air pumpy230 when used, i.e., when the air is not taken from the main air supply as in FIGURE 8 and the solenoid 518 for the air valve 398 of the soaper are connected in parallel with and energized .ofl one -volt leg of the brush motor C circuit under control of .an on and off switch 520 and the limit switches 35 and 514. As seen, a lead 530 is taken off one line 532 of thebrush .C motor circuit and another 534 Oil? the line 536 thereof. The line 534 connects with one side of the solenoid 518. The other side connects with the line 530 through a line 538 and the manually operable control switch 520. Branch 13 lines 540, 542 connect respectively the motor 516 with the lines 540, 542 respectively in parallel with the solenoid 518.

'It will be apparent that if the brush motor circuits are operative and the switch 520 is closed, the pump 230 and solenoid valve 398 will operate to effect delivery of air to the air pipe 225 of the soaper trough 204, whenever either of the limit switches 85 or 514 is also closed, or stated otherwise, whenever the brush motors are energized so also are soaper, air compressor motor 516' and solenoid 518. It will be understood that the solenoid 518 and valve 232 may be omitted where a separate air compressor is not provided for the soaper.

It will be observed that the electrical control switches 44th and 432, 406 and 514 and 510 and 52%) are grouped in pairs and mounted in a conveniently accessible place on the face of column 18 where they may be quickly reached by an operator. Similarly the main air line valve 306 and air controls for the brush air motors and soaper, to wit, 312, 314, 342, 324, 396, 334, 356, 332, 330, 372, 374, 350, 386, and 388 are likewise arranged in a conveniently accessible and quickly reached group on the face of column 16. This is a decided advantage when quick action is required and it avoids mistake by the operator possible when the controls are scattered.

Although the electric eye control of FIGURE 9 is very effective in controlling the water rinse and brush water spray devices and provides a built-in control for accurately and consistently timing the operation, it is possible to control these devices by a mechanical-electrical arrangement such as shown in FIGURES 1 and 10. Such an arrangement requires use of underground conducting and depends upon actual engagement of the vehicle with a control actuator some distance from the entrance of the apparatus to make it effective.

Thus as seen in FIGURE 1, I may provide a ground mounted limit switch 35E having an operating arm 35F located in the path of the vehicle as it approaches the body brush mechanism and which upon effective engagement with some part of the vehicle will actuate the switch 35E to closed position to start operation of the water rinse and brush sprays previously described and controlled by the electric eye. It is essential that the arm 35F remain engaged with the vehicle during its entire movement through the brushing apparatus and it is preferred that the flexible arm 35F be of such length as to enable it to time the closing and reopening of the switch as to enable application of the rinse spray over the full length of the vehicle.

When employing the limit switch control 3 5E, the electrical circuiting will be similar to that described with respect to FIGURE 9, the differences only, being shown in FIGURE 10, these essentially comprising the omission of the electric eye and lamp circuiting of FIGURE 9 and substitution of the limit switch and the changes made within the junction box 400.

In the arrangement in FIGURE the limit switch 35B is connected to terminals Nos. 1 and 8 by leads 600 and 602 respectively. Terminals Nos. 2 and 7 are connected by a jumper lead 604 and the coil of a relay 606 is connected by leads 6&8, 610 across the terminals 7 and 8. The relay has a normally open switch provided with a stationary contact 612 connected to terminal No. 6 by line 409 and a movable contact 614 connected to terminal No. 4 by line 420 and which engages the contact 612 whenever the relay is energized by closing of limit switch 3513 to provide power to terminal 4 from line 405 for completing energization of the control circuits for the valve solenoids all as described with respect to FIG- URE 9.

Operation To start operation of the apparatus, the main line pressure control valve 3% is opened, admitting 80 p.s.i. pressure to line 329, 20 p.s.i. pressure to line 326 and 18 lbs. pressure to line 352; the manual control valve 334 is closed and manual control valve 356 is set to connect port 354 with port 364 and the vent 366 is connected with port 360, thus permitting pressure flow to cylinders 72, 82 and 112 to effect down positioning of the top brush D under 20 p.s.i. pressure and inboard positioning of the side brushes B and CW their respective air cylinders, under 18 p.s.i. pressure, under control of regulator valves 33%, 336, 388 which provide a regulated air flow to the cylinders. Also, all of the electric switches 406, 432, Sit), and 520 are closed to their on position and water is supplied to the water valves controlling water feed to the rinse spray and soaper devices. Moreover, closing of switch 406 conditions the soaper, water and detergent feed control solenoids for operation under control of the float switch 214 when the soap mixture level in tank 292 falls below a predetermined depth.

As the vehicle enters the unit or reaches a point immediately adjacent thereto it interrupts the light beam from the lamp 35D to the electric eye 35B or as described with the modified control of FIGURE 10 mechanically engages the arm 35F of the micro switch 35E. Either condition effects the application of power to the solenoid circuits and actuates the side and top spray rinse nozzles 34 and the water sprays 77A and 190 of the side and top brushes.

As the vehicle impelled forwardly by means such as a conveyor chain (not shown) interlocked electrically with body brush apparatus, presses against the brushes B, C, and D upon moving into the archway A, the side brushes B and C are spread apart and in their initial movement the limit switch 85 associated with the right side brush C is closed to energize the electric motor control circuits and start rotation of all brush motors and the motor for the air compressor 230 (if used) for the soaper aerator, and effects energization of the solenoid 513 to open the air valve 232 to admit air to the soaper aerator 225 in tank 204 causing the soap-water mixture therein to foam up and deliver a substantially continuous blanket of soapy suds over the lip 220 from which it drops on the roof and other surfaces of the vehicle moving below.

When the vehicle has been conveyed through the body brush unit, the side brushes B and C return to their full inboard position where the brush switch 85 is actuated to open position to stop rotation of the brushes by their respective motors and the light beam between the lamp 350 and the electric eye 35B is restored to effect operation of the solenoids 426, 436 to close the water valves 35A and 35 and shut off the rinse nozzles 34 and brush sprays 77A and 190. Also the top brush returns to its full down position.

Should the vehicle have a projecting obstruction, such as an antenna, that would damage the top brush D or itself be damaged, it will be first encountered by the touch bar slight movement of which will actuate an air valve 1638 to open position thus admitting 40 lbs. pressure to inlet 345 of valve 336 and by it to valve 338 to open the latter valve and close the inlet 345A between line 346 connecting with manual valve 334 and valve 338 and thus direct 80 lbs. pressure through valve 338 to the port 340 of motor 112 through control valve 350 which permits full flow to the motor for up movement of the brush to the side of the piston of air cylinder 112 opposite that holding the brnsh D in its down position under 20 lbs. pressure thus forcing release of pressure on that side by pop off valve 332 and effecting rapid upward movement of the top brush D to a safe position. As soon as the obstruction has passed, the bar 160 will react by action of gravity to return to its normal position and the valve 163B will again close shutting off the 40 lbs. pressure on valve 336 allowing valve 338 to close and line 348 to be vented, and permitting normal operation of the air cylinder to move the brush to down position under control of regulator valve 350 which controls by metering, the back flow of the air pressure to prevent an abrupt down movement of the brush D.

Should a vehicle with a convertible top come through the line or it is desired to keep the brush D in up position, manual valve 334 is conveniently available and may be opened to direct 80 lbs. pressure through inlet 345A of pilot valve 336 against valve 333 to open it and direct 80 lbs. to cylinder 112 as described above in connection with the automatic operation to raise the brush D. It also closes inlet 345 of valve 336 under 80 lbs. pressure to overcontrol the automatic operation which as described above directs 40 lbs. pressure to the pilot valve 336. For this type of wash operation it is also desirable to shut off the top water rinse 34 and water spray 190 for brush D and soaper suds feed and for this, manually operable switches 432, 52%) are opened thus deenergizing the solenoids 436 and 518 and shutting valves 35 and 232. It will be noted that these switches are conveniently located on the column 12 within easy reach of an operator.

Should it be desired to position the side brushes B and C in their outboard positions (inoperative on vehicle) the manual valve 356 can be operated to direct the 18 lbs. pressure flow to the opposite sides of the pistons of cylinders 72 and 82 to which it is normally applied, such operation connecting ports 3'54 and 360 to bring 18 lbs. pressure to line 358 and connecting port 364 and vent port 366 to vent line 362. In this operation the regulators 372, 374 in line 358 permit full flow of air to ports 38%, 376. respectively of cylinders 72 and 82 While regulators 386, 338 in line 362 provide metered i.e., regulated outflow of air from ports 392, 3% of the cylinders to the vent port 366, this regulated. outflow preventing crash operation of the side brushes to their outboard positions by providing a shock absorber action. When the side brushes are to be moved inboard again the valve 356 is set to reverse the foregoing operation to now bring vent to line 358 by connecting ports are and 366 and bringing. 18 lbs. pressure to line 352 by connecting ports 354 and 364, the regulators 386, 388 now permitting full flow of air to cylinders 72 and 82 and the regulators 372, 374 metered outflow of air from the sides thereof being vented.

Should for some reason the automatic electric eye control 35B of FIGURE 9 for the pre-water rinse and soap supply feed fail and failure occurs with the limit switch control 35F of FIGURE 10, I provide a manual switch 440 on the column 12 to assure operation of these devices, it being merely necessary to close the switch 440 to overcontrol the electric eye means 353 or limit switch 35E.

From the foregoing description of my invention, it will be evident that I have provided body brush apparatus and controls therefor of novel character and capable of providing safe and efficient performance alone or in a line wash system in conjunction with other units thereof and that may be employed with vehicles of all types.

It will be understood that various modifications will :suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit andletter of my invention. Moreover, it will be evident that my novel control and other features may be applied to other wash rack operations without departing from my invention.

Accordingly, all modifications, changes and equivalent constructions and applications are contemplated.

What is claimed is:

l. A body brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising a hollow housing of inverted U shape providing an open arch through which a vehicle may pass, the sides of said housing facing on said arch being open, said housing having a vehicle entrance side and an exit side, rinse means adjacent the entrance side of said housing operable for wetting the vehicle as it enters the arch, rotatable brushes including a pair of side brushes mounted in the legs of said housing and a top brush mounted in the top of .saidhousing, all swingably mounted and movable out throughsaid open sides of said housing to positions engageable with the vehicle as it moves through said arch after wetting by said rinse means, means for positioning said brushes, means for rotating said brushes, means for Wetting said brushes, soaper means in the top of said housing operable for depositing a soapy foam on said vehicle after the latter is acted upon by' said brushes as the vehicle continues through said arch, control means operable upon movement of the vehicle in proximity to said arch for effecting actuation of said rinse means and brush Wetting means, control means operable for effecting op eration of said brush rotating means and said soaper means as an incident to swingable movement of one of said brushes following engagement thereof with the vehicle, and control means operable by said vehicle for returning saidtop brush within said housing.

2. A body brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising brush means including a pair of oppositely acting side body brushes and a top body brush, carrying means for said top brush mounted for accommodating swinging movement of said top brush between a normally down operable position engageable with the roof of a vehicle and an up inoperable position clear of said roof, carrying means for each of said side brushes mounted for accommodating swinging movement of said side brushes toward and away from each other and between normal operable inboard positions wherein these side brushes are engageable by the sides of a vehicle and inoperable outboard positions clear of the sides of the vehicle, each of said brushes and their respective carrying means being resiliently movable by the vehicle to an intermediate operable position upon initial engagement of the brushes with the vehicle, means associated with each'of said carrying means for rotating said brushes, control means opt erable in response to movement of one of said carrying means between its said normal and intermediate positions for so controlling said brush rotating means as to effect rotation of said brushes, and automatically operable means associated with said top brush carrying means and positioned to be entirely free of engagement with the vehicle surface to be cleaned, operable upon engagement of this operable means with means on the vehicle constituting an obstruction to the top brush for effecting substantially immediate movement of this brush carrying meansto the said inoperable position of said top brush clear of said obstruction.

3. A body brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising a rotatable body'brush, carrying means for said brush mounted for accommodating oscillatory movement of said brush between a normal'operable position of the brush for engagement with a vehicle and an inoperable position thereof clear of the vehicle and for movement to an intermediate operable position of the brush upon initial engagement of the brush with a vehicle-motor means including a piston. operable when fluid pressure is applied to one side thereof for actuating said carrying means for effecting movement of the brush from said inoperable position to'said operable position thereof and operable when fluid pressure is applied to the other side thereof while venting said first side for actuating said carrying means to effect movement of said brush back to said inoperable position, said piston being operable by said fluid pressure for resiliently maintaining said brush in engagement with the vehicle under substantially uniform pressure when said brush is in its said operable position, valve means for controlling admission of fluid pressure to said other side of said piston of said motor means for effecting operation of said piston to move said brush to its inoperable position and valve means operable for effecting regulated venting of fluid pressure from said one side of said piston to prevent a crash shift of said brush between its said operable and inoperable positions, power means energizable for rotating said brush and control means operable for effecting energization of said power means as an incident to movement of said brush between its said normal and intermediate positions.

4, A body brush unit as claimed in claim 3 wherein said control means is a switch and wherein said switch includes an operating element operable in response to movement of said brush carrying means.

5. A body brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising an enclosure, brush means within said enclosure including a pair of oppositely disposed rotatable side brushes and a rotatable top brush, said enclosure including vertical side walls, one adjacent each of said side brushes, and front and rear walls on opposite sides of said top and side brushes defining chambers within which said brushes may nest when in normal inoperative position, a carrying member for each said brush comprising a generally rectangular frame, means adjacent one side of said frame for mounting said member for swinging movement about an axis spaced from the axis of the brush it carries, a pair of arms projecting outwardly from the opposite side of said frame substantially normally to the plane of said frame, means on said arms for journailing the brush of this member for rotation and motor means on one of said arms for effecting rotation of said brush, the said mounting means for all said carrying frames being located in juxtaposition to one of said front and rear walls, and those of the carrying frames for said side brushes being more remote from said side walls than the axes of the brushes journalled by these frames when said brushes are in their inoperable positions in said chambers.

6. A body brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising a rotatable top brush, a carrying member for said brush, means on said member for rotatably mounting said brush, means on said member for swingably mounting said member about an axis spaced from the axis of rotation of said brush, balancing means for said brush and member, means mounting said balancing means for swingable movement about an axis spaced from the swing axis of said member, and means drivingly connecting said member and balancing means for relative rotational movement.

7. A body brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising a first rotatable shaft, a second rotatable shaft, a pair of spaced apart parallel arms projecting from said first shaft, each of said arms having an angular extension, means at the outer ends of said extensions journalling a brush for rotation, motor means carried by one of said extensions operable for rotating said brush, means drivingly connecting said shafts, two sets of parallel arms projecting from said second shaft, one set being at an angle to those of the other, balance weights supported between each set of arms, and means for effecting angular rotation of said first shaft.

8. A brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising a rotatable shaft, support means journalling said shaft for rotation, a pair of spaced generally parallel arms rigidly carried by said shaft for oscillatory movement therewith, said arms each having a lateral extension, means on said extension for rotatably supporting a brush, a pair of generally T-shaped elements each pivotally supported by one lateral arm of its T to one of said lateral extensions, means on said support for guiding the other lateral arms of said elements upon movement of said brush carrying extensions, a U-shaped bar pivotally supported on the leg of said T, power means for effecting oscillation of said shaft arms between predetermined angular positions, and control means on one of said legs of said T operable by said U-shaped bar for controlling said power means.

9. A body brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising a rotatable body brush, carrying means for said brush mounted for accommodating oscillatory movement of said brush between a normal operable position of the brush for engagement with a vehicle and an inoperable position thereof clear of the vehicle and for movement to an intermediate operable position of the brush upon initial engagement of the brush with a vehicle,

power means energizable for rotating said brush, means on said carrying means operable for supplying a liquid wetting agent to said brush, control means operable as an incidence to movement of a vehicle into proximity to said unit for efiecting flow of said wetting agent to said brush, and control means operable as an incidence to movement of said brush between its said normal and intermediate positions for energizing said power means and operating means for said last mentioned control means positioned in the path of said brush carrying means when moving to said normal position.

10. A body brush unit as claimed in claim 9 wherein said control means for said wetting means comprises an electric eye.

1.1. A body brush unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rinse and brush wetting control means comprises a lamp on one side of the entrance side of said arch and an electric eye on the opposite side of said entrance side of said arch and positioned in the path of a light beam from said lamp and in a line such that the light beam may be interrupted by a vehicle in proximity to said arch. 12. In a body brush unit for a vehicle washing line, a pair of opposite side brushes and a top brush for engaging the vehicle, separate means for wetting each of said brushes, a pair of opposite side spray rinse means and a top spray' rinse means for rinsing the vehicle prior to brushing, electromagnet controlled valve means for controlling flow of liquid agent to said wetting and rinse means, electrical means operable by the vehicle for 0on trolling operation of said valve means, means operable for rotating said brushes, means operable subsequent to operation of said electrical means for energizing said brush rotating means, and further electrical means for so controlling said valve means as to effect stoppage of flow of liquid to said top spray rinse means and said top brush wetting means while maintaining flow to said side spray rinse means and side brush wetting means.

13. In a body brush unit for a vehicle washing line, a rotatable brush for engagement by the vehicle surface, means for prerinsing the vehicle surface before brushing, means for wetting said brush, means providing a supply of liquid soap mixture, means for rotating said brush, aerating means for dispensing soapy foam from said supply means for deposit on the vehicle surface after brushing, means for coincidentally controlling said prerinse, wetting and soap supply means, and means for coincidentally controlling said brush rotating means and said aerating means.

14. In a body brush unit for a vehicle washing line which unit includes a top brush and means for carrying said brush, means for controlling positioning of said brush between its operative down position and its inoperative up position comprising a double acting piston type differential pressure fluid motor operably connected with with said brush carrying means, means for supplying fluid at predetermined pressure to one side of said piston for effecting movement of said brush to its said down position, and means for supplying fluid at a predetermined higher pressure to the opposite side of said piston while pressure is still applied to said first mentioned side, for effecting movement of said brush to its said up position, including means for relieving pressure above said predetermined pressure on said first mentioned side of said piston.

15. In a body brush unit for a vehicle washing line, which unit includes a top brush and carrier means for supporting said brush for swinging movement between an inoperative down position and an inoperative up position, means for controlling positioning of said brush comprising a double acting differential pressure piston motor operably connected with said carrier means, a first means for supplying fluid at predetermined pressure to one side of said piston for effecting positioning of said brush in its said down position, a second means for supplying fluid at a predetermined higher pressure to the other side of said piston while pressure fluid still acts on said one side for positioning said brush in its said up positiornnormally closed valve means between said second means and said other side of said piston, a control valve for said normally closed valve means, and means operable by said vehicle for controlling said control valve.-

16. Brush positioning control means as claimed in claim 15 wherein the means operable by the vehicle includes a detector bar movable with said brush carrier means.

17. In a body brush unit for a vehicle washing line, including a brush and means for carrying the brush, power operable means for controlling positioning of the brush between. an operative and an inoperative position, regulating means for supplying energy for energizing said power means, control means for controlling delivery of energy to said power means and means for controlling the rate of movement of the brush in going from its inoperative position to its operative position, said last mentioned means being operable between said power operable means and said energy delivery control means.

18. In a vehicle washing line including an element openable between a first inoperative position and a second operative position, a differential pressure operable fluid motor for actuating said element, means supplying fluid at a predetermined pressure to one side of said motor for actuating said element between its said first and second positions, means for supplying pressure fluid to the other side of said motor at a higher predetermined pressure than that on said one side for actuating said element from its said second to its said first position and while pressure fluid is still supplied to said one side, means for controlling the flow of said higher pressure fluid to said other side of said motor, means operable by the vehicle for controlling said fluid flow control means and manually op.- erable means for controlling said fluid flow control means.

119. A body brush unit for a vehicle washing line comprising a top body brush, carryingmeans for said top brush mounted for accommodating swinging movement of said top brush between a normally down operable position engageable with the roof of a vehicleand an inoperable position clear of said roof, means for actuating said carrying means tosaid inoperable position of said brush and means including control means for said actuating means and a freely swingable member free of the vehicle roof for actuating said control means carried by said carrying means, said member being operable by means on said vehicle constituting an. obstruction for said brush for actuating said control means and thereby. said actuating means for effecting movement of said carrying means to said inoperable position of said brush.

20. A .body. brush unit {for a vehicle washing line cornprising a top body brush, carrying means for said top brush mounted for accommodating swinging movement of saidtop brush between a normally down operable position engageable with the roof of a vehicle and an inloperable position clear of said roof, means for actuating said carrying means to said inoperable position of said brush and means including control means for said actuating means and a pendulum-like bar extending the width of said brush, carried by said carrying means, said bar being operable by means on said vehicle constituting an obstruction for said brush for actuating said control means and thereby said actuatingmeans for effecting movement of said carrying means to said inoperable position of said brush. i a

21. A body brush'unit for a vehicle washing line comprising a top bodybrush, carrying means for saidgtop brush mounted for accommodating swinging movement of said top brush. between a normally down operable position engageable with the roof of a vehicle and an inoperable position clear of said roof, means for actuating said carrying means to said inoperable position of said brush, a member pivotally carried by said brush carrying means adjacent the axis of said brush, control means carried by said member for controlling operation of said brush actuating means, and a second member pivotally mounted on said first-mentioned member for actuating said control means, said second member being operable by means on said vehicle constituting an obstruction for said brush, said second member comprising a touch bar at least the width of the vehicle.

22. In a body brush unit for a vehicle washing line, a rotatable top brush extending horizontally across said wash line for engagement by the vehicle surface, means for bringing said brush into engagement with the vehicle surface for brushing the same, means for prerinsing the vehicle surface before brushing, means for rotating said brush, means for wetting said brush, means for soaping said vehicle surface following brushing thereof by said wetted brush comprising a foam depositing unit extending across said wash line and adjacent said top brush, said soaping means being operable to deposit a cascade of soapy foam on said vehicle surface, and means for coin- ,cidently controlling said brush rotating means and said soaping means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 729,624] Mason June 2, 1903 1,740,546 Leschke Dec. 24, 1929 1,763,046 Heirrrburger June 10, 1930 2,242,692 Yingling May 20, 1941 2,257,255 Yingling Sept. 30, "1941 .2,334,9l4 Erickson Nov. 23, 1943 2,480,735 Holmes Aug. 30, .1949 2,579,886 Rousseau Dec. 25, 1951 2,610,342 Griffiths Sept. 16, 1952 2,627,080 Holmes ..e Feb. 3, 1953 2,637,054 Holmes May 5, 1 953 2,655,678 Keogh Oct. 20, 1953 2,692,214 Hurst Oct. 19, 1954 2,705,810 McDermott Apr. 12, 1955 2,718,650 :Haverberg Sept. 27, 1955 2,732,846 Berezny -5. Jan. 311, 1956 2,740,414 Moskow Apr. 3, 1956 2,754,834 Merancy July 17, 1956 2,761,170 Bonneau Sept. 4, 1956 2,788,009 Lones 1 Apr. .9, 1957 2,800,671 ",Nowak' July 30, 1957 2,830,311 Vizdos Apr. 11, 1958 2,876,472 Rousseau Mar. 10, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS H 497,422 Canada "Nov. 3, 1953 721,450 Great Britain Jan. 5, 1955

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