Apparatus for producing and dispensing selected automobile appearance care products

• US 20040206778A1
• Filed: 08/22/2003
• Published: 10/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Auto Wax Company Incorporated (Illinois Tool Works Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Auto Wax Company Incorporated (Illinois Tool Works Inc.)
• Inventors: Floyd, Timothy H., Miller, Paul David III
• Application Number:
  US10/646,370
• Publication Number:
  US 20040206778A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 222/145.5
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/31 in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/84 Mixing plants with mixing receptacles receiving material dispensed from several component receptacles, e.g. paint tins
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/846 using stored recipes for determining the composition of the mixture to be produced, i.e. for determining the amounts of the basic components to be dispensed from the component receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/883 using flow rate controls for feeding the substances
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/741 mechanically operated

Abstract

An apparatus may be used to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care products. The apparatus may include a plurality of storage containers. Mixing systems may be coupled to the storage containers. The mixing systems may combine raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce product fluids. The product fluids may be stored in storage vessels. A plurality of pumps may be used to produce a flow of one or more product fluids. The product fluids may be dispensed through one or more dispensing conduits. Product fluids may include, but are not limited to, polishes, waxes, lubricants, water-based dressings, soaps, degreasers and wheel cleaners.

Claims

a. a plurality of storage vessels coupled to the plurality of mixing systems, wherein each automotive appearance care product fluid is stored in one storage vessel;

a plurality of pumps coupled to the plurality of storage vessels, wherein each pump is coupled to at least one storage vessel, and wherein the plurality of pumps are configured to produce a flow of automotive appearance care product fluids from the storage vessels during use; and

a plurality of dispensing conduits coupled to the plurality of pumps, wherein each of the dispensing conduits is coupled to at least one pump, wherein the dispensing conduits are configured to dispense automotive appearance care product fluids during use, and wherein at least one automotive appearance care product fluid comprises a lubricant.

1-739. -739. (canceled)

740. An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers comprising one or more raw materials, wherein each storage container is configured to contain at least one raw material;

a plurality of mixing systems coupled to the plurality of storage containers, wherein the mixing systems are configured to combine one or more of the raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids during use;

a plurality of storage vessels coupled to the plurality of mixing systems, wherein each automotive appearance care product fluid is stored in one storage vessel;

a plurality of pumps coupled to the plurality of storage vessels, wherein each pump is coupled to at least one storage vessel, and wherein the plurality of pumps are configured to produce a flow of automotive appearance care product fluids from the storage vessels during use; and

a plurality of dispensing conduits coupled to the plurality of pumps, wherein each of the dispensing conduits is coupled to at least one pump, wherein the dispensing conduits are configured to dispense automotive appearance care product fluids during use, and wherein at least one automotive appearance care product fluid comprises an automobile polish fluid.

741. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected to correspond to the raw material that will flow through the mixing valve.

742. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected by a distributor of the apparatus.

743. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein each pump is configured to be turned on by a user of the apparatus.

744. The apparatus of claim 740, further comprising a fluid applicator coupled to an end of each dispensing conduit, wherein the fluid applicator is interlocked to turn on at least one associated pump of the plurality of pumps when the fluid applicator is used.

745. The apparatus of claim 740, further comprising a cabinet, wherein at least the plurality of mixing systems, the plurality of storage vessels, and the plurality of pumps are located in the cabinet.

746. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus comprises a horizontal width in at least one direction of less than about 18 inches.

747. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is enclosed such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

748. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is locked such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

749. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is only allowed to operate the dispensing conduits.

750. The apparatus of claim 740, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the apparatus to a supply of carrier fluid.

751. The apparatus of claim 740, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the pumps to a supply of air.

752. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the carrier fluid comprises water.

753. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the plurality of storage containers is refillable.

754. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is configured to dispense an amount of automotive appearance care product fluids sufficient for treatment of at least about 200 automobiles before at least one storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

755. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is configured to produce at least about 40 gallons of at least one automotive appearance care product fluid before at least one 5 gallon storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

756. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of automobiles treated using the apparatus.

757. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of times each automotive appearance care product fluid is dispensed.

758. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, and automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids.

759. The apparatus of claim 740, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids, and, when prompted by a user of the apparatus, to automatically dispense the automobile appearance care product fluids.

760. An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers comprising one or more raw materials, wherein each storage container is configured to contain at least one raw material;

a plurality of mixing systems coupled to the plurality of storage containers, wherein the mixing systems are configured to combine one or more of the raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids during use;

a plurality of storage vessels coupled to the plurality of mixing systems, wherein each automotive appearance care product fluid is stored in one storage vessel;

a plurality of pumps coupled to the plurality of storage vessels, wherein each pump is coupled to at least one storage vessel, and wherein the plurality of pumps are configured to produce a flow of automotive appearance care product fluids from the storage vessels during use; and

a plurality of dispensing conduits coupled to the plurality of pumps, wherein each of the dispensing conduits is coupled to at least one pump, wherein the dispensing conduits are configured to dispense automotive appearance care product fluids during use, and wherein at least one automotive appearance care product fluid comprises an automobile wax.

761. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected to correspond to the raw material that will flow through the mixing valve.

762. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected by a distributor of the apparatus.

763. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein each pump is configured to be turned on by a user of the apparatus.

764. The apparatus of claim 760, further comprising a fluid applicator coupled to an end of each dispensing conduit, wherein the fluid applicator is interlocked to turn on at least one associated pump of the plurality of pumps when the fluid applicator is used.

765. The apparatus of claim 760, further comprising a cabinet, wherein at least the plurality of mixing systems, the plurality of storage vessels, and the plurality of pumps are located in the cabinet.

766. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus comprises a horizontal width in at least one direction of less than about 18 inches.

767. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is enclosed such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

768. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is locked such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

769. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is only allowed to operate the dispensing conduits.

770. The apparatus of claim 760, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the apparatus to a supply of carrier fluid.

771. The apparatus of claim 760, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the pumps to a supply of air.

772. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the carrier fluid comprises water.

773. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the plurality of storage containers is refillable.

774. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is configured to dispense an amount of automotive appearance care product fluids sufficient for treatment of at least about 200 automobiles before at least one storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

775. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is configured to produce at least about 40 gallons of at least one automotive appearance care product fluid before at least one 5 gallon storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

776. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of automobiles treated using the apparatus.

777. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of times each automotive appearance care product fluid is dispensed.

778. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, and automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids.

779. The apparatus of claim 760, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids, and, when prompted by a user of the apparatus, to automatically dispense the automobile appearance care product fluids.

780. An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers comprising one or more raw materials, wherein each storage container is configured to contain at least one raw material;

a plurality of mixing systems coupled to the plurality of storage containers, wherein the mixing systems are configured to combine one or more of the raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids during use;

781. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected to correspond to the raw material that will flow through the mixing valve.

782. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected by a distributor of the apparatus.

783. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein each pump is configured to be turned on by a user of the apparatus.

784. The apparatus of claim 780, further comprising a fluid applicator coupled to an end of each dispensing conduit, wherein the fluid applicator is interlocked to turn on at least one associated pump of the plurality of pumps when the fluid applicator is used.

785. The apparatus of claim 780, further comprising a cabinet, wherein at least the plurality of mixing systems, the plurality of storage vessels, and the plurality of pumps are located in the cabinet.

786. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus comprises a horizontal width in at least one direction of less than about 18 inches.

787. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is enclosed such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

788. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is locked such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

789. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is only allowed to operate the dispensing conduits.

790. The apparatus of claim 780, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the apparatus to a supply of carrier fluid.

791. The apparatus of claim 780, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the pumps to a supply of air.

792. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the carrier fluid comprises water.

793. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the plurality of storage containers is refillable.

794. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is configured to dispense an amount of automotive appearance care product fluids sufficient for treatment of at least about 200 automobiles before at least one storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

795. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is configured to produce at least about 40 gallons of at least one automotive appearance care product fluid before at least one 5 gallon storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

796. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of automobiles treated using the apparatus.

797. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of times each automotive appearance care product fluid is dispensed.

798. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, and automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids.

799. The apparatus of claim 780, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids, and, when prompted by a user of the apparatus, to automatically dispense the automobile appearance care product fluids.

800. An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers comprising one or more raw materials, wherein each storage container is configured to contain at least one raw material;

a plurality of mixing systems coupled to the plurality of storage containers, wherein the mixing systems are configured to combine one or more of the raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids during use;

a plurality of storage vessels coupled to the plurality of mixing systems, wherein each automotive appearance care product fluid is stored in one storage vessel;

a plurality of pumps coupled to the plurality of storage vessels, wherein each pump is coupled to at least one storage vessel, and wherein the plurality of pumps are configured to produce a flow of automotive appearance care product fluids from the storage vessels during use; and

a plurality of dispensing conduits coupled to the plurality of pumps, wherein each of the dispensing conduits is coupled to at least one pump, wherein the dispensing conduits are configured to dispense automotive appearance care product fluids during use, and wherein at least one automotive appearance care product fluid comprises a water-based dressing.

801. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected to correspond to the raw material that will flow through the mixing valve.

802. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected by a distributor of the apparatus.

803. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein each pump is configured to be turned on by a user of the apparatus.

804. The apparatus of claim 800, further comprising a fluid applicator coupled to an end of each dispensing conduit, wherein the fluid applicator is interlocked to turn on at least one associated pump of the plurality of pumps when the fluid applicator is used.

805. The apparatus of claim 800, further comprising a cabinet, wherein at least the plurality of mixing systems, the plurality of storage vessels, and the plurality of pumps are located in the cabinet.

806. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus comprises a horizontal width in at least one direction of less than about 18 inches.

807. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is enclosed such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

808. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is locked such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

809. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is only allowed to operate the dispensing conduits.

810. The apparatus of claim 800, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the apparatus to a supply of carrier fluid.

811. The apparatus of claim 800, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the pumps to a supply of air.

812. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the carrier fluid comprises water.

813. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the plurality of storage containers is refillable.

814. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is configured to dispense an amount of automotive appearance care product fluids sufficient for treatment of at least about 200 automobiles before at least one storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

815. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is configured to produce at least about 40 gallons of at least one automotive appearance care product fluid before at least one 5 gallon storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

816. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of automobiles treated using the apparatus.

817. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of times each automotive appearance care product fluid is dispensed.

818. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, and automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids.

819. The apparatus of claim 800, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids, and, when prompted by a user of the apparatus, to automatically dispense the automobile appearance care product fluids.

820. An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers comprising one or more raw materials, wherein each storage container is configured to contain at least one raw material;

a plurality of mixing systems coupled to the plurality of storage containers, wherein the mixing systems are configured to combine one or more of the raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids during use;

a plurality of storage vessels coupled to the plurality of mixing systems, wherein each automotive appearance care product fluid is stored in one storage vessel;

a plurality of pumps coupled to the plurality of storage vessels, wherein each pump is coupled to at least one storage vessel, and wherein the plurality of pumps are configured to produce a flow of automotive appearance care product fluids from the storage vessels during use; and

a plurality of dispensing conduits coupled to the plurality of pumps, wherein each of the dispensing conduits is coupled to at least one pump, wherein the dispensing conduits are configured to dispense automotive appearance care product fluids during use, and wherein at least one automotive appearance care product fluid comprises a soap.

821. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected to correspond to the raw material that will flow through the mixing valve.

822. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected by a distributor of the apparatus.

823. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein each pump is configured to be turned on by a user of the apparatus.

824. The apparatus of claim 820, further comprising a fluid applicator coupled to an end of each dispensing conduit, wherein the fluid applicator is interlocked to turn on at least one associated pump of the plurality of pumps when the fluid applicator is used.

825. The apparatus of claim 820, further comprising a cabinet, wherein at least the plurality of mixing systems, the plurality of storage vessels, and the plurality of pumps are located in the cabinet.

826. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus comprises a horizontal width in at least one direction of less than about 18 inches.

827. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is enclosed such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

828. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is locked such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

829. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is only allowed to operate the dispensing conduits.

830. The apparatus of claim 820, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the apparatus to a supply of carrier fluid.

831. The apparatus of claim 820, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the pumps to a supply of air.

832. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the carrier fluid comprises water.

833. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the plurality of storage containers is refillable.

834. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is configured to dispense an amount of automotive appearance care product fluids sufficient for treatment of at least about 200 automobiles before at least one storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

835. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is configured to produce at least about 40 gallons of at least one automotive appearance care product fluid before at least one 5 gallon storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

836. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of automobiles treated using the apparatus.

837. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of times each automotive appearance care product fluid is dispensed.

838. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, and automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids.

839. The apparatus of claim 820, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids, and, when prompted by a user of the apparatus, to automatically dispense the automobile appearance care product fluids.

840. An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers comprising one or more raw materials, wherein each storage container is configured to contain at least one raw material;

a plurality of mixing systems coupled to the plurality of storage containers, wherein the mixing systems are configured to combine one or more of the raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids during use;

a plurality of storage vessels coupled to the plurality of mixing systems, wherein each automotive appearance care product fluid is stored in one storage vessel;

a plurality of pumps coupled to the plurality of storage vessels, wherein each pump is coupled to at least one storage vessel, and wherein the plurality of pumps are configured to produce a flow of automotive appearance care product fluids from the storage vessels during use; and

a plurality of dispensing conduits coupled to the plurality of pumps, wherein each of the dispensing conduits is coupled to at least one pump, wherein the dispensing conduits are configured to dispense automotive appearance care product fluids during use, and wherein at least one automotive appearance care product fluid comprises a degreaser.

841. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected to correspond to the raw material that will flow through the mixing valve.

842. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected by a distributor of the apparatus.

843. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein each pump is configured to be turned on by a user of the apparatus.

844. The apparatus of claim 840, further comprising a fluid applicator coupled to an end of each dispensing conduit, wherein the fluid applicator is interlocked to turn on at least one associated pump of the plurality of pumps when the fluid applicator is used.

845. The apparatus of claim 840, further comprising a cabinet, wherein at least the plurality of mixing systems, the plurality of storage vessels, and the plurality of pumps are located in the cabinet.

846. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus comprises a horizontal width in at least one direction of less than about 18 inches.

847. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is enclosed such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

848. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is locked such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

849. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is only allowed to operate the dispensing conduits.

850. The apparatus of claim 840, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the apparatus to a supply of carrier fluid.

851. The apparatus of claim 840, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the pumps to a supply of air.

852. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the carrier fluid comprises water.

853. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the plurality of storage containers is refillable.

854. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is configured to dispense an amount of automotive appearance care product fluids sufficient for treatment of at least about 200 automobiles before at least one storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

855. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is configured to produce at least about 40 gallons of at least one automotive appearance care product fluid before at least one 5 gallon storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

856. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of automobiles treated using the apparatus.

857. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of times each automotive appearance care product fluid is dispensed.

858. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, and automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids.

859. The apparatus of claim 840, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids, and, when prompted by a user of the apparatus, to automatically dispense the automobile appearance care product fluids.

860. An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids, comprising:

a plurality of storage containers comprising one or more raw materials, wherein each storage container is configured to contain at least one raw material;

a plurality of mixing systems coupled to the plurality of storage containers, wherein the mixing systems are configured to combine one or more of the raw materials with a carrier fluid to produce a plurality of automotive appearance care product fluids during use;

a plurality of storage vessels coupled to the plurality of mixing systems, wherein each automotive appearance care product fluid is stored in one storage vessel;

a plurality of pumps coupled to the plurality of storage vessels, wherein each pump is coupled to at least one storage vessel, and wherein the plurality of pumps are configured to produce a flow of automotive appearance care product fluids from the storage vessels during use; and

a plurality of dispensing conduits coupled to the plurality of pumps, wherein each of the dispensing conduits is coupled to at least one pump, wherein the dispensing conduits are configured to dispense automotive appearance care product fluids during use, and wherein at least one automotive appearance care product fluid comprises a wheel cleaner.

861. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected to correspond to the raw material that will flow through the mixing valve.

862. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein each mixing system comprises a mixing valve, and wherein a dilution tip in at least one of the mixing valves is selected by a distributor of the apparatus.

863. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein each pump is configured to be turned on by a user of the apparatus.

864. The apparatus of claim 860, further comprising a fluid applicator coupled to an end of each dispensing conduit, wherein the fluid applicator is interlocked to turn on at least one associated pump of the plurality of pumps when the fluid applicator is used.

865. The apparatus of claim 860, further comprising a cabinet, wherein at least the plurality of mixing systems, the plurality of storage vessels, and the plurality of pumps are located in the cabinet.

866. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus comprises a horizontal width in at least one direction of less than about 18 inches.

867. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is enclosed such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

868. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is locked such that a distributor of the apparatus can access the pumps and the mixing systems but a user of the apparatus cannot access the pumps and the mixing systems.

869. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is only allowed to operate the dispensing conduits.

870. The apparatus of claim 860, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the apparatus to a supply of carrier fluid.

871. The apparatus of claim 860, further comprising a quick coupling device to couple the pumps to a supply of air.

872. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the carrier fluid comprises water.

873. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the plurality of storage containers is refillable.

874. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is configured to dispense an amount of automotive appearance care product fluids sufficient for treatment of at least about 200 automobiles before at least one storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

875. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is configured to produce at least about 40 gallons of at least one automotive appearance care product fluid before at least one 5 gallon storage container has to be refilled with raw material or replaced with a new storage container.

876. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of automobiles treated using the apparatus.

877. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a user of the apparatus is charged a fee for use of the apparatus based on a number of times each automotive appearance care product fluid is dispensed.

878. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, and automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids.

879. The apparatus of claim 860, wherein the apparatus is configured to automatically combine the raw materials with the carrier fluid, automatically store the automobile appearance care product fluids in the storage vessels, automatically provide a flow of automobile appearance care product fluids, and, when prompted by a user of the apparatus, to automatically dispense the automobile appearance care product fluids.

880-1032. -1032. (canceled)