MECHANIZED ANTHROPOMORPHIC CAR WASH APPARATUS

• US 20050126604A1
• Filed: 12/11/2003
• Published: 06/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Site-B Company (Nouryon BV)
• Original Assignee: US SITE Corporation
• Inventors: Shullman, Michael, Mayhew, Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 6,918,964 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/34
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 3/02 Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 3/04 for exteriors of land vehicles B60S3/002, B60S3/004 take precedence; specially adapted for railway vehicles B60S3/006
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 15/02 Car cleaning plants

Abstract

An automated car wash system is provided comprising an anthropomorphic robot that serves to spray and clean cars prior to their entering into, or within, an automated car wash so as to remove surface dirt from the car, using a high-pressure spray gun. The robot is controlled by an interconnected network of pneumatic or hydraulic pumps and hoses, electronic relays and mechanical linkages so as to simulate the movements of a human. A sensor is used to detect the presence of an automobile in the field of operation of the robot, which sensor also serves to activate the robot and keep it operational as long as the automobile is in a given location. The robot is configured to resemble the shape and size of a human such that it may be dressed in a variety of costumes or outfits so as to maximize both its entertainment value and its utilitarian function.

Claims

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15. A method for washing the exterior surface of a car within an automated car wash, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a water spray gun;

providing an anthropomorphic mechanized robot in a fixed position, said robot having at least one appendage for receiving and operating said spray gun, said robot further including a plurality of mechanical linkages;

providing a sensor for sensing the presence of said car in proximity to said mechanized robot;

sensing the presence or absence of said car using said sensor;

alternately activating said robot and said spray gun when said sensor detects the presence of said car and deactivating said robot and said spray gun when said sensor does not detect the presence of said car;

operating said spray gun in a predetermined pattern to wash said exterior surface of said car upon said activation of said robot and said spray gun; and

controlling the movement of said linkages to simulate lifelike movement of said robot and to entertain the occupants of said car during washing.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said mechanized robot comprises a framework composed of a rigid material including an upper skeleton and a base.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said plurality of linkages is interconnected with a network of pumps and hoses operable to move said robot and said appendage, said linkages, pumps and hoses being housed within said framework

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said pumps comprise a system of pneumatic pumps further comprising a variety of air pistons individually controlled by solenoid valves.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said system of pumps further includes a repeat cycle timer, further including the step of controlling said solenoid valves using said repeat cycle timer.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein said sensor comprises a magnetic field amplifier connected to a floor pad, further including the step of generating a magnetic field by said magnetic field amplifier.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of sensing the presence of said car is accomplished when said car interrupts said magnetic field.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said mechanized robot further includes a control system comprising a relay connected to said magnetic sensor, further including the step of providing power to said robot upon sensing the presence of said car.

23. The method of claim 15, wherein said spray gun is operable in the range of 1,000 to 1,300 p.s.i. of water pressure.