Mechanized anthropomorphic car wash apparatus

• US 6,918,964 B2
• Filed: 12/11/2003
• Issued: 07/19/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Site-B Company (Nouryon BV)
• Original Assignee: Site-B Company (Nouryon BV)
• Inventors: Shullman, Michael, Mayhew, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): CARRILLO, BIBI SHARIDAN
• Application Number:
  US10/733,084
• Publication Number:
  US 20050126604A1
• Time in Patent Office: 586 Days
• Field of Search: 15D/IG.2, 15/531, 15/973, 446/354, 700/245, 134/18, 134/40, 134/42
• US Class Current: 134/18
• 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

1. 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 magnetic sensor for sensing the presence of said car in proximity to said mechanized robot;

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

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

controlling the movement of said linkages of said robot to operate said spray gun in a predetermined pattern to wash said exterior surface of said car after 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.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said mechanized robot comprises a framework composed of a rigid material including an upper skeleton and a base.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said magnetic 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.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said spray gun is operable at 800 p.s.i.

5. The method of claim 2, 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.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of sensing the presence of said car is accomplished when said car interrupts said magnetic field.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said pumps comprise a system of pneumatic pumps further comprising a variety of air pistons individually controlled by solenoid valves.

8. The method of claim 6, 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.

9. The method of claim 7, 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.