Non-contacting drying system
US5421102A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60S3/002
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drying apparatus (10) for a vehicle wash system maintains blower air bags (18) at a predetermined distance from the vehicle providing forced air against the vehicle for water removal. Ultrasonic sensors (66) are provided on the nozzles (26) of the bags (18) for sensing objects within a predetermined distance. Control circuitry (40) controls a motor (42) to control movement of the air bags (18) to maintain the predetermined distance. The wiring interconnecting the control circuitry and motor (38) and sensor (66) extends through the interior of the air bags (18) and support air plenum (13, 14) to avoid damage thereto. The control circuitry (40) allows for manual adjustment of the sensitivity of the sensors (66). The circuitry in the sensors (66) is minimized to only the transmitter, receiver and amplifier. Furthermore, each bag (18) is controlled by separate control circuitry (40) so that failure of one air bag and associated circuit does not effect any other bag's operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.