A vehicle wash system having an entrance end, an exit end, and a vehicle treatment area. The system including a dryer element disposed on a frame adjacent the exit end. The dryer element includes an air inlet, a plurality of air outlets, and a housing constructed of a translucent material. The dryer element includes light source disposed in the housing and configured to emit light in a plurality of different colors. The light source has a plurality of modes each corresponding to a different system condition. The system also includes a controller in communication with the light source and configured to enable the plurality of modes in response to a detected system condition.

The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for monitoring a vehicle's position as the vehicle is traversed through an automated car wash system via a conveyor system and can comprise one or more sensors located in a tunnel of the automated car wash system. Embodiments can include targeting specific portions of the vehicle with water and chemical dispensers, washers, and dryers. Embodiments can include determining whether a vehicle deviates from a predetermining conveyor path or from a predetermined spacing with respect to an adjacent vehicle, and if so, initiating measures to prevent a collision.

A method for a data processing installation for obtaining an operating state of a first autonomous vehicle. The method includes determining a current state of the first autonomous vehicle from a received measurement value of a sensor of a second vehicle. When the current state of the first autonomous vehicle deviates from a setpoint state, the method includes sending a first message to the first autonomous vehicle, wherein the first message contains a command to travel autonomously to a service location. Alternatively, the method includes sending a second message to a person responsible for the first autonomous vehicle, wherein the second message includes information about the deviation of the current state of the first autonomous vehicle from the setpoint state. Alternatively, the method includes sending a third message to service personnel, wherein the third message contains an instruction for the service personnel to set the vehicle to the setpoint state.

A dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system for emitting high velocity air onto a vehicle exterior includes a housing having an air inlet and an outlet. The air inlet is in communication with a motor assembly having an operating and a non-operating mode. The assembly also includes a gate mechanism in communication with the air inlet. The gate mechanism includes a plurality of pedals that are each pivotable between a first position and a second position. The gate mechanism is in communication with a controller, which directs movement of the plurality of pedals from the first position where the plurality of pedals surround the inlet opening such that air can flow into the housing and the second position where each of the plurality of pedals covers a portion of the inlet opening such that in their entirety the plurality of pedals obstruct the inlet opening to prevent air for flowing into the housing.

In order to provide a treatment installation for treating workpieces that is of simple construction and enables optimised workpiece treatment, it is proposed that the treatment installation should include a treatment chamber and a conveying device, by means of which the workpieces are suppliable to the treatment chamber, are removable from the treatment chamber, and/or are conveyable through the treatment chamber in a conveying direction.

Provided are systems and methods for facilitating bill payment functionality in mobile commerce. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving a transaction code at the mobile device, transmitting the transaction code to a merchant device for association with a transaction, receiving transaction information associated with a transaction based on the transaction code at the mobile device, displaying the transaction information at the mobile device; displaying at least one payment option at the mobile device, receiving a selection of one of the at least one payment option; transmitting the selected payment option and transaction information from the mobile device for approval of the payment of the transaction, receiving notification of approval of the payment at the mobile device, and receiving a payment completion code associated with the notification of approval, wherein the payment completion code is provided to the consumer on a bill associated with the transaction.

Apparatuses and methods of treating, storing, and delivering water such that the water may be suitable for washing, rinsing, etc., without forming water spots on a surface or finish. The disclosed systems and methods may treat and store water by a combination of filtration, reverse osmosis, and/or ion exchange.

Apparatuses and methods of treating, storing, and delivering water such that the water may be suitable for washing, rinsing, etc., without forming water spots on a surface or finish. The disclosed systems and methods may treat and store water by a combination of filtration, reverse osmosis, and/or ion exchange.

This vehicle cleaner unit is provided with: a cylinder unit comprising a cylinder which forms a chamber, a discharge port through which the chamber opens to the outside, and a piston which reciprocates inside of the cylinder and discharges from the discharge port a cleaning medium inside of the chamber; a power unit comprising a motor, a power transmission mechanism which transmits rotary motion of the motor to the piston to cause the piston to reciprocate, and a housing which houses the motor and the power transmission mechanism; and a casing which houses the cylinder unit and the power unit. The cylinder unit and the power unit are supported by the casing with rubber members interposed therebetween.

Reversibly switchable (transformable) surface layer changeable from (super)hydrophobic to (super)hydrophilic surface states are described. Methods of decontamination of surfaces exposed to contaminate are provided. The reversibly switchable properties of the surface layer can be controlled by an external stimulus.