A car wash system including a hydraulic pump, the pump being overcapacity for the rotating cleaning elements to which it is connected. An output from the hydraulic pump is connected to a hydraulic motor, which is, in turn, connected to a generator. The generator is connected to a service panel. Thus, some of the spare capacity of the hydraulic pump may be used to generate electricity which may be returned to the grid, reducing operating costs of the automated car wash.

A car wash system including a hydraulic pump, the pump being overcapacity for the rotating cleaning elements to which it is connected. An output from the hydraulic pump is connected to a hydraulic motor, which is, in turn, connected to a generator. The generator is connected to a service panel. Thus, some of the spare capacity of the hydraulic pump may be used to generate electricity which may be returned to the grid, reducing operating costs of the automated car wash.

A rotary brush assembly for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base portion, a linkage portion in rotational communication with the base portion and a treatment portion moveable between a first position extended into the vehicle treatment area for engagement with an exterior of a vehicle and a second position retracted from a vehicle treatment area. The treatment portion includes a brush assembly configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The brush assembly has a backing member, a plurality of media elements secured to the backing member, and a plurality of spray nozzles encapsulated within the plurality of media elements. A plurality of pockets formed on the brush assembly where none of the first plurality of media elements are disposed. The plurality of spray nozzles being disposed at an angle to direct separate streams of high pressure fluid away from the axis of rotation and through the area of the pockets such that the separate streams are substantially not obstructed by any of the plurality of media elements.

A rotary brush assembly for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base portion, a linkage portion in rotational communication with the base portion and a treatment portion moveable between a first position extended into the vehicle treatment area for engagement with an exterior of a vehicle and a second position retracted from a vehicle treatment area. The treatment portion includes a brush assembly configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The brush assembly has a backing member, a plurality of media elements secured to the backing member, and a plurality of spray nozzles encapsulated within the plurality of media elements. A plurality of pockets formed on the brush assembly where none of the first plurality of media elements are disposed. The plurality of spray nozzles being disposed at an angle to direct separate streams of high pressure fluid away from the axis of rotation and through the area of the pockets such that the separate streams are substantially not obstructed by any of the plurality of media elements.

A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be oriented vertically at a location of a vehicle antenna to avoid the antenna.

A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be oriented vertically at a location of a vehicle antenna to avoid the antenna.

A carwash station receives a vehicle being conveyed in a direction of travel in a carwash having a ground pathway. The carwash station includes a frame supported by the ground pathway, a four-bar linkage attached to the frame and a side washing brush attached to the four-bar linkage and having an axis of rotation being perpendicular to the direction of travel and perpendicular to the ground pathway.

A treatment element for attachment to a wash media element includes a tab portion for engaging and effecting attachment to the wash media element. A treatment head is connected to the tab portion and is configured to engage a vehicle exterior. The treatment head including a plurality of individual finger portions that are moveable with respect to one another.

A treatment element for attachment to a wash media element includes a tab portion for engaging and effecting attachment to the wash media element. A treatment head is connected to the tab portion and is configured to engage a vehicle exterior. The treatment head including a plurality of individual finger portions that are moveable with respect to one another.

A vehicle wash system includes a vehicle treatment area and an overhead frame portion supporting a pair of side brushes. The side brushes are configured to treat the lateral sides of the vehicle and may also treat the front and back of the vehicle. The side brushes are configured to pivot between a vertical position and an outwardly angled position, in which the side brushes are generally aligned with the side glass of the vehicle windows. The side brushes may travel along the side of the vehicle in both the vertical and pivoted orientations. The side brushes may make multiple passes along the side of the vehicle, and the side brushes may change orientation during or between passes to treat different segments of the vehicle. The side brushes may be pivoted at a side mirror location of the vehicle.