Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING VEHICLES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority is hereby claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/578,783,
filed June 10, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A variety of vehicle cleaning apparatuses and methods can be used to
remove a
variety of soil types from the exterior of vehicles. An oily road film can be
difficult to
completely remove from a vehicle without the use of harsh chemicals like
hydrofluoric acid,
which can be dangerous to humans, equipment and the vehicle. The soil removed
from the
vehicle in such situations can be treated as a hazardous waste in some areas
of the country
because of its chemical composition and potential health risks to humans and
the
environment.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention is generally directed to a vehicle cleaning
apparatus and
method. The vehicle cleaning apparatus can include an electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus for applying electromagnetic radiation to the vehicle. In some
embodiments, the
electromagnetic radiation can be used to break bonds (e.g., cross-links, other
covalent bonds,
etc.) or interactions (e.g., van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonding,
other non-covalent
bonds, etc.) that may have occurred between soil molecules and/or between soil
and an
exterior surface of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic
radiation can be
used to form bonds or interactions between soil molecules or between soil and
an exterior
surface of a vehicle in a directed manner in order to break down the soil
using one or more
subsequent electromagnetic radiation applications. In some embodiments, the
electromagnetic radiation can be used to break down the soil into benign
constituents, or to
break down the soil into compounds that can render hazardous chemicals benign.
The
method for cleaning a vehicle can include irradiating the vehicle with
electromagnetic
radiation prior to, during, or subsequent to a variety of other cleansing
procedures.
[0004] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration
of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevational view of an electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial side view of the electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view of a vehicle cleaning apparatus
and an
electromagnetic wave application apparatus according to another embodiment of
the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an electromagnetic wave application
apparatus
(with portions not shown) according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevational view of the electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus of FIG. 4 (with portions not shown).
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a front isometric view of an electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is
to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details
of construction and
the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the
following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced
or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as
limited. The use of "including," "comprising" or "having" and variations
thereof herein is
meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well
as additional
items. The terms "mounted," "connected" and "coupled" are used broadly and
encompass
both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further,
"connected" and
"coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or
couplings.
Furthermore, terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," and the like are
only used to
describe elements as they relate to one another, but are in no way meant to
recite specific
orientations of the apparatus, to indicate or imply necessary or required
orientations of the
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apparatus, or to specity how the invention descnbed nerein wiii oe u5cd,
mounted, displayed,
or positioned in use.
[0012] The present invention is directed to a vehicle cleaning apparatus and
method. The
vehicle cleaning apparatus can include an electromagnetic wave application
apparatus for
applying electromagnetic radiation to the vehicle. The electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus can emit electromagnetic waves at various wavelengths and
intensities to break soil
bonds or cross-links that may have formed or to eliminate interactions between
the soil and
an exterior surface of a vehicle. This invention is further directed to a
method for radiating a
vehicle with electromagnetic waves.
[0013] As used herein, the term "soil" refers to any substance on the exterior
of a
vehicle that affects at least one of physical, chemical and aesthetic
properties of the vehicle
including, without limitation, at least one of dirt, mud, rain, acid rain,
snow, salt, ice, oil,
gasoline, sewage, tire debris, paint, animal waste, vegetation or debris
thereof, road film,
atmospheric fallout, pollution, factory exhaust, incineration exhaust, vehicle
exhaust, tree sap,
road tar, asphalt, and combinations thereof.
[0014] As used herein, the term "electromagnetic wave(s)" refers to one or
more waves
including, without limitation, at least one of long waves, radio waves,
infrared radiation
("IR"), visible light, ultraviolet radiation ("UV"; including UV-A and UV-B
radiation), X
rays, gamma rays, and combinations thereof.
[0015] As used herein, the term "electromagnetic radiation" refers to a series
of
electromagnetic waves, and can include a variety of electromagnetic waves
separated in time
and/or space.
[0016] Vehicle cleansing procedures can include, without limitation, at least
one of
applying a pre-soaking solution (e.g., water, solvents, surfactants, enzymes,
bleach, chelators,
acids, alkalines, salts, etc.) over the exterior of the vehicle, applying a
detergent over the
exterior of the vehicle, rinsing the detergent off of the exterior of the
vehicle, applying a spot-
resistant rinse to the exterior of the vehicle, applying a variety of
finishing products or
protective coatings (e.g., carnauba wax, mineral seal oil, quaternary amines,
polymers, dyed
foam, scents, UV protectants, rust inhibitors, optical brighteners, etc) to
the exterior of the
vehicle, and a combination thereof. Electromagnetic waves or radiation can be
applied to the
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exterior of the vehicle prior to, during, or subsequent to any of the above-
listed cleansing
procedures, and can be applied to any portion of a vehicle.
[0017] Soil on an exterior surface of a vehicle may become cross-linked (or
otherwise
bonded or interacted) under a variety of weather conditions including, without
limitation,
extended sun exposure, extended sun exposure subsequent to rain exposure,
humidity, heat
from the vehicle, atmospheric fallout, exhaust, pollution, and a combination
thereof.
[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic waves or
radiation
can be applied to a vehicle prior to performing typical cleansing procedures
to break down
cross-links that may have formed in the soil on the vehicle in order to
facilitate subsequent
cleansing procedures. In other words, electromagnetic waves can be applied to
the vehicle to
break bonds (e.g., cross-links, other covalent bonds, etc.) or disrupt or
eliminate interactions
(e.g., van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonding, other non-covalent bonds,
etc.) that may
have occurred amongst soil molecules, or to break bonds or disrupt or
eliminate interactions
that may have occurred between the soil and an exterior surface of a vehicle.
[0019] In other embodiments, electromagnetic radiation can be applied to a
vehicle to
cross-link the soil in a directed manner in order to break down the soil using
one or more
subsequent electromagnetic radiation applications. In other words,
electromagnetic radiation
can be applied to the vehicle to form bonds or interactions between soil
molecules or between
the soil and an exterior surface. The first exposure may be needed to ensure
that all of the
soil is cross-linked, or otherwise bonded or interacted, so that the one or
more subsequent
electromagnetic radiation applications that break down the soil are more
effective. In still
other embodiments, electromagnetic radiation can be applied to a vehicle after
at least one
cleansing procedure or electromagnetic radiation application to further break
down the soil
into benign constituents, or to break down the soil into compounds that can
render hazardous
chemicals benign.
[0020] The amount of ambient electromagnetic radiation in the vehicle cleaning
apparatus can be minimized to inhibit ambient electromagnetic radiation from
interfering
with any electromagnetic wave application from the electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus. In some embodiments of the present invention, the amount of ambient
electromagnetic radiation can be minimized or even eliminated throughout the
vehicle
cleaning apparatus and throughout the vehicle cleaning process. In other
embodiments, the
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amount ot ambient electromagnetic radiation can be minimized during any
electromagnetic
radiation treatments but not during other cleansing procedures.
[0021] The electromagnetic waves applied to the exterior of a vehicle can have
a variety
of wavelengths. That is, the electromagnetic waves can have a wavelength of
less than about
2000 nm, particularly, less than about 700 mn, and more particularly, less
than about 400 nm.
The electromagnetic waves can have a wavelength of greater than about 100 nm,
particularly,
greater than about 290 nm, and more particularly, greater than about 320 nm.
By way of
example only, the electromagnetic waves can have a wavelength ranging from
about 100 nm
to about 2000 nm (i.e., UV to IR), particularly, ranging from about 100 nm to
about 700 nm
(i.e., UV through visible light), and more particularly, ranging from about
290 nm to about
320 nm (i.e., UV-B), or from about 400 nm to 700 nm (i.e., visible light).
[0022] In addition to the wavelength of the radiation, the following
parameters may be
considered to optimize the breakdown of the soil on the vehicle: the energy
density (i.e.,
energy per unit area) required to break down the soil (E/A),,', the light
intensity I, the total
irradiation time At,o,, and the surface area of the vehicle to be irradiated
Asu,f, wherein the
energy density (EIA),,, is, for example, in units of lumen=hours/m2, the light
intensity I is, for
example, in units of lumens, the total irradiation time d t,o, is reported in
units of seconds, and
the surface area A,,,,I is, for example, in units of m2. The parameters are
interrelated
according to the following equation.
[0023] (E/A),,,t = (I x At,ot)l Asi,,f (Eq. 1)
[0024] Therefore, given a desired energy density (E/A)õ,t, a surface area of
the vehicle to
be irradiated Asurf, and a desired total irradiation time dttot, the necessary
light intensity I can
be calculated. Once the light intensity I has been calculated in lumens, the
appropriate
luminous efficacy conversion factor can be used to convert from lumens (lm) to
watts (W) if
the wavelength (e.g., in nm) is known (e.g., I W = 683 Im at a wavelength of
555 nm).
[0025] The electromagnetic waves applied to the surface of a vehicle can be
applied at
various energy densities (EIA),,, (e.g., in lumen=hours/m2). As used herein,
a"lumen=hour" is
a unit of quantity of light that is equal to one lumen of light flux continued
for one hour. The
electromagnetic waves can have an energy density (E/A)õ,j, reported in
lumen=hours/mZ, of at
least about 1 lumen=hour/mz, particularly, at least about 100 lumen=hourslm2
and more
particularly, at least about 1,000 lumen=hours/m2. The electromagnetic waves
can have an
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energy density (E/A),,,, of less than about 10,000 lumen=hours/m2,
particularly, less than about
1,0001umen=hours/m2, and more particularly, less than about 250
lumen=hours/m2.
[0026] The electromagnetic waves applied to the exterior of a vehicle can be
applied for a
variety of total irradiation times At,o,. For example, the electromagnetic
waves can be applied
for less than about 180 seconds, particularly, less than about 60 seconds,
particularly, less
than about 30 seconds, and more particularly, less than about 1 second.
Alternatively, the
electromagnetic waves can be applied for greater than about 0.001 seconds,
particularly,
greater than about 0.1 seconds, particularly, greater than about 0.2 seconds,
and more
particularly, greater than about 0.5 seconds. It should be understood that the
electromagnetic
waves can be applied for longer periods of time than those specifically
discussed above, but
that shorter durations for electromagnetic radiation application will decrease
the overall car
wash time.
[0027] The electromagnetic waves applied to the exterior of a vehicle can be
applied
from a variety of distances from an exterior surface of the vehicle. For
example, the
electromagnetic waves can be applied from at least about 0.5 ft from a surface
of the vehicle,
particularly, from at least about 1.0 ft from a surface of the vehicle, and
more particularly,
from at least about 1.5 ft from a surface of the vehicle. Alternatively, the
electromagnetic
waves can be applied from less than about 15 ft from a surface of the vehicle,
particularly,
from less than about 10 ft from a surface of the vehicle, and more
particularly, from less than
about 5 ft from a surface of the vehicle.
[0028] Several different forms of electromagnetic waves can be applied
sequentially or
simultaneously to the exterior of a vehicle in order to break down (or
crosslink in a directed
manner) a variety of soil types. For example, depending on the binding energy
between
various elements and compounds that make up the soil, UV-B radiation can be
applied to a
first portion of the exterior of a vehicle, and visible light can be applied
simultaneously or
sequentially to a second portion of the exterior of the vehicle. In addition,
different surfaces
and materials on the exterior of a vehicle may require different
electromagnetic radiation
application regimes based on different interactions, bonding and coefficients
of friction that
may occur between various types of soil and the variety of surfaces and
materials on the
exterior of the vehicle. For example, glass surfaces may require different
electromagnetic
radiation treatment than painted surfaces of the vehicle, because soil types
that adhere to a
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glass surface may be different from soil types that adhere to a painted
surface, or similar soil
types may interact differently with a glass surface than with a painted
surface.
[0029] In some embodiments, different electromagnetic radiation application
regimes can
be scanned sequentially over the vehicle. By scanning a variety of
electromagnetic radiation
applications over the vehicle, it is not necessary to know what type of soil
(e.g., what bonding
or interactions have occurred amongst soil molecules or between soil molecules
and the
exterior surface of the vehicle) is- present on the exterior surface of the
vehicle to effectively
clean the vehicle. For example, in some embodiments, a series of
electromagnetic radiation
applications can be scanned sequentially over a vehicle with wavelengths
ranging from about
100 nm to about 2000 nm. In some embodiments, a series of electromagnetic
radiation
applications can be scanned sequentially over a vehicle with wavelengths
ranging from about
100 nm to about 700 nm. In some embodiments, a series of electromagnetic
radiation
applications can be scanned sequentially over a vehicle with wavelengths
ranging from about
400 nm to about 700 nm. In some embodiments, a series of electromagnetic
radiation
applications can be scanned sequentially over a vehicle with wavelengths
ranging from about
290 nm to about 320 nm.
[0030] In some embodiments, the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation
can be
incremented or decremented throughout a specified range of wavelengths by
tenths of
nanometers, or by some other denomination (e.g., by halves of nanometers,
etc.). In some
embodiments, a series of wavelengths within a specified range of wavelengths
can be applied
in any order (e.g., an electromagnetic radiation application having a
wavelength of about 100
nm, followed by an electromagnetic radiation application having a wavelength
of about
700 nm, followed by an electromagnetic radiation application having a
wavelength of 400
nm, etc.). In other words, the series or plurality of electromagnetic
radiation applications do
not have to increase or decrease in wavelength, but can be applied randomly.
Combinations
of the above may also be employed.
[0031] The duration of a sequential scanning process can vary, depending on
how long
each electromagnetic radiation application is applied to the vehicle. As
described above,
each application of electromagnetic radiation can occur for a period of less
than about 180
seconds, particularly, less than about 60 seconds, particularly, less than
about 30 seconds, and
more particularly, less than about 1 second. Alternatively, each application
of
electromagnetic radiation can occur for a period of greater than about 0.001
seconds,
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particularly, greater than about 0.1 seconds, particularly, greater than about
0.2 seconds, and
more particularly, greater than about 0.5 seconds. The duration of a
sequential scanning
process can then be determined based on how many different electromagnetic
radiation
applications are applied, and the duration of each electromagnetic radiation
application.
[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, a first form of
electromagnetic
radiation can be applied to the entire exterior of a vehicle, followed by an
application of a
second form of electromagnetic radiation to the entire exterior of a vehicle
to break down
various types of soil bonds that may occur on a variety of surfaces and
materials on the
exterior of a vehicle.
[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, a variety of
electromagnetic
radiation can be applied locally (simultaneously or sequentially) to various
portions of the
exterior of the vehicle to treat specific soil types. In addition, specific
types of
electromagnetic radiation can be applied to various portions of the vehicle
depending on the
identification of different soil types on different portions of the vehicle.
For example, a first
type of soil can be identified as being present on a first portion of a
vehicle, and a second type
of soil can be identified as being present on a second portion of the vehicle.
Different local
electromagnetic radiation treatments can then be applied to the first and
second portions of
the vehicle, depending on the soil types identified.
[0034] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation can be applied to
the vehicle
in a continuous, non-pulsed mode. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic
radiation can
be pulsed at a variety of frequencies to break down (or crosslink in a
directed manner) a
variety of soil types on the exterior surface of the vehicle.
[0035] FIGS. 1-6 show various embodiments of the vehicle cleaning apparatus of
the
present invention, and particularly, various embodiments of the
electromagnetic wave
application apparatus. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an electromagnetic wave
application apparatus
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1,
the
electromagnetic wave application apparatus 10 includes a frame 12 having a
generally
inverted "L" shape and an electromagnetic radiation source 14. In some
embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 1, the electromagnetic radiation source 14 is defined by one or
more sections,
which are arranged about a vehicle 16.
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100361 The electromagnetic radiation source 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes
three
sections, namely, a first section 14a, a second section 14b, and a third
section 14c. The first
section 14a is coupled to an upper portion of the frame 12, such that the
first section 14a is
positioned substantially horizontally above the vehicle 16 during use. The
second section
14b is coupled to an intermediate portion of the frame 12, such that the
second section 14b is
positioned generally diagonally over an upper edge of the vehicle 16 during
use. The third
section 14c is coupled to a lower portion of the frame 12, such that the third
section 14c is
position substantially vertically and adjacent a side of the vehicle 16 during
use. It should be
understood that the electromagnetic radiation source 14 can alternatively be
defined by one
continuous section that curves around a side and upper surface of the vehicle
16, by more
than three sections, by one relatively straight section that is moved over an
upper surface of
the vehicle 16 and around all sides of the vehicle 16, or the electromagnetic
radiation source
14 can be arranged and oriented with respect to the vehicle 16 in a variety of
other manners.
[0037] The electromagnetic radiation source 14 shown in FIG. 1 is coupled to
the
frame 12 such that the vehicle 16 can be maintained in a stationary position
while the
frame 12 and electromagnetic radiation source 14 are moved around all sides of
the vehicle
16 to allow the electromagnetic radiation source 14 to treat the outer
surfaces of the vehicle
16.
[0038] In some embodiments, the frame 12 and electromagnetic radiation source
14 are
moved toward the vehicle to a first position located near the left side of the
front of the
vehicle. For example, in the first position, the frame 12 and electromagnetic
radiation source
14 can be positioned such that the first section 14a is about 1 ft above the
highest point of the
vehicle and the third section 14c is about 1 ft from the left side of the
front of the vehicle.
The frame 12 and electromagnetic radiation source 14 can then move along the
left side of
the vehicle, while emitting electromagnetic radiation, to a second position
located near the
left side of the rear of the vehicle. For example, in the second position, the
frame 12 and the
electromagnetic radiation source 14 can be positioned such that the first
section 14a remains
about 1 ft above the highest point of the vehicle, and the third section 14c
is about 1 ft from
the left side of the rear of the vehicle. One or both of the frame 12 and
electromagnetic
radiation source 14 can then pivot at the second position, continue emitting
the
electromagnetic radiation, and begin moving along the rear end of the vehicle
to a third
position. The third position can be located on the right side of the vehicle,
approximately
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symmetrically opposite the vehicle from the second position. The frame 12 and
the
electromagnetic radiation source 14 can then pivot at the third position,
continue emitting the
electromagnetic radiation, and begin moving along the right side of the
vehicle to a fourth
position. The fourth position can be located on the right side of the vehicle,
approximately
symmetrically opposite the vehicle from the first position. The frame 12 and
the
electromagnetic radiation source 14 can then pivot in the fourth position,
continue emitting
the electromagnetic radiation, and return to the first position. In some
embodiments, a first
frame 12 and electromagnetic radiation source 14 can move about the vehicle in
the above-
described path, and then can move out of the way to allow second frame 12 and
electromagnetic radiation source 14 to be moved into the first position, and
subsequently
moved around the vehicle. This path is merely illustrative, and one of
ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that the electromagnetic wave application apparatus 10 can
move about the
vehicle along a different path than the one described above.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a partial side view of the electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus 10. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the third
section 14c of the
electromagnetic radiation source 14. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic
radiation
source 14 can include more than one type of electromagnetic radiation to allow
simultaneous
or sequential treatment of a variety of soil conditions. For example, FIG. 2
illustrates the
third section 14c as being formed of three electromagnetic radiation sources,
namely, a first
section 14c1, a second section 14c2 and a third section 14c3. The first
section 14a and the
second section 14b can have similar radiation sources (not shown). It should
be understood
that as few as one electromagnetic radiation source 14 and as many as desired
can be used in
the vehicle cleaning apparatus 100.
[0040] In some embodiments, the three electromagnetic radiation sources 14cl,
14c2 and
14c3 can emit electromagnetic radiation simultaneously as the electromagnetic
wave
application apparatus 10 is moved about the vehicle 16 (as shown in FIG. 1).
In other
embodiments, the three electromagnetic radiation sources 14cl, 14c2 and 14c3
can be
controlled such that a different electromagnetic radiation source 14cI, 14c2
or 14c3 (or
combinations thereof) is used for different portions of the vehicle 16. For
example, the first
electromagnetic radiation source 14c1 can be activated when the
electromagnetic wave
application apparatus 10 is moved over a first type of soil, or a first type
of vehicle surface
(e.g., glass, painted surface, etc.). Subsequently, the first electromagnetic
radiation source
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14c1 can be deactivated and the second electromagnetic radiation source 14c2
can be activated
when the electromagnetic wave application apparatus 10 is moved over a second
type of soil
or second type of vehicle surface, and so on.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an electromagnetic wave application apparatus 110
according to
a second embodiment of the present invention. The electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus 100 is shown as a subassembly of a vehicle cleaning apparatus 100,
including a
detergent application station 102, a high pressure wash station 104, and a
track 106, along
which the vehicle 16 can be moved through the vehicle cleaning apparatus 100.
In some
embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the electromagnetic wave application
apparatus 100 is
stationary and includes one or more frames 112 having a generally inverted "U"
shape. The
one or more frames 112 can each be formed of one continuously curved frame
112, or the one
or more frames 112 can be formed of more than one relatively straight portion
arranged to
form a generally inverted "U" shape. While the electromagnetic application
apparatus 110 is
illustrated as being positioned ahead of the detergent application station
102, the
electromagnetic application apparatus 110 can be positioned at any point in
the vehicle
cleaning apparatus 100.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the electromagnetic wave application apparatus 110
includes
three frames 112, namely, a first frame 112a, a second frame 112b and a third
frame 112c.
Coupled to each frame 112, is an electromagnetic radiation source 114, namely,
a first
electromagnetic radiation source 114a, a second electromagnetic radiation
source 114b and
third electromagnetic radiation source 114c. Each electromagnetic radiation
source 114a,
114b or 114c can be formed of one or more sections, as explained above.
[0043] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation sources 114a, 114b
and 114c
can all emit the same type of electromagnetic radiation. In other embodiments,
the
electromagnetic radiation sources 114a, 114b and 114c can each emit a
different type of
electromagnetic radiation. For example, after a portion of the vehicle 16 has
been treated by
the first electromagnetic radiation source 114a, the vehicle 16 has moved (via
the track 106)
into position to be treated by the second electromagnetic radiation source 1
14b, and so on,
until all of the outer surfaces of the vehicle 16 have been treated with each
type of
electromagnetic radiation source 114a, 114b and 114c. It should be understood,
however,
that it is not required that each vehicle 16 be treated by all of the
electromagnetic radiation
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sources 114a, 114b and 114c, but rather, a specific combination of
electromagnetic radiation
sources 114a, 114b and 114c can be selected to treat each vehicle 16.
[0044] The electromagnetic radiation sources 114a, 114b and 114c of the
embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3 are positioned about 1-2 ft apart. However, it should be
understood that
in other embodiments, a smaller or larger separation distance can be used. In
addition, FIG. 3
illustrates three electromagnetic radiation sources 114a, 114b and 114c, but
it should be
understood that as few as one electromagnetic radiation source 114 and as many
as desired
can be used in the vehicle cleaning apparatus 100.
[0045] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an electromagnetic wave application apparatus
300
according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 4
and 5, a
plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources 314 can be positioned around
all sides of the
vehicle 16 and above the vehicle 16 (electromagnetic radiation sources 314
positioned above
the vehicle 16 have been removed from FIG. 4 for clarity, and electromagnetic
radiation
sources 314 positioned in front of the vehicle 16 have been removed from FIG.
5 for clarity).
In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation sources 314 can all emit
the same type
of electromagnetic radiation. In other embodiments, the electromagnetic
radiation sources
314 can each emit a different type of electromagnetic radiation. In still
other embodiments,
the plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources 314 is fonned of one or
more subsets of
electromagnetic radiation sources, in which each subset of electromagnetic
radiation sources
14 emits a particular type of electromagnetic radiation. For example, one
subset of
electromagnetic radiation sources 314 can emit one type of electromagnetic
radiation to treat
glass windows of the vehicle 16, while another subset of electromagnetic
radiation sources
314 can emit another type of electromagnetic radiation to treat painted
surfaces of the
vehicle 16.
[0046] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation sources 314 can be
movable
toward and away from the vehicle 16 to allow electromagnetic radiation
application from a
variety of sources positioned various distances from the exterior of the
vehicle 16. The
distances the electromagnetic radiation sources 314 are spaced from the outer
surface of the
vehicle 16 can be determined individually for each vehicle 16.
[0047] By way of example only, the vehicle 16 can be driven into a vehicle
cleaning
apparatus and stopped at a predetermined position. A variety of subsets of
electromagnetic
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radiation sources 314 (e.g., custom-selected for each vehicle 16) can be moved
toward the
vehicle 16 into position to treat various outer surfaces of the vehicle 16.
The types (or
combinations of types) of electromagnetic radiation, the number of subsets,
the number of
electromagnetic radiation sources 314 in each subset, and the distance between
any
electromagnetic radiation source 314 and an outer surface of the vehicle 16
can be
determined by the type of vehicle 16, the type of soil, the extent to which
the vehicle 16 is
soiled, and a variety of other factors.
100481 FIG. 6 illustrates an electromagnetic wave application apparatus 400
according to
a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The electromagnetic wave
application
apparatus 400 includes a gantry frame 412 and electromagnetic radiation
sources 414. In
some embodiments, the gantry frame 412 can be moved forward and back over the
vehicle 16. In other embodiments, the vehicle 16 can be driven underneath the
gantry frame
412. In still other embodiments, the vehicle 16 can be moved underneath the
gantry frame
412 along a track (as shown in FIG. 3).
[0049] Prophetic examples relating to the present invention are discussed
below. Any of
the below examples can be used alone or in combination to treat a vehicle with
electromagnetic radiation. The most effective parameters for treating a
vehicle with
electromagnetic radiation are expected to depend on the type of vehicle, the
type of soil, and
the extent to which the vehicle is soiled, as well as other external
conditions (e.g., weather,
etc.). The present invention can comprise any combination of the
electromagnetic wave
application apparatuses 10, 100, 300, 400 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 and any of
the wavelengths,
irradiation times, application distances and energy densities described above
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following
examples are
prophetic and are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.
EXAMPLE 1
[0050] An initial application of electromagnetic radiation is applied to the
vehicle to
cross-link the soil in a directed manner. The vehicle cleaning apparatus is
configured as
shown in FIG. 5 with approximately ten sources irradiating the vehicle with
electromagnetic
radiation having a wavelength in the UV-B spectrum (e.g., about 290 nm to
about 320 nm,
and particularly, about 305 nm; testing is done in 5-nm intervals within the
range of about
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290 nm to about 320 nm). The electromagnetic radiation is applied in a
continuous, non-
pulsed mode.
[0051] The energy density (E/A),,,t of the electromagnetic radiation at the
surface of the
vehicle, reported in lumen=hours/mZ, is from about 200 lumen=hours/mz to about
300 lumen-hourS/M2 at the surface of the vehicle, and particularly, about
250 lumen=hours/mz. Testing is done at intervals of 20 lumen=hours/m2 within
the range of
about 200 lumen-hours/m2 to about 300 lumen-hourS/M2 (e.g., 200
lumen=hours/m2, 220
lumen=hours/mZ, 240 lumen=hours/m2, etc.). Assuming each electromagnetic
radiation source
irradiates approximately 4 m 2 of the vehicle surface (AS,,,f), and the
radiation is exposed for a
total irradiation time dttot of 30 seconds, the necessary light intensity I is
calculated using
Eq. 1 and the appropriate luminous'efficacy conversion factor (if necessary),
as is well-
known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0052] Next, an application of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength
in the
visible spectrum (e.g., about 400 nm to about 700 nm, and particularly, about
555 nm; testing
is done at 20-nm intervals within the range of about 400 nm to about 700 nm)
with a similar
energy density (E/A),,t and total irradiation time dttot is applied to the
vehicle to break down
the soil in a directed manner. A detergent application is made, and the
vehicle is rinsed off
with high pressure water.
EXAMPLE 2
[0053] An initial application of electromagnetic radiation is applied to the
vehicle to
break the bonds of the soil in a directed manner. The vehicle cleaning
apparatus is
configured as illustrated in FIG. 1 with an inverted "L" source irradiating
the vehicle with
electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the visible spectrum (e.g.,
about 400 nm to
about 700 nm, and particularly, about 565 nm; testing is done at 20-nm
intervals within the
range of about 400 nm to 700 nm). The electromagnetic radiation is applied in
a continuous,
non-pulsed mode.
[00541 The energy density (E/A),j of the electromagnetic radiation is from
about 450
lumen-hourS/M2 to about 550 lumen=hours/m2, and particularly, about 500
lumen=hours/m2 at
the surface of the vehicle. Testing is done at intervals of 20 lumen-hourS/M2
within the range
of about 450 lumen-hourS/M2 to about 550 lumen=hours/mz. The application of
electromagnetic radiation occurs for a total irradiation time d t,o, of less
than 5 seconds, and
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may be tested at one-second intervals. The application is within 18-36 inches
of the vehicle.
The 6-foot long source covers an area of less than 6 inches in width. One of
ordinary skill in
the art determines the surface area of the vehicle to be irradiated, Asõrf The
necessary light
intensity I is calculated using Eq. 1 and the appropriate luminous efficacy
conversion factor
(if necessary), as is well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A
detergent application
is made, and the vehicle is rinsed off with high pressure water.
EXAMPLE 3
[0055] An initial application of two or more wavelengths of electromagnetic
radiation is
applied to the vehicle to cross-link the soil in a directed manner. The
vehicle cleaning
apparatus is configured as illustrated in FIG. 3, with arches of
electromagnetic radiation
sources irradiating the vehicle with electromagnetic radiation of a specific
wavelength for
each surface. For example, the electromagnetic radiation can have a wavelength
in the UV-B
spectrum (e.g., about 290 nm to about 320 nm, and particularly 300 nm for
painted surfaces,
and 295 nm for glass surfaces; testing is done for each type of surface at 5-
nm intervals
within the range of about 290 nm to about 320 nm). The electromagnetic
radiation is applied
in a continuous, non-pulsed mode.
[0056] The energy density (E/A),,,t of the electromagnetic radiation is from
about 50
lumen-hourS/M2 to about 150 lumen-hourS/M2 at the surface of the vehicle, and
particularly,
100 lumen=hours/mZ. Testing is done at intervals of 20 lumen-hourS/M2 within
the range of
about 50 lumen-hourS/M2 to about 150 lumen=hours/m2. The electromagnetic
radiation
application occurs for a total irradiation time dttot of less than 1 second,
and may be tested in
intervals of 0.1 seconds. The application is within 18-36 inches of the
vehicle. The 6-foot
long source covers an area of less than 6 inches in width. One of ordinary
skill in the art
determines the surface area of the vehicle to be irradiated, ASU'f. The
necessary light
intensity I is calculated using Eq. 1 and the appropriate luminous efficacy
conversion factor
(if necessary), as is well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0057] Next, an application of two or more wavelengths of electromagnetic
radiation of
specific wavelengths is applied to the vehicle through the next arch (with a
similar energy
density (E/A),,, and total irradiation time d tt,) to break down the soil in a
directed manner
depending on surface. For example, the electromagnetic radiation can have a
wavelength in
the visible or near-infrared spectrum (e.g., about 400 nm to about 800 nm, and
particularly,
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about 600 nm for paint surfaces, and about 650 nm for glass surfaces; testing
is done for each
type of surface at 20-nm intervals within the range of about 400 nm to about
800 nm). A
detergent application is made, and the vehicle is rinsed off with high
pressure water.
EXAMPLE 4
[0058] An initial application of two or more wavelengths of electromagnetic
radiation is
applied to the vehicle to cross-link the soil in a directed manner. The
vehicle cleaning
apparatus is configured as illustrated in FIG. 6 with a gantry system having
arches of
electromagnetic radiation sources.
[0059] The vehicle is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a
wavelength in
the UV-B spectrum (e.g., about 290 nm to about 320 nm, and particularly, about
300 nm for
painted surfaces, and about 295 nm for glass surfaces; testing is done for
each type of surface
at 5-nm intervals in the range of about 290 nm to about 320 nm). The
electromagnetic
radiation is applied in a continuous, non-pulsed mode.
[0060] The energy density (E/A)Q,, of the electromagnetic radiation is from
about 950
lumen=hours/m2 to about 10501umen=hours/m2 at the surface of the vehicle, and
particularly,
about 10001umen=hours/m2. The electromagnetic radiation application occurs for
a total
irradiation time dttot of less than 5 seconds, and may be tested at one-second
intervals. The
application is within 18-36 inches of the vehicle. The 6-foot source covers an
area of less
than 3 inches in width. One of ordinary skill in the art determines the
surface area of the
vehicle to be irradiated, As,,,f. The necessary light intensity I is
calculated using Eq. 1 and the
appropriate luminous efficacy conversion factor (if necessary), as is well-
known to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0061] The second set of electromagnetic radiation sources (located in the
next arch)
delivers an application of two or more wavelengths of electromagnetic
radiation (with a
similar energy density (E/A),,,, and total irradiation time d tto,) to the
vehicle to break down the
soil in a directed manner depending on surface. For example, the
electromagnetic radiation
can have a wavelength in the visible or near-infrared spectrum (e.g., about
400 nm to about
800 nm, and particularly, about 600 nm for painted surfaces, and about 650 nm
for glass
surfaces; testing is done for each type of surface at 20-nm intervals within
the range of about
400 nm to about 800 nm).
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[0062] The third set of electromagnetic radiation sources applies an
electromagnetic
radiation to render the resulting soil safe for human contact. A detergent
application is made,
and the vehicle is rinsed off with high pressure water.
EXAMPLE 5
[0063] The vehicle is swabbed on various surfaces, and the soil is put into a
machine to
determine the necessary electromagnetic radiation application parameters to
cross-link the
soil, break down the soil, and render the soil non-hazardous. Accordingly, one
or more test
vehicles are then subjected to electromagnetic radiation applications of
various wavelengths
and energy densities (E/A)Q,, for specific total irradiation times d ttot to
cross-link the soil,
break down the soil, and render the soil non-hazardous. The one or more test
vehicles and
one or more control vehicles are then cleaned with a detergent application,
and the test
vehicles and control vehicles are rinsed off with high pressure water.
[0064] The improved washability of the test vehicles resulting from the
electromagnetic
radiation applications is determined, as compared to control vehicles that
were washed
without being exposed to the electromagnetic radiation applications.
[0065] The soil remaining on the test vehicles, as compared to control
vehicles, is
determined by contacting the surfaces of the test vehicles and the control
vehicles with an
object (e.g., a swab, a finger, etc.) and inspecting the object for visible
signs of soil.
[0066] In addition to, or in lieu of, contacting the surfaces of the vehicles
with the object,
a measuring device (e.g., a reflectometer or gloss meter) is used to determine
the level of
cleanliness for the test vehicles and the control vehicles.
[0067] The dryness of the surface of the test vehicles, as compared to control
vehicles, is
tested after a drying agent is applied. If the surface has a layer of road
film, the drying agent
will stick in such a fashion as to hold water to the surface. If the surface
is clean, the drying
agent will repel water.
[0068] The soil that is removed from the test vehicles and the control
vehicles is captured
in a drain and analyzed to establish that the resulting chemical is non-
hazardous. In addition,
the chemical analysis of the soil removed from the test vehicles can be to
compared to that of
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the control vehicles to determine the effectiveness of the electromagnetic
radiation
application in rendering the soil non-hazardous.
EXAMPLE 6
[0069] A plurality of electromagnetic radiation applications is scanned over
the exterior
surface of a vehicle beginning at a wavelength of about 100 nm and incremented
by tenths of
nanometers to a wavelength of about 2000 nm over a period of about 3 minutes.
Each
electromagnetic radiation application is applied to the exterior surface of
the vehicle for a
period of time before the subsequent electromagnetic radiation application is
applied. The
series of electromagnetic radiation applications is performed prior to,
during, or subsequent to
any cleansing procedures, or combinations thereof.
[0070] Various features and aspects of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
