Clean Shield Enterprises, Inc.

Dale A Severson

Robert Willeke, Jr

Jeffrey M Eliason

Scott C Meyerson

Jeffery M Eliason

Systems and sub-systems for supplying squeegee buckets with automobile windshield washer fluid. Some systems include a fluid containing reservoir elevated above the squeegee buckets so as to gravity feed the buckets. One system includes a fluid quantity sensor coupled to a squeegee bucket for indicating a predetermined low fluid quantity in the squeegee bucket, calling for the addition of fluid. The fluid quantity sensor can be coupled directly or indirectly to a controllable fluid supply source to add fluid into the squeegee bucket interior. Some systems have continuous or analog fluid quantity sensor outputs while other systems have discreet fluid quantity sensors indicating that a low limit has been reached. Some systems utilize level sensors while other systems utilize weight sensors. One system includes a level sensor in the form of a float adapted to trigger an electrical switch upon reaching a low level. When the low level limit is reached, a valve in fluid communication with a fluid supply source is opened to allow fluid flow into the squeegee bucket interior. Some systems allow a predetermined time flow of fluid or a predetermined volume flow of fluid. Other systems terminate flow into the squeegee bucket when a high level fluid quantity is indicated, for example, by a high level limit being reached by a level switch. Systems can also include logic within controllers to detect leakage and/or pilferage and further logic to limit or stop excessive fluid usage through pilferage or leakage. The invention allows continuous replenishing of windshield washer squeegee buckets, not requiring frequent human action to refill the buckets. The present invention can be used in lightly staffed or completely unstaffed, 24-hour gasoline service stations and convenience stores, providing windshield washer fluid with minimal personnel costs.

Squeegee bucket fluid fill device and system

A system for automated vending of automotive fluid such as windshield washer fluid from large volume tanks. In one embodiment the system includes two or more vending control units and a fluid storage system that includes one or more fluid storage tanks mounted at a level above the vending control units. Preferably the fluid storage tanks are mounted to an over head canopy, either on the roof of the canopy or on one of the canopy support columns. Where two or more fluid storage tanks are utilized, fluid equalization conduits connect the storage tanks to each other so that fluid levels in the storage tanks equalize as fluid is added to or withdrawn from any one of the tanks. Two or more fluid dispensing hoses are provided, each one being associated with and controlled by one of the vending control units. Each hose is connected to the fluid storage system and dispenses fluid by force of gravity in response to selective activation of the corresponding vending control unit by a user. Preferably the distal end of the fluid dispensing hose has a dispensing nozzle, a controllable dispensing valve located upstream from the dispensing nozzle, and a check valve disposed between the dispensing valve and the end of the nozzle. The check valve permits fluid to flow toward the nozzle when a pressure differential across the check valve exceeds a predetermined value. Thus, when the upstream dispensing valve is opened, the fluid pressure across the check valve exceeds the predetermined value, opening the check valve and permitting fluid to be dispensed.

Automotive fluid dispensing system

A system for automated vending of windshield washer fluid from large volume tanks. In one embodiment the system includes two or more vending control units and a fluid storage system that includes one or more fluid storage tanks mounted at a level above the vending control units. Preferably the fluid storage tanks are mounted to an over head canopy, either on the roof of the canopy or on one of the canopy support columns. Where two or more fluid storage tanks are utilized, fluid equalization conduits connect the storage tanks to each other so that fluid levels in the storage tanks equalize as fluid is added to or withdrawn from any one of the tanks. Two or more fluid dispensing hoses are provided, each one being associated with and controlled by one of the vending control units. Each hose is connected to the fluid storage system and dispenses fluid by force of gravity in response to selective activation of the corresponding vending control unit by a user. Preferably the distal end of the fluid dispensing hose has a dispensing nozzle, a controllable dispensing valve located upstream from the dispensing nozzle, and a check valve disposed between the dispensing valve and the end of the nozzle. The check valve permits fluid to flow toward the nozzle when a pressure differential across the check valve exceeds a predetermined value. Thus, when the upstream dispensing valve is opened, the fluid pressure across the check valve exceeds the predetermined value, opening the check valve and permitting fluid to be dispensed.

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Eagan, MN, United States of America

Dale A Severson