Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Motor City Wash Works, Inc.

J Allan Lunk

Robert J Wentworth

Gary J Ciarelli

A vehicle wash system having a plurality of vehicle treatment components with one of the plurality of vehicle treatment components including at least one support member. The at least one support member has an exterior surface. A shrinkable sleeve is sized to fit over the exterior surface of the at least one support member. The shrinkable sleeve is slid onto the at least one support member and located in a predetermined position around the exterior surface. Upon application of heat to the shrinkable sleeve, it shrinks and conforms to the shape of the exterior surface of the at least one support member such that it is fixedly attached to the exterior surface of the at least one support member in the predetermined position. The result is a protective covering for the support member that is durable and readily cleanable such that fluid and debris can be easily wiped off of the covering and corrosion of the support member is minimized.

Protective beam covering

An improved resolution positive displacement flow meter of the type having a pair of meshed gears. A plurality of sensors are spaced to detect movement of the gear teeth as liquid flows through the flow meter. Where the gears each have n teeth and s sensors are used, the possible locations around the gear for each sensor relative to a reference point are determined by the formula ##EQU1## where K=0,1,2, . . . ,(s-1) and L=0,1,2, . . . ,(n-1). The outputs from the sensors are logically combined, for example, by an exclusive OR circuit or by an OR circuit, to produce s pulses each time the gear rotates through the angle between two adjacent gear teeth.

Growing community of inventors

Howell, MI, United States of America

J Allan Lunk