An automated car wash system is provided comprising an anthropomorphic robot that serves to spray and clean cars prior to their entering into, or within, an automated car wash so as to remove surface dirt from the car, using a high-pressure spray gun. The robot is controlled by an interconnected network of pneumatic or hydraulic pumps and hoses, electronic relays and mechanical linkages so as to simulate the movements of a human. A sensor is used to detect the presence of an automobile in the field of operation of the robot, which sensor also serves to activate the robot and keep it operational as long as the automobile is in a given location. The robot is configured to resemble the shape and size of a human such that it may be dressed in a variety of costumes or outfits so as to maximize both its entertainment value and its utilitarian function.

Mechanized anthropomorphic car wash apparatus

L'invention se rapporte a un dispositif 1 mobile pour le controle et/ou la maintenance d'au moins un equipement d'une zone aeroportuaire caracterise en ce que ledit dispositif est motorise sans equipage, adapte pour se deplacer sur une piste aeroportuaire, et comprend : • Un module de controle de la localisation 3 dudit dispositif 1, • Un module de navigation 14 adapte pour la determination d'au moins une trajectoire dudit dispositif 1 vers ou sur ledit au moins un equipement definie en fonction de la localisation (xR,yR) dudit dispositif 1 et de la localisation (xF,yF) d'au moins une source de lumiere 7, • Au moins un module de controle et/ou de maintenance dudit au moins un equipement.

Dispositif mobile pour le controle et/ou la maintenance d'au moins un equipement d'une zone aeroportuaire, systeme et procede correspondants.

The invention relates to a mobile device (1) for the control and/or maintenance of at least one item of equipment of an airport zone, characterized in that said device is motorized without a crew, adapted to move around on an airport runway, and comprises: • a module for controlling the location (3) of said device (1), • a navigation module (14) adapted for determining at least one trajectory of said device (1) towards or on said at least one item of equipment defined as a function of the location (xR,yR) of said device (1) and of the location (xF,yF) of at least one light source (7), • at least one module for control and/or maintenance of said at least one item of equipment, comprising at least one articulated arm (15).

Mobile device for the control and/or maintenance of at least one item of equipment of an airport zone, system and method corresponding thereto

An airport runway lighting system is cleaned using a anthropomorphous telemanipulator, vehicular mounted, whose ground movements in tracing and circumnavigating the runway light patterns are controlled by an automatic guidance system. Cleaning may be effected ultrasonically. The specification also envisages such guidance systems being used for other aircraft servicing vehicles, e.g. baggage trucks and mobile passenger lounges.

Percival-Barker Dr Keith

Papers

Airport runway lighting cleaning system