Importance

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Abstract

An actuator (42) moves a nozzle (16) between vertical operating positions to accommodate the changing longitudinal configuration of a vehicle (18) and a rotary drive (46) rotates the nozzle (16) about a nozzle axis to efficiently direct air against the contour of the vehicle (18). A first sensor (50) is disposed upstream of the nozzle (16) for detecting the presence of a vehicle from above and for generating a blower start signal (50) and for generating an actuator signal to energize the actuator (42) and move the nozzle system (14) vertically between the operating positions. A second sensor (52) is disposed between the first sensor (50) and the nozzle (16) for detecting the contour of a vehicle from above. A third sensor (56) is disposed downstream of the second sensor for sensing the rear of a vehicle from above. A controller (54) is responsive to the sensors for processing a rotary signal to energize the rotary drive (46) for rotating the nozzle (16) about a nozzle axis and for processing the blower start signal and the actuator signal. A processor (70) adjusts the blower operational time in response to the number of vehicles per predetermined time period to optimize the number of blower starts per hour.

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First Claim