| JPS6192945 | WINDOW DEFOGGER DEVICE FOR VEHICLE |
| JP2022093827 | WINDOW GLASS FOR VEHICLE |
| WO2009030183A2 | 2009-03-12 | |||
| WO2010120793A1 | 2010-10-21 |
| CLAIMS This present Invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes all and all of the embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 1 . The device and system which implements a device suitable for the preparation and supply of liquid for filling-up of the reservoir which is used for washing and cleaning the windows of a motor vehicle by means of windscreen wipers; where the components of the device and system include the following: a. The device includes an outer casing which includes inlet and/or outlet openings from the inside part of the casing and/or to the inside part of the casing, where at least part of the inside of the casing is hollow and enables the placing of at least some of the components of the device and system inside it. b. Part of device and system connects using a connector to an external water tap, where this optional connection can convey water to a water storage tank which exists in the device, or alternatively, in the device there is a purpose-built storage tank for water, which can be manually filled with water. c. An additional storage tank for storing liquids in the device, separate from the water storage tank, or separate from the connection to the water pipe and tap, is purpose-built and is used to store liquid with high concentrations of soapy, cleaning and sterilisation liquids; the liquid in the storage tank is intended for dilution together with water, in order to implement the desired level of concentration of water-diluted cleaning liquid, which is conveyed to the customer who uses it. d. A computerised command and control system, powered by an electrical energy source, and which operates at least one electrical pump, pumps from the cleaning liquid concentrate storage tank a specific quantity of this liquid, which is in accordance with the definitive computed quantity of diluted liquid to be supplied to the customer. And in accordance with the quantity of concentrate pumped, it pumps a quantity of water to an additional storage tank, where they are both mixed to the desired quantity and concentration. Alternatively, they are pumped straight out to the outlet point for direct use by the user, and they are mixed while being supplied to the motor vehicle's reservoir. e. Alternatively, a specific quantity of water flows first to a weighing device, or alternatively via a measuring and control system. A quantity of liquid which enables the output of a quantity limited, according to the calculation of the computerised system, in such a way that the quantity of water outputted is the calculated quantity of water of the required water portion of the final ready-to-use diluted cleaning liquid supplied to the customer. This is in direct proportion and in accordance with the payment which has been made by the customer for the definitive quantity of cleaning liquid, and according to the quantity of water which has flowed, calculated by computer. The quantity of concentrated cleaning liquid is outputted from the system, and optionally, also the quantity of antifreeze liquid is also outputted to the outlet together with the water for use by the customer. f. The storage tank containing the cleaning liquid concentrate, and optionally, the storage tank containing the antifreeze liquid, are storage tanks within the device, and are replaceable by replacement storage tanks when they become empty. Alternatively, the storage tanks, when they become empty, can be manually refilled with concentrated liquid by the person responsible for the maintenance of the device. 2. Device and system as Claim No1 , where the calculation of the quantity of concentrated cleaning liquid which is outputted from the concentrated cleaning liquid storage tank, and the calculation of the quantity of water outputted from the water storage tank, or directly from the pipe connected to the water tap, are the quantities which are calculated by the computerised system and are allowed through with a limitation of the output of the liquid by a measurement, control and command system for the liquids. This is in accordance with the sum total of the payment which has been paid by the user, which is translated into a definitive quantity of the ready-to-use product of cleaning liquid diluted with water. 3. Device and system as Claim No1 , where the calculation of the amount of the concentrated cleaning liquid outputted from the storage tank of the concentrated cleaning liquid and the calculation of the amount of water outputted from the water storage tank, or straight from the pipe connected to the water tap, are the quantities which are calculated via the computerised system, in accordance with the sum-total of the credit to which the user is entitled, translated into the definitive quantity of the ready-to-use product of cleaning liquid diluted with water. 4. Device and system as Claim No1 , where the cleaning liquid concentrate storage tank is situated in the device, and when empty, can be replaced by a replacement storage tank full of concentrated cleaning liquid or alternatively, the concentrated cleaning liquid storage tank, when empty, can be refilled with concentrated liquid by the person responsible for the maintenance of the device. 5. Device and system as Claim No1 , where the computerised system in the device enables the output of a quantity of cleaning liquid, via an outlet nozzle operated by the user pressing it, according to measurement and calculation in direct relation to the sum-total which has been paid by the user, or according to the credit of a specified quantity to which the user is entitled, for example, the credit to which he is entitled through buying and paying for goods, for example, fuel for a motor vehicle. 6. Device and system as Claim No1 , where the device and system is an automatic vending machine, which includes one or more computerised operating systems, where the computerised system is adapted to enable the user to pay by a payment method, for example, by means of a credit card, or by sending a text message (SMS) which debits the user's cellular telephone account, or by payment with banknotes, or by payment with coins, where the quantity of diluted cleaning liquid which can be outputted by the system is in direct relation to the sum-total of the payment which has been made. 7. Device and system as Claim No1 , where the user can pay a certain sum of money via the payment method of the automatic vending machine which is in the device, and the system will calculate, according to the sum-total of the payment received, the required quantity to be made and which can be supplied to the user. 8. Device and system as Claim No1 , where the device in this present Invention can be part of a computerised system existing in filling stations, for example the system can be at least in part, a computerised system connected, at least in part, to the computerised system of the fuel pump, and when the user pays and fills-up with fuel from the pump, the device in this present Invention will give to the user a credit to obtain a specific quantity of cleaning liquid with no charge in excess of what he already paid for the fuel. 9. Device and system as Claim No8, where the credit for filling with the cleaning liquid to which the user is entitled can also be used by manual filling, and be calculated without a computerised system in the device; performed by a qualified fuel pump operator in the filling station, for example. 10. Device and system as Claim No 9, where the credit for filling with the cleaning liquid to which the user is entitled, or the payment for purchasing cleaning liquid by the user, can also be used by manual filling, and be calculated without a computerised system in the device; performed by a qualified fuel pump operator in the filling station, for example. 1 1 . Device and system as Claim No 1 , where the device, as per the device in this present Invention, may be a device built in and integrated into a fuel pumping device, or any device which enables the supply of energy to transport vehicles. 12. Device and system as Claim No 1 , where the device, as per the device in this present Invention may have in a particular part of it, areas for advertising and sales promotion. 13. Method suited to the preparation and supply liquid for filling the reservoir of a motor vehicle used for washing and cleaning of the vehicle windows with windscreen wipers, via an automatic vending machine, where the elements of the method include the following stages: a. To the automatic vending machine device a connection to an external water tap is made, where this optional connection is capable of conveying water to the water storage tank in the device, or alternatively, the device has a purpose-built water storage tank which enables the filling-up of water without connecting to an external tap. b. A supplementary storage tank for storing liquids in the device, separate from the water storage tank, or separate from the pipe connecting to the water tap, is a purpose-built storage tank used to store liquid with a high concentration of soapy, cleaning and sterilisation liquids. The liquid in the storage tank is intended to be diluted with water, in order to implement the desired level of concentration of the water-diluted cleaning liquid supplied to the customer who uses it. c. A computerised command and control system, powered by an electrical energy source, and which operates at least one electrical pump, pumps from the cleaning liquid concentrate storage tank a specific quantity which is in accordance with the definitive computed quantity of diluted liquid to be supplied to the customer. And in accordance with the quantity of concentrate pumped, it pumps a quantity of water to an additional storage tank, where they are both mixed to the desired quantity and concentration. Alternatively, they are pumped straight out to the output point for direct use by the user, and they are mixed while being outputted to the motor vehicle's reservoir. d. Alternatively, a specific quantity of water flows first to a weighing device, or alternatively via a measuring and control system. A quantity of liquid which enables the output of a quantity limited, according to the calculation of the computerised system, in such a way that the quantity of water outputted is the calculated quantity of water of the required water portion of the final ready-to-use diluted cleaning liquid supplied to the customer This, in direct proportion and in accordance with the payment which has been made by the customer for the definitive quantity of cleaning liquid, and according to the quantity of water which has flowed, calculated by computer; the quantity of concentrated cleaning liquid is outputted from the system, and optionally, also the quantity of antifreeze liquid is also outputted to the outlet together with the water for use by the customer. e. The storage tank containing the cleaning liquid concentrate, and optionally, the storage tank containing the antifreeze liquid, are storage tanks within the device, and are replaceable by replacement storage tanks when they become empty. Alternatively, the storage tanks, when they become empty, can be manually refilled with concentrated liquid by the person responsible for the maintenance of the device. 14. Method as Claim No 13, where the calculation of the amount of the concentrated cleaning liquid outputted from the storage tank of the concentrated cleaning liquid and the calculation of the amount of water outputted from the water storage tank, or straight from the pipe connected to the water tap, are the quantities which are calculated via the computerised system, in accordance with the sum total of the payment which has been paid by the user, which is translated into a definitive quantity of the ready-to-use product of cleaning liquid diluted with water. 15. Method as Claim No 13, where the calculation of the amount of the concentrated cleaning liquid outputted from the storage tank of the concentrated cleaning liquid and the calculation of the amount of water outputted from the water storage tank, or straight from the pipe connected to the water tap, are the quantities which are calculated via the computerised system, in accordance with the sum-total of the credit to which the user is entitled, translated to the definitive quantity of the ready-to-use product of cleaning liquid diluted with water. 16. Method as Claim No 13, where the cleaning liquid concentrate storage tank is situated in the device, and, when empty, can be replaced by a replacement storage tank full of concentrated cleaning liquid or alternatively, the concentrated cleaning liquid storage tank, when empty, can be refilled with concentrated liquid by the person responsible for the maintenance of the device. 17. Method as Claim No 13, where the computerised system in the device enables the output of a quantity of cleaning liquid, via an outlet nozzle operated by the user pressing it, according to measurement and calculation in direct relation to the sum-total which has been paid by the user, or according to the credit of a specified quantity to which the user is entitled, for example, the credit to which he is entitled through buying and paying for goods, for example, fuel for a motor vehicle. 18. Method as Claim No 13, where the device and system is an automatic vending machine, which includes one or more computerised operating systems, where the computerised system is adapted to enable the user to pay by a payment method, for example, by means of a credit card, or by sending a text message (SMS) which debits the user's cellular telephone account, or by payment with banknotes, or by payment with coins, where the quantity of diluted cleaning liquid which can be outputted by the system is in direct relation to the sum-total of the payment which has been made. 19. Method as Claim No 13, where the user can pay a certain sum of money via the payment method of the automatic vending machine which is in the device and the system will calculate, according to the sum-total of the payment received, the required quantity to be made and which can be supplied to the user. 20. Method as Claim No 13, where the device in this present Invention can be part of a computerised system existing in filling stations, for example the system can be at least in part, a computerised system connected, at least in part, to the computerised system of the fuel pump, and when the user pays and fills-up with fuel from the pump, the device in this present Invention will give to the user a credit to obtain a specific quantity of cleaning liquid with no charge in excess of what he already paid for the fuel. 21 . Method as Claim No 20, where the credit for filling with the cleaning liquid to which the user is entitled can also be used by manual filling, and be calculated without a computerised system in the device; performed by a qualified fuel pump operator in the filling station, for example. 22. Method as Claim No 21 , where the credit for filling with the cleaning liquid to which the user is entitled, or the payment for purchasing cleaning liquid by the user, can also be used by manual filling, and be calculated without a computerised system in the device; performed by a qualified fuel pump operator in the filling station, for example. 23. Method as Claim No 13, where the device, as per the device in this present Invention, may be a device built in and integrated into a fuel pumping device, or any device which enables the supply of energy to transport vehicles. |
This present Invention is in the domain of automatic vending machines, and more specifically, this present Invention is the method and system for a device for the preparation and supply of liquid for filling the window-washer reservoir of motor vehicles with a liquid which is used for washing and cleaning the vehicle's windows with the help of windscreen wipers.
It is known to a person skilled in the art that motor vehicles serve as a means of transport which is used by almost every person on the planet. The great majority of motor vehicles have an at least partially enclosed construction, which includes windows which protect the motor vehicle and its passengers from rain, from flying objects and more. it is known that a great majority of motor vehicles, for example private cars, taxis, buses and trains, as examples, have a mechanism for cleaning the motor vehicle's windows. Such a mechanism commonly includes at least one reservoir for storing cleaning liquid, and a system of pumps for sprinkling the cleaning liquid onto the vehicle's windows, for example the front windshield. These commonly-found systems are usually supplemented by a window wiper system which includes flexible wipers which clean the vehicle's windows with the help of a liquid cleaning liquid which is sprinkled onto the windows and the glass components via the system.
Filling the vehicle's reservoir, which is used for storing the cleaning liquid, is presently performed, generally, by the vehicle's user or by service providers who care for the vehicle, for example service providers in filling stations when filling-up the motor vehicle with fuel. The principal method used today when filling-up with cleaning liquid, suitable for the reservoir and the vehicle window-cleaning system, is by means of litre- or more- capacity containers, which already contain a prepared cleaning liquid diluted with water. Such containers are common and are principally sold in filling stations and in motor accessory trade.
The preparation of containers containing ready-to-use cleaning liquid which has been pre-diluted with water is not a desirable alternative, because of the difficulty and the cost incurred in the preparation and manufacture of such cleaning liquid containers - the cost of the container itself and the cost of transport and storage of such heavy and bulky containers containing the ready-to-use cleaning liquid. This present Invention has the objective of preparing and supplying a cleaning liquid suitable and purpose-made for cleaning motor vehicle windows, without it being necessary to prepare the cleaning liquid in advance and without it being necessary to store and transport large, voluminous and heavy containers; this by means of the method, system and device in this present Invention, which enables the preparation of ready-to-use cleaning liquid in the device and system of this present Invention.
The implementation of a supplementary embodiment of this present Invention, enables the preparation and supply of a customised and purpose-made cleaning liquid for use in the cleaning of motor vehicle windows, using the method, device and system of this present Invention as part of an automatic vending machine, which enables the purchase of the cleaning liquid in its ready-to-use form by paying into the automatic vending machine, and receiving a quantity of ready-to-use cleaning liquid, in direct proportion to the amount paid.
The implementation of yet a further embodiment of this present Invention enables the preparation and supply of a customised and purpose-made cleaning liquid for use in the cleaning of motor vehicle windows, using the method, device and system of this present Invention, where the device and system receive data pertaining to any credit which entitles the user to receive a predetermined quantity of cleaning fluid; for example, a credit entitlement through the purchase of fuel, or a cumulative credit that he accumulated over a number of refuelling, for example, at a filling station which operates the device and system in this present Invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This present Invention provides novelty in the method and the system, which enables the implementation of a device for the preparation and delivery of cleaning liquid, suitable for filling a motor vehicle's reservoir, and which is used for washing and cleaning the vehicle's windows with the help of windscreen wipers, where the elements of the method, system and device are as follows: a. The device includes an outer casing which include inlet and/or outlet openings from/to the inside of this casing; this casing contains at least some of the components of the device and the system. b. On one part of the device and system, there is a connection to an external water tap, this connection being optional; through this connection, water is supplied to a water-storage tank. Alternatively a dedicated water storage tank in the device can be filled with water. c. A supplementary liquid-storage tank in the device, separate from the water storage tanker separate from the connection to the water tap pipe, is a dedicated storage tank, used to store liquid shaving high concentrations of soap, cleaning and sterilizing materials. The material in this storage tank is purpose-made for being mixed with water in order to supply the quantity of cleaning liquid to the customer who uses it. Optionally, a supplementary storage tank can be implemented in the device and system, intended to be filled with anti-freeze material, which can be added to the cleaning concentrate diluted with water in order to prevent freezing. d. A computerised command and control system, powered by an electrical power source and which includes at least one electrical pump, pumps a specific quantity of liquid from the concentrated cleaning material storage tank, and optionally from the antifreeze liquid storage tank, and in accordance with the quantity of concentrates supplied, pumps a quantity of water to a supplementary storage tank in which these two or these three components mix. Alternatively these two or these three components are directly outputted via the outlet piping to the user. e. Alternatively, a particular quantity of water is conveyed via a weighing unit, or via a measuring system, so that the quantity of water outputted is the calculated portion of water needed to make-up the diluted cleaning liquid supplied to the customer. This is in direct proportion to the payment made for the quantity of cleaning liquid to be supplied to the customer. Thus the quantity of water needed for dilution, the quantity of concentrated cleaning liquid supplied from the system, and optionally, the quantity of antifreeze liquid supplied from the system are calculated by computer, and are supplied to the outlet for use by the customer.
f. The cleaning liquid concentrate storage tank, and optionally the antifreeze liquid storage tank, are included within the device and are replaceable with exchange storage tanks when they become empty. Alternatively, the storage tanks, when they become empty can be manually refilled with concentrated liquid by the person responsible for the maintenance of the device.
g. The computerised system in the device enables the outputting of quantities of the ready-to-use cleaning material by via an outlet spout which activates a pump by a user pressing a button. The outputting of the liquid is in accordance with the measure and the calculation, which are in direct proportion to the sum of the money paid by the user, or in accordance with credit accumulated by the user, for example a credit which the user accumulated through paying for the purchase of goods, for example fuel for a motor vehicle.
h. In one of the embodiments of this present Invention, the device and system are an automatic vending machine which includes variants of one or more computerised operating systems, where the computerised system is adapted to enable the user to use various payment methods, for example payment by credit card or by sending a text message (SMS) which debits the user's cellular telephone account, or by paying with banknotes or coins, or by using a club card, or by direct connection to the fuel pump system.
/. Optionally, a user can pay any amount he wishes, and let the system calculate and display to the user, the quantity which can be produced, and supplied to the user, according to the sum paid. The device and system in one of the embodiments of this present Invention may be part of an already existing computerised system in a filling station. For example, the system can be, at least in part, a computerised system connected, at least in part, to the computerised system of the fuel pumps, and/or be built as part of a fuel pump device, where optionally, at the time that the user pays and fills-up with fuel from the fuel pump, the device in this present Invention will give the user the right to receive a certain quantity of cleaning liquid at no extra cost, in relation to the price he paid for the fuel. k. The system, as described here, also enables manual filling-up of cleaning liquid from the device and manual calculation of the amount dueby, for example qualified fuel pump operator in a filling station.
/. A device and system like the device in this present Invention may be built into a fuel pump device, or into any device which enables the supply of energy to vehicles.
m. A device and system like the device in this present Invention may have on its body an advertising and sales-promotion surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings are included in this present Patent Application with the objective of supplying a greater understanding of the Invention, and are included and form part of this present specification. The drawings illustrate different embodiments of the Invention, and together with the description, serve the purpose of explaining the principles and the method of operation of the Invention, and all this solely via examples, and not with the objective of limiting the Invention to these and only these descriptions.
Drawing No 1 is a schematic description which illustrates an example of the device and system included in this present Invention. The possible constituent external components of one of the embodiments of this present Invention are illustrated in the schematic description, according to the method and system of this present Invention.
Drawing No 2 is a schematic description which illustrates some of the components of the device and system of this present Invention, according to the method and system of this present Invention.
Drawing No 3 is a schematic description which illustrates an example of the device and system included in this present Invention, which illustrates at least some of the components of the possible parts of the device and system in one of the embodiments of this present Invention, according to the method and system of this present Invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The description of the drawings of this annex and the drawings to which reference are made are included within this Patent Application with the objective of providing greater understanding of the Invention, and are included and form an integral part of this specification. The description of the drawings provides a more detailed explanation of the different embodiments of the invention, and, together with the drawings themselves and the other components of the Patent Application document, serve the purpose of explaining the principles and the method of operation of the Invention, all exclusively as examples, and not with the objective of limiting the Invention to these and only these descriptions.
Drawing no 1 is a schematic representation which illustrates an example of the device (100), which is included in the contents of this present Invention, whose external components exist in one of the embodiments of this present Invention, and are illustrated in this schematic, according to the method, system and device in this present Invention, purpose-made for storage, preparation and supply of window- cleaning liquid to a user. The device (100) represents an embodiment of this present Invention integrated into an existing fuel pump device in a filling station for filling-up motor vehicles with fuel, and includes an external device casing (102), which makes possible the inclusion of, for example, a paying device, a digital display surface for displaying the overall payment against the quantity of cleaning liquid actually supplied (104), and publicity and commercial exposure areas (104). The inside of the casing of the device (100) is hollow, and enables locating within it the components of the device and system and its elements. On the external side of the device casing (100), it is possible for the operator to implement a paying system (106), for example a computerised system which enables the user to pay using a payment method, for example a credit card, or sending a text message (SMS) which debits the user's cellular telephone account, or payment by banknotes or coins; the user pays a determined amount, and the system computes, according to the total amount paid, the quantity of prepared window-cleaning liquid which will be produced and supplied to the user. When the user withdraws the nozzle (108)handle from the pump, and places it inside the opening of the window-cleaning reservoir of his vehicle, he will have to press the button which opens the locking mechanism in the pump nozzle( 08), allowing the quantity to which he is entitled to flow into the reservoir. The device in this present Invention may be part of an already existing computerised system in a filling station. For example, the system may be, at least in part, a computerised system connected at least in part to the computerised system of the fuel pumps, so that when the user pays and fills-up with fuel from the fuel pump, the device in this present Invention give the user the entitlement to receive a specific quantity of cleaning liquid free of payment in excess of what he already paid for the fuel. The aforementioned method can also be implemented by manually operating the device by, for example, a qualified fuel pump operator in a filling station.
Drawing No 2 is a schematic description which illustrates some of the components of the device (150) of this preset invention, according to the method and system in this present Invention. Item 150 illustrates the device for preparation, mixing and supply of the cleaning liquid intended for cleaning vehicle windows, assisted by the windscreen wipers of the motor vehicle. The part inside the lower storage space includes an at least partially hollow internal space, and is intended, at least, for housing a water storage tank(154);an additional space (152) is provided for housing water piping, electrical wiring and computing equipment, for example. The internal and external upper spaces(156) and (158) of the device(150)house devices and systems for control, monitoring, measurement and user-display of the total money paid for example for the amount of water being outputted, instructions to the user, instrumentation for entering data, money and credit card interfaces and more. The trigger-handle (160) enables the user, by pressing it, to receive the amount of prepared liquid, diluted as required and in the quantity to which he is entitled.
Drawing No 3 is a schematic description which illustrates an example of the device (180), which is included in this present Invention, which illustrates at least some of the elements among the possible elements and systems of the device and system in one of the embodiments of this present Invention, according to its method and system. The water tank (186)is located inside the window cleaning liquid pump device (188), and is filled with water via a pipe (182), which, optionally includes an electrical controller and/or a valve (182), and is connected to a water tap external to the device(188), so that it can receive water. Additionally, it includes, upstream of the water storage tank (186), a pressure regulator (184), to regulate the water pressure. In one of the embodiments of this present Invention, an automatic vending system is implemented in the device and the device systems. This automatic vending system enables payment, with the objective of the user purchasing from the device and system a specific quantity of prepared ready-to-use window cleaning liquid. The computerised system in the in the automatic vending system calculates the amount of money which has been paid into the automatic vending system, and thus the amount of the prepared window-cleaning liquid to which the paying user is entitled. The automatic vending system then issues an order to the systems of the device (188) to enable the production, mixing, preparation and outputting of the appropriate quantity into the device systems and out of the device systems. When an instruction is issued to prepare a ready-to-use quantity of window cleaning liquid, as a result of payment, the quantity of water which is the portion of water required to complement the ready-for-use quantity of liquid, according to the user's entitlement due to his payment, is transferred from the water storage tank(186), through the controller of the computer, which includes apparatus for measuring the required amount of water. Then, the required quantity of water flows into the hose (192) or into the storage tank (194). Optionally, the water is directed to storage tank( 94), via weighing apparatus or a sensor for measuring the amount of water required in direct relation to the payment made. When the quantity of water measured, weighed or sensed by the computerised system is the required portion of water in the quantity of prepared, ready-for-use liquid, which also includes concentrated cleaning liquid, and optionally also antifreeze liquid. Concentrated cleaning liquid, and optionally antifreeze liquid, is transferred from the storage tanks (196), and optionally (198), in the measure and proportion dictated by the desired dilution formula as determined by the computerised system, and according to the quantity of water which has been measured or weighed. The sum total of these liquids is outputted to the liquids outlet (200) when a user presses on the handle trigger of the pump, connected via a hose to the opening (200).