Compact automated window washing apparatus

An automated window washing apparatus, comprising:

• a frame assembly, comprising
• a substantially planar base portion having a front end, rear end and opposing first and second sides, and
• a mast portion extending upwardly from the base portion and defining an angle between the base and the mast;
• a pair of rolling wheels disposed on the opposing sides of the base portion and located adjacent the rear end thereof;
• a main brush rotatably disposed between the opposing sides of the base portion and adjacent the rear end thereof, the main brush defining a circumferential outer surface and opposing circular ends;
• a spacer disk disposed adjacent each circular end of the main brush body.
• a shroud extending the length of the main brush and enclosing a portion of the of the circumferential surface of the main brush opposite the vertical surface of the building;
• a first electric drive motor disposed adjacent one of the opposing circular ends of the main brush;
• and
• a battery disposed on the frame and electrically connected to the drive motor;
• and
• wherein the angle between the mast and the base is configured to hold the main brush against the vertical surface of the building when the mast is lifted vertically by a cable attached to the mast.

A method of automated washing a vertical surface of a building, comprising:

• rolling an automated window washing device along the ground via a plurality of downwardly extending wheels disposed on the washing device;
• attaching a cable to a mast portion of the automated window washing device;
• lifting the cable, thereby causing the main cleaning brush of the washing apparatus to be held against a vertical surface of the building by a moment formed about a point where the cable is attached to the mast;
• rotating the main cleaning brush while the cable is lifted;
• spraying cleaning fluid from a spray bar on to the main cleaning brush;
• rolling a rigging parallel to the vertical surface of the building to change a horizontal position of the cleaning apparatus.