Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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KITCHENWARE WASHING ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS
Cross-Reference to Related Application
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/498,381, filed June 17, 2011, the entire
disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to kitchenware washing
assemblies,
and methods related to washing kitchenware using such assemblies.
Background
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present
disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Commercial washers have been in the marketplace for decades.
Many of the commercial washers that are currently on the market include
multiple
tanks for various cleaning stages (e.g., a scraping tank, washing tank,
rinsing tank,
and sanitizing tank, etc.). The washing tank, at a basic level, typically
includes
features such as a rectangular tank with a drain, a valve for closing the
tank's drain,
nozzles attached to walls of the tank for directing water down into the tank,
and a
pump to circulate water from within the tank into a manifold that feeds the
water
through the nozzles.
Summary
[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and
is
not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
[0006] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are generally
directed toward kitchenware washing assemblies. In one example embodiment,
such
an assembly generally includes a tank configured to hold fluid for washing
kitchenware, a pump in fluidic communication with the tank and configured to
circulate fluid within the tank, and a control system configured to control
operation of
the pump. The pump is operable at two or more different speeds to thereby
create
two or more different levels of fluid turbulence within the tank. And, the
control
system is configured to operate the pump at a first one of the two or more
different
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speeds for a specified time period and then cycle operation of the pump to a
second
one of the two or more different speeds.
[0007] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also
generally
directed toward control systems for use with the kitchenware washing
assemblies. In
one example embodiment, a control system is configured to be coupled to a pump
and a temperature sensor of a kitchenware washing assembly. Here, the control
system generally includes a toggle configured to activate a pump of a
kitchenware
washing assembly for circulating washing fluid in the kitchenware washing
assembly,
and a relay configured to terminate operation of the pump if a temperature of
washing fluid in the kitchenware washing assembly falls below a specified
temperature as measured by a temperature sensor of the kitchenware washing
assembly.
[0008] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed
toward methods for washing kitchenware using commercial top-loading
kitchenware
washing assemblies. In one example embodiment an automated method for washing
kitchenware using a commercial top-loading kitchenware washing assembly
generally includes agitating washing fluid in a tank for a specified time
period to
thereby create a first level of turbulence in the tank for washing kitchenware
in the
tank; after the specified time period, agitating the washing fluid in the tank
to create a
second level of turbulence in the tank, wherein the first level of turbulence
in the tank
is greater than the second level of turbulence in the tank; measuring a
temperature
of the washing fluid used for washing the kitchenware in the tank; and
deactivating
the pump if the measured temperature of the washing fluid is below a specified
temperature.
[0009] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that various aspects of
this
disclosure may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more
other
aspects, elements or features described herein and/or illustrated in the
drawings,
and in a wide variety of configurations. Accordingly, it should be understood
that the
description and specific examples in this disclosure are intended for purposes
of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
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Drawings
[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of
selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not
intended to
limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a kitchenware washing
assembly
according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the kitchenware washing assembly
of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a washing unit
of the
kitchenware washing assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating a scraping station and a
washing
station of the washing unit, and with part of a skirt removed and part of a
sink of the
scraping station and a tank of the washing station removed to show interior
features
of the kitchenware washing assembly;
[0014] FIG. 4 is the fragmentary front elevation view of the washing
unit
shown in FIG. 3, with an intake cover removed to expose a portion of an intake
chamber of the washing unit;
[0015] FIG. 5 is the fragmentary front elevation view of the washing
unit
shown in FIG. 3, with a portion of the intake chamber shown in broken lines;
[0016] FIG. 6 is the fragmentary front elevation view of the washing
unit
shown in FIG. 4, with a portion of a rearward wall of the washing unit removed
to
expose an interior portion of the intake chamber of the washing unit;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top plan view of the washing unit of
the
kitchenware washing assembly of FIG. 1, with part of the sink of the scraping
station
and part of the tank of the washing station removed to show configuration of a
circulation system of the kitchenware washing assembly;
[0018] FIG. 8 is the fragmentary to plan view of the washing unit
shown in
FIG. 7, further illustrating a screen positioned within the intake chamber of
the
washing unit;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a discharge chamber
and discharge cover of the kitchenware washing assembly of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a sanitizing unit of the
kitchenware washing assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating a rinsing station and a
sanitizing
station of the washing unit;
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[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic of a wiring configuration for use with a
control system of the kitchenware washing assembly of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic of a wiring configuration according to
one
example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a control system of
a
kitchenware washing assembly;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a schematic of a wiring configuration according to
another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a control
system
of a kitchenware washing assembly;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a schematic of a wiring configuration according to
yet
another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a control
system
of a kitchenware washing assembly;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a schematic of a wiring configuration according to
still
another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a control
system
of a kitchenware washing assembly;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a schematic of a wiring configuration according to
another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a control
system
of a kitchenware washing assembly;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a schematic of a wiring configuration according to
still
another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a control
system
of a kitchenware washing assembly;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a schematic of a wiring configuration according to
another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a control
system
of a kitchenware washing assembly;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a schematic of a wiring configuration according to
still
another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with a control
system
of a kitchenware washing assembly;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an intake cover according to
an
example embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0031] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a screen configured for use
with the
intake cover of FIG. 20.
[0032] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
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Detailed Description
[0033] Example embodiments are provided herein so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in
the art.
Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific
components,
devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of
the
present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many
different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the
disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known
device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
[0034] Features of the present disclosure can be implemented into
various
embodiments of kitchenware washing assemblies configured for use to clean
kitchenware. The kitchenware washing assemblies may be operable to clean a
variety of kitchenware, including, for example, dishware, food service ware
and
equipment, pots, pans, food trays, grease filters, gratings, any other items
found in
kitchens that may require cleaning, etc. In some embodiments, the kitchenware
washing assemblies are configured as commercial top-loading assemblies for use
in
commercial settings such as commercial kitchens, etc.
[0035] Kitchenware washing assemblies of the present disclosure
include
circulation systems configured to circulate washing fluid within tanks of the
assemblies for cleaning kitchenware in the tanks. Circulating the washing
fluid may
create turbulence in the tanks to help clean the kitchenware and loosen food
residues or remnants on the kitchenware. To achieve this fluid circulation,
the
circulation systems may include one or more pumps configured to remove washing
fluid from the tanks of the assemblies and discharge the removed washing fluid
back
into the tanks. In some embodiments, the circulation systems may remove the
washing fluid from the tanks through one or more inlets associated with the
tanks
and discharge the removed washing fluid back into the tanks through one or
more
outlets associated with the tanks. The inlets and/or the outlets may each be
associated with single individual walls of the tanks, or they may each be
associated
with multiple walls of the tanks.
[0036] Kitchenware washing assemblies of the present disclosure may
also (or alternatively) include temperature sensors configured to monitor
(e.g.,
sense, measure, track, record, report, etc.) temperature of washing fluid in
tanks of
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the kitchenware washing assemblies. The monitored temperature of the washing
fluid may be used to help control kitchenware washing operations by ensuring
sufficiently heated washing fluid is present in the assemblies during use. In
some
embodiments, the temperature sensors may be disposed at least partly within
washing tanks of the assemblies. And in some embodiments, the temperature
sensors may be disposed at least partly within chambers associated with the
washing tanks (e.g., intake chambers, etc.).
[0037] Kitchenware washing assemblies of the present disclosure may
also (or alternatively) include screen features to protect pumps of the
assemblies.
For example, in some embodiments, intake covers may be provided to cover
intake
chambers of the kitchenware washing assemblies. The intake covers can allow
fluid
to flow from tanks of the kitchenware washing assemblies into the intake
chambers
(which then direct the fluid to the pumps), but can inhibit movement of
objects (e.g.,
kitchenware, food particles, etc.) into the intake chambers (which, if drawn
into the
pumps, could adversely affect their operation). The intake covers can also
help direct
fluid flow in the tanks and help create circular, rotating, etc. fluid
patterns in the tanks
to improve cleaning operations. And, in some of these embodiments, additional
screens may be provided over openings in the intake chambers that lead to the
pumps (and that direct the fluid from the intake chambers to the pumps). These
screens can allow the fluid to flow from the intake chambers to the pumps, but
can
inhibit movement of any unintended objects (e.g., paper, tape, plastic,
knives, other
kitchenware, straws, food particles, debris, etc. to the pumps (e.g., any
items that
may inadvertently pass through the intake covers, etc.). Thus, two lines of
protection
can be provided to the pumps in such embodiments.
[0038] Kitchenware washing assemblies of the present disclosure may
also (or alternatively) include one or more pump sensors (e.g., voltage
sensors,
potentiometers, current sensors, power sensors, flow sensors, pressure
sensors,
fluid displacement sensors, or any other sensors that can sense, measure, or
otherwise determine voltage, current, power, resistance, or other parameter of
the
pumps, etc.) configured to monitor performance of the pumps. For example, the
pump sensors can be used to monitor operating parameters of the pumps (e.g.,
voltage usage, current draw, etc.) indicative of performance of the pumps
(e.g.,
indicative of fluid flow to and/or through the pumps, etc.). As such, in some
example
embodiments the pump sensors can be used to sense undesired restrictions in
fluid
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flow to and/or through the pumps (e.g., indicating that openings, inlets,
inlet covers,
screens, etc. leading to the pumps may be blocked, indicating that the pumps
should
be cleaned, etc.) which, in turn, can be used to help optimize operation of
the pumps
and/or protect the pumps from damage and/or help ensure cleanliness and
sanitation operations of the assemblies (e.g., help ensure that the pumps are
operating properly to discharge fluid into the assemblies at sufficient
pressures,
velocities, etc. to properly clean kitchenware in the assemblies, etc.).
[0039] In addition (or alternatively), kitchenware washing assemblies
of the
present disclosure may include control systems configured to control one or
more
operations of the assemblies. Such operations may include circulation of
washing
fluid in the assemblies (e.g., degree of agitation of the washing fluid,
duration of
circulation of the washing fluid, volume of washing fluid being circulated,
etc.),
temperature of the washing fluid in the assembly, wash agent addition to the
washing fluid in the assembly, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the
control
systems may be configured to control pump operations to circulate washing
fluid in
the assembly. In particular, the control systems may be configured to alter
the
frequencies of the pumps, when desired, to speed up or slow down or turn off
the
pumps. The control systems may also be configured to synchronize operations of
two or more pumps (e.g., operate the two or more pumps sequentially, operate
the
two or more pumps in tandem at the same time, operate the two or more pumps to
provide pulsating fluid flows, operating the two or more pumps to provide
surging
fluid flows, etc.) to achieve desired circulation of washing fluid in the
assemblies (and
desired cleaning operations).
[0040] In some example embodiments, the control systems may also (or
alternatively) be configured to communicate with temperature sensors to
receive
temperature signals relating to temperature of washing fluid in the
assemblies. The
received temperature signals may then be used as a basis to control one or
more
operations of the assemblies. For example, if the received temperature signals
indicate that temperature of the washing fluid is below a specified (e.g., a
predetermined, a pre-programmed, a manually entered, etc.) temperature, the
control systems may activate warning signals (e.g., lights, sounds, data
messages,
etc.) indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is low. In
embodiments in
which the specified temperature is selected, set, or predetermined to be a
critical
washing temperature needed for effective kitchenware cleaning (e.g., about 85
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degrees Fahrenheit plus/minus an acceptable variation within industry
standards,
etc.), then the control systems may also (or alternatively) be configured to
deactivate
the circulation systems and prevent further operation of the assembly, such as
until
the received temperature signals indicate that the temperature of the washing
fluid is
acceptable (e.g., at or above the critical washing temperature, etc.). In some
example embodiments, the control systems may also include override features
(e.g.,
keyed locks, coded locks, etc.) configured to override the deactivation order
to allow
continued use of the assemblies (e.g., continued operation of the circulation
systems, etc.) even though the received temperature signals indicate that
temperature of the washing fluid is below a critical washing temperature.
[0041] In some example embodiments, the control systems may also (or
alternatively) be configured to communicate with the pump sensors of the
kitchenware washing assemblies to receive signals indicative of the
performance of
the pumps. For example, if the received signals indicate that monitored
parameters
of the pumps deviate from specified (e.g., a predetermined, a pre-programmed,
a
manually entered, etc.) values, the control systems may activate warning
signals
(e.g., lights, sounds, data messages, etc.) indicating that the pumps should
be
serviced and/or that the kitchenware washing assemblies should be inspected
(e.g.,
for items blocking fluid flow to the pumps, etc.). Further, in some of these
embodiments, the control systems may also (or alternatively) be configured to
deactivate the pumps and prevent further operation of the assemblies until the
pumps are serviced and/or the assemblies are inspected.
[0042] In one example embodiment, a kitchenware washing assembly of
the present disclosure generally includes a tank configured to hold fluid for
washing
kitchenware, a pump in fluidic communication with the tank and configured to
circulate fluid within the tank, and a control system configured to control
operation of
the pump. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the kitchenware washing
assembly may be a commercial top-loading kitchenware washing assembly.
[0043] In this example embodiment, the pump of the kitchenware washing
assembly may be operable at two or more different speeds to thereby create two
or
more different levels of fluid turbulence within the tank. While not required,
the first
one of the two or more different speeds of the pump may create a greater level
of
fluid turbulence in the tank than the second one of the two or more different
speeds
of the pump. Also, the control system may be configured to operate the pump at
a
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first one of the two or more different speeds for a specified time period and
then
cycle operation of the pump to a second one of the two or more different
speeds.
[0044] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the kitchenware
washing
assembly may also include a sensor configured to monitor temperature of fluid
held
within the tank. Here, the control system may be in communication with the
sensor
and may be configured to activate at least one indicator when the temperature
of the
fluid held within the tank falls below a specified temperature. The at least
one
indicator may be selected from the group consisting of a visual indicator and
an
audible indicator. In addition, the control system may be configured either to
manually receive the specified temperature from a user or to be preprogrammed
with
the specified temperature. Also (or alternatively), the control system may be
configured to deactivate the pump when the temperature of the fluid held
within the
tank falls below the specified temperature.
[0045] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the kitchenware
washing
assembly may include a pump sensor configured to monitor at least one
operational
parameter of the pump. Here, the control system may be in communication with
the
pump sensor and may be configured to activate the at least one indicator when
the
at least one operational parameter of the pump deviates from a specified
value.
[0046] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the tank of the
kitchenware washing assembly may include first and second opposing walls and
third and fourth opposing walls defining at least part of the tank. Further,
an intake
chamber may be associated with the first wall of the tank and configured to
receive
fluid from out of the tank, and a discharge chamber may be associated with the
third
wall of the tank and configured to receive fluid for discharge into the tank.
Here, the
second and fourth walls of the tank do not include either an intake chamber or
a
discharge chamber associated therewith. And, the sensor may be located within
the
intake chamber of the assembly.
[0047] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the kitchenware
washing
assembly may also include an intake cover configured to be positioned over the
intake chamber and/or a discharge cover configured to be positioned over the
discharge chamber. Here, the intake cover may include multiple openings
uniformly
positioned along at least part of the intake cover to allow fluid to move
through the
openings from the tank to the intake chamber. And, the discharge cover may
include
openings through which fluid is discharged from the discharge chamber and into
the
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tank. Further, the discharge openings of the discharge cover may be located
toward
one side portion of the discharge cover to thereby promote generally
horizontal
circulation of fluid within the tank.
[0048] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the kitchenware
washing
assembly may further include at least one or more of a scraping station
coupled to
the tank to remove bulk food items that have stuck to the kitchenware prior to
washing the kitchenware in the tank, a rinsing station coupled to the tank to
rinse the
washed kitchenware, and a sanitizing station coupled to the rinsing station to
sanitize
the washed kitchenware.
[0049] In another example embodiment, a control system is configured
to
be coupled to a pump and a temperature sensor of a kitchenware washing
assembly. Here, the control system generally includes a toggle configured to
activate
a pump of a kitchenware washing assembly for circulating washing fluid in the
kitchenware washing assembly, and a relay configured to terminate operation of
the
pump if a temperature of washing fluid in the kitchenware washing assembly
falls
below a specified temperature as measured by a temperature sensor of the
kitchenware washing assembly. The toggle may include at least two speed
settings
for activating the pump of the kitchenware washing assembly. And, an actuator
may
be configured to cycle the pump from a first speed setting to a second speed
setting,
as desired.
[0050] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the control system
may
also include one or more of a timer, a hold relay, a float relay, motor speed
relay, a
load relay, a fluid level sensor, an override, and a warning indicator. For
example,
the hold relay may be configured to maintain operation of the pump at a
desired
speed setting for a specified period of time as monitored by the timer. The
motor
speed relay may be configured to control changes of the speeds of a motor of
the
pump. The load relay may be configured to accommodate higher electrical loads
than other components of the control system. The float relay (and/or the
toggle) may
be configured to deactivate operation of the pump if a fluid level in the
kitchenware
washing assembly is below a specific fluid level, as measured by the fluid
level
sensor. The warning indicator (e.g., a visual indicator, an audible indicator,
etc.) may
be configured to activate if the temperature of washing fluid in the
kitchenware
washing assembly falls below the specified temperature. And, the override
(e.g., a
keyed lock, etc.) may be configured to allow reactivation of the operation of
the
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pump, after termination by the relay, while the temperature of the washing
fluid in the
kitchenware washing assembly remains below the specified temperature
[0051] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the control system
may
be configured for use with kitchenware washing assemblies having two or more
pumps. Here, the toggle may be configured to activate the first pump and a
second
pump of the kitchenware washing assembly for circulating washing fluid in the
kitchenware washing assembly, and the control system may then be configured to
cycle operation from the first pump to the second pump as desired.
[0052] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the control system
may
further include (or alternatively include) a pump protection relay configured
to
terminate operation of the pump if at least one operational parameter of the
pump
deviates from a specified value as measured by a pump sensor of the
kitchenware
washing assembly.
[0053] In another example embodiment, an automated method for washing
kitchenware using a commercial top-loading kitchenware washing assembly
generally includes agitating washing fluid in a tank for a specified time
period to
thereby create a first level of turbulence in the tank for washing kitchenware
in the
tank; after the specified time period, agitating the washing fluid in the tank
to create a
second level of turbulence in the tank, wherein the first level of turbulence
in the tank
is greater than the second level of turbulence in the tank; measuring a
temperature
of the washing fluid used for washing the kitchenware in the tank; and
deactivating
the pump if the measured temperature of the washing fluid is below a specified
temperature.
[0054] In some aspects of the present disclosure, agitating the
washing
fluid in the tank to thereby create a first level of turbulence in the tank
may include
operating a pump at a first speed for the specified time period to thereby
create the
first level of turbulence in the tank for washing kitchenware in the tank, and
agitating
the washing fluid in the tank to create the second level of turbulence in the
tank may
include cycling operation of the pump to a second speed and operating the pump
at
the second speed to thereby create the second level of turbulence in the tank.
In
addition (or alternatively), agitating the washing fluid in the tank may
include
discharging fluid into the tank from a single side of the tank and at a
generally
downward angle to thereby promote generally vertical circulation of fluid
within the
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tank and/or discharging the fluid into the tank from the single side of the
tank to
thereby promote generally horizontal circulation of the fluid within the tank.
[0055] In some aspects of the present disclosure, measuring a
temperature of the washing fluid used for washing the kitchenware in the tank
includes measuring a temperature of the washing fluid when the washing fluid
is
received from out of the tank and into an intake chamber associated with the
tank.
[0056] In addition (or alternatively), in some aspects of the present
disclosure the automated method may also include activating an indicator if
the
temperature of the washing fluid falls below the specified temperature, where
the
indicator may be selected from the group consisting of a visual indicator and
an
audible indicator.
[0057] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the specified
temperature is a first specified temperature, the method further comprising
activating
an indicator if the temperature of the washing fluid falls below a second
specified
temperature, the first specified temperature being lower than the second
specified
temperature. For example, the first specified temperature is about 85 degrees
Fahrenheit and the second specified temperature is about 95 degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0058] Further, in some aspects of the present disclosure, the
automated
method may also (or alternatively) include monitoring at least one operational
parameter of the pump, and deactivating the pump if the at least one
operational
parameter of the pump deviates from a specified value.
[0059] It should be appreciated that individual elements or features
of
particular embodiments described herein are generally not limited to those
particular
embodiments but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in
other
selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. The same
may
also be varied in many ways. Thus, kitchenware washing assemblies and methods
of washing kitchenware using such assemblies may have any desired combination
of
aspects, elements and/or features described herein.
[0060] FIGS. 1-11 illustrate a kitchenware washing assembly 100
according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The illustrated
washing assembly 100 is a commercial top-loading washing assembly 100. For
example, the assembly 100 can be used in commercial settings such as
commercial
kitchens, etc. to clean a variety of kitchenware, including, for example,
dishware,
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food service ware and equipment, pots, pans, food trays, grease filters,
gratings, or
any other items found in commercial kitchens that may require cleaning.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated assembly 100
generally
includes a modular washing unit 102 and a sanitizing unit 104. The washing
unit 102
is used to pre-rinse and then clean desired kitchenware. And, the sanitizing
unit 104
is used to rinse the cleaned kitchenware and then sanitize the kitchenware in
preparation for subsequent use. The sanitizing unit 104 is coupled (e.g.,
releasably
coupled, etc.) to the washing unit 102 for support, generally to the right of
the
washing unit 102 (as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2). This allows for easy setup of
the
washing unit 102 and the sanitizing unit 104 in any desired facility (e.g., in
any
desired sized/shaped room, etc.). This also allows for convenient transfer of
cleaned
kitchenware from the washing unit 102 to the sanitizing unit 104. In other
example
embodiments, washing assemblies may include washing units and sanitizing units
coupled differently than disclosed herein (e.g., not coupled; coupled to
different
portions of the units; coupled to form different shapes, for example, L-shapes
to
thereby accommodate different installation needs, different sized/shape rooms,
etc.;
etc.).
[0062] The washing unit 102 generally includes a scraping station 106
and
a washing station 108. The scraping station 106 is used to initially rinse and
remove
bulk food items and other residue from the kitchenware prior to cleaning. And,
the
washing station 108 is used to then wash the kitchenware as desired. The
scraping
station 106 is located to the left of the washing station 108 (as viewed in
FIGS. 1 and
2), again to allow convenient (and staged) transfer of kitchenware from the
scraping
station 106 to the washing station 108. In other example embodiments, washing
units may include washing stations without scraping stations. In other example
embodiments, washing units may include scraping stations and washing stations
oriented differently than disclosed herein (e.g., scraping stations not part
of the same
unit as washing stations, scraping stations releasably coupled to washing
stations,
scraping stations positioned toward a different side of washing stations,
etc.). In
other example embodiments, splash guards may be coupled (e.g., releasably
coupled, bolted, snap-fit coupled, quick-release coupled, etc.) around
perimeters of
scraping stations and/or washing stations of kitchenware washing assemblies,
for
example, to help inhibit fluid spillage from out of the stations, to help
inhibit
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contamination of the washing stations with scraped food particles from the
scraping
stations, etc.
[0063] Any suitable washing fluid can be used in the scraping station
106
and washing station 108 to initially rinse and/or clean the kitchenware (e.g.,
water,
etc.). And, any suitable wash agent (e.g., soap, etc.), chemical, etc. can be
added to
the washing fluid to help with, enhance, etc. rinsing and/or cleaning of the
kitchenware. Further, the wash agent (e.g., soap, etc.), chemical, etc. can be
added
to the washing fluid (e.g., in the washing station 108, in a stream of flow of
the
washing fluid, etc.) manually, by automated injection systems (e.g., such as
injection
devices disclosed in U.S. 2010/0139701, etc.), etc.
[0064] With additional reference to FIG. 3, the illustrated scraping
station
106 includes a sink 110 configured to catch bulk food items and residue
removed
from the kitchenware prior to cleaning. A drain 112 is provided in the sink
110 to
remove any fluid from the sink 110 used to initially rinse the kitchenware,
along with
any removed bulk food items and/or residue. The sink 110 is sloped toward the
drain
112 to cause the fluid to flow to the drain 112. The drain 112 can be
conventionally
coupled to plumbing and/or drainage systems to ultimately dispose of the
fluid, food
items, and/or residue. And, as noted above, splash guards may be coupled
around a
perimeter of the sink 110 of the scraping station 106, for example, to help
inhibit
contamination of the washing station 108 with scraped food particles from the
scraping station 106, etc.
[0065] While not illustrated, the scraping station 106 may also be
equipped
to separate bulk food items and/or residue pre-rinsed from the kitchenware
from the
rinsing fluid. The separated food items and/or residue can then be disposed
separately from the rinsing fluid. For example, a removable perforated cover
or
screen may be provided over the sink of the scraping station 106 to help catch
large
food items and/or residue and allow for separate disposal thereof. In
addition, the
scraping station 106 may further be equipped with structure to dispose of
grease,
etc. pre-rinsed from the kitchenware as desired.
[0066] The washing station 108 includes a tank 114 configured to hold
washing fluid for use in cleaning the kitchenware. The illustrated tank 114 is
generally rectangular in shape and is defined by side walls 116, 118, a
rearward wall
120, a forward wall 122, and a bottom wall 124. In the illustrated embodiment,
lower
portions of the side walls 116, 118 are angled generally downwardly toward the
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bottom wall 124 (e.g., between about sixty degrees and about eighty degrees,
etc.).
A drain 126 is provided in the bottom wall 124 of the tank 114 to remove the
washing
fluid from the tank 114 (e.g., following cleaning operation, etc.). The bottom
wall 124
is downwardly sloped toward the drain 126 to cause fluid to flow to the drain
126. A
valve 128 is positioned in communication with the drain 126 and can be
selectively
opened to allow washing fluid to be removed from the tank 114 and closed to
allow
for retention of washing fluid in the tank 114. The drain 126 can be
conventionally
coupled to plumbing and/or drainage systems to ultimately dispose of washing
fluid
removed from the tank 114.
[0067] With reference now to FIGS. 3-6, the washing unit 102 also
includes a circulation system 130 in fluidic communication with the tank 114
of the
washing station 108. The circulation system 130 operates to circulate washing
fluid
within the tank 114 for cleaning kitchenware in the tank 114. For example, the
circulation system 130 can circulate fluid within the tank 114 to create
turbulence in
the tank 114 (e.g., to move, agitate, etc. the washing fluid in the tank 114,
etc.) to
help clean the kitchenware and loosen tough food residues or remnants that can
become caked onto kitchenware during cooking or food preparation processes.
The
circulation system 130 can also create different levels of turbulence in the
tank 114,
for example, to clean kitchenware with different types of food residues
thereon, to
clean different types of kitchenware (e.g., plastic kitchenware, glass
kitchenware,
metal kitchenware, etc.).
[0068] The illustrated circulation system 130 includes a pump 132
positioned on a support platform 133a of the washing unit 102 and conduits 134
interconnecting (e.g., via welds, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, friction,
etc.) the
pump 132 between an intake chamber 136 of the tank 114 and a discharge chamber
138 of the tank 114. As such, the pump 132 is in fluidic communication with
the tank
114 via the intake chamber 136 and the discharge chamber 138. The pump 132 can
then operate to circulate washing fluid out of the tank 114, through the
intake
chamber 136, to the discharge chamber 138, and back into the tank 114. This
operation will be described in more detail hereinafter. With that said, it
should be
appreciated that the assembly 100 could include two or more pumps to circulate
washing fluid in the tank 114 (e.g., with the pumps operating together to
create
different levels of fluid turbulence in the tank 114, with the pumps operating
independently to create different levels of fluid turbulence in the tank 114,
etc.).
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[0069] The pump 132 is located on the support platform 133a under the
tank 114 of the washing station 108. The pump 132 is a variable speed pump
that
can operate at two or more different operating speeds (in addition to an "off"
condition). The pump 132 can thus create two or more different levels of
turbulence
of washing fluid within the tank 114, depending on the operating speed. For
example, at one operating speed the pump 132 can provide a higher level of
turbulence for cleaning kitchenware (e.g., for removing inordinately caked-on
food
from the kitchenware, for cleaning durable kitchenware such as glass and metal
kitchenware, etc.). And at a second operating speed (e.g., at an idle mode,
etc.), the
pump 132 can provide a lower level of turbulence (e.g., for preventing grease,
debris, etc. suspended in the washing fluid from settling back onto the
cleaned
kitchenware; for cleaning delicate kitchenware such as plastic kitchenware;
etc.).
The cleaned kitchenware can also be easily removed from the tank 114 at this
lower
level of turbulence with reduced risk of splashing an operator with the
washing fluid.
A drain can be positioned toward a low point of the pump 132 to drain fluid
from the
pump 132 as needed. In some embodiments, circulation systems (e.g., utilizing
single pumps, utilizing multiple pumps, etc.) may provide at least three
levels of
turbulence, including first, high levels of turbulence for cleaning
kitchenware with
caked-on food residue and/or durable kitchenware; second, medium levels of
turbulence for cleaning kitchenware with only moderate food residue and/or
delicate
kitchenware; and third, low levels of turbulence as an idle mode (e.g., for
preventing
grease, debris, etc. suspended in the washing fluid from settling back onto
the
cleaned kitchenware, etc.).
[0070] The intake chamber 136 is positioned along the rearward wall
120
of the tank 114 in fluidic communication with pump 132. The intake chamber 136
is
also in fluidic communication with the tank 114 through an opening 140 (FIG.
4)
defined in the rearward wall 120 of the tank 114. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
intake chamber 136 is the only intake chamber in the tank 114. Additional
intake
chambers are not located on other walls (e.g., walls 116, 118, 122, etc.) of
the tank
114. With that said, the intake chamber 136 could alternatively be positioned
along
another of the walls (e.g., walls 116, 118, 122, etc.) of the tank 114, or
along a
different portion of the rearward wall 120 than illustrated herein. In other
example
embodiments, washing assemblies may include intake chambers located on
multiple
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different walls of tanks, multiple intake chambers located on common walls in
tanks,
etc.
[0071] An intake cover 142 (FIG. 3) is positioned over the intake
chamber
136 (FIG. 4) at opening 140 and is coupled to the tank 114 via suitable
fasteners
(e.g., mechanical fasteners, etc.). The intake cover 142 includes multiple
inlets 144
(e.g., openings, etc.) uniformly and evenly spaced across at least part of the
intake
cover 142. The inlets 144 allow fluid to be drawn (e.g., via suction, etc.)
into the
intake chamber 136 (through the inlets 144), while the intake cover 142
restricts
unintended objects (e.g., food debris, kitchenware items like silverware,
etc.) from
entering the intake chamber 136 (and the pump 132). The location and/or
orientation
and/or size of the inlets 144 can also help improve cleaning operation of the
assembly 100 by, for example, assisting in shaping desired wave forms in the
tank
114, directing flow of fluid in the tank 114 in desired patterns, and/or
lofting/floating/circulating kitchenware in the tank 114 (e.g., in combination
with the
fluid being discharged into the tank 114 via the discharge chamber 138 to
thereby
create a push/pull action on the kitchenware in the tank, etc.).
[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the intake cover 142 is
positioned
over a portion of the intake chamber 136 (with the rearward wall of the tank
114
covering a remaining portion of the intake chamber 136) away from an opening
154
(FIG. 5) where the conduit 134a couples the pump 132 to the intake chamber
136.
This configuration helps maintain generally constant fluid pressure within the
intake
chamber 136 at the opening 154, and thus helps provide generally uniform flow
of
fluid to the pump 132 (e.g., helps inhibit low pressure conditions from
developing
within the pump 132, etc.). In other example embodiments, intake covers may be
positioned over substantially entire portions of intake chambers, with
openings
formed, patterned, etc. in the intake covers at locations away from where
pumps
draw fluid out of the intake chambers (such that the intake covers may have no
openings at locations adjacent where the pumps draw fluid out of the intake
chambers and then have openings (e.g., uniformly spaced openings, etc.) at
locations spaced away from where the pumps draw fluid out of the intake
chambers
to thereby allow the fluid to move from tanks into the intake chambers and
provide
generally uniform fluid flow to the pumps from the chambers).
[0073] Also, the inlets 144 are spaced laterally away from the opening
154
where the conduit 134a couples the pump 132 to the intake chamber 136. For
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example, in the illustrated embodiment each of the inlets 144 is spaced
laterally
away from the opening 154 a distance 145 (FIG. 5) of at least about ten inches
(e.g.,
about ten inches, about eleven inches, about twelve inches, about fourteen
inches,
about eighteen inches, about twenty-four inches, etc.). As discussed above,
this
spacing can assist in shaping desired wave forms in the tank 114, directing
flow of
fluid in the tank, and lofting kitchenware in the tank, each of which can help
in
cleaning operation.
[0074] The intake cover 142 also includes a projection 146 extending
into
the tank 114 and positioned along at least part of the intake cover 142. The
projection 146 helps keep kitchenware (e.g., plates, pans, dishware, trays,
etc.) from
being drawn up flush against the intake cover 142 and blocking fluid movement
through the inlets 144 (which could decrease operational efficiency of the
washing
unit 102). The projection 146 of the intake cover 142 defines a generally V-
shaped
rib that extends longitudinally across a substantial length of the intake
cover 142. In
other example embodiments, intake covers may include projections that extend
across less than a substantially entire length of the intake covers. In still
other
example embodiments, intake covers may include one or more vertically
extending
projections. In some example embodiments, intake covers may include
projections
having cross-sectional shapes and geometric configurations that are
hemispherical
and have substantially solid cross-sections (e.g. trapezoidal, triangular,
rectangular,
etc.) and that do not define a channel.
[0075] With that said, the inlets 144 of the intake cover 142 are not
necessarily configured to avoid suction at the surface of the intake cover 142
facing
into the tank 114. In fact, the inlets 144 can be configured (e.g., sized,
shaped,
oriented, etc.) to help promote slight suction at the surface of the intake
cover 142.
This suction/pulling action on the kitchenware in the tank 114, together with
the
pushing action on the kitchenware created by the fluid being discharged into
the tank
114 via the discharge chamber 138, helps create a lifting action (e.g., a
circular,
rotating motions via the fluid, etc.) of the kitchenware in the tank 114 which
in turn
helps improve cleaning operation of the assembly 100. This is particularly
beneficial
in the illustrated embodiment because the fluid is being discharged into the
tank 114
from only one discharge chamber 138 located on only one side of the tank 114
(as
opposed to being discharged from two or more discharge chambers located on two
or more different sides of the tank 114 where such suction/pulling action may
not be
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needed to provide desired lifting action on kitchenware in the tank 114). As
such, in
the illustrated embodiment the suction/pulling action at the intake cover 142
compliments the single side discharge of fluid into the tank 114 from the
discharge
chamber 138 and helps provide the desired lifting action of the kitchenware in
the
tank. The projection 146 is then provided to help counteract this slight
suction and
help keep kitchenware from being drawn up flush against the intake cover 142
and
blocking fluid movement through the inlets 144.
[0076] With additional reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, an additional
screen
147 is provided within the intake chamber 136, and positioned over the opening
154
where the conduit 134a couples the pump 132 to the intake chamber 136. This
additional screen 147 is configured (e.g., includes perforations, etc.) to
allow fluid to
flow from the intake chamber 136, through the screen 147, and to the pump 132,
while at the same time inhibiting movement of any unintended objects (e.g.,
kitchenware, food particles, etc.) that enter the intake chamber 136 from
further
traveling to the pump 132 (which could inadvertently affect operation of the
pump
132). As such ,the additional screen 147 provides a second line of protection
to the
pump 132.
[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the screen 147 is configured to
be
slid into and out of the intake chamber 136 through opening 140 (e.g., via
handle
149, etc.). When slid into the intake chamber 136, the screen 147 is
positioned over
opening 154 with edge portions 151 of the screen 147 located under mounting
clips
153. And, the intake cover 142 can then be positioned over opening 140. To
remove
the screen 147, the intake cover 142 is first removed from the opening 140,
and the
edge portions 151 of the screen 147 are slid out of the mounting clips 153 and
the
screen 147 is then removed from the intake chamber 136 through the opening
140.
In other embodiments, screens may be incorporated into intake covers such that
they can be installed and/or removed from kitchenware washing assemblies
together
with the intake covers.
[0078] With additional reference now to FIG. 9, the discharge chamber
138
is positioned along the side wall 116 of the tank 114 in fluidic communication
with the
pump 132. The discharge chamber 138 is also in fluidic communication with the
tank
114 through an opening defined in the side wall of the tank 114. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the discharge chamber 138 is the only discharge chamber associated
with the tank 114. Additional discharge chambers are not located on other
walls
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(e.g., walls 118, 120, 122, etc.) of the tank 114. Further, the discharge
chamber 138
could alternatively be positioned along another of the walls (e.g., walls 118,
120,
122, etc.) of the tank 114, or along a different portion of the side wall 116
than
illustrated herein. In other example embodiments, however, washing assemblies
may include discharge chambers located on multiple different walls of tanks,
multiple
discharge chambers located on common walls in tanks, etc.
[0079] A discharge cover 148 (FIG. 6) is positioned over the discharge
chamber 138 and is coupled thereto via suitable fasteners (e.g., mechanical
fasteners, etc.). The discharge cover 148 includes outlets 150 (e.g.,
openings, etc.)
configured to discharge washing fluid from the discharge chamber 138 (through
the
discharge cover 148) into the tank 114. The outlets 150 are configured (e.g.,
sized,
shaped, positioned, etc.) to provide a desired discharge volume, velocity,
flow rate,
and/or flow pattern of washing fluid into the tank 114. This configuration of
the outlets
150 can be altered as desired to adjust any one or more of these features. In
the
illustrated embodiment the outlets 150 are located toward one longitudinal
side
portion of the discharge cover 148 (e.g., toward the side portion of the
discharge
cover 148 located toward the front wall 122 of the tank 114, etc.). As such,
washing
fluid is discharged into the tank 114 adjacent the front wall 122 and
circulates
generally horizontally in the tank 114 (e.g., generally counterclockwise as
viewed in
FIG. 5, etc.). In addition, because it is desirable to have the washing fluid
directed
downward into the tank 114 to avoid splashing fluid out of the tank 114, the
discharge chamber 138 (and the discharge cover 148) is located in the
illustrated
embodiment along the downwardly angled portion of side wall 116. Thus, the
washing fluid is also discharged downwardly into the tank 114 and further
circulates
generally vertically (e.g., generally counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 4,
etc.). In
other embodiments, discharge covers can have other configurations of outlets
within
the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., outlets located toward bottoms of
the
covers, tops of the covers, differently sized openings across the covers,
etc.).
[0080] The intake cover 142 and the discharge cover 148 are both
configured to be uncoupled and re-coupled to the tank 114 as desired (e.g.,
slidably
uncoupled and re-coupled, for example, via keyholes and pins, etc.; etc.).
Advantageously, this allows the interior of the intake and discharge chambers
136,
138 (and any components therein) to be readily accessed, for example, for
cleaning
and sanitizing. This also allows the intake and discharge covers 142, 148
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themselves, and their inlets 144 and outlets 150, to be more easily serviced,
for
example, to replace the covers 142, 148, clean out the inlets 144 and outlets
150,
and/or clean other portions of the covers 142, 148. In addition, this allows
the intake
and discharge covers 142, 148 to be interchanged with other intake and
discharge
covers (e.g., other covers having different opening configurations therein,
etc.).
[0081] With continued description of the washing station 108, in the
illustrated embodiment a temperature sensor 152 (e.g., a thermocouple, etc.)
is
located within the intake chamber 136 (FIG. 4), adjacent the opening 154 where
the
conduit 134a couples the pump 132 to the intake chamber 136 (FIG. 5). The
temperature sensor 152 is positioned within the intake chamber 136 (e.g.,
entirely,
etc.) so that the screen 147 can be positioned within the intake chamber 136
and the
intake cover 142 can be positioned over the intake chamber 136 without
interference
from the temperature sensor 152. The temperature sensor 152 is configured to
monitor (including measuring) temperature of the washing fluid in the tank 114
(and
more particularly in the chamber 136 as the washing fluid is drawn out of the
tank
114) to help ensure properly heated washing fluid is used to clean the
kitchenware.
The temperature sensor 152 can include any suitable sensor capable of
monitoring
fluid temperature. And, the temperature sensor 152 can be coupled to the
intake
chamber 136 (within the intake chamber 136) by suitable means (e.g., by
mechanical fasteners, by releasable couplings such as described in U.S.
7,578,305
(which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), etc.). The
temperature
sensor 152 may be configured to send and/or receive temperature signals to a
control system 180, as desired. In some example embodiments, the temperature
sensor 152 may be included as part of a heating unit for controlling
temperature of
washing fluid in the assembly 100. In some example embodiments, the
temperature
sensor 152 may be located differently than disclosed herein (e.g., other than
within
the intake chamber 136, etc.) to monitor temperature of washing fluid in the
assembly 100 (e.g., even other than within the tank 114 such as within a flow
path of
the washing fluid when outside the tank 114, etc.).
[0082] A pump sensor 155 is located adjacent the pump 132 for
monitoring
at least one or more desired parameters (e.g., voltage usage, current draw,
pressure, fluid displacement, etc.) of the pump. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
pump sensor 155 includes a current sensor configured to monitor current draw
of the
pump 132. The current draw of the pump 132 can then be used to evaluate
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operational performance of the pump 132 such as, for example, fluid flow to
and/or
through the pump 132 (or restriction thereof), etc. For example, if the
monitored
current draw of the pump 132 deviates from a specified value, this may suggest
that
fluid flow to and/or through the pump 132 is being restricted (e.g., by
debris, etc.)
and the pump 132 needs to be cleaned and/or the assembly 100 needs to be
inspected. This will be described in more detail hereinafter.
[0083] Further, a fluid level sensor 194 (e.g., a float, a float
switch, etc.) is
provided for monitoring fluid level in the assembly 100. In the illustrated
embodiment,
the fluid level sensor 194 is provided within the intake chamber 136, and is
positioned (e.g., entirely, etc.) so that the screen 147 can be positioned
within the
intake chamber 136 and the intake cover 142 can be positioned over the intake
chamber 136 without interference from the fluid level sensor 194. The fluid
sensor
194 could be located at other locations in the kitchenware washing assembly
100 as
desired. In addition, in other example embodiments, capacitive sensors (e.g.,
switches, etc.) may be provided to monitor fluid levels in tanks, for example,
to
determine fluid levels at give times, to determine when fluid levels are low,
to
determine when tanks are full (e.g., in use with automatic filling operations
of tanks,
etc.), etc.
[0084] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 10, the sanitizing unit
104 of
the illustrated assembly 100 generally includes a rinsing station 156, a
sanitizing
station 158, and a drain board 159. The rinsing station 156 is used to rinse
washing
fluid, wash agent (e.g., soap, etc.), wash chemical, etc. from the cleaned
kitchenware received from the washing station 108. The sanitizing station 158
is
used to sanitize the rinsed kitchenware as desired. And, the drain board
provides a
transition surface for the kitchenware after it is rinsed and sanitized. Any
suitable
fluid can be used to rinse and/or sanitize the cleaned kitchenware (e.g.,
water,
heated water, etc.). In other example embodiments, splash guards may be
coupled
(e.g., releasably coupled, bolted, snap fit coupled, quick release coupled,
etc.)
around perimeters of rinsing stations, sanitizing stations, and/or drain
boards of
kitchenware washing assemblies to, for example, help inhibit fluid spillage
from out
of the stations, etc. In other example embodiments, kitchenware washing
assemblies
may include drain boards releasably coupled thereto (e.g., to sanitizing
stations,
etc.), where the drain boards may also include adjustable legs to help
position them
as desired relative to the kitchenware washing assemblies.
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[0085] The rinsing station 156 includes a sink 160 configured to catch
rinsing fluid and any washing fluid, wash agent (e.g., soap, etc.), wash
chemical, etc.
removed from the cleaned kitchenware (as well as any food items or residue
inadvertently removed from the tank 114 of the washing unit 102 with the
kitchenware). A drain 162 (and valve 128) is provided in the sink 160 to
remove the
rinsed fluids, wash agents, chemicals, etc. from the sink 160. And, an
overflow 164 is
provided to channel rinsed fluids, wash agents, chemicals, etc. to the drain
162 as
needed (e.g., upon reaching a certain level in the sink 160, etc.). The drain
162 can
be conventionally coupled to plumbing and/or drainage systems to ultimately
dispose
of the rinsed fluids, wash agents, chemicals, etc.
[0086] The sanitizing station 158 also includes a sink 166. Here, the
sink
166 is configured to catch fluid used to sanitize the cleaned and rinsed
kitchenware.
A drain 168 (and valve 128) is provided in the sink 166 to remove the
sanitizing fluid
from the sink 166. And, an overflow 170 is provided to channel rinsed fluids,
wash
agents, chemicals, etc. to the drain 168 as needed (e.g., upon reaching a
certain
level in the sink 166, etc.). The drain 168 can be conventionally coupled to
plumbing
and/or drainage systems to ultimately dispose of the sanitizing fluid when
needed.
[0087] While not illustrated, the rinsing station 156 and/or the
sanitizing
station 158 may be equipped with removable perforated covers, screens, etc. to
help
catch food items, residue, or other items from falling into their sinks. The
covers
screens, etc. can also provide additional work space over the sinks as needed.
[0088] With reference again to FIG. 1, a skirt 172 is provided
generally
around the sink 110 of the scraping station 106 and the tank 114 of the
washing
station 108. And, the support platform 133a supports the skirt 172 (and the
sink 110
and the tank 114) above the ground (e.g., at a desired height, etc.). A skirt
174 is
also provided generally around the sink 160 of the rinsing station 156 and the
sink
166 of the sanitizing station 158. And a support platform 133b is provided to
support
the skirt 174 (and sinks 160, 166) above the ground (e.g., at a desired
height, etc.).
The skirt 174 of the sanitizing unit 104 includes a flange 176 configured to
couple the
skirt 174 to the skirt 172 of the washing unit 102. The flange 176 is
configured to fit
over (and be fastened to (e.g., via mechanical fasteners, etc.)) a lip 178 of
the
washing unit skirt 172 to thereby couple the washing unit 102 and the
sanitizing unit
104.
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[0089] The illustrated assembly 100 also includes the control system
180,
which is shown mounted to the washing unit 102 generally under the scraping
station
106. The control system 180 is configured to control operation of the pump 132
for
circulating washing fluid in the tank 114. In particular, the control system
180 is
configured to alter the frequency and/or speed of the pump 132 when desired to
speed up, or slow down, or turn off the pump 132. To help accomplish this, the
control system 180 can also be configured to monitor temperature of the
washing
fluid in the tank 114 (via communication with the temperature sensor 152) and
monitor performance of the pump 132 (via communication with the pump sensor
155). The control system 180 may include a user interface (e.g., a graphical
user
interface such as a touchpad, etc.) configured to receive at least one user
input
related to operation of the assembly 100 (e.g., fluid temperature, pump
operation,
etc.).
[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the control system 180 is
programmed (e.g., preprogrammed prior to use, programmed via operator inputs
at
the time of use, etc.) to control operation of the pump 132 as a function of
time
and/or as a function of temperature and/or as a function of performance and/or
as a
function of fluid level.
[0091] For example, the control system 180 can operate the pump 132
for
a desired period of time (e.g., a preprogrammed period of time, a manually
entered
period of time, etc.) at a desired frequency (e.g., a preprogrammed frequency,
a
manually entered frequency, etc.) and/or at a desired speed (e.g., a
preprogrammed
speed, a manually entered speed, etc.) to thereby provide a desired level of
turbulence of washing fluid in the tank 114. Then, after the desired period of
time is
expired, the control system 180 can change operation of the pump 132 to a
different
frequency and/or speed to thereby provide a different level of turbulence of
the
washing fluid in the tank 114. For example, this pump operation can promote a
generally high level of turbulence of washing fluid in the tank 114 for
cleaning the
kitchenware therein for the desired period of time (e.g., in a wash mode,
etc.). And
when the desired period of time expires, the control system 180 is programmed
to
cycle the pump 132 to an idle mode having a lower frequency and/or speed. In
the
idle mode, the pump operation (which can be maintained for any desired length
of
time) promotes a generally low level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the
tank
114 that helps inhibit material removed from the kitchenware from settling
back onto
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the kitchenware (while the kitchenware remains in the tank 114 prior to
removal) and
that allows for removal of the cleaned kitchenware from the tank 114 by a user
without splashing the user with washing fluid. In addition in the idle mode,
the low
level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank 114 helps inhibit oil
slicks from
forming at the surface of the washing fluid (e.g., low foam soap may be used
for
cleaning the kitchenware, and the low turbulence of the washing fluid in the
idle
mode helps keep grease encapsulated within the soap to inhibit oil slicks from
forming, etc.) such that cleaned kitchenware can be removed from the tank 114
without moving through an oil slick. With that said, it should be appreciated
that a
third operating mode can also be included in the assembly which provides a
medium
level of fluid turbulence in the tank 114, between the high turbulence level
and the
idle mode level, which can also be selected, for example, to wash delicate
kitchenware, plastics, etc.
[0092] In addition, the control system 180 can receive temperature
signals
from the temperature sensor 152 in the intake chamber 136 of the washing unit
102
and use the received signals as another basis for controlling operation of the
pump
132. In the illustrated embodiment, if the temperature signal indicates that
the
temperature of the washing fluid in the intake chamber 136 is below a first
specified
temperature (e.g., about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.) (e.g., a preprogrammed
temperature, a manually entered temperature, etc.), the control system 180
activates
a first signal 182a (e.g., a visual warning alarm, an amber light, etc.)
indicating that
the temperature of the washing fluid is low. If the temperature signal
indicates that
the temperature of the washing fluid is below a second, lower specified
temperature
(e.g., about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.) (e.g., a preprogrammed temperature,
a
manually entered temperature, etc.), the control system 180 activates a second
signal 182b (e.g., a visual warning alarm, a red light, etc.) indicating that
the
temperature of the washing fluid is below a minimum acceptable temperature.
Here,
the control system 180 then also deactivates the pump 132 and prevents further
operation of the washing assembly 100 until the temperature signal indicates
that the
temperature of the washing fluid is acceptable.
[0093] Further, the control system 180 can receive signals from the
pump
sensor 155 and use the received signals as still another basis for controlling
operation of the pump 132. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, if the
signal
indicates that the monitored parameter (e.g., the current draw of the pump
132, etc.)
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is below a specified value (e.g., a preprogrammed value, a manually entered
value,
etc.) (e.g., the monitored current draw is below about ten amps as measured
when
the pump 132 is operating at a higher frequency wash mode, etc.), the control
system 180 may activate a signal 187 (e.g., a visual warning alarm, an amber
light,
etc.) indicating that performance of the pump 132 is low (e.g., fluid flow to
and/or
through the pump 132 is restricted, etc.), and that the pump 132 needs service
and/or the kitchenware washing assembly 100 needs inspection. Here, the
control
system 180 then also deactivates the pump 132 and prevents further operation
of
the washing assembly 100 until the pump 132 is serviced and/or the assembly
100 is
inspected (e.g., until the measured parameter of the pump 132 is again
acceptable,
etc.). Alternatively, in some example embodiments, if pump signals indicate
that
monitored parameters (e.g., current draws, etc.) are below first specified
values
(e.g., monitored current draws are below about ten amps as measured when the
pumps are operating at higher frequency wash modes, etc.), control systems may
activate signals indicating that performance of the pumps is low. Then, if the
pump
signals indicate that the monitored parameters (e.g., the current draws, etc.)
are
below second specified values (e.g., monitored current draws of about seven
amps
as measured when the pumps are operating at higher frequency wash modes,
etc.),
the control systems activate second signals and also deactivate the pumps and
prevent further operations.
[0094] The control system 180 can also receive signals from the fluid
level
sensor 194 and use the received signals as still another basis for controlling
operation of the pump 132. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, if the
signal
indicates that the fluid level in the assembly 100 (e.g., in the tank 114, in
the intake
chamber 136, etc.) is below a first specified level (e.g., a preprogrammed
value, a
manually entered value, etc.), the control system 180 deactivates the pump 132
and
prevents further operation of the washing assembly 100 (e.g., dry operation of
the
pump 132, etc.) until fluid is added. In addition, in some example
embodiments, if
fluid temperature signal indicate that fluid levels are below first specified
levels,
control system may activate first signals indicating that the fluid levels are
low and
that fluid should be added. Then, if the signals indicate that the fluid
levels are below
second specified values, the control systems activate second signals
indicating that
the fluid levels are unacceptable, and also deactivate the pumps.
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[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, an override 196 (e.g., a unique
keyed
lock, a digital lock, a pin code, etc.) is included with the control system
180 to
manually restore operation to the assembly (e.g., to allow for reactivation of
the
pump 132, etc.) if operation has been terminated, for example, due to low
fluid level,
low fluid temperature, poor pump performance, etc. but not rectified (to
thereby allow
continued operation if needed). The override 196 is typically open (e.g., an
override
switch is typically open, etc.) during normal operation of the control system
180.
However, the override 196 is configured to close if, as noted above, operation
has
been terminated due to low fluid level, low temperature, poor pump
performance,
etc. (and the low fluid level or low temperature or poor pump performance is
not
rectified).
[0096] It should be appreciated that the control system 180 can be
used to
generate any desired signal to indicate, for example, low temperature of the
washing
fluid, low or unacceptable performance of the pump 132, low fluid levels, etc.
For
example, the control system 180 can be used to generate the signals just
described
(e.g., the visual signals, etc.). In addition (or alternatively), the control
system 180
could be used to generate additional signals associated with various different
operations of the washing assembly 100 and/or statuses of components thereof.
Further, any of the generated signals may be transmitted to desired locals
remotely
located from the assembly 100. Signals may include (but are not limited to)
visual
signals, audible signals, sensory signals, data based signals, alarm-type
signals,
other output-type signals, combinations of any desired signals, groups of any
desired
signals, etc. In one example embodiment, a kitchenware washing assembly may
include a control system having a touch screen, where all features of the
system are
controlled through the touch screen (e.g., via one or more microprocessors,
etc.).
Here, backlighting of the touch screen may be configured to change to a
desired
color (e.g., red, etc.) and flash as a signal to indicate, for example, low
temperature
of washing fluid in the assembly, low or unacceptable operation of the pump
132, low
fluid level, etc.
[0097] The control system 180 can also be configured to receive one or
more inputs from other sensors (e.g., other temperature sensors, other fluid
level
sensors, pH sensors, other pump monitoring sensors, etc.) and/or other
components
of the assembly 100 located in and/or about the kitchenware washing assembly
100.
The control system 180 can also be configured to receive one or more inputs
from
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external sources for use in determining washing operations. And, the control
system
180 can be configured to activate desired signals (as just described, for
example,
alarms, etc.) in response to any one or more of such inputs. In addition, the
control
system 180 can be configured to control operations of the assembly 100 as a
function of computer executable instructions, user inputs, and/or data inputs.
[0098] With reference now to FIG. 11, an example wiring configuration
for
use with the (or as the) control system 180 of the kitchenware washing
assembly
100 is schematically illustrated. The configuration generally includes a power
switch
186 (broadly, a toggle) configured to turn the control system 180 on and off
and to
select desired turbulence levels in the tank, and a momentary switch 188
(broadly,
an actuator) configured to cycle operation of the pump 132 between an idle
speed
operating mode, a low speed operating mode, and a higher speed operating mode.
A timer 190 is configured to control a duration of operation of the pump 132
at one or
more of the idle speed operating mode, the low speed operating mode, and the
higher speed operating mode (e.g., a duration of 10 minutes, greater than 10
minutes, less than 10 minutes, etc.; a duration based on real time such as,
for
example, specifying operation at one or more operating modes based on real
time
values; etc.). The configuration also generally includes a power coupling 195
and a
wired controller 198 for use in operation.
[0099] Various relays 192 are provided to control different operations
of
the pump 132 including, for example, a speed relay 792b for use in controlling
operation of the pump 132 at the idle, low, and/or higher speed operating
modes and
for use in controlling changes of the pump motor speeds, a temperature fault
relay
192c for use in terminating operation of the pump 132 if a temperature of the
washing fluid falls below a specified level, a float relay 192f for use in
deactivating
operation of the pump 132 if the fluid level is below a specific fluid level,
etc. Various
additional features are also included in the illustrated configuration (as
indicated by
the additional wiring symbols/nomenclature), and are self-explanatory in
nature such
that they are not further discussed herein.
[00100] An example operation of the illustrated assembly 100 will be
described next. It should be appreciated that various features associated with
such
example operation can include manual features and/or automated features as
desired. In addition, programmable controllers (e.g., programmable logic
controllers,
microprocessors, etc.) may be used within the scope of the present disclosure.
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[00101] The drain 126 of the washing station tank 114 is initially closed (via
the valve 128). And, the tank 114 is filled with heated washing fluid (e.g.,
water at
about 120 degrees Fahrenheit with wash agent added thereto, etc.) to a desired
operating level (e.g., to a desired level indicated on a wall of the tank 114,
etc.). The
control system 180 is then activated. In particular, the power switch 186 is
activated
to engage initial operation of the pump 132 in either the idle operating mode,
or one
of the desired higher speed operating modes. The pump 132 operates to draw,
remove, etc. washing fluid from out of the intake chamber 136 (from the tank
114
through the inlets 144 of the intake chamber 136) to the pump 132 (via conduit
134a)
(FIG. 5). The pump 132 then directs the washing fluid to the discharge chamber
138
(via conduit 134b) for discharge back into the tank 114 through the discharge
cover
148 (FIG. 5). The discharge cover 148 is configured to build up washing fluid
in the
discharge chamber 138 (behind the discharge cover 148) prior to discharge back
into the tank 114. Thus, the washing fluid is discharged into the tank 114
through the
outlets 150 of the discharge cover 148 under pressure. This pressurized
discharge
helps provide the turbulence in the tank 114 for agitating, mixing, etc. the
washing
fluid. In the idle operating mode, the pump 132 operates at a generally low
frequency
and/or speed and produces a generally low level of turbulence of the washing
fluid in
the tank 114. During this operation, the sensors 152, 155, 194, etc.
communicate
with the control system 180. And, operation of the pump 132 continues as
desired
until, for example, the power switch 186 is deactivated, a temperature of the
washing
fluid in the tank falls below a specified temperature, the fluid level sensor
194
indicates a fluid level is below a specified level, the pump sensor 155
indicates low
or unacceptable performance of the pump 132, a specified time elapses, etc.
[00102] Once the control system 180 is activated and the pump 132 is
operating, for example, in the idle mode, kitchenware initially rinsed over
the sink
110 of the scraping station 106 can be placed in the agitated washing fluid in
the
tank 114 for cleaning. When the desired amount of kitchenware is in the tank
114,
the control system 180 can be used to increase the operational speed of the
pump
132 to thereby increase the level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the
tank 114
(e.g., to clean the kitchenware in the tank 114, etc.). This is done by
activating the
momentary switch 188 (e.g., manually, automatically, etc.) which cycles
operation of
the pump 132 from the idle speed operating mode to a desired one of the
generally
higher speed operating modes (e.g., a higher operating mode selected using the
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power switch 186 when initiating operation of the assembly 100, etc.). At this
higher
speed operating mode, the pump 132 provides an increased level of turbulence
of
the washing fluid in the tank (e.g., for washing kitchenware, etc.). This
increased
level of turbulence is maintained in the tank 114 by the pump 132 for a
desired
period of time, after which the control system 180 decreases the operational
speed
of the pump 132 thus reducing the level of turbulence of the washing fluid in
the tank
114. For example, at about the same time the pump 132 is cycled to the
generally
higher operating speed mode, the timer 190 also activates and begins counting
down a specified period of time for which the pump 132 will operate at the
higher
speed operating mode (or, it may alternatively specify a real time value at
which the
pump 132 will cycle back to the lower operating speed mode). Following
completion
of the specified time, the control system 180 cycles operation of the pump 132
back
to a lower speed operating mode (e.g., the idle speed operating mode, etc.) as
desired. If operation is cycled to the idle speed operating mode, the
kitchenware can
then be removed from the tank 114 and processed as desired (e.g., rinsed at
the
rinsing station 156, sanitized at the sanitizing station 158, dried,
combinations
thereof, etc.).
[00103] When desired to again increase the level of turbulence of the
washing fluid in the tank, the momentary switch 188 can again be activated to
cycle
operation of the pump 132 back to a generally higher speed operating mode
(thereby
increasing the level of washing fluid turbulence in the tank). This again
activates the
timer 190 to begin counting down the specified period of time at which the
pump 132
will operate at the higher speed operating mode. And, following completion of
the
specified time, the control system 180 cycles operation of the pump 132 back
to a
lower speed operating mode.
[00104] As the control system 180 is active (and as the pump 132 is
operating), the control system 180 receives temperature readings from the
thermocouple 152, pump readings from the pump sensor 155, and fluid level
readings from the fluid level sensor 194.
[00105] For example, if a temperature reading received from the
thermocouple 152 is below a first specified temperature, the control system
180
activates the first signal 182a indicating that the temperature of the washing
fluid is
low. If a temperature reading received from the thermocouple 152 is below a
second,
lower specified temperature, the control system 180 activates the second
signal
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182b indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is below a minimum
acceptable temperature. Here, the control system 180 also activates the low
temperature fault relay 192a and deactivates operation of the pump 132. The
control
system 180 then prevents further operation of the pump 132 until the
temperature
signal indicates that the temperature of the washing fluid is acceptable or
until the
override 196 is activated.
[00106] Similarly, if a pump status reading received from the pump sensor
155 is below a specified value, the control system 180 activates the signal
187
indicating that performance of the pump 132 is low and that the pump 132 needs
service and/or the kitchenware washing assembly needs inspection (e.g., for
blockage, etc.). Here, the control system 180 also deactivates the pump 132
(e.g.,
via a pump protection relay, etc.) and prevents further operation of the
washing
assembly 100 until the pump 132 is serviced and/or the assembly 100 is
inspected,
or until the override 196 is activated.
[00107] Further, if a fluid level reading received from the fluid level sensor
194 is below a specified fluid level, the control system 180 activates a
signal
indicating that the fluid level is low and deactivates operation of the pump
132. Here,
the control system 180 may also activate the float relay 192f and deactivate
operation of the pump 132. The control system 180 then prevents further
operation
of the pump 132 until the fluid level signal (e.g., via the fluid level sensor
794, etc.)
indicates that the fluid level of the washing fluid in the tank is acceptable
or until the
override 196 is activated.
[00108] Alternatively (or in addition), the timer 190 may be activated when
the pump 132 begins operating at a lower speed operating mode. And, after a
specified period of time, the control system 180 may cycle operation of the
pump 132
from the lower speed operating mode to a higher speed operating mode. The
timer
190 may then again be activated and begin counting down a specified period of
time
at which the pump 132 will operate at the higher speed operating mode.
Following
completion of the specified time, the control system 180 may then cycle
operation of
the pump 132 back to the lower speed operating mode. Or, alternatively (or in
addition), the timer 190 may be activated when the pump 132 begins operating
at the
lower speed operating mode. And, after a specified period of time, the control
system
180 may turn off the pump 132. The timer 190 may then again be activated and
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begin counting down a specified period of time at which the pump 132 will
again then
activate.
[00109] It should be appreciated that the control system 180 (including the
example wiring configuration) could be used in connection with any other
example
embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other kitchenware
washing
assembly as desired.
[00110] While not shown, a spraying fixture could be mounted to a rearward
wall of the washing unit 102 and/or the sanitizing unit 104, for example,
generally
above (or between, etc.) the scraping station 106 and the washing station 108
and/or
generally above (or between) the rinsing station 156 and the sanitizing
station 158.
As such, the spraying fixtures could operate to provide fluid (e.g., water,
etc.) as
desired to the scraping station 106, the washing station 108, the rinsing
station 156,
and/or the sanitizing station 158 for use in their various operations (e.g.,
rinsing
kitchenware, cleaning kitchenware, sanitizing kitchenware, rinsing surfaces of
the
sinks and tank 114, etc.). A discharge faucet could be mounted to the rearward
wall
of both the washing unit 102 and the sanitizing unit 104 (e.g., in connection
with the
spraying fixtures, etc.). For example, the discharge faucets could be mounted
generally above the washing station 108 for use in providing fluid (e.g.,
water, etc.) to
the tank 114 for filling the tank 114, and generally above the rinsing station
156 for
use in rinsing the cleaned kitchenware. The discharge faucets may be formed as
single units with the spraying fixtures, or they may be separate units. When
included,
at least one of the discharge faucets could be used to fill the tank 114 with
heated
washing fluid, for example, in preparation for washing kitchenware, for adding
additional heated washing fluid to the tank 114 as needed, etc.
[00111] Further, filter systems could also be included in the assembly 100
with any one or more of the scraping station 106, the washing station 108, the
rinsing
station 156, and the sanitizing station 158 (e.g., in connection with the
drains thereof,
etc.). The filter systems could, for example, assist in reducing presence of
food
particles, debris, other contaminants, etc. within the sinks and/or the tank
114, and/or
within waste fluid from the assembly 100. Any suitable type of filter system
may be
used within the scope of the present disclosure.
[00112] A wide range of materials can be used for the sinks 110, 160, 166,
the tank 114, and the skirts 172, 174 of the illustrated kitchenware washing
assembly
100. For example, the sinks 110, 160, 166 and/or the tank 114 and/or the
skirts 172,
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174 may be constructed from stainless steel, thus providing a sturdy, long-
lasting
structure, or other suitable material. The tank may be constructed by suitable
operations including, for example, operations described in U.S. 7,578,305
(which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
[00113] In addition, any suitable pump can be used in connection with
operation of the washing unit 102 of the illustrated kitchenware washing
assembly
100. For example, pumps operable at about 100 gallons per minute, more than
100
gallons per minute, less than 100 gallons per minute, etc. can be used. In
addition,
single-phase pumps, three-phase pumps, etc. may be used. Further, multiple
pumps
(e.g., two or more pumps, etc.) may be used together in combination in the
kitchenware washing assembly 100 as desired.
[00114] In some example embodiments, control systems may be
programmed to operate pumps for desired periods of time (e.g., about three
minutes,
about ten minutes, about thirty minutes, etc.) at desired frequencies and/or
at
desired speeds. In some example embodiments, desired frequencies of the pumps
may range from about 30 hertz (e.g., in idle modes, etc.) to about 70 hertz
(in wash
modes, etc.). And, in some example embodiments, the pumps may operate at about
four amps at lower frequencies and/or speeds (e.g., in idle modes, etc.) and
at about
fifteen amps at higher frequencies and/or speeds (e.g., in wash modes, etc.).
It
should be appreciated that the numeric values included herein are exemplary in
nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[00115] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustrating a wiring configuration according
to one example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with or as a
control
system 280 of a kitchenware washing assembly. The control system 280
(including
the example wiring configuration) could be used in connection with the
assembly
previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any
other
example embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other
kitchenware
washing assembly.
[00116] The illustrated configuration generally includes a toggle 286 (e.g.,
an on/off switch, a power switch, a relay, a selector, etc.) configured to
automatically
(or alternatively or in addition allow a user to manually) turn the control
system 280
on and off, a push actuator 288 (e.g., a momentary switch, etc.) configured to
cycle
operation of a pump 232 between at least one low speed operating mode (e.g.,
an
idle operating mode, etc.) and at least one higher speed operating mode (e.g.,
a
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wash mode, etc.), and a timer 290 configured to control (e.g., automatically,
etc.) a
duration of operation of the pump 232 at a low speed operating mode and/or at
a
higher speed operating mode. The configuration also generally includes a power
coupling 295 and a wired controller 298 for use in operation.
[00117] As further shown in FIG. 12, a thermocouple 252 is provided in the
illustrated configuration for monitoring temperature of fluid in an assembly
in which
the control system 280 is installed. And, various relays 292 are provided to
control
different operations of the pump 232 (e.g., a hold relay 292a for holding
operation of
the pump 232 at a low speed and/or at a higher speed for a desired period of
time as
determined by the timer 290, a speed relay 292b for use in controlling changes
of the
pump motor speeds, a low temperature protection relay 292c for use in
terminating
operation of the pump 232 if a temperature of washing fluid falls below a
specified
level, etc.). Further, visual indicators 282a, 282b are provided to indicate
different
states (e.g., warning states, etc.) in the assembly (e.g., low temperature
warning
states of the washing fluid, etc.). Various additional features are also
included in the
illustrated configuration (as indicated by the additional wiring
symbols/nomenclature
in FIG. 12), and are self-explanatory in nature such that they are not further
discussed herein.
[00118] To activate the control system 280, the toggle 286 is moved (e.g.,
manually by the operator, automatically by the control system 280, etc.) from
the "off"
position to the "on" position. This initiates operation of the pump 232 in a
low speed
operating mode (e.g., the idle mode, etc.) which provides a generally low
level of
washing fluid turbulence in a tank of the assembly. This low speed operation
of the
pump 232 continues, as desired, until the toggle 286 is activated back to the
"off"
position (e.g., manually by the operator, automatically by the control system
280,
etc.) or a temperature of the washing fluid in the tank falls below a
specified
temperature.
[00119] To increase the level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank
(e.g., to clean kitchenware in the tank, etc.), the push actuator 288 is
depressed
(e.g., manually by the operator, automatically by the control system 280,
etc.) which
cycles operation of the pump 232 from the low speed operating mode to a higher
speed operating mode. At this higher speed operating mode, the pump 232
provides
an increased level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank. At about
the same
time, the timer 290 also activates (e.g., automatically, etc.) and begins
counting
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down a specified period of time at which the pump 232 will operate at the
higher
speed operating mode. Following completion of the specified time, the control
system 280 cycles operation of the pump 232 back to a low speed operating
mode.
When desired to again increase the level of turbulence of the washing fluid in
the
tank, the push actuator 288 is depressed (e.g., manually by the operator,
automatically by the control system 280, etc.) to cycle operation of the pump
232
back to a higher speed operating mode (thereby increasing the level of washing
fluid
turbulence in the tank). This again activates the timer 290 to begin counting
down
the specified period of time at which the pump 232 will operate at the higher
speed
operating mode. And, following completion of the specified time, the control
system
280 cycles operation of the pump 232 back to a low speed operating mode.
[00120] As the control system 280 is active (and as the pump 232 is
operating), the control system 280 receives temperature readings from the
thermocouple 252. If a temperature reading received from the thermocouple 252
is
below a first specified temperature, the control system 280 activates an amber
visual
signal 282a indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is low. If a
temperature reading received from the thermocouple 252 is below a second,
lower
specified temperature, the control system 280 activates a red visual signal
282b
indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is below a minimum
acceptable
temperature. Here, the control system 280 also activates the low temperature
protection relay 292c and immediately (e.g., automatically, etc.) deactivates
the
operation of the pump 232. The control system 280 then prevents further
operation
of the pump 232 until the temperature signal indicates that the temperature of
the
washing fluid is acceptable.
[00121] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating a wiring configuration according
to one example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with or as a
control
system 380 of a kitchenware washing assembly. The control system 380
(including
the example wiring configuration) could be used in connection with the
assembly 100
previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any
other
example embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other
kitchenware
washing assembly.
[00122] The illustrated configuration generally includes a toggle 386
configured to turn the control system 380 on and off and cycle a pump 332
between
an "off" position, a "low" operating condition, and a "high" operating
condition. The
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configuration also generally includes a power coupling 395 and a wired
controller
398 for use in operation. A thermocouple 352 is provided for monitoring
temperature
of fluid in an assembly in which the control system 380 is installed. And,
various
relays 392 are provided to control different operations of the pump 332 (e.g.,
a low
speed relay 392b for controlling operation of the pump 332 at the low
operating
condition, a high speed relay 392d for controlling operation of the pump 332
at the
high operating condition, a low temperature protection relay 392c for use in
terminating operation of the pump 332 if a temperature of washing fluid falls
below a
specified level, etc.). Further, visual indicators 382a, 382b are provided to
indicate
different states (e.g., warning states, etc.) in the assembly (e.g., low
temperature
warning states of the washing fluid, etc.). Various additional features are
also
included in the illustrated configuration (as indicated by the additional
wiring
symbols/nomenclature in FIG. 13), and are self-explanatory in nature such that
they
are not further discussed herein.
[00123] To activate the control system 380, the toggle 386 is moved from
the "off" position to the "low" position. This initiates operation of the pump
332 at a
generally low operating speed (e.g., in an idle mode, etc.) which provides a
generally
low level of washing fluid turbulence in a tank of the assembly. This low
speed
operation of the pump 332 continues, as desired, until the toggle 386 is
activated
either back to the "off" position or to the "high" position, or until a
temperature of the
washing fluid in the tank falls below a specified temperature.
[00124] To increase the level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank
(e.g., to clean kitchenware in the tank, etc.), the toggle 386 is activated to
the "high"
position which cycles operation of the pump 332 from the generally low
operating
speed to a higher operating speed. At this higher operating speed, the pump
332
provides an increased level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank.
This higher
speed operation of the pump 332 continues, as desired, until the toggle 386 is
activated either back to the "low" position or to the "off" position, or until
a
temperature of the washing fluid in the tank falls below a specified
temperature.
Thus, the toggle 386 can be activated back and forth between the "off"
position, the
"low" position, and the "high" position as desired (e.g., to provided desired
levels of
turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank, etc.).
[00125] As the control system 380 is active (and as the pump 332 is
operating), the control system 380 receives temperature readings from the
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thermocouple 352. If a temperature reading received from the thermocouple 352
is
below a first specified temperature, the control system 380 activates an amber
visual
signal 382a indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is low. If a
temperature reading received from the thermocouple 352 is below a second,
lower
specified temperature, the control system 380 activates a red visual signal
382b
indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is below a minimum
acceptable
temperature. Here, the control system 380 also activates the low temperature
protection relay 392c and immediately deactivates operation of the pump 332.
The
control system 380 then prevents further operation of the pump 332 until the
temperature signal indicates that the temperature of the washing fluid is
acceptable.
[00126] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustrating a wiring configuration according
to another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with or as a
control
system 480 of a kitchenware washing assembly. The control system 480
(including
the example wiring configuration) could be used in connection with the
assembly 100
previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any
other
example embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other
kitchenware
washing assembly.
[00127] The illustrated configuration generally includes a toggle 486
configured to turn the control system 480 on and off, a push actuator 488
configured
to cycle operation of a pump 432 (e.g., a single phase pump, a three-phase
pump,
etc.) between at least one low speed operating mode (e.g., an idle operating
mode,
etc.) and at least one higher speed operating mode, and a timer 490 configured
to
control a duration of operation of the pump 432 at the higher speed operating
mode.
The configuration also generally includes a power coupling 495 and a wired
controller 498 for use in operation.
[00128] A thermocouple 452 is provided for monitoring temperature of fluid
in an assembly in which the control system 480 is installed. A fluid level
sensor 494
(e.g., a float, a float switch, etc.) is provided for monitoring fluid level
in the assembly.
And, various relays 492 are provided to control different operations of the
pump 432
(e.g., a hold relay 492a for holding operation of the pump 432 at a higher
speed for a
desired period of time as determined by the timer 490, a speed relay 492b for
use in
controlling changes of the pump motor speeds, a low temperature protection
relay
492c for use in terminating operation of the pump 432 if a temperature of
washing
fluid falls below a specified level, etc.). Further, visual indicators 482a-d
as well as an
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audible indicator 482e are provided to indicate different operating states in
the
assembly (e.g., a system "off" condition, a system "on" condition, a low
temperature
warning state of the washing fluid, a critical low temperature warning state
of the
washing fluid, etc.). Various additional features are also included in the
illustrated
configuration (as indicated by the additional wiring symbols/nomenclature in
FIG.
14), and are self-explanatory in nature such that they are not further
discussed
herein.
[00129] In addition in this embodiment, an override 496 (e.g., a unique
keyed lock, a digital lock, a pin-code lock, etc.) is included to manually
restore
operation to the assembly (e.g., to allow for reactivation of the pump 432,
etc.) if
operation has been terminated due to low fluid level or low temperature (and
the low
fluid level or low temperature is not rectified). The override 496 is
typically open (e.g.,
an override switch is typically open, etc.) during normal operation of the
control
system 480. However, the override 496 is configured to close if, as noted
above,
operation has been terminated due to low fluid level or low temperature (and
the low
fluid level or low temperature is not rectified).
[00130] Operation of the control system 480 of this embodiment (including
the example wiring configuration) to control operation of a kitchenware
washing
assembly in which the control system 480 is installed is substantially similar
to the
operation described for the control system 280 previously described and
illustrated in
FIG. 12. In this embodiment, however, the visual indicators 482c and 482d for
the
"off" and "on" positions of the toggle 486 are provided, and operation of the
assembly
can be stopped, further, if the fluid level sensor 494 indicates a fluid level
in the tank
is below a specified level. For example, if a fluid level reading received
from the fluid
level sensor 494 is below a specified fluid level, the control system 480
activates a
signal indicating that the fluid level is low and deactivates operation of the
pump 432.
The control system 480 then prevents further operation of the pump 432 until
the
fluid level sensor 494 indicates that the level of the washing fluid in the
tank is
acceptable.
[00131] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustrating a wiring configuration according
to one example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with or as a
control
system 580 of a kitchenware washing assembly. The control system 580
(including
the example wiring configuration) could be used in connection with the
assembly
previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any
other
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example embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other
kitchenware
washing assembly.
[00132] The illustrated configuration generally includes a toggle 586
configured to turn the control system 580 on and off, a push actuator 588
configured
to cycle operation between a pair of pumps 532a, 532b (e.g., three-phase,
single
speed pumps, etc.), and a timer 590 configured to control a duration of
operation of
the pumps 532a, 532b. For example, the push actuator 588 can cycle operation
between a first pump 532a operable at one or more low speed operating modes
(e.g., an idle operating mode, etc.) and a second pump 532b operable at one or
more higher speed operating modes. And, the timer 590 can control a duration
of
operation of the second pump 532b at a higher speed operating mode and/or a
duration of operation of the first pump 532a at a low speed operating mode.
The
configuration also generally includes a power coupling 595 and a wired
controller
598 for use in operation.
[00133] A thermocouple 552 is provided for monitoring temperature of fluid
in an assembly in which the control system 580 is installed. A fluid level
sensor 594
is provided for monitoring fluid level in the assembly. And, various relays
592 and
controllers 598 are provided to control different operations of the pumps
532a, 532b
(e.g., a hold relay 592a for holding operation of the second pump 532b at a
higher
speed for a desired period of time as determined by the timer 590, a low
temperature
protection relay 592c for use in terminating operation of the pumps 532a, 532b
if a
temperature of washing fluid falls below a specified level, a pair of motor
controls
598a, 598b for selectively controlling operation (and possibly switching
between
operation) of the first and second pumps 532a, 532b, etc.). Further, visual
indicators
582a-d as well as an audible indicator 582e are provided to indicate different
operating states in the assembly (e.g., a system "off" condition, a system
"on"
condition, a low temperature warning state of the washing fluid, a critical
low
temperature warning state of the washing fluid, etc.). And, an override 592
(e.g., a
unique keyed lock, etc.) is included to manually restore operation to the
assembly if
operation has been terminated due to low temperature and/or low fluid level,
but not
rectified. Various additional features are also included in the illustrated
configuration
(as indicated by the additional wiring symbols/nomenclature in FIG. 15), and
are self-
explanatory in nature such that they are not further discussed herein.
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[00134] To activate the control system 580, the toggle 586 is moved from
the "off" position to the "on" position (changing the "off" visual indicator
582c to the
"on" visual indicator 582d). This initiates operation of the first pump 532a
in a low
speed operating mode (e.g., the idle mode, etc.) which provides a generally
low level
of washing fluid turbulence in a tank of the assembly. This low speed
operation of
the first pump 532a continues, as desired, until either the toggle 586 is
activated
back to the "off" position or a temperature of the washing fluid in the tank
falls below
a specified temperature or the fluid level sensor 594 indicates a fluid level
in the tank
is below a specified level.
[00135] To increase the level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank
(e.g., to clean kitchenware in the tank, etc.), the push actuator 588 is
depressed
which cycles operation to the second pump 532b at a higher speed operating
mode.
At this higher speed operating mode, the second pump 532b provides an
increased
level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank. At about the same time,
the timer
590 also activates and begins counting down a specified period of time for
which the
second pump 532b will operate at the higher speed operating mode. If a
temperature
of the washing fluid in the tank falls below a specified temperature or the
fluid level
sensor 594 indicates a fluid level in the tank is below a specified level, the
control
system 580 will activate the appropriate signals (including terminating
operation of
the second pump 532b if needed). Following completion of the specified time,
the
control system 580 cycles operation back to only the first pump 532a at the
low
speed operating mode (which provides a generally low level of washing fluid
turbulence in a tank of the assembly). When desired to again increase the
level of
turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank, the push actuator 588 is
depressed to
cycle operation to the second pump 532b again at the higher speed operating
mode
(thereby increasing the level of washing fluid turbulence in the tank). This
again
activates the timer 590 to begin counting down the specified period of time at
which
the second pump 532b will operate at the higher speed operating mode. And,
following completion of the specified time, the control system 580 cycles
operation
back to the first pump 532a only.
[00136] As the control system 580 is active (and as the first and/or second
pumps 532a, 532b are operating), the control system 580 receives temperature
readings from the thermocouple 552 and fluid level readings from the fluid
level
sensor 594. If a temperature reading received from the thermocouple 552 is
below a
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first specified temperature, the control system 580 activates an amber visual
signal
582a indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is low. If a
temperature
reading received from the thermocouple 552 is below a second, lower specified
temperature, the control system 580 activates both a red visual signal 582b
and an
audible signal 582e indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is
below a
minimum acceptable temperature. Here, the control system 580 also activates
the
low temperature protection relay 592c and deactivates operation of the pumps
532a,
532b. The control system 580 then prevents further operation until the
temperature
signal indicates that the temperature of the washing fluid is acceptable or
until the
override 596 is activated. Similarly, if a fluid level reading received from
the fluid level
sensor 594 is below a specified fluid level, the control system 580 activates
a signal
indicating that the fluid level is low and similarly deactivates operation of
the pumps
532a, 532b. The control system 580 then prevents further operation of the pump
until
the fluid level sensor 594 indicates that the level of the washing fluid in
the tank is
acceptable or until the override 596 is activated.
[00137] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustrating a wiring configuration according
to another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with or as a
control
system 680 of a kitchenware washing assembly. The control system 680
(including
the example wiring configuration) could be used in connection with the
assembly
previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any
other
example embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other
kitchenware
washing assembly.
[00138] The control system 680 is similar to the control system 480 shown
in FIG. 14. For example, the illustrated configuration in FIG. 16 generally
includes a
toggle 686 configured to turn the control system 680 on and off, a push
actuator 688
configured to cycle operation of a pump 632 (e.g., a single phase pump, a
three-
phase pump, etc.) between at least one low speed operating mode (e.g., an idle
operating mode, etc.) and at least one higher speed operating mode, and a
timer
690 configured to control a duration of operation of the pump 632 at the
higher
speed operating mode. The configuration also generally includes a power
coupling
695 and a wired controller 698 for use in operation.
[00139] A thermocouple 652 is provided for monitoring temperature of fluid
in an assembly in which the control system 680 is installed. A fluid level
sensor 694
(e.g., a float switch, etc.) is provided for monitoring fluid level in the
assembly. And,
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various relays 692 are provided to control different operations of the pump
632 (e.g.,
a hold relay 692a for holding operation of the pump 632 at a higher speed for
a
desired period of time as determined by the timer 690, a speed relay 692b for
use in
controlling changes of the pump motor speeds, a low temperature protection
relay
692c for use in terminating operation of the pump 632 if a temperature of
washing
fluid falls below a specified level, etc.). Further, visual indicators 682a-d
as well as an
audible indicator 682e are provided to indicate different operating states in
the
assembly (e.g., a system "off" condition, a system "on" condition, a low
temperature
warning state of the washing fluid, a critical low temperature warning state
of the
washing fluid, etc.). And, an override 696 (e.g., a unique keyed lock, a
digital lock,
etc.) is included to manually restore operation to the assembly (e.g., to
allow for
reactivation of the pump 632, etc.) if operation has been terminated due to
low fluid
level or low temperature (and the low fluid level or low temperature is not
rectified).
Various additional features are also included in the illustrated configuration
(as
indicated by the additional wiring symbols/nomenclature in FIG. 16), and are
self-
explanatory in nature such that they are not further discussed herein.
[00140] In this embodiment, the illustrated configuration further includes a
load relay 692e coupled to various components of the control system 680. The
load
relay 692e is configured to accommodate higher electrical loads than other
components included in this embodiment (e.g., relay 692a, relay 692b, relay
692c,
fluid level sensor 694, etc.). As such, the other components included in this
embodiment can have lower ratings (e.g., can be configured to accommodate
lower
electrical loads, etc.) than corresponding components of the control system
480
illustrated in FIG. 14. Such a configuration can provide cost savings in
constructing
the control system 680 while providing comparable operation to the control
system
480 illustrated in FIG. 14.
[00141] With that said, general operation of the control system 680 of this
embodiment (including the example wiring configuration) to control operation
of a
kitchenware washing assembly in which the control system 680 is installed is
substantially similar to the operation described for the control system 480
previously
described and illustrated in FIG. 14 (and thus will not be further described).
[00142] FIG. 17 is a schematic illustrating a wiring configuration according
to still another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with or
as a
control system 780 of a kitchenware washing assembly 700. With that said, it
should
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be appreciated that the control system 780 (including the example wiring
configuration) could also be used in connection with the assembly 100
previously
described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any other
example
embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other kitchenware
washing
assembly.
[00143] The illustrated configuration in FIG. 17 generally includes a power
switch 786 (broadly, a toggle) configured to turn the control system 780 on
and off
and to select a desired operating speed of pump 732, a momentary switch 788
(broadly, an actuator) configured to cycle operation of the pump 732 (e.g., a
single
phase pump, a three-phase pump, etc.) between a low speed operating mode
(e.g.,
an idle operating mode, etc.) and a selected higher speed operating mode, and
a
timer 790 configured to control a duration of operation of the pump 732 at the
low
speed operating mode and/or at the higher speed operating mode (e.g., a
duration of
minutes, greater than 10 minutes, less than 10 minutes, etc.). The
configuration
also generally includes a power coupling 795 and a wired controller 798 for
use in
operation.
[00144] A thermocouple 752 is provided for monitoring temperature of fluid
in an assembly 700 to which the control system 780 is coupled. A fluid level
sensor
794 (e.g., a float switch, etc.) is provided for monitoring fluid level in the
assembly.
And, various relays 792 are provided to control different operations of the
pump 732
(e.g., a temperature fault relay 792c for use in terminating operation of the
pump 732
if a temperature of washing fluid falls below a specified level, a speed relay
792b for
use in controlling operation of the pump 732 at the low and higher speed
operating
modes and for use in controlling changes of the pump motor speeds, a float
relay
792f for use in deactivating operation of the pump 732 if the fluid level is
below a
specific fluid level, etc.). Further, visual indicators 782a, 782b are
provided to
indicate that the temperature of the washing fluid is low or to indicate that
the
temperature of the washing fluid is below a minimum acceptable temperature,
respectively. And, an override 796 (e.g., a unique keyed lock, a digital lock,
etc.) is
included to manually restore operation to the assembly (e.g., to allow for
reactivation
of the pump 732, etc.) if operation has been terminated due to low fluid level
or low
temperature but not rectified (and the low fluid level or low temperature is
not
rectified). Various additional features are also included in the illustrated
configuration
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(as indicated by the additional wiring symbols/nomenclature in FIG. 17), and
are self-
explanatory in nature such that they are not further discussed herein.
[00145] To activate the control system 780, a power switch 786 is activated.
This initiates operation of the pump 732 in the low speed operating mode
(e.g., the
idle mode, etc.) which provides a generally low level of washing fluid
turbulence in a
tank of the assembly 700. This low speed operation of the pump 732 continues,
as
desired, until either the power switch 786 is deactivated or a temperature of
the
washing fluid in the tank falls below a minimum acceptable temperature or the
fluid
level sensor 794 indicates a fluid level in the tank is below a specified
level.
[00146] To increase the level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank
(e.g., to clean kitchenware in the tank, etc.), the momentary switch 788 is
activated
(e.g., manually, automatically, etc.) which cycles operation of the pump 732
from the
low speed operating mode to the higher speed operating mode. At this higher
speed
operating mode, the pump 732 provides an increased level of turbulence of the
washing fluid in the tank (e.g., for washing kitchenware, etc.). At about the
same
time, the timer 790 also activates and begins counting down a specified period
of
time for which the pump 732 will operate at the higher speed operating mode.
Following completion of the specified time, the control system 780 cycles
operation
of the pump 732 back to the low speed operating mode (which provides a
generally
low level of washing fluid turbulence in a tank of the assembly). When desired
to
again increase the level of turbulence of the washing fluid in the tank, the
momentary
switch 788 is activated to cycle operation of the pump 732 back to a higher
speed
operating mode (thereby increasing the level of washing fluid turbulence in
the tank).
This again activates the timer 790 to begin counting down the specified period
of
time at which the pump 732 will operate at the higher speed operating mode.
And,
following completion of the specified time, the control system 780 cycles
operation of
the pump 732 back to the low speed operating mode.
[00147] As the control system 780 is active (and as the pump 732 is
operating), the control system 780 receives temperature readings from the
thermocouple 752 and fluid level readings from the fluid level sensor 794. If
a
temperature reading received from the thermocouple 752 is below the specified
low
temperature, the control system 780 activates the low temperature visual
signal 782a
indicating that the temperature of the washing fluid is low. If a temperature
reading
received from the thermocouple 752 is below the minimum acceptable
temperature,
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the control system 780 activates the temperature fault visual signal 782b
indicating
that the temperature of the washing fluid is below the minimum acceptable
temperature. Here, the control system 780 also activates the low temperature
fault
relay 792a and deactivates operation of the pump 732. The control system 780
then
prevents further operation of the pump 732 until the temperature signal
indicates that
the temperature of the washing fluid is acceptable or until the override 796
is
activated. Similarly, if a fluid level reading received from the fluid level
sensor 794 is
below a specified fluid level, the control system 780 activates a signal
indicating that
the fluid level is low and deactivates operation of the pump 732. Here, the
control
system 780 may also activates the float relay 792f and deactivates operation
of the
pump 732. The control system 780 then prevents further operation of the pump
732
until the fluid level signal (e.g., via the fluid level sensor 794, etc.)
indicates that the
fluid level of the washing fluid in the tank is acceptable or until the
override 796 is
activated.
[00148] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustrating a wiring configuration according
to still another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with or
as a
control system 880 of a kitchenware washing assembly 800. With that said, it
should
be appreciated that the control system 880 (including the example wiring
configuration) could also be used in connection with the assembly 100
previously
described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any other
example
embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other kitchenware
washing
assembly.
[00149] The illustrated configuration generally includes a power switch 886
(broadly, a toggle) configured to turn the control system 880 on and off and
to select
a desired operating speed of pump 832, a momentary switch 888 (broadly, an
actuator) configured to cycle operation of the pump 832 (e.g., a single phase
pump,
a three-phase pump, etc.) between a low speed operating mode (e.g., an idle
operating mode, etc.) and a selected higher speed operating mode, and a timer
890
configured to control a duration of operation of the pump 832 at the low speed
operating mode and/or at the higher speed operating mode. The configuration
also
generally includes a power coupling 895 and a wired controller 898 for use in
operation.
[00150] A thermocouple 852 is provided for monitoring temperature of fluid
in an assembly 800 to which the control system 880 is coupled. A fluid level
sensor
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894 (e.g., a float switch, etc.) is provided for monitoring fluid level in the
assembly
800. And, various relays 892 are provided to control different operations of
the pump
832 (e.g., a temperature fault relay 892c for use in terminating operation of
the pump
832 if a temperature of washing fluid falls below a specified level, a speed
relay 892b
for use in controlling operation of the pump 832 at the low and higher speed
operating modes and for use in controlling changes of the pump motor speeds, a
float relay 892f for use in deactivating operation of the pump 832 if the
fluid level is
below a specific fluid level, etc.). Further, visual indicators 882a, 882b are
provided
to indicate that the temperature of the washing fluid is low or to indicate
that the
temperature of the washing fluid is below a minimum acceptable temperature,
respectively. And, an override 896 (e.g., a unique keyed lock, a digital lock,
etc.) is
included to manually restore operation to the assembly (e.g., to allow for
reactivation
of the pump 832, etc.) if operation has been terminated due to low fluid level
or low
temperature but not rectified (and the low fluid level or low temperature is
not
rectified). Various additional features are also included in the illustrated
configuration
(as indicated by the additional wiring symbols/nomenclature in FIG. 18), and
are self-
explanatory in nature such that they are not further discussed herein.
[00151] With that said, general operation of the control system 880 of this
embodiment (including the example wiring configuration) to control operation
of
kitchenware washing assembly 800 in which the control system 880 is installed
is
substantially similar to the operation described for the control system 780
previously
described and illustrated in FIG. 17 (and thus will not be further described).
[00152] FIG. 19 is a schematic illustrating a wiring configuration according
to still another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use with or
as a
control system 980 of a kitchenware washing assembly 900. With that said, it
should
be appreciated that the control system 980 (including the example wiring
configuration) could also be used in connection with the assembly 100
previously
described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any other
example
embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other kitchenware
washing
assembly.
[00153] The wiring configuration (and control system 980) of this
embodiment is substantially similar to the wiring configuration (and control
system
880) previously described and illustrated in FIG. 18. For example, the
illustrated
configuration generally includes a power switch 986 configured to turn the
control
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system 980 on and off and to select a desired operating speed of pump 932, a
momentary switch 988 configured to cycle operation of the pump 932 between a
low
speed operating mode and a selected higher speed operating mode, and a timer
990
configured to control a duration of operation of the pump 932 at the low speed
operating mode and/or at the higher speed operating mode. The configuration
also
generally includes a power coupling 995 and a wired controller 998 for use in
operation.
[00154] A thermocouple 952 is also provided for monitoring temperature of
fluid in an assembly 900 to which the control system 980 is coupled. A fluid
level
sensor 994 is provided for monitoring fluid level in the assembly 900. And,
various
relays 992 are provided to control different operations of the pump 932 (e.g.,
a
temperature fault relay 992c for use in terminating operation of the pump 932
if a
temperature of washing fluid falls below a specified level, a speed relay 992b
for use
in controlling operation of the pump 932 at the low and higher speed operating
modes and for use in controlling changes of the pump motor speeds, a float
relay
992f for use in deactivating operation of the pump 932 if the fluid level is
below a
specific fluid level, etc.). Further, visual indicators 982a, 982b are
provided to
indicate that the temperature of the washing fluid is low or to indicate that
the
temperature of the washing fluid is below a minimum acceptable temperature,
respectively. And, an override 996 is included to manually restore operation
to the
assembly if operation has been terminated due to low fluid level or low
temperature
but not rectified (and the low fluid level or low temperature is not
rectified). Various
additional features are also included in the illustrated configuration (as
indicated by
the additional wiring symbols/nomenclature in FIG. 19), and are self-
explanatory in
nature such that they are not further discussed herein.
[00155] In this embodiment, however, a transformer 981 is provided for
stepping down power. For example, the illustrated transformer 981 is
configured to
convert 230 volts to 120 volts.
[00156] General operation of the control system 980 of this embodiment
(including the example wiring configuration) to control operation of
kitchenware
washing assembly 900 in which the control system 980 is installed is
substantially
similar to the operation described for the control system 880 previously
described
and illustrated in FIG. 18 (and thus will not be further described).
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[00157] In some example embodiments, means for activating a pump of a
kitchenware washing assembly for circulating washing fluid in the kitchenware
washing assembly may include, for example, mechanical means, automated means,
toggles, switches, adjusters, actuators, dials, knobs, tuners, relays,
selectors,
electronic switches, input/output devices, devices capable of switching
circuit loads,
rotary selector switches, etc. And in some example embodiments, means for
terminating operation of the pump if a temperature of washing fluid in the
kitchenware washing assembly falls below a specified temperature as measured
by
a temperature sensor of the kitchenware washing assembly may include automated
means, manual means, relays (e.g., solid-state relays, etc.), electronic
switches,
definite purpose relays, etc.
[00158] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate an intake cover 1042 and screen 1047
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The intake cover
1042 and screen 1047 could be used in connection with the assembly 100
previously
described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, or in connection with any other
example
embodiment disclosed herein, or in connection with any other kitchenware
washing
assembly.
[00159] The intake cover 1042 is configured to be positioned over an intake
chamber of a kitchenware washing assembly, where the intake chamber is
entirely
open to a tank of the assembly. And, the intake cover 1042 can be coupled to
the
tank of the assembly through keyed openings 1063 using suitable fasteners
(e.g.,
mechanical fasteners, etc.). Multiple inlets 1044 are uniformly and evenly
spaced
across a right portion (as viewed in FIG. 20) of the intake cover 1042. The
inlets
1044 allow fluid to pass through the intake cover 1042, but restrict food
debris and
other items (e.g., kitchenware items like silverware, etc.).
[00160] Further, a projection 1046 is positioned along a length of the intake
cover 1042. The projection 1046 helps keep kitchenware (e.g., plates, pans,
dishware, trays, etc.) from being drawn up flush against the intake cover 1042
and
blocking fluid movement through the inlets 1044. In the illustrated
embodiment, the
projection 1046 defines a generally V-shaped rib that extends longitudinally
across
the intake cover 1042. And, handles 1065 are provided for use in handling the
intake
cover 1042 and coupling/removing the intake cover 1042 to/from a tank of a
kitchenware washing assembly (only one handle 1065 is shown in FIG. 20, on a
left
portion of the intake cover 1042, with it to be understood that a similar
handle could
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be employed in the openings 1065a on the right portion of the intake cover
1042).
The handles 1065 are configured to retract through the intake cover 1042 when
not
in use so as to not interfere with washing operations.
[00161] The screen 1047 is configured to be positioned through opening
1067 of the intake cover 1042 and, when the intake cover 1042 is coupled over
an
intake chamber of a tank, positioned over an opening in the intake chamber
leading
to a pump. More particularly, a perforated portion 1047a of the screen 1047
(having
openings 1069) is configured to fit through the opening 1067 of the intake
cover
1042. In doing so, a user can grasp handle portion 1071 to help manipulate the
screen 1047. When fully inserted through the opening 1067, the handle portion
1071
then aligns generally flush with a forward facing surface (as viewed in FIG.
20) of the
intake cover 1042 around the opening 1067. The screen 1047 is configured to
allow
fluid to flow from the intake chamber to the pump, while at the same time
inhibiting
movement of any kitchenware and/or food particles that enter the intake
chamber
from further traveling to the pump (which could then inadvertently affect
operation of
the pump). As such ,the screen 1047 provides a second line of protection to
the
pump (in addition to the intake cover 1042).
[00162] In other example embodiments, kitchenware washing assemblies
may include intake covers and screens where the intake covers do not include
openings for receiving the screens through the intake covers. As with the
intake
cover 1042 illustrated in FIG. 20, such intake covers of these other example
embodiments may be configured to cover entire intake chambers (e.g., the
intake
covers are configured to be positioned over the intake chambers where the
intake
chambers are entirely open to tanks of kitchenware washing assemblies when not
covered by the intake covers, etc.). However, in these other example
embodiments,
the intake covers must be removed from the intake chambers to access the
screens
(e.g., to install the screens, remove the screens, etc.).
[00163] Specific dimensions and/or numeric values included herein are
exemplary in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, fluid temperatures identified herein are provided as examples and may
vary depending on desired washing operations (e.g., amount of turbulence,
etc.),
applications (e.g., type of kitchenware, degree of cleaning required, etc.),
conditions
(e.g., type of washing fluid, etc.), etc. Similarly, washing times identified
herein are
provided as examples and may vary depending on desired washing operations
(e.g.,
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amount of turbulence, etc.), applications (e.g., type of kitchenware, degree
of
cleaning required, etc.), conditions (e.g., type of washing fluid, etc.), etc.
Further,
label nomenclature used in the drawings is exemplary in nature and does not
limit
the scope of the present disclosure.
[00164] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used
herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the
plural
forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms
"comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify
the
presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be
construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order
discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of
performance. It is
also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[00165] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to,"
"connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly
on,
engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening
elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to
as
being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly coupled
to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers
present.
Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be
interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent"
versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes
any and
all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[00166] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to
describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by
these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element,
component,
region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first,"
"second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence
or
order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element,
component,
region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
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component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the
example embodiments.
[00167] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath,"
"below,"
"lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to
describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or
feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to
encompass
different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the
orientation
depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned
over,
elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then
be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term
"below"
can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be
otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially
relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[00168] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided
for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to
limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular
embodiment are
generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable,
are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not
specifically
shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations
are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such
modifications
are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
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