BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for washing objects. The present invention relates more specifically to immersion and agitation systems and methods for washing multiple loose items such as silverware and table ware (predominantly sets of forks, knives, and spoons) and performing other tasks where the process of immersing and agitating the items in a body of fluid would have benefit.
2. Description of the Related Art
Silverware pre-washing and washing systems currently available generally use complex, expensive, and high maintenance pumping systems and structures. These systems are heavy, expensive and generally require complex installations or in some cases do not integrate easily into existing end user operations. Other challenges for existing systems include their general operation in only one direction which tends to heavily wash one side of the silverware and not thoroughly wash the other side of the silverware. Such systems also typically lock the silverware down into one position within layers which can preclude some areas of the silverware from getting washed. A system that would offer a full bidirectional washing action and at the same time continually rearrange the silverware for proper, complete and thorough pre-washing and washing would be a major advancement over the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There exists a need for a system that can wash or pre-wash silverware where complex and expensive pumping and manifold systems and structures are not required and system weight, cost and installation complexity are greatly reduced. It would be desirable for such a system to easily integrate into an end users existing operation and require minimal training for proper usage to be achieved. A system that can be added to an existing operation by simply placing it onto existing dish room tabling as opposed to any type of more complex or less integrated installation, is optimal. It would also be beneficial to have a system that offers large amounts of processing capacity and the ability to sort the various types of silverware for those end users that desire to do so.
In fulfillment of these and other objectives the present invention provides a unitary basin with one to five, and preferably three, vertically movable porous baskets arranged radially around a central vertical lifting and lowering mechanism. The base with unitary basin contains a quantity of washing fluid(s) into which each of the vertically movable porous baskets may be repeatedly immersed. The base cover defines cylindrical ports through which the baskets are raised and lowered. The porous baskets include perforation arrays to allow washing fluid to flow in non-linear paths through the silverware contained in the basket, thereby washing all sides of the silverware and beneficially re-arranging the silverware in the basket as the washing process proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with baskets raised and empty.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the baskets, guard, and lift mechanism cover removed for clarity.
FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the lift mechanism cover removed for clarity.
FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the water tub, guard, and center basket removed for clarity.
FIG. 6A is a centerline cross-sectional view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the lifting mechanism in a raised condition.
FIG. 6B is a centerline cross-sectional view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the lifting mechanism in a lowered condition.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a typical installation of two of the silverware washing systems of the present invention in a food service facility with an adjacent fill faucet.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a typical installation of two of the silverware washing systems of the present invention in a food service facility with plumbed water supply lines and chemical additive reservoirs.
FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective rear view of the drive and lift mechanisms of the system of the present invention with the covers removed for clarity.
FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the control elements of a typical installation of two of the silverware washing systems of the present invention in a food service facility with an adjacent fill faucet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The system that is contemplated by the inventors is one that does not require heavy, complex pumping systems or manifold structures, is easy and inexpensive to both install and use and easily integrates into any end user operations. The elimination of the above-mentioned complex pumping and manifold systems allows for a system that can be light weight, compact and installed by simply being set onto an end users existing dish table structure.
The invention utilizes a vertical structure that is associated with a mechanical lift system and is further associated with one or more permeable structures for holding a mass of objects. This set of systems enables the mechanical system to raise and lower the mass of objects into and out of a body of fluids. This can be done at varying speeds and varied cycles based on the pre-washing or washing task being performed. The action of immersing the mass of objects into and out of the body of fluids creates a powerful and comprehensive wash action as fluid rushes up into and though the mass of objects and then via gravity rushes out of the mass of objects as the objects pass through the fluid surface. During this process objects are moved and rearranged by the flow of the fluids and by being momentarily at least partially levitated by that flow of fluids on the downward stroke of the system.
It is important and critical to note that the system is designed to operate safely while being fully open in order to allow for loading of silverware (or other objects) into the system while the system is fully in operation. It is further contemplated that the system would employ a sensing system to determine when a full load has been achieved and washing was complete at which time the baskets would be delivered into an elevated position for unloading. It is also anticipated that temperature sensing, fluid level sensing, and total dissolved solids (TDS) sensing would be incorporated as standard or optional features of the design.
In a preferred embodiment, the entire process of raising and lowering the items into and out of the body of fluids is performed and enabled by a variable speed, DC motor which is geared and associated with a cam system and drive linkage. This preferred embodiment is further associated with a programmable controller and the above noted vertical structure and permeable structure for holding objects. It is contemplated that further embodiments could employ custom sizes and a multiplicity of permeable structures for holding objects. While the current structure locates the DC motor and gear box below the systems operating fluid level it could alternatively be located above the systems operating fluid level achieve the same results.
Reference is made to FIG. 1 for a perspective view of a three-basket (or more generally, three-permeable structure) version of the silverware washing system of the present invention. In this view, the silverware washing system is shown to be made up of a base and washing fluid tank with a washing fluid tank cover and a centrally located reciprocating vertical motion device. In this view, three porous baskets are shown in fully elevated positions, generally above the surface of the washing fluid (not shown). The base cover defines three cylindrical portals through which the porous baskets are raised and lowered.
FIG. 1 is the view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention that the user would encounter before beginning operation of the system with baskets raised and empty. Immersion wash system 10 generally comprises a system base 14 that supports an open top wash tank 16 that is partially covered with tank cover 18. To the rear of the wash tank 16 is lift mechanism 22 that extends up from base frame 14. In the view of FIG. 1, the functional components of lift mechanism 22 are enclosed within drive mechanism cover (and support) 12 and lift mechanism cover 24. A movable basket holder frame (hidden in FIG. 1) is operationally connected to lift mechanism 22 and supports each of a number (three in the embodiment shown) of porous baskets. In the three-basket embodiment shown, baskets 20a-20c are shown positioned in the holder frame in the elevated state. The diameter of the baskets is such as to just fit within the respective circular ring support (described in more detail below) forming part of the basket holder frame. In turn, the openings in the tank cover 18 are just large enough to allow for the removal and/or insertion of the removable baskets from the basket holder frame. See FIG. 5 for more detail on the basket holder frame.
Operational elements of the system additionally seen in FIG. 1 include: LED indicators 19a & 19b that may be used to indicate the progress of steps in the wash cycling process; LED indicators 21a-21c that may be used to alert the user to a proper basket loading or unloading sequence; overflow tube 25 with drain line/valve 26; and chemical feed line 23 (if applicable in the particular embodiment). Once again, the functionality of each of these components is described in more detail below.
Although the number of baskets in the system of the present invention may be as few as one and as many as four or five or more, the three-basket embodiment shown is advantageous for handling the three typical types of tableware; forks, knives, and spoons. As seen below, multiple units of the system of the present invention may be preferred over a unit that exceeds three baskets as positioning of the systems for ergonomic loading must be considered. The baskets used may be any shape but are preferably circular to facilitate a random alignment or misalignment of the individual utensils in a manner that serves to prevent “nesting” and therefore to better clean and rinse the silverware. Additionally, the random loading of different types of silverware into all three baskets may be desirable to further discourage any type of “nesting” of the silverware. The baskets are preferably wire mesh or molded plastic and have a porosity open enough to allow for the easy flow of fluid through the basket while closed enough to prevent the items of silverware from slipping through the openings. The baskets preferably have handles (as shown in the preferred embodiment) to permit the user to easily lift the basket (empty or full) from the basket holder, potentially even while the system is in operation. It is anticipated that the user will fill a basket or add items of silverware (or other objects that require washing) while the system is in operation. The LED indicators 21a-21c assist the user in identifying which baskets have been washing the longest and which are best available for the addition of silverware for washing as the system continues to operate. The LED indicators 21a-21c may also be used to indicate which basket to load at any given time.
The system structural components are preferably stainless steel as is typical in commercial food preparation and food service facilities. Tank cover 18 is preferably removable from wash tank 16 for periodic cleaning access to the submersible components of the system and the interior of the wash tank 16 itself. Drive mechanism cover (and support) 12 and lift mechanism cover 24 are also preferable made of stainless steel components. As will be described in more detail below, the system of the present invention is sized and structured to be positioned on a table or other support platform at approximately waist height for the users of the system. At a minimum, the basic embodiment of the system requires an external power connection while alternate embodiments further include water line connections and/or chemical wash additive flow line connections.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the baskets, tank cover, and lift mechanism cover removed for clarity. The functional components of the immersion wash system of the present invention are again seen to generally comprise a system base 14 that supports an open top wash tank 16 that, during operation of the system, is partially covered with the tank cover (removed in this view). To the rear of the wash tank 16 are the components that make up the lift mechanism. The fixed components are generally positioned exterior to the wash tank 16 while some of the movable components extend inside of the wash tank 16. In FIG. 2, the rear frame portion of system base 14 in part helps secure the lift components to the wash tank 16 structure, while the drive mechanism cover (and support) and the lift mechanism cover (both not shown in FIG. 2) additionally serve to position and support the fixed components of the lift mechanism.
Of the lift mechanism components shown in FIG. 2, only the bearing block 38 is fixed (with respect to the wash tank 16) while lift rod 36, lift rod connector 34, actuator rods 32, and basket holder frame 28, are all movable components of the lift mechanism. As seen in FIG. 2, the three basket holders 30a-30c are fixed on basket holder frame 28 and oriented to position the baskets (when inserted into the holders) appropriately for the reciprocating vertical motion they undergo in the washing process. Basket holder frame 28 is fixed to the lower ends of actuator rods 32 which are generally held in lateral position by the fixed position of bearing block 38. Bearing block 38 allows for the free vertical motion of the actuator rods 32 while keeping them (and all the components attached to them) laterally positioned within wash tank 16.
Actuator rods 32 are fixed to basket holder frame 28 at their lower end and to lift rod connector 34 at their upper end. Lift rod connector 34 is pivotally secured to lift rod 36, which, under direction of the drive components not seen in this view, lifts and lowers the actuator rods 32 and therefore, by the linkages described above, lifts and lowers the baskets supported in the basket holders 30a-30c.
Additional components shown in FIG. 2 include overflow tube 25 positioned through the side wall of wash tank 16 at a height just above the maximum desired fluid level in the tank, and drain line/valve 26 positioned through the bottom wall of wash tank 16 and configured to drain the tank when desired. Once again, optional chemical feed line 23 is shown extending down from an external chemical additive reservoir (not shown) where the system utilizes such chemical additives. Alternatively, the chemical additive reservoir may also be located under the system. Not seen in FIG. 2 are the external power connection (described above as standard) and an optional external water supply line.
Reference is next made to FIG. 3 which is a perspective rear view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the lift mechanism cover and the drive mechanism cover removed for clarity. In FIG. 3, system base 14 is again seen to support the open top wash tank 16 which is partially covered with tank cover 18. To the rear of the wash tank 16 is the rear frame portion of system base 14. In the three-basket embodiment shown, baskets 20a-20c are positioned in the holder frame (not visible in this view) in an elevated state. In the view of FIG. 3, the functional components of the drive and lift mechanisms are exposed where they are positioned and secured to the rear frame portion of system base 14 and drive mechanism cover (and support) (not shown in FIG. 3). Once again, the structures of enclosure cover 40 and lift mechanism cover 24 further serve to support and enclose the lift and drive mechanism components. As described above in FIG. 2, actuator rods 32 are positioned through bearing block 38 and extend downward to their point of attachment to the basket holder frame (not visible in FIG. 3). The top ends of actuator rods 32 are pivotally connected to lift rod 36 by way of lift rod connector 34. Lift rod 36 serves as the linkage between the drive mechanism of the system and the lift of the system.
The drive mechanism of the system is generally made up of DC motor 42, gear box 46 and crank arm 44. DC motor 42 is powered from an external source, typically from a remote (wall mounted) controller as described in more detail below. DC motor 42 drives the gears within gear box 46 which turn crank arm 44. Crank arm 44 is pivotally linked to lift rod 36 and moves lift rod 36 vertically a distance approximately twice the length of crank arm 44. The combination of DC motor 42 and gear box 46 are fixed within drive mechanism cover (and support) 12 with enough clearance between gear box 46 and enclosure cover 40 to allow for the free rotation of crank arm 44 and its pivotal attachment to lift rod 36.
In addition to overflow tube 25 and drain line/valve 26 shown in FIG. 3, optional water and chemical additive flow lines are shown. As shown, the drain valve 26 is manual, however, it may also be an electric valve which would be controlled by the controller. External water line 47 may be connected to a water source (such as a typical commercial or residential pressurized potable water supply) to provide a controlled filling of the wash tank of the system. Auto fill valve 48 is preferably an electric solenoid actuated valve that may be controlled by the same controller that powers the DC motor 42. Water may flow directly from auto fill valve 48 into wash tank 16 or, as shown in FIG. 3, may pass through chemical inductor 45 before flowing into wash tank 16. Where used, chemical inductor 45 receives a flow of chemical additive from a remote reservoir by way of chemical feed line 23. The inductor incorporates various metering tips that have varying orifice sizes to control the amount of chemical that is introduced into the system. The auto-fill valve may also be set up to deliver water to a third-party system (not shown in the figures) that mixes the water with a chemical (typically a solid form of chemical that dissolves) where it then flows to the wash tank. Various chemicals may be added to the water within the system as may be desired for assisting with the dissolving of food particles and other soils on the silverware or sanitizing the wash bath after repeated use. Used in conjunction with a solenoid-controlled drain line/valve 26, and monitoring water conditions with sensors 50a & 50b, a flow of chemicals through chemical fed line 23 can serve to help maintain the tank fluid in optimal condition. It should be noted that the wash system of the present invention is not intended to replace the high temperature disinfecting wash and rinse that typically occurs in a commercial foodservice dishwasher in a foodservice facility. Rather the system of the present invention primarily serves a pre-wash function that would typically be followed by a separate disinfecting wash and rinse in a commercial foodservice dishwasher.
FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention, structured as described above for placement on a typical dish table or other platform of an appropriate height. As seen in FIG. 4, system base 14 extends under and supports wash tank 16 with associated tank cover 18 and further supports the drive and lift mechanisms of the system (covered in the view of FIG. 4 with drive mechanism cover (and support) 12 and lift mechanism cover 24). External water line 47 is shown as it feeds through drive mechanism cover 12 to the auto fill valve (not visible) of the water line connected version of the system. Overflow tube 25 is shown exiting through the side wall of wash tank 16 and drain line/valve 26 is shown exiting from the bottom of wash tank 16. System base 14 provides enough clearance under wash tank 16 to facilitate this placement of drain line/valve 26. Adjustable (leveling) base rubber feet 35 are positioned on the cross member and legs of system base 14 to help retain the system in place when positioned on a dish table or the like.
FIG. 4 additionally show the placement of an optional heating element 37 under and in thermal contact with the bottom wall of wash tank 16. While the primary function of the system of the present invention may be pre-washing, it would still be advantageous to maintain the wash fluid at an elevated temperature in some circumstances. Heating element 37 should, as with the balance of the electrical components of the system adjacent the wash tank, be lower voltage DC powered to avoid any issues with proximity to a wet environment. Regardless, heating element 16 is preferably sealed against the bottom of wash tank 16 with no exposed electrical connections near the base of the unit. Alternatively, other heating element systems that might be extended into wash tank 16 may also be incorporated into the design.
Reference is next made to FIG. 5 for a detailed perspective front view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the wash tank, tank cover, and center basket removed for clarity. System base 14 supports the structured enclosures made up of enclosure cover 40, drive mechanism cover (and support) 12, and lift mechanism cover 24. Passing through enclosure cover 40 and through the rear wall of the wash tank are a pair of sensors designed to collect data on the level and condition of the wash fluid within the wash tank. Sensors 50a & 50b may serve to measure liquid level, temperature, and/or total dissolved solids (TDS) within the wash fluid. Such information assists in alerting the user as to the need to change the wash fluid and/or add chemicals and/or modify the temperature of the fluid. Heating element 37 is shown positioned as it would be beneath the wash tank (not shown) even though it would, as described above, typically be adhered to (and sealed against) the bottom wall of the wash tank. Alternatively, a heating element of the type that extends into the wash tank could also be used.
FIG. 5 shows in clearer detail the structure and function of basket holder frame 28 and the three associated basket holders 30a-30c. Left basket 20c is shown positioned fully within left basket holder 30c while the center basket is removed for clarity from center basket holder 30b. Right basket 20a is shown removed from right basket holder 30a being lifted vertically up from the holder. Each basket is preferably structured with a perimeter lip that rests on the appropriately sized ring of the aligned basket holder. Once again, each basket preferably includes one or more handles to facilitate the placement into or removal from the associated basket holder.
Although the embodiment shown herein uses three baskets that are structured to be raised and lowered in unison, the same basic principles for pre-washing and/or washing silverware positioned in baskets that move in opposite directions can be applied. With the appropriate linkages in the drive and lift mechanisms, along with separated basket holder frames, it is possible to implement the reciprocating up and down motion of each basket at different points in the cycle. In the embodiment shown, for example, one basket holder frame might be associated with the left and right baskets while a separate basket holder frame would be associated with the center basket. Such a structure would require two separate lift rods linked to separate actuator rods although each could still operate through a single bearing block and could be driven by a single (two arm) crank. The rates of reciprocating motion, regardless of whether the baskets were moving in unison or not, can be controlled and varied by a programmable controller (described below) positioned remote from the unit shown that sits on the tabletop. As mentioned above, LED indicators 19a & 19b positioned on the front facing wall of lift mechanism cover 24, provide cycle process status information to the user to further optimize ongoing use of the system without having to simply stop and start the operation to load or unload silverware.
Reference is next made to FIGS. 6A & 6B for clearer depiction of the manner of raising and lowering the baskets into the wash fluid. FIG. 6A is a centerline cross-sectional view of the three-basket embodiment of the silverware washing system of the present invention with the lifting mechanism in a raised condition. FIG. 6B is the same centerline cross-sectional view with the lifting mechanism in a lowered condition. Drive mechanism cover (and support) 12 and lift mechanism cover 24 are shown in place as they each enclose the drive and lift components of the system. Bearing block 38 (for example) is seen to be supported by the top of drive mechanism cover 12 where the cover extends forward over the tank cover 18. The drive components (DC motor 42, gear box 46, and crank arm 44) are positioned with the appropriate clearances within drive mechanism cover (and support) 12. The lift components (lift rod 36, lift rod connector 34, and actuator rods 32) are positioned with the appropriate clearances within the lift mechanism cover 24.
Wash tank 16 is seen in cross-section as it is supported on system base 14 (the base fitted with a plurality of base rubber feet 35) with heating element 37 adhered to the bottom exterior surface of the wash tank. Sensor 50b and tank fluid line 49 are shown in this view as they extend through the back wall of wash tank 16 from outside the tank. Tank fluid line 49 directs wash fluid 17 to flow into wash tank 16 from auto fill valve 48 (and optionally through the chemical inductor or other chemical mixing system). LED indicators 19a & 19b are again visibly positioned on lift mechanism cover to provide process cycle information to the user. LED indicator 21b is associated with center basket 20b positioned in center basket holder 30b to assist the user with identifying a proper basket loading sequence. Each of these LEDs are driven by the remote (wall mounted) controller described in more detail below.
In the cross-sectional view of FIGS. 6A & 6B, the manner in which tank cover 18 extends downward into wash tank 16 is apparent. In addition to partially covering the open top of wash tank 16, tank cover 18 forms three cylindrical columns within which the baskets and basket holders vertically move. The wash fluid level in the wash tank preferably comes up to the bottom edge of the cylindrical columns formed by the tank cover that surround each basket and basket holder. This configuration forces the fluid to predominantly flow vertically through the silverware in the basket as opposed to off the silverware and over through the sides of the basket. The cylindrical columns also reduce splashing as the baskets are immersed into the wash fluid and/or lifted up from the wash fluid. The system as described is designed to operate optimally with the wash tank about half full of wash fluid. The exact depth of the wash tank and location of the water line is variable for achieving multiple washing objectives. This allows the baskets to be alternately fully submersed into and fully removed from the wash fluid. The relatively turbulent flow of fluid through the randomly oriented silverware positioned in the baskets provides an effective, powerful pre-wash more than adequate for most commercial food service facility applications.
FIG. 6B provides the same cross-sectional view as that shown in FIG. 6A but with the basket and lift mechanism in the lowered and immersed condition. In this view, actuator rods 32 have travelled downward to their limit where lift rod connector 34 is adjacent to the top of bearing block 38 and basket holder frame 28 approaches the bottom of wash tank 16. In this condition, any silverware in center basket 20b is nearly fully immersed in wash fluid 17 as center basket holder 30b ends up at approximately the wash fluid surface. It should be noted that the crank arm configuration allows for the continuous rotation of the gears in gear box 46 in one direction to drive the reciprocating up and down motion to the baskets. In order to reduce wear on the drive system, the DC motor can be easily reversed by the controller in order to reverse the direction of the gear box and crank arm rotation while not altering the essential reciprocating vertical motion of the baskets.
FIGS. 7A & 7B provide alternative installations of the system of the present invention dependent on the availability of plumbed water lines and the use of chemical additives to the wash fluid. While each figure shows the installation of two systems of the present invention, similar installations can be implemented with only a single system or with more than two systems. In each installation, the food service facility is presumed to have a dish table/stand 56 which may or may not be positioned adjacent an open facility wall 58. Many other practical arrangements may be made depending on the dish room table layouts in various foodservice outlets where the systems would be installed.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a typical installation of two of the silverware washing systems of the present invention in a food service facility where an adjacent fill faucet is available for use. A first wash system 60a is positioned next to a second wash system 60b on the top surface of dish table/stand 56 in front of facility wall 58. Fill faucet 57 is preferably centered between the two systems such that a pivoting faucet neck can alternately swing over the two systems to supply wash water into the respective wash tanks. Positioned above the two systems 60a & 60b on wall 58 is control box 64. External power connection 65 provides AC power to control box 64 where controller/DC power source 66 connects to each of the systems by way of power and control cables 62a & 62b. Control box 64 provides the necessary user interface to not only switch the respective systems on and off but also to direct the cyclical process of operation for each of the systems.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an alternate installation of two of the silverware washing systems of the present invention in a food service facility with plumbed water supply lines and the use of chemical additive reservoirs. In this alternate installation, a first wash system 60a is again positioned next to a second wash system 60b on the top surface of a dish table/stand 56 in front of facility wall 58. Positioned above the two systems 60a & 60b on facility wall 58 is control box 64. As above, external power connection 65 provides AC power to control box 64 where controller/DC power source 66 connects to each of the systems by way of power and control cables 62a & 62b. In place of a fill faucet, however, this installation incorporates the auto fill features of the system shown and described above in FIG. 3. Water supply lines 69a & 69b connect each system 60a & 60b respectively to external water supply 70. Water supply lines 69a & 69b preferably incorporate separate manual cutoff valves (not shown) as a manner of controlling the flow of water to each system in addition to the auto fill valve configured within each system.
The installation shown in FIG. 7B also incorporates the optional chemical additive feed process shown and described above in FIG. 3 and further described in FIG. 8 below. Chemical supply/reservoirs 68a & 68b connect to each system 60a & 60b respectively to provide a venturi vacuum induced flow of chemical additive to the wash fluid through the above described chemical feed line 23 and chemical inductor 45 (not visible in FIG. 7B).
As mentioned, the basic system of the present invention only requires connection to an external power source, preferably a standard AC power source, to operate through the described wall mounted controller/DC power source. More specifically, and preferably, a 100 to 240 volt AC power connection (50 or 60 Hz) is supplied and an internal power converter inside the control panel coverts that power to low voltage DC power (12, 24, 48 volts DC etc.). The additional (optional) connection to a plumbed external water supply allows for the use of the auto fill functionality of the system and the additional (optional) connection to a chemical reservoir allows for the use of various chemical additives in the wash fluid. Further external connections could include a common drain line with or without automating the activation of the described drain valves on each system.
FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective rear view of the drive and lift mechanisms of the system of the present invention with the covers removed for clarity. Once again, the functional components of the drive and lift mechanisms are exposed where they are positioned and secured within the drive mechanism cover (and support) 12. Actuator rods 32 are positioned through bearing block 38 and extend downward to their point of attachment to the basket holder frame inside of the wash tank. The top ends of actuator rods 32 are pivotally connected to lift rod 36 which serves as the linkage between the drive mechanism of the system and the lift of the system. DC motor 42 is powered from an external source, preferably from a centralized remote (wall mounted) controller as shown and described below in FIG. 9. This power and control connection has been omitted for clarity from FIG. 8 but comprises one of the system cables 62a & 62b shown in FIGS. 7A & 7B. DC motor 42 drives the gears within gear box 46 which turn crank arm 44 which is pivotally linked to lift rod 36. The rotational motion of crank arm 44 translates into the vertical motion of lift rod 36 and through such linkage to the vertical motion of the actuator arms 32. As described above, the reciprocating vertical motion of the actuator arms 32 provide the same cycling vertical motion to the baskets in and out of the wash fluid. DC motor 25 is preferably a variable speed reversable motor whose speed and direction can be controlled by the controller/DC power source shown in FIGS. 7A & 7B.
Further shown in FIG. 8 is external water line 47 which may be connected to an available external water source to provide a controlled filling of the wash tank of the system. In the preferred embodiment, external water line 47 is preferably attached to the system through auto fill valve 48. Auto fill valve 48 is preferably an electric solenoid actuated valve that may be controlled (on and off) by the same controller that powers the DC motor 42. In one embodiment of the system of the present invention, auto fill valve 48 may connect directly to wash tank 16, delivering “tap water” into the system. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 8, the flow of water may pass first through chemical inductor 45 before flowing into wash tank 16. Chemical inductor 45 receives a controlled flow of chemical additive from a remote reservoir by way of chemical feed line 23. Control of the venturi vacuum induced flow of chemical additive may occur through the use of a valve (automated or manual) associated with the system as previously noted.
In addition to controlled power to the DC motor and the solenoid actuated water valve, the cable connections between the individual wash units and the centralized controller would include signal lines directing the operation of the various LED indicators as well as signal lines receiving data from the various wash fluid condition sensors. Once again, the basic functionality of the system requires only power to the DC motor in the system while the optional functionalities of automated water flow, chemical additive, fluid condition measurements, and operational indicators may all be added individually or collectively to further improve operation of the system.
Reference is finally made to FIG. 9 which is a detailed perspective view of the control elements of a typical installation of two of the silverware washing systems of the present invention in a food service facility, in this case with an adjacent fill faucet 57. Control box 64 is mounted on facility wall 58 and is connected to the individual units (represented by wash system 60b in FIG. 9) by way of system cables 62a & 62b respectively. Power to controller/DC power source 66 within control box 64 is provided by external power connection 65. In this view, control box 64 is shown to include audible alarm 63 and communications port 67 that provide additional functionality to the system in the manner of user interface and wide area network connectivity. Audible alarm 63, as driven by controller/DC power source 66, serves to alert the user to a condition in one or more of the attached systems that requires attention. This could be anything from a cycle completion event to a low wash fluid level within the system. Controller/DC power source 66 preferably includes an informational display that facilitates both user control of the systems (such as with a touchscreen display) and the display of the conditional status of the systems. Communications port 67 is preferably a standard USB port that allows for both the transmittal of operational data from the controller and the receipt of programming for system operation to the controller. Such transmission and receipt of digital information and programming may be wired or wireless as is known in the art as the USB port can also be used as a connection point for a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular communication module.
Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with a number of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications to these embodiments that still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Because of the ability of the system of the present invention to function as a standalone unit without extensive space and/or ancillary plumbing, a variety of commercial kitchen table units may be used to support the system. Alternately, the present invention may be implemented with the manufacture of concurrently produced platform sized and structured to accommodate the dimensions of one or more of the proprietary systems. The invention has been described in terms of a basic embodiment with a number of add-on functionalities that may be implemented separately or collectively. Further add-on functionalities will be anticipated by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Patent Application
20210015336
