Abstract: A peristaltic pump with a replaceable pump head cartridge is disclosed. The removable cartridge includes a length of flexible tubing and a collapsing device, such as a rotor assembly, for successively collapsing the inner wall of consecutive portions of the tubing to propel fluid through the tubing. A cartridge housing at least partially encloses the tubing and the collapsing device. The collapsing device is supported on a cylindrical pin integral with the housing. The housing is mountable to and removable from the motor with the tubing substantially contained within the housing. The method of assembling the peristaltic pump includes the steps of forming a housing and positioning a flexible tubing within the housing. A rotor assembly is inserted into the interior of the housing. The housing is mounted to a motor which is provided for powering operation of the rotor assembly, and the ends of the tubing are connected to a supply fluid line and a delivery fluid line respectively.

Abstract: A dispenser cap for a non-liquid chemical delivery system is disclosed. The dispenser cap is attached to the base of a chemical container holding a non-liquid chemical. The dispenser cap is also coupled to a discharge conduit which includes a nozzle positioned within it. The nozzle may produce a direct vertical spray and a circumferential spray into the dispenser cap. The dispenser cap disclosed includes a distributor for intercepting the direct vertical spray of water into the dispenser cap. The distributor indirectly conveys the intercepted water into the container. The water conveyed into the container by the distributor produces a stream of chemicals which exits the container through the discharge conduit, without impinging upon the nozzle.

Abstract: A system for controllably metering a first liquid with a second liquid includes a venturi injector unit and a peristaltic pump. A source of pressurized first liquid is coupled to the input port on the venturi injector unit, while the peristaltic pump couples metered amounts of the second liquid to the injection port on the venturi injector unit. The throughflow of the first liquid within the venturi injector unit creates a reduced pressure that draws in the metered amounts of the second liquid provided at the injection port. The desired mixture of the first and second liquids is provided at the output port of the venturi unit. In addition to providing a metered output mixture, the use of a peristaltic pump further allows the second liquid to include a chemical that might degrade the performance of a conventional pump. The preferred embodiment discloses a dishwashing system wherein the first liquid is water and the second liquid is a chemical such as a detergent or a wetting agent.

Abstract: A tube holder is disclosed for use in a system for transferring fluid products from a container via a continuous flexible tube. The tube holder is a lightweight, relatively rigid support having a length corresponding to the length of the container, and a substantially C-shaped cross section so that the tube easily snaps into the support. These supports can be produced using extruded PVC. The tube holder also preferably includes a sleeve member at one end for retaining the tube. To facilitate identification of which tubes are to be used with various different chemicals, a multiplicity of differently colored sleeve members may be provided.

Abstract: A chemical dispenser and controller for industrial dishwashers. The level of detergent concentration in the dishwasher wash water is measured in logarithmically scaled unit, and the target detergent concentration level is specified in similar units. The dishwasher's controller converts wash water conductivity measurements into logarithmically scaled detergent concentration measurements. The unit of measurement for these logarithmically scaled measurements are called "Beta" units. The controller also monitors the detergent concentration level and generates an alarm if the measured detergent concentration fails to increase by at least a predefined amount while the detergent feeding mechanism is turned on. Another feature of the controller is that it generates an alarm if the measured detergent concentration fails to reach its target level after the detergent feeding mechanism has been on for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A dispenser for safely dispensing solid block chemical compositions contained in jars. The jars have an orifice for exposing at least one surface of the solid block chemical therein. The dispenser has a housing defining a substantially enclosed inner cavity. A nozzle, mounted to extend into the cavity, directs a pressurized spray of liquid vertically upwards, while a discharge outlet mounted on the bottom of the cavity receives liquid from the cavity and directs the liquid out of the cavity.A jar holder in the housing holds one solid block chemical jar with the jar's orifice facing downward. A door rotatably hinged to the housing provides access to the cavity for loading and unloading solid block chemical jars. The door has a range of movement including a closed position in which the cavity is substantially enclosed and an open position in which the jars can be loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: A dishwasher monitor/controller for monitoring the operation of a dishwasher and providing human-intelligible speech messages upon the detection of predefined fault conditions. The operation of the dishwasher is periodically monitored using temperature measurements, water conductivity measurements, detection of the absence of drying agent, and timers to measure how long various physical conditions continue between periodic maintenance procedures. The dishwasher faults detected include directly tested faults and indirectly (elapsed-time dependent) tested faults. The direct tests for faults are for low rinse water temperature, low wash water temperature, and absence of drying agent. The indirect tests are for dirty wash water, absence of detergent, and the need to inspect the interior of the washer for dirt and calcium carbonate scale build-up. Furthermore, there is provided a switch activated facility for orally explaining, step-by-step, how to properly start-up the dishwasher and how to shut it down.

Abstract: A low level indicator and warning device is provided wherein a diaphragm is provided directly in a line for drawing liquid from one container to another. Liquid flowing in the line washes directly across the diaphragm so that it remains clean and thus operative even in the presence of materials which might form a crust on the diaphragm.