Abstract: An integrated cleaning system includes an automated kitchen exhaust cleaning system with a first conduit and a first nozzle configured to spray detergent or water on a kitchen exhaust flue, and an exhaust fan configured to be mounted on an outside surface of a building and to couple to the kitchen exhaust flue. The exhaust fan includes a fan surrounded by a housing, is operated by a motor, and is configured to pull exhaust up through the kitchen exhaust flue and to disperse externally via the fan operated by the motor. A second nozzle connected to a second conduit is connected to the first conduit, and in response to receipt of detergent or water from the automated kitchen exhaust cleaning system during an exhaust fan cleaning operation, the second nozzle is configured to spray the detergent or water onto an inside of the housing or fan blades of the fan.

Abstract: An example automatic kitchen cleaning system includes a control box configured to, in response to receipt of the start signal to initiate the first cleaning operation of the cooking range exhaust system, causing the first detergent and water to be mixed in a reservoir at the first target mixing ratio for form the first cleaning solution. The control box is further configured to, in response to receipt of the start signal to initiate the second cleaning operation of the waste conduit, causing the second detergent and water to be mixed in the reservoir at the second target mixing ratio to form the second cleaning solution.

Abstract: A system including a nozzle coupled to a conduit and arranged to spray a zone of a cooking range exhaust system, a pump configured to provide a cleaning solution to a supply line, and a control box connected to the pump via a supply line. The control box includes a controller and an electronically-controlled valve configured to selectively couple the supply line to the conduit. The controller can be configured to, in response to receipt of a start signal to initiate a cleaning operation, cause the cleaning solution comprising a mixture of detergent and water having a ratio based on a target mixing ratio to be provided to a supply line and cause the electronically-controlled valve to open to facilitate provision of the cleaning solution to the nozzle via the conduit for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a cooking range exhaust system includes, in response to receipt of a start signal at a control box of a cooking range exhaust cleaning system to initiate a cleaning operation, causing a cleaning solution comprising a mixture of detergent and water having a ratio based on a target mixing ratio to be provided to a supply line, and causing an electronically-controlled valve to open to facilitate provision of the cleaning solution to a nozzle coupled to the electronically-controlled valve via a conduit for a predetermined period of time, wherein the nozzle is arranged to spray a zone of the cooking range exhaust system.

Abstract: A filter pad with a dry loft between approximately 0.15 and 0.5 inches includes at least a first fiber web comprising a plurality of oleophilic fibers, wherein the oleophilic fibers: have a linear density between approximately 2 and 9 denier; have a length between approximately 1 and 4 inches; and have been uploaded with flame resistant particles.

Abstract: Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a closed position in which the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In varying examples, movement of the first check member from the closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check member is continuously biased toward a closed position.

Abstract: A method comprises operating one or more commercial fryers, including activating an operational event for the one or more commercial fryers by sending a current through a wire to an operational member of the commercial fryer, collecting information each time a different operational event is carried out in the commercial fryer by sensing whether the current is flowing through the wire or by sensing whether a voltage is present in the wire, and communicating the information to a database.

Abstract: Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a closed position in which the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In varying examples, movement of the first check member from the closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check member is continuously biased toward a closed position.

Abstract: Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a closed position in which the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In varying examples, movement of the first check member from the closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check member is continuously biased toward a closed position.

Abstract: This patent document describes various valve assemblies comprising a valve member movable between an outlet flow-blocking and an outlet flow-passing position. A portion of a valve member first end is covered by a pilot, while a valve member second end is operatively associated with a solenoid mechanism. In an example, the solenoid mechanism is configured to initially move the valve member from the outlet flow-blocking to a bleed position, and subsequently move the valve member from the bleed position to the outlet flow-passing position. The pilot covers the valve member such that a solenoid mechanism force needed to move the valve member from the outlet flow-blocking position is reduced. For instance, the pilot reduces a surface area of the valve member subject to a housing outlet pressure.

Abstract: An automated system for removing waste grease is provided employing a pump, the pump being used to draw waste grease from a grill grease trap via an intake assembly and pump the waste grease through the system, the intake assembly comprising a wand, hose, and in-line filter. The intake assembly is connected in flow communication with a suction line which guides waste grease into the pump. A pressure line then guides the pumped waste grease out of the pump and to a waste grease storage container which may be connected to the system. The suction line, pump, and pressure line are heated to prevent solidification of the waste grease as it flows through the system.

Abstract: A bulk cooking oil supply and disposal transport system and method for the supply of cooking oil to and the removal of waste oil from a receiving facility. The system includes a transport vehicle with a supply and a waste oil container. An oil conduit system is connected with the supply and waste container to selectively deliver and remove oil through oil fittings. Pumps and valves are disposed within the oil conduit system for restricting the flow of the cooking oil therethrough. A first fluid meter measures the amount of cooking oil delivered to the receiving facility and a second fluid meter measures the amount of waste oil removed from the receiving facility. A control device receives signals indicating the level or amount of oil delivered or removed through the oil conduit system. Signals are generated by sensors at the receiving facility or from the fluid meters monitoring flow through the system.