Abstract: A system for and method of improving fluid flow is provided. The system includes a discharge manifold defining a primary flow path partially obstructed by one or more flow diverter. The flow diverter includes an obtrusion pair, each obtrusion of the obtrusion pair extending from a rear wall of the discharge manifold into an interior area of the discharge manifold, thereby creating a void along the primary flow path. The system further includes a first nozzle extending through the primary flow path and into the void such that a nozzle inlet of the first nozzle is positioned at least partially within the void. The system further includes a plurality of subsequent nozzles, each of the first and subsequent nozzles defining a respective secondary flow path for directing fluid away from the discharge manifold. The method includes utilizing obtrusion pairs to reduce or eliminate hydraulic skip.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of restricting entry velocity into a tank is provided. To this end, a throttle plate is utilized to reduce circulation turbulence and significantly reduce the probability of damage to fragile articles undergoing deglazing, defrosting, washing or other circulation within a fluid tank. The throttle plate includes a main body with a top, bottom, and opposing sides and is configured to interface with a wash tank in a variety of throttle plate conditions. The main body of the throttle plate sits substantially against an interior wall of the wash tank, partially obscuring one or more inward flowing jets associated with the wash tank. Such obscuring dampens or throttles the flow of water from the jets into the wash tank. The throttle plate is adjustable; thus, a user of the wash tank can utilize the throttle plate to selectively control the flow of water into the tank.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors for obtaining readings associated with food items, such as temperature readings, freshness indications, and the like. The system is scalable and configurable with each sensor being capable of functioning as an individual sensor and/or as part of a grouping of sensors. The system is configured to obtain a variety of information, such as ambient air temperature, dwell time of food items, moisture levels, and the like, thereby enabling the system to recognize current and future concerns. The system provides audio and visual warnings and visual displays. In some embodiments, the system performs one or more physical operation based on one or more detected condition. The system is further configured to distinguish between accurate readings and inaccurate readings and/or to otherwise determine if an obstacle is preventing a sensor from obtaining an accurate reading.

Abstract: A preparation table is provided. The preparation table includes a cabinet with a work surface. The work surface includes a perimeter which defines a cavity of the cabinet. Opposing guide structures proximate opposing perimeter walls are configured to support a grate. The grate can be movable or stationary but is configured to support a product or product container while still providing access to the cavity. The product container is movable on the work surface to both rear and forward positions. The cabinet is configured such that excess ingredients fall from the product container, through the grate, and are recaptured within the cavity. The cabinet also includes a transition element which provides support for the product container as it is moved to an adjacent work surface.

Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.

Abstract: A system for and method of improving fluid flow is provided. The system includes a discharge manifold defining a primary flow path partially obstructed by one or more flow diverter. The flow diverter includes an obtrusion pair, each obtrusion of the obtrusion pair extending from a rear wall of the discharge manifold into an interior area of the discharge manifold, thereby creating a void along the primary flow path. The system further includes a first nozzle extending through the primary flow path and into the void such that a nozzle inlet of the first nozzle is positioned at least partially within the void. The system further includes a plurality of subsequent nozzles, each of the first and subsequent nozzles defining a respective secondary flow path for directing fluid away from the discharge manifold. The method includes utilizing obtrusion pairs to reduce or eliminate hydraulic skip.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring and control system is provided. The system includes a plurality of temperature sensors for obtaining temperature readings of food items. The system is scalable and configurable with each sensor being capable of functioning as an individual sensor and/or as part of a grouping of sensors. The system is configured to obtain a variety of information, such as ambient air temperature, dwell time of food items, moisture levels, and the like, thereby enabling the system to recognize current and future temperature concerns. The system provides audio and visual warnings and visual displays. In some embodiments, the system performs one or more physical operation based on one or more detected condition. The system is further configured to distinguish between accurate temperature readings and inaccurate temperature readings and/or to otherwise determine if an obstacle is preventing a temperature sensor from obtaining an accurate temperature reading.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring and control system is provided. The system includes a plurality of temperature sensors for obtaining temperature readings of food items. The system is scalable and configurable with each sensor being capable of functioning as an individual sensor and/or as part of a grouping of sensors. The system is configured to obtain a variety of information, such as ambient air temperature, dwell time of food items, moisture levels, and the like, thereby enabling the system to recognize current and future temperature concerns. The system provides audio and visual warnings and visual displays. In some embodiments, the system performs one or more physical operation based on one or more detected condition. The system is further configured to distinguish between accurate temperature readings and inaccurate temperature readings and/or to otherwise determine if an obstacle is preventing a temperature sensor from obtaining an accurate temperature reading.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of washing (or pre-washing) silverware/flatware, or one or more other objects/parts is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid-push/pull pumping system and method in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity of a housing in which the silverware/flatware or other objects/parts are located. The housing is configured to hold a mass of silverware or other item(s) within the cavity. The pumping system, which includes manifolding in fluid communication with the cavity, is configured to pump generally an entire volume of fluid out of the cavity, and to direct the pumped fluid back into the cavity to create a generally continuous flow of generally an entire volume of fluid through the cavity, thereby causing the fluid to flow through the mass of silverware or other item(s).

Abstract: A fluid flow structure for a washing machine is located within a wash tank of the washing machine, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for the guide surface. The guide surface includes at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank. The contour of the guide surface is generally curved so as to aide in reducing and/or preventing the pinning of items that often occurs in rectangular wash tanks of the prior art. The support for the guide surface creates a gap between the guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank.

Abstract: A washing machine and/or a fluid flow structure for a washing machine wash tank is provided. The wash tank is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall. The wash tank further includes at least one flow directional opening in at least one of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, the wash tank includes a plurality of flow directional openings positioned along one of the side walls of the wash tank. A fluid flow structure is located within said wash tank, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for said guide surface. The guide surface includes an expansion structure that is designed to counteract expansion of the guide surface that occurs during operation of the washing machine. In one embodiment the expansion structure is an expansion slot that engages a portion of the guide surface.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.

Abstract: A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a washing machine and components and systems for enabling a user to clean the washing machine are provided. The method includes gaining access to debris that is trapped in otherwise inaccessible and/or concealed areas and/or directing debris out of inaccessible and/or concealed areas. The components include a jet channel that selectively couples to a discharge manifold in use and is removable to provide access to an interior area of the discharge manifold for cleaning. The systems include a removable mount assembly for accessories and a purging system for pumps and other concealed areas. The purging system is configured to discharge purging fluid through a plurality of purging ports and into concealed areas so as to direct debris in the concealed areas out of the concealed areas.

Abstract: A non-welded field joint for connecting two portions of a pot and pan washing machine together as a single unit is provided.