Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a combination dishwashing machine and sink that utilizes a first use solution includes a dishwashing machine, a sump, a pump, a sink, a first fluid passageway, and a controller. The sump is in fluid communication with the dishwashing machine and is configured and arranged to contain the first use solution utilized in the dishwashing machine. The pump is in fluid communication with the sump, and the first fluid passageway interconnects the pump and the sink. The controller is operatively connected to the pump and is programmed to signal the pump to direct the first use solution from the sump, through the first fluid passageway, and into the sink. The controller automates the filling of the sink with the first use solution from the sump.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a combination dishwashing machine and sink that utilizes a first use solution includes a dishwashing machine, a sump, a pump, a sink, a first fluid passageway, and a controller. The sump is in fluid communication with the dishwashing machine and is configured and arranged to contain the first use solution utilized in the dishwashing machine. The pump is in fluid communication with the sump, and the first fluid passageway interconnects the pump and the sink. The controller is operatively connected to the pump and is programmed to signal the pump to direct the first use solution from the sump, through the first fluid passageway, and into the sink. The controller automates the filling of the sink with the first use solution from the sump.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) uses first and second flow controls (70, 73). The flow controls maintain first and second flow ranges independent of diluent pressure within a pressure range, wherein the use solution's concentration is maintained over the pressure range. A third flow control (75) may also be utilized in a third diluent passageway for maintaining a third flow range independent of the diluent pressure within the pressure range. A bypass valve assembly (41) is operatively connected to the third incoming diluent passageway. The bypass valve has a temperature control valve. The temperature control valve having a bypass passageway, wherein additional diluent is added to the use solution, thereby controlling the use solution's concentration.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) uses first and second flow controls (70, 73). The flow controls maintain first and second flow ranges independent of diluent pressure within a pressure range, wherein the use solution's concentration is maintained over the pressure range. A third flow control (75) may also be utilized in a third diluent passageway for maintaining a third flow range independent of the diluent pressure within the pressure range. A bypass valve assembly (41) is operatively connected to the third incoming diluent passageway. The bypass valve has a temperature control valve. The temperature control valve having a bypass passageway, wherein additional diluent is added to the use solution, thereby controlling the use solution's concentration.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) uses first and second flow controls (70, 73). The flow controls maintain first and second flow ranges independent of diluent pressure within a pressure range, wherein the use solution's concentration is maintained over the pressure range. A third flow control (75) may also be utilized in a third diluent passageway for maintaining a third flow range independent of the diluent pressure within the pressure range. A bypass valve assembly (41) is operatively connected to the third incoming diluent passageway. The bypass valve has a temperature control valve. The temperature control valve having a bypass passageway, wherein additional diluent is added to the use solution, thereby controlling the use solution's concentration.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) uses first and second flow controls (70, 73). The flow controls maintain first and second flow ranges independent of diluent pressure within a pressure range, wherein the use solution's concentration is maintained over the pressure range. A third flow control (75) may also be utilized in a third diluent passageway for maintaining a third flow range independent of the diluent pressure within the pressure range. A bypass valve assembly (41) is operatively connected to the third incoming diluent passageway. The bypass valve has a temperature control valve. The temperature control valve having a bypass passageway, wherein additional diluent is added to the use solution, thereby controlling the use solution's concentration.

Abstract: A product dispenser, solid product, and a dispensing system containing the product dispenser and solid product are disclosed. Methods for using the product dispenser, solid product, and dispensing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A product dispenser, solid product, and a dispensing system containing the product dispenser and solid product are disclosed. Methods for using the product dispenser, solid product, and dispensing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing chemical products to a plurality of utilization points utilizes a multi-port valve to selectively deliver use dilutions from a mixing apparatus to selected utilization points. The multi-port valve utilizes a position sensor to provide positive proof-of-delivery by detecting the angular position of a rotor relative to a stator in the valve. The position sensor includes opposing annular arrangements of detectable elements and proximity detectors which rotate relative to one another about a common axis in response to rotation of the rotor such that detectable elements are oriented in proximity to a unique combination of proximity detectors at each of a plurality of predetermined angular positions. As a result, unique codes are output from the proximity detectors to positively identify positioning of the rotor at the predetermined angular positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warewashing assembly comprising a batch-loading warewashing machine and a movable tray or cart capable of holding a rack in a position that departs form the horizontal outside of the warewashing machine for convenient operations; said tray or cart comprising a flat tray of a size complementary to said rack, wherein the flat tray comprises side and rear fences capable of holding the ware rack against horizontal motion and wherein the tray is attached to a support structure in such a way that it is supported at the desired angle .alpha. and can be inserted into the machine when quiescent; wherein the support structure is of a height approximately equal to that of the warewashing machine and comprises means to move horizontally in relation to the warewashing machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for diluting a chemical concentrate. More particularly, dilution control is achieved by monitoring two flow meters, comparing the flow rate information, and adjusting the diluent flow to achieve a predetermined dilution of the chemical concentrate. An air push is preferably used to deliver the chemicals to the utilization points. Also a controller is used to prioritize requests from the utilization points in a hierarchal fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a controller to vary the concentration set-point of an additive as a function of time. The present invention insures that the additive is injected to the machine at proper times to allow for optimum efficiency and lowest cost. To vary the set-point according to the input parameters, the invention combines the features of a data entry device, a microprocessor, a clock, a controller, and sensors into one unit. The user may enter a time setting and set point into the controller, along with control parameters which allow the machine to control the additive injection based on different user-defined scenarios. The microprocessor then reads the settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller. Thus, the user can manually or automatically change the response function if and when conditions change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser 10 for a solid chemical 13 and a method of dispensing the chemical 13. Water enters via an inlet line 22 and is sprayed from a spray nozzle 21, so that the solid chemical 13 is dispensed in the form of an aqueous chemical solution via outlet line 17. The solution's concentration is adjustable by varying the distance between the spray nozzle 21 and the exposed dissolving surface of the chemical 13. The spray nozzle's position is adjusted by means of a screw jack 68, a push-pull cable 93, a solenoid 100, or a lever 117.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser 10 for a solid chemical 13 and a method of dispensing the chemical 13. Water enters via an inlet line 22 and is sprayed from a spray nozzle 21, so that the solid chemical 13 is dispensed in the form of an aqueous chemical solution via outlet line 17. The solution's concentration is adjustable by varying the distance between the spray nozzle 21 and the exposed dissolving surface of the chemical 13. A pair of cam members 50, 51 adjust the vertical position of the solid chemical 13 with respect to the spray nozzle 21. In a preferred embodiment, a visual indication of the concentration settings is provided, with the concentration settings corresponding to the nozzle-to-eroding surface distance.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of a warewashing machine generates proactive alarms that audible and/or visibly instruct operators to take corrective action of temperature, rinse pressure, loading, or other machine deficiencies occur. A data input feature enables the operator to add production data to the report for the calculation of machine efficiency. A water consumption measurement device provides realistic utility, water and sewage costs calculations for the warewashing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing chemical solutions are disclosed. The blending unit (11) includes a manifold (38) having a plurality of chemical inlet ports (39), a water inlet port (45), and an outlet port (46). A plurality of pumps (43) and valves (41) are associated with the chemical inlet ports (39). The outlet port (46) is connected to dispensing outlets (25, 29) for dispensing the chemical solutions and water into a container 16. The apparatus (10) also includes a quality control systems, including a conductivity cell (50), a weight measurement station (26), and a volume flow measurement device. The apparatus (10) also includes an electronic control unit (70) associated with the pumps (43) and valves (41) to operate them in response to a pre-selected volume, sequential combination and concentration of chemicals.

Abstract: A dispenser suitable for dispensing multiple solutions to, preferably, multiple utilization points. A laundry washing system (18) according to the invention includes a dispenser (20) which dispenses a plurality of cleaning solution to a plurality of washing machines (72) through a single common conduit (25). Conduit (25) is flushed after dispensing one solution but before dispensing a second chemically incompatible solution. A preferred dispenser (20) is capable of servicing multiple laundry machines (72) using a first-in first-out approach wherein the machines request service from a control system (74) which temporarily disables any "late-comers" until the appropriate solution can be dispensed to the machine (72) making the first, or highest priority, request.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of wash water in a ware washing machine. A preferred ware washing machine (10) includes a reservoir (11) for holding wash water, a normally closed valve (17) for directing clean water to a dry detergent supply (13), an electrodeless conductivity cell (12) for monitoring the conductivity of the ware washing solution, and a controller for activating the normally closed valve (15) in response to the difference between the measured concentration and the actual concentration. A preferred concentration controller includes an adjustable amplifier (48) which provides an amplified concentration signal which is equal to a reference signal when the concentration of the solution is equal to the desired concentration.