Abstract: A chemical dispensing system features a card reader in data communication with a controller to programmably control the transfer of chemicals between a supply of chemicals and a washing chamber while allowing retention of a permanent record of the programmed status of the controller.

Abstract: A marked card reader having a lensless optical detection system with fixed angle illumination and detection, the sensitivity of which is independent of the frequency response associated therewith. The optical detection system includes a radiation source to produce radiation and a radiation detector. A target plane is positioned so that the radiation source directs radiation toward the target plane. The detection source is positioned to sense radiation reflected from the target plane. An optically opaque body is positioned between the optical detector and the radiation source to prevent incident radiation from be sensed by the optical detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing chemicals from a multiplexed group of chemicals and delivering the chemicals to a multiplexed set of industrial washers. An input multiplexer operatively couples a selected system input tube to a chemical pump, thereby permitting a selected liquid chemical to be pumped from a chemical container through the chemical delivery system to a selected washer.

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 system for cleaning cone/shake makers in place. Cone/shake makers have at least one freezer for making ice cream cones or milk shakes. Each freezer has a product inlet, a product pump for pumping product from the inlet into the freezer, and at least one draw valve for dispensing the product in the freezer. The cleaning system has a mixing tank for mixing water with a cleansing chemical, the mixing tank having a capacity of less than one-fourth the volume of the water and cleansing chemical mixture to be used while cleaning a cone/shake maker. The system controllably provides the cleansing chemical to the mixing tank at a rate corresponding to the rate at which water flow into the mixing tank, thereby making a cleansing chemical solution of predefined concentration on the fly as the mixture is being used to clean the cone/shake maker.

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: Apparatus for emptying successive sample containers, by inverting the containers, one at a time, draining the contents of each container, washing, again draining each container and restoring each container to its initial position. Each container is held in a holder mounted for rotation in a vertical plane about a hinge near the bottom of the holder. A hook is adapted to engage a holder and pivot about a separate hinge bringing the holder and its container to an inverted position where a nozzle sprays washing fluid into the inverted sample container. After draining, the sample container is restored to an upright position.