Abstract: A silverware pre-washing and washing system made up of a unitary basin with one to five, and preferably three, vertically movable porous baskets arranged radially around a central vertical lifting and lowering mechanism. The base with unitary basin contains a quantity of washing fluid(s) into which each of the vertically movable porous baskets may be repeatedly immersed. The base cover defines cylindrical ports through which the baskets are raised and lowered. The porous baskets include perforation arrays to allow washing fluid to flow in non-linear paths through the silverware contained in the basket, thereby washing all sides of the silverware and beneficially re-arranging the silverware in the basket as the washing process proceeds.

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 basket system for improving the process of defrosting frozen objects, such as food product packages, where multiple objects are positioned in a permeable walled immersion basket to be lowered into, moved within, and removed from, a defrosting liquid. The system includes flow channel defining spacer plates made of thermally conductive material structured to be positioned within the immersion basket in layers between the multiple objects to be defrosted. Defrosting liquid, such as in a temperature-controlled water bath, may flow freely through the permeable walls of the immersion basket, through the channels created by the spacer plates, and into contact with the plates and the multiple objects being defrosted. The system helps prevent the multiple frozen objects from forming a solid block that would inhibit the defrosting process.

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: Systems and methods for washing and thawing objects, such as vegetables and fruits, where large amounts of lifting of heavy items is minimized, complex and expensive pumping and manifold systems and structures are not required; and system cost and daily maintenance is reduced. The system includes a structure for holding a volume of fluid, a vertical motion structure driven by an electric motor or the like that raises and lowers a carrier between an elevated position and a lowered position. Programmed control processes address a variety of products, objects, actions, and functions.

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 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 merchant point-of-sale (“POS”) system architecture is provided. The POS system architecture may include a POS terminal including a POS receiver, a virtual display and a transmitter, and a transaction processing network including a network receiver and processor. The network receiver may be configured to receive a payment authorization request. The virtual display may be configured to display selectable options. The options may be displayed prior to processing the payment authorization request. The selectable options may include a first and second option. The first option may be to apply a merchant-funded rewards program network to the payment authorization request. The second option may be to continue to apply the default issuer funded rewards program network to the payment authorization request. When the first option is selected, a processor may be configured to terminate the issuer funded reward program network and activate the merchant-funded rewards program network.

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: 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 merchant point-of-sale (“POS”) system architecture is provided. Systems and methods are provided for enabling an alternative processing network for a custom rewards transaction performed at a POS. A custom rewards transaction may be a transaction in which a customer opts-in to a merchant-funded rewards (MFR) program. Opting-in to the MFR program may terminate the customer's default enrollment in a conventional issuer-bank funded rewards program. Opting-in to the MFR program may also reroute the processing of the transaction from a conventional processing network to the alternative processing network. The alternative processing network may incur transaction fees to a merchant that are lower than the transaction fees of the conventional processing network.

Abstract: A merchant point-of-sale (“POS”) system architecture is provided. Systems and methods are provided for enabling free form rewards in a custom rewards transaction at a POS terminal. A custom rewards transaction may be a transaction in which a customer opts-in to a merchant-funded rewards (“MFR”) program. The merchant may offer rewards in the MFR program based on location and customer data. The merchant may offer rewards that promote customer behaviors that are advantageous to the merchant. Opting-in to the MFR program may terminate the customer's default enrollment in a conventional issuer-bank funded rewards program.

Abstract: A system for integrating custom benefits into a communication transmission exchange is provided. The communication transmission exchange may include a plurality of entities. The system may include a receiver configured to receive a custom benefit selection. A second entity may perform the selection. The custom benefit may be associated with a first entity. The selection may trigger termination of any predetermined benefits to be communicated from a fourth entity to the second entity. The predetermined benefits may have been previously associated with a communication associated with the custom benefit. The selection may trigger instantiation of a communication line between the first entity and the second entity. The communication line may be for delivering a custom benefit communication, associated with the custom benefit, from the first entity to the second entity. The selection may also trigger deliverance of the custom benefit communication from the first entity to the second entity.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and architectures for dynamically incentivizing use of payment instrument(s) by customer(s) on purchase(s) from merchant(s) are described. Methods, apparatus and architectures may include/involve providing electronic platform(s) for enabling customer reward option(s). Reward option(s) may include standard reward option(s) associated with interchange fee(s) upon acquirer(s) affiliated with the merchant(s). Reward option(s) may include custom reward option(s) funded by the merchant(s) and associated with discounted interchange fee(s). Discounted interchange fee(s) may incentivize reduced cost(s) of acceptance imposed on merchant(s) by acquirer(s). The reward options may be selected to drive incremental sales to participating merchant(s).

Abstract: A merchant point-of-sale (“POS”) system architecture is provided. Systems and methods are provided for enabling free form rewards in a custom rewards transaction at a POS terminal. A custom rewards transaction may be a transaction in which a customer opts-in to a merchant-funded rewards (“MFR”) program. The merchant may offer rewards in the MFR program based on location and customer data. The merchant may offer rewards that promote customer behaviors that are advantageous to the merchant. Opting-in to the MFR program may terminate the customer's default enrollment in a conventional issuer-bank funded rewards program.

Abstract: A merchant point-of-sale (“POS”) system architecture is provided. The POS system architecture may include a POS terminal including a POS receiver, a virtual display and a transmitter, and a transaction processing network including a network receiver and processor. The network receiver may be configured to receive a payment authorization request. The virtual display may be configured to display selectable options. The options may be displayed prior to processing the payment authorization request. The selectable options may include a first and second option. The first option may be to apply a merchant-funded rewards program network to the payment authorization request. The second option may be to continue to apply the default issuer funded rewards program network to the payment authorization request. When the first option is selected, a processor may be configured to terminate the issuer funded reward program network and activate the merchant-funded rewards program network.

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 merchant point-of-sale (“POS”) system architecture is provided. Systems and methods are provided for enabling merchant funded rewards at a POS terminal. Systems and methods are provided for tracking customer activity and determining an appropriate merchant funded reward. The POS terminal may determine an appropriate merchant, funded reward based on location and historical customer transaction data. The merchant may offer a custom reward that promotes customer behaviors that are advantageous to the merchant and other transaction participants. A merchant funded rewards program may be configured to drive incremental sales to merchants that participate in the program.