Abstract: A system and method for cleaning steam generators is disclosed as comprising a housing disposed within the steam generator, a cartridge removably disposed within the housing, deliming crystals disposed within the cartridge, a water inlet port fluidically connected to the housing for permitting water to enter the housing and the cartridge so as to mix with the deliming crystals so as to form a deliming crystalline solution, a water exit port fluidically connected to the housing for permitting the deliming crystalline solution to flow out from the housing, and a control system operatively connected to the housing and to the source of water so as to control water fill and drain cycles throughout the steam generator so as to permit the deliming crystalline solution to flow through the steam generator, delime the valves, valve seats, and water fill probes, and be drained out from the steam generator upon completion of the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for the detection and quantification of food products disposed within a food warming drawer or food storage container is disclosed and comprises an electrically grounded metal plate, and a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of capacitive sensing pads disposed thereon and which effectively serve as capacitive sensors capable of detecting and measuring the capacitance of an object in proximity to it. The system, in conjunction with known detection circuitry, outputs or generates digital number signals which are indicative of the capacitance of the items or food products disposed within the food warming drawer or storage container. The system can therefore be utilized to detect the presence and number of food items disposed within the food warming drawer or container, as well as whether or not the food items are disposed within a vertically stacked array or disposed in a side-by-side array.