Self-optimizing detergent controller
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling variable detergent concentration levels in a warewashing machine, comprising:
- data entry means for entering a plurality of time settlings and detergent concentration set-point values corresponding thereto;
timer means for providing a real-time clock signal;
processing means for receiving the time settings, corresponding detergent concentration set-point values, and real-time clock signal, and for comparing the real-time clock signal with the time settings and outputting the corresponding detergent concentration set-point value;
sensor means for measuring a detergent concentration level of a wash tank solution;
controller means for receiving and comparing the outputted detergent concentration set-point value from the processing means and the measured detergent concentration level from the sensor means, and for generating a signal to control the detergent concentration level in the wash tank solution in response thereto; and
means for regulating a detergent feed on-time based on the comparison of the detergent concentration level to the detergent concentration set-point value.
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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. To achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot, the controller senses the detergent concentration and dispenses the proper detergent level to the warewashing machine according to a predetermined detergent feed time based on the previous response time and the programmed set-point. Thus, the controller can change the response function if and when conditions change.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling variable detergent concentration levels in a warewashing machine, comprising:
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data entry means for entering a plurality of time settlings and detergent concentration set-point values corresponding thereto; timer means for providing a real-time clock signal; processing means for receiving the time settings, corresponding detergent concentration set-point values, and real-time clock signal, and for comparing the real-time clock signal with the time settings and outputting the corresponding detergent concentration set-point value; sensor means for measuring a detergent concentration level of a wash tank solution; controller means for receiving and comparing the outputted detergent concentration set-point value from the processing means and the measured detergent concentration level from the sensor means, and for generating a signal to control the detergent concentration level in the wash tank solution in response thereto; and means for regulating a detergent feed on-time based on the comparison of the detergent concentration level to the detergent concentration set-point value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of varying detergent concentration levels in a warewashing machine, comprising the steps of:
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entering a plurality of time settings and detergent concentration set-point values corresponding thereto; providing a real-time clock signal; comparing the real-time clock signal with the time settings and outputting the corresponding detergent concentration set-point value; measuring a detergent concentration level of a wash tank solution; receiving and comparing the outputted detergent concentration set-point value and the measured detergent concentration level, and generating a signal to control the detergent concentration level in the wash tank solution in response thereto; and regulating a detergent feed on-time based on the comparison of the detergent concentration level to the detergent concentration set-point value. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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Specification