Self-optimizing detergent controller for controlling variable additive concentration level in a warewashing machine
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling at least one variable additive concentration level in a warewashing machine, comprising:
- timer means for providing a clock signal;
input means for receiving input to identify at least one system parameter;
processing means, coupled to said timer means and said input means, for determining a first set-point value based on said clock signal and said system parameters and for generating a control signal to control said additive concentration level in response thereto; and
regulating means, coupled to said processing means, for regulating said additive concentration level based on said control signal from said processing means.
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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.
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Citations
35 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling at least one variable additive concentration level in a warewashing machine, comprising:
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timer means for providing a clock signal; input means for receiving input to identify at least one system parameter; processing means, coupled to said timer means and said input means, for determining a first set-point value based on said clock signal and said system parameters and for generating a control signal to control said additive concentration level in response thereto; and regulating means, coupled to said processing means, for regulating said additive concentration level based on said control signal from said processing means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for controlling at least one variable additive concentration level in a warewashing machine, comprising the steps of:
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providing a clock signal; inputting at least one system parameter; determining at least one set-point value based on said clock signal and said system parameters; generating a control signal to control said additive concentration level in response to at least one determined set-point value; and regulating said additive concentration level based on said control signal by controlling an amount of additive injected into said warewashing machine. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. An apparatus for controlling at least one variable additive concentration level in a machine, comprising:
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a clock for providing a timing signal; input means for entering at least one system parameter; processing means, coupled to said timer means and said input means, for determining at least one set-point value based on said system parameters and for generating a control signal to control said additive concentration level in response thereto; and regulating means, coupled to said processing means, for regulating said additive concentration level based on said control signal from said processing means. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification