Smart rack and machine system

• US 6,463,940 B1
• Filed: 04/13/2000
• Issued: 10/15/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ecolab USA Incorporated (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
• Inventors: Demattia, David Neal, Copeland, James L., Thomas, John E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson, Frankie L.
• Application Number:
  US09/548,573
• Time in Patent Office: 915 Days
• Field of Search: 134/56.D, 134/57.D, 134/58.D, 134/113, 134/56.R, 134/57.R, 134/58.R, 222/23, 222/52, 700/90, 700/225, 700/242
• US Class Current: 134/56.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/0055 Metering or indication of used products, e.g. type or quantity of detergent, rinse aid or salt; for measuring or controlling the product concentration
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/006 using wireless communication between internal components of the machine
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/0076 of non-domestic use type, e.g. commercial dishwashers for bars, hotels, restaurants, canteens or hospitals machines specially adapted for drinking glasses A47L15/0065; drawer-type dishwashers A47L15/0084; in-sink dishwashers A47L15/0086; miniature dishwashers A47L15/0089; conveyor-type dishwashers A47L15/24; machines with crockery cleaned by brushes A47L15/37
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/501 Baskets, e.g. for conveyor-type, in-sink type or hood-type machines
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2401/04 Crockery or tableware details, e.g. material, quantity, condition
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/04 Water pressure or flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2501/07 Consumable products, e.g. detergent, rinse aids or salt

Abstract

A method and system provide an automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning various types of articles, wherein each type of article is detected and washed according to its own pre-determined combination. The cleaning apparatus has a storage device storing an array of pre-determined chemical combinations and cleaning parameters, including specifying cleaning chemicals to be used on the various identified article types. A transponder is provided with identifying information of the article type. A transceiver detects the type of article from the transponder and communicates that identifying information to a processor. Based on the detected identifier, the processor selects from the storage device the proper chemical combination and cleaning parameters for washing the identified type of article. A control device coupled to the processor delivers the chemicals specified by the selected chemical combination. Finally, a cleaning subsystem coupled to the processor cleans the articles using the delivered chemicals and other specified parameters.

Claims

1. An automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more articles associated with an identifier, the one or more articles being stored in a storage structure, the apparatus comprising:

a storage device storing an array of chemical combinations specifying cleaning chemicals usable in the automated cleaning apparatus;

a detector positioned to detect the identifier associated with the articles;

a processor coupled to the detector for selecting from the storage device a chemical combination for washing the articles based on the detected identifier and triggered by closing of a door of the automated cleaning apparatus through which the storage structure is received into the automated cleaning apparatus;

a control device coupled to the processor to deliver chemicals specified by the selected chemical combination; and

a cleaning subsystem coupled to the processor to clean the articles using the delivered chemicals.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detector includes a transceiver capable of detecting the identifier.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the identifier is stored in and transmitted from a programmable transponder.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the identifier is affixed to a rack carrying the one or more articles.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the identifier identifies a type of article associated with a common chemical combination.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein data, such as the type of article identified or time periods of usage of the automated cleaning apparatus, is tracked and reported in either a text or graphical format.

7. An automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more articles associated with an identifier, the apparatus comprising:

a storage device storing an array of chemical combinations specifying cleaning chemicals usable in the automated cleaning apparatus;

a detector positioned to detect the identifier associated with the articles;

a processor coupled to the detector for selecting from the storage device a chemical combination for washing the articles, based on the detected identifier;

a control device coupled to the processor to deliver chemicals specified by the selected chemical combination; and

a cleaning subsystem coupled to the processor to clean the articles using the delivered chemicals, wherein the chemical combinations stored in the storage device include further parameters specifying water type, water temperatures, cycle order, and duration of cycles.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein spray pressure of the chemical combination is a parameter found in the storage device.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the spray pressure is controlled by a manifold valve.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the spray pressure is controlled by a pump frequency setting.

11. An automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more articles associated with an identifier, the one or more articles being stored in a storage structure, the apparatus comprising:

a storage device storing an array of pre-determined parameters, wherein the pre-determined parameters include a water condition;

a detector positioned to detect the identifier associated with the articles; and

a processor coupled to the detector for selecting from the storage device a water condition for washing the articles based on the detected identifier and triggered by closing of a door of the automated cleaning apparatus through which the storage structure is received into the automated cleaning apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the selected water condition is a type of water to be applied to the articles.

13. An automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more articles associated with an identifier, the apparatus comprising:

a storage device storing an array of pre-determined parameters, wherein the pre-determined parameters include a water condition;

a detector positioned to detect the identifier associated with the articles; and

a processor coupled to the detector for selecting from the storage device a water condition for washing the articles, based on the detected identifier, wherein the water condition is a selected spray pressure controlled by a manifold valve.

14. An automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more articles associated with an identifier, the apparatus comprising:

a storage device storing an array of pre-determined parameters, wherein the pre-determined parameters include a water condition;

a detector positioned to detect the identifier associated with the articles; and

a processor coupled to the detector for selecting from the storage device a water condition for washing the articles, based on the detected identifier, wherein the selected water condition is a spray pressure controlled by a pump frequency setting.