Abstract:
A fluid screen for a washing machine, and a washing machine including a fluid screen, is provided. The fluid screen includes a generally planar member including a first end and a second end extending from the first end. The first end is mounted within the wash tank of the washing machine at a location generally in proximity to an operating fluid level within the wash tank. During operation of the washing machine, fluid circulates within the wash tank to create a rolling wash action and the second end of the fluid screen extends from the first end generally in the direction of fluid flow across the surface of the wash tank.
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 system and method in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which the silverware/flatware or other objects/parts are located. A cavity is filled with fluid, a mass of silverware or other parts is located within the cavity, generally an entire volume of fluid is pumped out of the cavity, and the pumped fluid is directed back into the cavity to create a generally continuous flow of generally an entire volume of fluid through the cavity.
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 washing machine and/or a fluid flow structure for a washing machine wash tank is provided. The wash tank is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall. The wash tank further includes at least one flow directional opening in at least one of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, the wash tank includes a plurality of flow directional openings positioned along one of the side walls of the wash tank. A fluid flow structure is located within said wash tank, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for said guide surface. The guide surface includes an expansion structure that is designed to counteract expansion of the guide surface that occurs during operation of the washing machine. In one embodiment the expansion structure is an expansion slot that engages a portion of the guide surface. As the guide surface expands the expansion slot is pressed against the portion of the guide surface, causing the expansion slot to expand into a relief area associated with the expansion slot at a location generally opposite of the portion of the guide surface.
Abstract:
A fluid pump volute offshoot system for debris diversion and collection, a solids collection system, and related methods, for a pot and pan, or other, similar, washing machine is provided.
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 washing machine and/or a fluid flow structure for a washing machine wash tank is provided. The wash tank is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall. The wash tank further includes at least one flow directional opening in at least one of the walls. In a preferred embodiment, the wash tank includes a plurality of flow directional openings positioned along one of the side walls of the wash tank. A fluid flow structure is located within said wash tank, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for said 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. In a preferred embodiment, the contour of the guide surface is generally curved. The contour of the guide surface aids 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 said guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank. The guide surface, support and/or associated gap at least partially isolates impacts, noise or other vibrations acting on the guide surface from acting on the walls of the washing machine wash tank. In a preferred embodiment, the guide surface and/or support includes multiple sections that fit within a wash tank and a divider member is at least primarily held in place between two adjacent sections of the guide surface and/or support.
Abstract:
An improved pot and pan washing machine is provided including a low suction intake manifold and a partition for capturing a substantial portion of the wash action of the washing machine within a segregated area. The intake manifold of the instant invention includes a plurality of voids having a void concentration that increases as the distance from the source of suction (such as a pump or intake inlet) increases. The partition (or divider) of the instant invention can be removed and repositioned within the wash tank through the use of channels along the walls of the wash tank that receive the partition.
Abstract:
A drain assembly is provided that eliminates the need for reconfiguring of existing plumbing during installation of a deep-sink assembly while maintaining a suitable working height. The drain assembly including a hollow body, a valve within the body and a mount to operably connect the valve within the hollow body. The hollow body includes an inlet, an outlet, and an inner wall positioned between the inlet and the outlet. A fluid path enters the inlet of the body in a first direction and is diverted to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction by the inner wall. The diverted fluid path exits the body moving in the second direction. The mount is located at least partially within the outlet.