Apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machine for washing articles
AssigneeHoneywell Inc.
InventorsTimothy K. Erickson, Gary R. O'Brien, Ian F. Reeve
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A machine for washing articles is provided with a wash process sensor that is capable of measuring a plurality of physical parameters that relate to the progress of a washing procedure. The wash process sensor also monitors the changes in the measured parameters and calculates a value that represents the degree of cleanliness or dirtiness of the articles being washed. In one embodiment, the wash process sensor also directly controls a plurality of devices, such as motors, heaters, dispensers and valves, to directly control the washing process.
Claims20
An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machine for washing articles, comprising:
- means for measuring a plurality of physical parameters that relate to the progress of washing said articles;
- means, connected in signal communication with said measuring means, for monitoring changes in the magnitude of said plurality of physical parameters over time to determine said progress of washing said articles;
- means, connected in signal communication with said monitoring means, for calculating a value as a function of said changes and of said physical parameters which is representative of the state of cleanliness of said articles;
- a sensor housing structure, said measuring, monitoring and calculating means being contained within said sensor housing structure;
- and
- means, connected in signal communication with said calculating means, for controlling a plurality of devices that affect the operation of said machine for washing articles.
An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machine for washing articles, comprising:
- means for measuring a plurality of physical parameters that relate to the progress of washing said articles;
- means, connected in signal communication with said measuring means, for monitoring changes in the magnitude of said plurality of physical parameters over time to determine said progress of washing said articles;
- means, connected in signal communication with said monitoring means, for calculating a value as a function of said changes and of said physical parameters which is representative of the state of cleanliness of said articles;
- a sensor housing structure, said measuring, monitoring and calculating means being contained within said sensor housing structure;
- and
- means, connected in signal communication with said calculating means, for controlling a plurality of devices that affect the operation of said machine for washing articles, said controlling means is contained within said sensor housing structure with said measuring, monitoring and calculating means.
An apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a machine for washing articles, comprising:
- means for measuring a plurality of physical parameters that relate to the progress of washing said articles;
- means, connected in signal communication with said measuring means, for monitoring changes in the magnitude of said plurality of physical parameters over time to determine said progress of washing said articles, said monitoring means comprising a microcontroller, said calculating means comprises a microcontroller, said plurality of devices comprises a blower motor, a detergent dispenser, a pump motor, a rinse aid dispenser and a heating coil;
- means, connected in signal communication with said monitoring means, for calculating a value as a function of said changes and of said physical parameters which is representative of the state of cleanliness of said articles;
- a sensor housing structure, said measuring, monitoring and calculating means being contained within said sensor housing structure, said sensor housing structure being disposed within a pump housing of said machine for washing articles;
- and
- means, connected in signal communication with said calculating means, for controlling a plurality of devices that affect the operation of said machine for washing articles, said controlling means is contained within said sensor housing structure with said measuring, monitoring and calculating means, said plurality of physical parameters comprising turbidity, temperature and conductivity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.