A conveyor device includes: a first rotating body; a second rotating body; an endless belt entrained between the first rotating body and the second rotating body; and a plurality of engaging portions provided on a surface of the endless belt and engageable with the first plates. The conveyor device further includes: a first portion including the first rotating body and located mainly in water of the water tank; and a second portion including the second rotating body and located mainly above the water of the water tank. In the first portion, the endless belt is configured to move upward at a first angle with respect to a water surface of the water tank. In the second portion, the endless belt is configured to move upward at a second angle larger than the first angle with respect to the water surface of the water tank.

A method of operating a pan cleaning system is disclosed in which cleaning parameters are sensed to identify the type of pan being processed. Based on the identified type, a predetermined cleaning routine is automatically selected. Cleaning mechanisms are selectively activated and engaged with the pan, while non-selected mechanisms remain out of service. The system adjusts cleaning speed, motion, and spacing in response to the selected routine and real-time sensor data, including compensating for warped pans. The method further enables servicing of inactive cleaning mechanisms and control of actuation through swing-arm-mounted devices, improving efficiency, adaptability, and maintainability of the cleaning process and the system.

A method of operating a pan cleaning system is disclosed in which cleaning parameters are sensed to identify the type of pan being processed. Based on the identified type, a predetermined cleaning routine is automatically selected. Cleaning mechanisms are selectively activated and engaged with the pan, while non-selected mechanisms remain out of service. The system adjusts cleaning speed, motion, and spacing in response to the selected routine and real-time sensor data, including compensating for warped pans. The method further enables servicing of inactive cleaning mechanisms and control of actuation through swing-arm-mounted devices, improving efficiency, adaptability, and maintainability of the cleaning process and the system.

A pan cleaning machine includes a carriage-on-track conveyor system for transporting pans through a cleaning section in a tipped or inverted orientation. The cleaning section comprises modular cleaning mechanisms mounted on swing arms, which can be actuated and adjusted by a control system based on pan geometry and debris conditions. The cleaning mechanisms include quick-release brush units and air knives, enabling high-throughput, continuous cleaning with minimal downtime. Sensor input enables automated selection of cleaning routines, detection of unclean pans or warped conditions, and dynamic adjustments during cleaning. A method of continuous automated cleaning is also provided.

A pan cleaning machine includes a carriage-on-track conveyor system for transporting pans through a cleaning section in a tipped or inverted orientation. The cleaning section comprises modular cleaning mechanisms mounted on swing arms, which can be actuated and adjusted by a control system based on pan geometry and debris conditions. The cleaning mechanisms include quick-release brush units and air knives, enabling high-throughput, continuous cleaning with minimal downtime. Sensor input enables automated selection of cleaning routines, detection of unclean pans or warped conditions, and dynamic adjustments during cleaning. A method of continuous automated cleaning is also provided.