The invention relates to an improved system, device and method for optimized, high volume cleaning of pans, related brush modules, and methods of operating and processing same A pan cleaning system having one or more modular swing arms for cleaning a flow of pans is provided. The system having a frame with a mounting point for each of the modular swing arms and the swing arm pivots about a pivoting element freely motivated by a swing arm actuator and controlled with a swing arm limiter coupled to one or more controllers. The modular swing arm is positioned by the one or more controllers by activating the swing arm actuator to position and to engage a dirty pan from the flow of pans at a pressure range exerted by the actuator and limited by the swing arm limiter such that the pan is cleaned. On one of the modular swing arms, a cleaning module mounting a staggered set of two or more brush heads is provided in offset rows provides overlap during cleaning to overcome compression issues in the brush heads during movement of the pan. Each of the brush heads also having bristles specifically spaced and angled so that they provide consistent contact without laying over one another when compression does occur. Each of the brush heads also rotating so that the rotational moments of each of the brush heads in the two or more brush heads is offset by the equal or paired rotating brush heads. Finally, the controller is provided so that it can sense numerous conditions in the cleaning process, including things like pan height, pan type, the amount of contaminants on the pan, the size of the pan, how much agitation or pressure to apply to the pan, when the pan is passing the cleaning module, whether a jam may be occurring under the module, and similar variables during the cleaning process.

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.

The invention is directed to an improved pan cleaning machine that has a cleaning section that comprises a plurality of frames for mounting a sequence of interchangeable modular cleaning mechanisms. It can include quick-release mounting arrangements so that cleaning mechanisms can be quickly changed for cleaning different types of pans or to replace brushes or other wearing parts of cleaning mechanisms when they require replacement. In some embodiments, the frames for mounting the cleaning mechanisms can comprise swing arms so that the cleaning mechanisms can be swung away from the cleaning position so that the cleaning mechanism can be removed and replaced without interrupting the operation of the machine. If the machine is stopped, the swing arm can still be used to facilitate access to the cleaning mechanism to reduce the time needed to complete the maintenance or replacement. This also allows the position of the cleaning mechanism in relation to the baking pans to be adjustable during the cleaning process which can permit increased application of brushing forces or prevent overloading and also permits easy jam removal. In addition, the swing arm makes the pan cleaning machine more adaptable for cleaning pans with different depths and customizable. A method of operation and control, including pre-programmed cleaning cycles and various control paradigms is also provided.

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.

A commercial baking dry pan cleaning system is provided having a support frame with one or more modular swing arms mounted thereto. One or more controllers is provided to control the one or more modular swing arms. One or more unclean pan conveyors provides a stream of unclean baking pans to the system. The controller engages one or more actuators to operate the one or more modular swing arms which swing around one or more pivot points to swing a cleaning subsystem or module into contact with the unclean stream of pans. A position limiter is coupled to each of the swing arms to set an initial operating position. The limiter communicates with the controllers. The cleaning subsystem is swung into position on the modular swing arm to engage the unclean pan. The controllers are adapted to sense and control a pressure exerted by the cleaning subsystems on the pan and maintain pressure within a pressure range. The controller whilst sensing the pressure exerted on the pan can also sense certain error conditions thereby disengage the pan if the sense pressures are outside of ranges.

An example soaker sink may include a sink basin that receives wash items therein and defines an inlet opening. The soaker sink may further include a manifold that defines an inlet opening, an interior that receives a fluid flow input via the inlet opening, and a plurality of outlets. The outlets may permit discharge of fluid from the interior of the manifold to the sink basin and may include at least a first outlet and may further include a common outlet dimension. The soaker sink may further include a pump fluidically coupled with the inlet opening of the sink basin and the inlet opening of the manifold to recirculate fluid from the sink basin to the manifold. A flow restrictor may be removably coupled with the first outlet and may be configured to modify a flow rate of the fluid discharged via the first outlet.

A warewash machine includes a housing at least in part defining a treatment chamber having an access opening, a hood mounted for movement between a closed position for washing and an open position for inlet and outlet of wares through the access opening, at least one nozzle for emitting liquid into the treatment chamber, and a rack track positioned within the treatment chamber for having a dish rack rest thereon. A tray support is mounted for movement relative to the rack track between a lowered position and a raised position, in the lowered position the tray support is at or below a rack support plane defined by the rack track, in the raised position at least part of the tray support is located above the rack support plane. The rack track may be a wire or rod form frame configuration with the tray support mounted thereto.

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.