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 method for implementing a pan oiling operation using a baking pan oiling device involves receiving, at a control unit, signals from a first sensor corresponding to a sensed presence and absence of movement of oil through an oil supply; receiving, by the control unit, signals from a second sensor corresponding to a sensed receipt of each of a plurality of baking pans at the baking pan oiling device; causing a nozzle coupled to the oil supply to deliver oil after sensing when the baking pans are received during the pan oiling operation such that the nozzle sprays the oil onto each of the plurality of baking pans; and evaluating the signals generated by the first and second sensor such that the control unit is configured to cause the nozzle to cease spraying in response to determining the absence of the movement of oil during the pan oiling operation.

A method for implementing a pan oiling operation using a baking pan oiling device involves receiving, at a control unit, signals from a first sensor corresponding to a sensed presence and absence of movement of oil through an oil supply; receiving, by the control unit, signals from a second sensor corresponding to a sensed receipt of each of a plurality of baking pans at the baking pan oiling device; causing a nozzle coupled to the oil supply to deliver oil after sensing when the baking pans are received during the pan oiling operation such that the nozzle sprays the oil onto each of the plurality of baking pans; and evaluating the signals generated by the first and second sensor such that the control unit is configured to cause the nozzle to cease spraying in response to determining the absence of the movement of oil during the pan oiling operation.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.