Self-optimizing detergent controller for minimizing detergent set-point overshoot
US5556478A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F2105/42
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller. To achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot, the controller senses the detergent concentration and dispenses the proper detergent level to the warewashing machine according to a predetermined detergent feed time based on the previous response time and the programmed set-point. Thus, the controller can change the response function if and when conditions change.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.