Method and apparatus for cooking and dispensing starch

A method and apparatus for cooking a single batch of starch solution and dispensing the solution to a commercial laundry machine utilizes a single batch reservoir. The reservoir is substantially filled with water, the water in the reservoir agitated while adding dry starch to form a starch suspension. The starch suspension is heated to cook the starch to form a starch solution. The entire batch of starch solution is dispensed to a commercial laundry machine while water is sprayed into the reservoir to clean residual starch from the reservoir.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooking single 
batches of starch and completely dispensing each single batch in a single 
discharge to one or more commercial laundry machines as needed. 
2. Description of Related Art 
In most modern commercial laundries, starch is added to the commercial 
laundry machines either by adding a precooked dry starch or a liquid 
synthetic starch directly to the machines as needed. Both precooked and 
synthetic starch are significantly more expensive than uncooked starch, 
which is sometimes referred to as "pearl starch". Additionally, precooked 
starch frequently does not dissolve completely leaving starch specks on 
the garments as well as causing starch build-up on the press heads when 
the garments are pressed. To avoid the expense of precooked starch some 
commercial laundries add uncooked starch directly to the laundry machines. 
The uncooked starch is later cooked when the garment is pressed. Although 
this method reduces starch costs, it causes starch buildup on the press 
heads and results in uneven starching of the garments. 
To reduce the costs of using precooked dry starch or synthetic starch and 
to avoid the problems with using uncooked starch, some commercial 
laundries use existing starch cookers in which a large vat of starch 
solution is cooked and then drawn from the vat manually. Some examples of 
existing starch cookers can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 2,253,262 to Bierly, 
U.S. Pat No. 1,418,320 to Miller, or U.S. Pat. No. 1,190,690 to Tyler. 
The problems of existing starch cookers include insufficient agitation 
resulting in lumpy starch, inferior starching and starch build-up on press 
heads; overcooking the starch resulting in inferior starching of the 
garments; fouling of unused starch and employee dangers from the manual 
transfer of hot starch solution from the starch cooker to the laundry 
machine. These problems were first addressed by the single-batch starch 
cooking and dispensing apparatus described in the application to which 
this application relates--application Ser. No. 08/192,559. A method and 
additional refinements and improvements are disclosed herein. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is a first object of the present invention to provide a method and 
apparatus for use in commercial laundries that cooks single batches of 
starch so that all of the starch in each batch is discharged in a single 
discharge which may be to one or more laundry machines. 
It is a second object of the present invention to provide a method and 
apparatus that includes means for agitating the starch solution that 
minimizes or eliminates the formation of lumps while being economical to 
manufacture and operate. 
It is a third object of the present invention to provide a starch cooking 
and dispensing apparatus that is self-cleaning. 
It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a starch cooking 
and dispensing apparatus that is economical because it allows commercial 
laundries to use uncooked ("pearl") starch and eliminates or nearly 
eliminates any waste of starch. 
The foregoing objects and other objectives, features and advantages of the 
invention will be more readily understood from the following brief summary 
of the invention and the detailed description of preferred embodiments set 
forth below. 
The present invention relates to a commercial starch cooking and dispensing 
apparatus comprising a reservoir having capacity for holding a single 
batch of starch solution; means for substantially filling the reservoir 
with water; means for agitating the water in the reservoir; means for 
dispensing dry starch into the water in the reservoir to form a starch 
suspension; means for heating the starch suspension to dissolve the starch 
to create a starch solution; and means for dispensing the starch solution 
from the reservoir into the commercial laundry machine. The apparatus may 
be cleaned after each batch of starch is dispensed by permitting clean 
water to wash through the reservoir and other parts of the apparatus as 
the starch solution is being dispensed. 
The present invention also relates to a method of cooking and dispensing 
single batches of starch solution including the steps of filling a 
reservoir substantially full with water; agitating the water in the 
reservoir; dispensing dry starch into the water in the reservoir to form a 
starch suspension; heating the starch suspension to dissolve the starch to 
create a batch of starch solution; discharging the entire batch of starch 
solution in a single discharge to the laundry machine; and cleaning the 
starch solution from the reservoir.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
The preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to 
the FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, wherein like numbers represent like 
parts. 
As depicted in the drawings, starch cooking and dispensing apparatus 1 
comprises reservoir 2, which may be of any suitable shape having capacity 
for holding a single batch of starch solution. Reservoir 2 is shown in 
FIG. 1 as a cylindrical sheet metal tank having a bottom that is cone 
shaped with walls that converge toward drain 3 (also referred to as the 
reservoir discharge opening). Reservoir 2 may be cylindrical with a flat 
bottom having drain 3 on a sidewall of reservoir 2 as depicted in FIGS. 6 
and 7. Reservoir 2 may be open at the top; it may have loose-fitting, 
removable lid 4 as depicted in FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 7; or it may have inlet 
chute 14 as depicted in FIG. 5. Alternatively, reservoir 2 may have 
automatic powdered product dispenser 13 associated with it as depicted in 
FIG. 4. If reservoir 2 has loose-fitting lid 4, lid 4 has one or more 
holes that serve as vent holes to vent excess steam. In all embodiments of 
the invention, a vent for excess steam is provided. 
Means is provided for substantially filling reservoir 2 with water. The 
means for substantially filling reservoir 2 with water includes a source 
of water such as a municipal water supply line. As depicted in the 
drawings, the water source is connected to reservoir 2 by water supply 
conduit 5. Connected to water supply conduit 5 between the water source 
and reservoir 2 is water supply vane 6 which selectively opens to permit 
water to enter reservoir 2 or selectively closes to prevent the flow of 
water into reservoir 2. 
The means for substantially filling reservoir 2 with water further 
comprises means for opening water supply valve 6 when reservoir 2 is 
substantially empty and for closing water supply valve 6 when reservoir 2 
is substantially full. As depicted in the drawings, the means for 
selectively opening and closing water supply valve 6 comprises float 
device 7 and water supply solenoid 8. Float device 7 is associated with 
reservoir 2 for determining when reservoir 2 is substantially empty and 
when it is substantially full. Water supply solenoid 8 is an electrically 
energized solenoid responsive to float device 7 and connected to water 
supply valve 6. Water supply solenoid 8 opens water supply valve 6 when 
float device 7 determines that reservoir 2 is substantially empty and 
closes water supply valve 6 when float device 7 determines that reservoir 
2 is substantially full. 
Preferably, the means for selectively opening and closing water supply 
valve 6 comprises two electrical probes, not shown in the drawings, one of 
which is affixed to the top portion of reservoir 2 to detect when 
reservoir 2 is substantially full and one affixed to the bottom portion of 
reservoir 2 for detecting when reservoir 2 is substantially empty. When 
water entering reservoir 2 reaches the probe in the top portion of 
reservoir 2, a signal is sent to timing device 18 which in turn sends a 
signal to steam inlet solenoid 20 for opening steam inlet valve 20 for 
cooking the starch as discussed below. When reservoir 2 is substantially 
empty, the probe in the bottom portion of reservoir 2 sends a signal to 
timing device 18 which in turn sends a signal to water supply solenoid 8 
for opening water supply valve 6. Preferably, the probes are affixed to 
reservoir 2 with what is commonly referred to as "JB welds." 
Timing device 18 preferably comprises a microprocessor and a plurality of 
relays. The microprocessor measures time, receives and processes signals 
from the commercial laundry machine, and communicates with the plurality 
of relays for controlling one or more functions of starch cooking and 
dispensing apparatus 1. Such microprocessor timing devices are well known 
and readily available from companies such as Knight Equipment Corporation, 
2945 Airway Ave., Costa Mesa, Calif., Nova Controls, 2121 Delaware Ave., 
Santa Cruz, Calif., Electronic Power Designs, 662 Myrtle Ave., Boonton, 
N.J., and others. Preferably, the microprocessor is custom designed 
specifically for a particular commercial laundry's needs. Such custom 
microprocessor controls are readily available from companies such as 
Knight Equipment Corporation. 
As depicted in the drawings, the means for substantially filling reservoir 
2 with water may further comprise sprayer 9 inside reservoir 2 and in 
fluid flow communication with water supply conduit 5. Sprayer 9 sprays 
water so as to wash the interior walls of reservoir 2 when water enters. 
As depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, sprayer 9 may be a circular conduit 
having a plurality of pores along its perimeter through which water flows 
causing a spray of water. Sprayer 9 may be supported by sprayer supports 
15 attached to reservoir 2. Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 3, sprayer 
9 may be two sprayer heads each at opposite sides of reservoir 2 and 
positioned so that the water spraying from the heads contacts a maximum 
area of the interior walls of reservoir 2. A splatter shield, not depicted 
in the drawings, may be provided above the sprayer to prevent starch 
buildup where water is not sprayed. 
Starch cooking and dispensing apparatus 1 further comprises means for 
agitating the water to minimize the formation of lumps. The means for 
agitating the water in reservoir 2 may comprise a cyclically movable 
stirring device projecting into reservoir 2 and means for cyclically 
moving the stirring device to agitate the water. As depicted in FIGS. 1 
and 6, the cyclically movable stirring device comprises rotatable shaft 10 
extending through drain 3 and propeller 11 attached to shaft 10 for 
agitating the water when rotated by shaft 10. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 
6, the means for cyclically moving the stirring device may comprise 
electric motor 12 for rotating shaft 10 and propeller 11. Electric motor 
12 may be controlled by timing device 18 which is in electrical 
communication with the commercial laundry machine into which the starch 
solution will ultimately be dispensed. After timing device 18 receives a 
signal from the commercial laundry machine, it relays that signal to 
electric motor 12 causing electric motor 12 to start. 
Preferably, electric motor 12 is operating during all times that the 
apparatus is in operation. For example, in the preferred embodiment 
depicted in FIG. 7, electric motor 12 is activated as long as the 
apparatus is in use so that centrifugal pump 21 is either operating to 
recirculate fluid through recirculation conduit 37 or to discharge starch 
solution through discharge conduit 25. 
The configuration shown in FIG. 6, having shaft 10 entering reservoir 2 
substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls of reservoir 2, is preferable 
in that this configuration minimizes the possibility of starch build-up at 
the base of shaft 10. Such starch build-up may stall electric motor 12 
damaging the motor. 
Another alternative to minimize the build-up of starch that may damage 
electric motor 12 is the configuration shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 
7, the means for agitating the water comprises recirculation conduit 37 
extending from the bottom portion of reservoir 2 to the top portion of the 
reservoir. Fluid from reservoir 2 is recirculated through recirculation 
conduit 37 from the bottom portion of reservoir 2 to the top portion of 
the reservoir. 
Flow through recirculation conduit 37 may be controlled by recirculation 
valve 38, through recirculation solenoid 39. For agitation, recirculation 
valve 38 is selectively open to permit flow through recirculation conduit 
37 while discharge valve 26 is selectively closed to prevent flow through 
discharge conduit 25. To minimize sticking due to starch buildup, both 
recirculation valve 38 and discharge valve 26 are preferably gate valves. 
Both discharge valves 26 and recirculation valve 38 are preferably 
controlled through solenoids by timing device 18. Preferably, fluid is 
pumped through both recirculation conduit 37 and discharge conduit 25 by a 
single pump such as centrifugal pump 21 shown in FIG.7. 
Recirculation valve 38 and discharge valve 26 may be replaced by a single 
three-way valve, not shown in the drawings. While the recirculation means 
is operating, the three-way valve would be selectively open to permit 
fluid to flow through recirculation conduit 37 while being selectively 
closed to prevent fluid from flowing through discharge conduit 25. While 
the discharge means is operating, the three-way valve would be selectively 
open to permit fluid to flow through discharge conduit 25 while being 
selectively closed to prevent fluid from flowing through recirculation 
conduit 37. While the cleaning means is operating, the three-way valve may 
be selectively open to permit fluid to flow simultaneously through both 
discharge conduit 25 and recirculation conduit 37. 
Starch cooking and dispensing apparatus 1 further provides a means for 
dispensing dry starch into the water in reservoir 2 to form a starch 
suspension. To prevent the formation of lumps, starch is preferably added 
to the water in reservoir 2 either simultaneously or shortly after the 
means for agitating the water has been activated so that the water is 
being agitated as the dry starch is added. The dry starch that is used is 
an uncooked ("pearl") starch. 
The means for dispensing dry starch into the water in reservoir 2 may be 
the manual addition of a premeasured quantity of dry starch directly into 
the water in reservoir 2. Alternatively, means for dispensing dry starch 
into reservoir 2 comprises the manual addition of dry starch into inlet 
chute 14 attached to the reservoir as shown in FIG. 5. The chute may 
further comprise a door (not shown in the drawings) hingedly connected to 
inlet chute 14 for temporarily closing inlet chute 14 when dry starch is 
not being dispensed. 
Preferably, as depicted in FIG. 4 the means for dispensing dry starch into 
the water in reservoir 2 comprises powdered product dispenser 13 
associated with the reservoir for automatically dispensing dry starch into 
the reservoir when a batch of starch solution is required. Such automatic 
powdered product dispensers are readily available commercially. Powdered 
product dispenser 13 may be controlled by timing device 18. When timing 
device 18 receives a signal from the commercial laundry machine, it relays 
that signal to powdered product dispenser 13 causing starch to be 
dispensed into the water in reservoir 2. 
An example of an automatic powdered product dispenser is depicted in FIG. 
4. As depicted in FIG. 4, powdered product dispenser 13 may comprise dry 
starch 4 reservoir 29 which is connected to reservoir 2 by dry starch 
inlet chute 30. Dry starch is dispensed by the rotating motion of 
screw-action dispenser 32 which is rotated by dry starch motor 33 through 
the use of gears 34 and 35. Dry starch propeller 31 is connected to and 
rotates with screw-action dispenser 32 for mixing the dry starch as it is 
dispensed to minimize caking. Preferably, powdered product dispenser 13 
further comprises dry starch solenoid 36 which is an electrically 
energized solenoid responsive to timing device 18 and connected to dry 
starch motor 33. Dry starch solenoid 36 starts dry starch motor 33 when it 
receives a signal from timing device 18 in response to the signal received 
by timing device 18 from the commercial laundry machine. Timing device 18 
measures the time required for the desired amount of dry starch to be 
dispensed into reservoir 2 and, at the end of the required time, signals 
dry starch solenoid 36 which then stops dry starch motor 33. 
Starch cooking and dispensing apparatus 1 further comprises means for 
heating the starch suspension to dissolve the starch to create a starch 
solution. This process of dissolving the starch, referred to in the 
laundry trade as "cooking" the starch, changes the milky, partially opaque 
starch suspension into a clear or nearly clear starch solution. As 
depicted in FIG. 1, the means for heating the starch suspension comprises 
a source of steam, steam inlet conduit 16 connecting reservoir 2 with the 
steam source, and steam inlet valve 17 connected to steam inlet conduit 16 
for selectively opening to permit steam to flow into the starch suspension 
or closing to prevent the flow of steam into the starch suspension. 
Preferably, the means for heating the starch suspension further comprises 
timing device 18, thermostat 19, and steam inlet solenoid 20. Timing 
device 18, which is preferably a microprocessor, is associated with starch 
cooking and dispensing apparatus 1 for measuring the length of time the 
dry starch has been mixed with the water to form a starch suspension. 
After the water has begun agitating in reservoir 2 and the dry starch 
added, the starch should be agitated with the water for about 5-15 seconds 
before steam inlet valve 17 opens to permit the flow of steam into the 
suspension. Thermostat 19 is associated with starch cooking and dispensing 
apparatus 1 for determining when the heated starch solution has reached a 
predetermined temperature which should be approximately 180.degree. to 
195.degree. F. for cooking the starch and changing the starch suspension 
to a starch solution. Steam inlet solenoid 20 is an electrically energized 
solenoid connected to steam inlet vane 17 and responsive to timing device 
18 and thermostat 19 for opening steam inlet valve 17 when timing device 
18 signals the end of a predetermined starch suspension mix time period, 
and for closing steam inlet vane 17 when thermostat 19 determines that the 
heated starch solution has reached the predetermined temperature of 
approximately 180.degree. to 195.degree. F. Thermostat 19 is preferably 
affixed to reservoir 2 with what is commonly referred to as a "JB weld." 
Preferably, a filtering device, not shown in the drawings, is included in 
the steam line before steam inlet valve 17 to filter out slag and other 
debris that might cause steam inlet valve 17 to malfunction. Additionally, 
to prevent sticking of steam inlet valve 17 and to permit faster cooking 
of the starch, it is preferable to use steam at approximately 125 PSI. 
Preferably, steam inlet conduit 16 is connected to steam diffusion head 28 
on the inside of reservoir 2 so that all the steam entering the starch 
suspension/solution is diffused first through steam diffusion head 28. As 
shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, steam diffusion head 28 may be a circular 
conduit, like sprayer 9 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, having a plurality of 
pores through which the steam passes. 
Starch cooking and dispensing apparatus 1 further comprises means for 
dispensing the cooked starch solution from reservoir 2 to the commercial 
laundry machine. The means for dispensing the cooked starch solution may 
comprise pumping means that may include electrically-driven, centrifugal 
pump 21 having pump inlet 22 and pump outlet 23. Pump inlet 22 is 
connected to drain 3 by pump inlet conduit 24. Pump outlet 23 is connected 
to the commercial laundry machine by discharge conduit 25. Discharge valve 
26 is connected to discharge conduit 25 selectively opening to permit the 
starch solution to flow from the pump to the commercial laundry machine or 
closing to prevent the starch solution from flowing from the pump to the 
commercial laundry machine. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, pump 21 may be driven by the same electric motor 
12 that moves rotatable shaft 10 and propeller 11. In that case, rotatable 
shaft 10 is connected, for example by welding, to the top of the impellers 
for pump 21 which is a centrifugal pump. As in FIG. 7, where the agitation 
means utilizes recirculation conduit 37, pump 21 used for discharging the 
cooked starch solution may also be used for recirculating the starch for 
agitation. Recirculation valve 38 may selectively open to permit fluid to 
flow through recirculation conduit 37 while discharge valve 26 is 
selectively closed to prevent fluid from flowing through discharge conduit 
25. During discharge, discharge valve 26 is selectively open to permit 
fluid to flow through discharge conduit 25 while recirculation valve 38 is 
selectively closed to prevent fluid from flowing through recirculation 
conduit 37. For cleaning, discharge valve 26 may be selectively open to 
permit fluid to flow through discharge conduit 25 while recirculation 
valve 38 is also selectively open to permit fluid to flow through 
recirculation conduit 37. Alternatively, discharge valve 26 may be a 
three-way valve as discussed above. 
Discharge valve 26 may be operated manually. The operator may open 
discharge valve 26 when the operator determines that the temperature of 
the starch solution has reached the desired temperature between 
180.degree. and 195.degree. F. or when starch is required by the 
commercial laundry machine and close discharge valve 26 after the starch 
solution has discharged. Preferably, discharge valve 26 remains open for a 
premeasured time after the discharge of the starch solution so that water 
from water supply conduit 5 continues to enter through sprayer 9 to clean 
reservoir 2 while the starch solution is being discharged and for a short 
time after the solution has been discharged so that sufficient clean water 
passes through discharge conduit 25 to clean all parts of starch cooking 
and dispensing apparatus 1 between water supply conduit 5 and the 
commercial laundry machine. 
Preferably, the means for discharging the cooked starch solution from 
reservoir 2 into the commercial laundry machine further comprises timing 
device 18, thermostat 19 and means for opening discharge valve 26 when the 
starch solution has reached a certain temperature, preferably between 
180.degree. to 195.degree. F., and for closing discharge valve 26 after 
discharge valve 26 has been open for a predetermined period of time. The 
predetermined period of time is calculated based on the length of time 
required for the starch solution in reservoir 2 to discharge through 
discharge valve 26 plus an additional period of time for permitting clean 
water to flow through starch cooking and dispensing apparatus 1 to clean 
it. The means for opening and closing discharge valve 26 may include pump 
discharge solenoid 27. Pump discharge solenoid 27 is an electrically 
energized solenoid connected to discharge valve 26 and responsive to 
thermostat 19 for opening discharge valve 26 when the temperature of the 
starch solution reaches a predetermined temperature and responsive to 
timing device 18 for closing discharge valve 26 when timing device 18 
signals that the discharge valve has been open for a predetermined period 
of time. 
Alternatively, the means for dispensing the cooked starch solution from 
reservoir 2 into the commercial laundry machine further comprises only 
timing device 18 and means for opening discharge valve 26 when the 
commercial laundry machine has signaled for the discharge of the starch 
solution and for closing discharge valve 26 after discharge valve 26 has 
been open for a predetermined period of time sufficient to discharge the 
starch solution and to rinse clean the apparatus. The means for opening 
and closing discharge valve 26 may include pump discharge solenoid 27. 
Pump discharge solenoid 27 is an electrically energized solenoid connected 
to discharge valve 26 and responsive to timing device 18 for opening 
discharge valve 26 after timing device 18 has received a signal from the 
commercial laundry machine calling for the starch discharge and responsive 
to timing device 18 for closing discharge valve 26 when the timing device 
signals that the discharge valve has been open for a predetermined period 
of time sufficient to permit the starch solution to be discharged and 
further permit the apparatus to be rinsed by clean water. In this 
alternative, timing device 18 includes a microprocessor and a plurality of 
relays. The microprocessor measures time, receives and processes signals 
from the commercial laundry machine, and communicates with the plurality 
of relays for controlling one or more functions of starch cooking and 
dispensing apparatus 1. 
Where agitation includes recirculation conduit 37, as depicted in FIG. 7, 
valve 26 may be selectively open permitting water to flow through both the 
discharge conduit and the recirculation conduit simultaneously after the 
batch of starch solution is substantially discharged to permit rinse water 
to clean residual starch from both the discharge conduit and the 
recirculation conduit. In this configuration, the discharge means 
continues operating for a predetermined time after the starch solution is 
substantially discharged. At the same time that the filling means begins 
to operate, valve 26 selectively opens to permit flow simultaneously 
through both recirculation conduit 37 and discharge conduit 25 to rinse 
therefrom the residual starch. As with other configurations of the 
invention, valve 26 is preferably controlled by timing device 18, as 
discussed above. 
The apparatus of the invention is designed for cooking and dispensing 
consecutive single batches of starch. In the preferred mode of operation 
using the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, motor 12 is operating at all times 
that the apparatus is operating. When reservoir 2 is substantially filled 
with water, the probe in the top portion of reservoir 2, not shown in the 
drawings, signals timing device 18, a microprocessor timing device, which 
sends a signal to recirculation solenoid 39 which opens recirculation 
valve 38 so that fluid is pumped by centrifugal pump 21 through 
recirculation conduit 37. 
At approximately the same time, timing device 18 sends a signal to powdered 
product dispense 13 which dispenses dry starch into reservoir 2. After a 
time delay sufficient for mixing the dry starch with water to form a 
starch suspension, timing device 18 sends a signal to steam inlet solenoid 
20 which opens steam inlet valve 17 so that steam enters reservoir 2 to 
cook the starch. When the temperature reaches the optimal temperature, 
thermostat 19 sends a signal to timing device 18 which, in turn, sends a 
signal to recirculation solenoid 39 for closing recirculation valve 38 a 
also sends a signal to discharge solenoid 27 for opening discharge valve 
26. The entire batch of starch solution is discharged through discharge 
conduit 25 to the commercial laundry machine. 
When the probe at the bottom portion of reservoir 2 detects that reservoir 
2 is substantially empty, the probe sends a signal to water supply 
solenoid 8 for opening water supply valve 6 causing water to be sprayed 
into reservoir 2 to clean it. AT the same time that a signal is sent to 
open water supply valve 6, a signal may be sent to open recirculation 
valve 38 for cleaning. After discharge valve 26 has been open for a 
predetermined time following discharge of the starch solution, timing 
device 18 sends a signal to discharge solenoid 27 for closing discharge 
valve 26 while recirculation valve 38 remains selectively open to permit 
flow through recirculation conduit 37 which begins the agitation. Starch 
is then dispensed into reservoir 2 and, after a predetermined time for 
agitation, the heating means begins and the cycle continues. 
According to the invention, a method of cooking and dispensing consecutive 
single batches of starch solution is presented whereby reservoir 2 is 
substantially filled with water. Agitation begins and dry starch is 
dispensed into reservoir 2 to form a starch suspension. Agitation 
continues while the starch is heated to form a single batch of starch 
solution. The entire batch of starch solution is discharged in one 
discharge to one or more commercial laundry machines. If the starch is to 
be dispensed simultaneously to more than one commercial laundry machine, 
the machines must be synchronized so that they all are on the cycle that 
calls for starch at the time the starch is discharged. When substantially 
all the starch is discharged, the cleaning step begins whereby residual 
starch is rinsed from the reservoir. 
The agitation step may be accomplished by rotation of propeller 11 or may 
comprise recirculating water and starch through the reservoir by means of 
recirculating conduit 37. The cleaning step may comprise spraying water 
into reservoir 2 while the discharge means is continuing to operate so as 
to flush residual starch from reservoir 2 through discharge conduit 25 and 
into the commercial laundry machine. 
If the agitation step is accomplished by recirculating the starch and 
water, then the cleaning step may include operating the recirculating 
means while water is sprayed into reservoir 2 and being discharged so as 
to rinse residual starch from recirculation conduit 37. After rinsing, 
discharge valve 26 selectively closes to prevent fluid from flowing 
through discharge conduit 25. The water spray into reservoir 2 continues 
and fills reservoir 2 to begin preparation of another batch of starch. 
While it is preferable that the cleaning or rinsing step be included after 
the preparation of each single batch of starch, it may be performed only 
after discharge of a predetermined number of batches, or as needed. 
Preferably, the cleaning step will be performed at the end of each day to 
prevent fouling of the starch. 
Starch cooking and dispensing apparatus 1 may have an insulating jacket 
(not shown in the drawings) wrapped around reservoir 2 to prevent heat 
loss and to muffle the sounds that may be made by the operation of the 
apparatus. 
Although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to 
preferred embodiments, various changes and modifications which are obvious 
to a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed 
to lie within the spirit and scope of the invention.