ON-DEMAND GLASSWASHER AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME

An on-demand glasswasher comprises a drive motor; a rotary conveyor connected to the drive motor; an ultrasonic sensor assembly positioned adjacent to the rotary conveyor; a microprocessor connected to the drive motor and the ultrasonic sensor assembly; and a memory device coupled to the microprocessor, the memory device storing processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the microprocessor, cause the microprocessor to receive, from the ultrasonic sensor assembly, ultrasonic signals; analyze the ultrasonic signals to detect the presence of one or more objects on the rotary conveyor; and responsive to detecting the presence of one or more objects on the rotary conveyor, perform operations to stop operation of the on-demand glasswasher.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an on-demand glasswasher and a method of operating the same.

BACKGROUND

On-demand glasswashers are used in commercial settings and may be continuously operated to wash glasses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In an aspect, there is provided an on-demand glasswasher comprising a drive motor; a rotary conveyor connected to the drive motor; an ultrasonic sensor assembly positioned adjacent to the rotary conveyor; a microprocessor connected to the drive motor and the ultrasonic sensor assembly; and a memory device coupled to the microprocessor, the memory device storing processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the microprocessor, cause the microprocessor to receive, from the ultrasonic sensor assembly, ultrasonic signals; analyze the ultrasonic signals to detect a presence of one or more objects on the rotary conveyor; and responsive to detecting the presence of one or more objects on the rotary conveyor, perform operations to stop operation of the glass-washer.

In one or more embodiments, responsive to detecting the presence of the one or more objects, the instructions, when executed by the microprocessor, further cause the microprocessor to receive, from the ultrasonic sensor assembly, additional ultrasonic signals; analyze the additional ultrasonic signals to detect removal of the one or more objects from the rotary conveyor; and; responsive to detecting removal of the one or more objects from the rotary conveyor, perform operations to start operation of the on-demand glass-washer.

In one or more embodiments, the ultrasonic sensor assembly includes a casing and an ultrasonic sensor positioned within the casing, the casing defining an opening that allows ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor to travel into the on-demand glasswasher.

In one or more embodiments, the casing includes a rounded surface that extends at least partially into the on-demand glasswasher, the rounded surface dimensioned to reduce or minimize a risk of the one or more objects falling over or being scratched when coming into contact therewith.

In one or more embodiments, the on-demand glasswasher further comprises a cylinder positioned within an opening defined in a center of the rotary conveyor, wherein at least a portion of the cylinder extends above a surface of the rotary conveyor, the cylinder reflecting ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor back towards the ultrasonic sensor when no objects are located on the rotary conveyor between the cylinder and the ultrasonic sensor.

In one or more embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic sensor is perpendicular to a tangential axis of the cylinder.

In one or more embodiments, the on-demand glasswasher further comprises a sanitary divider connected to a housing of the on-demand glasswasher at a location adjacent to the ultrasonic sensor assembly, the sanitary divider comprising a panel that extends into the housing to separate a load zone and a clean zone of the on-demand glasswasher.

In one or more embodiments, the sanitary divider comprises a hook dimensioned to connect to a portion of the housing.

In one or more embodiments, when detecting the presence of one or more objects, the instructions, when executed by the microprocessor, further cause the microprocessor to determine, based on the ultrasonic signals, a distance between the one or more objects and the ultrasonic sensor assembly; compare the distance to a known distance between a cylinder of the on-demand glasswasher and the ultrasonic sensor assembly; and determine the presence of the one or more objects when the distance between the one or more objects and the ultrasonic sensor assembly is less than the known distance between the cylinder of the on-demand glasswasher and the ultrasonic sensor assembly.

In one or more embodiments, an ultrasonic sensor of the ultrasonic sensor assembly emits the ultrasonic signals at a frequency of 200 kHz.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of operating an on-demand glasswasher, the method comprising receiving, from an ultrasonic sensor assembly, ultrasonic signals; analyzing the ultrasonic signals to detect the presence of one or more objects on a rotary conveyor; and responsive to detecting a presence of one or more objects on the rotary conveyor, performing operations to stop operation of the glass-washer.

In one or more embodiments, responsive to detecting the presence of the one or more objects, the method further comprises receiving, from the ultrasonic sensor assembly, additional ultrasonic signals; analyzing the additional ultrasonic signals to detect removal of the one or more objects from the rotary conveyor; and responsive to detecting removal of the one or more objects from the rotary conveyor, perform operations to start operation of the on-demand glass-washer.

In one or more embodiments, the ultrasonic sensor assembly includes a casing and an ultrasonic sensor positioned within the casing, the casing defining an opening that allows ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor to travel into the on-demand glasswasher.

In one or more embodiments, the casing includes a rounded surface that extends at least partially into the on-demand glasswasher, the rounded surface dimensioned to reduce or minimize a risk of the one or more objects falling over or being scratched when coming into contact therewith.

In one or more embodiments, the on-demand glasswasher further comprises a cylinder positioned within an opening defined in a center of the rotary conveyor, wherein at least a portion of the cylinder extends above a surface of the rotary conveyor, the cylinder reflecting ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor back towards the ultrasonic sensor when no objects are located on the rotary conveyor between the cylinder and the ultrasonic sensor.

In one or more embodiments, a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic sensor is perpendicular to a tangential axis of the cylinder.

In one or more embodiments, the on-demand glasswasher further comprises a sanitary divider connected to a housing of the on-demand glasswasher at a location adjacent to the ultrasonic sensor assembly, the sanitary divider comprising a panel that extends into the housing to separate a load zone and a clean zone of the on-demand glasswasher.

In one or more embodiments, the sanitary divider comprises a hook dimensioned to connect to a portion of the housing.

In one or more embodiments, when detecting the presence of one or more objects, the method further comprises determining, based on the ultrasonic signals, a distance between the one or more objects and the ultrasonic sensor assembly; comparing the distance to a known distance between a cylinder of the on-demand glasswasher and the ultrasonic sensor assembly; and determining the presence of the one or more objects when the distance between the one or more objects and the ultrasonic sensor assembly is less than the known distance between the cylinder of the on-demand glasswasher and the ultrasonic sensor assembly.

In one or more embodiments, an ultrasonic sensor of the ultrasonic sensor assembly emits the ultrasonic signals at a frequency of 200 kHz.

In the present application, the phrase “at least one of . . . and . . . ” is intended to cover any one or more of the listed elements, including any one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements, without necessarily excluding any additional elements, and without necessarily requiring all of the elements.

Turning toFIGS.1and2, an on-demand glasswasher is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral100. The on-demand glasswasher100includes a control system200(FIG.2), a wash system300(FIG.3), a rinse system400(FIG.4), a motor and conveyor system500(FIG.5andFIG.6), an ultrasonic sensor assembly700(FIG.7), a sanitary divider800(FIG.8), a cylinder900(FIG.9) and a housing110that houses the various components therein. The on-demand glasswasher100includes a rotary conveyor and is used to wash glasses such as for example glassware, drinkware, barware, wine glasses, etc. as they travel along the rotary conveyor.

The control system200includes at least a microprocessor and a memory device. The memory device is provided to store, amongst other things, instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the microprocessor to control operation of the on-demand glasswasher100and the various components thereof Example instructions will be described in more detail below.

The wash system300is shown inFIG.3. The wash system300includes a wash tank305, a heater310, a bi-metal safety315, a drain320, an ultrasonic water level sensor325, a thermistor330, a detergent dispenser335, an injector340, a pump345, upper wash arms350, lower wash arms355, a valve360, and a screen365.

The wash tank305receives water from water mains M via the valve360. Put another way, the valve360is connected to the water mains and is used to selectively fill the wash tank305with water from the water mains M. The valve360may be connected to and controlled by the control system200.

The heater310is located within the wash tank305and is configured to heat water stored in the wash tank305. The bi-metal safety315is connected to the heater310and is configured to monitor a temperature of the heater. In the event that the temperature of the heater310goes above a threshold temperature, the bi-metal safety315is configured to shut-off the heater. The heater310and/or the bi-metal safety315may further be connected to and controlled by the control system200.

The drain320is located in the bottom of the wash tank305and is configured to drain water and/or soap water from the wash tank305. In one or more embodiments, the drain320may be connected to a drain pump322that may be used to pump the drain water and/or soap water to drain mains DM. The drain320and/or drain pump322may be connected to and controlled by the control system200.

The ultrasonic water level sensor325is located within the wash tank305and is configured to monitor a level of water in the wash tank305. Specifically, the ultrasonic water level sensor325emits ultrasonic signals into the wash tank305. The ultrasonic signal is reflected, by the water, back to the ultrasonic water level sensor325. The ultrasonic water level sensor325receives the reflected ultrasonic signal and communicates the reflected ultrasonic signal to the control system200where it is processed to determine the level of water in the wash tank305.

The thermistor330is located within the wash tank305and is configured to monitor a temperature of the water in the wash tank305. The thermistor330may be connected to and controlled by the control system200.

The detergent dispenser335provides detergent to the wash tank305via the injector340. The injector340may be connected to and controlled by the control system200.

Within the wash tank305, the water contained therein and the detergent are combined to create soap water that may be used to clean one or more objects as they travel along at least a portion of the rotary conveyor. Specifically, the pump345is connected to the wash tank305and is configured to pump soap water contained in the wash tank305to the upper wash arms350and the lower wash aims355.

The upper wash arms350and lower wash arms355are positioned to dispense the soap water received from the wash tank305via the pump345. Specifically, the upper wash arms350and the lower wash arms355are positioned above and below the rotary conveyor (not shown), respectively. Each one of the wash arms includes at least one nozzle configured to direct the egress of soap water towards the rotary conveyor (not shown). The at least one nozzle may include a plurality of nozzles. In this manner, soap water from the wash tank305is used to clean one or more objects as they travel along the rotary conveyor (not shown).

The screen365is positioned between the upper wash arms350and the lower wash arms355and the wash tank305. The screen365is used to capture or filter debris received from the one or more objects as they are cleaned.

During operation of the wash system300, the wash tank305is filled with a predefined amount of water via the valve360and is filled with a predefined amount of detergent from the detergent dispenser335via the injector340. The water and the detergent are combined within the wash tank305to create soap water. The soap water is heated to a predefined temperature using the heater310.

As objects travel along a portion of the rotary conveyor, soap water is directed out of the nozzles of the upper wash arms350and the lower wash arms355and towards the objects. The soap water cleans the objects and excess soap water and any debris from the objects travels through the screen365and back into the wash tank305. In the event that the amount of soap water in the wash tank305drops below a certain level, the control system200may perform operations to refill or top-up the wash tank305with water and detergent. In this manner, the wash system300may operate continuously to clean objects as they are placed on the rotary conveyor.

The rinse system400is positioned downstream of the wash system300. Put another way, as objects travel along the rotary conveyor, they pass through the wash system300and then pass through the rinse system400. In this manner, the objects are rinsed by the rinse system400after they are washed by the wash system300.

The rinse system400is shown inFIG.4. The rinse system400includes a valve405, a sanitizer dispenser410, a rinse-aid dispenser415, an injector420, an injection fitting425, upper rinse arms430, lower rinse arms435and a drain440.

The rinse system400receives water from the water mains M via the valve405. It will be appreciated that the water received from the water mains M may be cold water, that is, the water is not heated. The water travels to the injection fitting425. The valve405may be connected to and controlled by the control system200.

The sanitizer dispenser410provides sanitizer to the injection fitting425via the injector420and similarly the rinse-aid dispenser415provides rinse-aid to the injection fitting425via the injector420. The injector420may be connected to and controlled by the control system200. The injector420may be the same injector as the injector340of the wash system300.

The injection fitting425receives the water from the water mains via the valve405, the sanitizer from the sanitizer dispenser410via the injector420, and rinse-aid from the rinse-aid dispenser415via the injector420and provides the mixture to the upper rinse arms430and the lower rinse arms435.

The upper rinse arms430and the lower rinse arms435are positioned to dispense the mixture received from the injection fitting425. Specifically, the upper rinse arms430and the lower rinse arms435are positioned above and below the rotary conveyor (not shown), respectively. Each one of the rinse arms includes at least one nozzle that is configured to direct the egress of the mixture towards the rotary conveyor (not shown). The at least one nozzle may include a plurality of nozzles. In this manner, the mixture of water, sanitizer and rinse-aid is used to rinse one or more objects as they travel along the rotary conveyor (not shown).

The drain440is located below the upper rinse arms430and the lower rinse arms435. The drain440is configured to drain the mixture from the rinse system400. The drain440may be connected to drain mains and as such the mixture received by the drain440may be drained out through the drain mains. Similar to the drain320, the drain440may be connected to a drain pump which may be used to pump the mixture to the drain mains. The drain440and/or the drain pump may be connected to and controlled by the control system200. A screen may be provided to capture or filter debris received from the one or more objects as they are rinsed and the screen may be positioned between the upper rinse arms430and the lower rinse arms435and the drain440.

During operation of the rinse system400, the injection fitting425receives the water from the water mains via the valve405, the sanitizer from the sanitizer dispenser410via the injector420, and rinse-aid from the rinse-aid dispenser415via the injector420and provides the mixture to the upper rinse arms430and the lower rinse arms435.

After being washed by the wash system300, objects travel along a portion of the rotary conveyor towards the rinse system400. As the objects travel through the rinse system400, the mixture is directed out of the nozzles of the upper rinse arms430and the lower rinse arms435towards the objects. The mixture rinses the objects and excess mixture travels down through the drain440.

Turning toFIG.5, the motor and conveyor system500are shown. The motor and conveyor system500includes a motor505and a rotary conveyor510. In this embodiment, the motor505is a drive motor that is connected to the rotary conveyor510such that rotation of the motor505causes rotation of the rotary conveyor510. The motor505is connected to and controlled by the control system200.

In this embodiment, the rotary conveyor510comprises a plurality of concentric ribs515. The cross-section of each rib515is shown inFIG.6A. As can be seen, a top portion of the rib515includes a circular ridge600and the bottom portion of the rib515includes a circular ridge605. A body610of the rib515includes spaced-apart parallel edges615. The circular ridges600and605taper towards the parallel edges615. The shape of the cross-section of the rib515reduces the amount of splash a liquid has when contacting the rib515. Specifically, the shape of the rib515directs liquid that contacts the rib515from the top portion of the rib515, down towards the body610, and to the bottom portion of the rib515.

The rotary conveyor510comprises a plurality of radially extending vanes520. The radially extending vanes520are connected to the concentric ribs515. The cross-section of each vane520is shown inFIG.6B. As can be seen, a top portion650of the vane520is generally flat. Sides655of the vane520extend down from the top portion650at a generally right angle. A bottom portion of the vane520tapers to a rounded end660. The shape of the vanes520reduces or minimizes the splash of a liquid that contacts the vanes520.

An exploded view of the ultrasonic sensor assembly700is shown inFIG.7. As will be described in more detail, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700is used to detect the presence of one or more objects on the rotary conveyor510. The ultrasonic sensor assembly700is connected to and controlled by the control system200.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700includes a casing705and an ultrasonic sensor710. The casing705includes a first fitting715and a second fitting720. The first fitting715include a slightly rounded face. The first fitting715and the second fitting720are connected to one another via threadings725to form the casing705. Specifically, the second fitting720may be positioned on an exterior of the housing110and may extend through an opening defined therein. The first fitting715and the ultrasonic sensor710may be positioned on an interior of the housing110and may connect to the second fitting720via the threadings725and via threadings defined on an interior of the first fitting715. In this manner, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700may be connected to the housing710.

In one or more embodiments, rather than threadings, the first fitting715and the second fitting720may be connected to one another via a snap-fit connection to form the casing705. It will be appreciated that the first fitting715and the second fitting720may be connected in other ways.

In this embodiment, an opening is defined in the second fitting720. The opening is dimensioned to receive and retain the ultrasonic sensor710. In this manner, the casing705does not interfere with ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor710. Although not shown inFIG.7, an O-ring is used to form a seal between the ultrasonic sensor710and the opening to ensure water and other liquids do not enter the casing705. It will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, rather than having an opening, the casing may be made of a material that allows ultrasonic signals to pass therethrough and as such no opening is required.

The ultrasonic sensor710includes a piezoelectric crystal and is configured to emit ultrasonic signals at a frequency of approximately 200 kHz. It will be appreciated that any ultrasonic frequency may be used.

As will be described in more detail below, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700is positioned within the housing110of the on-demand glasswasher100such that the rounded face of the second fitting720extends out from the housing110. In this manner, the rounded face protects the ultrasonic sensor710and prevents or otherwise minimizes the risk of glasses falling over or being scratched should they come into contact therewith as they travel along the rotary conveyor.

The sanitary divider800is shown inFIG.8. In this embodiment, the sanitary divider800includes a panel810that is made of a rigid material such as for example plastic and the rigid material may be transparent. The panel810is generally rectangular and includes a tapered section815at a top side thereof. The tapered section815extends downward from the top surface to a side of the panel810. The sanitary divider800includes a bracket820that is dimensioned to receive and retain the panel810. Specifically, the bracket820includes a parallel spaced apart sections that define an opening to receive and retain a portion of the panel810. Fasteners such as screws may be used to secure the panel810in the bracket820. The bracket820includes a hook825that is dimensioned to connect to a portion of the housing710.

In one or more embodiments, the sanitary divider800divides or separates a load zone and a clean zone of the on-demand glasswasher100and this may ensure any dirt or debris from dirty or unwashed glasses does not contact or soil clean glasses located in the clean zone.

The cylinder900is shown inFIG.9. The cylinder900is made of a material that reflects ultrasound signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor710. For example, the cylinder900may be made of stainless steel. The cylinder900is dimensioned to be circumscribed by the rotary conveyor510. Specifically, the cylinder900is dimensioned to be positioned within the center of the rotary conveyor510such that at least a portion of the cylinder900extends above the rotary conveyor510while still allowing the rotary conveyor510to rotate.

The cylinder900reflects ultrasound signals that are emitted by the ultrasonic sensor710and that contact the surface of the cylinder900. Further, the rounded surface of the cylinder900prevents or otherwise minimizes the risk of glasses falling over or being scratched should they come into contact therewith.

Assembly of various components of the on-demand glasswasher100will now be described with respect toFIGS.10and11.FIG.10is a top plan view of the on-demand glasswasher100andFIG.11is a top plan view showing the orientation of the ultrasonic sensor assembly with respect to the housing and the cylinder. It will be appreciated that the on-demand glasswasher100is shown without a top covering for illustrative purposes only.

The motor and conveyor system500are positioned within the housing110. The upper wash arms350and the upper rinse arms430are shown. It will be appreciated that the lower wash arms355and the lower rinse arms435are not visible in the top plan view ofFIG.9, however the lower wash arms355are located directly beneath the upper wash arms250and the lower rinse arms435are located directly beneath the upper rinse arms430.

The ultrasonic sensor assembly700is positioned within the housing110. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700is positioned within the housing110of the on-demand glasswasher100such that the rounded face of the second fitting720extends out from the housing110. In this embodiment, the housing110includes an opening (not shown) that is dimensioned to receive the ultrasonic sensor assembly700. The opening is located at a mid-point of a front1100(FIG.11) of the housing110and at a location such that the ultrasonic sensor assembly700is above the rotary conveyor510.

The hook825of the sanitary divider800connects to a portion of the housing110. The sanitary divider800is positioned adjacent to the ultrasonic sensor assembly700and such that the panel810extends into the housing110.

The cylinder900is positioned within the center of the rotary conveyor510such that at least a portion of the cylinder900extends above the rotary conveyor510while still allowing the rotary conveyor510to rotate.

As mentioned, the cylinder900reflects ultrasound signals that are emitted by the ultrasonic sensor710and that contact the surface of the cylinder900. To reduce processing of the ultrasound signals, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700and the cylinder900are fixed in position relative to one another. For example, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700and the cylinder900may be positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic sensor710is normal to a tangential axis of the cylinder900. An example is shown inFIG.11. As can be seen, the longitudinal axis L of the ultrasonic sensor710is normal or perpendicular to a tangential axis T of the cylinder900. In this manner, ultrasound signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor710that contact the cylinder900are reflected back towards the ultrasonic sensor710and received thereby.

In one or more embodiments, the ultrasonic sensor700and the cylinder900are fixed in position relative to the rotary conveyor510. For example, the opening defined in the housing110may be defined such that position the ultrasonic sensor700is a predefined distance above the rotary conveyor510. The predefined distance may include, for example, one (1) inch (2.5 cm) or two (2) inches (5.0 cm). In this manner, the ultrasonic sensor700may be positioned a distance above the rotary conveyor510such that the rotary conveyor510does not interfere with ultrasonic signals transmitted or received by the ultrasonic sensor700. As another example, the cylinder900may be positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the cylinder900is normal or perpendicular to a planar surface or a top surface of the rotary conveyor510.

The on-demand glasswasher100includes four zones. A load zone is defined at a first end of the housing110. The load zone may be defined on a particular side of the sanitary divider800. Specifically, the load zone may be defined such that any objects placed on the rotary conveyor510travel in a direction away from the sanitary divider800. During use, a user places objects to be cleaned onto the rotary conveyor510at a location that corresponds to the load zone.

A wash zone is defined intermediate the upper wash arms350. The wash zone is downstream of the load zone. As objects travel along the rotary conveyor (in the direction indicated by arrow A inFIG.7) into the wash zone, the objects are washed by the wash system300in manners described herein.

A rinse zone is defined intermediate the upper rinse arms430. The rinse zone is downstream of the wash zone. As objects travel along the rotary conveyor (in the direction indicated by arrow A inFIG.7) into the rinse zone, the objects are rinsed by the rinse system400in manners described herein.

A clean zone is defined at the front end of the housing110. The clean zone is downstream of the rinse zone. The clean zone may be defined on a second side of the sanitary divider800. In this manner, the sanitary divider800divides or separates the load zone and the clean zone and this may ensure any dirt or debris from dirty or unwashed glasses does not contact or soil clean glasses located in the clean zone. During use, once objects have been washed and rinsed, they remain in the clean zone until the user removes them from the rotary conveyor510.

As mentioned, the control system200includes at least a microprocessor and a memory device. The memory device is provided to store, amongst other things, instructions that, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the microprocessor to control operation of the on-demand glasswasher100and the various components thereof.

Reference is made toFIG.12, which illustrates, in flowchart form, a method1200for processing ultrasonic signals to identify the presence of one or more objects. The method1200may be implemented by the microprocessor. For example, a memory device may be coupled to the microprocessor and may store processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the microprocessor, cause the microprocessor to carry out the method1200.

The method1200includes receiving, from the ultrasonic sensor assembly, ultrasonic signals (step1210).

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700, specifically the ultrasonic sensor710, emits ultrasonic signals towards the cylinder900. When no objects are present on the rotary conveyor510between the ultrasonic sensor assembly700and the cylinder900, the ultrasonic signals reflect off of the cylinder900back towards the ultrasonic sensor710and received thereby. When one or more objects are present on the rotary conveyor510between the ultrasonic sensor assembly700and the cylinder900, the ultrasonic signals reflect off of the one or more objects back towards the ultrasonic sensor710and received thereby.

The ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic sensor710are communicated to the microprocessor.

The method1200includes analyzing the ultrasonic signals to identify the presence of one or more objects (step1220).

The microprocessor analyzes the ultrasonic signals to identify the presence of one or more objects. The analysis may include applying one or more filtering algorithms to the ultrasonic signals.

When no objects are present, analyzing the ultrasonic signals identifies the presence of the cylinder900. For example, the microprocessor may identify that there is an object that is 20 cm away from the ultrasonic sensor and that this is the cylinder900.

When objects are present, analyzing the ultrasonic signals identifies the presence of one or more objects. For example, the microprocessor may identify that there is an object that is less than 20 cm away from the ultrasonic sensor and as such the presence of one or more objects is identified.

In one or more embodiments, when identifying the presence of one or more objects, the microprocessor may determine, based on the ultrasonic signals, a distance between the one or more objects and the ultrasonic sensor assembly. The microprocessor may compare the distance to a known distance between the cylinder900and the ultrasonic sensor assembly700. The microprocessor may determine the presence of the one or more objects when the distance between the one or more objects and the ultrasonic sensor assembly700is less than the known distance between the cylinder900of the on-demand glasswasher and the ultrasonic sensor assembly700.

In one or more embodiments the microprocessor may determine a time between an emitted ultrasonic signal and a received ultrasonic signal and may use the time to calculate a distance to determine the presence of one or more objects.

Responsive to identifying the presence of one or more objects, the method1200includes performing operations to stop operation of the glasswasher (step1230).

To stop operation of the glasswasher, the microprocessor sends signals causing one or more operations to stop. Specifically, the microprocessor sends signals to close one or more of the valves360,405, the drains320,440, to turn off the pump345, the drain pump322, the injector340, the injector420, etc.

The microprocessor also sends a signal causing the drive motor to stop. As a result, the rotary conveyor stops moving and the one or more objects remain in the clean zone until removed by a user.

The ultrasonic sensor assembly continues to emit and receive ultrasonic signals and the ultrasonic signals may be analyzed by the microprocessor to detect the removal of the one or more objects. Reference is made toFIG.13, which illustrates, in flowchart form, a method1300for processing ultrasonic signals to identify the removal of the one or more objects. The method1300may be implemented by the microprocessor. For example, a memory device may be coupled to the microprocessor and may store processor-executable instructions which, when executed by the microprocessor, cause the microprocessor to carry out the method1300.

The method1300includes receiving, from the ultrasonic sensor assembly, ultrasonic signals (step1310).

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor assembly700, specifically the ultrasonic sensor710, emits ultrasonic signals towards the cylinder900. When one or more objects are present on the rotary conveyor510between the ultrasonic sensor assembly700and the cylinder900, the ultrasonic signals reflect off of the one or more objects back towards the ultrasonic sensor710and received thereby.

When the one or more objects are removed from the rotary conveyor510, the ultrasonic signals reflect off of the cylinder900back towards the ultrasonic sensor710and received thereby.

The ultrasonic signals received by the ultrasonic sensor710are communicated to the microprocessor.

The method1300includes analyzing the ultrasonic signals to identify the removal of one or more objects (step1320).

The microprocessor analyzes the ultrasonic signals to identify the removal of the one or more objects. The analysis may include applying one or more filtering algorithms to the ultrasonic signals.

When the one or more objects remain on the rotary conveyor510, analyzing the ultrasonic signals identifies the presence of one or more objects. For example, the microprocessor may identify that an object that is less than 20 cm away from the ultrasonic sensor remains on the rotary conveyor510and as such it is determined that the one or more objects remain on the rotary conveyor510.

When no objects are present, analyzing the ultrasonic signals identifies the presence of the cylinder900. For example, the microprocessor may identify that there is an object that is 20 cm away from the ultrasonic sensor and that this is the cylinder900. As such, the microprocessor identifies that the one or more objects have been removed from the rotary conveyor510.

Responsive to identifying the removal of the one or more objects, the method1300includes performing operations to start operation of the on-demand glasswasher (step1330).

To start operation of the glasswasher, the microprocessor sends signals causing one or more operations to start. Specifically, the microprocessor sends signals to open one or more of the valves360,405, the drains320,440, to turn on the pump345, the drain pump322, the injector340, the injector420, etc.

The microprocessor also sends a signal causing the drive motor to start. As a result, the rotary conveyor starts moving until the presence of one or more objects are detected by the microprocessor.

In accordance with the methods described herein with reference toFIG.12andFIG.13, the microprocessor enables on-demand operation of the glasswasher. Put another way, once the on-demand glasswasher100has been powered on, the on-demand glasswasher100operates continuously in manners described herein. Specifically, the microprocessor controls operation of the on-demand glasswasher such that glasses placed in the load zone travel through the wash zone and rinse zone and to the clean zone. Once glasses are clean (and thus located in the clean zone), the ultrasonic sensor assembly and microprocessor perform operations to detect the presence of the glasses and the microprocessor sends a signal to stop the operation of the on-demand glasswasher until the glasses are removed.

It will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments of the on-demand glasswasher described herein, the position of the ultrasonic sensor assembly and/or the sanitary divider may be different than the on-demand glasswasher100and this may result in an increased size of the load zone.FIG.14is a top plan view of another embodiment of an on-demand glasswasher andFIG.15is a top plan view of the on-demand glasswasher showing the orientation of the ultrasonic sensor assembly with respect to the housing1110and the cylinder1900. The on-demand glasswasher is similar to the on-demand glasswasher100with the following exceptions and like components will be described using like reference characters with a “1000” added for clarity.

In this embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor assembly1700is positioned within the housing1110of the on-demand glasswasher such that the rounded face of the second fitting extends out from the housing1110. In this embodiment, the housing1110includes an opening (not shown) that is dimensioned to receive the ultrasonic sensor assembly1700. The opening is located off-centre from a front of the housing1110. Specifically, the opening is positioned such that a dimension of the clean zone is less than that of the on-demand glasswasher100(see, for example,FIGS.10and11.

Similar to the on-demand glasswasher100shown inFIGS.10and11, to reduce processing of the ultrasound signals, the ultrasonic sensor assembly1700and the cylinder1900are fixed in position relative to one another. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor assembly1700and the cylinder1900are positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic sensor1710is normal to a tangential axis of the cylinder1900. As can be seen inFIG.15, the longitudinal axis L of the ultrasonic sensor1710is normal or perpendicular to a tangential axis T of the cylinder1900. In this manner, ultrasound signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor1710that contact the cylinder1900are reflected back towards the ultrasonic sensor1710and received thereby.

Further, the sanitary divider1800may be positioned such that the panel1810extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic sensor1710and this may be done to ensure that the sanitary divider1800does not interfere with ultrasonic signals emitted by the ultrasonic sensor1710.