Abstract:
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for rinsing and disinfecting utensils, on demand, with a controller operating the components that deliver a pre-determined volume or timed flow of water, and exposure time of sanitizer(s) to the intended objects. The spray embodiment has high performance conical spiny nozzle(s) controlled by a controller that reduces water usage and that may vary depending on the viscosity of the material to be eliminated. The recirculating, embodiment has a recirculating, water system, with a controller operating the components that recirculate water throughout the system until the turbidity exceeds a chosen threshold, and displace with fresh water until the turbidity returns to a lower threshold. The water resumes recirculation until it again exceeds the chose turbidity threshold and the water in the system is again displaced by fresh water. Both spray and recirculating, embodiments can contain multiple rinse stations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 61/912,482 filed on 5 Dec. 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The disclosure pertains to an apparatus for washing, rinsing, sterilizing, and sanitizing utensils or other items, on demand with a controller that operates the components of the apparatus, and that delivers a pre-determined volume or timed flow of water, and timed exposure of sanitizer(s), while monitoring turbidity, recirculating, and/or spraying the water through the apparatus to clean and sanitize the intended objects. This disclosure pertains to an apparatus for washing, rinsing, sterilizing, and sanitizing utensils or other items on demand, augmented by additional sanitization with ozone treatment, and perhaps with chemical disinfectants, and/or UV irradiation, and/or heat. 
         [0006]    (2) Background of Invention 
         [0007]    Businesses such as coffee houses and ice cream shops make use of dipper wells for rinsing and cleaning utensils and other items, such as spoons, ice cream scoops, and other silverware. These items are cleaned between uses to protect consumers against allergens and bacterial growth. Standard design of such an apparatus usually contains a single spigot with perpetual water flow that is kept running during business hours. Because the water flows constantly, the number of gallons of water used is extremely high. It has been estimated that a dipper well such as this, running 12 hours a day in a single business, could use up to 260,000 gallons of water in a year. The typical expense of water to run one spigot is around $1,000 per year. Most such businesses have anywhere from one to thirteen spigots running in such a manner. This translates into not only a large amount of water used, but a significant portion of it wasted down the drain. For this reason, the dipper well has been criticized as wasteful. Because the potential for water waste is counteracted by a potential for increased sanitation, most health regulations do not prohibit nor mandate dipper wells. An apparatus that is not only more efficient with water conservation, but also more effective at cleaning is desirable. 
         [0008]    A way to use less water during the cleaning of utensils is desirable not only to save money, but also to conserve a precious resource, water. A need exists for environmentally sound solutions for water waste in these industries. A need exists to sanitize utensils and other items for the good of the public. A need exists for a more efficient method to sanitize utensils and other items in the food industry. A need exists to protect the health of the people who come in contact with these items after proper sanitization. The present disclosure meets these needs. It could accomplish water conservation in businesses where items need to be cleaned and sanitized, while also protecting the health of the consumer. 
         [0009]    Any references mentioned are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In general, the present disclosure herein comprises a system that cleans and sanitizes items such as utensils. The present disclosure comprises an apparatus that reduces the amount of water used in the sanitation of utensils. This reduction in the amount of water used translates into a decrease in the amount of water wasted. Therefore, the present disclosure comprises an apparatus that reduces the amount of water wasted. The process of the present disclosure is either recirculating the water used in the system or spraying high velocity water on the utensils during the cleaning process. Both processes translate into not only a more efficient sanitization, but also a more effective one. 
         [0011]    A first embodiment includes one or more rinse bays holding the utensils in a wedge shaped basket/cage while they are automatically sprayed with water through a high velocity nozzle, augmented by ozone treatment, perhaps augmented by chemical disinfectants, and/or UV irradiation, and/or heat. An alternate embodiment includes one or more rinse bays filled with soak water that is recycled until its turbidity exceeds a first chosen threshold, whereupon the soak water is replaced by fresh water until the turbidity returns to a lower chosen threshold that is lower than the first threshold. The alternate embodiment holds the utensils in a wedge shaped basket/cage and is augmented by ozone treatment, and perhaps augmented by chemical disinfectants, and/or UV irradiation, and/or heat. For the purpose of this disclosure the first embodiment that involves the high velocity spray nozzles will be referred to as the spray embodiment and the alternate embodiment that involves the recirculation of water will be referred to as the recirculating embodiment. The spray embodiment can be either a round model or an elongated model. The recirculating embodiment can be either a round model or an elongated model. 
         [0012]    The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for rinsing and disinfecting utensils, on demand, with a Programmable Logic Controller or Microcontroller, referred to in this disclosure as a controller, operating the components that deliver a pre-determined volume or timed flow of water, and exposure time of sanitizer(s) to the intended objects. A spray embodiment can have high performance conical spray nozzle(s) controlled by a controller that reduces water usage and that may vary depending on the viscosity of the material to be eliminated. The use of ozone, heat, sanitizers, and/or UV irradiation may be employed to further disinfect the utensils beyond the rinsing. A recirculating embodiment can have a recirculating water system, with a controller operating the components that recirculate water throughout the system until the turbidity exceeds a chosen threshold, and displaced with fresh water until the turbidity returns to a lower threshold. The water resumes recirculation until it again exceeds the chose turbidity threshold and the water in the system is again displaced by fresh water. The use of ozone, heat, sanitizers, and/or UV irradiation may be employed to further disinfect the utensils beyond the rinsing in both embodiments. Both the spray and the recirculating embodiments can contain multiple rinse stations. 
         [0013]    The present disclosure is effective in quickly cleaning and sanitizing the utensils. The cost of operation of the present disclosure is less than for traditional dipper wells, without sacrificing speed of service. The user can drop utensils in the dipper well apparatus and walk away to tend to other tasks while the dipper well apparatus goes through the rinse/sanitization cycle. The apparatus in this disclosure could therefore replace current ways of sanitizing utensils in food preparation, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and other food service establishments where sanitation is important, such as the rinsing of produce in retail, wholesale, and at farmer&#39;s markets. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a process drawing of a spray embodiment for both round and elongated dipper wells. 
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a process drawing of a recirculating embodiment for both round and elongated dipper wells. 
         [0016]      FIG. 3  depicts a round dipper well in the recirculating mode with the stand tube insert. 
         [0017]      FIG. 4  depicts a round dipper well in the spray mode with the cage/basket insert. 
         [0018]      FIG. 5  depicts a round dipper well with the overflow stand tube, overflow bowl insert, and wedged shaped basket/cage assembly removed from the housing. 
         [0019]      FIG. 6  depicts a round dipper well in the recirculating embodiment with the overflow bowl insert. 
         [0020]      FIG. 7  depicts an isometric view of an elongated trough-like dipper well showing an elongated multi-bay dipper well and the multi-bay wedged shaped basket/cage assembly, removed from the housing. 
         [0021]      FIG. 8  depicts an isometric view of the housed portion of the spray embodiment of a dipper well of  FIG. 7 , with the vessel walls removed and with the vessel floor removed except for the drain cover (remaining for orientation and context). 
         [0022]      FIG. 9  depicts an isometric view of the housed portion of the recirculating embodiment of a dipper well of  FIG. 7 , with the vessel walls removed and with the vessel floor removed except for the drain cover (remaining for orientation and context). 
         [0023]      FIG. 10  depicts an isometric view of the dipper well of  FIG. 8  with arrows showing the flow of water into a vessel in spray embodiment. 
         [0024]      FIG. 11  depicts an isometric view of the dipper well of  FIG. 9  with arrows showing the flow of water into a vessel in recirculation embodiment. 
         [0025]      FIG. 12  shows a box plot indicating statistical variation in the efficacy of an elongated trough-like dipper well combined with UVC in exposure times for water rinse only and rinse+UVC treatment on utensils that were  E. coli  treated. 
         [0026]      FIG. 13  shows a box plot indicating statistical variation in the efficacy of an elongated trough-like dipper well combined with UVC in exposure times for water rinse only and rinse+UVC treatment on utensils treated with 10% skim milk and  E. coll.    
         [0027]      FIG. 14  shows a table demonstrating the statistical difference of removing  E. coli  with rinse only and rinse+UVC treatment after 2 hours of continuous use of the elongated dipper well. 
         [0028]      FIG. 15  shows a table demonstrating the statistical difference of removing  E. coli  from rinse only and rinse +UVC treatment after  2  hours of continuous use of the elongated dipper well on utensils treated with  10 % skim milk and E. coll. 
         [0029]      FIG. 16  shows a box plot indicating statistical variation in rinsing in a continuous flow well and in an elongated trough-like embodiment on utensils that were  E. coli  treated. 
         [0030]      FIG. 17  shows a box plot indicating statistical variation in rinsing in a continuous flow well and in an elongated trough-like embodiment on utensils that were treated with  10 % skim milk and  E. coli.    
         [0031]      FIG. 18  shows a sampling matrix for evaluation of an elongated trough-like dipper well combined with sanitizers. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0033]    For the sake of simplicity and to give the claims of this disclosure the broadest interpretation and construction possible, the conjunctive “and” may be taken to include the disjunctive “or,” and vice versa, whenever necessary to give the claims of this disclosure the broadest interpretation and construction possible the disjunctive “or” may be taken to include the conjunctive “and.” Likewise, when the plural form is used, it may be taken to include the singular form, and vice versa. 
         [0034]    It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. 
         [0035]    The disclosure herein is not limited by construction material(s) to the extent that any such materials satisfy the structural and/or functional requirements. For example, any material may be used so long as it satisfies the rigid structural and related functional requirements for which it is being used. In one embodiment, stainless steel may be preferred for a rinse vessel; however, other material of sufficient rigidity will suffice as well, if it is possible and practical for such material to support or embody the necessary functionality. 
         [0036]    It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a rinsing and sanitizing system that conserves water. 
         [0037]    Another object of the disclosure is to improve the speed and efficacy of rinsing and/or sanitizing items. 
         [0038]    Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system that is adaptable and programmable for different types of rinsing and/or sanitizing. 
         [0039]    Another object of the disclosure is to provide a modular system where parts can be added or subtracted as needed. 
         [0040]    Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a system that can connect to existing dipper well systems. 
         [0041]    Other objects of the disclosure will become clear upon a review of the disclosure herein. 
         [0042]    Figures illustrating the components show some elements that are known and will be recognized by one skilled in the art. The detailed descriptions of such elements are not necessary to establish an understanding of the present disclosure, and accordingly, are presented only to the degree necessary to facilitate an understanding of the novel features of the present disclosure to one having skill in the art. 
         [0043]    In general the present disclosure, herein described, is an apparatus with a water source for cleaning an item (unclaimed), comprising (including) a vessel, and an assembly that allows for either a spray or recirculating mode of operation, which will be shown in more detail in the figures that follow. The assembly that allows for either a spray or recirculating mode of operation has a pressure regulator that regulates the water pressure, a water pump, a recirculation and spray flow path, a flow sensor, nozzles to spray utensils or other items, and a controller that controls the components responsible for monitoring and delivery of water and sanitizer(s). The trough-like or cylindrical apparatus is preferably made of stainless steel, and has an open top area for utensils and other items. The dimensions can vary according to the use. There are nozzles running along the length or over the top area of the apparatus that may vary in position, in number, and in type of spray nozzle. There is a wedged shaped basket/cage under the opening of each rinse area that will rotate the utensil so that the utensil will be rinsed effectively. The modified wedge shape basket/cage forces items to rotate and assume the correct orientation for the conical spray to effectively rinse. 
         [0044]    The use of a regulator aids in the reduction of water consumption by reducing the water pressure. By lowering the water supply pressure, less water is used, and it puts less stress on the other components. The spray nozzle(s) are designed for improved rinse performance at this reduced water pressure. It also eliminates excess spraying outside of vessel while in spray mode. Moreover, it creates continuity of pressure for the dipper well, in geographic areas regardless of the local water pressure. 
         [0045]    There may be a wedged shaped basket/cage that rotates the utensils in one of two directions so the spray nozzles can effectively rinse the utensils with a conical spray pattern. A wedged shaped basket/cage that rotates the utensils so the conical spray rinses the front and the back of the utensils provides a more effective rinsing of the utensils. 
         [0046]    A heat source, quaternary sanitizer, ozone treatment, or UV irradiation can be incorporated to disinfect the utensils independently, or in combination. For a routine ozone treatment the ozone can be generated by a corona discharge or pulled from the UVC bulbs production of ozone. UVC bulbs will generate ozone that can be drawn into suspension with the water via a venturi valve. The unit could also use the light emitted from a UVC bulb to sanitize with UV light. The UV light would need to be in close proximity to the items needing to be sanitized. The exposure time or ozone generation time is fully adjustable to suit the needs of the application. The rinse time is determined by the type of material and the material&#39;s viscosity. 
         [0047]    The size of both the round and the elongated trough-like dipper well may vary in diameter, length, width, and height, depending on the use of the apparatus. With the use of a controller, the spray time, the ozone treatment and/or the UV irradiation exposure time can be adjusted to satisfy the end user. 
         [0048]    Turning now to the figures for more details,  FIG. 1  is a process drawing of the spray embodiment. Shown is the round mode but both the round and elongated dipper wells work by the same process. The water flow is from a water input through a pressure regulator, through an ozone/UVC generator, and into a vessel through conical spray nozzle(s). The water flows out of the vessel through a drain. The parts of the process will be shown in more detail in other figures.  FIG. 2  is a process drawing of the recirculating embodiment. Although shown for the round dipper well, the elongated dipper well process is the same. When in recirculating mode, the water flow is through the turbidity sensor, through the ozone venturi valve/UVC, and into the vessel. The water then flows out of the vessel and again through a turbidity sensor and an ozone venturi valve into the vessel in a recirculating path, as will be shown in more detail in other figures. 
         [0049]    In the preferred embodiment, a vessel  810  is preferably made of stainless steel and may come in two styles: a cylindrical open-top vessel, as shown in  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 6 , and an elongated trough-like apparatus, as shown in  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 11 . The elongated trough-like apparatus is essentially a rinse bay vessel or dipping well having the same features as the round vessel and working in the same way as the round vessel. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the present disclosure herein described is an apparatus for use with a water source for cleaning an item  900  (unclaimed), comprising (including) a vessel  810 , a drainage  530  having a recirculation outlet  580  in a sidewall or extending over the top of the vessel. It also includes a recirculation inlet  570  extending over a top and into the vessel submerged in the desired soaking level or near the bottom of the vessel  810 . There is also a water source flow path that merges into a recirculation water flow path connecting the water source inlet  100  with the recirculation outlet  580 ; the flow path may further include a food grade centrifugal water pump  330 , and a turbidity sensor  320  that senses the turbidity of water. The flow of the water source is controlled by a solenoid valve  200 . 
         [0051]    The apparatus may further include a sensor for sensing the water level  360  within the vessel  810  at the soaking level. This signals a controller  300  to open and close the water source solenoid valve  200 , and controls the starting and stopping of a pump  330 . The sensor for sensing the water level  360  can be placed on a side of the vessel or coming over a top of the vessel. Activation of a controller signals a water source solenoid valve  200  to open and allow water to flow into a fresh water inlet  100  until filling the vessel  810  to the soaking level, whereupon the sensor for sensing water level  360 , or due to a preprogrammed time, a controller  300  closes a water source solenoid valve  200  and activates a pump  330  to pump water through a recirculation flow path, and exit a recirculation outlet  580 . When a controller  300  senses the turbidity of recirculation water by a turbidity sensor  320 , to be above a predetermined first threshold, a controller will open a water source solenoid valve  200  for water to flow out a fresh water output  100 , causing the water level to increase enough for the mixture overflow down a stand tube  510 . This will continue until a controller  300  senses that the turbidity of recirculation water is below a predetermined second threshold. At that time, a controller closes a water supply solenoid valve  200 . The sensor for maintaining the water level within the vessel  810  may include controller programming enabling fresh water flow through an inlet for a predetermined volume or by a water level sensor  360 . 
         [0052]    Preferably, a controller  300  will be programmed to sufficiently control each of the identified functionalities. A water level sensor  360  within the vessel  810  may include controller programming enabling fresh water flow through an inlet for a predetermined volume. A water level sensor within the vessel  810  may include controller programming enabling fresh water flow through a fresh water inlet  100  until the water reaches a water level sensor  360 . The placement of a water level sensor  360  on the vessel  810  may vary. It signals the detection of the presence of water at a soaking level. Fresh water flow is allowed into the vessel  810  only on a needed basis. The water source flow path may further include a source water pressure regulator  110  for decreasing the pressure of source water, 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 4  the recirculation water flow path may further include a flow meter  340  and/or flow sensor for determining the presence and amount of water being circulated. The recirculation water flow path may further include additional sanitizing of the utensils by one selected from the group of ozone, UV irradiation, heat and/or chemical disinfectants, and combinations and mixtures thereof. More particularly, the sanitizing may include an ozone generator  140  functionally coupled to a venturi valve  130  along the recirculation and/or fresh water path and controlled by a controller  300 . Additionally or alternatively, further sanitizing with UV irradiation, heat and/or chemical disinfectants, and combinations and mixtures thereof, may include a source of chemical disinfectant(s) functionally coupled to a source water flow path, while the heat source would be from a hot water line to the vessel. Within the vessel  810  there is a wedged shaped basket/cage  700  under the opening of each rinse area that will rotate the utensil  900  (unclaimed) so that the utensil will be rinsed effectively. The source water flow path may further include a spray nozzle  400  flow path. The water level sensor  360  within the vessel  810  may also include controlled programming enabling fresh water flow through a nozzle(s)  400  when a sensor  310 , signals the presence of a utensil/item  900  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The apparatus may include a plurality of wedge shaped basket/cage holders  700 , for holding utensils while the water recirculates within the vessel  810  without materially impeding contact by such water. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , there are secondary vessels that insert into the primary vessel  810 . The dipper well insert overflow bowl  820  is a secondary vessel that inserts within the primary vessel  810 . It includes a plurality of apertures around the upper circumference of the vessel, above the soaking level. The removable overflow stand tube  510  can also insert within the primary vessel  810 . In the recirculating embodiment, either the overflow bowl  820  or the overflow stand tube  510  are inserted. When the overflow bowl  820  is inserted, as shown in  FIG. 6 , or the overflow stand tube  510  is inserted, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the wedge-shaped basket/cage  700  is not needed, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The basket/cage  700  is used in the spray embodiment rather than overflow bowl  820 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the present disclosure is an apparatus for cleaning a utensil  900  (unclaimed), comprising (including) a primary vessel  810 , an open trough area with a wedge shaped basket/cage  700  under the opening of each rinse area that will rotate the utensil  900  so that the utensil will be rinsed effectively. The wedge shape basket/cage  700  forces items to rotate and assume the correct orientation for the conical spray to effectively rinse. 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  show a trough-like elongated model that can be either a spray embodiment ( FIG. 8 ) or a recirculating embodiment ( FIG. 9 ). Both  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  have the vessel walls and vessel floor removed except for the drain cover, which remains for orientation and context. A trough-like elongated model differs from the round model in size and shape but is the spray embodiment process of  FIG. 1  with spray nozzles  400  mounted at the desired height above the main vessel to enable spraying utensils that are positioned within the bowl for cleaning and/or sanitizing, or the recirculating process of  FIG. 2  with a recirculation outlet  580  in a sidewall or extending over a top of the vessel  810  and a recirculation inlet  570  extending over a top and into the vessel submerged in the desired soaking level or near the bottom of the vessel  810 . The removable overflow stand tube  510  that can also insert with the primary vessel is shown in  FIG. 9 . Also included is a water source flow path merging into a recirculation water flow path connecting the recirculation outlet  580  with the fresh water inlet  100 , the flow path further including a water pump  330 , a turbidity sensor  320  sensing the turbidity of the water, and a solenoid valve  200  controlling the flow of the fresh water source. This embodiment may further include a sensor for sensing the water level  360  within the vessel  810  at the soaking level and signaling a controller including a controller  300  controlling the opening and closing of the fresh water source solenoid valve  200 , and controlling the starting and stopping of the pump  330 . 
         [0057]    Activation of a controller signals the water source valve  200  to open and water to flow into the fresh water inlet  100  until filling the vessel  810  to the soaking level, whereupon the sensor for sensing water level, or due to a preprogrammed time, a controller closes the water source valve and activates the pump to pump water through the recirculation flow path, and exit the recirculation outlet  580 . When a controller  300  senses the turbidity of recirculation water, by a turbidity sensor  320 , to be above a predetermined first threshold, a controller will open a water source solenoid valve  200  for water to flow out a fresh water output  100 , causing the water level to increase and the mixture will overflow down a stand tube  510  as shown in  FIG. 9 . This will continue until a controller  300  senses that the turbidity of recirculation water is below a predetermined second threshold. At that time, a controller closes a water supply solenoid valve  200 . The sensor for maintaining the water level within the vessel  810  may include controller programming enabling fresh water flow through the inlet for a predetermined volume. 
         [0058]    The water source flow path may further include a source water pressure regulator  110  decreasing the pressure of source water, and a flow meter  340  or flow sensor monitored by a controller. The recirculation flow path may further include a check valve  160  preventing the flow of water from traveling the wrong direction. The recirculation flow path may also include an ozone generator  140 , and/or a source for UV irradiation, and/or heat, and/or chemical disinfectants, and combinations and mixtures thereof. 
         [0059]    In operation of the spray embodiment, a controller,  300  directs the apparatus to provide fresh nozzle-sprayed water that flows through a pressure regulator  110 ; after the sensor(s)  310  detect one or more utensils positioned to be cleaned in the vessel  810 , a controller opens one or more solenoid valves  200  to open the waterway(s) to allow the nozzle(s) to start spraying water on the utensil(s) within the vessel  810 . When the water flows through the venturi valve, suction pulls the ozone from the ozone generator  140  into the water resulting in ozone treated water. This ozone-treated water is sprayed on the items. Spray water (and microbes killed and/or removed by the spray) exits the apparatus through a drain  530  at the bottom. When the duration of spraying reaches a threshold programmed within a controller, the controller closes the valve(s) to stop the spraying and a controller turns off the ozone generator  140 . 
         [0060]    The apparatus has a recirculating embodiment where water held in the vessel  810  (at a level allowing the utensil to soak in moving water) is recirculated back into the vessel  810  through a tubing assembly  230 . The typical elongated multi-bay apparatus has a rinsing/soaking vessel  810  having a bottom drain  530 , a recirculation inlet  570  on the bottom or extending over the top the vessel submerged in the desired soaking level, and a recirculation outlet  580  in the vessel sidewall or extending over the top of the vessel. In this embodiment there is obstruction of the drain  530 ; in one embodiment having a plurality of soaking bins, the user inserts an overflow stand tube  510  in the drain  530 , thereby essentially raising the drain opening level to above the soaking level. 
         [0061]    When the unit is turned on the vessel  810  will automatically fill with fresh water entering through the recirculation outlet  580  in the vessel sidewall or extending over the top of the vessel  810 . This auto fill can be based on a timed supply of water, which can be programmed based on the volume of the vessel and flow rate of water. Alternatively, the auto fill can be based on a sensor  360  that detects when the water reaches the desired level within the vessel  810 . To initiate filling, a controller signals the valves  200  to open for filling the vessel with fresh water through the recirculating outlet  580 . When the water level reaches the soaking level a controller signals a valve to close and the pump to start pumping the water in the recirculating flow path. A controller is programmed to run a set of commands in a certain sequence of “if/then”; for instance, if fresh water has run for a specific programmed time or volume, then the pump will turn on. The water then exits the vessel  810  through the recirculating inlet  570 . At one point along the way of recirculation, the recirculating water passes a turbidity sensor  320 ; when the water turbidity exceeds a threshold programmed within a controller, the controller signals the valve  200  for the fresh water supply to open for filling the vessel with fresh water through the recirculation outlet  580 . The apparatus may include a check valve  160  that allows the water to flow in one direction, thus preventing the flow of water from traveling in the wrong direction. In this instance, the water flows away from the recirculation pump  330 . 
         [0062]    When the water becomes too cloudy, fresh water is also introduced, causing a displacement of used water, to overflow into the drain. The supply of fresh and used water entering the recirculation outlet raises the water level within the vessel  810  to the drain level so that the upper layer of water drains out while fresher water continues recirculating past the turbidity sensor  320 . When the water turbidity decreases below a threshold programmed within a controller, the controller signals the solenoid valve  200  to close so that no more fresh water enters the vessel  810 . The recirculation soaking then continues as before. When the recirculation embodiment is turned off, everything stops. The user can remove the overflow stand tube  510  to allow the water to drain. 
         [0063]    The typical single-bay dipper well apparatus has a single rinsing/soaking vessel  810  having a drain  530  on the bottom, a recirculation inlet  570  on the bottom or extending over the top and into the vessel submerged in the desired soaking level, and a recirculation outlet  580  in the vessel sidewall or extending over the top of the vessel. Spray nozzles  400  mounted at the desired height above this main vessel  810  enable spraying utensils that are positioned within the bowl for cleaning and/or sanitizing. For the recirculating embodiment, the user inserts an overflow bowl  820  into the vessel  810 , positioned much the same as a double-boiler but for the purpose of creating a pooling effect. The overflow bowl  820  has an opening aligned with the recirculation inlet of the main vessel  810 , enabling that water supply to enter the inner vessel or the dipper well insert overflow bowl  820 , wherein the utensils are positioned for soaking. The inner vessel or the dipper well insert overflow bowl  820  also has apertures around the upper circumference of the vessel, above the recirculation outlet  580 , allowing the drainage of turbid soak water when both fresh water and recirculation water are being pumped into the recirculation outlet  580  as described above. The overflow stand tube  510  can serve the same purpose as the overflow bowl. The single-bay dipper well apparatus functions in the same manner as the multi-bay apparatus. 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  show the path of the water in the elongated trough-like embodiment.  FIG. 10  shows the flow path for the spray embodiment while  FIG. 11  shows the flow path for the recirculating embodiment. For the spray embodiment, fresh water comes from a fresh water supply and flows in the direction of the arrows through the check valve, through the pump, through the ozone venturi valve, into the vessel, and out the drain. For the recirculating embodiment, fresh water comes from a fresh water supply, through the pump, through the ozone venturi valve and into the vessel as with the spray embodiment. Instead of flowing to the drain, the water recirculates throughout the vessel until the turbidity is sensed to be too high and it then is mixed with fresh water to lower the turbidity. 
         [0065]    The utility of the apparatus disclosed herein has been established by studies. 
       Example 1 
       [0066]    Efficacy of water efficient dipper well combined with UV-C for control of microbial growth. 
         [0067]    Description of the dipper well apparatus: In this study, an elongated dipper well apparatus was used, having a stainless steel design, with dual basket rinse stations for cleaning utensils. Each rinse station had two 3-inch UV-C (254 nm) bulbs. Water consumption was estimated at 0.226 gallons per 10 s cycle. 
         [0068]    Description of Project: First, the study compared the effectiveness of two treatments (water rinse+UV-C and water rinse only) to remove and/or inactivate non-pathogenic  E. coli  inoculated onto a stainless steel ice scoop. To do this, a sterile ice cream scoop was dipped into either dechlorinated tap water (DTW)+ E. coli  (10 6  colony forming units [du] per ml) or 10% skim milk (SM) media+ E. coli  (10 6  cfu/ml). After dipping the scoop in the inoculum, the scoop was placed in the rinse station and subjected to 3 different exposure times, with and without UV: 5s, 10s, and 30s. Following exposure, both the scoop and rinse station basket were swabbed to recover remaining  E. coli . The swabs were then placed in 2.25 ml of buffered peptone water (BPW), diluted, and 1 ml of each dilution was plated on 3M™ Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count Plates. 
         [0069]    Second, the study assessed microbial growth during “continuous” use of the dipper well apparatus. This involved dipping the ice cream scoop in the inoculum every 10 minutes followed by treatment over a 2-hour period for each exposure and inoculum combination. At the end of the 2-hour period, the scoop and rinse station basket were swabbed to recover remaining  E. coli  and assayed as described above. 
         [0070]    Last, the study compared the efficacy of a continuous flow system to remove  E. coli  from an inoculated ice cream scoop at 3 different treatments (5s, 10s, and 30s) as well as over a 2-hour period of continuous use. Experiments were repeated in triplicate and dilutions were plated in duplicate. 
         [0071]    Results: 
         [0072]    1. Removal of  E. coli  by two different treatments over varying exposure times. 
         [0073]    Removal of  E. coli  was statistically significantly different between exposure times as well as between treatments (i.e. rinse spray with and without UV-C).  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13  demonstrate the removal of  E. coli  in DTW and 10% SM, respectively. Although these values may not immediately appear different, the p-values were determined to be &lt;0.05 by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and confirmed by comparison of the mean values using Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test. 
         [0074]    2. Microbial persistence and/or control during continuous use of the dipper well apparatus. 
         [0075]    Persistence of  E. coli  after 2 hours of continuous use (i.e. treatment every 5 minutes) was statistically significantly different between exposure times as well as between treatments (i.e. rinse spray with and without UV-C).  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15  demonstrate the removal of  E. coli  in DTW and 10% SM, respectively. The p-values were determined to be &lt;0.05 by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and confirmed by comparison of the mean values using Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference test. It is important to note that there was also a significant difference between the persistence of  E. coli +DTW vs.  E. coli +10% SM on the scoop at the end of the 2 hour period for treatment combinations. Overall, the data indicates that the addition of the UV-C during the rinse over long-term use will provide a protective barrier against the growth and/or persistence of total aerobic bacteria on the scoop or stainless steel utensil. 
         [0076]    In addition to testing for the presence of  E. coli  on the scoop after the 2-hour period, the dipper well apparatus basket was also swabbed and tested for the presence of  E. coli . For DTW+ E. coli , the basket was free of  E. coli  for the rinse only and rinse+UV-C treatments at 10 and 30 s exposure times while at 5 s exposure, approximately 0 to 2 colony forming units (CFU) were present at the end of the 2-hour period with no difference in rinse only and rinse+UV. 
         [0077]    However, for 10% SM+ E. coli , the basket contained 80 and 33 CFU/ml after 2-hours at 5 s exposure times for rinse only and rinse+UV-C, respectively. At 10 s exposure times, 66 and 0 CFU/ml was recovered from rinse only and rinse+UV-C treatments, respectively. Finally, at 30 s exposure times, no  E. coli  were recovered from the basket. Please note that the  E. coli  counts at 5 and 10 s exposure times were significantly different indicating that the UV-C may play a protective role in preventing the persistence of  E. coli  in the dipper well apparatus basket. 
         [0078]    3. Comparison of continuous flow dipper well with the dipper well apparatus for removal of  E. coli.    
         [0079]    The efficacy of a continuous flow system to remove  E. coli  from an inoculated ice cream scoop at 3 different treatment times (5s, 10s, and 30s) as well as over a 2-hour period of continuous use was evaluated. The ability of the dipper well apparatus to remove  E. coli  inoculated in DTW from the ice cream scoop was significantly better than the continuous flow system at 5 and 10s rinses; however, the continuous flow system was significantly better at removing  E. coli  with a 30 s rinse. In contrast, the dipper well apparatus was significantly better at removing  E. coli  inoculated in 10% SM from the ice cream scoop at rinse times. 
         [0080]    Persistence of  E. coli  after 2 hours of use (i.e. treatment every 5 minutes) with the continuous flow system resulted in 0 and 0.19 log10  CFU/ml for DTW+ E. coli  and SM+ E. coli , respectively. When compared to the results in  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17  for rinse only and rinse+UV-C, the continuous flow system performed similarly to the dipper well apparatus for DTW+ E. coli , but performed better than the dipper well apparatus for SM+ E. coli.    
         [0081]    The result of this study can be found in  FIGS. 12-17 . 
         [0082]    Conclusions 
         [0000]    1. Regardless of inoculum type (i.e. DTW vs. SM), rinse+UV-C removed more  E. coli  from the ice cream scoop than just the rinse alone ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ).
 
2. Addition of the UV-C to the rinse over long-term use (2 hour period) appears to provide a protective barrier against the growth and/or persistence of bacteria on the utensil, especially in 10% skim milk media with  E. coli  ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ).
 
3. Moreover, addition of the UV-C to the rinse over long-term use may play a protective role in preventing the persistence of  E. coli  in the dipper well apparatus basket, especially in 10% skim milk media with  E. coli.  
 
4. The dipper well apparatus was significantly better than the continuous flow system at removing  E. coli  inoculated in 10% skim milk media from the ice cream scoop ( FIG. 16 ) at rinse times ( FIG. 17 ).
 
5. For long-term use (2 hour period), the continuous flow system performed similarly to the dipper well apparatus for DTW+ E. coli , but performed better than the dipper well apparatus for SM+ E. coli.  
 
         [0083]    Sanitizers such as chemicals and detergents to precipitate dissolved solids also can be used, as well as thermo heated treatment of utensils. The heat treatment and choice of chemicals are determined by the type of material and the material&#39;s viscosity. 
       Example 2 
       [0084]    Efficacy of water efficient dipper well combined with sanitizing agents for control of microbial growth. 
         [0085]    Objective 1: Comparison of Sanitizers Combined with Water Conserving Dipper Well. 
         [0086]    The dipper well apparatus combined with a sanitizing agent was evaluated for inactivation of microorganisms. Initially, a sterile utensil (e.g., ice cream scoop, stirring spoon, etc.) was immersed in dechlorinated tap water containing 10 6  microorganisms (i.e. non-pathogenic  E. coli ) per ml. The utensil was then placed in the dipper well apparatus and subjected to an initial water rinse followed by application of a sanitizing agent either continuous UV (UV-C) or quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). The treated utensil along with the dipper well apparatus reservoir was swabbed in order to recover remaining microorganisms. The swab samples were then analyzed by standard culture methods (total aerobic plate count) to determine the efficacy of the combined dipper well apparatus and sanitizer in reducing the level of microorganisms. 
         [0087]    Next, this method was repeated using utensils immersed in 10% skim milk medium (i.e. equivalent to fresh skim milk) containing 10 6  microorganisms per ml. For each sanitizing agent, varying concentrations and exposure times was assessed to determine the most effective dose and exposure time for inactivation of microorganisms.  FIG. 18  provides the treatment variables to be assessed for each sanitizing agent. 
         [0088]    Objective 2: Assessment of Microbial Growth. 
         [0089]    To demonstrate that the dipper well apparatus combined with sanitizer will control microbial growth over time, the dipper well apparatus will be continuously used over a 2-hour period as described above in Objective 1. In this instance, ‘continuous’ may be defined as utilization of the dipper well apparatus once every 5 minutes for a total of 24 times. To inhibit growth of microorganisms inoculated in the 10% skim milk medium, the milk will be kept at 4° C. The utensil and dipper well apparatus will be swabbed for recovery of microorganisms at the end of the 2-hour period. Evaluations were repeated three times. 
         [0090]    Measurement of sanitizer concentration. The concentration of QAC during application was measured using QAC Quick Response Test Strips (Indigo® Instruments). To measure UV irradiance, a Germicidal UVC Light Meter will be used and equipped with a short wavelength (254 nm) sensor. 
         [0091]    Total aerobic plate count (TPC) analysis. Surfaces mentioned in Objectives 1 and 2 were swabbed using sterile calcium alginate tipped swabs presoaked in  0 . 1 % buffered peptone water (BPW) and a 5×5 cm template for standardization of swab area. The swab was placed in 2 ml of BPW. The 2 ml sample was then be serially diluted and 1 ml of each dilution was plated in duplicate on 3M aerobic count Petrifilm™ at incubated for 24 hours at 37° C. 
         [0092]    The results are reported in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0093]    Sample Size 
         [0094]    Objective 1 
         [0095]    UV-C per exposure: 2 swabs*3 exposures*3 repeats*duplicate analyses*2 dilutions=72 samples 
         [0096]    QAC per exposure: 2 swabs*3 exposures*3 repeats*2 concentrations*duplicate analyses*2 dilutions=144 samples 
         [0097]    Control (water rinse): 2 swabs*3 repeats*duplicate analysis=12 samples 
         [0098]    Objective 2 
         [0099]    UV-C per exposure: 2 swabs*3 exposures*3 repeats*duplicate analyses*2 dilutions=72 samples 
         [0100]    QAC per exposure: 2 swabs*3 exposures*3 repeats*2 concentrations*duplicate analyses*2 dilutions=144 samples 
         [0101]    Control (water rinse): 2 swabs*3 repeats*duplicate analysis=12 samples 
         [0102]    The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present disclosure has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts, herein disclosed, may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Thus, additional embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure and within the following claims. 
         [0103]    In general the terms and phrases used herein have their art- recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The preceding definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of the disclosure. 
         [0104]    All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent that there is no inconsistency with the disclosure of this specification. 
         [0105]    Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public, and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional disclosures is reserved.