Patent Publication Number: US-2020284515-A1

Title: Immersion Systems &amp; Methods for Washing &amp; Performing Other Tasks

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/814,278; Filed: Mar. 5, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/924,459; Filed: Oct. 22, 2019, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for washing and thawing objects and masses of objects. The present invention relates more specifically to immersion systems and methods for washing various items and performing other tasks where the process of immersing the items in a body of fluids would have benefit. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Systems currently available to clean items with fluids use complex pumping systems and manifolds to carry the fluids. These systems jet fluid into tanks where items are washed or treated in other ways. When food products are being washed or thawed all of the pump and manifold parts in such systems must be accessible for frequent cleaning (at minimum daily). This can take considerable time and effort as it typically requires the disassembly of such pumps and manifolds and the scrubbing out and disinfecting of such parts. This drives up the cost to acquire and implement such systems and increases the installation costs. In addition sanitation code compliance issues can and do arise. 
     Current systems also require operators to lift heavy loads of objects both up and out of the systems. This causes additional strain on an operator. Other systems use very expensive and complex machinery for hydraulically lifting and tilting the entire chamber for holding the items where items are then dumped into hoppers. This process can damage and bruise items and lifting is still required in order to remove the items from the hoppers. On these systems the containers or chambers for holding the items are normally fixed and therefore difficult to customize for specific targeted applications. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There exists a need for a system that can wash and thaw objects such as vegetables, fruits, sauces, soups and meat proteins where large amounts of lifting of heavy items is minimized, complex and expensive pumping and manifold systems and structures are not required, and system cost, daily maintenance is reduced, and sanitation code compliance is increased. It is contemplated that if such a system is developed it may have other beneficial applications where immersing other items into a body of fluids would have benefits. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a self-contained embodiment of the present invention with product baskets raised and immersion chamber cover in place. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets raised and immersion chamber cover removed for product basket access. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets raised, the immersion chamber cover in place, and the valve and chemical systems access drawer open. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cutaway perspective view of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets raised, the immersion chamber cover removed, and the front of the immersion chamber removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 5A  is a partial cutaway perspective view of the immersion chamber portion of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets raised to the level of the wash fluid and the front of the wash chamber removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 5B  is a partial cutaway perspective view of the immersion chamber portion of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets lowered into to the wash fluid and the front of the immersion chamber removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the interior of the lift system portion of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with the front of the lift system cabinet removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of the upper immersion chamber portion of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets lowered out of view for clarity. 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed plan view of the water inlet, fluid flow and chemical systems of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with some connecting water and chemical flow lines removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention utilized with an existing water tank/basin with the product baskets in a partially raised position and the product basket cover open. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 9A  with the product baskets positioned at water level with the basket cover closed. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic block diagram of the water inlet, fluid flow and chemical systems of the present invention, generally tracking the structures shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention involves washing systems and methods that do not require complex pumping devices or manifolds, can be used as a self-contained system or with existing tanks for holding fluids (such as sinks), greatly minimizes lifting and daily maintenance and cleaning, and can be substantially less expensive to acquire and install. If each of the above objectives of the new and novel designs could be achieved virtually all of the shortfalls of the prior art would be overcome. 
     The fundamental elements of the present invention are implemented in self-contained systems (with the wash tank incorporated into the system) and in systems that utilizes existing fluid reservoirs and tanks as are commonly found in commercial kitchens. In each embodiment of the systems of the present invention, it is the automated and repeated action of immersing and withdrawing “product” from a fluid bath that achieves the desired results in the most efficient manner. Operating in this manner, the systems and methods of the present invention solve most, if not all, of the problems associated with the prior art. 
     Reference is made first to  FIG. 1  which is a perspective view of a self-contained embodiment of the present invention with product baskets raised and immersion chamber cover in place. This stand-alone immersion system  10  is generally constructed of three vertically stacked sub-systems. The base of the immersion system  10  positions water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  which primarily houses flow lines and valves typically with low voltage sensors and valve actuators. Above water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  is immersion chamber  12  which provides the physical volume to both hold the fluid into which product is immersed and support the porous containers (baskets) to receive and contain the product being handled. Above immersion chamber  12  is lift system  14  which houses the mechanics of the lifting and immersing system as well as the electrical power components and the electronic control components. This stacked arrangement of the three primary sub-systems not only optimizes access by the user but also puts all high voltage electrical components, and most all sensitive electronic components, above the wet environment of the immersion chamber  12  for purposes of safety and reliability. 
     Within immersion chamber  12  sub-system are positioned product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  which are supported above fluid tank  20  within immersion chamber cabinet  23 . In use, fluid tank  20  is filled with water or a water/chemical solution according to the function the system depending on what process it is operating in with the particular product held in product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b . Fluid tank  20  is preferably filled automatically through an array of flowlines and control valves, again operated according to the specific functionality required. Additional details regarding the various functional actions the overall immersion system  10  takes during operation with specific products are provided below. 
     As indicated above, the flow of fluids into fluid tank  20  is generally accomplished by the flowlines &amp; valves  26  positioned within water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16 . This sub-system that forms the base of the overall immersion system  10  is supported on base frame  24  which includes an array of leveling legs  28   a - 28   d  ( 28   a  &amp;  28   b  visible in  FIG. 1 ). Most control components in water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  are made accessible by being positioned in valve &amp; chemical systems access drawer  22  which, in  FIG. 1 , is shown retracted fully into base frame  24 . Additional flowlines and connectors are positioned within water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  below valve &amp; chemical systems access drawer  22  and serve to connect the overall immersion system  10  to incoming water lines (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) as well as chemical reservoirs  40  (described in more detail below). 
     Product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  are vertically supported within immersion chamber  12  by product basket support structure  30 . Access to product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  is through an upper front opening in immersion chamber cabinet  23 . In this preferred embodiment, the opening is covered during use by a removable transparent immersion chamber cover  34 . Immersion chamber cover handles  36  allow the user to easily move immersion chamber cover  34  from a position closing off immersion chamber cabinet  23  during use, to a parking position against lift system cabinet  43 . 
     When immersion chamber cover  34  is removed and parked, the user has access to product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  for purposes of inserting product therein or removing product therefrom. In the parked position, immersion chamber cover  34  rests on immersion chamber cover support brackets  44   a  &amp;  44   b  and is removably held to the front of lift system cabinet  43  through the interaction between immersion chamber cover magnet  42   c  and the immersion chamber cover which becomes magnetically attached to the front of the lift system  14  housing. With immersion chamber cover  34  in either position, user touch screen interface  32  remains visible and accessible to the user. As described in more detail below, this control display is preferably a touch screen display that allows the user to select and control the various automated functions of the immersion system. 
     Positioned on either side of lift system cabinet  43  are chemical reservoir shelves  38   a  &amp;  38   b  which support a number of chemical reservoirs  40 . As described below, various chemicals may be injected into the water flow associated with product washing functions and cleaning in place (CIP) functions. Flexible flowlines (not shown) will typically conduct chemical fluids from chemical reservoirs down to the water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  where the chemicals are selectively injected into the water flow. Positioning the chemical reservoirs  40  above the injectors in water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  allows gravity to assist with the flow of chemicals. 
     Immersion system  10 , especially cabinets  23  &amp;  43 , is preferably constructed of stainless steel, as is typical of systems used in sanitary environments such as commercial kitchens and the like. Flow lines, valves, and injectors are preferably resistant to degradation over time from exposure to moderately caustic chemicals. Because the flow lines, valves, and injectors will periodically require cleaning and sanitizing, water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  is specifically structured with valve &amp; chemical systems access drawer  22  to allow the user to position all such components for cleaning and sanitizing without the need to remove panels or otherwise take the system apart. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 2  which is a perspective view of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets raised and immersion chamber cover removed and “parked” for product basket access. Once again, the stand-alone immersion system  10  is shown to be generally constructed of three vertically stacked sub-systems. Water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  houses flow lines and valves and forms the support base for the entire system. Above fluid flow system  16  is immersion chamber  12  which provides the volume of fluid tank  20  as well as the open volume above tank  20  where the porous containers (product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b ) are positioned to receive and support the product being handled. Positioned on top of immersion chamber  12 , and connected internally through the operational mechanical linkages described below, is lift system  14  which houses the mechanics of the lifting and immersing system as well as the electrical power components and the electronic control components. 
     When immersion chamber cover  34  is removed and parked as shown in  FIG. 2 , the user has access to product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  for purposes of inserting product therein or removing product therefrom. In this position, immersion chamber cover  34  rests on immersion chamber cover support brackets  44   a  &amp;  44   b . The immersion chamber cover  34  incorporates components  42   a  &amp;  42   b  that interact with sensors in the cabinet (not visible in  FIG. 2 ) to act first as an operational safety switch and second to confirm placement of the cover in the open parked position. Safety switch magnet  42   a  on immersion chamber cover  34  is detected in the cover closed position (see  FIG. 1 ) by an aligned sensor within the lower portion of lift system cabinet  43 . Immersion chamber cover sensor magnet  42   b  (which may be the same as or proximate to safety switch magnet  42   a ) on immersion chamber cover  34  is detected in the parked position ( FIG. 2 ) by an internal sensor described below with  FIG. 6 . Once again, with immersion chamber cover  34  in the parked position, user touch screen interface  32  remains visible and accessible. 
     With immersion chamber cover  34  removed and parked as in  FIG. 2 , the components movably positioned within immersion chamber  12  sub-system are visible. Product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b , which are supported above fluid tank  20  within immersion chamber cabinet  23 , are held in position within immersion chamber  12  by product basket support structure  30 . Access to product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  is through this opening in immersion chamber cabinet  23  with the product baskets preferably constructed so as to slide forward and open to allow product to be placed into or removed from the baskets. While the preference is to have product baskets with at least porous bottoms and lids to facilitate vertical flow through, it is possible to optimize flow through rate for particular types of product where some walls of the product baskets are not as porous. In general, it may also be preferable for the product baskets to include porous lids and porous dividers that serve to separate the products. Immersion chamber cover handles  36  allow the user to easily move immersion chamber cover  34  from immersion chamber cabinet  23  during use, to the parked position on lift system cabinet  43  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets raised, the immersion chamber cover in place, and the valve and chemical systems access drawer open. As indicated above, the flow of fluids into fluid tank  20  is carried out by the flowline valves  26  positioned within water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16 . This sub-system that forms the base of the overall immersion system  10  is shown in  FIG. 3  supported on base frame  24  which includes an array of leveling legs  28   a - 28   d  ( 28   a  visible in  FIG. 3 ). Importantly, the flow and fluid composition control components in water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  are made accessible by being positioned in valve &amp; chemical systems access drawer  22  which, in  FIG. 3 , is shown extended out from base frame  24 . Additional flowlines and connectors are positioned within water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  below valve &amp; chemical systems access drawer  22  and are connected by flexible flow lines (not visible in  FIG. 3 ). These additional flowlines and connectors serve to connect the overall immersion system  10  to incoming water lines (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) as well as chemical reservoirs  40  (described in more detail below). 
     The ready accessibility of the flow and fluid composition control components in water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  positioned in valve &amp; chemical systems access drawer  22  not only facilitates cleaning and maintenance of the overall system but also provides the ability to customize the use of chemical additives within the water used in both the immersive washing operation and in the cleaning in place (CIP) operation. As described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 8 , the valves, injectors, and flowlines associated with all operational functions of the system are arranged for easy access and identification in access drawer  22 . 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 4  which provides a partial cutaway perspective view of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets raised, the immersion chamber cover removed, and the front of the immersion chamber removed for clarity. In combination with  FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B ,  FIG. 4  discloses the manner in which product positioned within product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  is repeatedly (and automatically) immersed into and raised from wash fluid  21  held in fluid tank  20 .  FIG. 4  shows a first “load/unload” positioning of product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b .  FIG. 5A  shows a second “top of cycle” positioning of product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b .  FIG. 5B  shows a third “bottom of cycle” positioning of product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b . Each programmed operation of the system takes the product baskets through these sequential positioning steps or portions of these steps. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , positioned within immersion chamber  12  sub-system are product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  supported above fluid tank  20  within immersion chamber cabinet  23 . Fluid tank  20  is filled with wash or thawing fluid  21  which comprises water or a water/chemical solution according to the function the system is operating through with the particular product being handled. As described above, fluid tank  20  is filled through an array of flowlines and control valves, again operated according to the specific functionality required. It is contemplated that the system can also be drained automatically by way of optional equipment and electromechanical systems. 
     Product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  are held in position within immersion chamber  12  by product basket support structure  30 . This support structure  30  is itself held in position by lifting rods (not visible in  FIG. 4 ) that extend up into lift system  14 . Control over the filling of wash fluid  21  within fluid tank  20  is facilitated by sensors and drains within the tank. Temperature, total dissolved solids &amp; fluid low level sensor  50  is positioned near the bottom of fluid tank  20  to provide relevant information for the automated (or manual) filling of the tank. Temperature, total dissolved solids &amp; fluid mid-level sensor  54  is positioned at what would typically be the surface of wash fluid  21  within fluid tank  20  to also provide relevant information for the operational readiness of the tank. Temperature, total dissolved solids &amp; fluid high level sensor  56  is positioned at what would typically be just below the surface of wash fluid  21  within fluid tank  20  and primarily acts as a sensor to prevent overfilling of the system. Acting as a failsafe to an overfill event, standpipe overflow  52  is removably positioned over drain connection  51  within fluid tank  20 . Overflow  52  also acts as an overflow drain when the fluid tank  20  is freshened and excess fluid must be drained out of fluid tank  20 . 
     Once again,  FIG. 5A  shows the top of cycle positioning of product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  while  FIG. 5B  shows the bottom of cycle positioning.  FIG. 5A  is a partial cutaway perspective view of the immersion chamber portion of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with product baskets raised to the level of the wash fluid and the front of the wash chamber removed for clarity. In this view, product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  are more clearly shown as they are positioned on product basket support structure  30 . This support structure  30  is an open frame structure designed to slidingly receive and retain product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  from the front of the assembly. Support structure  30  includes product basket support structure cross member  31  by which it is held in position (and raised and lowered) by lifting rods  33  that extend up into lift system  14 . Temperature, total dissolved solids &amp; fluid low level sensor  50  is also seen in  FIG. 5A  positioned near the bottom of fluid tank  20 , as are drain  51  and standpipe overflow  52 . These components (as well as sensors  54  &amp;  56  not visible in  FIG. 5A ) are positioned at the rear of fluid tank  20 , well away from product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  and their associated support structure  30 , whether in the elevated positions shown in  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5A  or the lowered position shown in  FIG. 5B . 
       FIG. 5B  is also a partial cutaway perspective view of the immersion chamber portion of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 , but in this view the product baskets are fully lowered into to the wash fluid. In this view, product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  are again clearly shown as they are positioned on product basket support structure  30 . Support structure  30  includes product basket support structure cross member  31  that is secured to the lower end of lifting rods  33  that extend up into lift system  14 . In  FIG. 5B , lifting rods  33  have been further lowered into immersion chamber  12  from their upper end connection within lift system  14  (see  FIG. 6  described below). 
     Also visible in  FIG. 5B  is fluid tank fluid inlet  53  which, like level sensors  50 ,  54  &amp;  56  and standpipe overflow  52 , is positioned near, on or through the back wall of immersion chamber cabinet  23  where it will not interfere with the travel of product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b . Further identified in  FIG. 5B  are product basket retention clips  35  that serve to prevent product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  from sliding or lifting out of support structure  30 . Retention clips  35  may be easily flipped out of the way by the user when accessing the baskets for the purpose of inserting or removing product. In the preferred embodiment product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  may be slid entirely out from support structure  30  where they may be filled or emptied of product outside of the system  10 . In this manner, as many as four or six removable product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies may be inserted into and supported by support structure  30 . While the height and width of these basket assemblies may be fixed by the height of the immersion tank (and the vertical travel of the system) and the width of the support structure, the depth (into the cabinet) of each assembly can vary according to whether there is one (one that spans the entire support structure  30 ), two (one on each side of the support structure  30 ), four (two on each side), or six (three on each side). Larger systems could, of course, accommodate additional basket assemblies. Smaller systems could, of course, utilize a single basket assembly. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the interior of the lift system portion of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with the front of the lift system cabinet removed for clarity. Lift system  14  is positioned above immersion chamber  12  with an opening between that allows for the passage of lifting rods  33  between the two cabinets. As indicated above, the positioning of lift system  14  maintains all high voltage electrical elements and most low voltage components above and removed from the wet environment of immersion chamber  12 . Low voltage control lines that extend down to water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  pass external to immersion chamber  12  and require no extraordinary waterproofing as would be required with higher voltage conductors. 
     Within lift system cabinet  43  are the mechanical, electrical, and electronic components that produce the vertical motion of lifting rods  33  and therefore the cyclic immersion and extraction of product from the wash fluid in the fluid tank. Lifting rods  33  extend from lifting rod head  70 , through lifting rod guide &amp; bushing  72 , to a point of fixed attachment on product basket support structure cross member (see  31  in  FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B ). Lifting rod head  70  is fixed to a point on drive chain/belt  68  and therefore raises and lowers lifting rods  33  as drive chain/belt  68  moves. Drive chain/belt  68  fits around follower sprocket  66  and gear box drive sprocket  64 . Drive sprocket  64  rotates on the output axis of gear box  62  which in turn is driven on its input axis by drive motor  60 . Drive motor  60  is preferably a DC step motor capable of accurately and incrementally moving drive chain/belt  68  in either direction. The necessary torque required for lifting the modest loads (product contained within the product basket assemblies) can more than adequately be achieved through appropriate gear reduction through the gear box  62 . 
     Fixed to the back side (the side opposite its attachment to drive chain/belt  68 ) of lifting rod head  70 , are sensor magnet  63  and a travel limiting switch contact arm. Sensor magnet  63  interacts with three linearly spaced sensors  73 ,  75  &amp;  77  along the vertical path of the lifting rod head  70  as the lifting rods  33  move. Load unload position sensor  73  marks the uppermost normal travel of the system with the product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  positioned for loading or unloading product. Top of cycle sensor  75  and bottom of cycle sensor  77  mark the upper and lower travel limits for the cyclic immersion and extraction of the product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  during normal immersion operation. These sensors  73 ,  75  &amp;  77  inform the controller of the positioning of the product during operation and facilitate such motion through preprogrammed procedures specific to the various tasks the system is capable of A similar magnetic sensor, immersion chamber cover sensor  71 , is positioned to detect when the immersion chamber cover (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) is in the parked position as described above. A further sensor (not visible in  FIG. 6 ) is positioned internally near the interface between immersion chamber  12  and lift system  14  to detect when the immersion chamber cover is in place as with operational use of the system. 
     Also positioned adjacent to the extreme ends of travel for lifting rod head  70  are upper limit overtravel switch  74  and lower limit overtravel switch  76 . Beyond simply identifying position, these switches  74  &amp;  76  prevent the motor from driving the drive chain/belt beyond its safe limits. In addition to the above described mechanical and electromechanical components positioned with lift system cabinet  43 , there are a number of electrical and electronic components that power and control the operation of the system. Power convertors  82  &amp;  84  provide the necessary AC to DC conversion to power the DC motor, the valve actuators, and the electronics associated with the programmable microcontrollers within the system. Emergency power cut off switch  80  is also provided and is accessible to the user from outside of lift system cabinet  43 . 
     Control of the operation of the overall system is achieved through the use of universal programmable controller  86 , motor controller/pressure sensor module  88  and power cut off relay module  87 . Universal programmable controller  86  operates in response to preprogrammed routines and user input from the user touch screen interface (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). Universal programmable controller  86  further receives sensor input from each of the various mechanical, magnetic, and chemical sensors described above and below. Universal programmable controller  86  further directs the operation of drive motor  60  as well as the operation of the various valve actuators within the system through controller modules  87  &amp;  88 . 
     There is generally little need for user access to the above described components within lift system cabinet  43 . Other than during cleaning in place (CIP) operation, no water, fluids, or chemicals flow within the closed lift system cabinet  43 , with the only exchange with the wet environment of the immersion chamber being the movement of the “dry” portion of the lifting rods  33  up into the cabinet. Lifting rod guide/bushing  72  serves to minimize moisture travelling up into the cabinet with the movement of the rods. Although chemical reservoirs  40  are positioned on chemical reservoir shelves  38   a  &amp;  38   b  adjacent the cabinet, the flow lines from these reservoirs are external to the cabinet and travel down the back and/or the external sides of the system to the chemical injectors positioned in the water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16  near the base of the unit. 
       FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of the upper immersion chamber portion of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with the product baskets lowered out of view for clarity and discloses a few additional components in the system specifically related to the cleaning in place (CIP) functionality. At the interface between immersion chamber  12  and lift system  14  is where CIP (clean in place) nozzles  90   a  &amp;  90   b  are positioned and extend into immersion chamber  12  (the upper part of immersion chamber cabinet  23 ). Operation of the CIP functionality would, of course, occur with immersion chamber cover  34  (fitted with immersion chamber cover handles  36 ) as shown in  FIG. 7 . CIP functionality may be carried out with or without product basket, separator &amp; lid assemblies  18   a  &amp;  18   b  in place and with the product basket support structure  30  in any position within the chamber including actively cycling up and down. 
     Reference is next made to  FIG. 8  for a detailed plan view of the water inlet, fluid flow and chemical systems of the self-contained embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with some connecting water and chemical flow lines removed for clarity. As indicated above, most of the water and chemical flow lines of the system are collected well away from the electrical and electronic components of the system, predominantly in the water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16 , and more specifically within valves &amp; chemical system access drawer  22 . In the orientation of  FIG. 8 , the external drawer face is positioned at the top of the drawing with the flow lines that are represented in the figure extending to the back and below the drawer. 
     There are basically two incoming and two outgoing water lines in water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16 . Hot water line  96   a  and cold water line  96   b  are ultimately connected to standard external hot and cold water sources and bring water into the system in a controlled manner through electrically actuated hot water valve  95   a  and cold water valve  95   b . Check valves  94   a  &amp;  94   b  protect the internal flow system. Pressure regulators  156  and  162  in  FIG. 10  (not shown here) are included ahead of hot water valve  95   a  and cold water valve  95   b  and preferably include strainers to reduce the accumulation of particulates and debris within the system. CIP (clean in place) nozzle fluid line  83   a  and immersion chamber wash fluid line  83   b  distribute water (and chemicals in solution as necessary) out from water inlet, fluid flow &amp; chemical systems  16 . 
     CIP (clean in place) system valves  91  direct an isolated or combined flow of hot and/or cold water through CIP (clean in place) chemical injectors  93  (if called for in the specific operation) and then out through CIP (clean in place) nozzle fluid line  83   a . In a similar manner, immersion chamber system valves  99  direct an isolated or combined flow of hot and/or cold water through immersion chamber wash fluid chemical injectors  97  (if called for in the specific operation) and then out through immersion chamber wash fluid line  83   b . Each of the two sub-systems provides for “pure” water flow, if desired, bypassing the respective chemical injectors. Water pressure sensor/transducer  92   a  monitors line pressure at the inlet of the hot and cold water lines while CIP (clean in place) pressure gauge  92   b  monitors line pressure at the outlet of the CIP fluid flow (directed to the CIP nozzles  90   a  &amp;  90   b  as described above). 
     Each of the valves within valve banks  91  &amp;  99  are electrically actuated and controlled by the system controller as described above. Each of the chemical injectors within injector banks  93  &amp;  97  are passively actuated when the corresponding valve is actuated. The short flow lines connecting the valves and injectors have been omitted in  FIG. 8  for clarity although the alignment of each valve with a respective injector makes clear the flow line connection. As indicated above, a flow line connection for each of the sub-systems (CIP and wash) is provided that bypasses the injector banks to provide direct water flow into the system. 
     Chemical flow lines have also been omitted for clarity in  FIG. 8  but involve a number of inlet tubes or lines (five in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 ) that bring the respective chemical concentrated solutions from the chemical reservoirs  40 , through chemical sensor module  85 , to the individual chemical injectors within injector banks  93  &amp;  97 . Chemical sensor module  85  is an optical sensor that detects and confirms the flow of a specific chemical concentrate through the module to the respective injector. As indicated above, such chemical flow only occurs when a specific valve directs a flow of water through a paired injector, eliminating the need for chemical solution pumps or valves. In this manner, the system shown in  FIG. 8  only passes pure water through the valves in the system, eliminating the need to more frequently clean and maintain the valves that would normally clog and degrade over time with the passage of sometimes harsh chemical solutions therethrough. 
     The standalone, self-contained, immersion system shown and described in  FIGS. 1-8  provides the most versatile and customizable implementation of the basic cyclic immersion and extraction functionality of the present invention. There are, however, some environments where it might be preferable to implement this same basic functionality in connection with an existing fluid tank or container (such as a commercial kitchen sink).  FIGS. 9A &amp; 9B  show such an embodiment of the present invention where the lift system is implemented in association with an existing open sink structure. This alternate embodiment provides components that, in combination with the existing tank or sink, create an immersion chamber similar to the immersion chamber of the first preferred embodiment described above. 
       FIGS. 9A &amp; 9B  are perspective views of an alternate embodiment of the present invention utilized with an existing water tank/basin.  FIG. 9A  shows the assembly in a condition with the product baskets in a partially raised position and the product basket cover open. In this condition, product may be inserted into (or removed from) the product baskets.  FIG. 9B  shows the assembly in a condition with the product baskets positioned at water level with the basket cover closed ready to be immersed. 
     Immersion system  200  in this alternate preferred embodiment is installed in association with existing tank/basin  202  by mounting the system on a facility wall  204  behind and above the existing tank/basin  202 . In this arrangement, electrical power source  206  provides power to lift system  208  positioned at the high point of the system, well above the wet environment of the immersion tank. Although the same lifting rods arrangement of the first preferred embodiment could be implement here, a preferable arrangement is shown that includes a carriage that moves up and down on a rail or track mounted to the wall. Product baskets  212  are removably attached to basket carriage  216  and basket cover  214  is hinged to the basket carriage  216  at or near the same support point. The same three basic positions for the product baskets  212  are defined in the second preferred embodiment as in the first. A first load/unload position is shown in  FIG. 9A  wherein basket cover  214  may pivot from being open or closed. A second top of cycle position is shown in  FIG. 9B  wherein basket cover  214  is closed and the product baskets  212  are poised just above the fluid surface in existing tank/basin  202 . A third bottom of cycle position (not shown) would have basket cover  214  closed and the product baskets  212  fully immersed into the fluid contained in existing tank/basin  202 . An optional fourth parking position (not shown) is preferable in this second system embodiment that positions basket carriage  216  with basket cover  214  (and with or without product baskets  212 ) in a fully elevated position that allows greater access to existing tank/basin  202  for normal use of the sink. 
     Such a system as shown in  FIGS. 9A &amp; 9B  can be fully mounted to a structure in proximity of a tank for holding fluids such as a sink which is shown in the illustration. The mechanical system is on a set of guides and can travel upward and downward. When not in use (the “Stop Mode”) the mechanical system travels up the guides into a “parked mode” so that it is out of the way and the tank for holding fluids can be fully accessed and used for any of its myriad of other uses. When in use (the “Run Mode”) the system travels down the guides and locks in place. The mounting location of the system on the wall is determined based on the location of the bottom surface of the tank for holding fluids. 
     A vertical structure that is associated with the mechanical system and further associated with a permeable structure for holding a mass of objects enables the mechanical system to raise and lower the mass of objects into and out of a body of fluids. This can be done at varying speeds and varied cycles based on the task being performed. The action of immersing the mass of objects into and out of the mass of fluids creates a powerful and comprehensive wash action as fluid rushes up into and through the mass of objects and then via gravity rushes out of the mass of fluids. During this process objects are moved and rearranged by the flow of the fluids and being momentarily levitated by that flow of fluids. Depending on the buoyancy of the objects this process can occur in both movement directions. In a preferred embodiment, the entire process of raising and lowering the entire system and raising and lowering the items into and out of the body of fluids is performed and enabled by a variable speed, reversible DC motor which is geared and associated with a sprocket system and a belt or chain drive. This preferred embodiment is further associated with a programmable controller and the above noted vertical structure and permeable structure for holding objects. It is contemplated that further embodiments could employ custom sizes and a multiplicity of permeable structures for holding objects. It is also contemplated that the system would employ safety sensors that would shut the system down to protect the operator. 
     Stored Position: When the system is not in use (the “Stop Mode”) the system travels up the wall to a position that is high enough up that it is out of the way. In this mode the structure for holding fluids (a sink in this illustration) can be used for any other task it might normally be used for. 
     Assembled Position &amp; Unload Position ( FIG. 9A ): In this position the cover is moved to the “open position” and a permeable structure for holding a mass of objects can be unloaded. In other embodiments there may be multiple permeable structures for holding multiple masses of objects. 
     Operating Position with Baskets Raised ( FIG. 9B ): In this position or mode the system cover is shut and the permeable structure(s) for holding a mass of objects is (repeatedly) raised out of the body of fluid. 
     Operating Position with Baskets Submerged: In this position or mode the system cover is shut and the permeable structure(s) for holding a mass of objects is (repeatedly) lowered into the body of fluid. 
     Operating Position with Baskets Removed: In this position or mode the system cover is lowered but open (on a hinge structure) and the permeable structure(s) for holding a mass of objects are removed from the system by detachment from the basket carrier. 
     Movement from Operating to Storage Position: In this transitional position or mode the system cover is initially lowered and pivoted down but begins the transition to a pivoted up and raised condition, traveling up the guides to return to the storage condition. 
     Reference is finally made to  FIG. 10  which is a schematic block diagram of the water inlet, fluid flow and chemical systems of the first embodiment of the present invention, generally tracking the structures shown in  FIG. 8 . In this schematic block diagram form the figure provides the essential functionality of the water and chemical flow processes of the system of the present invention. With the arrays of sensors and electronically actuated valves the system facilitates both manual operation and automated operation according to a wide range of preprogrammed routines in both the product handling mode and the cleaning in place (CIP) mode. 
     Water Inlet, Fluid Flow &amp; Chemical Systems  100  as schematically set forth in  FIG. 10 , utilizes fluid tank  102  with fluid tank drain  104  (manual or controlled). Preferably included in fluid tank  102  are: temperature, total dissolved solids &amp; fluid low level sensor  106   a ; total dissolved solids &amp; fluid mid-level sensor  106   b ; and total dissolved solids &amp; fluid high level sensor  106   c . Stand pipe overflow  108  is also included in fluid tank  102  and may be separate from or incorporated with fluid tank drain  104 . 
     Two fluid inlet or fill functions are provided into fluid tank  102 . Fluid tank fluid inlet  110  provides the water or water/chemical solution called for in any of the product immersion handling functions of the system (washing, rinsing, deicing, thawing, etc.). CIP (clean in place) nozzles  112   a  &amp;  112   b  provide the water or water/chemical solution called for in any of the CIP functions of the system. In general, the product immersion handling functions of the system are shown on the left side of  FIG. 10  (above water inlet  110 ) with the CIP functions shown on the right side (above CIP nozzles  112   a  &amp;  112   b ). 
     Water flow with or without chemical injection is, as described above, generally controlled by activation of various specific valves. Water into the system is provided as hot and cold sourced from hot water supply  160  and cold water supply  166 . Check valves  158  &amp;  164  are provided on the hot and cold water supplies respectively. Likewise, pressure regulator/line strainers  156  &amp;  162  are provided on each of the hot and cold water supplies respectively. Flow of hot water into the system is controlled by hot water valve  150  while flow of cold water into the system is controlled cold water valve  152 . Once again, these flow control valves are preferably electrically actuated valves. The hot and cold water flowlines combine downstream of the inlet control valves giving the system the ability to run with hot water or cold water or both. Water pressure sensor/transducer  154  is positioned downstream of the inlet control valves  150  &amp;  152  to monitor inlet water pressure. A separate CIP system pressure gauge  148  is preferably used on the CIP side of the system to insure enough water pressure through the CIP nozzles  112   a  &amp;  112   b.    
     On the product handling side of the system  100  there are preferably three control valves for directing fluid flow towards fluid inlet  110 . Tank fresh water valve  114  allows fresh water to flow directly into fluid tank  102 . Fresh water may be preferred for use with any of a number of functional modes including rinsing, thawing, deicing, and certain sensitive washing functions. Tank detergent valve  116  directs water to flow through tank detergent chemical injector  128  (fed by tank detergent chemical feed  130 ) before flowing into fluid tank  102 . As the name implies, a water/detergent solution may be preferred for use with non-food wash functions. Tank produce wash valve  118  directs water to flow through tank produce wash chemical injector  132  (fed by tank produce wash chemical feed  134 ) before flowing into fluid tank  102 . A water/produce wash solution would be preferred for edible produce or other food products and could vary according to the specific chemicals accepted for food grade wash systems. 
     On the clean in place (CIP) side of the system  100  there are preferably four control valves for directing fluid flow towards CIP nozzles  112   a  &amp;  112   b . CIP fresh water valve  120  allows fresh water to flow directly through CIP nozzles  112   a  &amp;  112   b  into the system. Fresh water may be preferred for use with any of a number of CIP functional modes including a final rinse after detergent cleaning. CIP de-limer valve  122  directs water to flow through CIP de-limer chemical injector  136  (fed by CIP de-limer chemical feed  138 ) before flowing through CIP nozzles  112   a  &amp;  112   b  into the system. As the name implies, a water/de-limer solution may be preferred for use with hard water environments to reduce mineral buildup. CIP detergent valve  124  directs water to flow through CIP detergent chemical injector  140  (fed by CIP detergent chemical feed  142 ) before flowing through CIP nozzles  112   a  &amp;  112   b  into the system. As the name implies, a water/detergent solution may be preferred for use with overall system component CIP wash functions. Finally, CIP sanitizer valve  126  directs water to flow through CIP sanitizer chemical injector  144  (fed by CIP sanitizer chemical feed  146 ) before flowing through CIP nozzles  112   a  &amp;  112   b  into the system. Again as the name implies, a water/sanitizer solution may be preferred for use with final step CIP sanitizing functions. 
     The functionality set forth in schematic form in  FIG. 10  may be implemented in whole or in part in any of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The methods for passively injecting chemicals into water flow streams allow the system to function without complex chemical pumps and the like. By controlling fluid composition (with both the product handling and CIP functions) with separate electrically actuated valves the present invention eliminates much of the maintenance and repair typically required of such systems. 
     The methods of the present invention therefor involve the highly efficient immersion process as well as the reliable and efficient water/chemical solution control process. The basic process method for product handling (washing, deicing, rinsing, etc.) involves the steps of: (a) filling the fluid tank with the desired water or water/chemical solution; (b) positioning the product carrier assembly in a load/unload position; (c) loading product into the product carrier assembly; (d) lowering the loaded product carrier assembly into the filled fluid tank, thereby immersing the product in the fluid; (e) lifting the loaded product carrier assembly up from the filled fluid tank; and (f) repeating the lowering and lifting steps as needed. 
     The automated controls of the present invention as described above allow for controlled variations in the rapidity of the immersion and removal actions (which varies the force on the product by the fluid as the product passes through) as well as the number of repetitions. Programmed control can provide specific sequencing of different motion rates and repetitions. For example, the system might carry out an initial soak, pausing the motion after the product is immersed, before proceeding with a more rapid immersion/extraction cycling. 
     The automated controls of the present invention related to water temperature and chemical solution content add further versatility to the functionality and the many processes that the system can carry out. Optimal combinations of temperature, chemical content, motion speed, time and repetitions allow for highly efficient procedures for a myriad of different products. 
     Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with a number of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications to these embodiments that still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Use of the system of the present invention may be carried out with a wide range of fluids, from tap water to specialized, non-toxic cleaning baths. Likewise, although the system has been described as finding particular use in washing fruits and vegetables, the operation of the system could benefit the washing or cleaning of a wide variety of objects used in the food preparation industry and elsewhere.