CN210631184U

CN210631184U - Continuous motion machine and exhaust manifold incorporated therein

Info

Publication number: CN210631184U
Application number: CN201920191717.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 迈克尔·P·利卡塔; 阿图尔·辛格; 阿布舍克·阿格拉沃尔; 理查德·赛易斯; 罗杰·摩尔; 马克·丘吉尔
Original assignee: Unified Brands Inc
Current assignee: Unified Brands Inc
Priority date: 2018-10-08
Filing date: 2019-02-12
Publication date: 2020-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-12
Also published as: CN111000515A; CN111000515B

Abstract

A system and method for improving fluid flow is provided. The system includes an exhaust manifold defining a primary flow path partially obstructed by one or more flow diverters. The flow redirector includes a pair of obstructions, each obstruction of the pair extending from a back wall of the exhaust manifold into an interior region of the exhaust manifold, thereby forming a void along the primary flow path. The system further includes a first nozzle extending through the primary flow path and into the void such that a nozzle inlet of the first nozzle is positioned at least partially within the void. The system further includes a plurality of subsequent nozzles, each of the first and subsequent nozzles defining a respective secondary flow path for directing fluid away from the discharge manifold. The method includes reducing or eliminating hydraulic jump with a pair of dams.

Description

Continuous motion machine and exhaust manifold incorporated therein

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to fluid circulation systems (such as continuous motion washing/soaking machines), components of fluid circulation systems, and methods of using fluid circulation systems, including washing wares, food or other items, thawing food products, and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flow diverter for a continuous motion machine (such as a continuous motion washing or thawing machine) and a method for diverting the flow of a continuous motion machine. The present invention also relates to a device for retaining various articles within the tank of a fluid circulation system.

Background

Continuous motion systems of the type used in restaurants, establishments, and other eating establishments, such as tank and tray (and product and other items) washing machines (and food defrosting or descaling machines), typically involve a large wash/fluid sink or basin in which wash fluid is circulated to provide a rolling wash (or fluid exposure, e.g., for defrosting) action to the tank and tray or other items. One such machine is described in U.S. patent No.4,773,436 to Cantrell et al, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The machine of Cantrell includes a sink having a plurality of spray nozzles evenly spaced at elevated locations along a back wall of the sink. The tank is filled with water (wash fluid) to a height level above the spout location. The tank and tray are placed in the sink and the pump is activated to draw fluid from within the sink and direct the fluid through the jets to form respective jets. Each jet directs its jet towards the bottom wall of the washing tank, which then deflects the jet upwards and towards the front wall of the tank. The front wall then deflects the upwardly moving jet stream towards the rear wall of the trough, and the rear wall deflects the jet stream downwardly and back along the bottom wall towards the front wall. The combination of the deflection of the jets from the bottom wall, front wall and rear wall provides a rolling wash action within the wash tank.

The basic components of the wash/fluid sump of an exemplary tank and dish washing machine of the prior art are shown in FIG. 1A. Sink 10 includes

end walls

12 and 14, a rear side wall 16, a front side wall 18, and a bottom wall 19. The pump may be attached to either end wall; in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the pump 50 is attached to the right end wall 14. The impeller located within the pump 50 is driven by a motor 56. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1A, the impeller draws fluid into the pump inlet 52 through an intake port (not shown) located in the end wall 14. Fluid is then discharged from the pump through pump outlet 54 and into outlet manifold 60. The outlet manifold 60 includes a 90 degree bend and several other bends to direct fluid across the back side of the back wall 16 and out the spray nozzles 20 that protrude through and out of the back wall 16. The inlet port associated with the pump inlet 52 is covered by a perforated (hole, void, mesh, etc.) inlet manifold 30. The intake manifold 30 includes a handle 36 and is removably supported within the wash tank 10 for easy cleaning. The inlet manifold 30 fits closely between an outer runner 32 and an inner runner 34, each of which extends vertically from the bottom wall 19. The heating element 40 is located between the inlet manifold 30 and the end wall 14 for its protection and to maximize space usage.

While the prior art tank and dish washing machine disclosed in U.S. patent No.4,773,436 provides excellent washing/fluid action, many of the components discussed above hinder the overall efficiency and performance of the machine. The inventions disclosed in U.S. application serial nos. 09/947,484, 09/947,485, and 10/744,666, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, provide components that greatly increase the overall efficiency and performance of the machine, including improvements to the intake and exhaust manifolds, jets, pumps, and system assembly methods. Additionally, the inventions disclosed in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 12/842,984 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,685,170), 15/334,778, 14/325,148, and 14/738,105, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, provide components and methods for washing products, descaling/thawing articles, and cleaning the machine itself. However, before the advent of the present invention, it was even difficult to obtain flow through each jet, often creating inconsistent flow within the wash/fluid tank. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide an apparatus and method for diverting flow within a multiple injection manifold of a fluid circulation system in order to reduce or eliminate flow inconsistencies.

While improving flow does not necessarily improve the overall efficiency of washing, thawing, descaling, or similar systems, dividers, inserts, baskets, and other items are often used to separate items during fluid circulation to assist in positioning and/or removing items, etc. For example, U.S. patent application serial nos. 12/765,838 and 14/379,190 (now U.S. patent nos. 10,028,636 and 9,750,388, respectively), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, teach fluid flow structures and slot dividers for separating certain items and/or preventing items from impacting and/or catching on slot walls and/or each other. Unfortunately, these features do not always optimize the volume within the tank. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a system for optimizing the in-tank volume. It would also be beneficial to have a system that prevents items from hitting and/or catching on the walls of the trough and/or each other.

While many systems of the prior art provide excellent washing, thawing, soil removal and other fluid flow action, it is often difficult for a user of such systems to determine whether additional items can be placed in the tank and/or whether all items have been removed from the tank. This is particularly difficult to determine when the fluid within the tank is dirty and/or when the user's view is otherwise obstructed (such as by foam on the water surface, other items in the water, etc.). Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a system and method for determining whether an item may be placed within a slot, for assisting a user in determining whether an item is located within a slot, and/or for assisting a user in removing an item from a slot.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention includes systems and methods for diverting flow within a multi-jet manifold of a fluid circulation system, such as a continuous motion fluid washing or thawing machine, so as to reduce or eliminate flow inconsistencies and/or otherwise enhance the uniformity of the jet flow through a plurality of nozzles, orifices, or the like. The system includes an exhaust manifold defining a primary flow path and a plurality of outlets (each being a "nozzle") defining respective secondary flow paths. In some embodiments, each nozzle defines an inlet located within and/or adjacent to the primary flow path (such as in a void associated with the flow redirector of the present disclosure). By positioning the nozzle inlet in a void located adjacent to the main flow path, hydraulic jump is reduced as compared to a nozzle inlet located in the main flow path. In this way, the fluid flow into (and thus out of) such a nozzle is more consistent.

Although each nozzle includes an inlet, not all nozzle inlets need be located within the void for the present invention to provide benefits over the prior art. Alternatively, because hydraulic bounce is generally most severe at the first nozzle along the main flow path and is reduced for each subsequent nozzle, benefits may be obtained by creating a void along the main flow path associated with the first nozzle and/or the first set of nozzles. In some embodiments, each void is formed by positioning a first blocking member directly upstream of a respective nozzle and a second blocking member directly downstream of that nozzle. Each blocking member extends from a rear wall/portion of the exhaust manifold into the internal volume of the exhaust manifold, thereby forming a void and reducing (at least partially) the width of the primary flow path. The respective nozzles extend from the front wall/portion of the discharge manifold through the primary flow path, thereby forming a secondary flow path that effectively extends through the primary flow path.

The present invention also includes a rack assembly configured to hold a plurality of full trays and half trays during a fluid flow cycle. The rigid members of the rack assembly define an interior volume for holding a plurality of other items, thereby maximizing the in-slot space. The rack assembly is configured to be removable, thereby increasing the versatility of the slot. The rack assembly is configured to improve efficiency and/or productivity prior to fluid flow cycling, such as by helping a user determine where to position a pan (or other item) within the trough. The rack assembly is configured to improve the efficiency of the fluid flow cycle, such as by reducing or eliminating movement of the items and/or otherwise reducing adverse effects associated with the movement (i.e., bumping, jamming, etc.). The rack assembly is configured to improve efficiency and/or productivity after fluid flow cycles, such as by helping a user determine whether a pan (or other item) is currently located within a slot and/or where those items within the slot are located.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the present invention and are not meant to be limiting. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be apparent upon a study of the following specification and the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. Various features and subcombinations of the invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, embodiments of the invention and various features thereof.

Drawings

The preferred embodiments of the present invention, illustrative of the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

Fig. 1A is a partial perspective view of a prior art continuous motion washing machine in which embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the continuous motion machine of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust manifold of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the discharge manifold of fig. 2.

Fig. 4A is a top cross-sectional view of the exhaust manifold of fig. 2.

Fig. 4B is an isolated view of a portion of fig. 4A on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the exhaust manifold of FIG. 2.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the rack assembly of the present invention, shown within the interior volume of a sink, having a plurality of pan and half pans coupled thereto.

Fig. 7 is a top view of the rack assembly, sink and tray of fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a first portion of the rack assembly of fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second portion of the rack assembly of fig. 6.

Appendix a includes several figures associated with the calculated flow improvement associated with embodiments of the present invention compared to prior art systems.

Fig. a.1 includes a flow profile illustrating the improved flow consistency associated with the 12-jet embodiment of the present invention over the prior art 12-jet system.

Fig. a.2 shows a flow vector cross-sectional view of the first four jets of the prior art system shown in fig. a.1.

Figure a.3 shows a flow vector cross-sectional view of the first four jets of the embodiment of the invention shown in figure a.1.

Figure a.4 shows an isometric view of the flow vectors of the first four jets of the prior art system shown in figure a.1.

Figure a.5 shows a flow vector isometric view of the first four jets of the embodiment of the invention shown in figure a.1.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring to fig. 1B, some machines 100 of the present disclosure include: a tank 110 defining an interior volume 115 for containing a volume of fluid (for washing, thawing, desmutting, or other purposes-broadly referred to herein as "washing" or "soaking"); and a pump 150 for directing fluid through a plurality of nozzles 220 into the trough to create a rolling action within the trough 110. In some embodiments, the pump 150 pumps fluid from the machine to create a continuous fluid wash/soak action.

Referring to fig. 2, 3 and 4A, some embodiments of the invention include an exhaust manifold 160 having opposing first and second ends 162, 164 and an outer housing extending therebetween. The outer housing of the exhaust manifold 160 defines an internal volume 170 configured to facilitate and direct fluid flow through the exhaust manifold 160, thereby defining a first passageway and/or a primary flow path associated with the exhaust manifold 160. In some embodiments, the outer housing includes opposing front and

rear walls

166, 168 associated with respective front and rear portions of the exhaust manifold. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, one or more walls and/or portions of the exhaust manifold are integrated with and/or formed from one or more portions of the slot 110 and/or one or more other portions of the machine 100.

In some embodiments, the first end 162 of the exhaust manifold 160 defines a manifold inlet 165 through which fluid is pumped into the interior volume 170 of the exhaust manifold 160. In some embodiments, a forward portion of the exhaust manifold 160 defines a plurality of exhaust apertures and/or is otherwise perforated to facilitate fluid flow out of the exhaust manifold 160 (each such perforation being a "exhaust aperture"). In some embodiments, each discharge orifice is positioned sequentially along the primary flow path. In some embodiments, the primary flow path extends substantially from the manifold inlet 165, through each sequential discharge orifice, to the second end 164 of the discharge manifold, thereby facilitating fluid flow to each discharge orifice.

Referring to fig. 4A, 4B, and 5, some embodiments of the present invention include a plurality of nozzles 220 extending through respective discharge orifices into the interior volume 170 of the discharge manifold. In some embodiments, each nozzle extends an equal distance into the interior volume 170 of the discharge manifold 160, and/or each nozzle 220 is otherwise consistent with each other nozzle in size, shape, orientation, etc. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, one or more nozzles 220 extend a different distance (if any) into the interior volume 170 of the discharge manifold 160 than one or more other nozzles 220 and/or otherwise include (or are defined by) inconsistent sizes, shapes, orientations, etc. It should also be understood that in some embodiments, one or more discharge orifices of discharge manifold 160 do not include a nozzle. In some such embodiments, some such discharge orifices are configured to selectively receive one or more nozzles 220 or the like, such as for directing fluid or otherwise directing fluid as it flows into the tank 110.

Still referring to fig. 4B and 5, some nozzles of the present invention include a continuous wall 226 having a distal end 228 defining the nozzle inlet 224. In some embodiments, the proximal end of nozzle 220 is coupled to a front portion of the discharge manifold, such as front wall 166 of discharge manifold 160 and/or a wall of sump 110. In some embodiments, the nozzle 220 defines a second passageway and/or secondary flow path extending from the nozzle inlet 224 through the nozzle outlet 222, thereby facilitating fluid flow from the interior volume 170 of the discharge manifold 160 into the slot 110.

In some embodiments, the one or more secondary flow paths extend substantially perpendicularly from and/or through the primary flow path. In some embodiments, the one or more secondary flow paths are oriented to optimize the formation of a wash/soak action within the tank 110 of the machine 100. In some such embodiments, at least one nozzle 220 (and typically each nozzle) is oriented at a generally downward angle so as to direct fluid downward into the wash/soak tank. In some embodiments, the distal end 228 of one or more nozzles 220 defines an inlet plane associated with the nozzle inlet 224, the inlet plane being substantially parallel to the main flow path. In some embodiments, the secondary flow path is substantially perpendicular to the inlet plane. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the inlet plane is at an angle to the primary and/or secondary flow paths.

In some embodiments, the secondary flow path associated with the first nozzle extends through at least a portion of the primary flow path such that a primary fluid stream flowing through the primary flow path towards the second nozzle (in order to feed a secondary fluid stream associated with the second nozzle and/or one or more other subsequent nozzles) must surround and/or must otherwise flow through the secondary fluid stream associated with the first nozzle. In some such embodiments, the continuous wall of the first nozzle forms a barrier between the primary and secondary fluid flows, facilitating the extension of the secondary flow path into the interior volume 170 of the discharge manifold 160. In some embodiments, at least one nozzle 220 (and typically each nozzle) extends between 67% and 89% of the interior volume 170 of the discharge manifold 160. In some embodiments, the secondary flow path is perpendicular (or at least substantially perpendicular) to the primary flow path. In some embodiments, at least one nozzle (and typically each nozzle) defines a taper of typically no more than 15 degrees, such that the cross-section of the respective nozzle inlet 224 is greater than the cross-section of the respective nozzle outlet 222.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a first flow diverter 320 associated with a first nozzle 220 of the plurality of nozzles 220, the first nozzle being the first nozzle along the primary flow path. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a plurality of flow diverters, each flow diverter associated with a respective nozzle of the plurality of nozzles. In some embodiments, at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is not associated with a flow redirector. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a first set of nozzles and a second set of nozzles, at least one nozzle of the first set of nozzles being associated with a respective flow redirector, and at least one nozzle of the second set of nozzles not being associated with a respective flow redirector. In some embodiments, each nozzle in the first set of nozzles is associated with a respective flow redirector, and each nozzle in the second set of nozzles is not associated with a respective flow redirector.

In some embodiments, each nozzle in the first set of nozzles is positioned upstream of each nozzle in the second set of nozzles. In some embodiments, the first set of nozzles includes a first number of nozzles and the second set of nozzles includes a second number of nozzles, the second number of nozzles being greater than the first number of nozzles. In some embodiments, the second number of nozzles is about three times the first number of nozzles.

In some embodiments, each nozzle is either associated with a respective flow redirector ("associated nozzle"), or it is not associated with a respective flow redirector ("non-associated nozzle"). In some embodiments, each associated nozzle is positioned upstream of each non-associated nozzle. In some embodiments, the present invention includes more unassociated nozzles than associated nozzles. In some embodiments, the present invention includes about three times as many unassociated nozzles as associated nozzles.

In some embodiments, each flow diverter includes a pair of obstructions including a first obstruction 322 and a second obstruction 324, the first obstruction 322 being positioned upstream of a respective nozzle (such as a first nozzle) and the second obstruction being positioned downstream of the respective nozzle, thereby forming a primary void 325 along the primary flow path. In some embodiments, the distal end of the respective nozzle extends at least partially into the main void 325, thereby eliminating or otherwise reducing hydraulic jump and/or other fluidic phenomena associated with the orientation of the main flow relative to the inlet plane of the respective nozzle.

In some embodiments, each of first barrier 322 and second barrier 324 of the present invention extend into interior volume 170 of exhaust manifold 160. In some embodiments, first barrier 322 and second barrier 324 each extend between 44% and 67% of the manifold. In some such embodiments, the exhaust manifold 160 is generally rectangular in shape and the barrier extends between opposing top and bottom walls of the exhaust manifold 160 such that by extending the barrier between 44% and 67% of the way into the manifold, the respective local cross-sections of the internal volume (and the cross-section of the fluid flow path) are proportionally reduced. In some embodiments, the exhaust manifold 160 defines a rectangular cross-section having an aspect ratio between 1.89:1 and 2.99: 1. In some such embodiments, the distance between the opposing top and bottom walls of the discharge manifold 160 is greater than the distance between the opposing front and rear walls of the discharge manifold 160 such that the aspect ratio is a height to width aspect ratio.

In some embodiments, first barrier 322 and second barrier 324 each define a substantially uniform outer perimeter, as such barriers extend between the top and bottom walls (and/or top and bottom) of the exhaust manifold. In some embodiments, first barrier 322 and second barrier 324 of first flow diverter 320 are identical in size and shape and/or otherwise configured to maximize efficiency and/or improve flow uniformity. In some embodiments, at least one of first barrier 322 and second barrier 324 defines a rectangular perimeter extending into interior volume 170 of discharge manifold 160. In some such embodiments, the rectangular perimeter includes one or more rounded corners, such as one or more rounded inner corners and/or rounded outer corners. In some embodiments, at least one of first barrier 322 and second barrier 324 defines a triangular perimeter extending into interior volume 170 of exhaust manifold 160. In some such embodiments, the triangular perimeter includes one or more rounded corners, such as one or more rounded inner corners and/or rounded outer corners. In some embodiments, at least one barrier of first barrier 322 and second barrier 324 defines at least a portion of a cylinder, such as at least a portion of a semi-elliptical and/or semi-circular cylinder. In some such embodiments, the curved perimeter includes one or more rounded corners and/or one or more tangent lines defined at the intersection of the opposing curves.

In some embodiments, the unobstructed cross-section of the interior volume of the exhaust manifold is uniform along the entire length (or at least a majority of the entire length) of the first flow path. In other embodiments, the exhaust manifold 160 includes a decreasing taper along the length of the first flow path of no more than about 6 degrees such that the cross-section of the interior volume 170 proximate the first nozzle is greater than the cross-section of the interior volume 170 proximate the last nozzle.

In some embodiments, the upstream cross-section of internal volume 170 positioned directly upstream of first barrier 322 is approximately equal to the downstream cross-section of internal volume 170 positioned directly downstream of the respective second barrier 324. In some embodiments, the upstream and/or downstream cross-sections of internal volume 170 are approximately equal to respective intermediate cross-sections of internal volume 170, which are centered between first barrier 322 and second barrier 324, thereby defining a central plane of the flow redirector.

In some embodiments, each associated nozzle is positioned between a respective first barrier 322 and second barrier 324 of a respective flow diverter 320. In some embodiments, at least one associated nozzle is centered between respective first and

second barriers

322, 324. In some embodiments, one or more associated nozzles are off-center from between respective first barrier 322 and second barrier 324. In some embodiments, the position spacing (the spacing between the associated nozzle and its respective first dam 322) is between 25% and 75% of the respective dam spacing (the spacing between the respective first dam 322 and second dam 324). In some embodiments, the width of the unobstructed cross-section of the interior volume 170 is between 58% and 62% of the obstruction spacing. In some embodiments, the height of the unobstructed cross-section of the interior volume 170 is between 161% and 172%. In some embodiments, the barrier spacing is between 5% and 17% of the total length of the exhaust manifold. In some embodiments, the baffle spacing of each flow diverter is such that a respective second baffle 324 of such flow diverter is positioned upstream of each subsequent flow diverter, if applicable. In some such embodiments, adjacent flow diverters form second voids 326 between adjacent second obstructions 324 of the upstream flow diverter and first obstructions 322 of the downstream flow diverter, respectively.

The present invention further includes a method of reducing hydraulic bounce associated with fluid flow through the exhaust manifold 160, such as for a continuous motion wash/soak machine 100. In some embodiments, the method includes pumping fluid (such as wash/soak fluid) into the exhaust manifold 160 through the manifold inlet 165 to generate the primary fluid flow along the primary flow path. In some embodiments, the primary flow path extends from the manifold inlet 165 to each of the plurality of nozzles 220 positioned sequentially along the length of the discharge manifold 160. In some embodiments, each nozzle 220 defines a nozzle outlet 222, a nozzle inlet 224, and a secondary flow path extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the method includes forcing fluid into each nozzle inlet 224, through each respective secondary flow path, and out each respective nozzle outlet. In this manner, the fluid may be directed away from the discharge manifold, such as into the tank 110 of the washing/soaking machine 100.

In some embodiments, the method includes diverting at least a portion of the primary fluid stream from at least one nozzle inlet (such as a nozzle inlet of a first nozzle). In some embodiments, the method includes positioning first and

second obstructions

322, 324 of first flow diverter 320 on both sides of the first nozzle so as to form a first primary void 325 associated therewith. In some embodiments, the method further includes positioning one or more additional flow diverters 320 relative to one or more additional subsequent (downstream) nozzles. In some embodiments, the method includes extending the first nozzle into the interior volume 170 of the discharge manifold such that at least a portion of the nozzle inlet 224 of the first nozzle is positioned within the first primary void 325. In some embodiments, the method further includes extending each nozzle associated with a respective flow diverter into the interior volume 170 of the discharge manifold 160 such that at least a portion of a respective nozzle inlet 224 of each such nozzle 220 is positioned within a respective primary void.

Referring to fig. 6-9, some embodiments of the invention include a rack assembly 400 for positioning one or more articles in the interior volume 115 of a tank 110 (such as the tank 110 of the continuous fluid motion machine 100). In some embodiments, the rack assembly 400 includes opposing first and

second portions

410, 420 configured to be secured to opposing first and

second walls

112, 114 of the trough 110, such as opposing front and rear walls of the trough, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and

second portions

410, 420 of the rack assembly 400 include respective first and

second sets

510, 520 of protruding

members

512, 522, each protruding

member

512, 522 defining a portion of at least one respective proximal and

distal slot

515, 525, each

slot

515, 525 configured to receive respective proximal and distal ends of a standard elongated item 25 (such as a flat pan). In this manner, the rack assembly 400 defines a plurality of positioning features for positioning a plurality of standard elongated items 25 within the interior volume 115 of the trough 110 and/or for preventing or otherwise impeding the following actions of such standard elongated items 25: the walls of the impingement slots 110; other items within the impingement slot 110, such as flow guides, dividers, and/or other standard elongated items 25; snap into the walls of the slot 110; and/or one or more other items (such as a flow guide and/or another standard elongated item 25) that are caught within the slot 110.

In some embodiments, the first set 510 and the second set 520 of protruding members are offset from each other such that each elongated article 25 is angled with respect to the slot 110 and/or with respect to a fluid flow (such as a fluid jet) associated with the slot 110. In this manner, the system is configured to optimize fluid flow across a first surface of a standard elongated item 25 (such as a cooking surface, preparation surface, baking surface, etc. of the item) in order to maximize the efficiency of washing or other fluid action. In some embodiments, each protruding

member

512, 522 is configured to prevent or otherwise impede the respective standard elongated item 25 from translating laterally within the slot 110 and/or rotating within the slot (such as about a vertical and/or longitudinal axis of the slot), while allowing translation in a vertical direction out of the slot. In some embodiments, the first and

second sidewalls

112, 114 are configured to prevent or otherwise impede each standard elongated item 25 from translating longitudinally within the slot 110 and/or rotating within the slot (such as about a lateral axis of the slot), while allowing translation in a vertical direction out of the slot. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the trough 110 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective exhaust manifold 160.

In some embodiments, the rack assembly 400 is configured to selectively engage the slot 110. In some embodiments, the first portion 410 includes a first engagement member 412, such as a single elongated engagement member and/or a plurality of shorter engagement members. In some embodiments, the first engagement member 412 includes a lip 432 that defines a raceway 435 for receiving the lip 132 of the slot 110. In some embodiments, the lip 432 of the first engagement member 412 is configured to be received by the raceway 135 defined by the groove lip 132. In some embodiments, the first engagement member 412 is configured to be rotatably coupled to the slot 110, such as to a top edge of a front wall of the slot 110, so as to enable the first portion 410 to rotate between a deployed configuration within the interior volume 115 of the slot 110 and a retracted configuration displaced from the interior volume 115 of the slot 110. In some embodiments, if applicable, the first engagement member 412 is configured to slide along the length of the top edge of the slot (and/or translate away from the top edge of the slot) when the first portion 410 is in the retracted configuration, thereby allowing the first portion 410 to selectively engage with the slot 110 or disengage from the slot 110.

In some embodiments, the second portion 420 includes a plurality of engagement features 422 for selectively engaging the slot 110. In some embodiments, the engagement features 422 define a ring or other feature configured to receive one or more respective engagement features 122 of the slot 110 and/or to be received by one or more respective engagement features 122 of the slot 110.

In some embodiments, the first portion 410 includes a rigid member 414 extending toward the second portion 420. In some embodiments, the first portion 410 includes a third set 530 of protruding members 532, each protruding member 532 of the third set 530 extending from a distal end of the rigid member 414 (and/or defined by a distal end of the rigid member 414) so as to define a portion of the at least one proximal slot 535 associated with the respective distal slot 525 of the second portion 420. In some embodiments, each

slot

535, 525 is configured to receive a respective proximal and distal end of a truncated elongated article 27 (such as a half-flat pan). In this manner, the rack assembly 400 defines a plurality of locating features for locating a plurality of truncated elongated articles 27 within the interior volume 115 of the trough 110 and/or for preventing or otherwise impeding the following actions of such elongated articles 27: the walls of the impingement slots 110; other articles within the impingement slot 110, such as flow guides, dividers, and/or other truncated elongated articles 27; snap into the walls of the slot 110; and/or one or more other articles (such as a flow guide and/or another truncated elongated article 27) that are caught within the slot 110.

In some embodiments, the third set 530 and second set 520 of projection members are offset from each other such that each truncated elongated article 27 is angled relative to the slot 110 and/or relative to a fluid flow (such as a fluid jet) associated with the slot 110. In this way, the system is configured to optimize the fluid flow across a first surface of the truncated elongated item 27 (such as the cooking surface, preparation surface, baking surface, etc. of the item) in order to maximize the efficiency of the washing or other fluid action. In some embodiments, each protruding

member

532, 522 is configured to prevent or otherwise impede lateral translation and/or rotation of the respective truncated elongated article 27 within the slot 110 (such as about a vertical and/or longitudinal axis of the slot), while allowing translation in a vertical direction out of the slot. In some embodiments, the rigid member 414 (such as a distal wall of the rigid member) and the second wall 114 are configured to prevent or otherwise impede each truncated elongated item 27 from translating longitudinally within the slot 110 and/or from rotating within the slot 110 (such as about a lateral axis of the slot), while allowing translation in a vertical direction out of the slot. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the trough 110 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective exhaust manifold 160.

In some embodiments, the first and

third sets

510, 530 of protruding members each include a plurality of respective protruding

members

512, 532 that define one or more respective

proximal slots

515, 535 associated with respective distal slots 525 defined by one or more protruding members 522 of the second set 520 of protruding members 522. In some embodiments, each

proximal slot

515, 535 is configured to receive a proximal end of an elongated article (such as a standard elongated article 25 and/or a truncated elongated article 27), and each distal slot 525 is configured to receive a distal end of an elongated article. In some embodiments, each

proximal slot

515, 535 of the first 510 and third 530 sets of projecting members is offset from the corresponding distal slot 525 of the second set 520 of projecting members 522 such that each

elongated article

25, 27 is angled relative to the slot 110 and/or relative to a fluid stream (such as a fluid jet) associated with the slot 110. In this manner, the system is configured to optimize fluid flow across a first surface of each elongated item 25, 27 (such as a cooking surface, preparation surface, baking surface, etc. of that item) in order to maximize the efficiency of the washing or other fluid action. In some embodiments, the rack assembly 400 is configured to hold each

elongated item

25, 27 generally parallel to each other

elongated item

25, 27, thereby optimizing use of space within the trough 110, maintaining spacing between the

elongated items

25, 27, and/or otherwise optimizing cleaning, thawing, dirt removal, or other fluid action.

In some embodiments, the rack assembly 400 is configured to receive the plurality of standard elongated articles 25 and/or the truncated elongated articles 27 when the second portion 420 is secured to the second wall 114 of the slot 110 and the first portion 410 is secured to the opposing first wall 112 of the slot and moved into the deployed configuration within the slot 110. In some embodiments, engaging one or more of the truncated elongated articles 27 with the frame assembly 400 prevents or otherwise inhibits the first portion 410 from rotating out of the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, engaging one or more of the standard elongated articles 25 and/or the truncated elongated articles 27 with the rack assembly 400 prevents or otherwise inhibits the first portion 410 and/or the second portion 420 of the rack assembly 400 from moving out of the respective deployed configurations.

In some embodiments, the one or more protruding

members

512, 522, 532 are configured to extend above the water line within the trough, thereby providing an indication to a user of where to position the one or more

elongated items

25, 27 within the fluid and/or an indication of a location within the fluid at which to position the one or more

elongated items

25, 27. In this manner, the rack assembly 400 is configured to assist a user in loading the slots and/or in unloading the slots. In some embodiments, the first portion 410 and/or the second portion 420 of the rack assembly are configured to be movable from an expanded configuration within the slot 110 to a retracted configuration outside the slot 110. In some embodiments, engaging one or more standard elongated articles 25 and/or truncated elongated articles 27 with the rack assembly 400 prevents or otherwise inhibits the first portion 410 and/or the second portion 420 from moving away from their deployed configurations, thereby securing the rack assembly 400 in place during fluid circulation and/or providing an indication that one or more

elongated articles

25, 27 are positioned within the fluid.

In some embodiments, the rigid member 414 includes opposing proximal and distal walls and a plurality of sidewalls extending therebetween, thereby defining an interior volume 415 for holding a plurality of articles during washing, thawing, soil removal, or other fluid circulation. In some embodiments, the rigid member 414 includes a bottom panel and an opposing open top. In some embodiments, one or more walls and/or panels of the rigid member 414 are perforated so as to allow fluid to flow into and out of the interior volume 415 of the rigid member during one or more fluid cycles. In some embodiments, the rigid member 414 is configured to retain items within the rigid member's interior volume 415 during one or more fluid cycles, thereby preventing such items from impacting and/or catching on other items within the slot (such as one or more

elongated items

25, 27 positioned adjacent to the rigid member 414 or otherwise within the slot 110).

In some embodiments, the third set 530 of protruding members 532 is coupled to and/or defined by a distal wall of the rigid member 414. In some embodiments, the rack assembly 400 is configured to receive a plurality of truncated elongated articles 27 between the distal wall of the rigid member 414 and the second wall 114 of the slot. In some embodiments, the rack assembly 400 is configured to receive a plurality of standard elongated items 25 between the opposing first and

second walls

112, 114 of the trough 110. In some embodiments, the first sidewall of the rigid member 414 is angled so as to be parallel to the adjacent standard elongated items 25, thereby maximizing the interior volume 415 of the rigid member 414. In some embodiments, the second sidewall of the rigid member 414 is configured to be substantially parallel to the sidewall 116 of the slot 110, thereby allowing the rigid member 414 to be positioned adjacent to the sidewall 116. In some embodiments, the first wall 112 of the slot 110 includes one or more engagement features configured to engage with corresponding engagement features of the first portion 410 of the rack assembly 400 to prevent or otherwise inhibit lateral movement of the first portion 410 of the rack assembly 400 relative to the slot 110 and/or to help position the rigid member 414 relative to the side wall 116 of the slot 110.

The present invention further includes a method of maximizing space within a tank. In some embodiments, the method includes securing the first and

second portions

410, 420 of the rack assembly to the respective first and

second walls

112, 114 of the slot 110. In some embodiments, the method includes engaging a plurality of standard elongated articles 25 and/or truncated elongated members 27 with the rack assembly 400 to inhibit movement of the articles within the interior volume 115 of the slot 110. In some embodiments, the method includes separating a portion of the internal volume 115 of the tank 110 with a rigid member, the separated portion being the internal volume 415 of the rigid member 414.

The present invention further includes a method of positioning an article within the channel 110. In some embodiments, the method includes securing the first and

second portions

410, 420 of the rack assembly to the respective first and

second walls

112, 114 of the tank 110 such that the plurality of protruding members extend above the fluid within the tank. In some embodiments, the method includes sliding the plurality of standard elongated articles 25 and/or truncated elongated articles 27 vertically into the interior volume 115 of the trough 110 such that the proximal and distal ends of each elongated article are received by respective proximal and distal slots defined by the plurality of protruding members. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning a plurality of articles within an interior volume 415 of a rigid member 414 of the rack assembly 400.

The present invention further includes a method of positioning articles within a trough to assist in removing the articles from the trough and/or a method of removing articles from the trough. In some embodiments, the method includes securing the first and

second portions

410, 420 of the rack assembly to the respective first and

second walls

112, 114 of the tank 110 such that the plurality of protruding members extend above the fluid within the tank. In some embodiments, the method includes using the protruding member to identify one or more possible locations of one or more standard elongated items 25 and/or truncated elongated items 27. In some embodiments, the method includes attempting to move one or more of the first portion 410 and/or the second portion 420 of the rack assembly 400 away from the deployed configuration in order to determine whether one or more items (such as one or more elongated items engaged with the rack assembly) are located within the slot. In some embodiments, the method includes moving one or more of the first portion 410 and/or the second portion 420 of the rack assembly 400 at least partially away from the deployed configuration to remove one or more items from the interior volume 115 of the trough 110 and/or to facilitate such removal.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding; no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Furthermore, the description and illustration of the invention is exemplary, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

While the foregoing detailed description of the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, and while the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that certain changes, modifications or variations which embody the invention may be made, and that structural changes, modifications or variations other than those specifically set forth herein may be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modifications or variations are to be considered as within the overall scope of the invention. It is therefore contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the claims appended hereto, and that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner of making and using the same, the features of construction and the advantageous, new and useful results obtained; new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A continuous motion machine, comprising:

a tank for containing a volume of fluid;

a pump in fluid communication with the tank;

an exhaust manifold having a manifold inlet in fluid communication with the pump;

a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the discharge manifold, each of the plurality of nozzles configured to direct fluid from the discharge manifold into the slot to create motion within a volume of fluid; and

a first flow diverter associated with a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles, the first flow diverter including first and second obstructions positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, of the first nozzle.

2. The continuous motion machine of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of flow diverters, each flow diverter associated with a respective nozzle of the plurality of nozzles.

3. The continuous motion machine of claim 2, wherein the plurality of nozzles is more than the plurality of flow diverters such that at least one nozzle is not associated with a respective flow diverter.

4. The continuous motion machine of claim 3, wherein the plurality of nozzles includes a first set of nozzles and a second set of nozzles, the second set of nozzles positioned downstream of the first set of nozzles, each nozzle of the first set of nozzles associated with a respective flow redirector of the plurality of flow redirectors.

5. The continuous motion machine of claim 4, wherein the second set of nozzles includes more nozzles than the first set of nozzles.

6. The continuous motion machine of claim 5, wherein the second set of nozzles comprises three times as many nozzles as the first set of nozzles.

7. The continuous motion machine of claim 6, wherein the discharge manifold includes opposing first and second ends and an outer housing extending therebetween defining an interior volume of the discharge manifold, wherein each of the nozzles passes through a front portion of the outer housing, and wherein each of the flow diverters extends into the interior volume of the discharge manifold from a rear portion of the outer housing, the rear portion being opposite the front portion.

8. The continuous motion machine of claim 7, wherein each flow diverter includes respective first and second barriers flanking respective side sections of the rear portion of the discharge manifold, and wherein each associated nozzle passes through a respective perforated section of the front portion of the discharge manifold, each side section being opposite a respective perforated section.

9. The continuous motion machine of claim 2, wherein each flow diverter includes respective first and second barriers flanking respective side sections of the rear wall of the discharge manifold, and wherein each associated nozzle passes through a respective perforated section of the front wall of the discharge manifold, each side section being opposite a respective perforated section.

10. The continuous motion machine of claim 9, wherein each associated nozzle includes a continuous wall having a distal end defining a nozzle inlet, wherein the continuous wall of each associated nozzle extends from the respective penetration segment toward the respective side segment such that the respective nozzle inlet of each associated nozzle is positioned between the respective first and second barriers of the respective flow diverter.

11. An exhaust manifold for a continuous motion machine including a tank for selectively containing a volume of fluid and a pump for creating motion within the volume of fluid, the exhaust manifold comprising:

a manifold inlet for receiving fluid from the pump;

a plurality of nozzles for directing fluid into the tank; and

12. The discharge manifold of claim 11, wherein the discharge manifold comprises opposing first and second ends and an outer housing extending therebetween, thereby defining an interior volume of the discharge manifold, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles passes through a front portion of the outer housing, and wherein each of the first and second barriers of the first flow diverter extends into the interior volume of the discharge manifold from a rear portion of the outer housing, the rear portion being opposite the front portion.

13. The discharge manifold of claim 12, wherein the first nozzle extends from the front of the outer housing toward the rear of the outer housing such that a nozzle inlet defined by a distal end of the nozzle is positioned between the first and second barriers of the first flow diverter.

14. The discharge manifold of claim 13, wherein the outer housing defines a primary flow path extending longitudinally from the manifold inlet toward the second end of the discharge manifold, each of the plurality of nozzles being positioned sequentially along the primary flow path, and wherein the first nozzle defines a secondary flow path extending substantially perpendicular to the primary flow path, the secondary flow path extending from the nozzle inlet through the front portion of the outer housing.

15. The discharge manifold of claim 11, further comprising a first void between the first and second obstructions of the first flow diverter,

wherein the discharge manifold defines a primary flow path extending from the manifold inlet to a last nozzle of the plurality of nozzles,

wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is positioned sequentially along the primary flow path,

wherein the first nozzle defines a secondary flow path extending generally perpendicular to the primary flow path,

wherein the secondary flow path extends from a nozzle inlet of the first nozzle to facilitate fluid flow from the discharge manifold into the slot, and

wherein the nozzle inlet of the first nozzle is positioned within the first void.

16. The discharge manifold of claim 15, wherein the first nozzle extends through the primary flow path.

17. The discharge manifold of claim 15, wherein the first flow diverter is configured to divert at least a portion of a main flow away from the nozzle inlet of the first nozzle so as to reduce hydraulic bounce associated therewith.