SG185160A1

SG185160A1 - Automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing of eating utensils in food and beverage outlets

Info

Publication number: SG185160A1
Application number: SG2011030111A
Authority: SG
Inventors: Teng Hwee Koh
Original assignee: Solves Innovative Technology Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-28
Filing date: 2011-04-28
Publication date: 2012-11-29

Abstract

AUTOMATED CONVEYING, CLEANING, STACKING AND STORING OF EATING UTENSILS IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE OUTLETSAn automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system used in one or more food and beverage ("F & B") outlets, wherein used eating utensils are collected and kept in used eating utensil containers which are uploaded and conveyed to be cleaned, sterilized, stacked and stored in sterile condition and dispensed for use. The systemconsists of at least these modules: an used eating utensil conveyor module (50) with a plurality of used eating utensil containers to transport used eating utensils from one or more collection points (10) to a sorting module;a sorting module to separate the different types of used eating utensils for processing in the cleaning module,a cleaning module which cleans, dries and sterilizes the used eating utensils;a clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) using a plurality of clean eating utensil containers to transport the cleaned eating utensils to be stored in sterile conditions;a storing and racking system having a plurality of storage points (40) wherein the cleaned eating utensils are stored in racking systems (42) before these are conveyed by the clean eating utensils conveyor module (52) to each F & B outlet; anda computerized control system which manages and monitors the entire operations of these modulesThe eating utensils once uploaded into the conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing modules are never handled by humans until the cleaned eating utensils are retrieved from the clean eating utensil container at the F & B outlet for use. Fig. 1

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing of eating utensils in food and beverage outlets

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an automated system which conveys used eating utensils for cleaning, cleans and sterilizes said used eating utensils, sorts, stacks and stores 180 cleaned eating utensils in sterilized storage for distribution and re-use, in a plurality of food and beverage outlets including food courts and hawker centres.

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

The popularity of hawker centres and food courts in Singapore has increased over the years such that hawker centres and food courts are part of the social fabric of Singapore.

Singapore is one of the worid's important regional financial and business hubs, having a vibrant F & B sector is crucial in attracting business visitors as well as enhancing the quality of life of the many foreign talents who have chosen to work and live in Singapore.

Hawker centres also play an important role in tourist attractions for visitors will always look for local cuisines but not the western foods or anything they normally eat in their home country.

However, the standard of cleanliness of hawker centers is one area where much improvements can be made.

The US started to related cleanliness of recycled eating utensils with disease transmitting in the 30s. The state of New York enacted law that stated clearly the cleanliness standard of each eating utensils must be less than 100 bacterial counts. Hence,

Singapore is at least 70 years lag behind America if we start to look into the cleanliness of eating utensils of the F & B sector now. The main purpose of this invention, besides providing maximum convenience for the stall operators, is fo maintain the cleanliness level of used eating utensils above certain established standard verifiable by laboratory tests.

The NEA may have the "ABC" system of grading of the cleanliness standards of hawkers in food preparation; but-obviously the cleanliness of the utensils is not one of the judging criteria. In fact, we lack a proper standard to determine the cleanliness of washed eating utensils. This standard will’ be established in this project.

Hawker centres and food courts consists of a plurality of food and beverage outlets (hereinafter referred fo as “‘F & B outlets”) where each F & B outlet is independently managed by the operator of that outlet. However, the customer can choose where to seat to consume the food. As such, after eating or drinking, the customer would leave behind the used eating utensils (such as forks, spoons, chopsticks, plates, bowls and other containers) on the table. This has created a logistical nightmare for the operators of the F & B outlet as each F & B outlet would have their own set of eating utensils. The operator has to go to every part of the hawker centre or food court to collect the used eating utensils, bring these back to his outlet, wash and clean them, for re-use. Thus, the time spent in collecting and cleaning the eating utensils is unproductive since such work deprives the operator of time needed to 18 serve customers and prepare food or drinks.

To solve some of the problems, a pool of common eating utensils had to be bought and shared by all F & B outlets. Even then, problems arise as the common eating utensils have to be washed and cleaned before being return to each F & B outlet.

To further solve the problem of clearing, collecting and cleaning the eating utensils and also to save the F & B outlets from spending unproductive time collecting, cleaning, sorting and sending the cleaned utensils back to the F & B outlets, the hawker centres and food courts: employed ‘a common clearing and cleaning agent to collect, clean 28 and return common eating utensils to the operators. The common clearing and cleaning agent would collect all used eating utensils, bring these to a common washing and cleaning area, washed and clean the eating utensils, then sort these and distribute the cleaned eating utensils back to each F & B outlet. While the use of a common clearing and cleaning agent has improved productivity of the operators of the F & B outlets, much manual work has to be spent clearing, cleaning and distributing the cleaned eating Ulensils back to the F & B outlets.

What is needed for the next stage of increased productivity in F & B outlets like food courts and hawker centres is a mechanised system to convey all used eating utensils to a cleaning and washing area, clean and store these cleaned eating utensils in a clean and sterile environment and dispense these cleaned eating utensils back to the F & B outlets. lt would be desirable if thecleaning methods are efficient and automated. It would also be highly desirable if the cleaned eating utensils are mechanically stored in racking systems in storage points, maintained in their sterile condition and dispensed mechanically to each F & B outlet when requisitioned by that F & B outlet. Lastly, it would be desirable if the entire process of handling, washing and cleaning, stacking, storing and dispensing of the cleaned eating utensils are handled without human hands so that these cleaned eating utensils remain in a sterile condition before being taken out for use at the F&B outlet. it would also be desirable if the standard of hygiene used in the mechanised system to convey, clean and wash used eating utensils, sterilize, handle and store the cleaned eating utensils be equivalent to those of New York in which cleanliness standard of each eating utensils is less than 100 bacterial counts. Such high standards of hygiene cannot be achieved by current methods of manual washing and cleaning.

Automating the hawker centres has other significances: a boost of cleanliness image of 1S Singapore, create talking points and perhaps best reflect the efficiency and responsibility of the Singapore Government.

Singapore may be the first country in the world to use sterilized eating utensils in the public.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A first object of the invention is an automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system used in one or more food and beverage (‘F & B") outlets, wherein used eating utensils are collected and kept in used eating utensil containers which are then stacked onto container trolleys, said container trolleys brought to one or more collection points, where the used eating utensils in the used eating utensil containers are uploaded onto the automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system consisting of at least these modules:- 36 an used eating utensil conveyor module with a plurality of used eating utensil containers to transport used eating utensils from one or more collection points; a plurality of bring down units for used ealing utensil containers wherein the plurality of used eating utensil containers are uploaded into the used eating utensil conveyor module fo be transported from one or more collection points;

a sorting module to separate the different types of used eating utensils so that each type of used eating utensils are washed and cleaned; a cleaning module which receives each different type of used eating 3 utensils, washes and cleans each type of used eating utensils before drying and sterilizing the cleaned eating utensils; a clean eating utensil conveyor module with a plurality of clean eating utensil containers to transport the cleaned eating utensils from the cleaning module; a storing and racking system having a plurality of storage points wherein the cleaned eating utensils are stacked in racking systems and stored in sterile conditions; and 18 a plurality of bring down units for clean eating utensil containers wherein the plurality of clean eating utensil containers are uploaded into the clean eating utensil conveyor module to be transported from one or more storage points to the F & B outlets; an intelligent computerized system which manages, controls and monitors the operations of the entire conveying, cleaning, racking and storing modules using a plurality of sensors and computer programs {0 run the entire system efficiently wherein the used eating ulensils once uploaded into the conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing modules are never handled by humans until the cleaned eating utensils are retrieved from the clean eating utensil containers at the F & B outlet for use.

Preferably the used eating utensil conveyor module has a plurality of used eating utensil containers filled wherein each used eating utensil container filled with used eating utensils in the container trolley is sentto a collection point, the said used eating utensil container then uploaded by a bring down unit into the used eating utensil conveyor module, wherein said used eating utensil container is then conveyed to the sorting module.

Preferably the used eating utensil conveyor module has a plurality of used eating utensil containers wherein each used eating utensil container has sensors to indicate that it is full.

Preferably the used eating utensil conveyor module has a plurality of used eating utensil containers wherein all used eating utensil containers used for conveying of used eating utensils are cleaned after emptying the used eating utensils.

Preferably the used eating utensil conveyor module has a plurality of used eating 1§ utensil containers: wherein all used eating utensil containers used for conveying used eating utensils after cleaning are sént toa container magazine at a collection point to join a queue of emply used eating utensil containers to be filled with used eating utensils.

Preferably the used eating utensil conveyor module is installed overhead in the F & B outlet.

Alternatively the used eating utensil conveyor module is installed underneath in the F & B outlet.

Preferably the sorting module has sorting means to sort the used eating utensils according to their type and each type of sorted used eating utensils are then conveyed fo a cleaning unit for each type of used eating utensils to be washed and cleaned.

Preferably after the unloading of the used eating utensils into the sorting module, food remains on the used eating utensils are removed during the sorting process.

Preferably the sorting means use holes of various sizes fitting the dimensions of the 38 used eating utensils so that a specific type of used eating utensils is sorted according to their size/shape.

Alternatively the sorting means use a vision system which recognizes shapes of used eating utensils so that a specific shape of used eating utensils is sorted according to their shape.

Preferably the sorting means include use of high pressure water to spray the used eating utensils fo remove left-over food residues while the used eating utensils are being sorted.

Preferably the sorting means use weaved stainless steel wire which allows water and food residues to go through the weaved stainless steel wire during the sorting of the used eating utensils,

Alternatively a vision system uses a plurality of cameras and image recognition software to identify each type of used eating utensils for the sorting process.

Preferably the cleaning module has one or more cleaning units for different types of 160 used eating utensils which are sorted and received from the Sorting Module.

Preferably the cleaning unit processes the used eating utensils through at least three stages of cleaning and washing, including:- is « g first stage with detergent with ultrasonic scrubbing; - an intermediate stage with water rinsing and ultrasonic rinsing; and = a third stage with clean water rinsing

Alternatively the cleaning unit processes the used eating utensils through at least three stages of cleaning and washing, wherein the first stage uses other cleaning methods such as scrubbing using sponge or brush, or high pressure jet and hot water.

Preferably the water used in rinsing the used eating utensils from the at least three stages of cleaning and washing are recycled from the first stage and used in subsequent stages.

Preferably the cleaning units wash and clean each type of used eating utensils, then dry and sterilize the cleaned eating utensils.

Preferably the drying is by centrifugal force or clean hot air.

Preferably the sterilizing is by UV light.

Alternatively the sterilizing is by other sterilizing techniques such as plasma.

Preferably the empty used eating utensil container after unloading the used eating utensils are also washed, cleaned and dried in the cleaning module, before the empty cleaned eating utensil container is returned to the queue of empty clean eating utensil containers in used eating utensil container magazine at each collection point.

Preferably each type of cleaned eating utensils is picked up by a bring down unit, transported in clean eating utensil containers from each cleaning unii, to the Storing and Racking system.

Preferably the clean eating utensil conveyor module is kept separate physically from the used eating utensil conveyor module.

Preferably the clean eating utensil conveyor module has a plurality of HEPA air filters inside the clean eating utensil conveyor module to maintain a sterile environment for the transport of the cleaned eating utensils. i5 Preferably the clean eating utensil conveyor module consists of sealed tunnels with conveying mechanisms with clean air from HEPA filters to maintain a sterile environment for the transport of the cleaned eating utensils.

Preferably the cleaned eating utensils are sorted and then placed in clean eating 26 utensil containers.

Preferably the clean eating utensil containers is smaller in dimension compared to the used eating utensil containers and each clean eating utensil container can only carry one or more types of cleaned eating utensil.

Preferably the clean eating utensil containers is a tray which holds and stores one or more types of cleaned eating utensils and said trays can be stacked in the storing and racking system.

Preferably the clean eating utensil conveyor module is installed overhead in the F &

B outlet.

Alternatively the clean eating utensil conveyor module is installed underneath in the

F & B' outlet.

Preferably the Storing and Racking System has storage points wherein the cleaned eating utensils-are stacked and stored in sterile conditions, being maintained in UV light and fed with filtered regulated air.

Preferably the cleaned eating utensils are stacked in racking systems in the storage points.

Preferably the bring down unit for used eating utensil containers uploads the filled used eating utensil containers into the used eating utensil conveyor module.

Preferably the bring down unit for clean eating utensil containers pick up the cleaned eating utensils to be dispensed from the racking system and convey the cleaned eating utensils through the clean eating utensil conveyer module.

Preferably at the bring down unit for clean ealing utensil containers situated at the

F & B outlets, upon retrieval of the cleaned eating utensils from the clean eating utensil containers, the said clean eating utensil container is removed manually from the bring down unit and sterilized before being put through the clean eating ulensil conveyor module for use.

Preferably the bring down unit for clean eating utensil containers is also a sealed tunnel and part of the clean eating utensil conveyor module and maintained with clean air from HEPA filters fo ensure a sterile environment for the receiving of cleaned 28 eating utensils.

Preferably the computerized control module uploads the used eating utensil containers, moves the used eating utensil containers to the cleaning module, unloads the used eating utensils, sends the used eating utensil containers tc be clean, returns the clean and empty cleaned eating utensil containers to the container magazine in each collection point.

Preferably the computerized control module has sensors in the used eating utensil containers upon reaching its capacity sends signals to the computerized control module for the uploading of used eating utensil containers from the bring down unit at the collection point.

Preferably the computerized control module wherein upon the uploading of an used eating utensil containers filled with used eating utensils, releases an empty used eating utensil container from the queue of empty used eating utensil containers in the container magazine for the filing of used eating utensils. .

Preferably the computerized control module monitors and controls the washing, cleaning, drying and sterilizing operations of the used eating utensils in each cleaning unit of the Cleaning Module, using a plurality of sensors.

Preferably the computerized control module monitors and controls the movement of the cleaned eating utensils from the Cleaning Module to the storage points in the

Storing and Racking System.

Preferably the computerized control module maintains the sterile conditions in the clean eating utensil conveyor module and storing and racking system at specified levels using a plurality of sensors.

Preferably the computerized control module monitors and controls the movement of the cleaned eating utensils from the storage points through the clean eating utensil conveyor module to the bring down unit at each F & B outlet.

Preferably the computerized control module at the request froma F & B outlet for a quantity of cleaned eating utensils, sends data fo the storage point and the desired quantity of cleaned eating utensils is picked and placed onic the clean eating utensil container, said clean eating utensil container dispatched from that storage point through the clean eating utensil conveyor module to the bring down unit at the F & B outlet, the cleaned eating ulensils arriving in the clean eating utensil container at the bring down unit at that F & B outlet without human intervention or handling..

Preferably the computerized control module has sensors which detect thereis no request for cleaned eating utensils nor are there filled used eating utensil containers of used eating utensils, the control module will shut down some operations io conserve energy. 36

Preferably the computerized control module has sensors which detects there are not enough used eating utensils in the cleaning units and there are sufficient guantities of cleaned eating utensils at the storage points, the control module will not commence the cleaning process fo conserve energy.

Preferably the computerized control module maintains the environment in a dry and sterile environment using a plurality of sensors.

Preferably the computerized control module has a plurality of sensors including weight sensors, motion sensors, visual detectors, humidity and temperature sensors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects attained by its use, reference should now be made to the accompanying drawings.

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and together with the description herein, serve to explain the workings and principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a flow diagram showing the collection, sorting, washing and cleaning of used eating utensils, the drying and sterilizing of the cleaned eating utensils and stacking and storing of cleaned eating utensils.

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the dispensing of cleaned eating utensils from racking systems (42 ) where the cleaned eating utensils are stored through the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) and receipt of the cleaned eating utensils at the F & B outlet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In Singapore, a typical hawker centre or food court has a plurality of F & B outlets.

Customers can choose to order from any F & B outlet and can seat anywhere they choose to sit to enjoy their food and drinks. The hawker centre or food court would have one or more locations designated as “washing areas” where used eating utensils are collected and washed, either manually or semi-manually. The unconsumed food and food waste are thrown away as garbage and the used eating utensils then washed and cleaned before the cleaned eating utensils are distributed manually to each F & B outlet. Waste water is usually taken away from the washing areas and oil trapped in oil interceptors or grease traps are removed before the waste water is allowed to flow into the drainage system.

The automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system envisaged by this invention comprises at least several modules -

A Collection Module;

A Sorting Module,

A Cleaning Module;

A Storing and Racking System;

A Conveyor module for used eating utensils (50);

A Conveyor module for cleaned eating utensils (52);

A plurality of bring down units (12) in the conveyor module for used eating utensils (50);

A plurality of bring down units (12) in the conveyor module for cleaned eating utensils (52);

An Intelligent Computerized System which manages the modules as listed as well as those not listed herein. 16

The various modules listed in the automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system is managed by the intelligent computerized system which enable these Modules to performs at least these steps :- convey the used eating utensils from the collection points (10); separate the used eating utensils into each type of used eating utensils; wash and clean each type of used eating utensils at washing points; dry the cleaned eating utensils; sterilize the cleaned eating utensils; store the cleaned eating utensils in racking systems (42); dispense ‘and convey the cleaned eating utensils from the storing and racking systems to each F & B outlet.

The entire process should be managed by the automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system without human handling, so that the cleaned eating utensils remain in such condition after washing and cleaning until these are retrieved by the F & B outlet for use. The automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system will also improve productivity at the F & B outlets.

A description of each portion of the process is given below and by referring to two

Drawings, which is illustrative of the workings of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a flow diagram showing the collection, conveying, sorting, washing and cleaning of used eating utensils, drying and sterilizing of cleaned eating utensils and stacking and storing of cleaned eating utensils envisaged by this invention.

The basic features of such a system consists of several moduies:-

A Collection Module consisting of - one or more collection points (10}; - one or more bring down units (12) at each collection points (10); - a plurality of containers (14) (for transport of used eating utensils and cleaned eating utensils).

A Sorting Module consisting of - a sorter (20) to separate the used eating ulensils into each type, for cleaning.

At the sorting stage, a preliminary washing of the used eating utensils is carried out when food remains are removed from the used eating utensils, using re-cycled water from the Cleaning Module.

Since used eating utensils have different sizes, itis envisaged the used eating utensils would have to be separated initially at the sorting stage into each type of used eating utensil, to be processed at the Cleaning Module.

A Cleaning Module consisting of - one or more cleaning units (30), each cleaning unit (30) having:- - a detergent ultrasonic bath (32); - a water ultrasonic bath (34); - a water rinsing bath (36); - a dryer (37); and - a UV sterilizer (38).

Alternatively, the cleaning unit (30) uses scrubbing by sponge, brushes and high pressure jet and hot water.

Since used eating utensils have different sizes, itis also envisaged the used eating utensils which Have been sored out at the sorting siage would be conveved fo the cleaning unit (30) designated for cleaning and washing that type of used eating utensils. Therefore, each cleaning unit (30) within the Cleaning Module would handle one type of used eating utensils and there would be a plurality of cleaning units (30) within the Cleaning Module for this purpose..

However, it is envisaged that ‘the Cleaning Module can consist of an universal cleaning unit (30) with capability of cleaning all types of used eating utensils.

A Storing and Racking Module consisting of:- - a storage point (40) which receives the cleaned eating utensils immediately after completion of the cleaning process. - aracking system (42) having a plurality of racks in the storage point (40) for the storage of cleaned eating utensils

After the cleaned and sterilized eating utensils leaves the Cleaning Module, each cleaned and sterilized eating utensils will be stacked in a cleaned eating utensil container according to type and pre-decided quantity. The cleaned eating utensil container holding each type of cleaned and sterilized eating utensils is then conveyed by the clean eating utensil conveyor module (82) to storage points (40). At these storage points (40), the cleaned eating utensil containers are arranged and stacked automatically. Since each type of cleaned and sterilized eating utensils is stored in each specific cleaned eating utensil container, there would be a plurality of cleaned eating utensil containers. Each storage point (40) would have a plurality of cleaned eating utensil containers, each holding a specific type of cleaned and sterile eating utensils. Each cleaned eating utensil container would be stored in the storage point (40) and data on the quantity of each type of cleaned and sterilized eating utensils would be relayed by sensors in the cleaned eating utensil container to the racking system (42) and such data managed by the intelligent-computerized system of the automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system.

The racking system (42) has the capability to receive and dispense cleaned eating utensils in a cleaned eating utensil container. The racking system (42) also knows the exact location of each type of cleaned eating utensils and their total quantity.

The storage point (40) is an enclosure with regulated clean air and UV rays to prevent dust and impede growth of bacteria when cleaned eating utensils are stored overnight.

The racking system (42) is connected to a clean eating utensils conveyor module (52), which is enclosed and maintained in a clean and sterile environment.

An Overhead Conveyor system consisting of -- - an used eating utensils conveyor module (50) to transport the used eating utensils from the collection points (10) to the Cleaning Module.

- a clean eating utensils conveyor module (52) to transport the cleaned and sterilized eating utensils from the Cleaning module to the storage points (40) in the racking system (42) where the cleaned and sterilized eating utensils are stored and dispensed from the storage points (40) in the racking system (42) fo each F & B outlet. “Clean“means that air is filtered constantly and fed into an enclosure: HEPA (High

Efficiency Particulate Air) filter (54) is normally used to achieve this standard. The

HEPA standard requires a HEPA air filter (54) to trap 99.87% of all airborne contaminants that are 0.3 microns. This means that for every 10,000 air particles that are 0.3 microns, the HEPA filter (54) will only allow 3 of them to pass through.

Both eating utensil conveyor modules (50, 52) are kept separate physically as: well as in operation since the clean eating utensils conveyor module (52) is. maintained in a clean and sterile environment. Used eating utensil containers are used to convey used eating utensils and clean eating utensils containers are used to convey cleaned and sterilized eating utensils are also of different dimensions, partly to avoid errors in mixing during handling of both types of eating utensil containers.

Conveying the used eating utensils from the collection points

The Collection Module of the automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system described herein has a plurality of collection points (10) distributed in a specific hawker cenfre. The distance between each collection point (10) is between — 15 metres.

Gathering of used eating utensils can be carried out in a number of ways and is outside the scope of this invention. However, gathering and collection of used eating utensils is discussed herein since this is the initial step in the entire process. it is preferable that the patrons bring their used eating utensils to the collection point (10) and leave these in designated used eating utensils containers.

Alternatively a special trolley capable of storing a plurality of used eating utensil containers will be pushed around to manually collect the used eating utensils which would then be stored in the said used eating utensil containers. Whichever manner of collection of used eating utensils, the used eating utensil containers filled with used eating utensils’ will be sent to the collection point (10) and uploaded to the bring down unit (12) manually.

Whichever method of collection of used eating utensils, each collection point (10) would have one or more trash bins (16) for patrons to discard the left-over foods. The used eating utensils such as howls, plates, cups, spoons, folks and chopsticks etc. are manually placed inside an used eating utensil container: The used eating utensil container would be filled up with used eating utensils.

At the used eating utensils collection point (10), there will be a plurality of used eating utensil containers, waiting fo be filled with used eating utensils, all of which are placed in a container magazine which forms part of the used eating utensil conveyor module (50).

The collection points (10) are linked by the used eating utensil conveyor module (80) to the Cleaning Module in the automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system. The used eating utensil conveyor module (50) has a plurality of container magazines in each collection point (10). All used eating utensil containers are kept in the container magazine and kept in a queue, waiting to be filling with used eating utensils. An available and emply used eating utensil container is always made available by the used eating utensil conveyor module (50) for filling of used eating utensils.

In order to automate washing, standardizations of used eating utensils before the cleaning process commences is necessary. Therefore it may be necessary to minimize the variety of used eating utensils. .

Patrons will place the used eating utensils into an available and empty used eating utensil container, which is located at the beginning of the used eating utensils conveyor module (50). It is possible that collection agents may also collect the used eating utensils and place these into the empty used eating utensil container. The used eating utensil container is designed in a way to prevent left-over food from spilling out during transportation. When an used eating utensil container is full, sensors will detected that the used eating utensil container is ready for transportation from the collection point (10) through the used eating utensil conveyor module (50) to the

Cleaning Module. The process of detection and movement of a full used eating utensil container is carried out through use of sensors and programmable logics control. Once an used eating utensil container is full, it would be lifted through a bring down unit (12) of the used eating utensil collection point (10) and transported using the overhead used eating utensil conveyor module (50), to the Cleaning Module.

A bring down unit (12) is a lifting device which brings the empty used eating utensil container or full used eating utensil container through the used eating utensil conveyor module (50). Once an used eating utensil container is lifted into the used eating utensil conveyor module (50), the next empty used eating utensil container would be moved automatically from the container magazine, by the bring down unit (12), to be filled with used eating utensils.

It is possible in some F & B outlets that patrons would not be required to place the used eating utensils into an available and empty used eating uiensil container. For such F & B outlets, the patrons would just leave the used eating utensils on the table.

In such situations, manual collection procedure would be implemented. Staff of such

F & B outlets would collect the used eating utensils from the tables either in a special trolley or manually to a collection point (10), linked to the used eating utensil conveyor module (50). At these collection points (10), the used eating utensils are placed into the used eating utensil container. When an used eating utensil container is full, sensors will detect that the used eating utensil container is ready for transportation from the collection point (10) through the used eating utensil conveyor module (50) to the Cleaning and Washing module. if special trolleys are used, the empty used eating utensil containers would be filled with used eating utensils and brought by such trolleys to the bring down unit (12) at the. collection points (10). The used eating uiensil containers would then be placed into the bring down unit (12) and conveyed through the used eating utensil. conveyor module (50).

Sorting Module.

Once the used eating utensil container is full, a bring down unit (12) will upload the fully-loaded used eating utensil container to the same level as the overhead used eating utensil conveyor module (50) and the used eating utensils container would be fransporied io the Sorting Module. Upon arrival at Sorting Module, the used eating utensils are poured out of the used eating utensil containers and then sorted out.

The sorting of the used eating utensils can be carried out in a number of ways.

Sorting could be by use of holes of various sizes fitting the dimensions of the used eating utensils, so that an utensil of one size say, a bowl would only drop into the cleaning unit (30) for bowls. All same sized used eating utensils are cleaned at the cleaning unit (30) for used eating utensils of the same size. Bowls, plates, and other used eating utensils will be washed and cleaned, according to their kind. tis envisaged that within the cleaning, washing and drying module, there are separate processes for each type of used eating utensils or a mix of similar sized used eating utensils e.g. forks, spoons, knives.

The used eating utensil containers conveying used eating utensils are inevitably dirty. It is envisage such used eating utensils containers after unloading of the used eating utensils would be separately washed and dried as part of the cleaning process, before return to the container magazine at each used utensil collection point (10).

Therefore after emptying of the used eating utensils, each used eating utensil container will first be washed by use of re-cycled water at high pressure. This re- cycled water is from the Detergent mixed water which is re-cycled at the final stage for use at the initial washing of used eating utensils during the sorting stage. Subsequent washing and cleaning of the used eating utensil containers may involve the use of re-cycled water from three stages of cleaning process in the Cleaning Module. In this manner, water used in the Cleaning Module is re-cycled and used also at the

Sorting Module, to clear food remains from the used eating utensils as well as clean the used eating utensils containers.

The high pressure water will spray these used eating utensils to remove any left over food residues. The used eating utensil conveyor module (80) in this portion is made of weaved stainless steel wire to allow water and food residues to go through and used eating contained in a tray below it. Then the sorting process will start to arrange partially washed used eating utensils according to type. This sorting process can be automated or carried out manually. The automated sorting process can uses shape recognition using a vision system consisting of a camera and software which allows image capturing. Alternatively, shape recognition could use shaped openings that only allow used eating utensils of .a certain shape to pass through, much like coin sorting machine.

Cleaning Module

The Cleaning Module consists of one or more cleaning and cleaning units (30).

Each cleaning and cleaning unit (30) would handle a specific type (size) of used eating utensils, which is received from the sorting units in the Sorting Module.

After the used eating utensils are sorted, they will go through at least 3 stages of cleaning process:

1. First stage detergent with ultrasonic scrubbing. 2. Intermediate water rinsing with water and ultrasonic and, 3. Final stage clean-water rinsing. The clean-water rinsing may include ultrasonic means.

For this invention, a suitable detergent will be selected. A good detergent plays a critical role in automated washing, fulfilling these requirements: e Removal of oil and stains etc. e Killing of bacteria {assist in sterilization). e Prevent residual deposit on eating utensils (scaling). e Environment friendly, usually biodegradable. e Non-toxic. e Act as a water conditioner. is ¢ Non-ionic surfactant to prevent droplet spotting on drying. This also aids:drying due to the Marangoni effect. e Anti-corrosion io prevent damage to washing equipment. e Anti-foaming.

The cleaning process may also use other cleaning methods” such as scrubbing hy sponge, brushes and high pressure jet and hot water.

Water conservation is done by recycling of used water. Fresh water is supplied to the final stage rinsing bath, then overflow io intermediate ultrasonic rinsing, and then mixed with detergent and over-flow to first stage detergent ultrasonic bath. Detergent mixed water will be re-cycled at the final stage for use at the initial washing of used eating utensils during the sorting stage. Water from the first and second stages in the

Cleaning process would also be re-cycled and used for the initial washing of used utensil containers in the Sorting Module, after these containers have dump the used 38 eating utensils and have to be clean of food remains before returning to the container magazine at the collection point (10)

After the cleaning process, the cleaned eating utensils are further processed:- 4. Drying; and 5. Sterilization using UV light or other sterilizing techniques known in the art.

Cleaned eating utensils after the final stage rinsing will be dried, either by centrifugal force or clean hot air,

Other known sterilization methods such as plasma can also be used.

Left over food and other food waste would be removed and treated separately using § waste treatment processes known in the art. Oil waste would also be trapped in grease traps and treated so that only waste water is allowed to enter the drainage system.

Although the Cleaning Module described earlier consists of a number of used cleaning units each specifically to handle a category of used eating utensils, itis envisaged under the scope of this invention that the Cleaning Module can consist of an universal cleaning unit with capability of cleaning all types of used eating utensils.

Such an universal cleaning module will be adapted fo accept, wash and clean all types of used eating utensils.

Before the cleaned eating utensils are stacked and arranged according to type and into batches of desired quantity; they will be exposed to UV light to be sterilized. The stacked and arranged cleaned eating utensils will then be transported to a storage point (40) in the Storing and Racking System pending dispensing to each F & B outlet. During the time of storing, the cleanliness of the cleaned eating utensils is maintained by UV light and filtered regulated air.

Storing by use of racking system (42) is preferable in order to maximise space usage. 28

The racking system (42) receives the cleaned eating utensils and store them in clean eating utensils containers according fo the type. The racking system (42) will “remember” the location of each clean eating utensils container and the total quantity stored in each clean eating utensils container. The racking system (42) will also dispense the cleaned eating utensils according to the request type issued by each

F & B outlet,

The above describes the flow of how used eating utensils are cleaned, sterilized and stored at cleaned eating utensils storage poinis (40). 36

The following paragraphs will describe. the flow of how cleaned eating utensils are delivered to the stalls, by referring to Fig. 2.

Storing of clean eating utensils in Racking system

The transport and distribution of cleaned eating utensils from each clean eating utensils storage point (40) to each F & B outlet is through a clean eating utensil conveyor module (52). The clean eating utensil conveyor module (62) is installed overhead above the F & B outlets fo transport cleaned eating utensils from storage points (40) back to each F & B outlet. Clean eating utensil conveyor modules (52) are sealed tunnels with conveying mechanisms. The clean air is regulated and replenished constantly via HEPA filters (54). The clean tunnels are sealed and as such, positive préssure is maintained to prevent back-flowing of air or dust or bacteria or other particles into the tunnel! from the surroundings.

The cleaned eating utensils are sorted (according to their type) and arranged to fill a clean eating utensil container and stored in the racking system (42). The racking system (42) will remember the location of each used eating utensil container and the quantity and type of cleaned eating utensils stored in each used eating utensil container.

The clean eating utensil container has smaller dimensions compared to the used eating utensil container. It could take the form of trays which are designed to hold specific type of cleaned eating utensils and which can be conveyed through the clean eating ulensil conveyor module (52). Since the entire clean eating utensil conveyer module (52) is maintained in a sterile environment, the clean eating utensil containers used as well as the entire system has to be of smaller dimensions in order to reduce costs of keeping the system sterile.

Arising from these considerations, the following features mark the clean eating utensils conveyor module (52):- 1. Each clean eating utensil container can contain only one type of cleaned gating utensil. 2. The clean eating utensil conveyor's total volume must be minimized to conserve energy since less HEPA filler (54) shall be needed for smaller volume.

In fact, shallow trays are more suitable. The size should be sufficient-to contain the biggest cleaned eating utensils such as plates (placed horizontally on the container); and not higher than this.

Conveyor systems

The clean eating utensil container is moved through a separate clean eating utensil conveyor module (52). The invention proposed an used eating utensil conveyor module (50) and a clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) be used and maintained separately, for hygiene reasons. The operations of the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) are similar to that of the used eating utensil conveyor module (50) except that the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) has additional features to keep the cleaned eating utensils clean and sterile. The components of the clean eating utensil 1¢ conveyor module (52) are also similar fo that of the used eating utensils conveyor module (50). While the used eating utensil conveyor module (50) has collection points (10) for used eating utensils, the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) has a racking system (42) consisting of a plurality of clean storage points (40) for storage of cleaned eating utensils. The eating utensil containers used in each of these {wo eating utensil conveyor modules (50, 52) have the same type of sensors but have different dimensions. he eating utensil containers are kept in a container magazine, and each empty eating utensil container is moved out automatically from the container magazine, for filling up of eating utensils. Once the eating utensil container is filled, the eating utensil container would be brought into the overhead conveyor 28 module through a bring down unit (12) and conveyed through an overhead conveyor module, the used eating utensils container with used eating utensils through the used eating utensils conveyor module {80} and the cleaned eating utensils container with cleaned eating utensils through the clean eating utensils conveyor module (52). The movements of the used eating utensil containers and the management and maintenance of the used eating utensil conveyor module (80) and clean eating utensils conveyor module (52) are managed ‘and handied separately by the intelligent computerised system.

Dispensing of clean eating utensils.

When the F & B outlet request for a quantity of cleaned eating utensils, the intelligent computerised system will work out how the requisition is to be fulfilled.

The clean eating utensils conveyor module (52) will then fransport the cleaned eating utensils from the clean eating utensils storage point (40). Each storage point (40) would have.a bring down unit (12). Upon receipt of a request for specific guantity of cleaned eating utensils (from the F & B outlet} , the computerized control module would move the specified quantity from the storage point (40) to a bring down unit (12) and from the bring down unit (12), to the clean eating utensils conveyor module (52), which is installed overhead .

From the overhead clean eating utensils conveyor module (52), the cleaned eating utensils will be transported in the clean eating utensil containers down to a bring down unit (12) at each F & B outlets. Each F & B outlet would have its own bring down unit {12}, connected to the overhead clean eating utensil conveyor module (52). The bring down units (12) receives each clean eating utensil container with its load of cleaned eating utensils from the clean eating utensils conveyor module (62), lowers it through the bring down unit (12) at the F & B outlet until the said clean eating utensils container is at a convenient height accessible by the operator of the F & B outlet.

These bring down units (12) are also enclosed and sealed to share the clean air from clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) overhead. A door is installed at the bring down unit (12) so the F & B operator can open and unload the cleaned eating utensils from the clean eating utensil container. In faci, this bring down unit {12) also serves the purpose of clean storage cabinet for each F & B outlet. The cleaned eating utensils thus arrive at the F & B outlet in a sterile condition, untouched by hands. A high standard of hygiene is therefore kept throughout the automatic conveying, cleaning, stacking, storing and dispensing of the cleaned eating utensils. 26

After unloading the cleaned eating utensils, the F & B operator will remove the empty clean eating utensil containers from the bring down unit (12). These empty used eating utensil containers will not be transported through the clean eating utensils conveyor module (52). This is because after removal of the cleaned eating utensils, the empty clean eating utensils container is deemed to have been handled by the stall owner and therefore not sterile any more. As such, the empty clean eating utensil container shall not be re-used immediately by returning to the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) for fear of contaminating the clean tunnel. Since the stall operator had handled the empty clean eating utensil container, cleanliness ean no longer be guaranteed (besides touching, many things can possibly happen and contaminate the clean gating utensil containers). Hence, these clean eating utensil containers will be collected back either manually or put with the used eating utensil containers to be sent back to Cleaning

Module. These empily clean eating utensils containers will be washed, dried and sterilized before re-use

AF & B outlet operator can request for cleaned eating utensils by pressing a button located on the bring down unit (12). The intelligent computerised system can also mamorize the type of cleaned eating utensils a specific operator desires. It is possible for each F & B outlet operator to enter the requirements for cleaned ealing utensils to be delivered to that outlet. Methods of delivery of cleaned eating utensils quickly to each stall is not included in the scope of this application.

The entire automated system is managed by an intelligent computer system using a plurality of various type of sensors, such as weight sensors, motion sensors, visual detectors and other sensors which is known in the art. The intelligent computer system with the plurality of sensors will ensure that certain points would be working only when there is a need. For example, when there is low furnover {during off peak hours), the cleaning and washing system may work only whenever there is a full load of used eating utensils to berwashed and cleaned. However the system would be responsive to requests from F & B operators for cleaned eating utensils, so that a required quaniity would be taken out from storage and conveyed to the F & B outlet, as and when requested by the F & B outlet operator.

The system is scalable so as to cater to a+ & B outiel such as a restaurant as well to food courts and hawker centres with a plurality of F & B outlets.

Certain modules are envisaged to be part of such automated system but are not described herein. Such modules include collection of used ealing utensils, recycling of waste water and removal of waste food and oil and grease. 16

Although the eating utensil conveyor modules (60, 52) have been described as being installed overhead, it is possible for the eating utensil conveyor modules (50, 52) fo be installed elsewhere in new hawker centres and food courts. 18 Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment as described herein, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

ADVANTAGEQUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention promotes improved productivity in food courts and hawker centres as the conveying, cleaning and washing, storing and distribution of eating utensils are carried out mechanically. Improved Hygiene would also be promoted since not only is the cleaning process much stringent, but there is minimal human handling of cleaned eating utensils at each stage thereby reducing the chance of contamination of cleaned eating utensils.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system used in one or more food and beverage (FF & B") outlets, wherein used eating utensils are collected and kept in used eating utensil containers which are then stacked onto container trolleys, said trolleys brought to one or more collection points (10), where the used eating utensils in the used eating utensil containers are uploaded onto the automated conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system consisting of at least these modules:- an used eating utensil conveyor module (50) with a plurality of used eating utensil containers to transport used eating ulensils from one or more collection points (10); i5 a plurality of bring down units (12) for used eating utensil containers wherein the plurality of used eating utensil containers are uploaded into the used eating utensil conveyor module (50) io be {ransporied from one or more collection points (10); 2¢ a sorting module to.separate the different types of eating utensils so that each type of used eating utensil are washed and cleaned; a cleaning module which receives each different type of used eating utensils, washes and cleans sach type of used eating utensils before drying and sterilizing the cleaned eating utensils; a clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) with a plurality of clean eating utensil containers to transport the cleaned eating utensils from the cleaning module; a storing and racking system having a plurality of slorage points (40) wherein the cleaned eating utensils are stacked in racking systems (42) and stored in sterile conditions; and a plurality of bring down units (12) for clean eating utensil containers wherein the plurality of clean eating utensil containers are uploaded into the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) to be {transported from one or more slorage points (40) to the F & B outlets;

an intelligent computerized system which manages; controls and monitors the operations of the entire cleaning, racking and storing modules using a plurality of sensors and computer programs fo run the entire system efficiently wherein the used eating ulensils once uploaded into the conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing modules are never handled by humans until the cleaned eating utensils are retrieved from the clean eating utensit containers at the F & B outlet for use. 16

2. An used eating utensil conveyor module (80) with the plurality of used eating utensil containers as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each used eating ulensil container filed with used eating utensils in the container trolleys is sent fo a collection point (10), the said used eating utensil container then uploaded by a bring down unit (12) into the used eating utensils conveyor module (50), wherein said used eating utensil container is then conveyed to the sorting module.

3. An used eating utensil conveyor module (50) with the plurality of used eating utensil containers as claimed in Claim 2, wherein each used eating utensil container has sensors to indicate that if is full.

4. An used eating utensil conveyor module (50) with the plurality of used eating utensil containers asg'claimed in Claim 2, wherein all used eating utensil containers used for conveying of used ealing utensils are cleaned afier emplying the used esting utensils.

5. An used ealing utensil conveyor module (50) with the plurality of used eating utensil containers as claimed in Claim 2, wherein all used eating ulensii containers used for conveying used eating utensils after cleaning are sent to a container 36 magazine at a collection point (10) to join a queues of empty used salting utensil containers to be filled with used eating utensils.

6. An used esting utensil conveyor module (50) as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the used eating utensil conveyor module (50) is installed overhead in the F&B outlet.

7. An used eating utensil conveyor module (80) as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the used eating utensil conveyor module (50) is installed underneath in the F &B outlet.

8. A sorting module as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the used eating utensils are sorted by sorting means according to their type and each type of sorted used eating utensils are then conveyed to a cleaning unit (30) for each type of eating utensit to be washed and cleaned. 8

9. A sorting module as claimed in Claim 8, wherein during the unloading of the used eating utensils into the sorting module, food remains on the used eating utensils are removed during the sorting process.

10. A sorting means as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the sorting means use holes of various sizes fitting the dimensions of the used eating utensils so that a specific type of used eating utensil is sorted according to their size/shape.

11. A sorting means as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the sorting means use a 18 vision system which recognizes shapes of used eating utensils so that a specific shape of used eating utensil is sorted according to their shape.

12. A sorting means as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the sorling means include use of high pressure water to spray the used eating utensils to remove left-over food residues while the used ealing utensils are being sorted.

13. A sorling means as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the sorting means includes use of weaved stainless steel wire which allows water and food residues to go through the weaved stainless steel wire during the sorting of the used eating utensils.

14. A vision system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the vision system uses a plurality of cameras and image recognition software to identify each type of used eating utensil for the sorting process. 36

15. A cleaning module as claimed in Claim 1, the cleaning module having one or more cleaning units (30) for different types of used eating utensils which are sorted and received from the Sorting Module. 385 186. A cleaning Unit {30) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the cleaning unit (30) processes the used eating utensils through at least three stages of cleaning and washing, including:- = a first stage with detergent with ultrasonic scrubbing;

=~ an intermediate stage with water rinsing and ultrasonic rinsing; and + a third stage with clean water rinsing.

17. A cleaning unit (30) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the cleaning unit (30) processes the used eating utensils through at least three stages of cleaning and washing, wherein the first stage uses other cleaning methods such as scrubbing using sponge or brush, or high pressure jet and hot water.

18. A cleaning unit (30) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the water used in rinsing the used eating utensils from the at least three stages of cleaning and washing are recycled from the first stage and used in subseguent stages.

19. A cleaning unit (30) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the cleaning units (30) wash and clean each type of used eating utensils, then dry and sterilize the cleaned eating utensils.

20. A cleaning unit (30) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the drying is by centrifugal force or clean hot air.

21. A cleaning unit (30) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the sterilizing is by UV light.

22. A cleaning unit (30) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the sterilizing is by other sterilizing techniques such as plasma.

23. A cleaning module as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the empty used eating utensils container after unloading the used eating utensils ‘are also washed, cleaned and dried in the cleaning module, before the empty clean eating utensil container is returned to the queue of empty clean eating utensil containers in used eating utensil container magazine at each collection point (10).

24. A clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) as claimed in Claim 1 wherein cach type of cleaned eating utensils is picked up by a bring down unit (12), transported in clean eating utensil containers from each cleaning unit (30), to the Storage and Racking system.

25. A clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) is kept separate physically from the used eating utensil conveyor module (50).

28. A clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) as claimed in Claim 24 whersin the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) has a plurality of HEPA air filters (54) inside the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) to maintain a sterile environment 8 for the fransport of the cleaned eating utensils.

27. A clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) as claimed In Claim 24 wherein the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) consists of sealed tunnels with conveying mechanisms with clean alr from HEPA filters (54) io maintain 2 sterile if environment for the iransport of the cleaned eating utensils. .

28. A clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) as claimed in Claim 24 whergin the cleaned eating utensils are sorted and then placed in clean eating utensil containers. is

29. A clean ealing ulensil conveyor module (52) as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the clean eating utensil container is smaller in dimension compared to the used eating utensil container and each clean eating utensil container can only carry one or more types of cleaned eating utensils. 28

30. A clean eating utensil container as claimed in Claim 22 wherein the clean gating utensil container is a tray which holds and stores one or more types of cleaned eating utensils and said trays can be stacked in the storing and racking system.

31. A clean eating utensil conveyor module as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) is installed overhead in the F & B outlet.

32. A clean eating utensil conveyor module (62) as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the clean eating utensil conveyor module (62) is installed underneath in the F & B 38 outlet.

33. A Storing and Racking System as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cleaned eating utensils are stacked and stored in sterile conditions in the storage points (40), the storage points (40) being maintained in UV light and fed with filtered regulated air.

34. A Storing and Racking System as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cleaned eating utensiis are stacked inracking systems (42) in the storage points (40).

35. A bring down unit (12) for used eating utensil containers as claimed in Claim 1 whereby the filled used eating utensil containers are uploaded from the collection points (10) into the used eating utensil conveyor module (50).

38. A bring down unit (12) for clean eating utensil containers as claimed in Claim 35 wherein cleaned eating utensils to be dispensed from the racking system (42) in the storage points (40) are picked up and conveyed through the clean eating utensil conveyer module (50). 16 37. A bring down unit (12) for clean eating utensil containers as claimed in Claim 35 which are situated at the F & B outlets, wherein upon retrieval of the cleaned eating utensils from the clean eating utensil containers, the said clean eating utensil container is removed manually from the bring down unit (12) and sterilized before being put through the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) for use,

38. A bring down unit (12) for clean eating utensil containers as claimed in Claim 35 wherein the bring down unit (12) is also a sealed tunnel and part of the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) and maintained with clean air from HEPA filters {54) to ensure a sterile environment for the receiving of cleaned eating utensils.

38. A computerized control module used in the conveying, cleaning, stacking and storing system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the computerized control module uploads the used eating utensils containers, moves the used eating utensils containers to the cleaning module, unloads the used eating utensils, sends the used eating utensil containers to be clean, returns the clean eating utensil containers to the container magazine in each collection point (10).

40. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 39, wherein sensors in the used eating utensil containers upon reaching its capacity sends signals to the computerized control module for the uploading of used eating utensil containers from the bring down unit (12) at the collection point (10).

41. A computerized conirol module as claimed in Claim 38, wherein upon the uploading of an used eating utensil container filled with used eating ulensils, an empty used utensil containers would be released from the queue of empty used utensil containers in the container magazine to be filled toils capacity.

42. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the control module monitors and controls the washing, cleaning, drying and sterilizing operations of the used eating utensils in each cleaning unit (30) of the Cleaning Module, using a plurality of sensors.

43. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the control module monitors and controls the movement of the cleaned eating utensils from the Cleaning Module to the storage points (40) in the Racking and Storage System.

44. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 38 which maintains the sterile conditions in the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) and racking and 16 storage system at specified levels using a plurality of sensors.

45. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 39, wherein the control module monitors and controls the movement of the cleaned eating uténsils from the storage points (40) through the clean eating utensil conveyor module (52) io the bring down unit (12) at each F & B outlet.

46. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 39, wherein the control module receives a request froma F & B outlet for a quantity of cleaned eating utensils, said data is sent fo the storage point (40) and the desired quantity of 2G cleaned eating utensils is picked and placed onto the clean eating utensil container, said clean eating utensil container dispatched from that storage point (40) through the clean eating utensils conveyor module (52) to the bring down unit (12) at the F & B outlet, the clean eating utensils arriving in the clean eating utensil containers at the bring down unit (12) at that F & B outlet without human intervention or handling..

47. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 39, wherein the sensors detect there is no request for cleaned eating utensils nor are there filled clean eating utensil containers of used eating utensils, the computerized control module will shut down some operations to conserve energy.

48. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the sensors detects there are not enough used eating utensils in the cleaning units (30) and there are sufficient quantities of cleaned eating utensils at the storage points (40), the computerized control module will not commence the cleaning process {fo conserve energy.

49. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 39, wherein the environment in the clean eating utensil conveyor module (62) is maintained in a dry and sterile environment using a plurality of sensors.

50. A computerized control module as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the plurality of sensors used include weight sensors, motion sensors, visual detectors, humidity and temperature sensors.

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25 3B as