Condition Reliant Control System for Modulating On Demand Pumping Volume, Wash Fluid Temperatures and Filter Conditions for Continuous Motion Washing Systems

Abstract

A condition reliant control system for modulating on demand pumping volume for continuous motion washing systems comprising at least one manifold, at least one sensor in electronic communication with the manifold, a control module in electric communication with the sensor, and a modulating unit in electronic communication with the control module to receive signals therefrom. The sensor continuously monitors the pressure readings of the manifold. A pumping system is in fluid communication with the manifold and has an impeller that either speeds up or slows down based on feedback readings from the modulation unit. A targeted pumping volume is delivered in relation to the pressure and temperature conditions within a given continuous motion washing system.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A condition reliant control system for modulating on demand pumping volume for a continuous motion washing assembly comprising:
 a tank configured to hold fluid for washing;   at least one pump outlet manifold connected to said tank with at least one flow directing opening directed into the tank;   at least one sensor monitoring conditions within said at least one outlet manifold;   a control module in electronic communication with said at least one sensor;   a modulation unit in electronic communication with said control module, said modulation unit receiving signals from said control module related to conditions reported from said at least one sensor; and   a pumping system including a pump inlet and pump outlet, said pumping system in fluidic communication with said at least one pump outlet manifold and wherein said pumping system is further in electronic communication with said modulation unit.   
     
     
         2 . The system, as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one sensor is a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The system, as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a filter in fluidic communication with said pumping system and positioned between said tank and said at least one pump inlet. 
     
     
         4 . The system, as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising at least one notification device in electric connection with said control module, said at least one notification device for providing an alarm upon receipt of signal that pressure from within said at least one pump outlet manifold is outside of acceptable pressure limits. 
     
     
         5 . The system, as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising a temperature controller system in communication with said control module. 
     
     
         6 . The system, as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said temperature controller system comprises a heating element and a temperature sensor. 
     
     
         7 . A method for modulating on demand pumping volume for a continuous motion washing system, said method consisting of the steps of:
 prescribing an internal pressure parameter for an outlet manifold;   engaging a pumping system connected to said outlet manifold;   obtaining an initial target internal pressure within said outlet manifold;   monitoring the internal pressure of said outlet manifold;   transmitting pressure readings to a control module;   comparing said pressure readings against said internal pressure parameter;;and transmitting signals to a modulation unit to manipulate the speed of said pumping system to maintain the prescribed internal pressure parameter.   
     
     
         8 . The method, as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the obtaining, monitoring, transmitting and comparing of the said pressure readings against said internal pressure parameter occurs continuously or at pre-determined intervals. 
     
     
         9 . The method, as recited in  claim 8 , wherein in said prescribing step further prescribing a plurality of internal pressure parameters for said outlet manifold, each internal pressure parameter corresponding to a specific washing task. 
     
     
         10 . The method, as recited in  claim 8 , wherein after said initial target internal pressure is obtained, converting an acceptable target internal pressure to a range of pressure that is a predefined percentage above and below said acceptable target internal pressure. 
     
     
         11 . The method, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein if said pressure readings are below a predefined low pressure range, transmitting a signal to said pumping system to increase the speed of an impeller contained therein to deliver increasing pumping volumes to said outlet manifold until said acceptable target internal pressure is obtained. 
     
     
         12 . The method, as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of issuing of an alert if said pumping system is unable to maintain said acceptable target internal pressure within said pre-defined low pressure range for a first pre-determined time period. 
     
     
         13 . The method, as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising the step of issuing an elevated alert if said pumping system is unable to maintain said pre-defined low pressure range within said outlet manifold for a second pre-determined time period. 
     
     
         14 . The method, as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising the step of deactivating said wash pump if said pumping system is unable to maintain said pre-defined low pressure range within said outlet manifold for said second pre-determined time period. 
     
     
         15 . The method, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein in the comparing step, if said pressure readings are above a predefined high pressure range, transmitting a signal to said pumping system to decrease the speed of an impeller contained therein to deliver decreasing pumping volumes to said outlet manifold until said acceptable target internal pressure is obtained. 
     
     
         16 . The method, as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the pre-defined internal pressure parameter for said outlet manifold is temporarily overridden based on the temperature of said wash fluid in said tank being above or below a pre-defined target temperature or temperature range. 
     
     
         17 . The method, as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising downwardly modulating said pump speed by a pre-determined increment to decrease the heat produced by friction until said wash fluid returns to a pre-determined target temperature. 
     
     
         18 . The method, as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising upwardly modulating said pump speed by a pre-determined increment to increase said heat produced by friction in said system until said wash fluid returns to said pre-determined target temperature.