Food Machinery Engineering, Lmtd

Orlando Janzen

Norman G Schmidt

The invention is directed to an improved pan cleaning machine that has a cleaning section that comprises a plurality of frames for mounting a sequence of interchangeable modular cleaning mechanisms. It can include quick-release mounting arrangements so that cleaning mechanisms can be quickly changed for cleaning different types of pans or to replace brushes or other wearing parts of cleaning mechanisms when they require replacement. In some embodiments, the frames for mounting the cleaning mechanisms can comprise swing arms so that the cleaning mechanisms can be swung away from the cleaning position so that the cleaning mechanism can be removed and replaced without interrupting the operation of the machine. If the machine is stopped, the swing arm can still be used to facilitate access to the cleaning mechanism to reduce the time needed to complete the maintenance or replacement. This also allows the position of the cleaning mechanism in relation to the baking pans to be adjustable during the cleaning process which can permit increased application of brushing forces or prevent overloading and also permits easy jam removal. In addition, the swing arm makes the pan cleaning machine more adaptable for cleaning pans with different depths and customizable. A method of operation and control, including pre-programmed cleaning cycles and various control paradigms is also provided.

Pan cleaning machine and a method of operating the machine to clean pans

A pan cleaning system is provided having a support carriage with one or more track supports and one or more track guides. An indexing conveyor provides a stream of baking pans and indexes the pans onto the support carriage as single pans. One or more twists in the track supports are provided such that the pans admitted by the indexing conveyor are turned at least substantially perpendicular relative to the horizontal plane of the machine. One or more frame assemblies having one or more sets of swing arms mounted on it is provided. With one or more secondary conveyors coupled to the frame assemblies. One or more cleaning subsystems are releasably coupled to the swing arms. A controller is provided where the single baking pan is admitted via the indexing conveyor based on signals from the controller into the one or more track guides as supported by the one or more supports and conveyed by the support carriage along the track guides and into the one or more frame assemblies after the twist turns the pan at least substantially perpendicular and the pan engages the one or more secondary conveyors and the pans is conveyed by the support carriage and the secondary conveyor to one or more cleaning subsystems.

Pan cleaning system and improved cleaning stations

The device relates to a method and an arrangement for visualization or to gauge conditions of the surface of coated materials on baking pans and formulations and applications of materials to enhance this visualization. Specifically, surfaces on baking pans used in the baking of common foodstuffs where coatings are applied to the pan with visual enhancement additives so as to improve the release of baked products such as but not limited to bread and rolls and like baked goods and visualization of the pans for damage, wear, imperfections, contaminants and other surface defects or abnormalities. The device includes a light and/or energy emitter which reflects light off of the pan surface, an image capture element receiving the reflected light and/or energy to form an image of the pan, a controller analyzing the image of the pan for the aforesaid abnormalities and reporting same.

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Mission, Canada

Orlando Janzen