Abstract:
Method of cleaning a hard surface (e.g. floor) in order to remove a complex soil comprises contacting the surface with a first cleaning composition which has a non-neutral pH and then contacting the surface with a second cleaning composition which has a complementary non-neutral pH to that of the first cleaning composition. (The term "complementary" refers to acidic or alkaline as appropriate). Mechanical force may be employed during the application of either or both of the cleaning compositions.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for programming a controller to vary the concentration set-point of an additive as a function of time. The present invention insures that the additive is injected to the machine at proper times to allow for optimum efficiency and lowest cost. To vary the set-point according to the input parameters, the invention combines the features of a data entry device, a microprocessor, a clock, a controller, and sensors into one unit. The user may enter a time setting and set-point into the controller, along with control parameters which allow the machine to control the additive injection based on different user-defined scenarios. The microprocessor then reads the settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller. Thus, the user can manually or automatically change the response function if and when conditions change.
Abstract:
A solution storage and dispensing apparatus and method of operation therefor are disclosed. The solution storage and dispensing apparatus includes a selector valve (68) and a control valve (62) which selectively output a liquid such as water to one of a plurality of storage containers (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). Each container (11) has an aspirator (26) mounted therein which receives the water and a chemical concentrate to form a solution therein. A container is filled by selecting the container using the selector valve and actuating the control valve to dispense water to the selected container.
Abstract:
A solid cast warewashing composition having improved soil removing properties is produced for use in automatic washing machines. A liquid detergent composition is cast and solidified in a mold. The solid cast detergent, surrounded on all but its upper surface by the mold, is used in automatic washing machines having a dispensing device designed to dispense a liquid aqueous detergent formed from the solid cast detergent using an impinging liquid spray. The liquid aqueous detergent flows out of the dispensing device generally simultaneously with its formation in the dispenser. The cast detergent composition includes at least about 0.1 wt.% of a selected nonionic surfactant, an alkali metal hydroxide, a sequestrant, water of hydration and optionally further an available chlorine source, a defoamer, or the like.
Abstract:
The invention provides a process for preparing a homogeneous, solid cleaning composition that comprises a cleaning agent, and optionally an additive agent and a hardening agent. The compositions are processed in a continuous mixing system at high shear, at or below the melting temperature of the ingredients. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the cleaning composition. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused block solid to a malleable article. The cleaning compositions are useful for warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, laundry detergents, conveyor lubricants, and the like.
Abstract:
The invention provides a process for preparing a homogeneous, urea-based, solid cleaning composition, without the application of heat from an external source to melt the urea. Cleaning compositions for use in warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, and the like, made by the method are also provided. Preferably, the ingredients are processed in an extruder, and the mixture is extruded directly into a mold or other packaging system for dispensing the detergent. The consistency of the composition ranges from that of a fused solid block to a malleable article.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a dispenser (10) for use with an automatic floor scrubbing machine (75), and a method for cleaning a floor. The dispenser (10) has a solid chemical (13) which is dissolved by water spray from a spray nozzle (21). The detergent solution is then directed by a conduit (25) to a scrub brush (85). A water reservoir (83) provides water for the detergent solution, and a valve (38) directs water to a rinse conduit (37) for rinsing of the floor. After cleaning, the dirty water or detergent solution is carried through conduit (36) to a recovery tank (84).
Abstract:
The invention is a particulate suspending, antimicrobial concentrate composition. The concentrate may be used in any number of environments including food service and processing environments such as brewing and bottling facilities. Generally the concentrate may be entrained in a product or introduced directly into the environment of use. The concentrate generally comprises an antimicrobial cationic compound such as a quaternary ammonium compound, and a particulate suspending surfactant such as an amphoteric propionic acid salt.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a dispenser (10) for a solid chemical (13) and a method of dispensing the chemical (13). Water enters via an inlet line (22) and is sprayed from a spray nozzle (21), so that the solid chemical (13) is dispensed in the form of an aqueous chemical solution via outlet line (17). The solution's concentration is adjustable by varying the distance between the spray nozzle (21) and the exposed dissolving surface of the chemical (13). A pair of cam members (50, 51) adjust the vertical position of the solid chemical (13) with respect to the spray nozzle (21). In a preferred embodiment, a visual indication of the concentration settings is provided, with the concentration settings corresponding to the nozzle-to-eroding surface distance.
Abstract:
Spray-on cleaners that can be delivered by pump or pressurized gas aerosol spray head have been known to cause respiratory distress in the form of a chocking mist. The chocking mist associated with aerosol use can be reduced or eliminated by formulating surface cleaning compositions that can be dispensed through a spray head resulting in an aerosol or mist droplet having a mean particle size greater than about 200 mu m. We have found that typical spray-on cleaners have a mean particle size less than about 175 mu m and, depending on the concentration and degree of irritation of strong base or strong acid components, can cause severe respiratory distress. Preferred thickeners have been found for use in the non-chocking aerosol or mist compositions.