Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions having a rapid and persistent antiviral effectiveness against influenza viruses, including avian flu viruses, are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions contain (a) a disinfecting alcohol, (b) an organic acid, and (c) water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 5 or less and the nonvolatile components of the composition are capable of forming a barrier film or layer on a treated surface.

Abstract: Antiviral compositions having a rapid antiviral effectiveness, and a persistent antiviral effectiveness, are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions contain (a) a powdered solid substrate and (b) an organic acid.

Abstract: Method and article for providing a rapid, broad spectrum bacterial control, and a rapid and persistent antiviral control on an inanimate surface is disclosed. In the method, a compound or composition capable of lowering surface pH to less than about 4 is applied to the surface, and preferably is allowed to remain on the surface, and the nonvolatile components of the composition can form a barrier film or layer on a treated surface.

Abstract: During the rinse cycle of a re-circulating dishwashing machine (132), water is simultaneously diverted into a dispenser (100) as water is delivered to the rinse arms (133) of the dishwashing machine (132). The cavity (118) of the dispenser (100) contains a solid detergent block (125) and is flooded with water during the rinse cycle. The water contacts the detergent (125) during the rinse cycle to create a use solution, and the use solution exits the dispenser (100) and flows into a wash water storage tank (135) of the dishwashing machine (132). During the wash cycle of the dishwashing machine (132), the wash water containing the use solution from the dispenser (100) is pumped into the wash arms (134). The wash water becomes diluted during the subsequent rinse cycle, however, the water diverted into the dispenser (100) during the rinse cycle replenishes the detergent (125) concentration in the wash water for use in the subsequent wash cycle.

Abstract: A stable, substantially homogeneous, solid block cleaning composition can be made for general purpose cleaning and for cleaning hard surfaces such as floors of varying surface composition. Unique solid block materials contain substantially useful concentrations of liquid acid materials, but are in the form of a stable solid. The acidic solid detergent can be dispensed using a water spray creating a concentrate which can then be diluted in proper ratio to form the use-solution. Such use-solutions may be applied to remove a variety of soils subject to acid cleaning including soils containing water hardness components, inorganic soils, and the like. The acid cleaners can be used alone or in combination with other cleaners in a cleaning protocol for a variety of hospitality, industrial or institutional cleaning locations having a broad spectrum of contaminated soil residue.

Abstract: We have found an alkaline warewashing detergent composition that can contain a critical amount of a nonionic rinse agent that when used in automatic warewashing machines permits the use of a potable water rinse without the addition of a separate rinse agent. Sufficient residual nonionic surfactant from the alkaline detergent remains on the surface ware and internal machine and rack surfaces after washing to promote adequate sheeting in the rinse cycle. The residual nonionic surfactant on internal surfaces dissolves in the rinse water to create an effective aqueous rinse agent. The nonionic rinse agents can be a single nonionic for both foam reduction cleaning and sheeting or can be a blend of nonionic materials providing these functions. The detergent can be in the form of a particulate, pelletized or block solid.

Abstract: An interactive dispenser, used to provide a powdered, liquid or personal use or care chemical, can provide a message prompted by the proximity of a user to a sensor. Personal care liquids can include hand cleaners, hand and body lotion, sun blocks, sun screens, poison ivy treatment materials, burn ointments, body powders, solid hand soap bars, etc. A variety of messages can be provided to the user including a reminder to use the materials provided by the dispenser, instructional information, safety information, use directions for the chemical, use directions for the dispenser, or any other message. The message can be provided in a visual message such as an electronic scroll, an aural message derived from an electronic voice synthesizer. Such a message can be combined with a musical program, other light displays, etc.

Abstract: The hard floor surface in common food preparation sites can have complex soils that are difficult to remove. Such floor can have two surface qualities. A first surface contains an array of quarry tile. The second surface contains a grid of grout lines surrounding the tile completing the surface. Each surface provides particular soil removal problems. We have found a unique product sequence, used in a method for cleaning hard surface or hard quarry tile floors, that is surprisingly effective in removing soil from both the floor tile surface and grout lines. The resulting clean floor surface maintains a clean quarry tile surface, a white new appearing grout line having no substantial build-up of soil residue. The floors obtain a clean, slip-free surface that is clean, sanitized, and has improved safety from slip and fall accidents.

Abstract: A cleaning and restoration system 10 for floors 11 and other hard surfaces is disclosed. The system 10 has an cleaning head 12 which can be moved across a floor 11 or other hard surface. The cleaning head 12 impinges particulate media upon the floor 11 to remove soils and provide a slip-resistant surface. The media is entrained into the air by a pressure tank 18. The media is reclaimed in a classifier 17; and the dust, soils, and other undesirable materials are filtered in a dust collector 57. A compressor 20 and a vacuum blower 22, and other components of the system are mounted on a truck 19. A method for utilizing the restoration system 10 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple product dispensing system includes a plurality of use solution dispensers and a controller for selecting one of the dispensers according to a preset regimen, e.g., selecting different dispensers on different days of the week. Each dispenser dispenses a controlled concentration of use solution using a diluent delivery apparatus that delivers a diluent to form a liquid concentrate from a solid chemical composition, and to form make-up diluent for diluting the liquid concentrate and forming a use solution of controlled concentration. A foam reducer reduces the kinetic energy of the make-up diluent prior to mixing with the liquid concentrate to reduce foaming. An unskilled operator may operate the dispensing system to dispense a use solution of carefully controlled concentration, and the controller will automatically select the proper dispenser according to the preset regimen, without any additional input on the part of the operator.

Abstract: A multiple product dispensing system includes a plurality of use solution dispensers and a controller for selecting one of the dispensers according to a preset regimen, e.g., selecting different dispensers on different days of the week. Each dispenser dispenses a controlled concentration of use solution using a diluent delivery apparatus that delivers a diluent to form a liquid concentrate from a solid chemical composition, and to form make-up diluent for diluting the liquid concentrate and forming a use solution of controlled concentration. A foam reducer reduces the kinetic energy of the make-up diluent prior to mixing with the liquid concentrate to reduce foaming. An unskilled operator may operate the dispensing system to dispense a use solution of carefully controlled concentration, and the controller will automatically select the proper dispenser according to the preset regimen, without any additional input on the part of the operator.

Abstract: The invention provides a urea based solid composition and a process for preparing a homogeneous, urea-based, solid cleaning composition. Cleaning compositions for use in warewashing and cleaning hard surfaces, rinsing, sanitizing, deodorizing, and the like, made by the method are also provided. The ingredients are charged into a heated mixing apparatus and when uniform are transferred 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: We have found an alkaline warewashing detergent composition that can contain a critical amount of a nonionic rinse agent that when used in automatic warewashing machines permits the use of a potable water rinse without the addition of a separate rinse agent. Sufficient residual nonionic surfactant from the alkaline detergent remains on the surface ware and internal machine and rack surfaces after washing to promote adequate sheeting in the rinse cycle. The residual nonionic surfactant on internal surfaces dissolves in the rinse water to create an effective aqueous rinse agent. The nonionic rinse agents can be a single nonionic for both foam reduction cleaning and sheeting or can be a blend of nonionic materials providing these functions. The detergent can be in the form of a particulate, pelletized or block solid.