Abstract: An improved self-propelled harvester. The self-propelled harvester passes through a field to be harvested, while laborers place produce on a conveyor belt thereon. The produce is passed through a washing station, where it is preferably exposed to sideward and downward spray. Thereafter, the produce is transported upward along an elevator belt assembly, toward a trailer. The elevator belt assembly preferably has a plurality of flights located on rods positioned between side belts. The rods are spaced sufficiently so that leaves, debris and excess water can readily pass therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing composition in unit dose form for delivery into the main-wash cycle of an automatic dishwashing machine, the composition comprising a phosphate or non-phosphate detergency builder and a sulfonated anti-scaling polymer.

Abstract: A method of automatic cleaning of cooking cavities of cooking equipment for food processing includes the introduction of steam at a temperature of at least 100.deg. C. from a supply line and nozzle into a cooking cavity for a time period depending on the degree of disinfection desired. The cooking cavity is rinsed with the steam condensate; and the supply line and nozzle are flushed with demineralized water.

Abstract: A support structure and method, designed to maintain a resealable plastic bag in an open position within a dishwasher through the washing and drying cycles, has at least two vertically extending support and restraining straps that may be engaged with like straps to form a resilient support framework. A plurality of mating dimples and protrusions offer controlled size adjustments, while maintaining the reliability of the structure. The structure is readily collapsible to a flat and compact structure prior to purchase and when not in use, and includes features to engage with the rack in the dishwasher to prevent the support and bag from being substantially relocated during the wash process.

Abstract: A cleaning composition containing: (a) from about 1.0 to about 15.0% by weight of a monoethanolamine salt of an alkyl sulfonic acid; (b) from about 3 to about 50% by weight of a C6–C14 methyl ester primary solvent; (c) from about 1.0 to about 15.0% by weight of a short-chain cosurfactant; (d) from about 1 to about 25% by weight of a polar solvent having a water solubility of from about 1 to 5 g/100 ml; (e) up to about 10.0% by weight of a nonionic surfactant; (f) from about 0.05 to about 3.0% by weight of a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and mixtures thereof; and (g) remainder, water, all weights being based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the composition is terpene-free.

Abstract: The anti-foaming preparations comprise aqueous formulations, which contain at least one substance, from the group of polyhydroxy compounds, non-ionic detergents and phosphoric acid esters and their salts, preferably alkyl polygluocosides, alkoxylated long-chain alcohols and an alkali salt of a phosphoric acid partial-ester. The particular advantage of said aqueous formulations is that they are stable when included in highly alkaline cleaning concentrates.

Abstract: At least one ultrasonic treating apparatus adapted for treating a single workpiece and comprised of a relatively small tank with a sidewall-mounted ultrasonic transducer is provided. The tank may be provided with a movable partition for adjustably partitioning the tank into two sub-chambers, the partition being comprised of a material which is partially reflective and partially transmissive of ultrasonic energy supplied to a liquid within the tank. A reflector is provided within the tank for reflecting the acoustic energy either back to the movable partition or to a material which acts as an absorber of acoustic energy. In the former instance, the acoustic energy can be locally concentrated at a specific spacing from the ultrasonic transducer. In the latter instance, the effectiveness of ultrasonic treatment of the single workpiece is enhanced by favoring formation of progressive waves and minimizing formation of stationary waves.

Abstract: A produce washing method, which permits the washing of produce from both above and below in the field. The produce washing takes produce along a conveyor belt, from a loading section, to a washing section on which is located a washing unit, upward along an ascending section, and from there the produce travels along a dumping section and into a receptacle. The washing unit features spray nozzles located above and below the washing section, so as to direct spray from above and below the produce so as to more effectively wash it.

Abstract: Use of cationically modified, particulate, hydrophobic polymers, the surface of which has been cationically modified by coating with polyvalent metal ions and/or cationic surfactants, the particle size of which is 10 nm to 100 ?m, as additive to rinse compositions, care compositions, detergents and cleaners, and also rinse compositions, care compositions, detergents and cleaners which comprise the cationically modified, particulate, hydrophobic polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions for hand dishwashing which, by incorporating certain organic solvents, results in a liquid dishwashing detergent composition that is not only a more effective cleaning agent, but also offers improved physical and enzymatic stability and more convenient rheology and handling characteristics than typical liquid dishwashing compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of tenside agents containing selected non-ionic tensides, for use in cleaning and/or disinfecting processes and/or cleaning and/or disinfecting preparations.

Abstract: A sonic fruit and vegetable washer for removing inorganic impurities and pathogens from a variety of raw fruit and vegetables. The sonic fruit and vegetable washer is comprised of a housing, a removable basket, a liquid dispenser, a filter, a sonic generator, a spray head, hydraulic values, electrical controls, a blower, and a heating element. The washer is connected to an existing faucet, and drains into a conventional kitchen sink. During a typical operation, the controls are adjusted for a particular fruit or vegetable, a fruit or vegetable is loaded into the basket, and a small amount of a preservative, cleaning agent, sweetener or vitamin or mineral is added and electrical power is applied. Water enters the washer, is filtered, and one or more wash and rinse cycles are completed. The sonic generator is active during the wash and rinse cycles to remove and flush contaminants from the washer. Thereafter, a drying cycle is completed.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing composition is presented having 0.01 to 90 percent by weight of a detergency builder and 0.1 to 20 percent by weight of at least one polymer, wherein said polymer or polymers comprises carboxylate groups and sulfonate groups. The composition is useful in liquid, tablet and granular compositions. The composition reduces filming and spotting of glass and plastics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for harvesting fresh produce using a produce harvesting apparatus wherein the method includes trimming the fresh produce and placing the trimmed produce into a container. The container is placed onto a transport device located on the produce harvesting apparatus. The container is then transported on the transport device to a wash station and it is washed at the wash station. The container may be shaken during transport after the wash station.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits, especially wax. Articles for applying the compositions to produce by spraying are disclosed. Use of the compositions for disinfectancy/sanitization of produce and cleaning/disinfectancy/sanitization of non-food inanimate surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: An encapsulated active substance for a manual detergent for hard surfaces comprises an essentially anhydrous active substance with at least one surfactant and at least one liquid polymer carrier encapsulated in a water-soluble or water-dispersible capsule, the active substance containing: less than 25 wt. % of carrier; at least one unbranched or branched, acryclic or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated alcohol with 1 to 10 carbon atoms and one or two primary, secondary or tertiary hydroxy groups and a carbon chain optionally having one or more —O— groups; or being free of glycerol. The encapsulated active substance can be used as a manual detergent for hard surfaces.

Abstract: A method for washing eggs using a first feed conveyor for receiving eggs through a housing inlet and conveying them to a second conveyor. The second conveyor transports the eggs through an intermediate egg washing station which can include brushes and dispenses cleaning solution onto the egg surfaces. The eggs are then transferred from the second conveyor to a third conveyor for transporting through a brush and cleaning solution lower washing station for final cleaning. The eggs then exit through an outlet for sanitizing and/or drying. The three conveyors are vertically tiered and preferably the second conveyor will move in a direction immediately below and opposite relative to the first conveyor and the third conveyor will move in the direction similar to the first conveyor but below the second conveyor. A pre-washing step can be included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition having a pH of less than about 7, for treating a hard surface comprising: at least one low residue surfactant and/or an alkyl ethoxylate surfactant; and a polymeric biguanide.

Abstract: A rinse agent composition containing: (a) a gemini surfactant corresponding to formula I: R—CHOH—CH2—[OCH2CH2]x—O—CH2—CHOH—R  (I) wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl radical having from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, and x is a number from about 5 to 90; and (b) a fatty alcohol alkoxylate corresponding to formula II: R1O[CH2(CH3)CHO]q(CH2CH2O)rH  (II) wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl group having from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, and q is a number up to about 10, and r is a number from about 1 to 50, and wherein (a) and (b) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 1:1 to 4:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in place cleaning of an automated food product dispenser comprising an interface connection configured to establish a supply of a milk-based fluid from a reservoir (for example, a container or a bag), a mixing device configured to receive the milk-based fluid and prepare a milk based product, a nozzle in fluid association with the mixing device for dispensing the milk based product, a product flowpath configured for directing the milk based product to flow from the interface connection through the mixing device to the nozzle, and a clean-in-place flowpath assembly located in the dispenser and comprising a supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid and a flowpath which is configured to deliver the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to or through the product flowpath. The invention also relates to a machine readable program for controlling the automated food product dispenser of the invention and for cleaning the same in place.

Abstract: A process is presented for cleaning fermentation or storage tanks with an enzyme-containing formulation containing one or more laccases, peroxidases, oxireductases, transferases, isomerases, lyases, and ligases or a mixture thereof. The process provides improved cleaning results, water consumption, and waste water pollution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a class of detergent compositions for use in hand dishwashing that provides excellent performance as measured by persistence of foam in the presence of oily and fatty types of soils. Testing based on escalating amounts of such soils to the extinction of the foam showed surprising advantage of hand dishwashing composition comprising at least two anionic surfactants and a polyethylene glycol and being essentially free of alkyl polyglucosides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of low temperature cleaning and applying an antimicrobial treatment to food and beverage plant equipment. In addition, the method includes carbon dioxide compatible chemistry. The method may be achieved through a multi-step method.

Abstract: The invention relates to gemini surfactants, optionally in combination with ingredients customary in dishwashing detergents and cleaners, optionally with further nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, and to the use of such gemini surfactants for improving the wetting behavior and the compatibility with plastics, for the simplified preparation of solid cleaners and as foam-suppressing surfactant in rinse aid formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provide a composition suitable for use as a foaming hand dishwashing composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer having molecular weight of at least 500 and comprising butylene oxide moieties with the proviso that the composition does not comprise greater than 5% by weight of the composition of builder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hard surface cleaners which provide improved fragrance retention properties to the treated hard surface, and methods for using them. The cleaners include a fragrance, a carrier, and a surfactant selected from ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers, polyglycosides, ethoxylated alkyl alcohols, and ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers functionalized with a fatty alcohol moiety. The cleaner may also contain water and a base.

Abstract: The invention relates to gemini surfactants, optionally in combination with ingredients customary in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents and cleaners, optionally with further nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, and to the use of such gemini surfactants for improving the wetting behavior and the compatibility with plastics, for the simplified preparation of solid cleaners and as foam-suppressing surfactant in rinse aid formulations.

Abstract: A process for improving aesthetics of a liquid dishwashing detergent product is disclosed. The process includes the steps of providing a liquid dishwashing detergent composition and adding solid particles to the liquid dishwashing detergent composition. The particles are coated with a polymeric coating. The coating is prepared from materials which are insoluble in the liquid dishwashing detergent composition but soluble in dishwashing wash solution.

Abstract: A detergent for glass-ceramic surfaces has a certain abrasive agent content and a pH value lower than about 6. The abrasive agent contains particles of an organic material, preferably in an amount of at least about 20% of the abrasive agent, and more preferably substantially the entire abrasive agent. The organic material may be a polyolefin or polyurethane, for example, and may be predominantly present as particles with a particle size in the range of about 10 to 1000 &mgr;m. The abrasive agent may also include mineral particles.

Abstract: A germicide and disinfectant composition contains detergent and at least two enzymes adapted to cause lysis in glycoprotein in infectious agents. These germicidal and disinfectant compositions are used in conjunction with prepackaged wipes and kits that allows the user to remove liquid or dried contaminated material without coming into direct contact with the contaminated material.

Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions comprising organic diamines, anionic surfacants and amphoteric surfactants including amine oxide for hand dishwashing which, by incorporating certain organic solvents, results in a liquid dishwashing detergent composition that is not only a more effective cleaning agent, but also offers improved physical and enzymatic stability and more convenient rheology and handling characteristics than typical liquid dishwashing compositions.

Abstract: An improved composition and method for cleaning and disinfecting a garbage disposal that does not require aerosol propellants or carbon dioxide gas generating reaction systems. The composition comprises a suds stabilizing surfactant and a disinfecting agent, plus other optional ingredients such as additional detergent surfactant and scouring agents. In the method of cleaning and disinfecting, a flow of water is provided to the garbage disposal and the composition is then added while the garbage disposal is turned on. The mechanical action of the garbage disposal grinder blades rapidly mixes the composition with water to create suds and disperse the suds around the entire interior chamber, thus cleansing and disinfecting the garbage disposal. After the suds are generated, the flow of water is discontinued, with the garbage disposal being turned off within about 1 minute after the flow of water is discontinued.

Abstract: A rinse aid composition containing: (a) a hydroxy mixed ether corresponding to formula I: R1O[CH2CHR2O]x[CH2CHR3O]yCH2CH(OH)R4  (I) wherein R1 is an alkyl and/or alkenyl group containing from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, R2 is hydrogen or a methyl or an ethyl group, R3 is hydrogen or a methyl or an ethyl group, R4 is an alkyl group containing from about 2 to 22 carbon atoms, x is a number up to 30, y is a number up to 30, and x+y is greater than or equal to 1; (b) an alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycoside corresponding to formula II: R5O—[G]p  (II) wherein R5 is an alkyl and/or alkenyl group containing from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, G is a sugar unit containing 5 or 6 carbon atoms, and p is a number from 1 to 10; and (c) a nonionic co-surfactant, and wherein (a) and (b) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 10:0.1 to 1:10.

Abstract: A produce washing apparatus and method, which permits the washing of produce from both above and below in the field. The produce washing apparatus takes produce along a conveyor belt, from a loading section, to a washing section on which is located a washing unit, upward along an ascending section, and from there the produce travels along a dumping section and into a receptacle. The washing unit features spray nozzles located above and below the washing section, so as to direct spray from above and below the produce so as to more effectively wash it. The apparatus is preferably trailer mounted, so as to permit ready positioning in the field.

Abstract: This simple non-electric produce washer is a devise designed to dislodge and gently wash away unhealthy and often time's life threatening impurities from any number of fruits and vegetables without causing bruising or damage. The unit is designed for both residential and/or commercial use. Its unique design employs a non-electrical, three part system, which consists of a reservoir (4) for holding a continuous stream of water, a sieved basket (16), and a waste outlet.

Abstract: A cleaning composition containing a gemini surfactant corresponding to formula I: R—CHOH—CH2—[OCH2CH2]x—O—CH2—CHOH—R  (I) wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl and/or alkenyl radical having from about 4 to 22 carbon atoms, and x is a number from about 5 to 90.

Abstract: Acidic and basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Clear liquid formulations comprising oleate, alcohol ethoxylates and buffers are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits.

Abstract: A produce washing method, which permits the washing of produce from both above and below in the field. Produce is transported along a conveyor belt, from a loading section, to a washing section on which is located a washing unit, upward along an ascending section, and from there the produce travels along a dumping section and into a receptacle. The washing unit features spray nozzles located above and below the washing section, so as to direct spray from above and below the produce so as to more effectively wash it.

Abstract: A chewing gum remover composition containing: (a) a C1-4 alkyl ester of a C6-22 saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid; (b) a terpene; and (c) optionally, an oil-soluble surfactant, and wherein (a) and (b) are present in the composition in a ratio by weight of from about 10:1 to about 1:10.

Abstract: A system to control pathogens on a target element is disclosed, wherein the target element is subjected to hypochlorous acid. The present invention incorporates the use of hypochlorous acid as a pathogen control medium, wherein a hypochlorous acid stream of between about 4.3 and 7.0 pH as a pathogen reduction agent is utilized. In one embodiment, the hypochlorous acid stream is used to reduce pathogens in poultry processing plants.

Abstract: A thermoformed PVC, modified PVC, CPVC, metal or coated metal cover, covering system and method is provided for covering assemblies of pipe and pipe insulation, hangers, support rods and mechanical assemblies wherein the assembly is biocide treated, covered by and completely enclosed by the cover, the cover is sealed in order to prevent bacteria growth within the cover while allowing a smooth outside surface for biocide application. The cover can be modified to facilitate the application of biocide after the assembly is covered by providing resealable openings in said cover.

Abstract: A process is presented for cleaning fermentation or storage tanks with an enzyme-containing formulation containing one or more laccases, peroxidases, oxireductases, transferases, isomerases, lyases, and ligases or a mixture thereof. The process provides improved cleaning results, water consumption, and waste water pollution.

Abstract: Basic cleaning compositions using toxicologically-acceptable ingredients for cleaning fruits and vegetables are provided. Liquid formulations comprising detergent surfactant, such as oleate, alcohol ethoxylates, etc., and neutralized phosphoric acid are sprayed onto apples, lettuce and the like to remove soil and unwanted deposits, especially wax. Articles for applying the compositions to produce by spraying are disclosed. Use of the compositions for disinfectancy/sanitization of produce and cleaning/disinfectancy/sanitization of non-food inantimate surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: A hands-free, electrically operated food washing and preparation device having a fluid dispenser, such as a reservoir, a wash compartment, a motor-driven agitator, a removable food basket, and a drain for removing soiled fluid from the device. Also provided is a variety of adaptable food processing attachments for the processing of food.

Abstract: An improved composition and method for cleaning and disinfecting a garbage disposal that does not require aerosol propellants or carbon dioxide gas generating reaction systems. The composition comprises a suds stabilizing surfactant and a disinfecting agent, plus other optional ingredients such as additional detergent surfactant and scouring agents. In the method of cleaning and disinfecting, a flow of water is provided to the garbage disposal and the composition is then added while the garbage disposal is turned on. The mechanical action of the garbage disposal grinder blades rapidly mixes the composition with water to create suds and disperse the suds around the entire interior chamber, thus cleansing and disinfecting the garbage disposal. After the suds are generated, the flow of water is discontinued, with the garbage disposal being turned off within about 1 minute after the flow of water is discontinued.

Abstract: A liquid acidic composition having a sulfamic acid, a second acid, and an acid-stable polymer selected from the group consisting of a sulphonated polystyrene polymer, a vinylpyrrolidone homopolymer or copolymer, and mixtures thereof, to remove limescale-containing stains from a hard-surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid to paste machine dishwashing detergent which, in addition to customary machine dishwashing detergent ingredients, comprises a crystalline, layered silicate of the formula aA2O.bBO.cC2O3.dD2O5.eSiO2.fH2O, in which A is an alkali metal and/or hydrogen, B is an alkaline earth metal, C is an element from the third main group of the Periodic Table, and D is an element from the fifth main group of the Periodic Table, and the following also apply: 0≦a≦1; 0≦b≦0.5; 0≦c/e≦0.05; 0≦d/e≦0.25; 1.9≦e≦4; 0≦f≦20. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this machine dishwashing detergent and to its use.

Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing agricultural chemicals that remain on the surface of agricultural products, comprising the steps treating agricultural products having residue of the agricultural chemicals with a aqueous solution for oxidizing, and thereafter or at the same time forming OH radical as a result of irradiating ultraviolet rays to agricultural treating oxidizer aqueous solution.

Abstract: Liquid or gel bleaching compositions comprising a diacyl peroxide, thickener, and water are disclosed. Preferred compositions are for use in automatic dishwashing machines. The compositions are effective in removing stains, especially carotenoid stains, from plastics while minimizing deposition.