Abstract: Solid block alkaline detergent compositions are disclosed comprising a source of alkalinity, and other detergent additives including sequestrants. The solid block detergents of the invention used a mixed inorganic and organic sequestrant composition that successfully softens service water used in manufacturing aqueous detergents from the composition, but also obtains substantially improved organic soil removal on dishware or flatware. The solid block detergents of the invention comprise large masses of the chemical ingredients having a weight of greater than about 500 grams in a solid block product format that is typically dispensed using a spray on water dispenser that creates an aqueous concentrate that is used in a washing machine.

Abstract: An improved process for removing ink soil from porous substrates, preferably from woven fabrics which include cellulosic materials such as cotton towels is described herein. The process includes an initial contacting step with an alkyl fatty acid ester, a wash step with a conventional detergent and a final water rinse step. A chelating agent is used during one of the first two steps or, alternatively, between the first two steps.

Abstract: A process for lubrication a container, such as a beverage container, by applying to the container, a substantially non-aqueous lubricant. The process provides many advantages as compared to the use of an aqueous lubricant.

Abstract: The invention includes a first dispenser for providing a first dilute concentrate of a use solution in a bottle. This bottle is then used in a portable delivery/dilution device which provides for a second level of concentration of the use solution. The bottles in which the solution is placed has both a vertical and horizontal lockout. The horizontal lockout is useful in making certain the right bottles are utilized with each dispenser and the vertical lockouts are useful in guiding the bottle upwards as the first concentration of liquid is placed in the bottle. The portable delivery/dilution system is easily portable, easily filled with water which can be easily poured from a system after use. The battery is rechargeable and can be used in most any application where spraying is desired. First and second timers activate first and second indicators to notify the user sufficient use solution has been dispensed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the treatment of a plant fluid effluent containing odor compounds including an alkyl mercaptan or an alkyl thiol, an amine compound, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and mixtures thereof by contacting the plant effluent in either a counterflow or cocurrent flow process. In the process, the effluent is contacted with an aqueous solution comprising a peroxyacid compound and one or more essential oils. When contacted with the peroxyacid, odor compounds in the effluent are oxidized and converted from the gaseous phase into a chemically modified highly aqueous soluble phase in the aqueous treatment. In this way, odor removal from the gas is preferred and odor compounds are efficiently transferred into the aqueous treatment solution. The use of such a process produces a significant improvement in odor quality index as measured by a conventional process using an expert panel when compared to conventional treatment methods.

Abstract: A badge emits light to signal that the person wearing the badge has clean hands. The light is discontinued after a period of time to indicate that the person should proceed to wash his/her hands. The badge may emit light in a distinct manner (or generate sound) during a time period in which the person is supposed to be washing his/her hands. This distinct signal would be generated in response to user input, which should be entered only when the person wearing the button is beginning to wash his/her hands.

Abstract: The ability of aqueous laundry compositions to remove organic hydrophobic soils, such as oily, greasy or particulate soils, from a laundry item is substantially improved by pre-spotting or pre-treating such a soiled item with a treatment composition having a surfactant comprising a unique hydrophillic ethoxylate surfactant with less than two moles of ethylene oxide or a or blend of at least two surfactant compositions with a blended HLB value of about 7-12. The blend of surfactants with this HLB value penetrates soils and renders the soil more easily removed from the item using aqueous laundry detergent. The treatment composition can be used in a liquid or solid form and can be applied to individual laundry items in the form of a solid stick or liquid spray prior to introduction to the laundry machine. Laundry items can also be contacted in the laundry machine with the pre-spot or pre-treatment composition in the form of an aqueous presoak, preflush, prewash, or other step prior to the cleaning step.

Abstract: An alkaline cleaner composition comprising an alkyl or alkylaryl ethoxy carboxylate, a strong chelating agent and a source of alkalinity, its manufacture and use in removing greasy soil from hard surface areas is described. The compositions are especially effective in removing lime-soaps in such greasy soil especially on institutional and commercial kitchen floors.

Abstract: A hand soap concentrate and a hand soap use solution are provided. The hand soap concentrate is provided with a viscosity of less than about 200 cps. The hand soap concentrate can be mixed with an aqueous solution to provide a use solution having a viscosity of greater than about 1,000 cps. A method for modifying a hand soap concentrate to provide a higher viscosity hand soap use solution is provided. The hand soap concentrate includes a surfactant component for removal of soil, and a component for increasing viscosity with mixing with an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A low viscosity aqueous cleaning composition provides increasing viscosity upon dilution which provides a high viscosity diluted cleaning composition having solvents compatible with the rod micelle thickener and the cleaning system that clings for an extended period of time in a thickened form containing cleaning system ingredients that can penetrate and remove hard baked-on soils on vertical surfaces in cleaning units. The composition contains active cleaning ingredients (acid, alkaline and enzyme) that, in combination with thickening systems, provide the useful properties. The thickened materials can be applied on cold or hot surfaces and can successfully penetrate, soften and remove baked-on food soil on a variety of surfaces including oven walls, doors and grills, baking dishes, utensils, etc.

Abstract: The present device relates to a dispensing and rinsing gun (100) for use with a hose member (209 and 210) to dispense either a diluted product or water through the same dispensing and rinsing gun (100) without having to attach different nozzles. A selector (156) operatively connected to the gun (100) allows the gun (100) to dispense either a diluted product or water by rotating the selector (156) to the appropriate push button valve (154) controlling the desired product or water, and the selector (156) may be operated with one hand. A trigger (103) controls the type of spray used when the dispensing and rinsing gun (100) is used in the water rinse mode.

Abstract: A sanitizing fabric sour composition can comprise a peracid material. The sanitizing sour materials of the invention can be used in a laundry process in which soiled garments are contacted with the sanitizing sour following an alkaline detergent in a cleaning step. In the souring step, the garments are contacted with the peracid material that both neutralizes alkaline components and sanitizes the cleaned garment. The fabric sour process of the invention can be conducted at reduced temperatures while obtaining sufficient sanitization.

Abstract: A solid functional material comprises a functional agent such as a cleaning composition, a sanitizing agent, where a rinse agent, etc. in a solid block format. The solid block is formed by a binding agent that forms the active ingredients into a solid block. The binding agent comprises a phosphonate or amino acetate sequestrant, a carbonate salt and water in an E-Form hydrate. These materials at a specific mole ratio form a novel binding agent that can form functional materials into a solid matrix form.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for sanitizing ware without staining or spotting. In its most preferred mode, the method comprises the steps of washing the ware in an automated ware washing machine and rinsing the ware at either high or low temperatures with a sanitizing rinse composition. The destaining, sanitizing concentrate composition preferably comprises peroxy acetic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide. The sanitizing rinse composition may preferably be used at a concentration ranging from about 600 ppm to 4000 ppm.

Abstract: A housing has a first, dispensing end and a second, opposite end. A lever is squeezed against the housing to move a plunger toward the dispensing end. When fully squeezed, the lever extends parallel to the plunger and the longitudinal axis of the housing. The extent to which the plunger advances may be adjusted by relocating the pivot axis defined between the lever and the housing. A resilient washer is mounted on the shaft of the plunger and disposed behind a shoulder on the housing. The resilient washer deflects and/or stretches forward when the plunger advances, and urges the plunger rearward upon release of the lever.

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 17 which includes a classifier 18 for reclaiming a portion of the media for reuse. The pressure tank 17 has a series of dispersion bars 68 for separating the heavy particles to be re-used. The dust, soils, and other undesirable materials are filtered in a dust collector 57 having a cyclonic filter 71. A compressor 20, 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 method for cleaning polyethylene terephthalate containers including contacting the PET container with an alkaline wash solution having a temperature ranging of less than about 60° C. is disclosed. The alkaline wash solution is formulated from a first concentrate, a second concentrate, an alkalinity source, and a balance of water. The first concentrate preferably has a first nonionic surfactant, a first builder, and acid in an amount effect to provide a phase stable solution. The second concentrate preferably has a second nonionic surfactant and a second builder. The first and second concentrate are present in the wash solution in a concentration ranging from about 0.3 wt. % to 2.0 wt. %. Preferably, the first nonionic surfactant has a cloud point ranging from about 5° C. to 60° C.

Abstract: A system for forming and releasing an aqueous peracid solution is disclosed. The system includes a container and a peracid forming composition provided within the container. The container is permeable to the passage of water and aqueous peracid solution. The peracid forming composition includes a peracid precursor and a peroxygen source. Preferably, the peracid forming composition includes a chemical heater capable of releasing heat upon hydration. When placed in water, water enters the container and interacts with the peracid forming composition provided within the container. The water combines with the peracid precursor and peroxygen source to provide an aqueous peracid composition. The presence of a chemical heater within the container provides for the generation of heat within the container which enhances the rate of peracid formation. The peracid solution leaves the container and forms an effective sanitizing amount of sanitizer.

Abstract: Both a process and a method of using peracid compositions, especially mixed peracid systems, to treat field or greenhouse grown plant tissue, seeds, fruits, and growing media and containers. The peracid can lower the natural, plant pathogen and human pathogenic microbial load resulting in less waste to molding, spoilage, and destruction because of pathogenic poisons.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition suitable for removing proteinaceous material comprising water, an emulsifier, a chelating agent, one or more mineral acids, and a surfactant; wherein: the emulsifier is a polyether nonionic emulsifier or an amine oxide; the chelating agent is an alkylaminophosphonic acid, a hydroxyalkylphosphonic acid, or an alkylphosphonic acid carboxylic acid; the one or more mineral acids are present in an mount such that the pH of the composition is less than about 4.