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 process for preventing microbial growth in aqueous streams by applying peracetic acid to the aqueous stream. Generally, the process of the invention is applicable to aqueous streams used in any number of applications such as the application of streams for the transport of fruits or vegetables into the processing environment and through the various steps of processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating composition a film or barrier layer. The aqueous coating, in a pseudoplastic thixotropic mixture having a yield point, can be applied to surfaces in heated food preparation units. The composition can be easily applied to a variety of surfaces, and can advantageously cling to vertical or substantially inclined surfaces in order to form a barrier film or coating. The coating can result in a smooth uniform coating. The film, upon heating forms a barrier layer which can facilitate the removal of food soils which can form during food preparation activities after formation of the barrier film layer. The compositions of the invention can be used in methods for coating the interior heated surface of food preparation units by applying the aqueous material through a spray or other aerosol apparatus to form a clinging aqueous coating.

Abstract: Aqueous bleach solutions can be made by directing a spray of water onto a bulk or shaped solid (brick, tablet, block, etc.) comprising a continuous solid phase of an encapsulated source of an active halogen bleach or a solid comprising a source of an oxidizing active halogen bleach and an encapsulated oxidizing halogen bleach source. Such shaped solids can be used to dispense uniform quantities of an aqueous bleach concentrate to bleaching locus such as a washing machine. The tablets can be made from the encapsulated bleach or from a powder mixture of a particulate, granulated or powdered unencapsulated source of active oxidizing bleach and an encapsulated source of active oxidizing bleach by forming the powder mixture into a desired shape. The presence of the encapsulate in the solid with the powder reduces the tendency of the solid to absorb water which can be wicked through the solid to pass water through the solid into adjacent solids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller.

Abstract: Improved cleaners for hard surfaces, cooking utensils, laundry and other substrates that can accumulate fatty soils can be cleaned using an aqueous cleaner made from a cast solid cleaning system. The cast solid system contains a carefully balanced formulation of cleaning ingredients that provide surprising animal or vegetable fat removing properties. The cleaning system can be manufactured in the form of a large bulk cast block. Such blocks are dispensed by spraying a dispensing spray of water onto the surface of the block creating an aqueous concentrate that can be directed to a cleaning site. The solid composition contains a unique blend of a specific amine oxide combined with anionic sulfonates in a solvent containing mass. These unique components cooperate to provide a substantial level of animal or vegetable fat removal in preferred cleaning protocols.

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: Disclosed is an indicator (15, 35) for determining the level of contents in an opaque, plastic container (10). The container (11) is filled with a solid chemical (11), such as a detergent. A spray of warm or hot water (19) impinges upon the eroding surface (16) of the solid chemical (11) to produce a chemical solution. The container (10) is provided with a thermo-chromatic strip (15, 35) for detecting the level of solid chemical (11) within the plastic capsule (10). A method of dispensing a solid chemical (11) and a dispensing container (10) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The stability of polyvinyl films used to contain detersive systems may be enhanced by the use of a barrier coating composition to separate the film degrading components, i.e., acids, bases, and halogens, from these films. The barrier coatings may either encapsulate the individual film degrading components, or they may coat the entire detersive system.

Abstract: A process for creating decolorized areas in dyed fabric, the process comprising the step of contacting wet dyed fabric with a pelletized decolorizing agent and optionally also including quenching the active decolorant present in the decolorizing pellet with a decolorant neutralizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous coating composition a film or barrier layer. The aqueous coating, in a pseudoplastic thixotropic mixture having a yield point, can be applied to surfaces in heated food preparation units. The composition can be easily applied to a variety of surfaces, and can advantageously cling to vertical or substantially inclined surfaces in order to form a barrier film or coating. The coating can result in a smooth uniform coating. The film, upon heating forms a barrier layer which can facilitate the removal of food soils which can form during food preparation activities after formation of the barrier film layer. The compositions of the invention can be used in methods for coating the interior heated surface of food preparation units by applying the aqueous material through a spray or other aerosol apparatus to form a clinging aqueous coating.

Abstract: An insect trap using attractant light, comprising a source of light and a housing can be mounted on a vertical surface or placed near a ceiling surface. The housing and the source of light cooperate to form an upwardly facing opening for the facilitated entry of flying insect pests and for the reflection of light onto the vertical surface. Insects that enter the trap are immobilized on a surface within the trap. Cooperation between direct radiant light, reflected light and an upwardly facing entrance for insects substantially increase capture rates.

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 choking mist. The choking 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 median particle size greater than about 170 .mu.m, more preferably 200 .mu.m. We have found that typical spray-on cleaners have a median particle size less than about 170 .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-choking aerosol or mist compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to rinse aid compositions useful in warewashing, that provide sanitizing properties and stain control. The rinse aids of the invention provide a highly active available chlorine source which is incorporated into solid systems containing sheeting agents. The chlorine source is sufficiently stable to permit manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and consumption without loss of substantial proportions of active chlorine, while allowing for a broad selection of surfactants.

Abstract: A thermoplastic compatible lubricant concentrate containing alkylpolyglycoside suitable for use in lubricating conveyor belts in the transporting of thermoplastic article of manufacture. The hydrophobic group of the alkylpolyglycoside is a long chain alkyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms. The degree of polymerization of the saccharide units in the polyglycoside is less than 3.

Abstract: A system for diluting and dispensing concentrated liquid products is disclosed. The system includes a dispensing device (10, 150) containing a removable proportioning means such as an aspirator assembly (40, 154). A concentrate pickup tube (114) attaches to the dispensing device and is in fluid communication with the aspirator assembly. The dispensing device can utilize a rigid outlet tube (20, 159) which is removably attached to nozzle tip (18, 158) for dispensing to large containers. Also disclosed is a method for diluting and dispensing chemical solutions using the dispensing device of the invention.

Abstract: An air freshener device (200) has a cartridge (100). The cartridge (100) has a housing (101) having a tray (102). A first fragrance (105) is in a first cavity (103) and a second fragrance (106) is in a second cavity (104). A fragrance diffuser (130) is operatively connected to the tray (102) and positioned over the compartments of the tray. A removable cover is operatively connected to the tray to seal the open tops of the cavities. A battery cover (116) has a first side operatively connected to the housing and a second side connected to the housing after a battery is enclosed in the cover.

Abstract: A solid, cast, highly chelated, alkaline detergent composition which includes (i) a potassium salt of an aminocarboxylic acid sequestrant, such as ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), (ii) optionally a sodium salt of the aminocarboxylic acid sequestrant, (iii) a source of alkalinity, such as sodium and/or potassium hydroxide, and (iv) a solidifying agent. The composition contains at least one of the sodium salt of the aminocarboxylic acid sequestrant and/or the sodium form of the alkaline source.