Abstract: An antimicrobial surface sanitizing composition comprising a major portion of diluent and an active antimicrobial agent, said agent comprising an antimicrobial effective amount of an alpha-hydroxy substituted mono- or di-carboxylic acid, and an antimicrobial effective amount of hydrogen peroxide, wherein after contact with the intended surface said antimicrobial composition leaves a noncontaminating residue upon that surface.

Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: We have found a new and useful process to generate peroxy acid sanitizing and bleaching compositions at the point-of-use, the process comprising introducing hydrogen peroxide and a carboxylic acid into a reactor at about 0.1 to 10 moles of hydrogen peroxide per mole of acid, and contacting the hydrogen peroxide and carboxylic acid in the presence of a sulfonic acid resin and in the substantial abssence of active metal ions which forms an aqueous peroxy acid composition at a concentration from about up to 20 wt %. Using this process, warewashing, laundry sanitizing and bleach, and hard surface sanitizing compositions can be produced.

Abstract: Aqueous processes and compositions of the invention for obtaining a "stone-washed", distressed or "used and abused" look in clothing, particularly in the panels and seams of denim jeans and jackets involve compositions that are stone-free that avoid mechanical abrasion of the fabric. In particular, the process and composition of the invention used to obtain the distressed, "stone-washed" or "acid washed look" are free of common pumice or pumice-bleach compositions, used in large institutional-size laundry machines, and rely solely on the chemical action of aqueous treatment compositions. The aqeuous treatments can be made from liquid or solid concentrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid composition that yields an abrasion resistant polymeric film on a surface that provides extended protection from microbial growth through slow release of a potent antimicrobial agent. The active ingredient of the liquid composition has the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R=H, (C.sub.1 -C.sub.1)alkyl, --COOH, --CH.sub.2 --COOH, --C.sub.6 H.sub.11, or -phenyl;R'=H, or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3)alkyl, --CH.sub.2 --COOH, --C.sub.6 H.sub.11, or -phenyl;R"=H, or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5)alkyl; andX=a single bond; ##STR2## where m=2-4; and Z=H or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3)alkyl;as well as homopolymers, copolymers, or terpolymers comprising said active ingredient.

Abstract: Antimicrobial mixtures contain quaternary ammonium compounds and quaternary phosphonium compounds in a ratio by weight of from 1:9 to 9:1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser (10) for dispensing a wash chemical solution which has been created by dissolving a solid wash chemical (65) in a diluent. The dispenser (10) has a sump (48) which is positioned beneath an outlet port (40) for the wash chemical solution, so that the sump (48) collects the dissolved wash chemical. The sump (48) is contained within a reservoir (17), and overflow from the sump (48) is collected within the reservoir (17). A pick-up tube (27) withdraws the wash chemical solution from the reservoir (17). The sump (48) is retained within the reservoir (17) by flexible tabs (72) and a support member (51) against which the sump (48) is positioned. A screen is provided above the sump (48) for filtering unwanted particulates.

Abstract: A solid cast warewashing composition is produced for use in automatic washing machines at low temperatures. A liquid detergent composition is cast into a mold where it is allowed to solidify. 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 about 5 to 12 wt-% of a nonionic surfactant, an alkali metal hydroxide, a sequestrant, water of hydration and optionally further includes one or more preformed cores or plugs comprising an available chlorine source, a defoamer, or the like.

Abstract: An article comprising a water soluble container containing a multiple use amount of a pelletized functional composition such as a fabric treatment composition, a warewashing composition, a laundry composition, a pot and pan presoak composition, a silverware presoak composition, a floor cleaner composition, a rinse additive composition, a disinfectant composition, a sanitizer composition, a general purpose cleaner composition, etc. The article may be optionally enclosed in a water impervious outerwrap. A method for using the article by placing the article inside a dispenser wherein the article is contacted with water having a sufficient temperature and pressure to dissolve the water soluble bag and the pelletized functional material contained therein in order to form a solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous, clear solution-forming, substantially soap free lubricant compositions and to the use of the lubricant compositions according to the invention, especially as lubricants for the transport of glass bottles or poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles. The substantially neutral aqueous lubricant compositions (pH 6-8) contain alkyl benzenesulfonates, partial phosphate esters with alkoxylated aliphatic alcohols, and aliphatic carboxylic acids, optionally in addition to typical solubilizers, solvents, foam inhibitors and disinfectants.

Abstract: Liquid disinfectant compositions are disclosed which can be used to surface-coat substrates with polymeric films which are adherent, water-resistant and which can impart prolonged germicidal properties to the treated surfaces.

Abstract: An air freshener device (10) is disclosed. The air freshener device (10) includes a cartridge (12) having a housing (16). The housing (16) has a sealed first cavity (26) and a sealed second cavity (28). First fragrance (60) is located within the first cavity (26) and has a first volatility. Second fragrance (62) is located within the second cavity (28) and has a second volatility. First and second cavities (26) and (28) have first and second openings (64) and (66) respectively. First opening (64) is covered by a first removable cover (68) and second opening (66) is covered by a second removable cover (69). Alternatively, a single cover may be used for both openings. When the covers (68) and (69) are removed the fragrances (60) and (62) independently exit their respective cavities (26) and (28). The device (10) includes an outer housing (14) having a front member (70) which includes air passage openings (72). The outer housing (14) has a back member (74) adapted and configured to be mounted on a surface.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of a warewashing machine generates proactive alarms that audible and/or visibly instruct operators to take corrective action of temperature, rinse pressure, loading, or other machine deficiencies occur. A data input feature enables the operator to add production data to the report for the calculation of machine efficiency. A water consumption measurement device provides realistic utility, water and sewage costs calculations for the warewashing machine.

Abstract: A dispensing and handling system for solutions is disclosed. The system includes a container (11) for mixing, storing and dispensing a use solution (44) through a spigot (17). The container (11) is mounted upon a cart (12), and is interconnected to a water supply conduit (16) and a concentrate solution tube (14). The concentrate solution (15) is contained within containers or bags (13). An aspirator (26) is permanently mounted within the storage container (11). The water conduit (16) and pick-up tube (14) are releasably connected to the storage container (11) by means of a quick-connect assembly (35). Also disclosed is a method for storing and handling solutions.

Abstract: A drain sanitizing article (9) for reducing microbiological activity in drain runoff areas having a housing (10), the housing having an inner wall (16) defining an inner opening (18) in the housing, an outer wall (12), and a bottom wall (14) defining a central cavity (15) in the housing (10), a tear strip (20) for destructibly removing the housing outer wall and a portion of the bottom wall (14), a handle (30) spanning the inner opening (18) of the housing (10) and joined to the inner wall (16) of said housing (10); and a chemical sanitizing agent (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid detergent solution using a timing fluid is disclosed. A preferred cleaning system (10) includes a fluid-operated solvent metering apparatus (38). The metering apparatus (38) preferably includes a normally-closed valve (16) and a timing device (40). The timing device (40) preferably includes a cylinder (52) and a piston (54), wherein the piston (54) forms a pair of subchambers (56, 58) which are interconnected by a flow control device (68). The flow control device (68) serves to restrict the flow of a timing fluid from one subchamber (56) to the other subchamber (58) so as to hold the valve (16) in its open position for a period of timing following its initial manual opening. A return spring (48) in the normally closed valve (16) urges the valve (16) toward its closed position, and the spring (48) also acts against the piston (54) to cause the timing fluid to flow from the first subchamber (56 ) to the second subchamber (58).

Abstract: Aqueous processes and compositions of the invention for obtaining a "stone-washed", distressed or "used and abused" look in clothing, particularly in the panels and seams of denim jeans and jackets involve compositions that are stone-free that avoid mechanical abrasion of the fabric. In particular, the process and composition of the invention used to obtain the distressed, "stone-washed" or "acid washed look" are free of common pumice or pumice-bleach compositions, used in large institutional-size laundry machines, and rely solely on the chemical action of aqueous treatment compositions. The aqueous treatments can be made from liquid or solid concentrates.

Abstract: Liquid disinfectant compositions are disclosed which can be used to surface-coat substrates with polymeric films which are adherent, water-resistant and which can impart prolonged germicidal properties to the treated surfaces.

Abstract: A solid block chemical dispenser for cleaning systems. A substantially horizontal support screen within a housing retainably supports a solid block of wash chemical thereabove. The support screen divides the housing into an upper cylindrical storage portion and a lower funnel shaped collector portion. A spray forming nozzle is mounted within the collector portion below the generally horizontal screen for directing a spray of water at substantially the entire downwardly facing surface of the wash chemical block supportably retained above the support screen. The dissolved wash chemical passes through the support screen, is collected by the collector portion of the housing, and directed to its utilization point. Spray control means, either manual or electronic, control the spray of water through the nozzle in response to a control signal. The dispenser is configured for mounting to a vertical surface and is loaded through an upper access port normally closed by a door.

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.