Abstract: A hard surface cleaning composition formulated for cleaning sub-freezing surfaces without solidifying, comprising: about 20-70 wt-% water, about 0.5-20 wt-% nonionic surfactant such as ethoxylated alkyl phenols, about 0.5-15 wt-% alkaline compound such as sodium hydroxide, about 10-60 wt-% ethylene and/or propylene glycol, and about 0.5-20 wt-% of at least one C.sub.2-3 alcohol.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing chemical solutions are disclosed. The blending unit (11) includes a manifold (38) having a plurality of chemical inlet ports (39), a water inlet port (45), and an outlet port (46). A plurality of pumps (43) and valves (41) are associated with the chemical inlet ports (39). The outlet port (46) is connected to dispensing outlets (25, 29) for dispensing the chemical solutions and water into a container 16. The apparatus (10) also includes a quality control systems, including a conductivity cell (50), a weight measurement station (26), and a volume flow measurement device. The apparatus (10) also includes an electronic control unit (70) associated with the pumps (43) and valves (41) to operate them in response to a pre-selected volume, sequential combination and concentration of chemicals.

Abstract: Short-chain alkane sulfonic acids containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof as sole acid component of cleaning preparations and/or disinfectants, optionally together with other inorganic or organic acids, particularly for use in the food-processing industry.

Abstract: Short-chain polyethlene glycol ethers corresponding to the formula:R.sup.1 --O--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --R.sup.2wherein:R.sup.1 is a linear or branched C.sub.6 -C.sub.18 alkyl or alkenyl radical,R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 alkyl radical, andN is an integer of from 2 to 6,are used as foam-inhibiting additives for low-foam cleaning compositions.

Abstract: An improved softening agent dispersed in an aqueous detergent comprising droplets having an exterior organic phase containing a complexing agent and an inner aqueous phase comprising an acid or salt. The ability of the softening agent to remove hardness ions is improved by a novel complexing agent.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for dispensing solid chemicals used in cleaning processes which includes (i) means for initiating dispensing of a concentrated chemical solution, (ii) means for forming a concentrated chemical solution, (iii) means for directing the concentrated chemical solution to its utilization point, (iv) means for measuring the conductivity and temperature of the concentrated chemical solution dispensed, (v) means for calculating the amount of chemical dispensed based upon the conductivity and temperature of the concentrated chemical solution dispensed, and (vi) means for terminating formation of the concentrated chemical solution when a predetermined amount of chemical has been dispensed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus (10) for dispensing powdered pesticide (13). A housing (11) is separated into an upper chamber (12) and lower chamber (51) by a porous media layer (19). The powdered pesticide (13) is contained within the upper chamber (13) and is fluidized when compressed air enters the dispenser from air inlet line (18). The fluidized pesticide is dispensed through adjustable dip tube (26), outlet line (34) and nozzle (36) when a control valve (50) is activated. Only particles having a size smaller than a predetermined size are dispensed; the remaining, relatively large pesticide particles remain in the upper chamber until physically removed.

Abstract: A controlled release system for volatile liquid insect attractant compositions can be formed from a container having an aperture closed by a membrane, wherein the dimensions of the container, the dimensions of the aperture, the nature of the membrane, the liquid level, and vapor space within the container are conformed to produce an effective attractant release rate.

Abstract: A C.sub.1-4 alkyl-di C.sub.6-20 alkylamine oxide surfactant composition can be used in detersive systems. The amine oxide can be used in effective surfactant concentrations in aqueous alkaline solutions (pH about 7 or greater) producing an aqueous solution having halogen stability, reduced surface tension and low foaming properties. The surfactants have properties that are useful in detersive systems for hard surfaces, warewashing, laundry, clean-in-place, and other applications.

Abstract: A flip-top detergent dispenser (30) comprising a base means (31) having a funnel-shaped interior, a nozzle (22) positioned within the interior of the base means, and a detergent container support (32) connected by a hinge (33) to the base (31). The detergent container support (32) is designed to hold only a particular shaped detergent container (23), thus helping to insure that only suitable detergent products are used in the warewashing apparatus. The flip-top detergent dispensed (30), mounted on top of the dishwashing apparatus (1), is designed so that the detergent container (23) can be inserted into and removed from the detergent holder support (32) only in an upright position to prevent dripping of detergent sulution on to the user. Water will not spray up through the product nozzle (22) unless particularly shaped detergent container (23) is situated in the detergent support holder (32) and the detergent support holder (32) is closed.

Abstract: Aqueous alkaline cleaning concentrates and wash solutions are disclosed which comprise an alkali metal hydroxide, a water-conditioning acrylic polymer, an active chlorine source and a fatty or oily soil-dispersing amount of a low molecular weight aliphatic phosphonic acid containing at least two groups capable of forming anions under conditions of high pH, at least one of which is a phosphonic acid group. The wash solutions are particularly useful to clean cleaned-in-place food-processing equipment which has been fouled with greasy or oily soils.

Abstract: Solid cast detergent-containing articles are produced for use in automatic washing machines. A liquid detergent composition is cast into a mold where it is allowed to solidify. The cast detergent composition includes alkali metal metasilicate, alkali metal condensed phosphate, an encapsulated bleaching source, and water for hydration. The composition optionally further includes a dye, a perfume, a surfactant, a defoamer, an additional sequestering agent such as an alkali metal salt of a polyacrylic compound, a neutral soluble salt such as an alkali metal sulphate or an alkali metal chloride, an alkali compound such as an alkali metal hydroxide, an alkali metal sesquicarbonte, an alkali metal borate, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A C.sub.1-4 alkyl-di C.sub.6-20 alkylamine oxide surfactant composition can be used in detersive systems. The amine oxide can be used in effective surfactant concentrations in aqueous alkaline solutions (pH about 7 or greater) producing an aqueous solution having halogen stability, reduced surface tension and low foaming properties. The surfactants have properties that are useful in detersive systems for hard surfaces, warewashing, laundry, clean-in-place, and other applications.

Abstract: An agent for removing hardness from an aqueous phase comprising: about 25 to 95 vol.-% of an exterior organic phase having an organic medium; and about 0.1 to 99.9 wt-% based on the organic phase of an organic soluble hardness ion complexing agent; and about 5 to 75 vol.-% of an inner aqueous phase dispersed within the exterior organic phase which comprises water; and about 1 to 90 wt-% based on the inner aqueous phase of an aqueous soluble salt; and about 0.1 to 50 wt-% based on the organic phase of a surfactant that can stabilize the dispersed inner aqueous phase within the exterior organic phase. Detersive systems which can remove divalent or trivalent ions from service water and can clean soiled surfaces or articles which contain the softening agent. Methods of making and using the softening agent. Methods of making and using the detersive system.

Abstract: Denim having a stone washed appearance is produced without stones by treating with a cellulase enzyme. Unsewn dyed denim fabric or a newly manufactured garment made of dyed denim fabric is contacted with an aqueous composition containing at least about 2500 CMCS units of cellulase per liter, and subjected to mechanical action. Preferably, the aqueous composition provides at least about 6000 CMC units of cellulase per pound of unsewn fabric or garment. The aqueous may also contain an electrolyte, a buffer, a builder salt a cellulase activator, an antioxidant and a solubilizer.