Abstract: A low-shear mixing apparatus comprising a cyclone separator and a cyclone mixer wherein underflow from the cyclone separator passes into the cyclone mixer and is combined therein with a downwardly spiraling vortex of a second component.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stable, phosphorous-free alkaline detergent emulsion comprising the steps of (a) blending about 0.1 to 10 wt-% hardness sequestering organic polyelectrolyte having pendent carboxyl groups, about 5 to 40 wt-% nonionic surfactant, and about 1 to 10 wt-% water to form a pre-mix; (b) blending about 5 to 60 wt-% of a 40 to 60 wt-% first caustic solution and the pre-mix to form a first intermediate mixture; (c) blending about 1 to 10 wt-% of an acrylic resin and the first intermediate mixture to form a second intermediate mixture; and (d) blending about 10 to 50 wt-% of a 40 to 60 wt-% second caustic solution to form a detergent emulsion having a viscosity of about 250 to 1000 centipoise at 70.degree. F.The method may optionally include the step of blending the detergent emulsion in a high shear mixer.

Abstract: A uniform, continuous sanitizing film can be formed by simultaneously spraying a two-package aqueous sanitizing composition comprising in a first solution a quaternary ammonium salt compound and in a second solution a polymer containing acid functionality. The sprays are directed to areas of substantial overlap resulting in a reaction between the quaternary ammonium compound and the carboxylic acid functional polymeric compound resulting in formation of a water insoluble film.

Abstract: Phosphinated or phosphonated sulfonic acid compounds are prepared by a process comprising reacting a hypophosphite salt, such as an alkali metal hypophosphite, with an alkenyl sulfonic acid compound of the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(R)C(O)NH--Z--SO.sub.3 --M.sup.+, wherein Z is a divalent (C.sub.1 -C.sub.18)hydrocarbyl group, R is H or (C.sub.1 -C.sub.7)alkyl and M.sup.+ is H.sup.+, NR.sub.4.sup.+ or an equivalent metal cation, such as an alkali metal cation.

Abstract: A novel lid for use on a container which is designed such that water or other liquids which gather on the lid drains out over the inner and outer peripheral rims of the lid rather than into the opening of the lid, thus avoiding contamination of the container contents. The lid comprises an outer peripheral rim, an inner peripheral rim, and a central lid area. The outer peripheral rim typically contains a plurality of notches. The inner peripheral rim, which lies within the outer peripheral rim, also typically contains a plurality of notches. The central lid area, which lies within the inner peripheral rim and outer peripheral rim, contains an opening. The opening is surrounded by an opening rim.

Abstract: A stable, substantially homogeneous, solid, cast fabric softening composition containing a cationic surfactant and a C.sub.4-7 saturated dicarboxylic acid and a method of making and using the cast fabric softening composition. Preferably, the fabric softening composition further includes an inert diluent to aid in formulation and dispensing of the fabric softening composition to modify the melting point of the fabric softening composition, and to increase the solubility of the fabric softening composition.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser (10) for dispensing a liquid (16) from a reservoir (15) to a dispensing location is disclosed. The dispenser (10) includes a dispenser head member (11) adapted for engaging the reservoir (15). The head member (11) has a bore (18) having a first opening (18a) and second opening (18b). The first opening (18a) is proximate the reservoir (15) and the second opening (18b) is proximate the dispensing location. A stem member (19) is slideably mounted in the bore (20). The stem member (19) has a measuring cavity (21). The measuring cavity (21) is in fluid communication (15) when in a filling position wherein the liquid enters the measuring cavity and the measuring cavity (21) dispenses a given volume of product (16) from the measuring cavity (21) when in the dispensing position and when in a position intermediate the dispensing and filling positions the measuring cavity (21) is enclosed by the head member (11).

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of wash water in a ware washing machine. A preferred ware washing machine (10) includes a reservoir (11) for holding wash water, a normally closed valve (17) for directing clean water to a dry detergent supply (13), an electrodeless conductivity cell (12) for monitoring the conductivity of the ware washing solution, and a controller for activating the normally closed valve (15) in response to the difference between the measured concentration and the actual concentration. A preferred concentration controller includes an adjustable amplifier (48) which provides an amplified concentration signal which is equal to a reference signal when the concentration of the solution is equal to the desired concentration.

Abstract: High efficiency encapsulation of core particles, particularly halogen bleaches, by (i) encapsulating the core particle in at least two separate coats wherein the melting point of the inner or first coating material is below the melting point of the outer or second coating material, (ii) heating the thus encapsulated particle to a temperature between the melting points of the inner and outer coating materials in order to liquefy the inner coat, and (iii) allowing the liquid inner coat to solidfy and form a continuous, nonporous encapsulating coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid cast detergent composition comprising the steps of introducing a solid particulate detergent-component into a mold wherein the particulate defines an interstitial void volume; introducing into the mold, in the absence of substantial agitation, an effective interstitial void volume occupying amount of an aqueous solution of a hydratable alkaline chemical; allowing the aqueous solution to percolate the detergent-component particles; and solidifying the aqueous solution. The preferred detergent-component is a condensed phosphate and the preferred alkaline-chemical is sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A low foaming rinse composition that can be used in spray warewashing machines to provide sanitization, bleaching, and rinsing comprises water, an effective bleaching-sanitizing amount of an active-halogen composition, a sulfonate rinse agent, and an optional threshold agent. The sulfonate rinse agent is a C.sub.1-9 alkylated diphenyl oxide sulfonic acid or sulfonate salt composition.

Abstract: An aqueous acidic solution for cleaning fiberglass without significant discoloration of the surface thereof comprising a water-soluble organophosphonic acid and/or a water soluble acrylic acid polymer, in combination with a higher (alkyl)betaine surfactant and, optionally an amount of alkaline pH modifying substance effective to adjust the pH to a value within the range of about 3.0-7.0. The preferred (alkyl)betaine is lauramidopropyl betaine. Cleaning results are optimized when the acrylic polymer and organophosphate are combined in a cleaning composition having a pH of about 3.5-4.5.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser (10) for dispensing a volumetric quantity of liquid (26) is disclosed. The dispenser (10) includes a plunger (11) having a longitudinal axis (30). First and second umbrella seals (14) and (15) are cooperatively connected to the plunger (11). The seals (14) and (15) are in spaced relationship. A plunger housing (16) encloses at least a portion of the plunger (11). The plunger housing (16) is adapted for relative movement with the plunger (11) along the longitudinal axis (30). The plunger housing (16) has an inner cavity (19a) having a first opening (19b) and a second opening (19c), wherein a measuring chamber is defined between the seals. Relative movement along the longitudinal axis (30) is effected between the plunger (11) and the plunger housing (16), wherein the plunger (11) moves from a filling to a dispensing position.

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 controls, 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 spray-type dispenser for on-demand dispensing of a solid block of chemical retained within a container in the form of an aqueous chemical solution of substantially constant concentration, comprising: (i) an upwardly dispoded spray nozzle, (ii) a three-dimensional support screen for supporting the solid block of chemical above the spray nozzle, and (iii) a housing enclosing the spray nozzle and support screen; the housing and support screen defining an annular cavity. In operation, a container retaining a solid block of a water-soluble chemical is placed within the dispenser such that the support screen contacts the chemical but not the container; thereby allowing the container to descend, by force of gravity into the annula cavity as the chemical retained therein is dissolved.

Abstract: A method of use of a two component biocidal preparation suitable for controlling slime, microbial organisms such as bacteria, and fungi in industrial waters is disclosed. The preparation includes a biocide and a polysaccharide degrading enzyme effective against those polysaccharides typically found in industrial waters.

Abstract: An active-halogen bleach such as dichloroisocyanurate encapsulated in a coating of dihydratea synthetic detergent such as sodium octyl sulfonate. The capsule may further comprise an initial coating of a soluble inorganic detergent builder or filler such as an alkali metal phosphate or sulfate. The capsule is stable in highly alkaline environments such as detergent compositions.Solid cast detergent-bleach composition having minimal bleach degradation comprising an alkaline hydratable chemical such as sodium hydroxide, a hardness sequestrant such as sodium tripolyphosphate, water of hydration and encapsulated active-halogen bleach formed in accordance with this invention. Optionally the detergent-bleach composition may contain a polyelectrolyte such as polyacrylate.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing solid alkaline detergent compositions from aqueous emulsions comprising water, a source of alkalinity, a condensed phosphate hardness sequestering agent and a solidifying agent such as anhydrous sodium carbonate, comprising heating said emulsion to hydrate and melt the solidifying agent and then cooling the mixture.

Abstract: A dispenser for use particularly with viscous liquids which has a housing having positioned therein a collapsible reservoir for the liquid, a dispensing tube extending from the reservoir and positioned in front of a rolling member, and a front bar member which when pushed, causes the rolling member to contact the top of the dispensing tube and roll therealong to dispense predetermined, controlled amounts of liquid from the reservoir.

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 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 an alkaline hydratable chemical and optionally further includes one or more preformed cores or plugs comprising an available chlorine source, a defoamer, or the like.