Abstract: A dispenser for and method of dispensing a concentrated cleaning solution from a solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the concentrated cleaning solution is dispensed at a substantially constant concentration during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning composition. The dispenser comprises (i) a spray nozzle for directing a uniform dissolving spray onto an exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition; and (ii) a spring or hydraulic piston coupled to the nozzle for biasing the nozzle towards the solid block and thereby maintaining a substantially constant distance between the nozzle and the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition even though the exposed surface recedes due to dissolution by the dissolving spray.

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 system for converting powdered detergent in a shipping container into a concentrated detergent solution and for maintaining a predetermined volume of the solution available for use by a remotely located washing apparatus. A chassis defines a reservoir suitable for holding concentrated detergent solution and has an inlet port opening into the reservoir. A curved screen member is continuously mounted across and extends into the open mouth end of a detergent-filled container. A cradle assembly pivotally positions the container and screen in inverted position over the inlet port to the reservoir such that the curved screen retainably supports the detergent within the container. A single nozzle is mounted at the inlet port for uniformly directing a spray of solution from the reservoir against substantially the entire downwardly facing surface of the screen, dissolving a portion of the detergent carried thereby, which passes in solution through the screen and into the underlying reservoir.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing system for sequentially and automatically injecting various liquid products (e.g., detergents, fabric conditioners, neutralizers, etc.) into a laundry washing machine. Each liquid product is independently connected to a venturi-aspirator positioned within separate carrier fluid conduits (e.g. water conduits) and the product is drawn into the respective carrier fluid conduits upon passage of carrier fluid therethrough. Electrical control circuitry, including electrical timing apparatus, triggered by a signaling device synchronized with the machine washing cycle selectively actuates and deactuates a solenoid-operated valve positioned upstream of each venturi-aspirator so as to allow injection into the carrier fluid of a predetermined quantity of each liquid product at the desired point in the machine cycle.