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: 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 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 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 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 dispenser suitable for dispensing multiple solutions to, preferably, multiple utilization points. A laundry washing system (18) according to the invention includes a dispenser (20) which dispenses a plurality of cleaning solution to a plurality of washing machines (72) through a single common conduit (25). Conduit (25) is flushed after dispensing one solution but before dispensing a second chemically incompatible solution. A preferred dispenser (20) is capable of servicing multiple laundry machines (72) using a first-in first-out approach wherein the machines request service from a control system (74) which temporarily disables any "late-comers" until the appropriate solution can be dispensed to the machine (72) making the first, or highest priority, request.

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 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 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: 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 low foaming rinse composition that can be used in spray warewashing machines to provide sanitation, bleaching, and rinsing can comprise in an aqueous base a sufficient bleaching-sanitizing amount of an active-halogen composition and a sulfonate rinse agent, optionally in the presence of a threshold agent. The sulfonate rinse agent is a C.sub.1-9 alkyl benzene sulfonic acid or sulfonate composition which is stabilized in solution by a hydrotrope.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for a detergent (13) is disclosed. A housing (10) defining an inner cavity (12) holds the detergent (13). The cavity (12) has a circular opening. An insert (14) of a substance not chemically compatible with the detergent (13) is retained in the opening of the inner cavity (12). The insert (14) is retained by retaining ring (20) and a cover (26). In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring (20) defines an inner aperture (21a) and has a plurality of generally upwardly extending resilient fingers (24) cooperatively connected to the retaining ring (20) proximate the inner aperture (21b). A cover (26) is cooperatively connected to and secured by the fingers (24), wherein said insert (14) is placed over said fingers (24) and said cover (26) over said insert (14), whereby said fingers (24) and said cover (26) control the dissolving of the insert (14 ) by controlling the surface area of the insert (14) exposed to the detergent solution.

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.

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.

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.