Abstract: A network advisory system that provides advisory information to a field service provider is disclosed. The network advisory system receives collected data from one or more destination facilities and analyzes the information to generate advisory information. The advisory information is used by the field service provider to provide a service at the destination facility. The field service provider may receive the advisory information while in transit to the destination facility or while located at a destination facility. The field service provider receives the advisory information through a network connection. The network connection may be either a wireless connection or a land-based connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fitment for insertion into the neck of a container for liquid concentrate that can be opened by insertion of the container into a reservoir. The fitment comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising an exterior mating surface that can sealingly engage the container and an internal web within the cylindrical body closing the fitment having a fracture zone permitting opening the fitment. The web also comprises a hinged fracture zone defined by a straight hinge portion and a partially circular recess in the web.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for diluting a chemical concentrate. More particularly, dilution control is achieved by monitoring two flow meters, comparing the flow rate information, and adjusting the diluent flow to achieve a predetermined dilution of the chemical concentrate. An air push is preferably used to deliver the chemicals to the utilization points. Also a controller is used to prioritize requests from the utilization points in a hierarchal fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator (15, 35) for determining the level of contents in an opaque, plastic container (10, 30, 40). The container (10, 30, 40) is filled with a solid chemical (11), such as a detergent. A spray of warm or hot water (19) impinges upon the eroding surface (16) of the solid chemical (11) to produce a chemical solution. The container (10, 30, 40) is provided with a thermo-chromatic strip (15, 35) or thermo-chromatic surface (41) for detecting the level of solid chemical (11) within the plastic capsule (10). A method of manufacturing the dispensing container (10, 30, 40) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a controller to vary the concentration set-point of an additive as a function of time. The present invention insures that the additive is injected to the machine at proper times to allow for optimum efficiency and lowest cost. To vary the set-point according to the input parameters, the invention combines the features of a data entry device, a microprocessor, a clock, a controller, and sensors into one unit. The user may enter a time setting and set point into the controller, along with control parameters which allow the machine to control the additive injection based on different user-defined scenarios. The microprocessor then reads the settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller. Thus, the user can manually or automatically change the response function if and when conditions change.

Abstract: An apparatus for diluting liquid concentrate materials to liquid use solutions. Liquid concentrates comprise common household cleaning and sanitizing materials such as window cleaners, hard surface cleaners, floor cleaners, sink cleaners, tile cleaners, drain cleaners and openers, glass cleaners, food preparation units, sanitizers, disinfectants, floor finishes and other similar institutional or industrial aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic cleaning solutions. The aspirator system is adapted to receive a container of liquid concentrate in a reservoir. The reservoir contains device to open the liquid concentrate. Additionally the reservoir contains device to support the liquid concentrate during addition of concentrate to the reservoir. When empty, the liquid concentrate bottle can be placed in a receiver for the empty container. The receiver has filling device for the container that can deliver dilute use solution to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator (15, 35) for determining the level of contents in an opaque, plastic container (10). The container (11) is filled with a solid chemical (11), such as a detergent. A spray of warm or hot water (19) impinges upon the eroding surface (16) of the solid chemical (11) to produce a chemical solution. The container (10) is provided with a thermo-chromatic strip (15, 35) for detecting the level of solid chemical (11) within the plastic capsule (10). A method of dispensing a solid chemical (11) and a dispensing container (10) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid cast block of water soluble detergent is dispensed by obtaining a solid detergent article of at least twenty liters cast onto a longitudinally extending structural core and placing the article within the spray chamber of a dispenser such that the article is supported on the structural core. The detergent article is then rotated upon the structural core while dissolving solvent is sprayed upon the rotating article. The resulting detergent solution is dispensed to an end use point.