Abstract: A unitary container housing having a plurality of sealed compartments each containing a dry composition which will gradually release an antimicrobially active gas upon exposure to moist air, and each compartment being separately openable to expose its contents to the environment, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a measured amount of a chemical (60) into a fluid piping system including a cap member (24) having a fluid inlet port (33) and a fluid outlet port (34) between which is a tubular flow conduit (28). The cap member (24) also includes bypass and control members (44), which align with an inlet passageway (36) and an outlet passageway (42) in the cap member (24). Fluid flows into the cap member (24) through the inlet port (33). The tubular flow conduit (28) has the inlet passageway (36) therein to divert a portion of the fluid passing through the system into a canister (11) operatively connected to the cap (24). A container (16) is disposed within the canister (11) containing the chemical (60), which is partially dissolved by fluid introduced into the container (16) to create a use solution.

Abstract: A method and system provide an automated cleaning apparatus for cleaning various types of articles, wherein each type of article is detected and washed according to its own pre-determined combination. The cleaning apparatus has a storage device storing an array of pre-determined chemical combinations and cleaning parameters, including specifying cleaning chemicals to be used on the various identified article types. A transponder is provided with identifying information of the article type. A transceiver detects the type of article from the transponder and communicates that identifying information to a processor. Based on the detected identifier, the processor selects from the storage device the proper chemical combination and cleaning parameters for washing the identified type of article. A control device coupled to the processor delivers the chemicals specified by the selected chemical combination.

Abstract: A bulk dispenser includes a dispensing chamber having an open upper end. A storage chamber is fitted within the dispensing chamber and includes a dispensing opening spaced above the bottom of the dispensing chamber. A valve is within the dispensing opening and is movable from a closed position preventing fluid from leaving the storage chamber to an open position permitting fluid to flow through the dispensing opening into the dispensing chamber. A spring biases the valve to its closed position.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet with an opening. A wash basket is mounted within the cabinet for rotation about a wash basket axis, and includes an access opening through which clothes may be loaded and unloaded. At least one agitator is mounted within the basket for rotation about an agitator axis which is at an angle different from the angle of the wash basket axis. A drive mechanism bathed by washing fluid interconnects a drive motor, the wash basket, and the agitator for rotating the agitator about its rotational axis.

Abstract: A flowable material dispensing system that will dispense a flowable material into a container and stop dispensing when the proper level is reached in the container. The container has an actuating device that is used to open the valve on the container. As the flowable material flows into the container and reaches the top, flow stops.

Abstract: According to a method and apparatus for balancing a container using a closed system fluid balance ring for high rotational speed washing machines, the transfer of fluid is pulsed, allowing for a variable overall mass transfer rate while computation of the imbalance continues. Mass transfer continues until any significant imbalance is eliminated. The quasi-constant nature of this method allows for the resulting imbalance tolerances to be significantly lower. As the imbalance decreases, the mass transfer rate is varied accordingly.

Abstract: A mounting device for use with a washing machine to mount a cantilevered piezoelectric film accelerometer to a circuit board. The invention includes a housing structure having a cavity formed therein, with the accelerometer extending inwardly into the cavity from a first wall of the housing structure. The invention also includes a means for flattening the cantilevered piezoelectric film proximate the first wall of the housing structure.

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: A radially mounted motor is provided in a closed system fluid balance ring for high rotational speed washing machines. The motor is mounted at an orientation of 90.degree. relative to the rotational axis of the washing machine spinner. Such an orientation prevents adverse effects on the motor contacts from centrifugal forces generated by the rotating spinner. A 90.degree. orientation also eliminates deflection of the motor shaft and excessive friction on the motor bearings. The angular orientation of the motor assures proper functioning of the closed system fluid balance ring of the washing machine. The balance system also includes a valve to control movement of fluid within the ring. The valve is mounted at an angle with respect to a tangent of the spinner so as to prevent detrimental effects from the centrifugal forces of the rotating spinner.

Abstract: A drop-out conveyor transports heated slabs from a pusher-type slab reheat furnace to a roller table. The drop-out conveyor comprises at least one reciprocating carriage or slab cart movable between a first slab loading position and a second slab discharge position. A track is provided for supporting each carriage between the loading position and the discharge position. A reciprocating mechanism drives the cart between the first position and the second position. A slab receiving mechanism is attached to the carriage for receiving and transporting the slab thereon. The drop-out conveyor provides for transferring the slab from the slab receiving mechanism to the roller table.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a dilute liquid concentrate with a diluent to form a dilute use solution for dispensing into a bottle. The dispensing apparatus 10 includes an aspirator 60 and a controller 50. The controller 50 includes an activation switch that is operable by being depressed in a first direction. A slide actuator 80 is mounted relative to the controller for movement in a second direction. The dispensing apparatus 10 also includes a lock-out member 100 to prevent the inadvertent use of an incorrect bottle while dispensing the use solution.

Abstract: The hard floor surface in common food preparation sites can have complex soils that are difficult to remove. Such floor can have two surface qualities. A first surface contains an array of quarry tile. The second surface contains a grid of grout lines surrounding the tile completing the surface. Each surface provides particular soil removal problems. We have found a unique product sequence, used in a method for cleaning hard surface or hard quarry tile floors, that is surprisingly effective in removing soil from both the floor tile surface and grout lines. The resulting clean floor surface maintains a clean quarry tile surface, a white new appearing grout line having no substantial build-up of soil residue. The floors obtain a clean, slip-free surface that is clean, sanitized, and has improved safety from slip and fall accidents.

Abstract: An improved laundry appliance is provided having a security system to control access to the clothes in the appliance. The security system includes a lock on the appliance for locking the appliance door in the closed position, and a control panel to actuate and deactuate the lock. The control panel includes a money payment receiver, such as a coin slot or a credit and debit card reader. The control panel also includes a security system such as a key, key card, or PIN access code, to prevent unauthorized deactuation of the lock.

Abstract: A desiccant canister comprised of a generally cylindrical body portion, first and second end portions, and at least one gas permeable disk-shaped member, wherein the body portion is generally impermeable to liquids and gases, wherein at least one of the said end portions is perforated, and wherein the disk-shaped member is secured to the end portion of the canister containing perforations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot reversing rolling mill for isothermally reducing a metal strip product. The mill includes a hot reversing mill stand with a pair of coilers positioned on opposite sides of the mill stand. At least one heater is positioned between one of the coilers and the mill stand with at least one strip cooling unit positioned between one of the coilers and the mill stand. A sensor is provided for sensing a strip parameter indicative of strip temperature as well as a controller for controlling each of the heating and cooling units in response to the sensed parameter. The rolling mill of the present invention can be utilized for isothermally rolling multiple passes of a metal strip product on the hot reversing mill.

Abstract: A method of hot rolling steel slabs of thin to standard thickness into hot mill band is carried out on a hot reversing mill having a coiler furnace upstream and downstream of the reversing mill. A twin stand hot reversing mill is used and the slab is introduced into the first stand of the mill without any breakdown pass. Flat passes of the slab back and forth through the first stand and the second stand occur to form an intermediate product having a thickness capable of being coiled. Thereafter, the intermediate product is coiled on one of the upstream or downstream drums. The product is then passed back and forth between the first and second stand in tandem. An edging stand is positioned between the reversing stands to edge the product during the flat passes. The final product is removed from the hot mill band in one of sheet, plate or coil form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot reversing rolling mill for isothermally reducing a metal strip product. The mill includes a hot reversing mill stand with a pair of coilers positioned on opposite sides of the mill stand. At least one heater is positioned between one of the coilers and the mill stand with at least one strip cooling unit positioned between one of the coilers and the mill stand. A sensor is provided for sensing a strip parameter indicative of strip temperature as well as a controller for controlling each of the heating and cooling units in response to the sensed parameter. The rolling mill of the present invention can be utilized for isothermally rolling multiple passes of a metal strip product on the hot reversing mill.

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.