Abstract: A composition useful in hard surface treatment and particularly useful in automatic warewashing is provided according to the invention. The composition may comprise a pretreatment composition, a detersive composition, a rinse agent composition or a combination thereof. The composition includes water-soluble cation and a source of alkalinity. The anionic alkaline source is selected from at least one of hydroxide anion or carbonate anion or a combination thereof. The cation is selected from magnesium, titanium, and aluminum, or combinations thereof. The source of alkalinity is provided in an amount effective to provide a use composition having a pH of greater than about 7. The cation is present in sufficient amount to form an in situ conversion agent. A conversion agent is a water-insoluble hydroxide precipitate that causes calcium in hard water to precipitate as aragonite thereby softening the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating an aqueous system comprising contacting the aqueous system with a composition comprising a conversion agent. The methods of the present invention reduce the solubilized water hardness and/or reduce or inhibit scale formation in an aqueous system. Further, the methods of the present invention impact the chemistries needed in downstream cleaning processes employing water treated in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The washing chamber includes a housing, a washing chamber interior for spray application of wash water and rinse water, and a water vapor vent for removal of water vapor from the washing chamber interior. The water holding tank is provided for holding wash water and rinse water from the washing chamber. The water vapor recovery line extends from the water vapor vent to an air and liquid water discharge. The water vapor recovery line comprises a condensing region for condensing water vapor present in the condensing region. A method for operating a dishwashing machine is provided.

Abstract: A solid product level indicator (100) for determining the specific gravity of a use-solution (120) thereby indicating the concentration of the solid product (123) dissolved in the use-solution (120) includes a float assembly (125). The float assembly (125) includes a float (101) and a float stem (102). A guide member (104, 106 and 108) positions and guides the float (101). Magnets (114) contained inside the float (101) trigger a signal mechanism (112) inside the float stem (102) when the float (101) is displaced along the stem (102) due to the decrease in the specific gravity of the use-solution (120) when the concentration of the solid product (123) is low. The float assembly (125) can be positioned to provide early or late alert to allow replenishment of the solid product (123) before the supply of solid product (123) is critically low. The solid product level indicator (100) can be used in systems with constant liquid levels or variable liquid levels.

Abstract: A solid product level indicator (100) for determining the specific gravity of a use-solution (120) thereby indicating the concentration of the solid product (123) dissolved in the use-solution (120) includes a float assembly (125). The float assembly (125) includes a float (101) and a float stem (102). A guide member (104, 106 and 108) positions and guides the float (101). Magnets (114) contained inside the float (101) trigger a signal mechanism (112) inside the float stem (102) when the float (101) is displaced along the stem (102) due to the decrease in the specific gravity of the use-solution (120) when the concentration of the solid product (123) is low. The float assembly (125) can be positioned to provide early or late alert to allow replenishment of the solid product (123) before the supply of solid product (123) is critically low. The solid product level indicator (100) can be used in systems with constant liquid levels or variable liquid levels.

Abstract: A water-driven jet or venturi extraction means is used to remove, capture and cool the hot, highly humid air created within commercial dishwashers during a wash rinse or sanitization cycle. A cold water spray is used to create a pressure reduction zone which serves to draw in hot, highly humid air from the dishwasher. Water vapor cools and condenses on contact with the cold water spray within the venturi. The invention also serves to help vent the dishwasher. Cool, fresh air is drawn into the dishwasher while the hot air is drawn into the venturi.

Abstract: The alarm mechanism of the invention signals the absence of a liquid from a source of aqueous liquid. The alarm mechanism comprises an alarm body having an inlet port and an outlet port; the inlet port in liquid communication with a source of liquid, the outlet port in liquid communication with a use locus. The alarm mechanism additionally comprises a float chamber placed in liquid parallel communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. The float chamber contains a float operably connected to a mechanical alarm. The float, as the chamber is emptied of liquid, reaches a position wherein a "low or empty product" signal is generated. The apparatus operates by passing liquid through the body. As liquid in the source of liquid is depleted and is no longer available for passage through the body, the body becomes emptied of liquid as the source of pressure removes liquid from the body and particularly from the chamber causing the float to reach a position generating a signal.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus 10 includes a container 11 and docking station 20. A needle 35 positioned in a probe 40 which is located on a movable member 45 is guided into a container insert 60 which is positioned in the outlet 12 of the container 11.

Abstract: The alarm mechanism of the invention signals the absence of a liquid from a source of aqueous liquid. The alarm mechanism comprises an alarm body having an inlet port and an outlet port; the inlet port in liquid communication with a source of liquid, the outlet port in liquid communication with a use locus. The alarm mechanism additionally comprises a float chamber placed in liquid parallel communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. The float chamber containing a float operably connected to an alarm. The float, when a chamber is filled with fluid, disables the switch from generating a signal. The float, as the chamber is emptied of liquid, reaches a position and is detected energizing the switch to send a "low or empty product" signal. The apparatus operates by passing liquid through the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser (10) for dispensing a wash chemical solution which has been created by dissolving a solid wash chemical (65) in a diluent. The dispenser (10) has a sump (48) which is positioned beneath an outlet port (40) for the wash chemical solution, so that the sump (48) collects the dissolved wash chemical. The sump (48) is contained within a reservoir (17), and overflow from the sump (48) is collected within the reservoir (17). A pick-up tube (27) withdraws the wash chemical solution from the reservoir (17). The sump (48) is retained within the reservoir (17) by flexible tabs (72) and a support member (51) against which the sump (48) is positioned. A screen is provided above the sump (48) for filtering unwanted particulates.

Abstract: A water-driven jet or venturi extraction means is used to remove, capture and cool the hot, highly humid air created within commercial dishwashers during a wash rinse or sanitization cycle. A cold water spray is used to create a pressure reduction zone which serves to draw in hot, highly humid air from the dishwasher. Water vapor cools and condenses on contact with the cold water spray within the venturi. The invention also serves to help vent the dishwasher. Cool, fresh air is drawn into the dishwasher while the hot air is drawn into the venturi.