Ecolab Inc.

Economics Laboratory, Inc.

Richard V Mullen

John Ellwood Thomas

Garrett D Kuhns

Norman E Astorp

Scott P Bennett

Ronald D Jungmann

Cathy M Paquette

Roy F Johnson

David R Strehlow

Steve E Pasek

A fill probe with an in-line mixer accelerates and facilitates automation of a fill and mix procedure required in formulating certain chemical products. In some formulas, the concentrated chemical components that combine to form the resulting formula (e.g., teat dip) have a wide range of viscosities. The in-line positioning of the mixing attachment with the fill probe on the outside of the fill probe creates a dual action mixing operation that mixes the components as they are deliver to a mixing container and continues to mix them after they are combined with other chemicals within the mixing container. By using a combination fill probe and in-line mixer of the claimed design, a user can automate the fill and mix process, decrease the required mix time, and reduce foaming and spillage of chemicals.

Fill probe with in-line mixer

An automatic dispensing method and apparatus for transporting separate concentrated chemicals to the site of use and then dispensing the concentrated chemicals into a storage container to create a final or intermediate composition. The automatic dispensing apparatus includes a computer program that calculates the appropriate formulation and then interfaces with a controller to cause the appropriate chemical concentrates and the appropriate volumes of those concentrates to be dispensed. A method of generating a desired formulation is also disclosed and claimed.

Apparatus and method for dispensing a sanitizing formulation

An improved nozzle apparatus rapidly convertible, while operating, between spray and foam forming modes of operation. An elongate rigid generally cylindrical first conduit member receives surfactant bearing solution at an inlet port thereof and directs the solution under pressure to a spray forming nozzle connected at an outlet port of the first conduit. A second elongate conduit member coaxially slidably overlies the first conduit member and is movable relative thereto between extended and retracted positions. When in its retracted position, the second conduit member exposes the spray-forming nozzle, which is then enabled to direct a spray pattern of the solution longitudinally outward from the apparatus. When in its extended position, the second conduit member encompasses the spray-forming nozzle, and aspirates the spray therefrom with air to form foam which is ejected longitudinally outward from the second conduit member. Foam dispersing means are provided at the outlet port of the second conduit member for spreading the ejected foam in a fan-shaped pattern. Fastener means connecting the first and second conduit members enables rapid positioning of the second conduit member between its retracted and extended positions. Handle means are provided for enabling an operator to hand-carry the nozzle apparatus and to directionally aim the spray and foam patterns ejected therefrom to a target area.

Spray and foam producing nozzle apparatus

An improved nozzle apparatus rapidly convertible, while operating, between spray and foam forming modes of operation. An elongate rigid generally cylindrical first conduit member receives surfactant bearing solution at an inlet port thereof and directs the solution under pressure to a spray forming nozzle connected at an outlet port of the first conduit. A second elongate conduit member coaxially slidably overlies the first conduit member and is movable relative thereto between extended and retracted positions. When in its retracted position, the second conduit member exposes the spray-forming nozzle, which is then enabled to direct a spray pattern of the solution longitudinally outward from the apparatus. When in its extended position, the second conduit member encompasses the spray-forming nozzle, and aspirates the spray therefrom with air to form foam which is ejected longitudinally outward from the second conduit member. Fastener means connecting the first and second conduit members enables rapid positioning of the second conduit member between its retracted and extended positions. Handle means are provided for enabling an operator to hand-carry the nozzle apparatus and to directionally aim the spray and foam ejected therefrom to a target area.

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Cottage Grove, MN, United States of America

Richard V Mullen