Ecolab Inc.

Roger W Keppers

Lee J Monsrud

Richard O Ruhr

John P Furber

Jim Decker

Michael E Besse

James L Copeland

Timothy A Gutzmann

Mark Toetschinger

James D Decker

John Ross Spriggs

James R Johnson

Mark Toetchinger

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.

Empty product detector

A liquid floor finish application applicator comprising a mobile unit and a wand unit. The mobile unit comprises a handle and wheels. In the cart is positioned one or more sources of floor finish, and a pump for delivering the floor finish to a length of liquid conduit. The wand comprises a distribution head typically a mop installation. The wand also comprises a spray head that can deliver the liquid floor finish to the floor. The conduit is in liquid communication with the wand. The spray head is configured to avoid dripping between finish application. The drip free head results from the aperture size of the spray aperture surface. The lengthy conduit between the cart and the wand permits ease of application by a two man team. A first man operates the cart while a second man operates the wand.

Floor finish distribution apparatus

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. 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.

A foaming system 10 includes a dual aspirator 13. The dual aspirator 13 has first and second aspirators 80 and 81 to pick up a first and second chemical concentrate. The diluent first chemical mixture is drawn in through the first aspirator 80 and goes through a first diffuser 46 where the first chemical/diluent mixture is further mixed. Similarly, diluent/chemical mixture is drawn by the second aspirator 81 and flows through a second diffuser 47 where it also is mixed. The two diluent/chemical mixtures then combine after exiting the diffusers and the compatible chemicals are then mixed by the flow of the diluent/chemical mixtures. Flushing lines 68 and 71 provide for cleaning of the dual aspirator 13. Further, the diffusers have a ratio of their diameter to length to aid in the prevention of contamination along with the use of two check valves 48 and 49.

Dual aspirator

The invention is a foam stabilizing composition which is used in conjunction with alkaline detergent products to produce a foam which is capable of clinging to vertical surfaces for extended time periods without breakdown or drying and which ultimately rinses freely with water. The foam stabilizing composition generally comprises a vinyl polymer emulsion. The invention also comprises a method of cleaning hard surfaces using the combination of the alkaline detergent product and the disclosed foam stabilizing composition.

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Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Roger W Keppers