Economics Laboratory, Inc.

Ecolab Inc.

Spencer B Larson

James L Copeland

Duane L Salmonson

Peter J Fernholz

Daniel F Brady

James D Decker

John Ross Spriggs

David B Ziegler

Richard H Johnson

Michael D Weick

Thomas L Hennemann, Jr

Charles B Johnson

John R Spriggs

A system for diluting and dispensing concentrated liquid products is disclosed. The system includes a dispensing device (10, 150) containing a removable proportioning means such as an aspirator assembly (40, 154). A concentrate pickup tube (114) attaches to the dispensing device and is in fluid communication with the aspirator assembly. The dispensing device can utilize a rigid outlet tube (20, 159) which is removably attached to nozzle tip (18, 158) for dispensing to large containers. Also disclosed is a method for diluting and dispensing chemical solutions using the dispensing device of the invention.

Dispensing apparatus having a removable variable proportioning and

The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of wash water in a ware washing machine. A preferred ware washing machine (10) includes a reservoir (11) for holding wash water, a normally closed valve (17) for directing clean water to a dry detergent supply (13), an electrodeless conductivity cell (12) for monitoring the conductivity of the ware washing solution, and a controller for activating the normally closed valve (15) in response to the difference between the measured concentration and the actual concentration. A preferred concentration controller includes an adjustable amplifier (48) which provides an amplified concentration signal which is equal to a reference signal when the concentration of the solution is equal to the desired concentration. In addition, a preferred conductivity cell (12) includes a thermistor (46) which, in effect, increases or decreases the voltage of the signal produced by the secondary coil to remove the apparent concentration changes solely associated with changes in temperature of the washing solution.

Method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of a chemical

A dispenser (10) for a detergent (13) is disclosed. A housing (10) defining an inner cavity (12) holds the detergent (13). The cavity (12) has a circular opening. An insert (14) of a substance not chemically compatible with the detergent (13) is retained in the opening of the inner cavity (12). The insert (14) is retained by retaining ring (20) and a cover (26). In a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring (20) defines an inner aperture (21a) and has a plurality of generally upwardly extending resilient fingers (24) cooperatively connected to the retaining ring (20) proximate the inner aperture (21b). A cover (26) is cooperatively connected to and secured by the fingers (24), wherein said insert (14) is placed over said fingers (24) and said cover (26) over said insert (14), whereby said fingers (24) and said cover (26) control the dissolving of the insert (14 ) by controlling the surface area of the insert (14) exposed to the detergent solution. A spray forming nozzle (15) is mounted to and extends into the cavity (12) through the opening for directing a pressurized spray of liquid at the detergent. The hydraulic action of the nozzle directed spray (16) dissolves a portion of the detergent (13), forming a detergent solution which passes by gravity over the insert (14) and dissolves a portion of the insert (14), and the detergent solution and dissolved insert are discharged through the opening.

Solid cast detergent dispenser with insert for holding noncompatible

A detergent dispenser (20) for efficiently converting one or more solid block detergent compositions into concentrated detergent solutions is disclosed. A housing (12) configured for mounting to a solid surface defines a substantially enclosed inner cavity (30), and access and discharge ports (32) and (34) opening into the inner cavity. Retaining means (40) holds a charge of solid block detergent composition (100-103), which may include a plurality of different and even chemically incompatible detergent composition components, in fixed predetermined position within the inner cavity, exposing at least one broad surface (100a) of the detergent block. Nozzle means (61) projects into the cavity and directs a pressurized liquid spray against substantially the entire exposed detergent surface(s), dissolving a portion thereof, which is collected by the housing (30b) and passes through the discharge port. The nozzle means may be disposed above or below the exposed detergent surface. One embodiment of the retaining means comprises a disposable or rechargable cartridge receptacle member which is removably insertable into the inner cavity through the access port. The cartridge receptacle may include an overlying screen member (50), and may be configured to define a plurality of different receptacles (46, 47). Closure means (44) and safety switching means (70, 72) cooperably prevent hazardous spray from leaving the inner cavity.

Solid block detergent dispenser

Powder detergent dispenser

A non-hazardous dispenser apparatus for converting powdered detergent, including those containing active chlorine, into a concentrated detergent solution for use by a washing machine. A curved screen member retainably supports a mass of powdered detergent thereabove within a generally cylindrical container configured for mounting to the side wall of a washing machine adjacent the detergent solution carrying reservoir thereof. A single spray-forming nozzle is mounted within the container and below the curved screen for directing a uniform spray of water at substantially the entire downwardly facing concave surface of the screen member. Only that detergent carried immediately above the screen member is wetted by the spray and passes in solution through the screen, after which it is collected and directed by a collecting portion of the container, into the washing machine reservoir. Spray control means, either manual or electronic, controls the spray of water through the nozzle in response to the concentration level of detergent within the washing machine reservoir. The container is loaded through an upper access port normally closed by a door member. Safety switch means disables spray from the nozzle whenever the door member is open.

Powdered detergent dispenser

Growing community of inventors

Lilydale, MN, United States of America

Spencer B Larson