The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 17, 1984
Filed:
Sep. 14, 1981
James L Copeland, Richfield, MN (US);
Peter J Fernholz, Burnsville, MN (US);
Spencer B Larson, Newport, MN (US);
Duane L Salmonson, Cottage Grove, MN (US);
Michael D Weick, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Economics Laboratory, Inc., Saint Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
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.