Solid block chemical dispenser for cleaning systems

• US 4,826,661 A
• Filed: 05/01/1986
• Issued: 05/02/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ecolab USA Incorporated (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
• Inventors: Snyder, by Father Peter, administrator, van Dijk, deceased, Lambertus P., Copeland, James L., Nystuen, David L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marantz, Sidney
• Assistant Examiner(s): McMahon, Timothy M.
• Application Number:
  US06/858,968
• Time in Patent Office: 1,097 Days
• Field of Search: 422/263, 422/264, 422/105, 422/106, 422/107, 422/114, 422/117, 137/268, 222/64, 222/66, 222/67, 222/185, 222/189, 222/190, 134/93, 423/658.5
• US Class Current: 422/106
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4436 in the form of a detergent solution made by gradually dissolving a powder detergent cake or a solid detergent block
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 21/22 using additional holders in conduits, containers or pools for keeping the solid material in place, e.g. supports or receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/02 Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/4891 With holder for solid, flaky or pulverized material to be dissolved or entrained

Abstract

A dispenser for and method of dispensing a concentrated cleaning solution from a solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the concentrated cleaning solution is dispensed at a substantially constant concentration during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning composition. The dispenser comprises (i) a spray nozzle for directing a uniform dissolving spray onto an exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition; and (ii) a spring or hydraulic piston coupled to the nozzle for biasing the nozzle towards the solid block and thereby maintaining a substantially constant distance between the nozzle and the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition even though the exposed surface recedes due to dissolution by the dissolving spray.

Claims

1. A dispenser for a stationary cast solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the cleaning composition is dispensed in the form of a concentrated solution;

the dispenser configured to provide the concentrated solution at a substantially constant concentration during the entire useful life of the solid block, which comprises;

(a) a movably mounted spray means for directing a dissolving spray of a solvent at an exposed surface of a stationary solid block of cleaning composition; and

(b) a positioning means for positioning the spray means so as to maintain a substantially constant distance between the spray means and the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition as the exposed surface recedes due to dissolution of the cleaning composition by the solvent spray.

2. A dispenser as recited in claim 1 further comprising a container surrounding the stationary solid block of cleaning composition, the solid block having at least one exposed surface.

3. A dispenser as recited in claim 1 further comprising:

(a) a water supply line connecting the spray means with a pressurized source of water; and

(b) a spray control means cooperatively connected to the water supply line for selectively controlling the flow of water through the supply line;

the spray control means being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to open the water supply line to water flow therethrough, causing the spray means to direct a spray of

water against substantially the entire exposed surface of the stationary solid block of cleaning composition.

4. A dispenser as recited in claim 1 further comprising a housing for sealingly contacting a container so as to aid in containing, collecting and directing a concentrated solution formed by the dispenser.

5. A dispenser as recited in claim 4 wherein the housing holds a supply of concentrated solution further comprising:

(a) a water supply line connecting the spray means with a pressurized source of water;

(b) a spray control means cooperatively connected to the water supply line for selectively controlling the flow of water through the supply line;

the spray control means being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to open the water supply line to water flow therethrough, causing the spray means to direct a spray of water against substantially the entire exposed surface of the stationary solid block of cleaning composition;

(c) a concentrated solution conduit connecting the housing with a utilization point for directing the concentrated solution formed by the dispenser from the housing to the utilization point;

(d) a pump cooperatively connected to the concentrated solution conduit for selectively controlling the flow of concentrated solution through the concentrated solution conduit;

the pump being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to pump concentrated solution conduit and onto the utilization point; and

(e) a level indicator, operatively connected to the spray control means for sensing the level of concentrated solution held within the housing; and

selectively producing a first and a second electrical signal in response thereto;

the level indicator being normally operative, when the level of concentrated solution held within the housing is above a predetermined level, to produce the first electrical signal, causing the spray control means to close to water flow therethrough, and being operable in response to a reduction in the level of concentrated solution within the housing below the predetermined level, to produce the second electrical signal, causing the spray control means to open to water flow therethrough to create concentrated solution.

6. A dispenser as recited in claim 4 wherein the housing comprises:

(a) an upper support portion for sealingly engaging and retaining the container; and

(b) a funnel shaped collector portion having a lower outlet port, the funnel shaped collector portion integral with and extending continuously downward from the upper support portion, the collector portion terminating at the lower outlet port from the housing;

the upper support portion and collector portion defining an internal cavity.

7. A dispenser as recited in claim 4 wherein the housing comprises:

(a) an upper storage portion defining an upper storage cavity sufficient to retain at least one container with a fresh charge of cleaning composition;

the upper storage portion having an upwardly disposed access port for allowing access to the upper storage cavity;

(b) a door operatively engaged to the housing and sealingly positioned across the access port, the door being movable with respect to the access port to open and close access to the upper storage cavity; and

(c) a funnel shaped collector portion integral with and extending continuously downward from the upper storage portion, the collector portion terminating at a lower outlet port from the housing.

8. A dispenser as recited in claim 7 further comprising a safety control switch responsive to movement of the door for blocking water spray from the spray means whenever the door is moved from a closed position overlying the access port of the housing, thereby preventing the creation of concentrated chemical solution when the access port is open.

9. A dispenser for a cast solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the cleaning composition is dispensed in the form of a concentrated solution;

the dispenser configured to provide the concentrated solution at a substantially constant concentration during the entire useful life of the solid block, which comprises;

(a) a movably mounted spray means for directing a dissolving spray of a solvent at an exposed surface of a stationary solid block of cleaning composition; and

(b) a positioning means for positioning the spray means so as to maintain a substantially constant distance between the spray means and the exposed surface of a solid block of cleaning composition as the exposed surface recedes due to dissolution of the cleaning composition by the solvent spray, wherein the positioning means comprises;

(i) a sensing means for sensing the location of the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition; and

(ii) an adjusting means in communication with the spray means and operative in response to the sensing means, for adjusting the location of the spray means in response to a change in the location of the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition to maintain a substantially constant distance between the spray means and the exposed surface as the exposed surface recedes.

10. A dispenser as recited in claim 9 wherein:

(a) the sensing means comprises a rigid feeler bracket having a first end coupled to the spray means and a second end extending from the spray means towards the exposed surface of the cleaning composition;

the feeler bracket maintaining the spray means at a substantially constant predetermined distance from the exposed surface of the cleaning composition by engaging the exposed surface with the second end of the feeler bracket and physically preventing the spray means from moving any closer to the exposed surface; and

(b) the adjusting means comprises a spring having a top end supportably engaging the spray means and an anchored bottom end for biasing the spray means toward the exposed surface of the cleaning composition and maintaining the second end of the feeler bracket in constant contact with the exposed surface of the cleaning composition during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning composition.

11. A dispenser for a stationary cast solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the solid block of cleaning composition is dispensed in the form of a concentrated solution;

the dispenser configured to provided the concentrated solution at a substantially constant coentration during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning composition, which comprises;

(a) a movably mounted spray means for directing a dissolving spray of a solvent at an exposed surface of a stationary solid block of cleaning composition; and

(b) a housing for sealingly contacting a container so as to aid in containing, collecting and directing a concentrated solution formed by the dispenser, wherein the housing comprises;

(i) an upper support portion for sealingly engaging and retainer the container; and

(ii) a funnel shaped collector poriton having a lower outlet port, the funnel shaped collector portion integral with an extending continuously downward from the upper support portion, the collector portion terminating at the lower outlet port from the housing;

the upper support portion and collector portion defining an internal cavity; and

(c) a position means for positioning the spray means so as to maintain a substantially constant distance between the spray means and the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition as the exposed surface recedes due to dissolution of the cleaning composition by the solvent spray, wherein the positioning means comprises;

(i) a rigid feeler bracket having a first end coupled to the spray means and a second end extending from the spray means towards the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition;

the feeler bracket maintaining the spray means at a substantially constant predetermined distance from the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition by engaging the exposed surface with the second end of the feeler bracket and physically preventing the spray means from moving any closer to the exposed surfaced;

(ii) a linear tube coupled to the collector portion of the housing and passing through the lower outlet port;

the linear tube having (i) a central bore, (ii) a first portion extending axially into the internal cavity of the housing, (iii) a second portion extending axially outward from the internal cavity of the housing, (iv) an inner annular flange, and (v) at least one aperture in the first portion to allow the concentrated solution to pass from the internal cavity of the housing into the central bore of the linear tube;

(iii) a spring having a central bore, a top end supportably engaging the spray means and a bottom end supportably engaged by the linear tube inner annular flange for biasing the spray means towards the exposed surface of the cleaning composition and maintaining the second end of the feeler bracket in constant contact with the exposed surface of the cleaning composition during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning composition;

a sufficient length of the spring supportably retained within the bore of the linear tube for providing lateral support to the spring; and

(iv) a shaft coupled to the spray means and extending into the bore of the spring for providing lateral support to the spray means and spring.

12. A dispenser as recited in claim 11 further comprising:

(a) a concentrated solution conduit connecting the tube with a utilization point for directing the concentrated solution from the central bore of the tube to the utilization point;

(b) a water supply line connecting the spray means with a pressurized source of water; and

(c) a spray control means cooperatively connected to the water supply line for selectively controlling the flow of water through the supply line;

the spray control means being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to open the water supply line to water flow therethrough, causing the spray means to direct a spray of water against substantially the entire exposed surface of the cleaning composition.

13. A dispenser as recited in claim 12 further comprising:

(a) a pump cooperatively connected to the concentrated solution conduit for selectively controlling the flow of concentrated solution through the concentrated solution conduit;

the pump being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to pump concentrated solution from the housing, through the concentrated solution conduit and onto the utilization point; and

(b) a level indicator, operatively connected to the spray control means, for sensing the level of concentrated solution held within the housing; and

selectively producing a first and a second electrical signal in response thereto;

the level indicator being normally operative, when the level of concentrated solution held within the housing is above a predetermined level to produce the first electrical signal, causing the spray control means to close to water flow therethrough, and being operable in response to a reduction in the level of concentrated solution within the housing below the predetermined level, to produce the second electrical signal, causing the spray control means to open to water flow therethrough to create the concentrated solution.

14. A dispenser for a stationary cast solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the cleaning composition is dispensed in the form of a concentrated solution;

the dispenser configured to provide the concentrated solution at a substantially constant concentration during the entire useful life of the solid block, which comprises;

(a) a movably mounted spray means for directing a dissolving spray of a solvent at an exposed surface of a stationary solid block of cleaning composition;

an

(b) a housing for sealingly contacting a container so as to aid in containing, collecting and directing a concentrated solution formed by the dispenser, wherein the housing comprises;

(i) an upper storage portion defining an upper storage cavity sufficient to retain at least one container with a fresh charge of cleaning composition;

the upper storage portion having an upwardly disposed access port for allowing access to the upper storage cavity;

(ii) a door operatively engaged to the housing an sealing by positioned across the access port, the door being movable with respect to the access port to open and close access to the upper storage cavity; and

(iii) a funnel shaped collector portion integral with and extending continuously downward from the upper storage portion, the collector portion terminating at lower outlet from the housing;

the upper storage cavity and collector portion together defining an internal cavity; and

(c) a positioning means for positioning the spray means so as to maintain a substantially constant distance between the spray means and exposed surface of the stationary solid block of cleaning composition as the exposed surface recedes due to dissolution of the cleaning composition by the solvent spray, wherein the positioning means comprises;

(i) a rigid feeler bracket having a first end coupled to the spray means and a second end extending from the spray means towards the exposed surface of the cleaning composition;

the feeler bracket maintaining the spray means at a substantially constant predetermined distance from the exposed surface of the cleaning composition by engaging the exposed surface with the second end of the feeler bracket and physically preventing the spray means from moving any closer to the exposed surface;

(ii) a linear tube coupled to the collector portion of the housing and passing through the lower outlet port;

the tube having (i) a central bore, (ii) a first portion extending axially into the internal cavity of the housing, (iii) a second portion extending axially outward from the internal cavity of the housing, (iv) an inner annular flange, and (v) at least one aperture in the first portion to allow the concentrated solution to pass from the internal cavity of the housing into the central bore of the tube;

(iii) a spring having a central bore, a top end supportably engaging the spray means and a bottom end supportably engaged by the support tube inner annular flange for biasing the spray means towards the exposed surface of the cleaning composition and maintaining the second end of the feeler bracket in constant contact with the exposed surface of the cleaning composition during the entire useful life of the solid block of a cleaning composition;

a sufficient length of the spring supportably retained within the bore of the tube for providing lateral support to the spring; and

(iv) a shaft coupled to the spray means and extending into the bore of the spring for providing lateral support to the spray means and spring.

15. A dispenser as recited in claim 14 further comprising:

(a) a concentrated solution conduit connecting the tube with a utilization point for directing the concentrated solution from the central bore of the tube to the utilization point;

(b) a water supply line connecting the spray means with a pressurized source of water; and

(c) a spray control means cooperatively connected to the water supply line for selectively controlling the flow of water through the supply line;

the spray control means being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to open the water supply line to water flow therethrough, causing the spray means to direct a spray of water against substantially the entire first exposed surface of the cleaning composition.

16. A dispenser as recited in claim 15 further comprising a safety control switch operatively connected with the door and the spray control means for sensing the operative position of the door and selectively producing a first and a second electrical signal in response thereto, the safety control switch being normally operative, when the door is disposed in a closed position, to produce the first electrical signal and causing the spray control means to open to water flow therethrough, and being operable in response to movement of the door away from the closed position to produce the second electrical signal, causing the spray control means to close to water flow therethrough.

17. A dispenser as recited in claim 16 further comprising:

(a) a pump cooperatively connected to the concentrated solution conduit for selectively controlling the flow of concentrated solution through the concentrated solution conduit;

the pump being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to pump concentrated solution from the housing, through the concentrated solution conduit and onto the utilization point; and

(b) a level indicator, operatively connected to the spray control means, for sensing the level of concentrated solution held within the housing; and

selectively producing a first and a second electrical signal in response thereto;

the level indicator being normally operative, when the level of concentrated solution held within the housing is above a predetermined level, to produce the first electrical signal, causing the spray control means to close to water flow therethrough, and being operable in response to a reduction in the level of concentrated solution within the housing below the predetermined level, to produce the second electrical signal, causing the spray control means to open to water flow therethrough to create the concentrated solution.

18. A dispenser for a stationary cast solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the cleaning composition is dispensed in the form of a concentrated solution;

the dispenser configured to provide the concentrated solution at a substantially constant concentration during the entire useful life of the solid block, which comprises;

(a) a container surrounding a stationary solid block of cleaning composition, the solid block having at least one exposed surface;

(b) a movably mounted spray means for directing a dissolving spray of a solvent at an exposed surface of the stationary solid block of cleaning composition; and

(c) a housing for sealing by contacting the container so as to aid in containing, collecting and directing a concentrated solution formed by the dispenser, which comprises;

(i) an upper support portion for sealingly engaging and retaining the container; and

(ii) a funnel shaped collector portion having a lower outlet port, the funnel shaped collector portion integral with and extending continuously downward from the upper support portion, the collector portion terminating at the lower outlet port from the housing;

(d) a 0.5 to 6 inch long rigid feeler bracket having a first end coupled to the spray means and a second end extending from the spray means towards the exposed surface of the cleaning composition;

the feeler bracket maintaining the spray means at a substantially constant predetermined distance from the exposed surface of the cleaning composition by engaging the exposed surface with the second end of the feeler bracket and physically preventing the spray means from moving any closer to the exposed surface;

(e) a linear tube coupled to the collector portion of the housing and passing through the lower outlet port;

the tube having;

(i) a central bore;

(ii) a first portion 0.5 to 10 inches long extending axially into an internal cavity of the housing;

(iii) a second portion 1 to 20 inches long extending axially outward from the housing;

(iv) an inner annular flange at approximately the terminal end of the second portion of the tube; and

(v) a plurality of transverse apertures in the first portion of the tube for allowing concentrated solution to pass from the internal cavity of the housing into the central bore of the tube;

(f) a spring having a central bore, a top end supportably engaging the spray means and a bottom end supportably engaged by the linear tube inner annular flange for biasing the spray means towards the exposed surface of the cleaning composition and maintaining the second end of the feeler bracket in constant contact with the exposed surface of the cleaning composition during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning composition;

a sufficient length of the spring supportably retained within the bore of the tube for providing lateral support to the spring;

(g) a shaft coupled to the spray means and extending into the bore of the spring for providing the lateral support to the spray means and spring;

the ration of length of spring to length of shaft being between 2;

1 and 10;

1;

(h) a concentrated solution conduit connecting the tube with a utilization point for collecting the concentrated solution from the central bore of the tube to the utilization point;

(i) a water supply line connecting the spray means with a pressurized source of water;

an internal portion of the water supply line contained within the housing comprising a flexible material to prevent the water supply line from impeding movement of the spray means;

(j) a spray control means cooperatively connected to the water supply line for selectively controlling the flow of water through the supply line, the spray control means being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to open the water supply line to water flow therethrough, causing the spray means to direct a spray of water against substantially the entire exposed surface of the cleaning composition;

(k) a 1/3 to 1/4 horsepower pump cooperatively connected to the concentrated solution conduit for selectively controlling the flow of concentrated solution through the concentrated solution conduit;

the pump being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to pump concentrated solution from the housing through the concentrated solution conduit; and

(1) a level indicator, operatively connected to the spray control means for sensing the level of concentrated solution held within the housing; and

selectively producing a first and a second electrical signal in response thereto;

the level indicator being normally operative, when the level of concentrated solution held within the housing is above a predetermined level, to produce the first electrical signal, causing the spray control means to close to water flow therethrough, and being operable in response to a reduction in the level of concentrated solution within the housing below the predetermined level, to produce the second electrical signal, causing the spray control means to open to water flow therethrough to create the concentrated solution.

19. A method for dissolving and dispensing a stationary cast solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the cleaning composition is dispensed in the form of a concentrated solution;

the dispenser configured to provide the concentrated solution at a substantially constant concentration during the entire useful life of the solid block, which comprises the steps of;

(a) exposing a surface of the stationary solid block of cleaning composition;

(b) placing the solid block of cleaning composition including container into a dispenser comprising;

(i) a spray means for directing a dissolving spray of water at the exposed surface of the stationary solid block of cleaning composition, the spray means capable of movement relative to movement of the first exposed surface caused by erosion of the first exposed surface in order to maintain a constant distance between the spray means and the first exposed surface of the chemical;

(ii) a positioning means maintaining a substantially constant distance between the spray means and the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition as the exposed surface recedes due to dissolution of the cleaning composition by the solvent spray, the positioning means comprising;

(A) a rigid feeler bracket having a first end coupled to the spray means and a second end extending from the spray means toward the exposed surface of the cleaning composition;

the feeler bracket maintaining the spray means at a substantially constant predetermined distance from the exposed surface of the cleaning composition by engaging the exposed surface with the second end of the feeler bracket and physically preventing the spray means from moving any closer to the exposed surface; and

(B) a spring having a top end supportably engaging the spray means and an anchored bottom for biasing the spray means toward the exposed surface of the cleaning composition and maintaining the second end of the feeler bracket in contact with the exposed surface of the cleaning composition during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning composition; and

(iii) a housing for sealingly contacting the container so as to aid in containing, collecting and directing the concentrated solution formed in the dispenser;

such that the exposed surface of the cleaning composition contacts the feeler bracket;

(c) allowing the weight of the container and cleaning composition to compress the spring until the container sealingly engages the housing;

(d) spraying water from the spray means onto the exposed surface of the cleaning composition for dissolving the cleaning composition and forming a concentrated solution;

(e) allowing the positioning means to adjust the spray means according to the receding movement of the exposed surface of the cleaning composition to maintain a constant distance between the spray means and the exposed surface during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning chemical; and

(f) directing the concentrated solution to a utilization point.

20. A method as recited in claim 19 wherein the housing comprises:

(a) an upper storage portion defining a storage cavity sufficient to retain at least one container with a fresh charge of cleaning composition;

the storage portion having an upwardly disposed access port for allowing access to the storage cavity;

(b) a door operatively engaged to the housing and sealingly positioned across the access port;

the door being movable with respect to the access port to open and close access to the storage cavity; and

(c) a funnel shaped collector portion integral with and extending continuously downward from the storage portion, the collector portion terminating at a lower outlet port from the housing;

the method of claim 19 further comprises the steps of (i) opening the door to allow access to the storage cavity, and (ii) closing the door after placing the solid block of cleaning composition including container into the housing.

21. A method as recited in claim 19 wherein the spraying step is controlled by a spray control means for selectively controlling the spray of water onto the first exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition, the spray control means normally being closed to water flow therethrough and being operative in response to receipt of a control signal to open to water flow therethrough.