Patent Application
20050045652
This invention relates to a system for dispensing an active ingredient using a dispensable tablet, the dispensable tablet and a container for holding such dispensable tablets.
Automated machines are often used for cleaning dishes, utensils, kitchen items, pots and pans, etc. These automated machines, commonly called warewashing machines, are often used by commercial establishments such as restaurants. A typical warewashing machine may use an active ingredient found in a detergent, rinse aid or sanitizer.
For a sanitizer, an active ingredient, such as chlorine, may be supplied in powdered or solid block form. A warewashing machine presents an adverse environment for such powdered or solid active ingredients. Since the active ingredient must react and dissolve quickly in water used in the warewashing machine, the solid or powdered active ingredients should be formulated to easily dissolve. However, this desired ability to dissolve quickly when used is a liability while the solid or powdered active ingredient has not yet been dispensed. The very wet and high temperature environment of the warewashing machine can degrade the solid or powdered active ingredients. If such wet and/or high temperature environment should come into contact with the active ingredient before being dispensed into the warewashing machine deleterious effects may result.
A relatively large, e.g., 600 gram, solid block can be utilized with a flood-type dispenser. As the ingredient in the solid is needed, the dispenser floods the solid block for a specified period of time with water. As water floods the solid block, the solid block erodes providing an ingredient/water solution using a portion of the solid block that has been eroded. Some, perhaps much, of the solid block remains for use in subsequent cycles of the machine to which the dispenser operates. During subsequent cycles, the solid block may again be flooded with water and the process is repeated.
However, some problems exist with this arrangement. Because of variations in water temperature, more or less of the active ingredient, e.g., chlorine, can be eroded from the solid block. For example, a lower water temperature will erode less chlorine from the solid block in the predetermined period of time allotted. However, a higher water temperature will erode more chlorine from the solid block in the same predetermined period of time. Depending upon the water temperature, either too much or too little chlorine may be used to produce a desired sanitizing solution.
Other forms of active ingredient dispensers also exist in the warewashing machine environment.
Powdered detergent is typically individually manually metered or poured into the warewashing machine. This, however, results in the non-uniform dose of detergent for the warewashing machine which is highly variable based upon the person performing the manual dispensing operation. Further, it is possible that the user could come into contact with the active ingredient which could raise a safety issue.
Alternatively, a tablet of detergent may be manually placed into a warewashing machine. While placing a tablet of detergent into the warewashing machine does provide a uniform dose, this dispensing system also requires the user to handle a tablet in order to manually place the tablet into the warewashing machine.
Another technique for dispensing an ingredient is known in the industry as a blister pack. A blister pack, well known in the industry, consists of a plastic top, typically clear, formed with indentations with each indentation capable of holding an individual dose of tablet or tablets. A backing sheet is adhered over the plastic top to secure the tablets in the indentations. A user may then take the blister pack and, pushing on the plastic top at an indentation, push an individual tablet or tablets contained in an indentation through the backing sheet, perforating the backing sheet, and releasing the tablet or tablets. While this technique also provides for uniform dose, it also could allow the user to come in contact with the tablet being dispensed. Most importantly, dispensing of tablets with a blister pack is an intensely manual operation.
PCT International Publication Number WO 02/058528, Hindustan Lever Limited, Detergent Dispenser System, describes a removable cartridge for a detergent dispensing system for a dishwasher. A storage unit contains a plurality of cylindrical or spherical detergent tablets arranged in two or more rows with curved surfaces of adjacent tablets touching such that when the cartridge is upright that tablets will move under gravity towards the transfer station. The transfer station has an ejection means to eject a tablet from the transfer station through a transfer port to prevent ingress of moisture into the cartridge. The dispensing system of Hindustan recognizes the problem of moisture contamination. Hindustan attempts to have the dispensing mechanism handle all of the responsibility of preventing the moisture from contaminating the dispensing container. However, Hindustan does not solve the problem because even a little moisture or extreme humidity can then contaminate not only the tablet being dispensed but literally the whole cartridge (container) of tablets.
Some tablets being dispensed may be fragile or the active ingredient may be toxic to a user. In this case, allowing a user to contact or directly interact with solid product, including tablets, can be a significant disadvantage.
Further, some tablets and some active ingredients may contaminate the dispenser over time. Continued dispensing of multiple containers of solid product can, especially over time, cause significant contamination of the dispensing mechanism and can lead to deleterious operation including decreased reliability.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for dispensing a solid product held in a distributable container having an opening. A mechanical interlock secures the opening of the container preventing contact with the solid product by a user. A dispenser, fixed at a dispensing location, is adapted to receive the mechanical interlock of the container. A power source is operatively coupled to the dispenser and adapted to power the mechanical interlock allowing dispensing of the solid product from the container.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention further provides a cleaning machine operatively coupled to the dispenser and adapted to receive the solid product dispensed from the dispenser.
In a preferred embodiment, the opening of the container is circular. A circular cap is adapted to fit over and secure the opening of the container, the circular cap having a central axis and having an opening therein positioned off-center from the central axis. A shaft operatively cooperates with the circular cap and is adapted to be coupled to the power source. A disc is rotatably coupled with the shaft positioned adjacent the circular cap nearest the solid product in the container. The disc has at least one opening therein cooperating with the opening of the circular cap at an angular position upon rotation of the disc.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a distributable container for holding a solid product and adapted to mate with a dispenser fixed at a dispensing location and having a power source. A receptacle having an opening holding the solid product. A mechanical interlock secures the opening of the receptacle preventing contact with the solid product by a user. The mechanical interlock is adapted to mate with the dispenser and dispense the solid product using the power source.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of dispensing a solid product from a distributable container having a mechanical interlock preventing contact with the solid product by a user to a dispenser fixed at a dispensing location. The container holding the solid product is distributed to the dispensing location. The mechanical interlock of the container is mated with the dispenser. Power from the dispenser is provided to the mechanical interlock to controllably dispense the solid product allowing the dispenser to dispense a predetermined amount of the solid product from the container without allowing contact of the solid product with the user.
In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical interlock substantially prevents moisture from the dispenser from affecting the solid product.
In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is a plurality of tablets.
In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of tablets can be dispensed one at a time.
In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical interlock is fixedly secured to the container.
In a preferred embodiment, the power source provides rotary motion to the mechanical interlock.
In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is bleach.
In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is rinse aid.
In a preferred embodiment, the solid product is detergent.
The present invention uses granular chlorine in a commercial warewashing environment. The preferred ingredients are sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione dihydrate or sodium dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate.
In a preferred embodiment, the active ingredient, in this example, chlorine, is contained in dispensable tablet 10, shown in cross-sectional view in
Alternatively, the unit dose desired for optimum operation of the warewashing machine can be contained in two or more of dispensable tablets 10 as long as an integral number of dispensable tablets 10 contain the intended dose for the warewashing machine. For example, if the intended dose for the warewashing machine is contained in two of dispensable tablets 10, then two dispensable tablets 10 can be dispensed when required. Of course, reasonableness is preferred in the number of dispensable tablets 10 the intended dose for the warewashing machine. As the number of dispensable tablets 10 over which the intended dose for the warewashing machine is spread, the more difficult it is to count the number of dispensable tablets 10 which must be dispensed and to actually dispense that number of dispensable tablets 10. For this reason, it is preferred that the number of dispensable tablets 10 over which the intended dose for the warewashing machine is spread be limited to not more than ten.
It is recognized that while it is preferred that a unit dose for the warewashing machine be contained in a single dispensable tablet 10, or in a plurality of dispensable tablets 10, that the warewashing machine could require differing amounts of the active ingredient during different cycles or with different options of single cycle. For example, the warewashing machine could require a single dispensable tablet 10 when operating in a normal mode and could require two or more dispensable tablets 10 when operating in a heavy duty mode. Nevertheless, at least one cycle of the warewashing machine in at least one mode operates with an intended dose of the active ingredient contained in a plurality of dispensable tablets 10, preferably not more than ten dispensable tablets 10.
Dispensable tablet 10 illustrated in
The preferred size for dispensable tablet 10′ is an approximately 0.7 gram tablet, plus or minus 0.5 grams, having a diameter of approximately 0.3750 inches (9.52 millimeters with a height of approximately 0.2205 inches (5.59 millimeters).
While dispensable tablet of the present invention may be any of a variety of shapes, two of the preferred shapes are illustrated in
Since dispensable tablet 10 is a tablet, the active ingredient contained in dispensable tablet 10 is in solid form. In order that the active ingredient in dispensable tablet 10 can be utilized in the warewashing machine, dispensable tablet 10 should be readily dissolvable in the solution operatively utilized during operation of the warewashing machine. It is desirable that dispensable tablet 10 dissolve quickly in water so that the active ingredient can be effectively utilized by the warewashing machine. Dispensable tablet 10 should also be food contact safe.
However, since a warewashing machine often utilizes very hot water in order to accomplish its washing and/or sterilizing functions, the environment of the warewashing machine often contains very high humidities and, often, high temperatures. While this environment is conducive to effective washing and even to effective dissolving of dispensable tablet 10 once dispensed into the warewashing machine, such environment must be prevented from adversely affecting dispensable tablets 10 which have not yet been dispensed into the warewashing machine. As will be seen, part of the function of preventing moisture and, preferably, heat from affecting the supply of non-dispensed dispensable tablets 10 is accomplished in the dispensing apparatus. It is, however, also desirable that additional protection be taken to prevent the adverse effect of moisture and, preferably, heat on dispensable tablets 10 which have not yet been dispensed.
Other examples of active ingredients are pH modifiers, surfactants, enzymes, builders, lime away products, coupling agents, metal salts and components of rinse aids, detergents and sanitizers.
Dispensable tablet 10 also may have protective coating 14 surrounding the exterior of interior portion 12. Protective coating 14 can be made of a number of materials which can protect dispensable tablet from moisture, e.g., high humidity, and, preferably, heat when dispensable tablet is not yet dispensed. However, protective coating 14 can not be so protective that dispensable tablet 10 does not readily dissolve when dispensed into the warewashing machine. Protective coating 14 also protects dispensable tablet from mechanical breakage during shipping and dispensing. An example of a protective coating 14 is titanium dioxide coated from enzymes having an approximate thickness of the human hair, or approximately 0.1 millimeter. It is preferred that protecting be applied either by spraying or dipping.
It is also possible that interior portion 12 of dispensable tablet 10 could be in liquid or semi-liquid form with protective coating 14 forming a dissolvable shell around interior portion 12. This is similar to a paintball or bath beads in construction (although, obviously, paint is not utilized in a warewashing environment). In this embodiment, a liquid detergent or a liquid sanitizer could be used as the active ingredient. Once dispensed, again protective coating 14 would dissolve in the warewashing machine and the active ingredient contained in interior portion 12 would be released into the warewashing machine. Other examples of alternative forms of dispensable tablets 10 include gel tabs, a liquid or semi-liquid active ingredient contained in a water soluble film and a powder containing an active ingredient contained in a water soluble film. Other forms of packaging an active ingredient, e.g., a liquid or a powder, in a packet or other individualized container are also contemplated.
Thus, as rotatable disc 38 is rotated so that the next opening 40 in rotatable disc reaches the bottom another dispensable tablet 10 is released into the warewashing machine through passage 42. Since dispensable tablets 10 still being held in container 16 are physically remote from passage 42, which may be contaminated with moisture from the warewashing machine, for example, and because any moisture laden air is prevented from directly being passed into container 16 by rotatable disc 38, dispenser 16 aids in preventing dispensable tablets 10 still being held in container 16 from being affected by the adverse high moisture content of the warewashing machine to which dispenser 26 is adapted to be utilized.
Of course, it is to be recognized and understood that if the intended dose for the warewashing machine calls for more than one dispensable ball 10, that rotatable discs is rotated through exactly the number of openings 40 for which the intended dose calls.
Rotatable disc 38 may be operated automatically through any number of commonly available and readily understood automated mechanical turning mechanisms. Alternatively, rotatable disc 38 may also be operated manually by the user.
Cap 46 has at least one off-center opening 48 appropriately sized to allow passage of a tablet 10. Internal disk 50 is adapted to be mounted on rotatable shaft 52 co-axially with cap 46. Internal disk 50 has at least one off-center opening 52 appropriately sized to allow passage of a tablet 10. In this embodiment, internal disk 50 has three openings 52.
In operation, rotatable shaft 52 of closure 44 can be mated to a power source in a dispenser with opening 18 of container 16, and hence closure 44, being oriented generally downwardly with respect to container 16. While container 16 does not need to be directly inverted with opening 18 on the bottom of container, it is desired that container 16 be oriented such that gravity will allow tablets 10 to be dispensed from container 16. For example, opening 18 of container 16 need only be lower than some of tablets 10 contained in container 16.
As rotatable shaft 52 is rotated, one of openings 54 of internal disk 50 will align with opening 48 in cap 46 which will allow a tablet 10 to fall by gravity through the combined openings and be dispensed from container 16. Preferably, each time one of openings 54 of internal disk 50 align with opening 48 in cap 46, a tablet 10 will be dispensed. Of course, if the rotation of rotatable shaft 52, and hence the rotation of internal disk 50, is slow enough then more than one tablet 10 may be dispensed each time one of openings 54 of internal disk 50 aligns with opening 48 in cap 46. The number of tablets dispensed can be controlled by varying the rotational speed of rotatable shaft 52 and internal disk 52. The number of rotations, or partial rotations, of rotatable shaft 52 and internal disk 50 determines the number of tablets 10 dispensed. When rotation stops, dispensing will stop. Care should be taken, of course, to stop the rotation of rotatable shaft 52 when one of openings 54 in internal disk do not align with opening 48 of cap 46.
Closure 44 forms a mechanical interlock which allows tablets 10 to be dispensed from container 16 without allowing a user the ability to contact tablets 10. This may be desirable, for example, is tablets 10 are fragile or are constructed from a material which may be toxic when contacted by a user. This is especially true if cap 46 is fixedly secured over opening 18 of container 16.
While closure 44 forms a mechanical interlock allowing dispensing while preventing contact between a user and tablets 10, power to perform the dispensing operation remains in the dispenser. Rotatable shaft 52 is adapted to mate with a rotatable power source in dispenser 26′ to selectively and controllably rotate rotatable shaft 52 enabling the dispensing operation to be performed. Control over rotation enables, for example, one tablet 10 to be dispensed at a time.
In an embodiment, container 16 may be distributed to a user containing tablets 10 with opening 18 secured by closure 44. Closure 44 provides a mechanical interlock preventing the dispensing of tablets 10 until dispensing is desired. At the same, power to do dispensing is obtained from dispenser 26′. Thus, the mechanical interlock of closure 44 and the power to dispense functions are separated, the former residing with container 16 and the latter residing with dispenser 26′. The power to dispense does not have to be supplied with the distributable container 16 even though container 16 provides the mechanical interlock of closure 44.
Since closure 44 is associated with container 16, a new mechanical interlock can be used each time container 16 is replaced. Such replacement will help prevent possible contamination of the mechanical interlock over time since this mechanism is replaced with a clean interlock mechanism each time container 16 is replaced. Further, modifications and improvements in the mechanical interlock can be accomplished over time without the necessity of updating dispenser 26′.
An additional security closure, for example, a security film or adhesive tab, may be employed to cover cap 46 during shipment or distribution of container 16. Alternatively, container 16 may be secured for premature dispensing of tablets 10 during distribution by positioning disk 50 so that none of openings 54 are aligned with opening 48 and mechanically securing that position, for example, by a pin which can be removed by a user prior, preferably just prior, to insertion of container 16 into dispenser 26′. After such security closure is removed, if applicable, container 16 may be mated to dispenser 26′ with the power source of dispenser 26′ engaging rotatable shaft 52.
Fins 64 catch tablets 10 in container 16 and position tablets 10 for passage through one of openings 54 and through opening 48 when one of openings 54 and opening 48 are aligned.
Central shaft 60 of rotary disk 58 has a opening adapted to mate (
Various modifications and alterations of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth above.
