GB2348117A - Sink apparatus for providing cleaning benefits by self agitation - Google Patents

Abstract

A sink 50 has a drain pipe 1, equipped with outlet valve 75, which is in liquid communication with waste pipe 4 via valve 77 and return pipe 10 which is in communication with pump 14 and subsequently return pipe 23, manifolds 29 and 32 and spray channels 35. Cleaning solution 44 may thus be circulated from the sink via the pump and back into the sink as liquid jets which serve to agitate the bulk of the cleaning solution in the sink. Valve 77 prevents the normal flow of cleaning solution from the drain pipe to the waste pipe 4. Porous membrane 7 and filter 12 are positioned in the return pipe 10 before the pump 14 to effect filtration of the cleaning fluid prior to readmission to the sink. Flow sensor 76 detects the reduced flow rate due to filter clogging and automatically triggers the filter clearing sequence, in which valve 75 is closed, valve 77 opened and the pump put into reverse such that fluid is drawn through channels 35 and forced through the filter and porous membrane to dislodge any built up residue and convey it to the waste pipe 4. Inline heating means 26 may be placed at any convenient point in the apparatus. The apparatus may also include a dish rack which is not shown. Also disclosed is a detergent composition for use with the apparatus, which includes a bleaching agent, a bleach activator, a low foaming surfactant, a pH balancing component and a source of divalent ions. Suitable examples of each category are discussed.

Description

SINK APPARATS FOR PROVIDING CLEANING BENEFITS BY SELF-AGITATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a home and commercial sink apparats designed to aid cleaning by supplementing chemical energy and consumer effort with hydraulic and heat energy. The present invention relates particularly to those sinks used to clean dishware, cookware and flatware, as well as detergent compositions that are specially suitable for use in such sinks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently there are two methods commonly used by consumers for cleaning dishware, flatware and other kitchen articles : cleaning in an automatic dishwashing composition ; and manual cleaning in a kitchen sink. In the automatic dishwasher method, kitchen articles are placed on a series of racks provided with the appliance while a suitable detergent composition such as CASCADE in liquid, granular, tablet or gel form is placed in a special container in the appliance and dispense at a pre-determined time during the wash operation. By contrast, the manual cleaning method occurs in a kitchen sink and involves using a wash rag or other implement to spread onto a kitchen article a mixture of water and a light duty liquid (LDL) detergent composition such as DAWN or JOY. After forcibly rubbing the soiled food matter off the article with the rag or implement the mixture residue is rinsed off the kitchen article and the article is towel or air dried.

Both methods have avantages and disadvantages. An automatic dishwasher provides excellent cleaning benefits with little effort or intervention required on the part of the consumer save the initial step of placing the articles in the dishwasher. However, using an automatic dishwasher can be somewhat inflexible because as an intensive user of both water and electricity, most consumers prefer to wait until the dishwasher is fully loaded with soiled dishes before operating it. As a result, some kitchen articles may sit for a period as long as a few days between when they were first soiled and when they are actually cleaned. During this delay the food matter may dry on the dishes making them more difficult and time consuming to wash later. To prevent this many consumers feel the need to pre-rinse kitchen articles before placing them in the dishwasher, considerably reducing the appliance's convenience. A further disadvantage of an automatic dishwasher is that it takes up space in the kitchen and may be difficult to retrofit into the plumbing of older homes.

Similarly, the manual cleaning method offers a balance of avantages and disadvantages.

It is more flexible than using an automatic dishwasher ; generally a consumer can do as many or as few dishes at a time as he or she may wish with little effect on the overall cost or convenience of the method. However, the manual dishwashing method requires a considerable amount of effort on the part of the consumer and, like the method involving the automatic dishwasher, requires immediate consumer intervention to prevent soils and food particles from drying and hardening on the dishware.

Given the foregoing, there is a continuing need for a method of cleaning kitchen articles that offers the ease and cleaning efficacy of the automatic dishwasher with the flexibility and lower-cost of manual cleaning. Accordingly, a benefit of the present invention is to provide an apparats for cleaning kitchen articles that offers excellent cleaning efficacy and allows for considerable consumer flexibility, and yet, is less-expensive than using an automatic dishwasher and doesn't require the intensive effort of manual dishwashing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention encompasses both the construction of an apparats which functions as a home or commercial sinks as well as specially formulated dish detergent compositions that are particularly suitable for use in the apparats. The apparats is designed to aid cleaning of kitchen articles by supplementing chemical energy and consumer effort with hydraulic and heat energy. The components of the apparats include a wash basin which has an outlet that is connecte to a drain pipe and a return pipe. The drain pipe is valved so that when the valve is closed, the liquid cleaning composition does not pass through the drain line into the waste and away from the sink apparats. The other end of the drain pipe is in turn connecte to and in liquid communication with a waste line. The apparats also comprises a pump ; the inlet port of the pump being connecte to the return pipe and the outlet port to a flow pipe. The flow pipe is itself in liquid communication with a means for supplying liquid cleaning composition under pressure to a plurality of channels set in the wash basin, whereby pressurized liquid cleaning composition is introduced through the channels and into the wash basin. The liquid cleaning composition forced out of these channels agitates the liquid cleaning composition in the wash basin in a manner not unlike the way water is agitated in a JACUZZI'. This agitated liquid cleaning composition impinges on the kitchen articles contained in the wash basin to provide significant cleaning benefits thereon.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparats further comprises a liquid cleaning composition.

All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified.

All documents cited are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of the sink apparats in accordance with the invention.

FIG. I B is a perspective view of the sink apparats depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the sink apparats depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sink apparats taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the sink apparats depicted in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION By"basin"it is meant an open vessel with vertical sloping or curving sides used typically for holding water for washing.

By"kitchen articles"it is meant cookware, flatware, dishware, silverware and other articles commonly found in the kitchen and used for the preparation, consumption and serving of food as well as those articles used for cleaning up at the conclusion of a meal or other food preparation.

By"light-duty liquid (LDL) detergent composition"it is meant a detergent composition which is employed in manual (i. e. hand) dishwashing.

By"Automatic Dishwashing (ADW) detergent composition"it is meant a detergent compositions which are used in automatic dishwashing machines.

By"Liquid Cleaning Composition"it is meant a mixture of water and a dish detergent composition.

By"Food items"it is meant any item which is suitable for human consumption. This inclues chicken, pork, fruits, vegetables etc.

By"Processing food items"it is meant any step in the preparation of a food item for human consumption.

The present invention encompasses designs for a sink apparats suitable for use in the cleaning of kitchen articles in a commercial, institutional or home kitchen. The apparats is designed to aid cleaning of kitchen articles by supplementing chemical energy and consumer effort with hydraulic and heat energy. The components of the apparats include a wash basin which has an outlet that is connecte to a drain pipe and a return pipe. The sink apparats has a wash basin which is provided with multiple openings on at least one of its sides. In operation, the wash basin is filled with a liquid, such as a mixture of water and a dishwashing detergent, so that all of the openings are submerge beneath the level of the liquid. The sink apparats is further provided with plumbing and moving electromechanical parts so that the liquid cleaning composition can be pressurized by the action of an electromechanical pump and forced through the openings in the wash basin and into the liquid-filled wash basin under pressure. As the pressurized liquid is forced through the channels under pressure the liquid in the wash basin is agitated. Through the medium of this agitated and turbulent liquid, mechanical energy and agitation are imparted to a soiled kitchen article which in combination with the active detersive ingredients in the liquid cleaning composition provide excellent cleaning results at a significant savings of time and effort to the consumer.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a sink apparats 50 is shown in accordance with the present invention. The sink apparats 50 in this invention is one that would be found in the kitchen of the home, a commercial establishment or an institution. As can be seen in FIG. I and FIG. IB, one part of this apparats 50 is a wash basin 48 which has an inside surface 41 and an outside surface 38. The inside surface 41 of the wash basin 48 of the present invention is shaped and configure to receive kitchen articles. Set into the wash basin are a number of channels 35 from which a liquid cleaning composition is emitted under pressure.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the outside surface 38 and inside surface 41 are separated by a wall 40. The thiclmess and construction of the wall 40 separating the inside surface 41 from the outside surface 38 of the wash basin 48 varies with the material used to construct the wash basin 48. It may be made out of a variety of materials including : metals, particularly steel and stainless steel ; ceramic materials, such as combinations of clay, feldspar sand silica, and particularly porcelain ; polymers, particularly thermosetting polymers ; and composites, particularly fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers. Regardless of its shape and material, the wash basin 48 must be constructed to be a suitable appliance for cleaning dishware and flatware.

Set into the wash basin 48 are a plurality of channels 35. These channels 35 are as long as the thickness of the wall 40 and so connect the inside surface 41 and the outside surface 38 of the wash basin 48. When the sink is, for instance, constructed from a stainless steel metal, as sinks used in kitchens often are, then the wall 40 separating the inside surface 41 of the wash bowl from the outside surface 38 is very thin and the length of the channels 35 is minimal.

The channels 35 connect the system described below which is designed to recycle, filter and pressurize a liquid cleaning composition with the wash basin 48 in which that pressurized liquid cleaning composition is utilized to clean kitchen articles.

It is preferable that the present invention offer the consumer means (not shown) to alter the vertical angle 60 as seen in FIG. 3 and the horizontal angle 55 as seen in FIG. 2 of the direction in which the liquid cleaning composition is emitted from the channels. Alternatively, these direction of the liquid cleaning composition can be set at the time of manufacture and cannot be changed by the purchasing consumer. The diameter of the channels may vary as described in further detail below.

In its simples embodiment, the apparats 50 of the present invention combines the wash basin 48 described above with specially modifie plumbing hardware. The wash basin 48 comprises an outlet I which connects the wash basin 48 with the specially modifie plumbing hardware.

In a preferred embodiment, the outlet 1 is located in the bottom of the wash basin 48. In operation, the drain valve is closed 77 and the wash basin 48 is filled with a liquid cleaning composition 44 and dishware, flatware, cookware and other kitchen articles are immersed in the liquid cleaning composition 44 by carefully placing them in the wash basin 48. The liquid cleaning composition 44 is a mixture of water and a dish detergent composition which is described in greater detail below. While the water is supplie by a conventional faucet the apparats 50 preferably inclues means for automatically dispensing the dish detergent composition (not shown). Such means are discussed in greater detail below.

As seen in FIG. 3, a minor portion of the liquid cleaning composition 44 contained in the wash basin 48 is continuously entering the outlet 1. From the outlet l, the liquid cleaning composition may either flow into the drain pipe 4 or into the return pipe 10. When the drain valve 77 in the drain pipe 4 is closed, it prevents the liquid cleaning composition is prevented from flowing through the drain pipe 4 and away from the sink apparats 50. When the pump 14 is operating, the liquid cleaning composition will be drawn through the return pipe 10 and into the pump 14 itself. The liquid cleaning composition is then forced out of the pump 14 under pressure into the flow pipe 23. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the flow pipe 23 is connecte to and in liquid communication with a suitable means for conveying the liquid cleaning composition under pressure to the plurality of channels 35 set in the wash basin 48 whereby the liquid cleaning composition pressurized by the action of the pump 14 is introduced through the channels 35 into the wash basin 48. If desired, the user may deactivate the pump while keeping the drain valve 77 closed so that the present apparats functions as a conventional kitchen sink.

One possible means for conveying the liquid cleaning composition under pressure to the apertures comprises at least two connector pipes 29 attache to and in liquid communication with the flow pipe 23. Each connector pipe 29 is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the wash basin 48. The liquid cleaning composition, under pressure by action of the pump 14, travels through the flow pipe 23 and then flows in approximately equal portions into each of the connector pipes 29. From the connector pipe 29, the liquid cleaning composition is propelled into a manifold pipe 30, which can be seen in FIG. IB and FIG. 4. tue manifold pipe 30 is itself connecte to and in liquid communication with at least one, preferably at least two, more preferably at least three attaching pipes 32, 33, and 34. From the manifold pipe 30, liquid cleaning composition in approximately equal portions is propelled into each of the attaching pipes. Attache to and in liquid communication with each of the attaching pipes 32, 33, and 34 is at least one, more preferably at least two and most preferably at least three pipelets (not shown).

The outer diameter of each of these pipelets is less than the inner diameter of the channels 35 which are set in the wash basin 48. Chus, the pipelet is inserted into the channe. While the pipelet at least should be long enough to provide for liquid communication between the channel and the attachment pipes, it should not be longer than the length of the channel into which it is inserted.

Thus, the liquid cleaning composition flows from each attaching pipe under pressure and is introduced through the channels 35 into the wash basin 48. Because the pipelets are connecte in parallel, the pressure with which the liquid cleaning composition is introduced into the wash basin 48 through a channel 35 decreases as the distance between the channel and the pump 14 increases. If it is desirable to have the liquid cleaning composition emitted from all of the channels at a substantially uniform pressure, the channels located farther away from the pump 14 than the other channels should have a smaller diameter which will thus increase the pressure at which the liquid cleaning composition is propelled into the wash basin 48.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, in operation the wash basin 48 of the present invention is filled with sufficient liquid cleaning composition so that all of the channels are submerge beneath the level of the cleaning composition in the wash basin 48. As additional liquid cleaning composition under pressure is forced out from these channels it agitates the cleaning composition already residing in the wash basin 48 not unlike the way water is agitated in a JACUZZI"'. The liquid cleaning composition is energized by this agitation and the energized cleaning composition impinges the surface of the dishes to provide effective cleaning benefits thereon. The channels may be oriente at a downward angle so that the liquid cleaning composition being propelled under pressure out of the channels creates a downward agitation pattern in the liquid cleaning composition in the wash basin 48 which impinges the dishes and thus provides energy for cleaning. Ideally the liquid cleaning composition is agitated in a vertical, cyclonic pattern.

Additionally, it is preferable that the liquid cleaning composition be agitated in such a way that the rotational, translational and vibrational energy components of the system constructively interfere.

When the consumer has completed the cleaning tasks, the pump 14 is switched off and the drain valve 77 is opened so that the liquid cleaning composition in the wash basin 48 flows from the outlet I into the drain pipe 4 and then into a waste line (not shown) by which it is carried away from the apparats 50. The liquid cleaning composition that is being conveyed to the wash bowl under pressure will meanwhile flow back through the flow pipe 23 and through the pump 14 (which not being activated merely functions as part of the flow pipe) into the return pipe 10 and then into the drain pipe 4 and eventually away from the apparats 50. Alternatively, the pump 14 rather then being switched off may be activated and operated in the reverse direction to draw, under pressure, the liquid cleaning composition from the plumbing hardware located above the pump and into the return pipe 10, through the drain pipe 4 and away from the sink apparats 50.

'ne above description represents only one embodiment of the present invention.

Numerus additions and modifications (described hereinafter) to the above description will produce preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention.

It is preferable for the apparats 50 of the present invention to include a wash rack (not shown) so that rather than merely placing the kitchen articles against the bottom or sides of the wash basin 48, the dishes may be placed and supporte inside the wash rack. The wash rack preferably has a"mesh"or"cage"construction so that it is sturdy and yet allows the liquid cleaning composition to freely move into it to contact the kitchen articles being held inside. Tulle wash rack preferably has a flexible design to hold large pots, pans, casserole dishes and other kitchen articles which are difficult to fit in an automatic dishwasher as well as kitchen articles such as dishes, glasses, and cookware which are regularly-sized. ne wash rack may have a number of"slots"into which regularly-sized and large kitchen articles may be inserted and held during cleaning. The wash rack and the attache slots can be configure so as to hold the dishes in a particular orientation so that the liquid cleaning composition propelled under pressure out of the channels will directly impinge on the surface of the dish and thus provide substantial cleaning benefits.

The wash rack is preferably of a comparable shape to the wash basin 48 and is preferably of a size slightly smaller than the wash basin 48 in order for the wash rack to be accommodated inside the wash basin 48. The wash rack should be constructed so that the level of the liquid cleaning composition in the wash basin 48 exceeds the height of the top of the dishware when resting in the wash rack. The wash rack can be made from any suitable material, preferably metal or plastic, that is suitable for use in high-temperature aqueous environments and will not scratch, abrade or otherwise damage the kitchen articles placed inside it nor scratch or otherwise damage the wash basin 48 in which it is placed. Any suitable means for supporting the wash rack inside the wash basin 48 may be used. By utilizing this wash rack there is less chance that the kitchen articles will be damaged or destroyed when placed inside the wash basin 48 or while immersed in the agitated liquid cleaning composition.

The apparats 50 or sink requires a pump 14 to move liquid cleaning composition under pressure. A suitable pump is one having a capacity of about 5 to 500 liters per minute, preferably 10 to 400 liters per minute, most preferably 20 to 200 liters per minute and operates on electric power preferably supplie by connecting the pump 14 to a home electrical-utility supply. It is preferable that the pump be bi-directional and thus be able to pump in two opposing directions.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the apparats 50 preferably inclues a membrane 7 having a plurality of pores formed therein which sifts out particulates in the liquid cleaning composition which are larger than the size of the membrane's pores. The membrane 7 essentially operates to screen out particles like a trap in a sink or bathtub drain. The membrane 7 is preferably positioned inside the return pipe 10. When the drain valve 77 is closed and the pump 14 is operating, the latter supplies the necessary force to draw a major portion of the liquid cleaning composition flowing from the outlet 1 through the membrane 7 and further into the return pipe 10.

The present invention may also contain a filter 12 which may be positioned and installe in the outlet 1, or more preferably in the flow pipe 23 or most preferably in the return pipe 10.

The filter 12 screens out particulates and soils which are small enough to move through the pores of the membrane 7. Regardless of its location, the filter 12 is coupled to the pump 14 so that the liquid cleaning composition can be withdrawn or forced through the filter 12 by the action of the pump 14.

Once a location for the filter 12 within the apparats 50 has been selected, then the design and construction of the particular and appropriate filter 12 for use in the instant apparats 50 is a matter that is well within the ability of those who are skilled in the art. Preferably the filter 12 contains at least two media, at least one of which should be a hydrophobic material to screen out fats, greases and other lipid-based mulsions ftom the liquid cleaning composition.

Other media suitable for use in the present invention can be chosen from known filter media materials. It may be desirable to have a media designed to trap particulate matter in situations were the apparats 50 does not include a membrane 7 or to screen out particulate matter too small to be trapped by the membrane 7.

A preferred filter for use in the present invention is one that can be essentially used permanently without the need for consumer maintenance or intervention of any kind. Because the filter is intended to be used for extended periods without maintenance, it is preferred for there to be a process of cleaning the filter and removing the particulates and soils entrapped in the filter and filter media. In one embodiment of this filtering-cleaning process the sink apparats additionally comprises an outlet valve 75 located in the outlet I as can be seen in FIG. 3. To clean the filter, the normal operation of the sink apparats is momentarily interrupted and the outlet valve 75 is closed and the drain valve 77 is opened. The direction of the pump 14 is reverse and the liquid cleaning composition located in the plumbing hardware above the pump 14 is now drawn through the flow pipe 23 and then into the pump 14 itself. The liquid cleaning composition is then forced out of the pump 14 under pressure into the return pipe 10 where it is forced through the filter 12 and membrane 7. The pressure with which the liquid cleaning composition contacts the filter and membrane dislodges particles entrapped therein ; the particles, metastably suspende in the liquid cleaning composition, are then carried away with the liquid cleaning composition as it travels into the drain pipe 4 and away from the apparats 50.

This cleaning process is completely automate and does not require additional consumer intervention. A flow meter 76 mesures when the rate of flow of the liquid cleaning composition has become substantially obstructed by food and soil particles entrapped in the filter 12 or membrane 7 or both. When the rate of flow of the liquid cleaning composition past the flow meter falls below a certain flow setting (measured in volume divided by time), then the outlet valve 75 is automatically closed, the drain valve 77 is automatically opened and the pump 14 is automatically stopped and then reenergized in the reverse direction. After a period of time sufficient to remove a substantial amount of the particles and soils trapped in the filter 12 or membrane 7, the filter-cleaning process is terminated, the valves are automatically returned to the position they were in before the process was initiated and the pump is reengaged in the forward direction.

The present apparats inclues suitable means for effectuating the automation of the cleaning process described above. The opening of the valves and the direction of the pump is coordinated by connecting a solenoid or other electromechanical device or devices to both the outlet valve 75 and the drain valve 77 as well as the pump 14 and then in turn connecting each of these electromechanical devices to each other. Instead of connecting these electromechanical devices to each other, it may be desirable to instead connect them to a separate electromechanical or electronic controller or controlling device.

Because of increasingly widespread consumer concern with microbes on kitchen surfaces, it is preferred that the filters of the present invention provide not only a filtering and screening function but also provide antimicrobial benefits as well. A variety of technologies are available to incorporate antimicrobial protection. One such technology is available from the MICROBANt Corporation of Huntersville, North Carolina. The MICROBANt) process consists of incorporating the antimicrobial agent triclosan into the voids and spaces in a polymer or plastic. Once a surface is treated with triclosan according to the MICROBANE) process it provides essentially permanent antimicrobial protection for that surface. In the present invention, certain interior filter surfaces would be treated with the MICROBANG process so that when the liquid cleaning composition enters the filter and passes over those treated surfaces then a significant amount of microbes present in the liquid cleaning composition would be eliminated.

The present invention also encompasses filters that have a temporary, replaceable cartridge and require periodic consumer intervention to remove the used cartridge and replace it with a fresh filter cartridge, such cartridges usually themselves contain the filter media and may incorporate an antimicrobial agent as well. One such example of an acceptable filter design that utilizes a replaceable cartridge can be seen in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 915, 831, to Taylor, issued 10 April 1990.

It is preferable that the present apparats 50 also include an in-line heater or heating element 26 at any location in the apparats. Preferably this device is located in the bottom or side of the wash basin 48 ; more preferably it is located in the return pipe 10 ; and most preferably in the flow pipe 23.

The liquid cleaning composition used in the present invention is a mixture of water and a dish detergent solution. While the water is supplie by a conventional above-sink faucet, the dish detergent solution may be provided in a number of ways. One suitable way is for the sink user to simply pour a typical LDL composition (such as DAWNTM or JOYrM) or a typical ADW composition (such as CASCADETM) into the sink basin 48 either before or after adding water.

Altematively, instead of using a standard LDL or ADW composition as the dish detergent solution, a modifie ADW or LDL as described below can be used.

It is preferable that instead of a consumer manually adding the dish detergent composition, the dish detergent composition is contained within a detergent reservoir (not shown) and automatically dispense through a dispensing tube (not shown) connecte to the flow pipe 23 or through a dispensing tube which discharges dish detergent solution directly into the sink basin 48. As can be seen in FIG. 3 a monitor 71 connecte to a metering system (not shown) regulates the concentration of the dish detergent composition in the liquid cleaning composition 44 in the sink basin 48. If the concentration of the dish detergent composition falls below the desired level, more dish detergent solution can be dispense. The dish detergent composition can be stored in the detergent reservoir in tablet, granular, liquid or gel form. The present invention encompasses the design and operation of a detergent reservoir and dispensing tubes which can accommodate a dish detergent composition in tablet, granular, gel or liquid form.

The detergent reservoir of the present invention may be divided into multiple storage chambers wherein each storage chamber contains one or more of the components of the dish detergent composition. Alternatively there can be multiple detergent reservoirs with each of these separate detergent reservoirs containing one or more of the components of the dish detergent composition. By so separating the components of the detergent composition into multiple storage areas, dish detergent components which are otherwise incompatible in the presence of another can be kept in separate storage areas until the time they are actually dispense as part of the dish detergent composition into the sink basin 48. For example, detersive enzymes are not stable in detergent formulations that have a high pH or contain alkaline buffers. But in the present invention, a high pH dish detergent composition can be used in combination with detersive enzymes if they are stored in separate detergent reservoirs or storage chambers and separately dispense into the liquid cleaning composition 44. Many other such incompatible component pairs can be so combine by separately storing and releasing them.

Additionally, the use of multiple detergent reservoirs or storage chambers allows a consumer to select the time of the dispensing of certain components. For example, it may not be necessary or desirable to include suds suppressors in the dish detergent composition. However, near the end of a timed cleaning process, suds suppressors can be dispense to reduce the amount of suds in the liquid cleaning composition and thus make it easier to rinse kitchen articles immersed therein.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the present invention may include electronic sensors and a metering system. A sensor 70 can be utilized to monitor the temperature of the liquid cleaning composition 44 in the wash basin 48 while a monitor 71 connecte to a metering system regulates the concentration of the liquid cleaning composition 44 in the sink basin 48. These sensors are both connecte to a simple control panel (not shows) which will be included with the apparats 50. The control panel can be designed and equipped in such a manner as to control the operation of the heater or heating element 26, the concentration the dish detergent solution in the liquid cleaning composition, and the degree of vigorousness with which the liquid cleaning composition 44 in the sink basin 48 is agitated. By varying the settings on the control panel, a consumer may regulate the temperature and detergent concentration of the liquid cleaning composition in the wash basin 48. The details of the control panel can be varied as desired by those skilled in the art and need not be described herein.

The apparats 50 of the present invention may also include a lid (not shown) which fits over the wash basin 48. The lid is designed to prevent sillage or leakage of the liquid cleaning composition out of the apparats which may be caused by the agitation or turbulence in the wash basin.

Besides the means described above, there are other suitable means for conveying the liquid cleaning composition from the pump under pressure to create turbulence and agitation in the sink basin in which kitchen articles may be cleaned. In one such means, the wall 40 of the sink basin 48 is hollow and forms a cavity (not shown) that surrounds the wash basin 48. Liquid cleaning composition is pumped at pressure through the cavity which conveys the liquid cleaning composition under pressure to a plurality of apertures (not shown) which are set in the wash basin 48 and connect the cavity to the wash basin 48. Thus the liquid cleaning composition pressurized by the action of the pump 14 is introduced through these apertures into the wash basin 48 causing turbulence and agitation in the liquid cleaning composition contained in the wash basin 44. If desired, other items such as pumps, filters and temperature controller mechanisms could also potentially be located inside this cavity provided they do not impede with the water-pumping action necessary to make the water jets function.

The apparats may also be used for other tasks besides the cleaning of kitchen articles.

For example, the apparats 50 can be used to thaw frozen meat or other frozen food items. The sink basin 48 is filled with water or some other liquid and the frozen food is immersed therein.

Using the heating element, the liquid in the sink basin 48 can be heated to accelerate thawing.

Additionally, if desired, the water can be mixed with a detergent composition, such as the dish detergent compositions described herein, to provide more thorough cleaning and sanitization benefits. Similarly, the apparats can be used without the heating element to wash vegetables or other food items in preparation for preparation.

The sink hardware of the present invention can be manufactured from standard materials used in constructing plumbing fixtures including metal alloys common to plumbing applications such as stainless steel as well as thermosetting polymer materials suitable for plumbing applications like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

DISH DETERGENT COMPOSITION The apparats of the present invention inclues a liquid cleaning composition which is a solution or mixture of water and a dish detergent composition. Any typical LDL formulation can serve as a dish detergent composition in the present invention provided that it is sufficiently diluted with water to control the amount of suds generated. However, since such aqueous dilution will reduce the detersive effectiveness of the liquid cleaning composition, it is preferable to modify a typical LDL formula by reducing the levels of foaming surfactants as well as reducing or removing the levels of suds boosters meant to enhance foaming. By contrast, a suitable ADW formula may be obtained by removing the suds suppressers, including higher levels of surfactants (particularly low-foaming surfactants) and including a system of components which are effective at grease cleaning.

Modifie ADW Composition A modifie ADW formula suitable for use in the present invention generally inclues a bleaching agent, a bleach activator, a low-foaming nonionic surfactant, a pH-adjusting component and a source of divalent ions. The modifie ADW formula is different from typical ADW formulas in the following ways : its source of alkalinity and the builder material used is only carbonate-based, rather than a mix the silicone suds suppressers have been removed, and higher levels of surfactants are desirable. If a dish detergent compositions is to be a modifie ADW composition, it can be provided in liquid, granular, tablet or gel form.

ADW compositions of the present invention can comprise low foaming nonionic surfactants (LFNIs). LFNI can be present in amounts from 0. 1 % to about 10% by weight, preferably from about 1% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0. 25% to about 4%. LFNIs are most typically used in ADWs on account of the improved water-sheeting action (especially from glass) which they confer to the ADW product. In the present composition nonionic surfactants also work with calcium ions to provide grease-cleaning benefits. They also encompass non-silicone, nonphosphate polymeric materials further illustrated hereinafter which are known to defoam food soils encountered in automatic dishwashing.

Preferred LFNIs include nonionic alkoxylated surfactants, especially ethoxylates derived from primary alcools, and blends thereof with more sophisticated surfactants, such as the polyoxypropylene/polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene reverse block polymers. The PO/EO/PO polymer-type surfactants are well-known to have foam suppressing or defoaming action, especially in relation to common food soil ingredients such as egg. Where a formulator wishes to use an amine oxide surfactant it is preferable to use cleaning-effective amine oxides which are inherently much lower in foam-forming tendencies than the typical coco amine oxides.

In a preferred embodiment, the LFNI is an ethoxylated surfactant derived from the rection of a monohydroxy alcohol or alkylphenol containing from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms, excluding cyclic carbon atoms, with from about 6 to about 15 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol or alkyl phenol on an average basis.

The LFNI can optionally contain propylene oxide in an amount up to about 15% by weight.

Other preferred LFNI surfactants can be prepared by the processes described in U. S. Patent 4, 223, 163, issued September 16, 1980, Builloty, incorporated herein by reference.

Highly preferred ADWs herein wherein the LFNI is present make use of ethoxylated monohydroxy alcohol or alkyl phenol and additionally comprise a polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block polymeric compound ; the ethoxylated monohydroxy alcohol or alkyl phenol fraction of the LFNI comprising from about 20% to about 80%, preferably from about 30% to about 70%, of the total LFNI.

Suitable block polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymeric compound that meet the requirements described herein before include those based on ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane and ethylenediamine as initiator reactive hydrogen compound.

Certain of the block polymer surfactant compound designated PLURONICO and TETRONICS by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp., Wyandotte, Michigan, are suitable in ADW compositions of the invention.

Suitable for use as LFNI in the ADW compositions are those LFNI having relatively low cloud points and high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB). Cloud points of 1% solutions in water are typically below about 32 C and preferably lower, e. g., 0 C, for optimum control of sudsing throughout a full range of water temperatures.

LFNIs which may also be used include a C, 8 alcohol polyethoxylate, having a degree of ethoxylation of about 8, commercially available SLF 18 from Olin Corp. and any biodegradable LFNI having the melting point properties discussed herein above.

Suitable for use in the present invention are nonionic surfactants are the long chain amine oxide surfactants.

The long chain amine oxide semi-polar nonionic surfactants of the present invention comprise compound and mixtures of compound having the formula :

The above amine oxides are more fully described in U. S. Pat. No. 4, 316, 824, issued February 23, 1982, to Pancheri ; U. S. Pat. No. 5, 075, 501 ; and U. S. Pat. No. 5, 071, 594, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention may contain from about 0. 1% to about 30 %, preferably from about 0. 3% to about 18 %, more preferably from about 0. 5% to about 12 %, by weight, of low-foaming nonionic surfactants. Preferred automatic dishwashing detergent compositions comprise from about 0. 8 % to about 10 % of amine oxide.

The automatic dishwashing detergent compositions herein can additionally contain an anionic co-surfactant. When present, the anionic co-surfactant is typically in an amount from 0. 1 % to about 10%, preferably from about 0. 1% to about 8%, more preferably from about 0. 5% to about 5%, by weight of the modifie ADW composition.

Suitable anionic co-surfactants include branche or linear alkyl sulfates and sulfonates.

These may contain from about 8 to about 20 carbon atoms. Other anionic cosurfactants include the alkyl benzene sulfonates containing from about 6 to about 13 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, and mono-and/or dialkyl phenyl oxide mono-and/or di-sulfonates wherein the alkyl groups contain from about 6 to about 16 carbon atoms. All of these anionic co-surfactants are used as stable salts, preferably sodium and/or potassium.

Preferred anionic co-surfactants include sulfobetaines, betaines, alkyl (polyethoxy) sulfates (AES) and alkyl (polyethoxy) carboxylates which are usually high sudsing, bromoled fatty acids, alkyl ether carboxylate and sodium laurate. Optional anionic co-surfactants are further illustrated in published British Patent Application No. 2, 116, 199A ; U. S. Pat. No. 4, 005, 027, Hartman ; U. S.

Pat. No. 4, 116, 851, Rupe et al ; and U. S. Pat. No. 4, 116, 849, Leikhim, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Highly preferred anionic cosurfactants herein are sodium or potassium salt-forms for which the corresponding calcium salt form has a low Kraft temperature, e. g., 30 C or below, or, even better, 20 C or lower. Examples of such highly preferred anionic cosurfactants are the alkyl (polyethoxy) sulfates.

The preferred anionic co-surfactants of the invention in combination with the other components of the composition provide excellent cleaning and outstanding performance from the standpoints of residual spotting and filming. However, many of these co-surfactants may also be high sudsing thereby requiring the addition of LFNI. Suds suppressers should not be used in the modifie ADW compositions. The ratio of anionic surfactant to amine oxide is from about 1 : 15 to about 1 : 2, preferably from about 1 : 10 to about 1 : 4.

A preferred modifie ADW composition additionally inclues surfactants classifie as "specially selected secondary soaps". Such surfactants are described in greater detail in U. S. Pat.

No. 5, 726, 141, issued March 10, 1998, to Ofosu-asante, incorporated herein by reference.

Divalent Ions source-The presence of divalent ions greatly improves the cleaning of greasy soils for compositions of the present invention. This is especially true when the compositions are used in softened water that contains few divalent ions. It is believed that divalent ions increase the packing of the present surfactants at the oil/water interface, thereby reducing interfacial tension and improving grease cleaning.

The divalent ions are present in the compositions hereof at a level of from about 0. 01 % to 4. 0%, preferably from about 0. 05% to 3. 5%, more preferably from about 0. 1% to about 2. 0%, by weight of the composition.

Calcium ions in the amount of from about 0. 0 1% to about 2. 5%, preferably from about 0. 1% to about 1. 5%, by weight, mat bye added as calcium xylene sulfonate. If calcium ions are to be used, the compositions of the present invention preferably comprise from about 0. 1 % to about 40%, more preferably from about 0. 5% to about 10. 0%, most preferably from about 0. 5% to about 5% calcium xylene sulfonate.

A divalent ion like calcium may be incompatible with a detergent composition of a pH greater than about 9 or may be incompatible in a detergent composition which contains high levels of either carbonates or anionic surfactants ; where it is desirable to add divalent ions to such compositions then it is necessary to include another species of divalent ion, in particular magnesium as well. Magnesium can be added as MgCI2, magnesium xylene sulfonate or as the magnesium salt of an anionic surfactant. It is preferable that if a particular detergent composition contains carbonates then the composition should not contain calcium ions.

Alternatively when a divalent ion is incompatible with a particular detergent composition, particularly those compositions containing carbonate, then it may be added separately from the rest of the detergent composition through the use of multiple detergent reservoirs or storage chambers as discussed above.

The divalent ions can also be added to the composition in the following forms chloride, acetate, formate or nitrate. The amount of divalent ions present in compositions of the invention will be dependent upon the total amount of nonionic surfactant. When divalent ions and nonionic surfactants are present in the compositions of this invention, the molar ratio of divalent ions to total anionic and/or nonionic surfactant is from about 1 : 15 to about 1 : 2 for compositions of the invention.

Organic diamines either alone or in combination with the above divalent ions can also be used to improve grease cleaning performance. pH-Adjusting DetergencY BuilderThe dish detergent compositions prepared according to the present invention have a pH of at least 7 ; therefore the compositions can comprise a pHadjusting detergency builder component selected from water-soluble alkaline inorganic salts and water-soluble organic or inorganic builders. To secure the cleaning benefits of the invention, the active detersive ingredients must be combine with a pH-adjusting component which delivers a wash solution pH of from 7 to about 13, preferably from about 8 to about 12, more preferably from about 8 to about 11. The pH-adjusting component are selected so that when the ADw is dissolve in water at a concentration of 2000-6000 ppm, the pH remains in the ranges discussed above. If the dish detergent composition is in liquid or gel form then it is preferred that the pHadjusting components of the present invention be carbonate-based and selected from the group consisting of : sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sesquicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate or mixtures thereof. If the dish detergent composition is granular or in the form of a tablet, then carbonate pH-adjusting components are not suitable. ne amount of the pH adjusting component in the instant ADW compositions is generally from about 0. 9% to about 99%, preferably from about 5% to about 70%, more preferably from about 20% to about 60% by weight of the composition.

The essential pH-adjusting system can be complemented (i. e. for improved sequestration in hard water) by other optional detergency builder salts selected from phosphate or nonphosphate detergency builders known in the art, which include the various water-soluble, alkali mental, ammonium or substituted ammonium borates, hydroxysulfonates, polyacetates, and polycarboxylates. Preferred are the alkali metal, especially sodium, salts of such materials.

Alternate water-soluble, non-phosphorus organic builders can be used for their sequestering properties. Examples of polyacetate and polycarboxylate builders are the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (especially the S, S- form) ; nitrilotriacetic acid, tartrate monosuccinic acid, tartrate disuccinic acid, oxydiacetic acid, oxydisuccinic acid, carboxymethyloxysuccinic acid, mellitic acid, and sodium benzene polycarboxylate salts.

EnzYmesThe compositions of the present invention may also include a detersive enzyme in the form of an enzyme particle. The enzyme particle comprises a composite particle suitable for incorporation in a detergent composition comprising an enzyme-containing core material and a barrier layer coated on the enzyme-containing core material. The enzyme containing core material, as the name implies, inclues the enzyme or enzymes which the composite particle of the present invention is to deliver. The enzyme to be delivered by the present invention is a detersive enzyme."Detersive enzyme", as used herein, means any enzyme having a cleaning, stain removing or otherwise beneficial effect in an automatic dishwashing composition. Preferred detersive enzymes are hydrolases such as protases, amylases and lipases. Highly preferred for automatic dishwashing are amylases and/or protases, including both current commercially available types and improved types which, though more and more bleach compatible though successive improvements, have a remaining degree of bleach deactivation susceptibility.

Enzymes are normally incorporated into detergent or detergent additive compositions at levels sufficient to provide a"cleaning-effective amont". The term"cleaning effective amount" refers to any amount capable of producing a cleaning, stain removal, soil removal, whitening, deodorizing, or freshness improving effect on substrats such as dishware and the like. In practical terms for current commercial preparations, typical amounts are up to about 5 mg by weight, more typically 0. 01 mg to 3 mg, of active enzyme per gram of the detergent composition.

Stated otherwise, the compositions herein will typically comprise from about 0. 001% to about 15%, preferably about 0. 01% to about 10% by weight of a commercial enzyme preparation.

Protase enzymes are usually present in such commercial preparations at levels sufficient to provide from 0. 005 to 0. 1 Anson units (AU) of activity per gram of composition. Suitable enzymes are further described in the copending provisional patent application of Peter R. Foley et al., entitled"Process for Promoting Sanitization of Washed and Sanitized Substrats during the Post-Wash Stage of Automatic Dishwashing", having P & G Case No. 7217P, filed on 15 Oct.

1998.

Enzymes used in the present compositions must be stable in the high alkalinity environment (e. g. a pH of between 8 and 11) of these compositions and at the common wash temperatures (e. g. as high as about 60 C) of the liquid cleaning composition as used in the present invention.

Bleaching AgentThe dish detergent compositions of the present invention contain from about 0. 01% to about 30%, preferably from about 0. I % to about 10%, more preferably from about 0. 2% to about 2% of a bleaching agent. Any bleaching agent well-known in the art and commonly used in ADW compositions may be used in the present invention.

One non-limiting examples of such a bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide sources are illustrated in detail Kirk Othmer's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 4th. Ed., 1992, John Wiley & Sons, Vol. 4, ppg. 271-300,"Bleaching Agents (Survey)", which is herein incorporated by reference. Bleaching and include the various forms of sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate, including various coated, encapsulated and modifie forms. An "effective amount"of a source of hydrogen peroxide is any amount capable of measurably improving stain removal (especially of tea stains) from the soiled substrate compare to a hydrogen peroxide source-free composition when the soiled substrate is washed by the consumer in a in the presence of alkali. More generally a source of hydrogen peroxide herein is any convenient compound or mixture which under consumer use conditions provides an effective amount of hydrogen peroxide. The preferred source of hydrogen peroxide used herein can be any convenient source, including hydrogen peroxide itself. For example, perborate, e. g., sodium perborate (any hydrate but preferably the mono-or tetra-hydrate), sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate or equivalent percarbonate salts, sodium pyrophosphate peroxyhydrate, urea peroxyhydrate, or sodium peroxide can be used herein. Sodium perborate monohydrate and sodium percarbonate are particularly preferred. Mixtures of any convenient hydrogen peroxide sources can also be used.

Another non-limiting examples of a bleaching agent is diacyl peroxide of the general formula: RC (O) OO (O) CRI wherein R and RI can be the same or different, preferably no more than one is a hydrocarbyl chain of longer than ten carbon atoms, more preferably at least one has an aromatic nucleus.

Examples of suitable diacyl peroxides are selected from the group consisting of dibenzoyl peroxide, benzoyl glutaryl peroxide, benzoyl succinyl peroxide, di-(2-methybenzoyl) peroxide, diphthaloyl peroxide and mixtures thereof, more preferably dibenzoyl peroxide, diphthaloyl peroxides and mixtures thereof. The preferred diacyl peroxide is dibenzoyl peroxide.

Another non-limiting example of a bleaching agent is a chlorine bleaching ingredient such as sodium hypochlorite and other alkali metal hypochlorites.

Preferably, the dish detergent compositions also contain other bleach species, such as diacyl peroxide bleaching species of the general formula : RC (O) OO (O) CRI wherein R and RI can be the same or different, preferably no more than one is a hydrocarbyl chain of longer than ten carbon atoms, more preferably at least one has an aromatic nucleus.

Examples of suitable diacyl peroxides are selected from the group consisting of dibenzoyl peroxide, benzoyl glutaryl peroxide, benzoyl succinyl peroxide, di-(2-methybenzoyl) peroxide, diphthaloyl peroxide and mixtures thereof, more preferably dibenzoyl peroxide, diphthaloyl peroxides and mixtures thereof. The preferred diacyl peroxide is dibenzoyl peroxide.

If one wishes to use a bleaching agent that is incompatible with the desired detergent composition, then the bleaching agent may be added separately from the rest of the detergent composition through the use of multiple detergent reservoirs or storage chambers as was discussed above.

Bleach Activator-It is preferable that the dish detergent compositions of the present invention contain additional bleach activators and catalysts. Suitable bleach catalysts may be based on Co, Mn or Fe, and most preferably, cobalt based catalysts. Suitable bleach activators include hydrophilic or hydrophobic bleach activator, preferably, tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) and cationic bleach activators, e. g., 6-trimethylammoniocaproyl caprolactum, tosylate.

The dish detergent compositions of the present invention may also include a Multiquatemary Bleach Activator. These activators comprise a peracid-forming portion and a leaving-group portion. Further, the peracid-forming portion comprises at least one quaternary nitrogen group, preferably from I to 4 quaternary nitrogen groups. Most preferably, the bleach activator will comprise a single peracid-forming moiety covalently connecte to a single leavinggroup moiety. Such activators are further discussed in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 520, 835, issued 28 May 1996, to Sivik et al., hereby incorporated by reference.

Optional ingredients : The detergent compositions described herein may also contain the following conventional optional ingredients.

A dispersant polymer may be included in an amount of from 0. 001 to about 25%, preferably from about 0. 5% to about 20%, more preferably from about 1% to about 7% by weight of the composition. Dispersant polymers suitable for use herein are described in U. S. Pat.

No. 5, 786, 314, issue July 28, 1998, to Sadlowski, hereby incorporated by reference and Sivik et al., incorporated above. Dispersant polymers are useful for improving the filming performance of the present ADW compositions, especially in higher pH embodiments, and can also prevent food soifs and particulates in the liquid cleaning composition ftom being redeposited onto kitchen articles immersed in the liquid cleaning composition. Furthermore, dispersant polymers, when used in combination with other builders, can enhance overall detergent builder performance and thus aid in calcium and magnesium hardness control.

The present modifie ADW compositions should include enzyme-stabilizing compositions, herein may comprise from about 0. 001 % to about 10%, preferably from about 0. 005% to about 8%, most preferably from about 0. 01% to about 6%, by weight of an enzyme stabilizing system. The enzyme stabilizing system can be any stabilizing system which is compatible with the detersive enzyme. Such a system may be inherently provided by other formulation actives, or be added separately, e. g., by the formulator or by a manufacturer of detergent-ready enzymes. Such stabilizing systems can, for example, comprise calcium ion, boric acid, propylene glycol, short chain carboxylic acids, boronic acids, and mixtures thereof, and are designed to address different stabilization problems depending on the type and physical form of the detergent composition.

The present compositions may also contain corrosion inhibitor. Such corrosion inhibitors are preferred components of machine dishwashing compositions in accord with the invention, and are preferably incorporated at a level of from 0. 05% to 10%, preferably from 0. 1% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

Suitable corrosion inhibitors include paraffin oil such as sold by Wintershall, Salzbergen, Germany, under the trade name WINOG 70. Other suitable corrosion inhibitor compound include benzotriazole and any derivatives thereof, mercaptans and diols, especially mercaptans with 4 to 20 carbon atoms including lauryl mercaptan, thiophenol, thionapthol, thionalide and thioanthranol. Also suitable are the C12-C20 fatty acids, or their salts, especially aluminum tristearate. The C12-C20 hydroxy fatty acids, or their salts, are also suitable. Phosphonated octa-decane and other anti-oxidants such as betahydroxytoluene (BHT) are also suitable.

Hydrotrope materials such as sodium benzene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate, sodium cumene sulfonate, etc., can be present in minor amonts.

Bleach-stable perfumes (stable as to odor) ; and bleach-stable dyes can also be added to the present compositions in appropriate amonts. Preferred bleach-stable dyes are those disclosed in U. S. Patent 4, 714, 562, issued December 22, 1987, to Roselle et al.

Other common ADW detergent ingredients are not excluded.

Modifie LDL Compositions The dish detergent compositions of the present invention may be a modifie LDL formula. Generally, LDL formulas contain special ingredients or particularly selected surfactants to enhance their foaming and grease-cutting characteristics. Strong foaming is desirable because it provides a visual signal that consumers invariably associate with cleansing activity and efficacy. In the present invention, however, a significant amount of foaming is provided through mechanical means by the agitation caused by the action of the liquid cleaning composition being forced into the wash basin 48 under pressure, thus reducing the need for chemical foam enhancing agents. As such the formula may be modifie to include a higher percentage of low foaming surfactants such as low-foaming nonionic (LFNI) surfactants rather than the more common and higher foaming surfactants such as anionics. Moreover suds suppressers, an anathema in LDL compositions, may be added and a common LDL ingredient such as suds boosters removed so that the combination of mechanical foaming from the agitation and the inherent and unavoidable chemical foaming of many common surfactants does not provide excessive overall foaming. Alternatively, higher-foaming detergent compositions are acceptable if the dish detergent composition is more slowly dispense into the liquid cleaning composition so that the mixture of the liquid cleaning composition and loosened and solubilizeed soil (said soil acting as a suds suppressor) will maintain a constant level of suds in the sink basin 48.

Accordingly, LDL formulas according to the present invention are discussed in more detail below.

Surfactants-The modifie LDL compositions of this invention comprise from about 5 % to about 90 %, more preferably from about 25 % to about 70 %, most preferably from about 30 % to about 50 %, by weight surfactant.

Examples of anionic surfactants that are useful in the present invention are the following classes : (1) Alkyl benzene sulfonates in which the alkyl group contains from 9 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably 11 to 14 carbon atoms in straight chain or branche chain configuration.

(2) Alkyl sulfates obtained by sulfating an alcohol having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms. The alkyl sulfates have the formula ROS03 M'where R is the C8-22 alkyl group and M is a mono-and/or divalant cation.

(3) Paraffin sulfonates having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms, in the alkyl moiety.

(4) Olefin sulfonates having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms. U. S. Pat.

No. 3, 332, 880 contains a description of suitable olefin sulfonates.

(5) Alkyl ether sulfates derived from ethoxylating an alcohol having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms, less than 30, preferably less than 12, moles of ethylene oxide.

(6) Alkyl glyceryl ether sulfonates having 8 to 22 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 16 carbon atoms, in the alkyl moiety.

(7) Secondary alcohol sulfates having 6 to 18, preferably 8 to 16 carbon atoms.

(8) Alkyl ethoxy carboxylates of the present invention are of the generic formula RO (CH2CH20) XCH2COO--M"+ wherein R is a C, 6 alkyl group, x ranges from 0 to about 10, n is 1 or 2 and the ethoxylate distribution is such that, on a weight basis, the amount of material where x is 0 is less than about 20%, preferably less than about 15%, most preferably less than about 10%, and the amount of material where x is greater than 7 is less than about 25%, preferably less than about 15%, most preferably less than about 10%, the average x is from about 2 to 4 when the average R is Cl, or less, and the average x is from about 3 to 6 when the average R is greater thane, 3, and M is a cation, preferably chosen from alkali metal, diamines, mono-, di-, and tri-ethanoldiamines, most preferably from sodium, potassium, diamines, and mixtures thereof with magnesium ions. The preferred alkyl ethoxy carboxylates are those where R is a C12 to Ci4 alkyl group. Suitable processes for preparing the alkyl ethoxy carboxylates are disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 5, 233, 087, issued August 3, 1993, to Cripe, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

(9) secondary soaps, non-limiting examples of which include the water-soluble salts of 2 methyl-1-undecanoic acid, 2-ethyl-1-decanoic acid, 2-propyl-1-nonanoic acid, 2-butyl-1- octanoic acid ; 2-pentyl-1-heptanoic acid ; 2-methyl-1-dodecanoic acid ; 2-ethyl-1- undecanoic acid ; 2-propyl-1-decanoic acid ; 2-butyl-1-nonanoic acid ; 2-pentyl-1- octanoic acid and mixtures thereof.

(10) Mixtures of any of the surfactants found in groups 1 through 9.

The composition of this invention can contain betaine detergent surfactants having the general formula : R-N+(R1)2-R2COOwherein R is a hydrophobic group selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups containing from about 10 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkyl aryl and aryl alkyl groups containing a similar number of carbon atoms with a benzene ring being treated as equivalent to about 2 carbon atoms, and similar structures interrupted by amido or ether linkages ; each R'is an alkyl group containing from I to about 3 carbon atoms ; and R2 is an alkylene group containing from I to about 6 carbon atoms.

Examples of preferred betaines are dodecyl dimethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, dodecyl amidopropyldlmethyl betaine, tetradecyldimethyl betaine, tetradecylamidopropyldimethyl betaine, and dodecyldimethyldiamines hexanoate. Other suitable suds boosters are disclosed in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3, 950, 417 ; 4, 137, 191 ; 4, 375, 421 ; 5, 415, 814 and British Patent GB No. 2, 103, 236, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

It will be recognized that the alkyl (and acyl) groups for the above betaine surfactants can be derived from either natural or synthetic sources, e, g., they can be derived from naturally occurring fatty acids ; olefins such as those prepared by Ziegler, or Oxo processes ; or from olefins separated from petroleum either with or without"cracking".

Nonionic sprfactants may include any of those described above in reference to modifie ADW formulas. In addition, further examples of nonionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention are generally disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3, 929, 678, Laughlin et al., issued Dec.

30, 1975, at column 13, line 14 through column 16, line 6, incorporated herein by reference.

Particularly preferred are the long chain amine oxide surfactants discussed above. In addition, suitable nonionic surfactants include C, 2, 4 amine oxide surfactants. Modifie light duty liquid compositions may contain from about 0. 1% to about 40 %, preferably from about 0. 3% to about 25 %, more preferably from about 0. 5% to about 18 %, by weight, of low-foaming nonionic surfactants. Preferred light duty liquid compositions comprise from about 0. 8 % to about 10 % of amine oxide.

Amphoteric detergent surfactants may also be included in the present modifie LDL formulas, Examples of amphoteric surfactants suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed in the copending provisional patent application of Ofosu-Asante et al., entitled "Antimicrobial Detergent Compositions", having P & G Case No. 7277P, filed on 24 Oct. 1998, hereby incorporated by reference.

Examples of Zwitterionic detergent surfactants that are useful in the present invention include derivatives of aliphatic quaternary diamines, phosphonium, and sulphonium compound in which the aliphatic moiety can be straight or branche chain and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to 24 carbon atoms and one contains an anionic watersolubilizing group. Particularly preferred zwitterionic materials are the ethoxylated diamines sulfonates and sulfates disclosed in U. S. Pat. Nos. 3, 925, 262, Laughlin et al, issued Dec. 9, 1975 and 3, 929, 262, Laughlin et al, issued Dec. 30, 1975, said patents being incorporated herein by reference.

Divalent Ions source-It is preferred that the detergent compositions prepared according to the present invention contain divalent ions greatly improves the cleaning of greasy soils for compositions of the present invention. This is especially true when the compositions are used in softened water that contains few divalent ions. The manner and amount in which divalent ions may be added to the modifie LDL formulas of the present invention is nearly identical to the methods and amounts described above for adding calcium ions to modifie ADW formulas described above. Organic diamines either atone or in combination with the above divalent ions may also be used to improve grease cleaning performance.

Suds Sapressors-The LDLs of the invention can have one or more suds suppressors. If used, levels of suds suppressors in general are from about 0. 001% to about 10 %, more preferably from about 0. 001 % to about 5 %, most preferably, from about 0. 00 1% to about 3 %.

Suds suppressor technology and other defoaming agents useful herein are extensively documente in"Defoaming, Theory and Industrial Applications", Ed., P. R. Gar ", Marcel Dekker, N. Y., 1973, ISBN 0-8247-8770-6, incorporated herein by reference. See especially the chapters entitled"Foam control in Detergent Products" (Ferch et al) and"Surfactant Antifoams" (Blease et al). See also U. S. Patents 3, 933, 672 and 4, 136, 045.

Levels of the suds suppressor depend to some extent on the sudsing tendency of the composition, for example, an LDL for use at 2000 ppm comprising 2% octadecyldimethylamine oxide may not require the presence of a suds suppressor. Indeed, it is an avantage of the present invention to select cleaning-effective amine oxides which are inherently much lower in foamforming tendencies than the typical coco amine oxides. In contrast, formulations in which amine oxide is combine with a high-foaming anionic cosurfactant, e. g., alkyl ethoxy sulfate, benefit greatly from the presence of suds suppressors.

Qptional in2, redients-The dish detergent compositions described herein may also contain conventional optional ingredients which are usually used in additive levels of below about 25% include opacifiers, antioxidants, dyes, perfumes, bleach, bleach activators, optical brighteners, and the like. The following are intended only to be illustrations of such ingredients, more examples of which will readily come to the mind of the skilled formulator.

Optional enzymes such as protase, lipase andlor amylase may be added to the compositions of the present invention as described above and as described in U. S. Pat. No.

5, 559, 400, issued 6 June 1995, to Mao et al., hereby incorporated by reference. Such enzymes provide additional cleaning benefits as well as promote the health of the skin and to provide the consumer with a perceived mildness or skin feel/appearance avantage over other similar detergent compositions which do not contain enzymes.

Other desirable ingredients include diluents and solvents. Diluents can be inorganic salts, such as ammonium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, etc., and the solvents include water, lower molecular weight alcools, such as ethyl alcool, isopropyl alcool, etc.

Compositions herein will typically contain up to about 45%, preferably from about 20% to about 40%, most preferably from about 25% to about 35%, of water.

The following examples are illustrative of the present invention, but are not meant to limit or otherwise define its scope. All parts, percentages and ratios used herein are expressed as percent weight of the composition unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLE I A modifie LDL detergent formula suitable for use in the apparats of the present invention and having the following composition is prepared : % BY Weight A B AEO. 6S1 21. 0 26. 0 Amine oxide2 12. 0 7. 0 Suds 0. 1 0. 1 Suppressant Sodium xylene 5. 0 5. 0 Sulfonate C11E93 3. 00 3. 00 Diamine4 0. 50 0. 50 Water and Misc. BAL. BAL.

Builder 3. 0 3. 0 Ethanol 5. 0 5. 0 pH @10% 8. 7 10 1 : C, z~, 3 alkyl ethoxy sulfonate containing an average of 0. 6 ethoxy groups.

2 : C, 2-14 Amine oxide.

3 : C"Alkyl ethoxylated surfactant containing 9 ethoxy groups.

4 : 1, 3 bis (methylamine)-cyclohexane.

EXAMPLE II A modifie ADW detergent formula suitable for use in the apparats of the present invention and having the following composition is prepared : % BY Weiht Alkyl ether 3. 0 carboxylate Amine oxide'15. 0 SLF 182 1.0 Hydrogel 0. 50 Benzoic Acid 0. 1 Amylase 0. 2 Protase 0. 01 Propylene glycol 2. 0 Ca Formate 1. 0 Adjuncts (water, BAL.

NaOH, dye, perfume, etc.) 3 pH@ 10% 9. 5 1 : C12-14 Amine oxide.

2 : C alcohol polyethoxylate, having a degree of ethoxylation of about 8.

18 3 : Sufficient NaOH is added to bring the pH of the composition to 9. 5.

Claims (19)

1. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS : 1. An apparats comprising : (a) a wash basin containing a liquid cleaning composition and having an outlet in liquid communication with a drain pipe, the drain pipe being in liquid communication with a waste line ; (b) a return pipe, being in liquid communication with the drain pipe and the outlet ; (c) a pump in liquid communication with the return pipe ; (d) a flow pipe in liquid communication the pump ; (e) a means in liquid communication with the flow pipe for supplying the liquid cleaning composition under pressure to a plurality of channels set in the wash basin whereby pressurized liquid cleaning composition is introduced through the channels and into the wash basin.
2. 2. The apparats of claim I wherein the return pipe has an in-line pourus membrane.
3. 3. The apparats of claim I wherein a heating element is attache to the return pipe.
4. 4. The apparats of claim 1 wherein a heating element is attache to the flow pipe.
5. 5. The apparats of claim I wherein a filtering means is attache to the return pipe whereby water is withdrawn from the filtering means by the action of the pump coupled to the filtering means.
6. 6. The apparats of claim I wherein a filtering means is attache to the flow pipe whereby water is forced through the filtering means by the action of the pump coupled to the filter means.
7. 7. The apparats of claim I wherein the liquid cleaning composition is a mixture of water and a dish detergent composition which comprises : (a) from about 5 % to about 90 % of surfactant ; and (b) less than about 70 % water.
8. 8. The apparats of claim 7 wherein the dish detergent composition further comprises from about 0. 001 % to about 3 % of a suds suppressor.
9. 9. The apparats of claim 7 wherein the dish detergent composition further comprises from about 0. 01 % to about 4 % of a source of divalent ions.
10. 10. The apparats of claim I wherein the liquid cleaning composition is a mixture of water and a dish detergent composition which comprises : (a) from about 0. 1 % to about 10 % of a low-foaming nonìonic surfactant ; and (b) from about 5 % to about 70 % of a pH-adjusting component.
11. 11. The apparats of claim I wherein the channels are orientated so that when pressurized liquid cleaning composition is introduced through the channels into the wash basin a substantially vertical cyclonic agitation pattern in the liquid cleaning composition in the wash basin is created.
12. 12. The apparats of claim I wherein the apparats further comprises a wash rack within the wash basin.
13. 13. The apparats of claim 10 wherein the dish detergent composition further comprises from about 0. 1 % to about 30 % of a bleach.
14. 14. The apparats of claim 10 wherein the dish detergent composition further comprises from about 0. 01 % to about 4 % of a source of divalent ions.
15. 15. tue apparats of claim 13 wherein the dish detergent composition further comprises a bleach activator.
16. 16. The apparats of claim 10 wherein the dish detergent composition further comprises an anionic surfactant.
17. 17. An apparats comprising : (a) a wash basin having an outlet in liquid communication with a drain pipe, the drain pipe being in liquid communication with a waste line ; (b) a return pipe, being in liquid communication with the drain pipe and the outlet ; (c) a pump in liquid communication with the return pipe ; (d) a flow pipe in liquid communication the pump ; (e) a means in liquid communication with the flow pipe for supplying a liquid cleaning composition under pressure to a plurality of channels set in the wash basin whereby pressurized said liquid cleaning composition can be introduced through the channels and into the wash basin.
18. 18. A method for processing food items comprising : filling the apparats of claim 17 with a liquid cleaning composition ; immersing a food item either fully or partially in the liquid cleaning composition ; and removing the food item.
19. 19. A method for processing food items comprising : (a) filling the apparats of claim I with a liquid cleaning composition ; (b) heating the liquid cleaning composition ; (c) immersing a food item in the liquid cleaning composition ; and (d) removing the food item.