Dispenser and method for obtaining solution from dissolved solid product

Abstract

A dispenser and a method of obtaining a solution from dissolving a solid product are provided. A method and apparatus for obtaining product chemicals from a solid mass is provided. The product is contained in a dispenser that erodes the block with liquid and gas and produces a concentrated solution. The liquid and gas characteristics may be adjusted in situ to achieve a predetermined concentration level of the solution. Introducing air into the dispenser can save water while producing higher concentration levels.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on October 26, 2018, with application number 201880069011.1 and invention title "Method for Increasing the Solubility of Solid Chemical Substances". Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62 / 578,279, filed October 27, 2017, pursuant to 35 USC § 119. The provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including but not limited to the description, claims, and abstract, and any figures, tables, appendices, or drawings thereof. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to a dispenser and method of operation for dispensing solutions generated from solid chemical products. More specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing enhanced control and adjustability in dissolving or eroding solid products using a combination of incompressible liquids and compressible gases. Background Technology

[0004] The dissolution parameters of solid products in liquid solutions (such as liquid detergents used for cleaning and disinfection) vary depending on the operating parameters and inputs of the dissolution process. Spraying a liquid onto a solid product to dissolve it into a liquid solution is a technique. Using this technique, operating parameters are varied in part based on characteristics within the dispenser equipment, such as the distance between the solid product and the dispenser's spray nozzles, and changes in the pressure and temperature of the liquid sprayed onto the solid product. Changes in nozzle flow rate, spray pattern, spray angle, and nozzle flow rate can also affect the dispenser's operating parameters, thereby influencing the chemical properties, effectiveness, and efficiency of the resulting liquid solution concentrate. Furthermore, dissolving solid products by spraying typically requires additional space within the dispenser to form the nozzle spray pattern and a basin for collecting the dissolved product, resulting in a larger dispenser.

[0005] Recently, dispensing systems using turbulent flow technology have begun to use harder solid chemical blocks, resulting in lower concentration capacity within the dispenser. In turbulent flow technology, various adjustment options exist to control the concentration of the solution leaving the dispenser, such as immersion depth, disk-to-product height, the number and size of orifices in the manifold diffuser, orifice layout, water temperature, and water pressure. However, these adjustment levels are limited. For example, the orifices in the diffuser can only be made to the minimum diameter required before the dried chemicals solidify throughout the dispenser's entire lifespan. Furthermore, the minimum number of orifices required to completely cover the surface of the solid chemical block for uniform erosion is minimized. Turbulent flow technology platforms have evolved towards eroding more challenging blocks, such as rinsing aids, laundry detergents, and health enzymes. As dispensing these blocks becomes increasingly difficult, the upper limit of concentration adjustability becomes a limiting factor.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for on-site adjustment of turbulent flow techniques to increase solution concentration and minimize water consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the main object, feature and / or advantage of the present invention is to provide apparatus and methods that overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0008] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present invention is to provide a turbulent flow technique method and apparatus that utilizes a combination of liquids and gases to erode solid chemical blocks and thereby form a solution with a desired concentration for dispensing.

[0009] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus that allows for on-site adjustments in turbulent flow techniques by introducing pressurized air into the system to displace water and dissolve solid chemical blocks, thereby reducing water and increasing solution concentration levels.

[0010] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present invention is to provide turbulent flow technology methods and apparatus that can be used in a variety of applications.

[0011] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present invention is to provide cost-effective turbulent flow technology methods and apparatus.

[0012] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present invention is to provide reliable, durable, and long-lasting turbulent flow technology methods and apparatus.

[0013] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present invention is to provide a turbulent flow technology method and apparatus that is easy to use and reusable.

[0014] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present invention is to provide a turbulent flow technology method and apparatus that are easy to manufacture, assemble (install), disassemble (unload), repair, replace, store, transport, and clean.

[0015] Another object, feature, and / or advantage of the present invention is to integrate turbulent flow technology methods and apparatus into systems that achieve some or all of the aforementioned objects.

[0016] The following provides a list of aspects or embodiments disclosed herein, but does not limit the entire disclosure. It is contemplated that any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined, in whole or in part, with other embodiments, as understood from reading this disclosure.

[0017] According to some aspects of this disclosure, a dispenser for dispensing a solution generated from a solid product includes: a housing having a cavity for containing the solid product; a fluid source that combines liquid and gas from an adjacent solid block to contact the solid product, thereby eroding the solid product to generate a solution from the eroded solid product and liquid; and an outlet in the housing for dispensing the solution.

[0018] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the distributor also includes an air pump within the housing for supplying air to the cavity.

[0019] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the distributor also includes a pump controller with a feedback sensor to provide adjustment of the amount of gas supplied.

[0020] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the distributor also includes multiple ports adjacent to the cavity, with the fluid source upstream of the ports.

[0021] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the dispenser also includes at least one port for introducing liquids and gases.

[0022] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the dispenser also includes separate liquid and gas lines connected to the cavity to supply liquid and gas to the cavity.

[0023] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the dispenser also includes an accessory separator that generates at least two independent flow paths, each flow path including a flow control element for dispensing liquid.

[0024] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the dispenser also includes a manifold diffuser having a manifold diffuser port and positioned adjacent to a fluid source nozzle of a fluid source.

[0025] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the dispenser also includes a product chemical substance collector, which includes upright walls and a base plate including a manifold diffusion member.

[0026] According to some other aspects of this disclosure, a method includes dispensing the generated solution using a dispenser according to any of the foregoing aspects.

[0027] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes adjusting the properties of the liquid and / or gas before introduction through at least one port.

[0028] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the properties can be adjusted in real time based on the density of the solid product, environmental or climatic conditions, the type of liquid used, the quantity of the solid product used, or some combination thereof.

[0029] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the characteristics include pressure, volume, temperature, velocity, turbulence, flow rate, carrier and / or impact.

[0030] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes adjusting the amount of gas supplied.

[0031] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes dispensing liquid using a flow control element.

[0032] According to some other aspects of this disclosure, a method for obtaining product chemicals from a solid product includes introducing a liquid and a gas through at least one port adjacent to the solid product, thereby eroding the solid product to produce a solution from the solid product and the liquid.

[0033] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, liquid is introduced into the vicinity of the bottom surface of the solid product via a liquid source nozzle of a liquid source.

[0034] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes immersing the bottom surface of the solid product in a liquid.

[0035] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method further includes passing liquid through a manifold diffusion port of a manifold diffusion member, the manifold diffusion member being positioned adjacent to a liquid source nozzle of a liquid source.

[0036] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes removing the gas from the solution.

[0037] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes venting gas after eroding the solid product.

[0038] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes adjusting the properties of the liquid and / or gas before introduction through at least one port.

[0039] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the properties can be adjusted in real time based on the density of the solid product, environmental or climatic conditions, the type of liquid used, the quantity of the solid product used, or some combination thereof.

[0040] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, characteristics include pressure, volume, temperature, velocity, turbulence, flow rate, carrier and / or impact.

[0041] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the gas and liquid are combined upstream of the port.

[0042] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the gas is air.

[0043] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes collecting the solution in a product chemical substance collector.

[0044] According to some other aspects of the invention, the method of dispensing a solution includes eroding the solid product by impinging liquid and gas onto the solid product in a cavity within a housing, collecting the eroded solid product and liquid in a reservoir within the housing to produce a solution, and then selectively dispensing the solution from the reservoir.

[0045] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, liquid is introduced into the vicinity of the bottom surface of the solid product via a liquid source nozzle of a liquid source.

[0046] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes immersing the bottom surface of the solid product in a liquid.

[0047] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method further includes passing liquid through a manifold diffusion port of a manifold diffusion member, the manifold diffusion member being positioned adjacent to a liquid source nozzle of a liquid source.

[0048] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes venting gas from the casing when eroding a solid product.

[0049] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes adjusting the properties of the liquid and / or gas to produce a desired concentration of the solution.

[0050] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the properties can be adjusted in real time based on the density of the solid product, environmental or climatic conditions, the type of liquid used, the quantity of the solid product used, or some combination thereof.

[0051] According to some additional aspects of the invention, the characteristics include liquid and gas pressure, volume, temperature, velocity, turbulence, flow rate, carrier, and impact.

[0052] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the gas is air.

[0053] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes combining liquid and gas upstream of the cavity.

[0054] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes introducing liquid and gas through at least one port in the cavity.

[0055] According to some additional aspects of this disclosure, the method also includes supplying liquid and gas to the cavity via separate liquid and gas conduits.

[0056] These or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a turbulent flow technology distributor according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the dispenser according to the invention, wherein the front panel has been removed to show some of the internal components of the dispenser.

[0059] Figure 3 It is a front view, similar to Figure 2 .

[0060] Various embodiments of this disclosure illustrate several ways in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts in several views. Reference to particular embodiments does not limit the scope of this disclosure, and the drawings illustrated herein are presented for illustrative purposes. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The following definitions and introductory content are provided to facilitate understanding of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0062] Unless the context explicitly states otherwise, the terms "a / an" and "the" include plural objects. Similarly, unless the context explicitly states otherwise, the word "or" is intended to include "and". The word "or" means any member of a particular list, and also includes any combination of members of that list.

[0063] As used herein, the terms “invention” or “the present invention” are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of a particular invention, but rather to cover all possible embodiments as described in the specification and claims.

[0064] As used herein, the term "about" refers to, for example, a change in a numerical quantity relative to any quantifiable variable that can be produced by typical measuring techniques and equipment, including but not limited to mass, volume, time, distance, wavelength, frequency, voltage, current, and electromagnetic field. Furthermore, in the case of solid and liquid handling procedures used in the real world, certain unintentional errors and variations exist, which may be due to differences in the manufacture, origin, or purity of the ingredients used to manufacture the composition or implement the method, etc. Whether or not modified by the term "about," the claims include equivalent values ​​of quantity.

[0065] The term "configuration" describes a device, system, or other structure that is constructed to perform or is capable of performing a particular task or employs a particular configuration. The term "configuration" is used interchangeably with other similar phrases, such as construction, arrangement, adaptation, manufacturing, etc.

[0066] Terms such as first, second, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper, lower, front, rear, end, side, concave, convex, etc., are used according to the views presented. These terms are for descriptive purposes only and are not restrictive. The orientation of the object or combination of objects may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0067] The apparatus, system, and method of the present invention may include, be substantially composed of, or be composed of the components of the present invention described herein. The term "substantially composed of" means that the apparatus, system, and method may include additional components or steps only if the additional components or steps do not substantially alter the fundamental and novel characteristics of the claimed apparatus, system, and method.

[0068] The following embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention; however, mechanical, procedural and other changes can be made using other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined only by the full scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0069] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a dispenser 10 for use with the present invention is shown. However, it should be noted that other types and configurations of dispensers may be used with the present invention, and the description and drawings of dispenser 10 are not limiting. Dispenser 10 is configured to contain solid product chemicals combined with a liquid such as water to produce a product chemical solution. For example, solid product chemicals may be mixed with a liquid to form a cleaning detergent solution.

[0070] According to some embodiments, dispenser 10 operates by causing liquids and gases to interact with a solid product to form a desired concentration of product chemicals for its end use. The liquid may be introduced into the bottom or other surface of the solid product, as disclosed.

[0071] Therefore, the dispenser 10 of the present invention includes a novel turbulence or flow pattern control element that can be manually or in real-time (i.e., automatically) adjusted based on the characteristics of the solid product or another uncontrolled condition (such as environmental conditions). This characteristic may be the density of the solid product, the temperature or pressure of the liquid, the climate (humidity, temperature, pressure, etc.) of the room where the dispenser or solid product is placed, the type of liquid / fluid used, the quantity of solid product used, or some combination thereof. The dispenser 10 can be adjusted, such as by modifying existing flow patterns or turbulence characteristics. Adjustments may be based on known relationships between the characteristics of the solid product and the erosion rate, as well as relationships between different types of turbulence and the erosion rate of the solid product.

[0072] As mentioned, turbulence or flow characteristics / schemes can be adjusted based on known relationships between one or more properties of a solid chemical substance and its partitioning rate. For example, by understanding the change in the product partitioning rate with each change in the degree of liquid temperature variation, turbulence can be adjusted to counteract temperature changes. Concentration is adjusted based on known relationships between erosion or partitioning rates and properties or turbulence.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The dispenser 10 includes a housing 12, which includes a front door 14 with a handle 16. The door 14 is mounted to the housing in any convenient manner. For example, the front door 14 may be hingedly connected to the front panel 22 via a hinge 20 therebetween. This allows the front door 14 to rotate about the hinge 20 to allow access to the housing 12 of the dispenser 10. The front door 14 also includes a window 18 therein to allow the operator to view the solid product contained within the housing 12. Once it is observed that the contained product has been corroded to a certain extent, the front door 14 can be opened via the handle to allow the operator to replace the solid product with new, uncorroded product.

[0074] The front panel 22 may include a product ID window 24 for placing a product ID label thereon. The product ID window 24 allows the operator to quickly identify the type of product contained within the housing 12, making product replacement quick and efficient. The ID label may also include other information such as health risks, manufacturing information, last replacement date, etc. The dispenser can be activated in various ways, such as a button, switch, or touchpad. For example, in one embodiment, a button 26 is mounted to the front panel 22 for activating the dispenser 10. The button 26 may be a spring-loaded button, such that pressing or holding the button activates the dispenser 10 to dispense a certain amount of a solution of product chemicals formed from solid and liquid products. Thus, the button 26 may be pre-programmed to dispense a desired amount each time the button is pressed, or it may continue to dispense a certain amount of product chemicals while the button is being pressed.

[0075] A rear housing 28 is attached to the front panel 22 and typically covers the top, sides, and rear of the dispenser 10. The rear housing 28 can also be removed to access the interior of the dispenser 10. A mounting plate 30 is positioned at the rear of the dispenser 10 and includes means for mounting the dispenser to a wall or other structure. For example, the dispenser 10 can be attached to a wall via screws, hooks, or other suspension devices attached to the mounting plate 30.

[0076] The components of the housing 12 of the dispenser 10 may be made of molded plastic or other materials, and the window 18 may be made of transparent plastic, such as clarified polypropylene. The handle 16 can be connected to and disconnected from the front door 14. In addition, the anti-backflow device 62 may be positioned at or inside the rear housing 28 to prevent the backflow of product chemicals.

[0077] The solid product is placed within a cavity 38 surrounded by walls 40. The solid product chemical is placed on a support member 50. The support member 50 may be a grid, a sieve, or otherwise include perforations to allow liquid to pass through. A liquid, such as water, is connected to the dispenser 10 via a liquid inlet 32 ​​on the underside of the dispenser 10. Activating the dispenser, such as by pressing button 26, will allow liquid to enter the dispenser 10 to contact the product chemical. The liquid passes through a liquid source 34 via a fitting separator 36. As shown, the liquid source is a separate dual-channel liquid source for different flow paths. Each path contains a flow control (not shown) to appropriately dispense liquid in the desired amount. Such flow controls can be altered to change the turbulence of the liquid in contact with the solid product, thereby adjusting the turbulence based on characteristics to maintain the formed product chemical within an acceptable concentration range. For example, the liquid may pass through the liquid source 34 and exit through a liquid source nozzle 44. The liquid source nozzle 44 is positioned adjacent to the manifold diffuser (which may also be referred to as the disc member) such that liquid passing through the liquid nozzle 44 will pass through the manifold diffuser port of the manifold diffuser.

[0078] Furthermore, the present invention envisions that, when positioned on the support member 50, the product chemical substance may be fully submerged, partially submerged, or not submerged at all. The level of submersion, or its lack thereof, depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to the chemical properties of the product, the desired concentration, the fluid used to erode the chemical substance, the frequency of use of the dispenser, and other factors. For example, for normal use with water as the erosive element, it has been shown that it is preferable to submerge the bottom of the product chemical substance to help control the rate of erosion. The amount of submersion may depend on the chemical properties of the block. For example, for one block of chemical substance, submersion may be approximately 0.25 to 0.75 inches, while for another block of chemical substance, submersion may be approximately 0.5 to 1.0 inches. This will result in a more uniform erosion of the product during use, reducing the chance of loose quantities of product remaining that must be discarded or otherwise wasted.

[0079] The liquid continues to contact one or more portions of the solid product supported by product grid 50 in a generally upward orientation. The mixing of the liquid and solid product will erode the solid product, dissolving portions of the solid product in the liquid to form product chemicals. This product chemical will be collected in a product chemical collector 56, which is typically a cup-shaped component with upright walls and a base plate containing a manifold diffuser. The product chemical will continue to rise in the product chemical collector 56 until it reaches the level of an overflow port, which is determined by the height of the wall containing the product chemical collector 56. A circular or pressurized water container typically sprays water upward onto the solid chemical block. After the spraying occurs, the solution cascades down the edge of this component and is collected via a funnel-shaped component for delivery to a dispenser and into the customer's container.

[0080] Liquid source 34 includes a second path ending at a diluent nozzle. Therefore, more liquid can be added to the product chemicals in the collection area to further dilute the product chemicals, thereby obtaining product chemicals at concentrations within acceptable limits.

[0081] Other components of the dispenser 10 include a splash guard that is typically positioned around the top of the collection area. The splash guard prevents product chemicals in the collection area from spilling out of the collection area.

[0082] According to the invention, the dispenser 10 can incorporate pressurized air into the system to partially displace the water used to dissolve the solid chemical block and produce a higher concentration level of solution. Using air or other gases (such as nitrogen where an inert gas is required) allows the system to maintain pressure, which is crucial for impact. Air also maintains the spray area of ​​the solid block while reducing the amount of water required to form the solution. The gas or air is also vented from the system and therefore does not become part of the final chemical solution. The use of air also eliminates or at least minimizes condensation or clogging of the manifold orifices.

[0083] The use of air and water helps to overcome limitations in solution concentration adjustability without imposing drastic changes to the structural shape of the dispenser 10. This invention introduces air into the water line to displace the liquid volume. The air helps the system maintain spray pressure / volume, and once the erosion work is complete, the air leaves the system.

[0084] The liquid-to-gas ratio varies on a product-by-product basis, depending on the hardness of the solid product or block. Generally, softer blocks require less air to achieve the same percentage concentration compared to harder blocks. Similarly, air pressure varies depending on system materials, block hardness, and water parameters. Block hardness can be determined based on density, moisture content, erodibility, or other industrially used and / or known and / or employed tests. In some cases, below 10 psi may be sufficient. However, the possible pressure range is considered to include 0.1 to 100 psi as part of this disclosure.

[0085] Distributor 10 is wired inside housing 12 for power supply. Distributor 10 may include an electric air pump or gas pump 110. Air pump 110 includes a connector 112 to which an air line (not shown for clarity) is attached. The air line may be a single line or may be split into multiple lines for connection to pipe joints or connectors 114 to introduce air into cavity 38. Thus, liquid such as water from liquid source 34 is combined with gas such as air from pump 110 to effectively dissolve solid chemical blocks and produce a concentrated solution. When distributor 10 is activated by pressing button 26, liquid begins to flow into the system. The pump may be activated simultaneously with pressing button 26, or alternatively, a delay circuit of pump 50 may be used to ensure that a water path is established before air is introduced into the system.

[0086] By combining air and liquid to dissolve solid chemical blocks, the solution concentration can be 2 to 3 times greater than that of turbulent flow distributors using only water. Furthermore, the volume of water can be reduced by at least 25% due to the addition of air, thus saving costs for operators.

[0087] Since the gas is supplied at least partially via a pump 110 that can be connected to a gas source, a pump controller with a feedback sensor can adjust the amount of gas supplied. This allows adjustment of the gas pressure, gas flow rate, consistency of the input gas flow (pulsed, constant flow, variable flow, random flow, combination, etc.), and gas on / off. The pump will provide near real-time adjustment and operating settings of the gas close to that of the solid product to help control the amount of product eroded by the combination of liquid and gas, and thus provide a solution concentration within acceptable parameters. Adjustment can not only control the concentration of the system output, but also provide control based on environmental changes (both environmental variations and those based on the dispenser output), erosion rate, and / or other factors that may affect the erosion of the solid product, the concentration level of the solution, or other uncontrollable inputs in or around the dispensing unit.

[0088] The table below shows a comparison of test results for the dispenser according to the invention with and without auxiliary air. As shown in the table, the final result is an approximately two-fold increase in average concentration when using gas, compared to the absence of gas. The gas pressure used can be related to or correspond to water pressure or temperature, such as by increasing or decreasing to indicate a predetermined threshold for temperature or pressure, or it can be independent, such that it is included based on the desired or tested concentration.

[0089] Table 1

[0090] The distributor 10 according to aspects of this disclosure may also include components such as intelligent control and communication components. Examples of such intelligent control units may be tablet computers, telephones, handheld devices, laptop computers, user displays, or any other generally available computing device capable of allowing input, providing options, and displaying electronic function outputs. Other examples include microprocessors, microcontrollers, or other suitable programmable devices and memory. The controller may also include other components and may be implemented, in part or in whole, on a semiconductor chip (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”) chip, such as a chip developed through a register-transfer-level (“RTL”) design process.

[0091] In some embodiments, the memory includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include a combination of different types of memory, such as read-only memory (“ROM”, an example of non-volatile memory, meaning that it does not lose data when it is not connected to a power source), random access memory (“RAM”, an example of volatile memory, meaning that it loses data when it is not connected to a power source). Some examples of volatile memory include static RAM (“SRAM”), dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), synchronous DRAM (“SDRAM”), etc. Examples of non-volatile memory include electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), flash memory, hard disks, SD cards, etc. In some embodiments, a processing unit such as a processor, microprocessor, or microcontroller is connected to the memory and executes software instructions that can be stored in the memory’s RAM (e.g., during execution), the memory’s ROM (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-volatile computer-readable medium such as another memory or optical disc.

[0092] A communication module may be included in the distributor and configured to connect to and communicate with another controller (such as a computer, tablet, server, or other computing device). This allows the distributor to provide data or other information associated with the distributor (e.g., warnings, status, notifications, etc.) to a remote location of the attached controller, enabling real-time information and stored information from the distributor. This information can be used to identify problems, predict, or otherwise track information related to the distributor. Communication may also be in the form of input, allowing it to include commands from a remote location to the distributor.

[0093] In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a first communication module that communicates with an auxiliary device (another dispenser or remote controller), and / or a second communication module that communicates with a central location (a server, computer, or other master controller). For simplicity, the term "communication module" herein applies to one or more communication modules that may operate individually or jointly to communicate with both the mobile reader and the central location.

[0094] The communication module communicates with the central location via a network. In some embodiments, by way of example only, the network is a wide area network (“WAN”) (e.g., a Global Positioning System (“GPS”), a TCP / IP-based network, a cellular network such as a Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”) network, a General Packet Radio Service (“GPRS”) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) network, an Evolved Data Optimized (“EV-DO”) network, an Evolution of GSM Enhanced Data Rate (“EDGE”) network, a 3GSM network, a 4GSM network, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (“DECT”) network, a Digital AMPS (“IS-136 / TDMA”) network, or an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (“iDEN”) network, etc.), but other network types are also possible and are considered herein. In some embodiments, the network is GSM or other WAM that is operable to allow communication between the communication module and the central location during times of low-quality connectivity (such as, but not limited to, when the cleaning machine is near a window).

[0095] In some embodiments, the network is (by way of example only) a wide area network (“WAN”), such as a TCP / IP-based network or cellular network, a local area network (“LAN”), a nearby area network (“NAN”), a home area network (“HAN”), or a personal area network (“PAN”) employing various communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, near field communication (“NFC”), etc., but other types of networks are also possible and are considered herein. A network typically allows communication between a communication module and a central location during periods of low-quality connectivity. Communication over a network can be protected using one or more encryption techniques, such as those provided in the IEEE 802.1 standard for port-type network security, pre-shared keys, Extensible Authentication Protocol (“EAP”), Wired Equivalent Privacy (“WEP”), Temporary Key Integrity Protocol (“TKIP”), Wi-Fi Protected Access (“WPA”), etc.

[0096] The connection between the communication module and the network is wireless to allow the mobile cleaning machine to move and operate freely without being physically tied to a computer or other external processing device that facilitates such communication. While this type of communication is preferred for at least this reason, it is conceivable that the connection between the communication module and the network could be replaced with a wired connection (e.g., a docking station for the communication module, a communication cable or other communication interface hardware that releasably connects the communication module to a computer or other external processing device), or a combination of wireless and wired connections. Similarly, the connection between the controller and the network or network communication module is a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wireless and wired connections in any of the forms just described. In some embodiments, the controller or communication module includes one or more communication ports (e.g., Ethernet, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (“SATA”), Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), Integrated Drive Electronics (“IDE”), etc.) for transmitting, receiving, or storing data.

[0097] The central location may include a centrally located computer, a computer network, or one or more centrally located servers. The central location may be adapted to store, interpret, and transmit data from one or more distributors 10, and may also interpret the data and transmit the interpreted data to the user.

[0098] Therefore, the combination of incompressible liquid and compressible gas for uniformly dissolving or eroding solid chemical blocks offers advantages that cannot be achieved in the prior art.

[0099] As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention achieves at least all of the stated objectives.

[0100] List of reference numerals The following list of reference numerals is provided to facilitate understanding and review of this disclosure and is not exhaustive. Elements identified by numbers may be replaced or combined with any element identified by a single number, whenever possible. Furthermore, numbers are not limited to the descriptors provided herein and include equivalent structures and other objects having the same function.

[0101] 10 Distributor 12 shells 14 doors 16-handle 18 windows 20 hinges 22 Front Panel 24 Product ID Window 26 buttons 28 rear shell 30 mounting plate 32 Liquid Inlet 34 Liquid Source 36-part separator 38 cavities 40 walls 44 Liquid Source Nozzle 50 pumps 56 Product Chemical Substance Collector 62 Anti-backflow device 110 pump 112 connector 114 connector This disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. The appended claims set forth several embodiments of this disclosure in greater detail.

[0102] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a dispenser is provided for dispensing a solution generated from a solid product, comprising: a housing having a cavity for receiving the solid product; a fluid source combining liquid and gas adjacent to the solid block to contact the solid product, thereby eroding the solid product to generate a solution from the eroded solid product and liquid; and an outlet in the housing for dispensing the solution.

[0103] In some embodiments, an air pump for supplying air to the cavity is also included within the housing.

[0104] In some embodiments, a pump controller with a feedback sensor is also included, which is used to provide adjustment of the amount of gas supplied.

[0105] In some embodiments, multiple ports adjacent to the cavity are also included, with the fluid source upstream of the ports.

[0106] In some embodiments, at least one port for introducing liquid and gas is also included.

[0107] In some embodiments, separate liquid and gas lines are also included connected to the cavity to supply liquid and gas to the cavity.

[0108] In some embodiments, the device also includes an accessory separator that creates at least two independent flow paths, each of which includes flow control elements for dispensing liquid.

[0109] In some embodiments, a manifold diffuser is also included, having a manifold diffuser port and positioned as a fluid source nozzle adjacent to a fluid source.

[0110] In some embodiments, a product chemical substance collector is also included, comprising upright walls and a base plate including a manifold diffusion member.

[0111] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided comprising: dispensing a solution generated using any of the aforementioned dispensers.

[0112] In some embodiments, the properties of the liquid and / or gas are introduced through at least one port after prior adjustment.

[0113] In some embodiments, the properties are adjusted in real time based on the density of the solid product, environmental or climatic conditions, the type of liquid used, the quantity of the solid product used, or some combination thereof.

[0114] In some embodiments, the characteristics include pressure, volume, temperature, velocity, turbulence, flow rate, carrier, and / or impact.

[0115] In some embodiments, the amount of gas supplied is also adjusted.

[0116] In some embodiments, the liquid is also dispensed using flow control components.

[0117] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for obtaining product chemical substances from a solid product is provided, comprising: introducing a liquid and a gas through at least one port adjacent to the solid product, thereby eroding the solid product to produce a solution from the solid product and the liquid.

[0118] In some embodiments, liquid is introduced into the vicinity of the bottom surface of the solid product via a liquid source nozzle.

[0119] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the solid product is also immersed in a liquid.

[0120] In some embodiments, it also includes a manifold diffuser port that allows liquid to pass through the manifold diffuser member, the manifold diffuser member being positioned as a liquid source nozzle adjacent to a liquid source.

[0121] In some embodiments, the process also includes discharging gas from the solution.

[0122] In some embodiments, the process also includes venting gas after eroding the solid product.

[0123] In some embodiments, the properties of the liquid and / or gas are also adjusted before introduction through at least one port.

[0124] In some embodiments, the characteristics are adjusted in real time based on the density of the solid product, environmental or climatic conditions, the type of liquid used, the quantity of the solid product used, or some combination thereof.

[0125] In some embodiments, the characteristics include pressure, volume, temperature, velocity, turbulence, flow rate, carrier, and / or impact.

[0126] In some embodiments, the gas and liquid are combined upstream of the port.

[0127] In some embodiments, the gas is air.

[0128] In some embodiments, the solution is also collected in a product chemical substance collector.

[0129] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method for dispensing a solution is provided, comprising: eroding a solid product by impinging a liquid and a gas onto the solid product in a cavity within a housing; collecting the eroded solid product and liquid in a reservoir within the housing to generate a solution; and then selectively dispensing the solution from the reservoir.

[0130] In some embodiments, liquid is introduced into the vicinity of the bottom surface of the solid product via a liquid source nozzle.

[0131] In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the solid product is also immersed in a liquid.

[0132] In some embodiments, it also includes a manifold diffuser port that allows liquid to pass through the manifold diffuser member, the manifold diffuser member being positioned as a liquid source nozzle adjacent to a liquid source.

[0133] In some embodiments, the gas is also vented from the casing when the solid product is corroded.

[0134] In some embodiments, the properties of the liquid and / or gas are also adjusted to produce the desired concentration for the solution.

[0135] In some embodiments, the characteristics are adjusted in real time based on the density of the solid product, environmental or climatic conditions, the type of liquid used, the quantity of the solid product used, or some combination thereof.

[0136] In some embodiments, the characteristics include liquid and gas pressure, volume, temperature, velocity, turbulence, flow rate, carrier, and impact.

[0137] In some embodiments, the gas is air.

[0138] In some embodiments, the cavity also includes a combination of liquid and gas upstream of the cavity.

[0139] In some embodiments, liquid and gas are introduced through at least one port in the cavity.

[0140] In some embodiments, the liquid and gas are supplied to the cavity via separate liquid and gas conduits.

Claims

1. A dispenser comprising: a housing having a cavity for holding a solid product; a fluid source providing a liquid; a gas source providing a gas; separate liquid and gas lines connected to the cavity to supply the liquid and the gas to the cavity; an air pump within the housing for supplying the gas to the cavity, and a pump controller having a feedback sensor for providing adjustments to the amount of gas supplied; and a cup-shaped member having an upright wall and a floor for collecting a solution containing the solid product dissolved in the liquid; wherein the solution is retained within the cup-shaped member to achieve a target concentration of the solid product dissolved in the liquid before exiting the dispenser; wherein the use of the gas from the gas source can result in a higher concentration of the solid product dissolved in the solution compared to dissolving the solid product using only the liquid.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ports adjacent to the cavity, the fluid source being upstream of the ports.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, The pump controller further controls adjustability of one or more of: a. the pressure of the gas; b. the flow rate of the gas; c. the consistency of the gas; and / or d. the on or off state of the gas.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein, The pump controller provides real-time adjustments and operational settings of the supplied gas.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a manifold diffusion member that induces turbulence in the liquid before the liquid enters the cavity.

6. A method of obtaining a solution from a dissolved solid product comprising: placing a solid product in a cavity within a housing; introducing a liquid into the cavity; creating turbulence in the liquid with a manifold diffusion element before the liquid interacts with the solid product in the cavity; introducing a gas into the cavity through a gas line connected to the cavity; eroding the solid product by impinging the liquid and the gas onto the solid product, thereby forming the solution containing the solid product dissolved in the liquid; retaining the solution within a cup-shaped member until a target concentration of solid product in the liquid is achieved, wherein the target concentration is higher than what can be achieved without using the gas to dissolve the solid product in the liquid; and then selectively dispensing the solution from the cavity.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, Introducing the gas saves the amount of liquid needed to produce the target concentration of the solution.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising adjusting a property of the liquid and / or the gas prior to introducing the liquid and the gas into the cavity, wherein, Adjusting the characteristics in real-time based on the density of the solid product, environmental or climatic conditions, the type of liquid used, the quantity of solid product used, or some combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising introducing the liquid and gas through separate ports in the cavity.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The gas and liquid are combined upstream of the ports.

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