Self-contained, self-powered electrolytic devices for improved performance in automatic dishwashing
AssigneeThe Procter & Gamble Company
InventorsWilliam Michael Scheper, Kenneth Nathan Price, Julia Elizabeth Ballas, Mario Elmen Tremblay
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Abstract
An automatic dishwashing appliance comprising an unattached electrolytic device which comprises an unattached electrochemical cell capable of generating electrolyzed water in the wash and/or rinse cycle, and more particularly to the unattached electrolytic device itself, methods of use, and articles of manufacture.
Claims94
An automatic dishwashing appliance having a washing basin comprising an unattached electrolytic device for treating tableware to provide an improvement in cleaning, sanitizing, and/or stain removal, wherein said device comprises:
- (a) a body comprising at least one inlet port for collecting an aqueous electrolytic solution provided by said washing basin of said appliance;
- (b) an electrochemical cell, located within said body, comprising at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening, and at least one pair of electrodes defining a cell gap comprising a cell passage formed therebetween through which said aqueous electrolytic solution can flow;
- and
- (c) a source of electrical current supply for providing electrical current between said pair of electrodes;
- wherein said device is self-powered and self-contained;
- and wherein said cell is in fluid communication with said aqueous electrolytic solution of said washing basin via said inlet port of said body, said cell passage, and/or said outlet opening.
An unattached electrolytic device for placement in an automatic dishwashing appliance for treating tableware with electrolyzed water to provide an improvement in cleaning, sanitizing, and/or stain removal, wherein said device comprises:
- (a) a body comprising at least one inlet port for collecting an aqueous electrolytic solution provided by said appliance;
- (b) an electrochemical cell comprising at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening, and at least one pair of electrodes defining a cell gap comprising a cell passage formed therebetween through an aqueous electrolytic solution can flow;
- and
- (c) a source of electrical current supply for providing electrical current between said pair of electrodes;
- wherein said device is self-powered and self-contained;
- wherein said cell is in fluid communication with said aqueous electrolytic solution of said washing basin via said inlet port of said body, said cell passage, and/or said outlet opening;
- and wherein when said device is placed in the washing basin of said appliance, said device is non-buoyant.
A method for treating tableware in an automatic dishwashing appliance for improved cleaning, sanitizing, and/or stain removal comprising an unattached electrolytic device for producing electrolyzed water, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) placing tableware in need of treatment into said appliance;
- (b) optionally providing an anti-foaming agent;
- (c) providing said unattached electrolytic device comprising a body comprising at least one inlet port for collecting an aqueous electrolytic solution provided by said appliance, an electrochemical cell comprising at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening, and at least one pair of electrodes defining a cell gap comprising a cell passage formed therebetween through which said aqueous electrolytic solution can flow, and a source of electrical current supply for providing electrical current between said pair of electrodes;
- (d) providing said aqueous electrolytic solution in fluid communication with said electrochemical cell via said inlet port of said body of said unattached electrolytic device;
- (e) operating said cell and/or device so that said electrochemical cell produces at least some electrolyzed water;
- (f) discharging said electrolyzed water into the washing basin of said appliance via said outlet opening of said cell;
- and
- (g) contacting said tableware in need of treatment with said electrolyzed water comprising wash and/or rinse liquor.
An article of manufacture for an unattached electrolytic device comprising
- (a) a package;
- (b) a replacement component for said electrolytic device selected from the group consisting of a:
- (i) replacement electrochemical cell,
- (ii) replacement automatic dishwashing composition comprising a component selected from the group consisting of suds suppressor, perfume, bleach-scavenging agent, metal-protecting agent, and mixtures thereof;
- (iii) replacement product comprising a component selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, an electrolytic composition comprising chlorite ions, electrolytic solution comprising salts having the formula (M)x(XO2)y and/or (M)x(X)y wherein X is Cl, Br, or I and wherein M is a metal ion or cationic entity and wherein x and y are chosen such that the salt is charge balanced, electrolysis precursor compound, an electrolysis precursor salt with low water solubility, an electrolysis precursor compound contained within a medium for controlled release, and mixtures thereof, wherein said product is optionally housed in a porous basket;
- (iv) replacement filter or screen for said unattached electrolytic device;
- (v) replacement elastomeric slit valve;
- and
- (vi) combinations thereof;
- and
- (c) information in association with said package comprising instructions to insert said replacement components in said electrolytic device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.