Abstract: A radiation director is coupled to move under the control of a piezoelectric element. The director directs electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source under the control of the piezoelectric element. In a scanning station embodiment, an electrical signal source is connected to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and a radiation detector is positioned to detect radiation from an object scanned by the radiation. In a radiation scanning method, a piezoelectric element is caused to move in a reciprocating fashion, and the movement of the piezoelectric element is used to direct an electromagnetic radiation beam in a scanning motion.

Abstract: Low-density enzyme-carrying granules are low dusting and/or storage-stable, and especially suitable for use in liquid detergents and cleaners, such as non-aqueous liquid laundry detergents. Preferred granules of the invention include a relatively high content of one or more low-density fillers, such as perlite or starch, to provide a desired product density. In one embodiment, the granules have a true density within a range of from about 1 to about 1.4 g/cm3. The granules can be economically produced in commercial quantities using fluidized bed technology.

Abstract: A granule having high stability and low dust is described. The granule includes a hydrated barrier material having moderate or high water activity. Also described are methods of producing the granules.

Abstract: A radiation director is coupled to move under the control of a piezoelectric element. The director directs electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source under the control of the piezoelectric element. In a scanning station embodiment, an electrical signal source is connected to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and a radiation detector is positioned to detect radiation from an object scanned by the radiation. In a radiation scanning method, a piezoelectric element is caused to move in a reciprocating fashion, and the movement of the piezoelectric element is used to direct an electromagnetic radiation beam in a scanning motion.

Abstract: A granule with an allergenic component has reduced dust by including antifoam added during the production of the granule. The antifoam may be dispersed throughout the granule or added to one of the components of the granule. The granule with antifoam produces at least 30% less dust than a comparable granule produced according to a process in which no antifoam is added.

Abstract: A particle for detersive enzymes is disclosed by way of the present invention. The particle comprises a composite particle suitable for incorporation into a detergent composition comprising an enzyme containing core material and a water soluble carboxylate barrier layer coated on the enzyme containing core material. The preferred enzymes are protease enzymes. Automatic dishwashing compositions employing the particle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer enzyme granule for use in liquid detergents and cleaners is produced, comprising a seed or carrier particle; an outer coating; and, between the particle and the coating layer, a low-density filler and an enzyme, wherein the granule has a density of less than 1.4 g/cm3. Also disclosed are methods for making such enzyme-containing granules including using fluidized bed technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-density enzyme-carrying granules that are low-dusting and/or storage-stable, and especially suitable for use in liquid detergents and cleaners, such as non-aqueous liquid laundry detergents. Preferred granules of the invention include a relatively high content of one or more low-density fillers, such as perlite or starch, to provide a desired product density. In one embodiment, the granules have a true density within a range of from about 1 to about 1.4 g/cm3. The granules can be economically produced in commercial quantities using fluidized bed technology.

Abstract: A granular enzyme composition is produced having reduced tendency to form dust and leave a residue, and improved stability and delayed release characteristics. The composition has a core, optionally coated with a vinyl polymer, a layer containing an enzyme and a vinyl polymer and optionally a plasticizer or anti-agglomeration agent, and an outer coating containing a polymer and optionally a low residue pigment and/or lubricant. Preferably, the core is a salt or sugar nonpareil, the vinyl polymer coating the core is polyvinyl alcohol and most preferably partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, the vinyl polymer in the enzyme layer is polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and the polymer of the outer coating is polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol which may be partially hydrolyzed, polyethylene glycol or mixtures thereof such as a mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol or a mixture of polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol.