Dry Cleaning (e.g., Using Nonaqueous Fluid, Etc.) Patents (Class 510/285)
  • Publication number: 20030121107
    Abstract: Solvent treatment methods for treating fabric articles, more particularly it relates to oxygenated solvent treatment methods are provided by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: William Michael Scheper, Jean Wevers
  • Publication number: 20030125225
    Abstract: Chemical formulations and methods for removing unwanted material, such as unexposed photoresist, metal oxides, CMP residue, and the like, from semiconductor wafers or other substrates. The formulations utilize a supercritical fluid-based cleaning composition, which may further include (I) co-solvent(s), (II) surfactant(s), (III) chelating agent(s), and/or (IV) chemical reactant(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Chongying Xu, David W. Minsek, Jeffrey F. Roeder, Michael B. Korzenski, Thomas H. Baum
  • Patent number: 6586380
    Abstract: This invention concerns a composition useful as a paint remover, comprising: alkylene carbonate such as propylene carbonate or ethylene carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and water, and optionally an alcohol such as benzyl alcohol. In another broad respect, this invention concerns a process for removing paint, comprising: applying a composition containing alkylene carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and water to a painted surface for a time and under conditions effective to cause blistering or bubbling of the paint. In another broad respect, this invention is a composition useful as a paint remover, comprising: dialkyl carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and water, optionally containing an alcohol, optionally containing a glycol ether. In another broad respect, this invention is a process for removing paint, comprising: applying a composition containing dialkyl carbonate, hydrogen peroxide, and water to a painted surface for a time and under conditions effective to cause blistering or bubbling of the paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: Edward T. Marquis, Robert E. Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20030115680
    Abstract: Methods and compositions to treat fabrics with lipophilic fluid and a rebuild agent are provided by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: William Michael Scheper
  • Patent number: 6582476
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to durable wrinkle reduction products that have improved softness. In a preferred embodiment, silicone containing compounds are incorporated into the cross-linked matrix of cellulosic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: David Alan Binder, Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6576323
    Abstract: Articles designed to clean/refresh soiled fabrics are improved by means of texturing at least one surface and/or by applying tackiness agents. In use, the articles rub against the fabrics, whereupon lint removed from the fabrics is trapped and retained by the tackiness agent. Refolding of the articles during use is substantially minimized by imparting texture to one or more of the article's surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble
    Inventors: Rodney Mahlon Wise, Steven Barrett Rogers
  • Publication number: 20030097718
    Abstract: A sequential process for dry cleaning laundry articles is provided comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Joop Evers, Machiel Goedhart, Fred Kerpels, Cornelis Gerhard Kralingen van, Pieter Everhardus Overdevest, Hank Robert Reinhoudt, Karin Vrieswijk
  • Publication number: 20030087782
    Abstract: A process for dry cleaning laundry articles comprising at least one dry cleaning step followed by at least one regeneration step wherein said regeneration step comprises contacting the articles with a regeneration composition comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Joop Evers, Machiel Goedhart, Fred Kerpels, Cornelis Gerhard Kralingen van, Pieter Everhardus Overdevest, Hank Robert Reinhoudt, Karin Vrieswijk
  • Patent number: 6558432
    Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: R. R. Street & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Schulte, Timothy L. Racette, Gene R. Damaso
  • Publication number: 20030074742
    Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and a mixture of different classes of organic surfactants and, optionally water, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and a mixture of different classes of organic surfactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert J. Perry, Donna Ann Riccio, Larry D. Ryan, John A. Kilgour
  • Patent number: 6552090
    Abstract: Described are compositions comprising perfluoroalkyl haloalkyl ethers and, optionally, surfactant; uses for perfluoroalkyl haloalkyl ether compounds and compositions thereof, optionally comprising surfactant; and perfluoroalkyl haloalkyl ethers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Frederick E. Behr, Richard M. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20030070238
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid, more particularly to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid utilized in a fabric treating process, even more particularly to a system for processing a lipophilic fluid such that contaminants such as water, surfactants, water, body/food oils, fatty acids, and dyes can be removed from the lipophilic fluid. In other words, the present invention relates to the “cleaning up” of or purification of a lipophilic fluid such that it can be re-used in a lipophilic fluid system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Arseni Valerevich Radomyselski, Paul Amaat Raymond Gerald France, Dewey Edward Burton, Michael Jason Ullom, Marcus Anthony Bertin, Scott Edward Powell, Eddy Vos, Veerle Maria Nathalie Lootvoet, William Michael Scheper, John Christian Haught, John Christopher Deak
  • Patent number: 6548465
    Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an aminofunctional siloxane and, optionally water or acid, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an aminofunctional siloxane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Perry, Donna Ann Riccio, Larry D. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6548466
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a heterocyclic group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant can have one or more heteroatom and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, Robert Joseph Ahart
  • Publication number: 20030060386
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a heterocyclic group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant can have one or more heteroatom and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, Robert Joseph Ahart
  • Patent number: 6521580
    Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an organic surfactant and, optionally water, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an organic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Perry, Donna Ann Riccio, Larry D. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20020184715
    Abstract: An improved dry cleaning apparatus and method for the non-aqueous cleaning of fabric materials comprises the introduction of steam into a dryer chamber containing fabric materials previously washed in a non-aqueous organic cleaning solvent such as perchloroethylene. The steam is heated at a sufficient temperature for a duration of time, both of which are determined by the type of fabric and solvents involved. The heated steam volatilizes any excess cleaning solvent contained in or on said fabric creating a gaseous water/solvent mixture which is then subsequently separated from the fabric materials. The gaseous mixture can be condensed, its component parts separated and re-used in the cycle again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6491729
    Abstract: A dry-cleaning solvent composition for dry-cleaning is disclosed, comprising a compound or solvent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol methyl ether formate, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycol methyl ether propionate, propylene glycol methyl ether butyrate, propylene glycol ethyl ether formate, propylene glycol ethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol ethyl ether propionate, propylene glycol ethyl ether butyrate, ethylene glycol methyl ether formate, ethylene glycol methyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol methyl ether propionate. ethylene glycol methyl ether butyrate, and the mixture thereof. The dry-cleaning solvent composition may further comprise a compound or solvent selected from the group consisting of perchloroethylene, stoddard solvent type I, stoddard solvent type II, and the mixture thereof, in an amount of below 70 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Chin Yen Lee, Shen Kung Liao
  • Publication number: 20020174493
    Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an aminofunctional siloxane and, optionally water or acid, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an aminofunctional siloxane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Perry, Donna Ann Riccio, Larry D. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6482784
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a heterocyclic group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, Robert Joseph Ahart
  • Patent number: 6475968
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a carbohydrate group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant has a hydrocarbon group that is more solvent-philic than a carbohydrate group, and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, David Alan Binder
  • Publication number: 20020155966
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a heterocyclic group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant can have one or more heteroatom and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, Robert Joseph Ahart
  • Patent number: 6461387
    Abstract: A system for dry cleaning soils from fabrics comprising densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO2. The densified carbon dioxide is in a temperature range of about −78.5° C. to about 100° C. and a pressure range of about 14.7 to about 10,000 psi. At least 0.1% by volume of a modifier is preferably present. The surfactant has a polysiloxane a branched polyalkylene oxide or a halocarbon group which is a functional CO2-philic moiety connected to a CO2-phobic functional moiety. The surfantant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Harriott Jureller, Judith Lynne Kerschner, Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020142932
    Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Machiel Goedhart, Fred Kerpels, Cornelis Gerhard Van Kralingen, Pieter E. Overdevest, Karin Vrieswijk
  • Publication number: 20020133885
    Abstract: An process for treating or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery, wherein the method comprises contacting the fabric articles to be cleaned or treated with a cleaning fluid comprising a lipophilic fluid and removing from the fabric articles a portion of the cleaning fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Anna Vadimovna Noyes, John Cort Severns, Frederick Anthony Hartman, James Charles Theophile Roger Burckett-St. Laurent, Arseni V. Radomyselski, Paul Amaat France, Jeffrey John Scheibel, Christiaan Arthur Jacques Kamiel Thoen, John Christopher Deak, Phillip Kyle Vinson, Nabil Yaqub Sakkab
  • Publication number: 20020129840
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of about 20 to about 80 wt % benzotrifluoride and about 20 to about 80 wt % trichloroethylene. Up to about 1 wt % of a stabilizer for the trichloroethylene can be included in the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: EMERALD AGROCHEMICALS COMPANY AVV
    Inventors: Hang-Chang Bobby Chen, Edward A. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20020124326
    Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate comprises contacting the substrate with a cleaning composition comprising at least one mono-, di-, or trialkoxy-substituted perfluoroalkane, perfluorocycloalkane, perfluorocycloalkyl-containing perfluoroalkane, or perfluorocycloalkylene-containing perfluoroalkane compound, the compound optionally containing additional catenary heteroatoms. The compounds exhibit good solvency properties while being environmentally acceptable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Flynn, Mark W. Grenfell, George G. I. Moore, John G. Owens, Dean S. Milbrath
  • Publication number: 20020116769
    Abstract: The invention discloses a novel method for dry cleaning of a fabric material characterized by the use of a unique dry cleaning solvent which is a tris(trimethylsiloxy) silane compound represented by the general formula of RSi(—O—SiMe3)3, in which Me is a methyl group and R is a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or, preferably, a methyl group, or a mixture thereof with a petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent in a limited proportion. In addition to the excellent effect of dry cleaning equivalent to that of conventional dry cleaning solvents and little unpleasant smell remaining on the fabric material, the solvent used in the inventive method is little liable for the problems of environmental pollution against public and workers' health and the problem of ozone layer destruction in the aerosphere due to emission of vapors of halogenated hydrocarbon solvents can be solved by the inventive method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michihiro Sugo, Satoshi Asai
  • Publication number: 20020119898
    Abstract: In a method of dry cleaning, textile fabrics are contacted with densified carbon dioxide composition. The composition comprises CO2 in a weight ratio to the polar solvent of 5:1 to 100,000:1, preferably from 10:1 to 10,000:1, a hydrophilic fluorescer and surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Kevelam, Remco Johannes Koppert, Irene Erica Smit
  • Publication number: 20020115582
    Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an organic surfactant and, optionally water, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and an organic surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Perry, Donna Ann Riccio, Larry D. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6429176
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composition of about 20 to about 80 wt % benzotrifluoride and about 20 to about 80 wt % trichloroethylene. Up to about 1 wt % of a stabilizer for the trichloroethylene can be included in the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Emerald Agrochemicals Company AVV
    Inventors: Hang-Chang Bobby Chen, Edward A. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20020082180
    Abstract: In a method of dry cleaning, textile fabrics are contacted with densified carbon dioxide composition. The composition further comprises a fluorescer, said fluorescer having either a log P of at least 2 or at least one Brönsted acidic or basic functional group with a pKa of more than 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Kevelam, Remco Johannes Koppert, Irene Erica Smit
  • Patent number: 6376452
    Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate comprises contacting the substrate with a cleaning composition comprising at least one mono-, di-, or trialkoxy-substituted perfluoroalkane, perfluorocycloalkane, perfluorocycloalkyl-containing perfluoroalkane, or perfluorocycloalkylene-containing perfluoroalkane compound, the compound optionally containing additional catenary heteroatoms. The compounds exhibit good solvency properties while being environmentally acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Flynn, Mark W. Grenfell, George G. I. Moore, John G. Owens, Dean S. Milbrath
  • Patent number: 6372703
    Abstract: A liquid non-aqueous detergent is presented containing a nonionic surfactant, a builder, a bleaching agent, and a cationic stabilizer of formula I, II or III: where the groups R1 independently of one another are C1-6 alkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, the groups R2 independently of one another are C8-28 alkyl or alkenyl groups, R3 has the same meaning as R1 or represents (CH2)n—T—R2, R4 has the same meaning as R1 or R2 or represents (CH2)n—T—R2, T represents —CH2—, —O—CO— or —CO—O— and n is an integer of from 0 to 5. The solid bleaching agents in the stabilized non-aqueous liquid detergent retain their activity after prolonged storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Henkel Komanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Bernd Richter, Ulrich Pegelow
  • Patent number: 6369014
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a carbohydrate group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant has a hydrocarbon group that is more solvent-philic than a carbohydrate group, and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, David Alan Binder
  • Patent number: 6348443
    Abstract: A solvent composition comprising dichloropentafluoropropane, perfluorobutyl methyl ether and an alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Hanada, Masaaki Tsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20010054202
    Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic home laundering processes for cleaning or refreshing fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery. The present invention also relates to automatic home laundering of mixed loads of fabric articles comprising machine washable fabric articles and dry clean only fabric articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: John Cort Severns, Frederick Anthony Hartman, Christiaan Arthur Jacques Kamiel Thoen, Paul Amaat France, Phillip Kyle Vinson
  • Patent number: 6313083
    Abstract: The invention provides azeotrope-like compositions consisting essentially of RfOCH3, where Rf is a branched or straight chain perfluoroalkyl group having 4 carbon atoms, and one or more organic solvent(s) selected from the group consisting of: straight chain, branched chain and cyclic alkanes containing 6 to 8 carbon atoms; cyclic and acyclic ethers containing 4 to 6 carbon atoms; ketones having 3 carbon atoms; chlorinated alkanes containing 1, 3 or 4 carbon atoms; chlorinated alkenes containing 2 carbon atoms, alcohols containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, partially fluorinated alcohols containing 2 to 3 carbon atoms, 1-bromopropane, acetonitrile, HCFC 225ca (1,1,-dichloro-2,2,3,3,3 pentafluoropropane and HCFC- 225cb (1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Flynn, Dean S. Milbrath, John G. Owens, Daniel R. Vitcak, Hideto Yanome
  • Patent number: 6313079
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a surfactant comprising a heterocyclic group that results in superior cleaning in a dry cleaning system. The surfactant can have one or more heteroatom and can result in reverse micelle formation in a densified gas like densified carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco
    Inventor: Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Publication number: 20010034912
    Abstract: Methods for cleaning an article comprise contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising a linear or branched volatile siloxane. In one embodiment, the method for cleaning the article comprises contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising, based upon 100 pbw of the cleaning composition, 80 pbw to 99.99 pbw of a linear or branched volatile siloxane. In another embodiment, the method for cleaning the article comprises contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising, based upon 100 pbw of the cleaning composition, 50.1 pbw to 99 pbw of a linear or branched volatile siloxane and a cyclic siloxane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: John A. Kilgour, Robert J. Perry
  • Patent number: 6309425
    Abstract: A novel cleaning composition for dry cleaning applications is described. The cleaning composition utilizes a stain removal composition having a stain removal surfactant and a stain removal solvent, and the dry cleaning applications use a solvent which is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, a biodegradable functionalized hydrocarbon or a silicone comprising solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6310029
    Abstract: A method for cleaning an article comprises contacting the article with a cleaning composition comprising a linear or branched volatile siloxane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John A. Kilgour, Robert J. Perry
  • Patent number: 6299652
    Abstract: A system for dry cleaning soils from fabrics comprising densified carbon dioxide and a surfactant in the densified CO2. The densified carbon dioxide is in a temperature range of about −78.5° C. to about 100° C. and a pressure range of about 14.7 to about 10,000 psi. At least 0.1% by volume of a modifier is preferably present. The surfactant has a polysiloxane, a branched polyalkylene oxide or a halocarbon group which is a functional CO2-philic moiety connected to a CO2-phobic functional moiety. The surfactant either exhibits an HLB of less than 15 or has a ratio of siloxyl to substituted siloxyl groups of greater than 0.5:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Harriott Jureller, Judith Lynne Kerschner
  • Patent number: 6297206
    Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments or fabrics in carbon dioxide comprises contacting a garment or fabric article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the article, said liquid dry-cleaning composition comprising a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, a first surfactant, and a second surfactant, and then separating the article from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The first surfactant comprises a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a hydrophilic group; and the second surfactant comprising a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a lipophilic group. In the alternative, a single surfactant containing all three of a CO2-philic group, a lipophilic group, and a hydrophilic group covalently joined to one another may also be employed. Systems useful for carrying out the foregoing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: MiCell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Romack, James P. DeYoung
  • Publication number: 20010020308
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-cleaning solvent and method for dry-cleaning. The dry-cleaning solvent and method employ a linear silicon comprising oligomer that unexpectedly results in excellent cleaning properties in the absence of any known environmental or health risks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA
    Inventor: Dennis Stephen Murphy
  • Patent number: 6288018
    Abstract: The invention provides azeotrope-like compositions consisting essentially of RfOC2H5, where Rf is a branched or straight chain perfluoroalkyl group having 4 carbon atoms, and an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of: straight chain, branched chain and cyclic alkanes having 6 to 8 carbon atoms; esters having 4 carbon atoms; ketones having 4 carbon atoms; disiloxanes having 6 carbon atoms; cyclic and acyclic ethers having 4 to 6 carbon atoms; chlorinated alkanes having 3 to 4 carbon atoms and chlorinated alkenes having 2 carbon atoms. The compositions are useful for cleaning, as solvents or carriers for coating and as heat transfer materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Flynn, Dean S. Milbrath, John G. Owens, Daniel R. Vitcak, Hideto Yanome
  • Patent number: 6280481
    Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning articles such as fabrics and clothing in carbon dioxide while concurrently applying a sizing agent to the articles comprises contacting an article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the fabric. The liquid dry-cleaning composition comprises a mixture of carbon dioxide, a surfactant, a sizing agent. An organic co-solvent is preferably included. After the contacting step, the article is separated from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The method is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. Preferred sizing agents are low molecular weight hydrocarbon resins. The surfactant is preferably one that does not contain a CO2-philic group. The organic co-solvent is preferably an alkane and has a flash point above 140° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: MiCell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernadette Storey-Laubach, Karla Litaker, James DeYoung, Gina Stewart
  • Publication number: 20010013148
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dry cleaning process that facilitates distribution of detergent and solvent and (optionally) facilitates recovery of cleaning by-products in conjunction with the cleaning of articles at a dry cleaning facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: James B. McClain, Timothy J. Romack, James P. DeYoung, R. Bradley Lienhart, Joseph M. DeSimone, Kenneth L. Huggins
  • Publication number: 20010009894
    Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments or fabrics in carbon dioxide comprises contacting a garment or fabric article to be cleaned with a liquid dry cleaning composition for a time sufficient to clean the article, said liquid dry-cleaning composition comprising a mixture of carbon dioxide, water, a first surfactant, and a second surfactant, and then separating the article from the liquid dry cleaning composition. The first surfactant comprises a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a hydrophilic group; and the second surfactant comprising a CO2-philic group covalently joined to a lipophilic group. In the alternative, a single surfactant containing all three of a CO2-philic group, a lipophilic group, and a hydrophilic group covalently joined to one another may also be employed. Systems useful for carrying out the foregoing are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: Timothy J. Romack, James P. DeYoung
  • Patent number: 6258130
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a dry-cleaning solvent and method for dry-cleaning. The dry-cleaning solvent and method employ a linear silicon comprising oligomer that unexpectedly results in excellent cleaning properties in the absence of any known environmental or health risks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, a division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Stephen Murphy